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Argentina is a wonderful country in South America. As the second largest country in South America, Argentina has a lot to offer for its visitors. There are plenty of amazing things to do in Argentina for all kinds of travelers from the city life in Buenos Aires all the way to the south near Antarctica to the mountains, waterfalls, and unique desert salt flats. Below we will go through the amazing things to add to your bucket list for your next Argentine vacation.
The City- Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina, has so many things to do. In our Buenos Aires bucket list we are only listing unique things to this city. But if you’re interested in a more complete list for things to do in Buenos Aires, check out our post here.
Watch a Futbol Game
Futbol, or soccer (as it’s known in the United States), is a very popular sport in Argentina. You’ll find two large leagues that people follow here: Boca and River Plate. We are a River Family. You can watch Boca and River play against each other for the craziest rivalry you’ve ever seen, or for a less hectic game, you can watch any soccer/futbol games in Buenos Aires to really enjoy and experience local culture. Now, if it’s during the World Cup, go to any bar to watch Argentina play and watch the country come to life in a different way.
Tour La Bombonera or El Monumental Stadiums
Continuing with the futbol theme, we recommend touring the Bombonera (Boca Juniors) and/or El Monumental (River Plate) stadiums. These are iconic parts of Buenos Aires, and you’ll get some really cool history and information about these teams. Of course, behind-the-scenes tours always show the most interesting information and hidden spots.
Eat Asado at Parrilla Don Julio
Go eat in Buenos Aires’ Michelin star restaurant: Parrilla Don Julio. This steakhouse requires a reservation because it is so popular. They have the freshest meats all from local butchers in Argentina. It really is one of the best ways to experience a traditional parrillada outside of getting invited to someone’s home.
Go to the World’s Most Beautiful Bookstore
Head to El Ateneo Grand Splendid to see a beautiful theater turned into a bookstore. It is three stories of books. Also, at the back of the bookstore, the stage has been turned into a cafe. In the bookstore, you won’t be able to stop looking around and marveling at all the different aspects of the store. It’s no wonder it is consistently on the list of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
Tango The Night Away
Watch tango or learn how to tango in the streets of Buenos Aires. You can either go to a dinner and tango show or head to El Caminito for street tango performances. However, if you’re interested in learning how to tango, there are so many different places to learn. The most fun is to go to El Caminito in La Boca to learn how to tango. However, we decided to go to the dinner and show, which was so fun. We went to El Querandi.
The Mountains
Explore the lakes along the Ruta de los Siete Lagos
Bariloche is one of the most popular places for a vacation. In winter, you’ll be able to ski. In summer, people enjoy many different outdoor adventures. One of the more picturesque things to do is to take a dive along the Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Road of the Seven Lakes). Each of the seven lakes is a calm, deep blue or green, with the mountains providing a beautiful backdrop. Finally, it can be done by car, bus, or on a day trip.
Need tips about renting a car in Argentina? Look no further!
Bike the Circuito Chico
With so much beautiful scenery in Bariloche, it is definitely worth exploring. Another incredible drive is the Circuito Chico. This loop takes you from Bariloche, around lakes and forests, and back to Bariloche. Additionally, you can drive or bike it if you’re feeling up for the adventure. Catch a bus to Bike Cordillera and head out. This will help reduce a chunk of your route and leave you with the most stunning spots. The ride is hilly in many parts, and there are restaurants and shops along the way.
Sample Chocolate in Bariloche
This town is like the Switzerland of Argentina. We highly recommend trying Rapa Nui or Mamuschka. Then make your way down Calle Mitre, stopping to try all the delectable chocolate! With all that exercise, you’ll definitely want to indulge in many of the different chocolate options.
South of Argentina
Travel to the End of the World (and Launch to Antarctica)
One of the jumping off points for ships to Antarctica is Ushuaia in Argentina. It is a hub for outdoor adventures. Here you’ll find boat tours through the islands, trekking, off-roading, and even horse-riding excursions. It is challenging to get into this area in the winter due to the ice and snow.
Another fun thing to do at the end of the world is to take the train to the end of the world! This awesome tour will even bring you to a little post office where you can get your passport stamped with one of the most rare stamps in the world.
Penguin Spotting In Ushuaia
In Ushuaia, you’ll also find Tierra del Fuego National Park for some amazing hikes. The most popular thing to do here is a boat cruise on the Beagle Channel. Here, you’ll see bird life, sea lions, seals, and penguins. It is truly one of the most amazing places to visit, even if you’re not planning to head to Antarctica. This tour includes an expert who will point out the different wildlife and places of note. Definitely book in advance, especially in the high season.
There are other tours where you can walk among the waddling penguins. This is definitely a bucket list item! Be sure to time your trip according to the migration of the penguins in order to get to the island and waddle with them. Be sure to book in advance. The other place to see penguins and wildlife would be Peninsula Valdes and Puerto Madryn.
Try the Traditional Food of the Area
Southern Argentina has its own host of local specialty foods. One of the most fun things to do while traveling is to try the different local foods. While here, you’ll want to try the centolla (king crab) and lamb. There are also many local fruits that are worth trying. These fruits are made into juice and even ice cream. For Centolla, head to El Viejo Marino, which is a great restaurant.
Check out the different foods to eat in Argentina!
Walk on A Glacier
Aside from being able to waddle with penguins, walking on a glacier is one of the coolest things you can do in Argentina. In Patagonia’s Los Glaciares National Park you can see Perito Moreno Glacier. You can see the glacier up close by hiking on it, or you can head on a boat tour to see the glacier. Now, if the Big Ice Tour or the mini trekking experience are out of budget, then there are so many boardwalks that allow you to explore the glacier. Remember that the treks can be physically demanding.
Hike El Chaltén
Patagonia is an incredibly unique and fantastic experience. Hiking in Patagonia is one of the top bucket list things to do in Argentina. El Chaltén is a small town in the south of Argentina, and it has some of the best hiking. From El Chaltén, there are several trails that offer incredible views of Monte Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
Of course, if you have had enough of hiking, then you can go horseback riding. There is also mountain biking, rock climbing, or simply enjoying the local craft beer scene. For such a small town, there are a surprising number of breweries for relaxing after a long day of outdoor activities.
Central Argentina
Relax at the Termas Cacheueta
Just outside of Mendoza is the town of Cacheuta which is known for its medicinal thermal waters. The Termas Cachueta have a range of indoor and outdoor pools. You can relax in the pools while enjoying the mountainous scenery. You can also get a premium spa day with massages. Additionally, there is a thermal water park which is suited to family. It is packed on Saturdays.
Taste the wines of Mendoza
Mendoza is like the Napa of Argentina. Here you’ll find the best Malbec! Since you’re in Argentina, you have to have the local wine. There are also many vineyards in the Mendoza area to enjoy and tour. This small group tour also includes lunch, which makes it perfect for enjoying wine and exploring Mendoza along the way.
Northern Argentina
Road Trip Through Northern Argentina
For a completely different environment and experience head to the north of Argentina. It is the perfect area for a road trip. Starting from Salta there are plenty of amazing places to visit here, including remote towns and villages, ancient culture, and amazing landscapes.
One of the best ways to get this road trip going is to start and end in Salta. Parts of the trip will be driving along the famous Ruta Nacional 40. Additionally, along the way, you’ll see the Cerro de los Siete Colores and the tiny town of Purmamarca. There are so many wonderful things to see and enjoy in this amazing landscape.
Want to know if Salta is worth visiting? Check out our in-depth post about Salta here.
Check Out Las Salinas Grandes
In Salta province, you’ll find the world’s second-largest salt flat, Las Salinas Grandes, located more than 3,000 meters above sea level. You can get to the Salinas Grandes from Purmamarca. It’s really easy to add to your road trip. You can also hire a driver to get out there, especially since the driver will know where you can and cannot drive. Plus, it is an excellent place for some fun pictures.
Iguazú
These thunderous waterfalls will leave you in awe of Mother Nature’s power and beauty. Along with the waterfalls, there is a rainforest to explore on the border between Argentina and Brazil. Depending on the water levels, there are between 150 and 300 waterfalls that make up this chain of waterfalls. There is a fantastic network of catwalks around the falls that allow you to get close to the waterfalls. There are also wonderful tours that allow you to get close on a boat while also getting wet.
Finally, I highly recommend avoiding Iguazú during the weekends and public holidays since it gets very busy. You’d need about 2 days in Iguazú to explore the waterfall as well as the rainforest. It’s a pretty good little trip from Buenos Aires.
Drive along the Route of the Volcanoes
Catamarca offers stunning views of volcanoes over 6000m (about 20,000 ft) high. This region of the Andes stretches almost 200 km and has amazing, colorful peaks. Here you’ll find valleys, lagoons, and Andean salt flats where pink flamingos live. It is truly an incredible landscape full of hidden treasures.
Final Thoughts About the Many Things to Do in Argentina
Argentina truly has so many wonderful things to do, and many of them are so unique that they definitely make it to the bucket list. From all the different regions of Argentina, you’ll find different landscapes, unique foods, and incredible activities. It is truly full of stuff for every kind of traveler.
