Thinking of visiting Argentina but not sure where to go besides the capital city? This vast country has so much more to offer travelers beyond the bustling streets of Buenos Aires. From Ushuaia in the far south to the charm of Bariloche in the north of Patagonia, there’s plenty to discover in Argentina. These 10 cities are worth visiting and are sure to inspire a deep love for Argentina in visitors.
10 El Calafate
Located in Argentine Patagonia, El Calafate is a charming town that is popular among tourists. It’s got lots of restaurants for all budgets, outdoor shops to prepare for hiking expeditions, and is close to many attractions. This is the place to stay for day trips to Perito Moreno Glacier and even taking a day trip to El Chalten. Just 20 minutes from the town center, travelers can walk to a beautiful nature reserve called Laguna Nimez. It takes a couple of hours to walk the whole park, and visitors are treated to views of Chilean flamingos and many other species of birds.
9 Ushuaia
The city of the end of the world, Ushuaia, is the starting point for most voyages to Antarctica, but it is also worth visiting solely for its own attractions. Tierra Del Fuego National Park is a stunning hiking destination just outside the city. The Post Office At the End of the World is another unique spot to visit and send a postcard to a loved one. Perhaps the most bucket list-worthy experience to have here is to take a boat tour to Isla Martillo and see the penguins in their natural habitat.
8 El Chalten
El Chalten is a quaint village just two hours outside of El Calafate. While it’s possible to visit on a day trip, hikers may prefer spending a couple of nights here to appreciate the scenery. The Laguna de Las Tres trailhead is at the end of the main street in El Chalten and is walkable from most hostels and accommodation options in town. The hike offers spectacular views of Fitz Roy and takes about 8 hours to complete the round trip. Some of the best places to eat in town include El Parador for a budget-friendly yet amazing meal and La Cerveveria for its empanadas and microbrewery.
7 San Carlos De Bariloche
Known as the Banff of South America, Bariloche is a lovely mountain city in the northern Patagonia region of Argentina. It’s got chocolate shops, scenic views, history from World War II, and much more to explore. Many people head to Bariloche before or after Mendoza, El Calafate, or Buenos Aires because it is reachable by overnight bus.
6 Puerto San Julián
Located in Santa Cruz province in Argentina, Puerto San Julián is a port city in Patagonia. Perhaps the most popular attraction to visit there is Reserva Provincial Peninsula. Taking boat ride excursions from the board to look at the various seabirds and visiting the many beaches are also excellent ways to spend time in this charming port town.
5 Mendoza
Mendoza is Argentina’s famous wine region, so wine lovers should absolutely add this city to their itineraries. Touring vineyards and doing tastings on a budget is a reality here, and some of the world's best wine comes from this part of the country. In addition to wineries, there are also many olive groves here, so travelers should plan for an olive oil tasting as well.
4 Puerto Madryn
Puerto Madryn is located within the region of Patagonia and is a coastal city in the north of this part of Argentina. This is known as the top destination in Patagonia for witnessing marine wildlife, with opportunities to go out on boating excursions and look for birds, whales, and more. Photographers will fall in love with this city which is also less densely populated with tourists compared to El Calafate or El Chalten.
3 Rio Grande
Travelers who want to experience another big city in Argentina after spending a few days in Buenos Aires will adore the Rio Grande, located in the northern part of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. As a city in the coldest province in Argentina, Rio Grande offers a change of climate and pace from many of the popular destinations further north. The top things to do in Rio Grande include visiting the Fuegan Art Museum or walking around the Urban Nature Reserve.
2 Salta
Salta is a beautiful city in Argentina that is truly underrated among travelers. It is nestled among mountains and has incredible Andean heritage and culture to discover. There is also a lot of Spanish colonial architecture in the city, which makes it visually stunning.
1 Puerto Iguazú
Puerto Iguazú deserves a spot on any itinerary for traveling to Argentina. Located in the far northwest of the country, this city is the gateway to Iguazú Falls, an epic cascading collection of waterfalls that straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil.