As the second biggest country in South America, Argentina and its wide borders promise hundreds of interesting sites. Its deserts, salt flats, and canyons have nature seekers covered. Tango in the streets gives city dwellers something to look at while they sip their mugs of mate. The homey feeling is undeniable in this country with its restaurants located right in the homes of their owners.
Take things slow with a trip to Buenos Aires where the tourism industry is well-developed and the city is easy to navigate. Straying far north or far south will lead to more unexpected wonders. So before you write off South America, let’s take a look at 20 stunning photos of Argentina taken by real travelers.
20 Huge Iguazú Falls can't be contained by just one country
This photo shows the falls from the Argentinian side in Misiones, but the other half lies across the border in Brazil. A secure bridge extends the length of the falls to give tourists a look at its many streams. Up so close to the roaring waters, all other sound disappears.
19 Just one South American glacier is still rock solid
The Perito Moreno Glacier on the southern end of Argentina is doing more than maintaining its form. It’s still growing while every other glacier is shrinking, according to TripSavvy. The everlasting land of ice is an unusual and beautiful sight in South America for tourists who can stand the cold.
18 Architects of this water company building went all out for their brand
The Palace of Running Water sounds like a melodramatic name for a pumping station. Until you take a look at it that is. This Buenos Aires building’s terra-cotta tiles, sculpted pillars, and fine details down to the landscaping make it more than worthy of the regal title.
17 The End of the World never looked so good
Ushuaia’s “End of the World” nickname conjures the image of some post-apocalyptic nightmare city. However, its snow-capped mountains and crystal blue lakes turn out to be quite dreamy. That’s because the nickname actually derives from the city’s location at the southernmost point of South America.
16 Rock walls at Talampaya seem impassable
A barrier that slopes up to 500 feet in some places is at the very least a challenging obstacle. This red rock gorge is part of Talampaya National Park. The park also has a canyon, a dry riverbed, and stones carved with ancient petroglyphs, according to UNESCO.
15 Argentina's hidden winter region comes with penguins
Wintry regions have their fair share of penguins, but the Magellanic breed of South America can only be found on the western coast. Nature reserves in Argentina let the little guys waddle around the beaches to their hearts' content. The most curious of the flock may approach lucky visitors.
14 Pumice canyons present two different sides in Puna
In other parts of the Atacama Plateau, things aren’t so flat. Pumice rock formations shoot up in sweeping shapes. In certain areas, they dip and rise in smooth waves like immobile sand dunes. However, the rocks in the section of the plateau shown above reveal their rough underbellies up close.
13 A unique paint job keeps La Boca lively
Buildings drenched in color in this Buenos Aires neighborhood known for its tourism aren’t just for show. These are residential buildings lived in by locals just like the other, less colorful parts of the neighborhood. A persistent culture becomes apparent when tango dancers flood the streets, according to Atlas Obscura.
12 Quilmes ruins form a desert maze
Rooms built with low stone walls curve around shrubs and tall cactuses. The height of the fortress walls isn't impressive, but the way the tangled compartments cover the hillside makes the work that went into them quite apparent. All of the desert can be observed from the hill’s highest point.
Related: 10 Ancient City Ruins You Should Add To Your Bucket List
11 Reflections in Ojos del Mar produce selfies faster than polaroids
Salt flats called the Salar de Arizaro exist somewhere between two small villages, making the destination quite desolate. The seemingly endless expanse finds itself interrupted by saltwater pools called Ojos de Mar. These blue “Eyes of the Sea” reflect what they see right back at you with perfect clarity.
10 Salt flats known as the Salina Grandes do the same but in white
A snow-white salt flat is located a little north of Salar de Arizaro. There’s little to disrupt the monotone landscape at the Salinas Grandes, except for the rectangular ponds cut into a section of the field. The salt that dusts the local cuisine is drawn from these blue pools.
9 Entrance at San Ignacio Miní resembles ancient ruins
These ruins didn’t belong to the Guaraní or any other indigenous group. They were constructed by Jesuits during the Spanish colonial period and were used as a site of conversion instead, according to the World Monuments Fund. Behind the crumbling entrance, only the empty plaza surrounded by walls still stands.
8 Sounds of the Colón Opera House are still heard loud and clear
Chandeliers hang from hand-painted ceilings at the Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires. The artistic expertise of the walls is mirrored in pillars carved with whimsical flourishes. That’s just the hallway. The actual theater auditorium impresses with each row. Shows held on its stage are just another positive point.
Related: Phantom Of The Opera: 10 Haunted Theaters Throughout The World
7 Striped hills are the backdrop of Humahuaca city
Swatches of earthen colors cast across the hill in Humahuaca capture different seasons and times of day within a single rock formation. The particular hill seen here is called the Cerro de Los Siete Colores. However, a longer chain of rainbow mountains called the Serranía de Hornocal aren’t far.
6 Educational museums come with a view of the city below
Various businesses fill the Palace of Barolo from Spanish schools to art museums. A glass viewing point in the lighthouse located at the top of the building points out over the city of Buenos Aires. From this point, tourists can look back out on all the places they’ve visited.
5 Crystal blue Nahuel Huapi Lake splits the city of Bariloche
Ice water from a nearby glacier gives this lake its heavenly tint. Strips of land reach into the water creating shoreside areas for relaxation after some light hiking in the low hills nearby. Bariloche Turismo recommends kitesurfing and windsurfing on its most popular beach, Playa del Centenario.
Related: 5 Hiking Trails For People Who Are Truly Brave (15 Anyone Can Do)
4 Rock pillars make the peaks endless on Quebrada Las Señoritas
Rocky red pillars give way to a narrow ravine in the Quebrada Las Señoritas in Jujuy Province, notes Vivijuyjuy. Certain parts of the ravine require careful steps across loose stones, but where the walls grow high, the path becomes smooth. Other than sparse patches of green, bold colors dominate the site.
3 This house is now a shopping mall
Pasaje de la Defensa started out as the residence of a single family until it expanded into a tenement home for “dozens of families,” explains Lonely Planet. The number of people passing in and out of the property on a daily basis has only increased now that it has become a shopping mall.
2 Architects built their spa retreat beneath the Inca Bridge
This bridge’s name comes from crossings the Incas made and not from any kind of architectural contribution. On the other hand, modern architects are responsible for the buildings nestled into its corner. These buildings hover above hot springs once used by the Inca people, according to El Portal De Mendoza.
1 Saddle up for a trek through the forest
Salta has a plethora of dry, deserty landmarks to cover, but we can't forget the greener pastures it has to explore too. Dirt paths through forested areas offer an escape route for city-weary travelers. The traffic is far less taxing out in the countryside on horseback.
Next: The Safest South American Destinations (And Dangerous Places To Avoid)