Attractions in Argentina

1. Plaza de Mayo

Plaza de Mayo is the main square in the Monserrat barrio, a neighborhood famed for its historic public buildings and sites in all of Argentina. Created in 1580, Plaza de Mayo is the site of the May Revolution, which resulted in Viceroy Baltasar Hidalgo de Cisneros being deposed and the Primera Junta assuming government. It has since then become a hub for Argentina’s political life. The plaza attracts tourists from all over the country as it lies amidst many of the city’s major landmarks such as the Cabildo, which was the city council during the colonial era, and the May Pyramid, the oldest national monument in Buenos Aires.

Av. Hipolito Yrigoyen s/n, 1087 CABA, Argentina

2. Quebrada de Humahuaca

Found in northern Argentina, Quebrada de Humahuaca is a narrow mountain valley known for its hills, dramatic rock formations, and surrounding indigenous villages. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is nearly 100 miles long and is bordered by valleys, the Sub-Andean hills, and Altiplano, which stretches across Argentina and into Bolivia, Peru, and Chile. Visitors there will come across economic, cultural, and social aspects that will show them a side of Argentina that can’t be experienced anywhere else. Attractions in Quebrada de Humahuaca that shouldn’t be missed include the Rio Grande and the surrounding settlements, which go back over 10,000 years.

3. Castillo de Naveira

Located in the town of Lujan, Castillo de Naveira is a neo-Gothic castle in the Argentinian countryside. The initial construction of the castle goes back to 1841 when Enrique Beschtedt had it constructed for him and his daughter to reside in. The property changed hands in 1913 and was continued to be lived in by the Naveira family. The castle, which was built by Belgian architect Ernesto Moreau, is a stunning property; the exterior comprises styles and fairytale esque towers that bring the castle to life while the interior is filled with decor and architectural styles that history buffs would love.

4. Fitz Roy

Found on the border of Argentina and Chile, the mountain range of Monte Fitz Roy is also known as Cerro Fitz Roy or Cerro Chalten. The mountain was discovered by Argentine explorer Francisco Moreno in 1877 and was named after an English officer of the Royal Navy, Robert FitzRoy. Considered one of the most challenging mountains to scale, Cerro Fitz Roy is also one of the most recognizable landmarks in Argentina. Visitors who are looking to enjoy the view can head to the nearby village of El Chalten. There are many trails surrounding the peak, which visitors can hike by foot, and all of them provide stunning views as well. Fitz Roy is a part of Los Glaciares National Park, a site that attracts visitors from around the world. There are many companies that will help visitors hike through the mountains if they decide not to do so on their own.

5. El Ateneo Grand Splendid

El Ateneo Grand Splendid was designed by Torres Armengol and Pero as a grand theatre in 1919. Today, it is one of the most popular and most beautiful bookshops in the world. Many aspects of the theater can still be seen in the present bookshop such as ceiling frescoes painted by Italian artist Nazareno Orlandi and sculptures by Troiano Troiani. Every year, over a million people walk through the bookstore, which still has the feel of the stunning theatre it once was. Though the cinema seating has since been removed, the theatre boxes are still intact and are now used as nooks where visitors can read.

Av. Santa Fe 1860, 1123 CABA, Argentina, Phone: 54-11-48-13-60-52

6. Iguazu Falls

The largest waterfalls system in the world, Iguazu Falls can be found in the Argentine province of Misiones alongside Parana, Brazil. The waterfalls divide the Iguazu River into upper and lower sections of the river, which flows mostly through Brazil; most of the actual waterfalls can be found in Argentina. The absolutely stunning collection of waterfalls comprise 275 drops, all of which range between 197 and 269 feet high stretched within two miles. Visitors headed to the falls will go through the town of Puerto Iguazu and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Iguazu National Park. There are many walkways and boat services that take visitors extremely close to the falls.

Misiones Province, Argentina, Phone: 54-37-57-49-14-69

7. Ischigualasto

Also called Valle de la Luna, Ischigualasto Provincial Park is one of the most visited places in Argentina. The moonlike desert landscape has an array of stunning rock formations for visitors to see, with some of the most popular being the Bowling Field or Painted Valley. Visitors can spend their day walking the trails that run up Cerro Morado or playing with the llama-like animals, guanacos. There is a park museum filled with antiquities and other items that have been found in the park, and the dinosaur fossils from the Triassic period is a favored exhibit with visitors of all ages.

Ruta 510 s/nº, 5449 San Agustin de Valle Fertil, San Juan, Argentina, Phone: 54-26-44-60-89-00

8. Palacio Barolo

Constructed between 1919 and 1923, Palacio Barolo was the tallest building in South America when it was constructed. The landmark office building built by architect Mario Palanti is over 100 meters high. The building, which has since been declared a national historic monument, is a dream to explore for architecture lovers. Each floor has unique design and decor, all stunning in their own way. Within the building, visitors will find a collection of offices, stores, artist and architect studios, travel agencies, and a Spanish school for foreigners. There is a lighthouse on the top of the building that was originally designed to welcome visitors arriving from the Atlantic Ocean.

Av. de Mayo 1370, 1085 CABA, Argentina, Phone: 54-11-43-81-18-85

9. Perito Moreno Glacier

Located in the Los Glaciares National Park, Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Argentina. The ice formation is one of 48 glaciers and is nearly 20 miles long. The ice field is identified as the third largest freshwater reserve in the world. The glacier is named after explorer Francisco Moreno and is considered unique as it is one of the few glaciers that are advancing rather than retreating like most other glaciers worldwide. Visitors can identify one of the many tour companies that offer day visits to the glacier; there is a large visitor center on the site and a walking circuit that takes visitors through the southern flank of the glacier.