If there is only one place that you can visit in Argentina, it has to be the Argentinian Patagonia. Towering snow mountains, beautiful turquoise lakes and gigantic glaciers are some of the amazing things you will find. The Argentinian Patagonia is huge, but well worth the effort for those who will venture that far. Of course, Argentina is not just about Patagonia. Visit the big cities for a dose of colonial style architecture, or head to the north of Argentina for a taste of the highland deserts. Argentina is enormous and you will find that there is more things you can do than have time for.
Head to the city of Ushuaia, also known as the “end of the world” as it is technically the southern-most city in the world. Many travellers embark on voyages to Antarctica from Ushuaia, or explore the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park. The fjords around Ushuaia are stunning and there are many hiking trails around the city that allows you to take in these beautiful views. Even if you are not interested in fjords and snow mountains, merely being in the southern-most city in the world is already worth the effort getting there.
However, the Argentinian Patagonia is really all about its stunning nature. Visit the Perito Moreno glacier, which is the third largest source of fresh water in the world. It is also one of the most beautiful glaciers you can find without having to hike to see it. Drive to the national park, pay the fee and park your car. The glacier comes into full view just a few steps ahead.
Or if you are itching to use your legs a little, why not explore the hiking trails to the absolutely gorgeous Fitz Roy mountain? This is one of the best hiking trails I have done in Argentina, and it is definitely worth a few days of your time. The trails to the famous Fitz Roy mountain are not difficult, and the views along the way are unforgettable. The moment you see Fitz Roy up close is the moment you will thank yourself for being there!
Thankfully, the Argentinian Patagonian adventure does not stop here. Visit Villa La Angostura and San Martin de Los Andes for amazing views of the many lakes in the area. Between these two cities is a famous road known as “the road of seven lakes”. You can easily spend an hour at each lake, or camp overnight at one of the lakes that you really adore. Unzipping your tent at sunrise is a beautiful moment. The reddish hues over the peaks and the soft reflection of the mountains on the lake are worth the early rise.
Of course, Argentina is not all about Patagonia (although it largely is). Visit Buenos Aires to see its combination of beautiful colonial architecture and modern buildings. If you prefer a smaller city with fewer tourists, go to Rosario or Cordoba instead. Both cities have similar colonial architectures but are generally more peaceful. Sadly, big cities in Argentina are extremely dangerous so wandering around is not a smart option. Stick to the main roads or be prepared for an adventure.
Argentina is huge, and travelling around the country takes patience and time. If you have the money, flying to Patagonia from Buenos Aires is the best option. You can easily fly into Perito Moreno to see the glacier and to hike around Fitz Roy, or fly into Ushuaia to see the magical fjords. Alternatively you can take a bus, but be prepared for thousands of kilometres of pampas, which are endless, yellow plains. You will be surprised by how most of the Argentinian Patagonia is just that – never-ending flat plains.
The map below marks the places that I have visited in Argentina. Hover over the spots to check out what these places are called.
Learn more about what you can do in Argentina through the related posts below. Also, you can check out some of the interesting experiences I had in Argentina.
The frozen trek up Fitz Roy in Argentina
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