Choose from 191 Fun Things to Do in Argentina
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Los Cardones National Park
Los Cardones National Park is located in the central part of the Salta Province, and it occupies approximately 160,000 acres. It was established in 1996 to protect the high elevation vegetation located in the colorful sierras and dry gorges of this area. The cardones are column-like cactus plants that thrive in high altitudes and are found throughout the national park, which is where the park got its name. The area also boasts small forests of the leguminous Churqui. Many animals live in the national park, including more than 100 species of birds.
Three different environments are represented in the park. They include the mountainous area of the sierras, the piedmont and low lands, and the basin. Fossils from many extinct animals, including dinosaur tracks, have been found in the park. Other attractions in the park include pre-Inca cave art.
Practical Info
Los Cardones National Park is located 62 miles southwest of Salta. It can be reached by routes 68 and 33.
Address: Salta Province, Argentina
From $ 36
Museo Evita
The Evita Museum (Museo Evita) is devoted to its namesake Eva Perón (affectionately nicknamed ‘Evita’), the subject of the world-famous stage and film musical of the same name and one of Argentina’s most polarizing historical figures. Beloved by the working class, yet scorned by the opposing parties, the legacy of Evita is still steeped in myth and controversy, but there’s no denying that the First Lady to president Juan Domingo Perón remains one of the most fascinating and recognizable Argentines of all time.
Finally opening its doors in 2002 on the 50th anniversary of Evita’s untimely death, the museum is now one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, dedicated to telling the story of Eva Peron and unveiling some of the mystery that shrouds her political history. A series of exhibits and displays chronicle the life of the First Lady from her childhood to her political career and many achievements. Striking the perfect balance between honoring her memory and presenting the facts, the museum is one of Buenos Aires’ most captivating, taking visitors on a journey into the heart and soul of Evita. Artifacts include a beautifully preserved selection of her clothing, personal effects, photographs, Peronist memorabilia and video footage. Most notable is her voter card, marked number 1 - indicative of her achievements in securing the vote for Argentine women in 1947. Whether you’re already a confirmed admirer or simply want to uncover the person behind the name, this small Palermo museum is a fitting tribute to Argentina’s most enigmatic public figure.
Finally opening its doors in 2002 on the 50th anniversary of Evita’s untimely death, the museum is now one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, dedicated to telling the story of Eva Peron and unveiling some of the mystery that shrouds her political history. A series of exhibits and displays chronicle the life of the First Lady from her childhood to her political career and many achievements. Striking the perfect balance between honoring her memory and presenting the facts, the museum is one of Buenos Aires’ most captivating, taking visitors on a journey into the heart and soul of Evita. Artifacts include a beautifully preserved selection of her clothing, personal effects, photographs, Peronist memorabilia and video footage. Most notable is her voter card, marked number 1 - indicative of her achievements in securing the vote for Argentine women in 1947. Whether you’re already a confirmed admirer or simply want to uncover the person behind the name, this small Palermo museum is a fitting tribute to Argentina’s most enigmatic public figure.
Practical Info
Routes to take by transit: Subway: Line D (at Plaza Italia). Bus: 12, 29, 36, 39, 55, 68, 111, 152 (por Av. Santa Fe), 10, 15, 37, 41, 59, 60, 64, 93, 95, 108, 110, 118, 128, 141, 160, 188 (por Av. Las Heras).
Address: Lafinur 2988, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hours: Open Tue-Sun 11am - 7pm (last ticket 6:30pm). Closed Mondays, Jan 1, May 1, and the 24, 25, 31 of Dec.
Admission: Range: $4-$6
From $ 5
Parque Tres de Febrero
Most people come to Palermo to enjoy the urban sights that Buenos Aires has to offer. There are several different sections, from mainstream to bohemian and from fashion and design to residential. And then there is Parque Tres de Febrero. This nearly 1,000-acre park is also referred to as the “Bosques del Palermo” (Palermo Woods).
The park has been in existence in a variety of forms since 1875, and over the years it has undergone additions including a zoo, a botanical garden and a rose garden, as well as the world’s largest Japanese garden outside of Japan. The park is popularly used by pedestrians and cyclists and is busiest on the weekends, when you can even take a boat ride in one of the artificial lakes. Visitors can spend a couple of hours walking among the trees and over the bridges that cross some of the lakes, or sitting in one of the gazebos to enjoy the tranquil park.
Parque Tres de Febrero contains many species of trees and plants from around Argentina (introduced and endemic), including eucalyptus, wide-buttressed ceibas and lavender-blooming jacarandas. Make sure to look up, as there are climbing vines and epiphytes, as well as up to 194 species of birds that have been seen here, including kingfishers and woodpeckers. In the summer the gardens also attract butterflies.
Practical Info
Poetry lovers will want to check out the Poet’s Garden, with busts of Argentine and other famous poets, including, of course, one of Argentina’s most famous writers, Jorge Luis Borges. The park is accessible via bus 10, 34 and 130.
Address: Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 15
Paz Palace
Gaze up at the Paz Palace, and it’s easy to see why many consider Buenos Aires to be the Paris of South America. The mansion, designed to be the private residence of La Prensa founder Jose C. Paz, was built between 1902 and 1914 by French architect Louis Sortais. Paz died in Monaco in 1912, but while he never got to live in the palace he’d commissioned, his wife and children did.
When it was built, Paz Palace was the largest private residence in Buenos Aires, complete with 140 rooms and 40 bathrooms spread throughout its 129,000 square feet (12,000 square meters). All the construction materials and furnishings — marble, chandeliers, wood tiles and gold gilding — were imported from France.
Today, the palace serves as the headquarters of the Military Officers’ Association social club and also houses the National Museum of Armaments. English-language tours are offered weekly, allowing visitors to get a sense of just how opulent the palace was, as it still contains much of its original furnishings and fixtures.
Practical Info
The interior of the Paz Palace is accessible by guided tour only, so be sure to look up English tour times in advance and plan accordingly.
Address: Av. Santa Fe 750, Buenos Aires C1059ABO, Argentina
From $ 37
Iglesia de San Francisco
The highlight of Mendoza’s Iglesia de San Francisco complex is the Renaissance-style pink stucco basilica dating from 1875.
The Franciscan church replaced the original Jesuit structure that was destroyed by the devastating earthquake of 1861. Venerated throughout Mendoza, the church is the hallowed home of the miraculous Virgen del Carmen de Cuyo, patron saint of the liberating Andean Army.
The basilica also houses the tomb of the daughter of General San Martin, and is celebrated for its elaborate altar, Virgin’s chapel and priceless religious artifacts.
The church is a National Historic Landmark and one of Mendoza’s most important features.
The Franciscan church replaced the original Jesuit structure that was destroyed by the devastating earthquake of 1861. Venerated throughout Mendoza, the church is the hallowed home of the miraculous Virgen del Carmen de Cuyo, patron saint of the liberating Andean Army.
The basilica also houses the tomb of the daughter of General San Martin, and is celebrated for its elaborate altar, Virgin’s chapel and priceless religious artifacts.
The church is a National Historic Landmark and one of Mendoza’s most important features.
Practical Info
The Iglesia and Basilica of San Francisco is in central Mendoza, a few blocks north of Plaza Independencia.
Address: Necochea 201, Mendoza 1324, Argentina
From $ 730
Lapataia Bay
Lapataia Bay is where Argentina’s RN 3 road ends, a road that is a continuation of the Pan-American Highway, which stretches all the way to Alaska. Roadies are always stopping to pose next to the sign here in Lapataia Bay, and it’s worth thinking about how far they’ve come to get there! According to the sign, the distance between this spot and Alaska is a whopping 11,090 miles (17,848 kilometers).
Most visitors don’t take the land route to Lapataia Bay, however, and instead fly into Argentina. The bay is within Parque National Tierra del Fuego, a popular day trip from Ushuaia, which sits only 10 miles away. The park offers a chance to get out into nature, overlook azure lakes and bays, walk through native beech forests and in season, catch both the firebush, which blooms bright red, and the spooky-looking orange “pan de indio,” golf ball-sized mushrooms that grow on some of the trees.
If you have more time, try out some of the other trails in the park, which covers almost 150,000 acres of this island off the southernmost tip of the South American mainland.
Practical Info
To find the bay in the park, hike the tranquil Senda Costera (coastal trial) from Bahía Ensenada for about six hours, with views of nearby islands and soaring peaks in the distance. If that’s more time than you have or more walking than you’d like, book a two-hour boat trip from Bahia Ensenada to Lapataia Bay instead. Reservations are recommended.
Address: Ushuaia, Argentina
From $ 53
Huechulafquen Lake
To the native Mapuche of Argentina’s Andes, the name Huechulafquen means “long lake.” It’s an apt title for this azure spectacle that stretches for 18 miles, and is officially the largest of the 24 lakes in Lanin National Park. Next to the lake, on the northern shore, the conical, snowcapped Lanin volcano rises 12,293 feet into the blue Andean sky. In spring, summer, and early fall, thousands of visitors flock to the lake for camping, hiking, and staging attempts on the dormant volcano’s summit. There are boats for hire at Puerto Canoa and scenic lakeshore cruises, and the fly-fishing in the neighboring Chimehuin River is among the best in the world. A mile and half past Puerto Canoa, visitors will find scenic Piedra Mala and a protected corner of the lake. Walking trails lead towards Lake Paimun and El Salitillo waterfall, and the epic, Andean, mountains vistas are a highlight of both Lanin National Park and San Martin de los Andes.
Practical Info
Following Route 234 and then 61, Huechulafquen Lake is located 37 miles from San Martin de los Andes and 18 miles from Junin de los Andes. There’s an official ranger station and visitor center when you reach the shore of the lake, where an entrance fee of approximately $9 usually applies for foreign visitors.
Address: Neuquén Province, Argentina
From $ 144
Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires (MALBA)
The MALBA (Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires) is Buenos Aires’ leading modern art institution. Since opening in 2001, the museum has amassed a varied collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, and installation works by artists from all corners of Latin America.
The Basics
A MALBA admission ticket includes access to the museum’s vast permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, and guided tours are available in both English and Spanish. Many people combine a visit to the MALBA with other Buenos Aires art museums such as the Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno), the National Museum of Fine Art (Museo de Bellas Artes), and the Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat Art Collection (Coleccion de Arte Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat). You can also explore the MALBA as part of a city tour that includes neighborhoods like Palermo, La Boca, San Telmo, and Recoleta.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Onsite facilities include the Restaurant Ninina, a museum shop, and free Wi-Fi.
- Audio guides are available in several different languages.
- The MALBA is accessible for wheelchair users and strollers.
How to Get There
The MALBA museum is located along Av. Pres. Figueroa Alcorta in the Palermo neighborhood. Several buses stop outside the museum, and the Saldias train station is about a 10-minute walk away. The closest Subte (underground) station is Facultad de Derecho (Line H), about a 20-minute walk away.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily except Tuesdays year-round. On Wednesdays, entry is half-price and the museum stays open until 9pm. To beat the crowds, opt for an early-afternoon visit on a weekday.
A Walking tour of the MALBA
Founder Eduardo Constantini's private collection, more than 220 19th- and 20th-century pieces displayed chronologically throughout the first-floor galleries, is the focal point of the museum. A portfolio of the modern art movement, the collection also portrays a strong sense of geographical identity through a number of evocative political and cultural works. Highlights include art by Argentines Xul Solar and Antonio Berni, Chilean Roberto Matta, a Frida Kahlo self-portrait, Brazilian Tarsila Do Amaral’s much-celebrated Abaporu, and innovative installations by Julio Le Parc. The top-floor gallery, meanwhile, houses temporary exhibitions and a small cinema that shows art-house movies, mostly in Spanish.
Address: Avenida Presidente Figueroa Alcorta 3415, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Admission: Varies
From $ 4
National Naval Museum (Museo Naval de la Nacion)
Founded in 1892 and moved to Tigre in the 1940s as the collection grew, Buenos Aires’ National Naval Museum (Museo Naval de la Nacion) occupies a former maritime workshop on the banks of the Luján River.
The collection of some 4,000 pieces, divided among six different rooms, tells the story of Argentina’s maritime and naval history through scale models, maritime art, navigational charts, weaponry, biological specimens, nautical instruments, uniforms and personal items. A fascinating highlight includes miniature recreations of living spaces aboard various ships. Aviation buffs will appreciate the retired planes now displayed on the grounds, including that of a North American AT-6 “Texan” from 1939.
Practical Info
The informational displays within the museum are only in Spanish, so it might be a good idea to bring along a Spanish-English dictionary or translation app.
Address: Av Victorica 602, Tigre, Argentina
Hours: Tues-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm; Sat-Sun 10:30am-6:30pm
Admission: AR$10
From $ 34
Maipu
Maipú is a small city in the Mendoza province of Argentina, with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants. It is located about 10 kilometers from the city of Mendoza. Maipú is one of the most important wine-growing regions in Argentina, and produces up to 2/3 of the country’s wine. It is located on the eastern side of the Andes, and specifically, in the shadow of Mount Aconcagua, which is the tallest mountain on the continent, at over 22,000 feet. Mendoza has wineries at altitude of between 2,000 and 4,000 feet above sea level, assuring the warm daytime temperatures and cool nighttime temperatures essential to wine production.
Maipú represents the greatest concentration of wineries is in Argentina, with more than 150 wineries, nearly 30 of which accept visitors. It is also where the oldest winemakers in the region, such as Trapiche, which dates back to 1883, are located.
The area around Maipú is warm and dry, and is of great historical importance, having been named for a famous battle with Chile. It is also home to a museum to wine and the wine harvest, called the Museo Nacional del Vino y la Vendimia.
Practical Info
In addition to being an ideal place to grow wine grapes, this area has long produced fine olives and olive oil, and you can arrange for tastings of these as well.
Address: Maipu, Argentina
From $ 150
Kavanagh Building
On a corner of Plaza San Martin in the Retiro neighborhood of Buenos Aires stands one of its most iconic buildings. The Kavanagh Building was designed in 1934 and built in 1936, and at 394 feet (120 meters) it was for a time the tallest building in Latin America. The story surrounding the origins of the building is just as interested as its distinctive art deco facade.
According to local lore, a wealthy Irishwoman by the name of Corina Kavanagh commissioned the building as a form of revenge. Corina, who was not part of the Buenos Aires aristocracy, fell in love with the son of the prominent Anchorena family. The boy’s parents didn’t approve of their engagement and ended it. In response, Corina had the building put up to obstruct the view of the Anchorena church, at the time the private mausoleum of the Anchorena family, from the family’s mansion.
Practical Info
The nearest metro stop to the Kavanagh Building is General San Martin.
Address: Florida 1065, Buenos Aires 1005, Argentina
From $ 15
Mt. Fitz Roy
Mt. Fitz Roy, the highest mountain in Los Glaciares National Park, rises 11,171 feet (3,405 meters) above the snow-blown landscape of Southern Patagonia to a granite peak that only serious climbers should consider. This recognizable landmark was named after Sir Robert FitzRoy, who once guided Charles Darwin aboard the HMS Beagle.
The Basics
The resort village of El Chaltén serves as the starting point for hikes around Mt. Fitz Roy. The hike to the top is challenging, even for experienced hikers, but visitors will find plenty of trails affording stellar views of the granite peaks.
Spend a full day hiking on a day trip from El Calafate, or opt for a multi-day trekking tour through Los Glaciares National Park to soak up the landscapes of Laguna de los Tres, Laguna Torre, Piedras Blancas Glacier, and Laguna Madre e Hija as well.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mt. Fitz Roy is a must-see for adventure travelers and first-time visitors to Patagonia.
- Guided hiking tours to the Mt. Fitz Roy area can last anywhere from a full day to five days, depending on the option chosen.
- Don’t forget to wear sturdy hiking shoes suitable for traversing uneven surfaces.
- Dress in layers, as temperatures can be chilly even during summer in the Southern Hemisphere.
How to Get There
The easiest way to access the national park is by car or guided tour. It’s also possible to take Bus 40 from El Calafate. Once inside the park, several trails offer views of the peak, depending on your time constraints and fitness level.
When to Get There
The best season for hiking this region of Argentina is from November to April—summer in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s best to visit on a clear day when the peak will be visible, but weather conditions can always change quickly.
Other Attractions in Los Glaciares National Park
Mt. Fitz Roy may be the star attraction for trekkers within Los Glaciares National Park, but it’s not the only highlight of a visit. The park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also home of the Perito Moreno Glacier, Southern Patagonian Ice Cap, Cerro Torre peak, and Lago Argentino, the largest lake in the country.
Address: Ruta 23, El Chaltén, Argentina
Admission: Free
From $ 90
Perito Moreno Glacier
The beauty of Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia has earned it the nickname of the "Eighth Wonder of the World” in Argentina. It’s the planet's third-largest reserve of fresh water and one of the continent's last advancing glaciers, slowly making its way in crackling celestial blue from the granite spires of the Chilean Torres del Paine into Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park (Parque Nacional Los Glaciares).
The Basics
One of the most accessible ice fields on the planet, Perito Moreno sits at the top of many travelers’ must-see list in Patagonia. While many visitors are content to stay on solid ground and observe the ice from a series of platforms across the Iceberg Channel (Canal de los Tempanos) from the glacier, more adventurous travelers can explore the inlet on a boat tour, or don crampons and head out onto the ever-shifting ice field itself. The Glaciarium, located in El Calafate, serves as an excellent introduction to the science of glaciers.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This natural wonder is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure travelers.
- Marvel at the ice from afar, or get a closer look with a boat ride or ice trekking adventure.
- A full-day tour of the glacier from El Calafate can last anywhere from six to 12 hours depending on the chosen options and activities.
- Dress in warm layers, as the national park can be chilly, even during the Argentine summer.
How to Get to Perito Moreno Glacier
El Calafate, a town about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the glacier, is served by El Calafate International Airport, with regular service from cities in Argentina and Chile. While a vast majority of visitors head to the glacier as part of a guided tour, once you're in El Calafate, you can catch a bus to the glacier (as well as other points in Los Glaciares National Park).
When to Get There
Summer in Argentina (wintter in the Northern Hemisphere) is the most popular time to visit the glacier, as the weather is warmest. While temperatures cool down in October, March, and April, the tradeoffs are sparser crowds and a more peaceful environment for communing with Mother Nature. If you travel between May and August, expect frequent rain and average temperatures around 36° F (2° C).
Hear the Thunder
One of the most magical experiences at Perito Moreno Glacier is hearing the thunderous crack of ice as a berg is birthed into the channel. This glacier is one of the best places from which to take in the phenomenon. It happens most frequently on sunny days in the late afternoon after the sun has had time to warm the ice.
Address: Ruta 11, El Calafate, Argentina, Argentina
Admission: Free
From $ 42
Isla Victoria
Isla Victoria is a small island located in Nahuel Huapi lake, which is part of the park by the same name. The lake is one of the main defining features of this part of Patagonia, with the city of Bariloche on the south shore, and smaller town of Villa La Angostura on the north side.
Victoria Island is located in the middle of the northernmost branch of the lake and is accessed from Puerto Pañuelo, a 30-minute drive from Bariloche. There are a couple of sailings daily, some of which continue to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, specificially, to the Quetrihué peninsula, which is home to the rare protected arrayán (Chilean myrtle) forest, with slender, cinnamon-barked trees which grow in a dense grove, and some examples of which are up to 650 years old.
Isla Victoria has varied foliage, including the arctic beech, and some easy hiking trails, and if you spend time wandering, you can find some solitary beaches on which to sit and contemplate the lake, or take a chillly dip. Many visitors do this trip as a half-day tour, though you could spend longer on the island. The weather can be cool, especially if you opt to sit outside on the boat, so plan accordingly.
Victoria Island is located in the middle of the northernmost branch of the lake and is accessed from Puerto Pañuelo, a 30-minute drive from Bariloche. There are a couple of sailings daily, some of which continue to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, specificially, to the Quetrihué peninsula, which is home to the rare protected arrayán (Chilean myrtle) forest, with slender, cinnamon-barked trees which grow in a dense grove, and some examples of which are up to 650 years old.
Isla Victoria has varied foliage, including the arctic beech, and some easy hiking trails, and if you spend time wandering, you can find some solitary beaches on which to sit and contemplate the lake, or take a chillly dip. Many visitors do this trip as a half-day tour, though you could spend longer on the island. The weather can be cool, especially if you opt to sit outside on the boat, so plan accordingly.
Practical Info:
There are a couple of trips daily, in the morning and early afternoon, and you can choose between taking your own transportation to Puerto Pañuelo, or taking a complete tour. If you go on your own, you can just go back and forth to Isla Victoria, but the tours generally go to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, which is a good way to see both places by boat, particularly if you are short of time.
Address: Isla Victoria, Neuquen Province, Argentina
From $ 52
Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls, the largest waterfalls system in the world, are truly awe-inspiring to behold, spanning the border between Brazil and Argentina. Though Brazil boasts better views of the falls, Argentina is blessed with about 80 percent of this natural marvel’s 275 separate cascades. Paved trails and catwalks wind their way around the falls—sometimes reaching within an arm’s length of the water—and a free train connects the main trailheads.
The Basics
The best way to experience the Argentinean side of Iguazu Falls is by hiking the surrounding trails. The Upper Circuit Trail offers outstanding views over Mbigua Falls and the Iguazu River before dropping toward the Bernabe Mendez Falls. The Lower Circuit Trail has more viewpoints, as well as access to activities such as boat trips, white-water rafting, and a free ferry to Isla San Martin. A guided tour will help you find the best trails and can take you deeper into Iguazu National Park, or on ATV tours and hiking excursions in the area.
The park’s entry fee includes unlimited rides on the Jungle Train to different trailheads, as well as ferry service (depending on the water level) to Isla Martin. You can visit the park a second day for half price; be sure to get your ticket stamped after the first day.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plan to spend at least one full day exploring this side of the falls.
- Regardless of which trail you take, prepare to get soaked: Wear waterproof clothing, and protect your valuables and electronics with waterproof bags.
- The Argentinean side is known for its hiking and opportunities to get closer to the cascades.
- Don’t miss the spectacular vistas over Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo).
- Many guided tours take you to both the Argentinean and Brazilian sides of the falls.
- If crossing the border without joining a guided tour, be sure to check visa requirements for your country.
How to Get There
Iguazu National Park is located 10 miles (17 kilometers) from Puerto Iguazu. Buses run from Puerto Iguazu to the park every half hour during park hours. If you're coming from Buenos Aires, take a 90-minute flight or a 24-hour bus ride.
When to Get There
Iguazu Falls is accessible year-round. For the best weather and the smallest crowds, plan to go between July and October or February and April. Morning visits reward with rainbows in the ever-present mist of Devil’s Throat.
Experiencing Devil’s Throat
Devil’s Throat, whose 14 thundering cascades comprise the tallest and most famous part of Iguazu Falls, is best viewed from the Devil’s Throat Walk, which takes you right up to the brink of the water. If that’s not close enough, you can also take a boat ride that glides right under the falls.
Address: RA 12, KM17 Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
Hours: Daily 8am–5pm
Admission: US$23
From $ 15
Parque Nacional Los Glaciares
Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (The Glaciers National Park) protects Argentina’s wild Patagonian expanses of icy glaciers and mountain lakes. With a massive 47 glaciers, the Andean ice cap is the largest outside Antarctica and Greenland. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to several natural wonders, including Perito Moreno Glacier and Mount Fitz Roy.
The Basics
Parque Nacional Los Glaciares attracts outdoor enthusiasts from around the world for its spectacular trekking, mountain climbing, and sport fishing. Most visitors come to see the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier, often on a day trip from El Calafate; other day-trip options include a trek to El Chaltén or guided horseback ride at Estancia Nibepo Aike. Those with more time can opt for a multi-day journey to some of the area’s other peaks and glaciers.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Parque Nacional Los Glaciares is a must-visit for all first-time visitors to Patagonia.
- Choose from among a wide variety of park activities, including boat rides, glacier treks, and horseback rides.
- A full-day tour to the park from El Calafate typically lasts eight to 10 hours, depending on the option chosen; multi-day itineraries last anywhere from three to six days.
- Remember to dress in warm layers, as conditions in the park can be chilly, even during summer.
How to Get There
The park’s main entrance lies 30 miles (49 kilometers) from El Calafate. While it’s possible to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier visitor center by driving, it’s more convenient to join a guided tour. Twice-daily buses take passengers from El Calafate to the glacier-lookout area.
When to Get There
Most travelers choose to explore Parque Nacional Los Glaciares during the Argentine summer, when the weather is at its warmest. Temperatures tend to run a bit cooler during the months of October, March, and April, but sparser crowds make for a more peaceful visit.
Other Glaciers in the National Park
While Perito Moreno is the most famous glacier in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, it’s not the only one—or even the largest. That distinction goes to the Upsala Glacier, South America’s largest, which is only accessible by boat from Punta Bandera. The Spegazzini Glacier boasts the biggest snout, with a wall measuring 440 feet (135 meters) tall.
Address: Argentina
From $ 42
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Art lovers will find plenty to marvel over at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Argentina’s number one fine-arts museum, located in the Recoleta district. With 24 ground-floor galleries devoted to pre-20th century European art, the museum is a trove of classic works, dominated by famous names like Renoir, Monet, Gauguin, Cézanne and Picasso. Most impressive is the beautifully curated galleries of Argentine art, the largest collection in the world, including works by legendary artists like as Xul Solar, Edwardo Sívori, Lino Enea Spilimbergo, Raquel Forner, Cesáreo Bernaldo de Quirós and Benito Quinquela Martín, whose colorful depictions of the city’s La Boca port are some of the museum’s most evocative pieces.
The striking museum, designed by acclaimed local architect Alejandro Bustillo in 1933, also hosts a number of popular temporary exhibits, a small cinema and a display of pre-Columbian artifacts.
The striking museum, designed by acclaimed local architect Alejandro Bustillo in 1933, also hosts a number of popular temporary exhibits, a small cinema and a display of pre-Columbian artifacts.
Address: Avenida del Libertador 1473, Buenos Aires, Recoleta, Argentina
Hours: Tuesday to Friday 12:30pm - 8:30pm. Saturday and Sunday 9:30am - 8:30pm. Monday closed
From $ 35
Lanin National Park
Covered in native Araucaria trees and riddled with dozens of lakes, Lanin National Park is a Patagonian treasure in the Argentine state of Neuquén. This park was established in 1937 at a time when the border with neighboring Chile was still hotly disputed. Both of the nations could agree, however, that given the area’s biodiversity and magnificent natural beauty, it was an area deserving of preservation for hundreds of years to come.
Today, Lanin National Park holds some of Argentina’s best hiking, fly fishing, and camping. The park stretches out over a total area that’s larger than the state of Rhode Island, and the dormant, snowcapped, Lanin volcano dominates the vista from a lofty height of nearly 12,300 feet. The two-day climb up Lanin volcano is one of the park’s most popular activities, but shorter day hikes and biking trails are available for summer visitors. 24 shimmering, forest-lined lakes are found within the park, including Lake Lacár, Lake Huechulafquen, and the famous “Road of the Seven Lakes” that’s one of Argentina’s best drives. In summer, bask on sandy Catritre Beach on the shores of Lake Lacár or explore the backcountry in search of puma or the elusive Andean Condor. Camping is available at designated spots throughout Lanin National Park, and from its southern border with Nahuel Huapi National Park to the summit of Volcán Lanin, this park is a Patagonian utopia of beauty and recreational fun.
Practical Info
The Lake Lacár section of Lanin National Park is ten minutes from San Martin de Los Andes. Farther north, the Lake Huechulafquen section is approximately 36 miles near the base of Volcán Lanin. There’s a $9 entrance fee for visitors 16 years and older, and late spring through early fall are the best times of year to visit. Be sure to pack rain gear and warm clothing since the weather can often change quickly, and there are three visitor centers within the park—by Lake Huechulafquen, Puerto Canoa, and Lake Tromen. For more information, the Visitor Center and Lanin National Park Museum is in the center of the San Martin de Los Andes and is open from 8am-9pm daily.
Address: Parques Nacionales, San Martin de los Andes, Argentina
Hours: The Visitor Center and Lanin National Park Museum is in the center of the San Martin de Los Andes and is open from 8am-9pm daily.
Admission: $9 entrance fee for visitors 16 years and older
From $ 144
Passion for Boca Juniors Museum (Museo de la Pasión Boquense)
The Estadio Boca Juniors, locally known as La Bombonera, plays host to one of soccer’s greatest rivalries, that between porteño teams Boca Juniors and River Plate. The two floor Passion for Boca Juniors Museum (Museo de la Pasión Boquense) is housed within the stadium and chronicles the team’s history, dating back to their beginning as a modest neighborhood club in 1905.
A giant soccer ball-shaped auditorium houses a 360 degree theater screens footage from a match, while jerseys, photos, trophies and other team memorabilia from the last century are on display. For an extra fee, visitors can tour the stadium, which includes a visit to the locker room and Diego Maradona’s box.
Practical Info
Check the Boca Juniors schedule before heading to the museum, as it’s closed on game days.
Address: Brandsen 805, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hours: Open daily 10am-6pm
Admission: AR$140
From $ 19
Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse
The Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse marks the dangerous rocks at the entrance to Ushuaia Bay in the Beagle Channel. Locals often wrongfully call this the Lighthouse at the End of the World, which is technically incorrect because the lighthouse Jules Verne made famous in his novel lies further east, but it’s oddly accurate, too; it’s the last mainland reference most sailors see on their way to Antarctica.
Located just five miles from Ushuaia, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse is a common destination for short tourist sailing trips. The waters surrounding the lighthouse are a sea-goers dream, as penguins and both South American and fur sea lions are spotted regularly. Bird life is abundant, too, with black eyebrow albatrosses, steamer ducks and upland geese often seen on the nearby islands. Many tours also include landing on Karelo Island.
It’s worth mentioning that the region is stunning, but harsh. The weather – and most commonly the wind - can be fierce, but it’s all part of the southern Patagonian experience.
Practical Info
The Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse is neither accessible to the public nor manned by a lighthouse keeper. It is a fully automated lighthouse. The only way to reach the location is by boat.
Address: Ushuaia, Argentina
From $ 82