10 Best Places to Visit in Argentina - Travel Video

Located in the southern region of South  America in a large, elongated shape, Argentina was sparsely inhabited by a few  indigenous tribes before Spain’s colonized it in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the  country is an independent republic featuring varied landscapes from rich plains to thick  jungle, majestic mountains, pastoral steppes and impressive glaciers. Here’s a look  at the best places to visit in Argentina.

Number 10. Ibera Wetlands. Located in the northeast of the country just  south of Paraguay, the Ibera Wetlands cover a huge swathe of land.

Nature lovers and outdoor  enthusiasts will revel in exploring all that it has to offer. Encompassing rivers, lakes,  swamps, and wetlands, the watery world is fascinating to hike, horseback ride, or kayak  through. The ecological preserve is home to many iconic South American animals, including  anacondas, armadillos, caimans, capybaras, howler monkeys, the ostrich-like rhea and more  than 350 rare and endangered bird species.

Number 9. Mount Fitz Roy. Located in southern Patagonia near the Chilean  border, Mount Fitz Roy is one of the most iconic points in the Andes.

This granite mountain is  surrounded by glacial lakes and dramatic ice fields. The rugged terrain and sheer rock  faces are beloved by mountain climbers for the extreme challenge and by photographers  for the extreme beauty. Those who don’t know the name may recognize its sharp silhouette  from the logo of the clothing brand Patagonia.

Number 8. Puerto Madryn Located on the shores of Gulfo Nuevo, the city  of Puerto Madryn is best known as the gateway to Peninsula Valdes. It is also a popular summer  destination because of its beautiful beaches although the water can be very cold.

With  the explosion of tourism in recent years, Madryn has undergone rapid growth, and the  town’s small permanent population swells exponentially during the summer months.  Whale Watching tours are also popular as the Southern Right Whale uses the waters of  Gulfo Nuevo for breeding and giving birth. From July to September the whales are so  close they can be viewed from the mainland.

Number 7. Cordoba At the geographical center of Argentina is  Cordoba, the country’s second largest city. Surrounded by picturesque valleys and mountains,  Cordoba is best known for its concentration of Spanish colonial buildings.

Most of these  historic palaces, churches and monuments are found in the city center within an area  known as the Jesuit Block. Cordoba is also home to more than 200,000 students, providing  the city with a youthful and lively atmosphere. Number 6.

Ushuaia Formerly used as a penal colony  because of its isolated location, Ushuaia’s remote beauty is now what makes it one  of the most popular places to visit in Argentina. Regarded as the world’s southernmost city,  Ushuaia is located on the Beagle Channel, serving as a popular base for Antarctica  cruises, winter sports and wildlife viewing. The nearby mountains provide hiking  in the summer and snow sports in the winter.

Number 5. Mendoza Located in Latin America’s largest wine producing  region, Mendoza is a popular tourist destination not only for its wine but also for its proximity  to Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas. Furthermore, Mendoza offers access  to beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures such as hiking and river rafting.

At the heart of  Mendoza is its main square, Independence Plaza, which is surrounded by restaurants, shops and  beautiful buildings that are illuminated at night. Number 4. Bariloche With its chocolate shops, Swiss-style architecture  and picturesque setting of pristine lakes and snow-capped mountains, San Carlos de Bariloche  appears more like a village in Switzerland.

Instead, it is an enchanting city in  the Río Negro Province of Argentina. Commonly referred to as simply Bariloche, the  town also serves as a gateway to spectacular landscapes and outdoor adventures. The nearby  mountains are a hot spot for snow skiing, containing one of South America’s  largest ski stations at Cerro Catedral.

Number 3. Los Glaciares Los Glaciares or Glaciers National Park is  home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Located in the Santa Cruz  Province of the vast Patagonia region, the national park features the largest ice  cap outside of Greenland and Antarctica.

The repeated advancing and retreating cycle  of the glaciers presents a never ending show of cracking ice and thunderous booms as giant  blocks break away and crash into the lakes with enormous splashes. While the glaciers are located  in the southern section of the park, the northern section features majestic mountains such as Mount  Fitz Roy, offering hiking and mountain climbing. Number 2.

Buenos Aires Pulsating with vitality and seductive  charm from colorful European architecture to animated neighborhoods and sizzling nightlife,  it is no wonder that Buenos Aires gave birth to the captivating tango dance. Located off  the southeastern coast of South America, Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina  and one of Latin America’s largest cities. This vibrant cosmopolitan city is composed of  several districts called barrios.

Some of the most visited of these barrios include  the Microcentro where The Obelisco is located. San Telmo is popular for its  flea markets while La Boca’s multicolored architecture and tango street  dancing make it a world famous district. Number 1.

Iguazu Falls One of the world’s most stunning natural wonders,  Iguazu Falls is a series of magnificent waterfalls located on the Iguazu River, straddling  the border between Brazil and Argentina. The falls in and of themselves are a breathtaking  spectacle, but their beauty is all the more enhanced by the surrounding lush forest teeming  in exotic wildlife. The falls area and wildlife are protected by the Iguazu National Park.

The  park features many excellent walkways while boat rides take people close enough to the falls to  get wet from the spray. The town on the Argentine side is called Puerto Iguazu and offers some of  the best top-end hotels and spas in Argentina.