Argentina is comprised of some incredibly vast and untamed wilderness. The southern Patagonia region, bordered by the dramatic Andes Mountains, is where to find desserts, glacial lakes and grasslands that stretch on forever.
Up in the north, there are lush rainforests and towering waterfalls – especially Iguaza falls – to hike up and around. And then you have the busy cities full of colourful art, culture and food. The people here are some of the most vocally passionate and friendly folk you’ll ever stumble upon.
The locals are so friendly, you’ll never really feel alone there. It’s no wonder they say Argentina is one of the best places for solo travellers to visit.
Buenos Aires
Argentinians are genuinely caring and hospitable people, but you wouldn’t be wrong to think they’re also a little mad in Buenos Aires. Everyone seems to be in a rush. But not like New York or London. Here, everyone is driven to go faster by their own passions; seeking out food, entertainment and friends at a feverish pace. It’s hard not to get caught up in their joie de vivre.
Explore the famous Caminito Street adorned with ever changing colourful graffiti and art installations to best experience this lively atmosphere. It is located within the Barrio La Boca region where you’ll find a raft of brilliant steak houses, tango dancers performing in the streets, and football fans cheering in bars and restaurants on game day. It is the liveliest part of the city.
JuJuy
This province in Argentina’s remote northwest is defined by its striking rock formations and hills of the Quebrada de Humahuaca. The most picturesque part lies to the valley’s south where one can find the Cerro de los siete Colores (the hill of seven colours). It’s basically made for Instagrammers, but the region is so much more than just a photo opportunity.
Stay in the small village of Purmamarca, at the foot of the hills, using it as a base for exploring the region on foot or by bike. From the village, the Paseo de los Colorados trail leads into the surrounding desert landscapes for views of the mountain. From here you can also reach the impressive lagoon around Puna where you can easily spot hundreds of flamingos and other native birds. Locals have made special walking trails here so it’s not only for hardcore adventurers.
Mendoza
This is where you treat yourselves in Argentina. It is a cosmopolitan city known for its warm climate, tree-lined streets, Malbec wine and world-class spas and restaurants. And it is surrounded by countless vineyards where connoisseurs and casuals alike can do some proper wine tasting.
But you’ve got to get a little dirty too. Go off road and do some outdoor sports like white water rafting, rock climbing on Mount Aconcagua, fly fishing for trout, or riding towards the Andes at sunrise.
El Calafate
Known as the Gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, El Calafate is located right on the edge of the Southern Patagonian ice Field. Use it as a hub for touring the surrounding glaciers. The first on your list must be Perito Moreno Glacier which measures roughly 250 square kilometres and is 70 metres thick, making it one of the biggest glaciers in the area.
You can access it by boat and take one of many ice hiking tours. And while you’re here, give kayaking up Uslala Canal a go for even more dramatic glacier sights alongside a good upper body workout.
