23 Off the Beaten Path Places to Visit in Argentina - A Local's Guide
Argentina is a vast country located at the Southern end of South America. It comprises 6 regions, 24 provinces, and 18 diverse ecosystems. It’s big!
Because Argentina is so big and diverse geographically, it’s hard to make a short list of the best places. Where is best for you will of course depend largely on your interests and what you hope to see and do in Argentina.
While Argentina offers something for almost every type of traveler (beach bums being one obvious exception!), after 20 years exploring my country as a guide, I certainly have my personal favorites, and so that’s what I’ve focused on for this guide.
Know in advance that if your goal for visiting Argentina is to just check off the most popular and most famous destinations, this is probably not the article for you.
In this list, I will definitely not recommend all the same places that every other travel guide does. With the exception of a few places that are simply absolute musts for every first-time visitor, I’ve mostly focused on off-the-beaten path and lesser-known destinations.
That doesn’t mean that many of the popular places aren’t worth visiting. Many are. But every other guide out there will recommend them to you, so I wanted to look at secret corners of my country and alternative destinations that have much to offer visitors.
These are my favorite places in Argentina and they are destinations that I think offer exceptional value to travelers who are willing to go just a little off the well-trodden path.
A ver! Let’s see!
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Northwest Argentina (NOA Region)
Talampaya National Park in Northwest Argentina
Northwest Argentina, known as the NOA Region, is made up of six provinces: Jujuy, Salta, La Rioja, Catamarca, Santiago del Estero and Tucumán. It is located in the far northwest of Argentina and shares a border with Chile and Bolivia.
It is a region of remarkable contrasts, extraordinary scenic beauty, and cultural richness.
Geographically and ecologically diverse, in one single you can travel from the exuberant Yungas jungle to the arid Puna dessert, where mountains take on so many colors that everything begins to seem unreal.
But the region also offers much more than just nature.
Its culture is defined by the legacy of native and pre-Columbian people, folkoric music, vibrant carnivals, “pachamama” festivals, local artisan traditions, excellent regional cuisine, the best empanadas of Argentina, and a burgeoning wine industry.
There is much to discover here!
1. Talampaya National Park
Photo: Gino Lucas T., CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
One of the “Seven Wonders of Argentina”, the park forms an immense landscape of spectacular rock formations and reddish cliffs
Declared a Natural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO and, together with Ischigualasto Park in the neighboring province of San Juan, it contains the most complete continental set of fossils in the world.
It is a great destination and not very touristy despite its splendor.
One suggestion - don’t visit in summer as the heat can be absolutely unbearable.
2. Iruya (2780 m)
The isolated town of Iruya
The narrow and steep road to the town of Iruya is in itself an adventure; it runs over very high mountains that are admittedly a bit scary! But the fright disappears with the first view of the beauty of this small colonial town.
Iruya literally seems to hang from the mountains and its adobe houses, narrow stone streets, and outstanding panoramic views truly take your breath away as soon as you arrive.
Unlike some other once-enchanting nearby towns that have been corrupted by cheap and tacky tourism ventures, Iruya preserves its original identity despite now being a tourist destination.
3. San Isidro de Iruya (2900 m)
Photo: Juansonde, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If you like trekking and lonely places, don’t hesitate to go on the walk from Iruya to San Isidro (population 250…), a tiny and lovely mountain village that seems to be stopped in time.
To get there, you will head north out of Iruya, following the path of the river. On your way, you’ll cross different landscapes of great natural beauty, with lots of of stunning viewpoints. If you’re lucky, you may catch a sight of a Condor soaring overheard.
The walk takes around 3 hours each way, with the way back being more challenging. It can be hot and the trail is exposed to the sun, so don’t forget water, snacks, and plenty of sunscreen.
A very pleasant option for those with a bit more time is to stay in San Isidro for the night in a rustic posada (a sort of very simple B&B). With little phone service and no internet signal, it’s a chance to disconnect and enjoy the marvelous area in total peace.
4. Cachi (2210 m)
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This small, sleepy town in the Calchaqui Valleys is about a 4 hour drive from the city of Salta.
A colonial village surrounded by outstanding nevados (snow-covered peaks), Cachi offers the chance to witness the heritage of ancient civilizations combined with an incredible natural landscape.
As with most secluded mountain towns, there is not much to do in the village, but that’s part of the appeal; allow yourself to wander with aimlessly through the narrow cobblestone streets lined with adobe houses, or enjoy a peaceful meal combined with great local wine in the main plaza.
Of course if you like being more active, there are alternative activities like visiting nearby vineyards, trekking wonderful paths, or just sitting at some high rock to contemplate your surroundings.
5. Calchaqui Valleys
A typical scene in the Calchaquíes Valleys
I still can’t understand how this place has not been selected on the list of the “7 Wonders of Argentina”. It certainly deserves it.
The Calchaquíes Valleys offer surprising landscapes dotted by small ancestral towns, offering an absolute visual feast for travelers. The system of valleys and mountains extends for 520 km from north to south with colors and shapes that almost defy belief.
The area extends across three provinces of NOA (Catamarca, Tucumán and Salta), but my favorite part is the gravel road that joins the towns of Cachi and Cafayate. Seclantás, Molinos, Angastaco, San Carlos, and Animaná are some of the magical spots you can stop in along this zigzagging road.
6. Alemania and the route from Cafayate to Salta (Cuesta del Obispo)
Photo: Rodrigo Soldon via Flickr
If you take the paved road from the town of Cafayate to the city of Salta you will come across countless wonderful sites. The route runs for about 160 kms and is a fabulous road trip.
The area is home to huge and spectacular natural caves, rivers, paradisiacal vineyards, and the famous Cuesta del Obispo, a beautiful stretch of over 20 kms of winding road that runs along a ridgeline.
You can’t drive the route without making a stop at Alemania, a ghost town with a ghost train station.
No more than 10 families live in town and it owes its name to the German workers who built the railway that runs through town (Alemania means Germany in Spanish). It has become a sort of mythical spot for Argentinians after the publication of “El tren de Alemania”, a famous sonnet by one of Salta’s greatest poets, Manuel J Castilla, who is also the author of some of the country’s most popular Zambas (a folk dance/music).
My recommendation is to take a break here for a quick walk and a cold beer accompanied by a juicy empanada (or 3) from the café at the train station.
7. Salinas Grandes
Salinas Grandes in Jujuy province
The Salinas Grandes, in Jujuy province, is the third largest salt flat in the world with more than 12,000 hectares of salt spread out under an endlessly open sky.
This metaphysical spot can be visited at any time, with dry season (April to October) being the best. But rainy season also has its own appeal. From December to March, the salt pans become covered in water and the expanse begins to resemble a vast, shallow lake that perfectly reflects the sky, creating a surrealist spectacle of turquoise mirrors.
For anyone visiting, the road that runs from the salt pants to the spectacularly colored valley of La Quebrada de Humahuaca is a must. The winding journey rises to 4,170 meters above sea level and passes small towns where native tradition survives, all the while surrounded by colorful mountains and a crystal clear blue sky.
8. Catamarca province
I confess that this is the only Argentine province that I have still not been to, but I need to include it on my list because discerning travelers and locals alike consider it to be one of Argentina’s hidden treasures of; very little-visited but particularly beautiful.
So, while I can’t include any personal recommendations here, if you like solitude, deserts, and moon landscapes, and all with very few people around, here are some places that have come highly recommended to me by trusted colleagues: La Ruta de los Seismiles, Tinogasta, Campo de Piedra Pómez, Fiambalá, and the town of Belén.
Northeast Argentina (NEA & Litoral Regions)
The mighty Iguazu Falls
Northeast Argentina combines two regions, NEA and Litoral. As the name would imply, this is a part of Argentina in the far northeast corner, bordering Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil.
The NEA region’s terrain is predominantly flat, except in Misiones where the flatlands gradually turn into rolling hills. With a warm climate and very abundant rainfall, water is practically everywhere: lagoons, wetlands, and large rivers all crisscross the region, often finishing in spectacular waterfalls like that of Iguazu Falls. A few major waterways are the Paraná, Uruguay, Iguazú, Bermejo, and Pilcomayo.
The region called Litoral shares some of its provinces with NEA, such as Misiones and Corrientes, but also includes Entre Rios and part of Santa Fe.
With great climatic variety, the area is home to low forests of palm trees, savannahs, wide steppes, expansive wetlands, deltas, and some of the best hotsprings in the country. Visitors to the peaceful landscapes are also sure to encounter the region’s distinct music, Chamamé.
A more recent draw to Misiones and Corrientes are the ruins of Jesuit missions (from which the region of Misiones draws its name) that dot the region.
9. Yerba Mate road and surroundings
A Jesuit Mission in Corrientes province
Misiones province is not just Iguazu Falls.
The area surprises at every turn, with its red earth, rivers surrounded by lush vegetation, great culinary tradition, ruins from the Jesuit missionaries (the best known of which are the World Heritage-recognized “Ruinas de San Ignacio”), and a very rich diversity of cultures, including the indigenous Guaraníes, a large native group which keeps its language and traditions.
I suggest travelers to rent a car to explore the diverse treasures of the province and follow the “Yerba mate road” that crosses most of Misiones and also the north of Corrientes province.
The route offers many attractions; the chance to see how yerba mate is processed at local factories, opportunities to immerse oneself in beautiful landscapes, ample hiking on jungle trails, great bird watching, and excellent chances for wildlife spotting, including foxes, monkeys, and the rare (but not impossible) chance of seeing a majestic Jaguar up close.
At the end of your days, contemplate sunset over the waters of the Paraná River. And don’t forget to take your mate - the best companion for this special scenery.
10. Bañado La Estrella (Formosa)
Bañado La Estrella wetlands
Although one of the largest wetlands in South America and a place now included on the list of “7 new natural Argentine wonders”, the area somehow remains virgin, unexplored, and wild. Definitely one of my favorite spots on earth!
During winter months (the only season to come) the area is covered with water as a consequence of flooding from the Pilcomayo river. The result is the creation of a sort of metaphysical landscape that makes you feel as if you are at the beginnings of the world.
On canoe and kayaking excursions, you’ll come across floating algae and camalotes, water lilies, and palm trees surviving underwater. You can also spot the carob tree, quebracho, and the “palo santo”.
When the trees get dry they are covered by climbing plants and vines that together create the marvelous formations that we call “champales”. The trees become completely covered in bright green flora and look like mysteriously shaped green growths protruding from the earth (bad description, Google will do better!).
Most visitors just come for the day from nearby Las Lomitas town (43 km away) where have a few local hotels. This is a shame as the the scenery here changes completely from day to night, and the wetlands at sunrise are totally different from at sunset. So I highly recommend that you instead rent a room in a local family’s house and stay at least one night. If you do, forget about comfort for a night - this is “rustic” Argentina!
11. Colón
Foxes in the El Palmar National Park near to Colón
The town of Colón, located on the banks of the beautiful Uruguay River, is colloquially (and jokingly) known as “Caribe Entrerriano” (Entre Rios Caribbean) due to its natural white sand beaches and clear and calm waters. These river beaches, full of diverse native flora and fauna, are a little treasure!
The town in itself is nothing special, but the river and beaches are. Located on islands in the middle of the river, to reach them you must take a boat, catamaran, or hire a "botero" (a sort of local ferry). This inaccessibility keeps the islands as quiet places with little human activity. All the better for us!
Nearby, you can also visit El Palmar National Park, a natural area famous for its immense forests of yatay palm trees, secluded river beaches, and diverse wildlife beloved by naturalists.
12. Victoria del Agua Hot springs
There are plenty of hot springs in this region but these are the best in my book.
Just few minutes away from Victoria town, this park of 40 hectares offers numerous pools of different shapes, sizes, and temperatures. It is special for many reasons, but particularly because of its location; the springs sit in front of the Paraná River Delta and the Laguna del Pescado, and it is an open air wellness retreat surrounded by untouched nature.
The Cuyo Region - Argentine Wine Country & Andes Mountains
An Andean valley backed by Mt. Aconcagua in Cuyo province
Cuyo means "country of deserts" in the Huarpe Millcayac language of the region’s original inhabitants.
The region is located in the central west of Argentina and is made up of the provinces of Mendoza, San Juan and San Luis.
Most know Cuyo as the main center of wine production in Argentina, and that it is. However, there’s so much more here! While the vineyards hog all the spotlight, much of Cuyo exists in the shadow of the mighty Andes and there is tremendous natural beauty here.
The region has some of the most wonderful national parks, lunar landscapes, outstanding mountains (including Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas), crystalline rivers fed by snow melt, wild animals, and so much more. Everyone from hikers and trekkers to photographers is sure to find something to draw them to Cuyo.
13. Uco Valley (Valle del Uco)
The Uco Valley in autumn
The Uco Valley lies between the frontal range of the Andes Mountains to the West and the Huayquerias desert to the East. It’s not actually off the beaten path, but it is much less visited than the wineries immediately surrounding the nearby city of Mendoza, so I’ve included it.
It is said to be the most important geographic spots for wine production, due to its climate, soil, and minerals. While most people just come for the vineyards (and they are rather stunning), there is lots more to do here, such as trekking, fly fishing, rafting, kayaking, and horse-back riding.
The scenery formed by vineyards and farms set against the backdrop of the snow-covered Andes is simply paradisiacal.
14. Valle del Zonda
Photo: EagLau, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Zonda Valley is a privileged area with a unique microclimate. It is an oasis located in the center south of the province of San Juan, an agricultural area where vineyards, fruit orchards, and olive groves are predominant.
Zonda is one of the most beautiful sites in San Juan and still quite unexplored; surrounded by dams, valleys, and peaks. It offers outdoor activities like trekking, with quiet and safe paths far from any tourist circuits.
Pay attention to the name - it comes from the Zonda wind, a hot, humid wind that can drive you crazy and blows from May to November. I would very much recommend not coming during this period!
15. La Carolina and around
A high desert plateau in San Luis province
This enchanting treasure in San Luis province is certainly worth a visit.
Just an hour from the provincial capital (also named San Luis), this small mining town of 300 inhabitants offers reminders of its colonial past and stands in the middle of incredible landscapes; surrounded by soaring mountains and deep valleys.
Although the gold mines have long been extinguished, the mines and tunnels remain and can be visited on interesting tours.
There is little to do in the town itself, which is good because you should focus on the outdoors here! While there’s nothing specific to visit in town, it’s a good place to slow down and relax for an afternoon or a day or two.
Services are basic, but you have a few posadas in town and in the nearby countryside.
Connect with our Argentina travel expert Maria for help perfecting your itinerary, answers to all your travel questions, and fabulous local tips for a better visit!
Central Region - Las Pampas
Las Pampas
Located smack in the center of Argentina, the Central Region is primarily affiliated with Argentina’s vast plains and grasslands, known as the Pampa. It’s also home to the nation’s capital, Buenos Aires.
The region comprises the provinces of Córdoba, Santa Fé, La Pampa, Entre Ríos, and Buenos Aires. Most of the land here is extremely flat, with the exception of a few hilly areas like Tandil and Sierra de la Ventana in Buenos Aires Province or the extroardinary “Sierras de Cordoba” (Pampa mountains) of Cordoba Province.
This is undoubtedly the region of Argentina that best preserves the country’s gaucho traditions, with many festivals, gaucho parades, colonial towns, rural estancias, and those moving sunsets over the endless pampas. And of course, the best beef and asados (barbecue) anywhere in South America!
16. Los Tuneles de Chancani
Photo: Kupaokupa, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In the vicinity of Chancani, this is a very special spot that matches natural landscapes with those mad by man. These tunnels were made as part of a road work of five steps below the mountain, forming probably the most imposing panoramic view of the region. From some viewpoints, you can see the Quebrada de la Mermela, and a waterfall known as the "veil of the bride".
Below, extensive forest plains mark the provincial boundary. You can make a very beautiful walk among precipies, extinct volcanoes, and amazing views and you can even be surprised by the majesic condors that overfly the tunnels.
17. Valle de Traslasierra
The Traslasierra valley outside of Cordoba
Its hard to pick a favorite spot in Cordoba, an amazing province, but the Traslasierra valley is a definite candidate. It has some of the most virgin rivers ever, with the most pure and clear waters, deep pools to swim in between the giant stones.
Follow the road of the small picturesque hilly towns that form this region, most of them tourist towns surrounded by extraordinary scenery, huge standard hotels and restaurants.
Now, if you really want to feel you are one of the first inhabitants in the earth explore the least known corners in the out of the beaten path towns, and maybe pick any season but summer to visit this area. Early autumn and late spring are the best.
18. Cerro Champaqui
Photo: eleviva, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This is the highest mountain in Cordoba (2790mts over sea level) One of the main attractions for trekkers and adventurous. There are two ways to climb it, either from Traslasierra valley (which is a direct and harder way, just in a day) or from Calamuchita Valley, a three day walk staying overnight in the mountain refuges.
Even if it is not a high demanding path, it sometimes can get hard. But the way is so inspiring and the aim of the peak and the wonderful surroundings, the pure waters rocks and moon landscapes encourage you to keep on walking. From the top you can see the most extraordinary landscapes of both Calamuchita and Traslasierra Valleys.
19. San Antonio de Areco
Just one hour and a half riding from Buenos Aires city, stands this quiet and pleasant colonial town, well-known for its cobbled streets and picturesque houses but also for being the cradle of the Gaucho tradition and the most important center of silverwork in the country.
You can visit silver workshops and gaucho stores, the Gaucho Museum and Silver Museum, or wonder around to explore the different gastronomical options, all with traditional flavor. You can also visit one of the tourist ranches nearby, and enjoy an unforgettable “asado” (barcbecue) and horse riding and a folkloric dance show.
In November (normally the second weekend) Gaucho parades and equestrian demonstrations attract local and international tourism.
Patagonia
Guanacos grazing beneath the peaks of Torres del Paine National Park
We’ve reached the paradise of Argentina - Patagonia!
This exceptional region has inspired travelers, explorers and naturalists of all times and is now part of the world wide attractions, a mystical, mythical and really extraordinary land. This huge region is subdivided into North (Rio Negro and Neuquen) and South Patagonia (Chubut and Santa Cruz Province), and Extreme South (Tierra del Fuego).
I will focus in the Southernmost areas, as I feel they are the most unique; immense wild territory with virgin forests and unexplored beaches, petrified forests, lonely long gravel roads to meet nobody, and, sorry it’s not a personal opinion based on my love for my loving country; I mean it: in Patagonia you will find the most spectacular natural sceneries in earth.
I will offer suggestions of some very special spots from the main three ecosystems, coast, steppe and Mountain range but please remember that this region is worth visiting many times or in one very long trip, cause there is a lot to enjoy: the following list includes just few of those “many many many” sites to be seen.
For an idea on how to plan a Patagonia itinerary (including many of these places), check out our two week Patagonia itinerary.
20. Cañadon del Rio Pinturas
Photo: Maxima20, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This is a remote and extraordinary canyon formed by the erosion of Pinturas River is located at 160 km away from Perito Moreno town in the middle of the steppe. House of two main attractions, Cueva de las Manos and Alero Charcamata, fantastic archaeological sites that offer clear evidence of the presence of the Pretehuelche aborigines from 5 to 13.000 years ago.
The caves conserve artistic ancient paintings, mainly hand motifs, and can be reached after spectacular walks or riding, you can either do it on your own or with organized excursions. This treasure on Route 40 is out of the tourist path, and it is one of the favorite spots for adventurous and desert lovers.
21. Lago San Martin
San Martin lake seen from Mirador Bandurrias viewpoint
This turquoise extraordinary lake is ideal for nature lovers that like wildness and loneliness combined with fun and adventure. It’s the highest lake in Patagonia and ends in the Pacific Ocean, was the last lake to be discovered at the end of XIX th century.
You will need to stay at one of the several estancias nearby to be able to explore the forests and shores of this wonderful area, with organized excursions; short or long trekkings or horse riding though mountains and forests, with camping on tents or some of the local typical refuges in the valleys surrounded by virgin woods and over paradisiac beaches that reveal their tropical past millions of years ago.
22. Los Antiguos
Photo: ANDY ABIR ALAN, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Los Antiguos, meaning “the ancient people” is a small beautiful town build on the shores of Buenos Aires Lake, the second largest lake in South America, after Titicaca.
This farming town situated in the extreme northwest of Santa Cruz is rich in variety of fruit plantations and is the National Capital of Cherry; the environment offers a natural spectacle when September begins and the cherry blossoms dye all the farms white.
It is from December to the beginning of March when visitors can taste the export quality Cherries, the star of the region. Walking by the shores of the lake is a must, the waters are sometimes so wavy that on windy days the lakes seems to be a sea. One of the best qualities of this town is that is out of the beaten path this makes it special and unique.
This majestic glacier, declared the 8th Wonder of the world, is also the third most important ice surface, and is visited by thousands of local and foreign tourists every day. The spectacular scenery, the immense thunderous glacier makes it one of those places you can´t skip.
The nearest town is Calafate (km away) every day buses and organized excursions take you to the National Park, but you can also go on your own. Local agencies offer you trekkings over the ice but in my opinion (unless you walk farther away from crowded groups) the best activity is navigating through the lakes to see diverse and extraordinary glaciers, like the Upsala and Spegazzini.
23. Puerto Deseado
Photo: Andreacav7, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This town is a treasure in Southern Patagonia coast, on the road of the least known reserves for marine fauna sighting. The town was born at the end of 19th Century as a sheep farming town, built with natural local stones carved by Yugoslav stonecutters and some houses conserve an English style, like the old railway.
But probably the main attraction here are the incredible landcapes that forma Natural Reserve, settled on volcanic outcrops of Jurassic, it has lonely rocky pleasant beaches, the incredible turquoise Ria Deseado a long arm of the sea in the middle of high cliffs and caves, several species of birds, cormorans, magellanic and rockhopper penguins, gyant petrel, sea lyons, bottlenose dolphins and the smallest dolphin in the world.
Take a day to sail or drive to the Darwin view points, a huge and steep reddish canyon of hundreds meters high that end in a clear water with yellowish bottom where the Ria connects with the MAR Argentino. In words of the English Naturalist Darwin: “the most isolated place in the world”.
Maria Casiraghi
Argentina Expert based in Buenos Aires
¡Hola y buenos días! 👋
Hi, I'm Maria, and I've been a tour guide and travel consultant here in Argentina for the last 20 years. If you're looking for some local advice on your trip, I'd love to help!
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