Argentina Bucket List
By Katie Arango
If you’re planning a trip to Argentina, you’re probably already planning some time in the capital city, Buenos Aires. And while that fair city does have a lot to offer, it certainly should not be your one and only stop in this marvelous country. Here are some spots to add to your lista de balde!
Behold Iguazú Falls
Very few photos of Iguazú do these tropical waterfalls justice! (Plus, you’ll need a video if you’re going to capture the sheer force of the Garganta del Diablo!) Located right on the border between Argentina and Brazil, the waterfalls are best viewed from both sides; Brazil has the “better” paranoramic vistas, while on the Argentine side you can get practically inside the falls. Highlights of the trip include a boat ride into the falls….literally, wandering around the paths and exploring all of the waterfalls, meeting some friendly coatís and just taking in the amazing jungle flora and fauna. If you have time, seeing a bit more of Misiones is highly encouraged!
Hike Glaciers National Park
Way down in the province of Santa Cruz, you can find Glaciers National Park, one of the most breathtaking sites imaginable. Hike the glaciers themselves, or take a boat tour for more spectacular views. One of the only advancing glaciers in the world, odds are you’ll be able to see (and hear!) the huge chunks of ice that calve off the glacier and crash into Lake Argentino. Glaciers National Park is also a stop along the epic road trip, Ruta 40, so rather than just flying in and out of Santa Cruz, consider renting a car!
Visit Mendoza’s Wineries
Argentina’s answer to Napa Valley, Mendoza is the Malbec world’s capital. Over 70 percent of wine in this wine loving country comes from this region. You can tour some of the most important wineries in Argentina. And after you’ve had your fill of Malbec and Torrontés, try hiking, rafting, visit hot springs. Mendoza is also home to Aconcagua, one of the tallest mountains in the world.
Whale and Penguin watching in Puerto Madryn
Although you can see orcas, seals, dophins and other marine life off the coast of most of Argentina, Puerto Madryn is one of the best places around for whale watching. Southern Right Whales, which can reach just shy of 50 feet long, and can weigh up to 40 tons can be seen from both boat and shore. And from Madryn you can take a day trip to Punta Tombo, a penguin colony where you can get up close and personal with thousands of Magellanic Peguins.
See the Seven Colors Mountain in Jujuy
No trip to Argentina is complete without making the trek up to the colorful, rugged deserts of the Northwest of the country, characterized by kilometer after kilometer beautiful rock formations. El Cerro de los siete colores (Hill of 7 colors) near the Quebrada de Pumamarca is undoubtedly one most well known landmarks and a symbol of this part of the country. By the way, we think seven colors might be a conservative estimate!
Of course, this list is not all that Argentina has to offer! Have you got a favorite place in Argentina that’s not on our list? Let us know in the comments section below!
Iguazú photo credit – Glaciers photo credit – Mendoza photo credit – Penguins photo credit – Jujuy photo credit
Katie Arango
Program Director, Argentina:Katie, a US native, had traveled to Buenos Aires on several extended trips before the citys lure became too strong and she decided to call it home. Long fascinated by the global scene, Katie earned a degree in International Studies from Miami University and spent time studying and living in Madrid, Spain. She then worked in marketing for an international board game company followed by a brief foray as an online community editor for several websites before joining the Connect-123 team. Still a tourist at heart herself, Katie loves watching newcomers discover the charm of Buenos Aires and takes great pleasure in helping them make the most out of their work and volunteer opportunities while experiencing everything this dynamic city has to offer.
