Argentina is one of the most diverse countries in the world and also a favorite country of mine in South America. What has been most impressive about Argentina is the diverse landscape and landmarks in Argentina that you can see in different parts of the country.
From the drastic landscape of Patagonia in the South to the tropical impressive Iguazu waterfalls up north and the bustling city life of Buenos Aires, there is a lot to see and do in Buenos Aires.
These are some of the most famous landmarks and tourist attractions you can see in Argentina that will help shed some light on the culture and history of the country.
Most Famous Landmark in Argentina
Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls is a waterfall system on the border between Argentina and Brazil. The falls are on the Iguazu River, which flows from the Parana Plateau in Brazil to the Atlantic Ocean. Iguazu Falls consist of 275 waterfalls along 2.7 kilometers of the Iguazu River.
The height of the falls ranges from 60 to 82 meters (197 to 269 ft), with an average of 67 meters (220 ft). The width of the falls varies from 150 to 1,500 meters (490 to 4,920 ft).
The Iguazu Falls are in subtropical rainforest surrounding, with majority of the rainfall occuring between December and March. In the heavy rain months, a whopping 39 million liters of water can tumble down the falls per second.
The Devil’s Throat is the most impressive section of Iguazu Falls, with a width of 150 meters (490 ft) and a height of 82 meters (269 ft). It is right at the center of the waterfall ecosystem on Argentina’s side.
Buenos Aires, Argentina Landmarks
Plaza de Mayo
Plaza de Mayo is the most important political site in Argentina. You can find the square in downtown Buenos Aires, this square has been the scene of many protests and important political events.
Around the plaza, you will be able to see the Casa Rosada (President’s House), Buenos Aires City Hall, and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Plaza de Mayo is a common meeting place and the best place to start your journey to learn more about Argentina’s history.
Casa Rosada
The Casa Rosada is the president’s house and one of the most iconic governmental buildings in Buenos Aires. The building gets its name from the pink color exterior.
Today, the president only uses a small part of this large complex for working and living quarters. You can tour some of the rooms that are open to the public.
Congreso National
The National Congress is the legislative branch of the Argentine government. The beautiful building was completed in 1906 and is home to the Senate and Chamber of Deputies.
You can take a tour of Congreso National and learn more about how Argentina’s government works. The congress is on Avenida de Mayo, which connects Plaza de Mayo with the presidential palace.
The Obelisk
The Obelisk is a national icon and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Argentina. The monument was built in 1936 to commemorate the country’s centennial.
The obelisk sits on Avenida de Mayo, at the end of Plaza de Mayo and is famous spot for hosting protests today.
Teatro Colón
Teatro Colón is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. The theater opened its doors in 1908 and since then has been host to some of the most important performers in classical music.
The acoustic in the main hall is one of the best in the world rivaling that of other famous theaters in Europe.
If you’re a fan of opera or classical music, you can’t miss a visit to Teatro Colón. The theater offers guided tours in English and Spanish, but the best way to experience it is to catch a show.
Recoleta Cemetery
Recoleta Cemetery is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Argentina. Famous for its architecture and winding paths, it’s a wonderful place to stroll through on a beautiful day. It also has some famous residents, including Eva Peron!
But there are other things that make Recoleta Cemetery worth visiting too. For example, did you know that it’s home to the largest collection of public art in Buenos Aires? It’s true! There are over 600 sculptures on-site, making it a veritable outdoor museum.
La Bombonera
La Bombonera Stadium is the home of Boca Juniors, one of the most popular football clubs in Argentina. The stadium was built in 1940 and has been host to some of the most important matches in Argentine football history.
If you’re a fan of football or just want to experience the passionate atmosphere of a South American football match, don’t miss a visit to La Bombonera.
Other Famous Landmarks in Argentina
Monumento a la Bandera
Monumento a la Bandera (monument to the flag) is a monument in Rosario, Argentina. The monument was created by sculptor Luis Perlotti and inaugurated in 1927.
The Monument is considered one of the most characteristic symbols of Argentine identity in Rosario by many people who live there. It is also an important tourist attraction for people visiting Argentina because it has different meanings depending on what country you are from.
Tigre River Delta
The Tigre River Delta is a vast and unique wetland area near Buenos Aires. The delta covers an area of about 3,000 square kilometers and consists of approximately 4,500 islands and 150 channels.
The main river that flows into the delta is the Tigre River, which takes its name from the native tribe that once inhabited this region. The wetlands are a popular tourist destination, offering visitors ample opportunities for fishing, bird watching, hiking, and boating.
San Ignacio Miní
San Ignacio Miní is a former Jesuit reduction in Argentina in the province of Misiones. It was founded in 1691 by Father Luis de Valdés. The reduction consists of a church, a college, a residence for the missionaries, and workshops for the natives.
It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
The name San Ignacio Miní comes from the Guaraní word meaning “little St. James”. The town was abandoned in 1767 following the decree of the expulsion of the Jesuits from Spanish America.
Catedral de Córdoba
The Catedral de Córdoba is a Roman Catholic Church in the city of Córdoba. The church dates back to the 16th century and is one of the most important religious landmarks in Argentina.
The cathedral is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning interior design. The church is also home to several important religious relics.
Natural Landmarks of Argentina
Monte Fitz Roy
Monte Fitz Roy, also known as Cerro Chaltén, is a mountain in the Patagonian Andes of South America. It is in the Los Glaciares National Park, in the Santa Cruz province.
The mountain was named after Robert FitzRoy, who was captain of HMS Beagle during Charles Darwin’s voyage aboard it.
The peak is 11,073 feet (3,374 m) high and is one of the most popular climbing destinations in the world. Fitzroy has been extensively glaciated, with many crevasses and icefalls.
A popular day hike from El Chalten is the Laguna de Los Trek trek that takes you to a stunning viewpoint of Mount Fitz Roy.
Perito Moreno Glacier
Another famous natural landmark in Argentina is Perito Moreno Glacier, which is a glacier in southwestern Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in Patagonia.
The Southern Patagonian Ice Field which spans across Chile and Argentina, is responsible for feeding 48 glaciers, one of which is the Perito Moreno Glacier. This ice field is the third largest reserve of fresh water in the world, after Russia’s Lake Baikal and Canada’s Hudson Bay.
The glacier has an area of 250 square kilometers (97 sq mi) and a depth of170 meters (560 ft). It is one of only three glaciers in South America that are growing instead of receding.
The reason for this growth is partly due to global warming melting neighboring glaciers which then flow into Perito Moreno.
Mount Aconcagua
The Mount Aconcagua in the Andes of Argentina is the highest mountain peak in South America. At an elevation of 22,838 feet (6,961 meters), Mount Aconcagua is also the tallest mountain range on earth.
The first recorded ascent of Mount Aconcagua was made in 1897 by a German expedition. The mountain is part of the Aconcagua Provincial Park, which was established in 1983 to protect the area’s natural environment.
The park is also home to a variety of animal species, including pumas, deer, and condors. Mendoza is the nearest prominent city to this impressive Argentine landmark.
Península Valdés
The Península Valdés is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Chubut Province. It was inscribed on the list in 1999. The peninsula is a large, elongated peninsula with an area of approx. 3,250 km2 (1,250 sq mi).
Península Valdés is popular for its wildlife, especially its marine mammals. It has the world’s largest colony of Magellanic penguins, as well as sizable populations of elephant seals, whales, and dolphins.
You can sometimes find Orcas off the coast, preying on marine mammals. Other wildlife includes guanacos, maras (a type of hare), rheas (a type of flightless bird), and ñandúes (a type of ostrich).
Quebrada de Humahuaca
The Quebrada de Humahuaca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the province of Jujuy, Argentina. It’s is known for its dramatic landscape, colorful mountains, and indigenous culture.
The area has been inhabited by humans for over 10,000 years, and the Quebrada de Humahuaca is home to some of the country’s most important archaeological sites.
Some of the most popular tourist attractions in the Quebrada de Humahuaca include the Pucará de Tilcara, a pre-Hispanic fort; the Iglesia de Santa Bárbara, a colonial church; and the Museo de Arqueología de Jujuy, which houses a collection of indigenous artifacts.
The Salinas Grandes
The Salinas Grandes are a series of large salt flats in Jujuy Province. These flats are the largest in the country and one of the largest in the world.
The flats are used to produce table salt and other minerals, and they are a popular tourist attraction. The area is also known for its wildflowers, which bloom in the spring.
Salinas Grandes don’t get sufficient recognition because it is near the famous Salar de Uyuni. However, it is still an incredible natural landmark in Argentina.
Jujuy city is known for its colonial architecture and for being the gateway to the Andes Mountains. The city is also home to a number of museums and galleries.
Tierra del Fuego National Park
Tierra del Fuego National Park is a national park in the southernmost tip of South America. The park was established in 1960 and has an area of 63,000 hectares (155,000 acres).
The park ranges in elevation from sea level to mountains reaching up to 900 meters (2953 feet). There are several glaciers, such as the Marinelli Glacier. The park is home to many animals including guanacos, hares, foxes, and over 100 species of birds.
It is home to the Southern Fuegian Railway (End of The World Train), and a common nature getaway if you are visiting Ushuaia.
Talampaya Canyon
The Talampaya Canyon is in the northwest part of the La Rioja Province. The canyon is a part of the Talampaya National Park.
The park was founded in 1997, and has an area of 2,181 square kilometers. The canyon was formed by the Desaguadero River, which runs through the canyon.
The Talampaya Canyon is one of the most popular tourist landmarks in Argentina. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Talampaya Canyon is famous for its red rocks and cliffs. It is also home to a variety of plants and animals.
Discovering Landmarks in Argentina
If you’re looking for an amazing and diverse travel experience, Argentina is definitely a place to consider You can explore vibrant metropolitan areas like Buenos Aires, see beautiful glaciers in Tierra del Fuego National Park, or take a trip on the End of the World Train.
And that’s just scratching the surface – there are plenty of other incredible landmarks and tourist attractions in Argentina waiting to be discovered.
