Argentina boasts a wealth of attractions that could fill multiple volumes of an encyclopedia if explored in depth. One of its foremost treasures is its breathtaking natural beauty. In this brief overview, we've compiled a concise list of parks highlighting their key points of interest. However, delving deeper into Argentina's natural parks reveals an abundance of captivating destinations.
Each year, millions of tourists from around the globe flock to Argentina, drawn primarily by its most compelling attraction: nature. Spanning a vast distance from north to south, the country encompasses an array of diverse landscapes. Let's begin by exploring the names of some of Argentina's remarkable natural wonders.
Here's a concise list of some of Argentina's remarkable National Parks:
- Iguazú National Park: Located 18 km from the city of Puerto Iguazú, its main attraction is the world-famous Iguazú Falls, straddling the border of Brazil and Argentina.
- Iberá National Park: Among the largest wetlands in Latin America, it covers a vast area of 250 by 150 kilometers in the province of Corrientes, making it the second largest wetland in the region.
- Los Glaciares National Park: Situated in Argentine Patagonia, this park features two main sections, with lakes Argentino and Viedma. Its star attraction is the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier, which moves at a rate of one and a half meters per day, occasionally producing thunderous ice calvings.
- Nahuel Huapi National Park: One of Argentina's earliest national parks, spanning from the southeastern Neuquén Province to the northeast of Río Negro Province. Key highlights include the extinct volcano Tronador, covered in glaciers, and the mountain lake Nahuel Huapi.
Lanin National Park: Located in Neuquén, Lanin National Park is renowned for its rare tree species, including Notophagus oblique and alpine, as well as the massive Lanin volcano, glacial lakes such as Lacar, Uekulafken, Alumine, and numerous rivers.
Talampaya National Park: Known as the land of the dinosaurs, Talampaya takes you back more than 200 million years to the Triassic period when lagosuchians, ancestors of dinosaurs, roamed the La Rioja province. Fossils of these hare-sized creatures have been discovered here, and the park features relict flora, fauna, and otherworldly mountain landscapes.
Chaco National Park: Located in the eastern part of the Gran Chaco Plain, Chaco National Park preserves remnants of the pristine East Chaco wilderness. Established in 1954, it safeguards the unique savannah landscapes that survived extensive deforestation.
Valdes Peninsula: Situated in the northeastern province of Chubut, Valdes is a peninsula reserve washed by the Atlantic Ocean.
Los Cardones National Park: This park is known for its giant cacti fields, stretching from 3 to 5 kilometers above sea level. Special cardon cacti, in the form of branching columns, can reach an impressive age of 300 years and a height of three meters.
Ischigualasto Provincial Park: Ischigualasto is famous for its archaeological excavations, relic flora and fauna, and unique lunar landscapes.
Argentina boasts a variety of top attractions worth exploring:
- The Obelisk in Buenos Aires: This iconic monument stands at the heart of Buenos Aires in Plaza de la República, marking the spot where the Argentine flag was first raised. It's a symbol of the capital city.
- Nuestra Señora de Loreto: Located in the Candelaria department of Misiones province, this is one of the Jesuit settlements established in the 17th century. The baroque churches of the Jesuit missions, including this one, were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
- The Ruins of San Ignacio Mini: Situated in Misiones province, this mission was founded in 1632 and is one of the 30 missions established by the Jesuits in the region. Its architectural style is known as Baroque Guarani, named after the indigenous people of the area.
- San Francisco Cathedral in Salta: A prominent attraction in Salta, this cathedral houses statues of the Virgin Mary and Christ, believed by some to have healing powers and to protect the city from earthquakes.
- "Train in the Clouds": This remarkable landmark in Salta offers a daily journey into the Andes, reaching an altitude of 4,200 meters and passing through breathtaking canyon-filled landscapes.
Argentina offers a wealth of attractions to explore:
- The Hill of Seven Colors: Located in Purmamarca, this unique mountain range can be seen from the main street of the charming mud-brick old town. The hill's vibrant colors, including yellow, red, orange, purple, and pink, create a mesmerizing landscape.
- Santa Rosa de Lima Temple: Situated in Purmamarca, this historic temple was constructed in 1648 and has since been designated as a national monument.
- Uachichocana: Near Purmamarca, this site offers both archaeological and rock art wonders. It's in close proximity to Quebrada de Humahuaca, a narrow mountain valley known for its stunning topography.
- El Calafate: This village is nestled in western Patagonia along the shores of Lake Lago Argentino, at the base of the Andes. It's a starting point for excursions to the coastal glaciers in the far south.
- Mendoza: While Mendoza is renowned for its winemaking, the nearby Aconcagua Peak steals the spotlight as the highest mountain in the Americas, towering at 6,959 meters.
When deciding what sights to see in Argentina, your choices are diverse. You can opt for a brief tour of Buenos Aires before heading to the coast or mountains. You might explore the "Patagonian Express" from Escuela to Ingeniero-Jacobacci or embark on the "Train in the Clouds," linking Salta and San Antonio de los Cobres. And if you've made it this far, consider a trip to the reserves of this enchanting country. We can help you find the most intriguing tours through tripmydream.
