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5 interesting cities you definitely should check out in Argentina

ByIan Goodwillie|
CALAFATE, ARGENTINA - APRIL 04: The shores of Lake Argentina are seen at the place which, according to photographic records, was covered by the currently rapidly-receding Upsala glacier on April 4, 2019 in the Los Glaciares National Park in Santa Cruz province, Argentina. There are more than 300 glaciers in the southwestern Argentinian side of the Andes mountain range, many of which are accessible to visitors in the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares and other national parks. With its economy in a downspin and the Peso losing half its value against foreign currency in the last year, the country has seen a spur in tourists taking advantage of bargain travel prices. (Photo by David Silverman/Getty Images)
CALAFATE, ARGENTINA - APRIL 04: The shores of Lake Argentina are seen at the place which, according to photographic records, was covered by the currently rapidly-receding Upsala glacier on April 4, 2019 in the Los Glaciares National Park in Santa Cruz province, Argentina. There are more than 300 glaciers in the southwestern Argentinian side of the Andes mountain range, many of which are accessible to visitors in the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares and other national parks. With its economy in a downspin and the Peso losing half its value against foreign currency in the last year, the country has seen a spur in tourists taking advantage of bargain travel prices. (Photo by David Silverman/Getty Images)

There’s just something about Argentina. It’s one of those countries that has achieved an almost mythical status in the minds of tourists from around the world. It typifies everything amazing about traveling to South America.

Naturally, cities like Buenos Aires and Córdoba are high up the destination lists, and rightfully so. They are incredible experiences. But Argentina has several outstanding cities that are more than worth putting in the time and effort to visit.

Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina

Often referred to simply as Comodoro, this city serves an incredibly important purpose in southern Argentina. At almost 200,000 people, it’s the largest city that far south, and is a key economic center for the entire region.

There are a few interesting museums to check out around town, not to mention several excellent restaurants and cafes. But being right on the Atlantic Ocean and buried in Patagonia makes for some unique opportunities just outside of the city, too.

Mendoza, Argentina

Argentina
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – MARCH 28: Detail of José Fioravanti’s sea lion sculpture in front of an unusually empty promenade of Central Casino of Mar del Plata due to the compulsory lock down to halt COVID-19 spread on March 28, 2020 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. President Fernandez ordered a total lock down until end of March to stop spread of COVID-19. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has spread to many countries across the world, claiming over 20,000 lives and infecting hundreds of thousands more. (Photo by Fabian Gastiarena/Getty Images)

On the other hand, Mendoza is about as far away from the Atlantic Ocean as you can get in Argentina. The funny part is that it’s quite close to the country’s border with Chile. It’s a quicker trip to the Pacific coast through another country than it is to the Atlantic through Argentina.

As one of the largest cities in Argentina, Mendoza has no shortage of things to do. This is a city obsessed with wine, so take one of several wine tours or hit up the Museo Nacional del Vino. The Cachueta Thermal Baths are an excellent place to relax after a hard day of exploring vineyards.

Santa Fe, Argentina

There are a lot of cities named Santa Fe in the world, and the one in Argentina does not disappoint. It’s near the point that the Paraná and Salado rivers meet, and is a relatively short drive northwest from Buenos Aires.

Stopping by the waterfront to check out the city’s famous suspension bridge is an absolute must. There are a lot of historical neighborhoods and museums to visit, including the Rosa Galisteo de Rodriguez Fine Arts Museum.

Mar del Plata, Argentina

Argentina
FUTALEUFU, CHILE – JANUARY 13: A professional kayaker paddles through “Terminator”, a class 5+ white water rapid in the river Futaleufu, on January 13, 2021 in Futaleufu, Chile. Tourism has been one of the most hard hit sectors due to the pandemic that began at the beginning of 2020. In Futaleufu, a small town located in a remote part of the Chilean Patagonia, Adventure Rafting and Kayak tour agencies such as Bochinche Expediciones have seen their clientele decrease by 90%, in a year that was supposed to be the best in decades for chilean tourism. This agency decided to stay open – in contrast to some of its competitors who forcibly had to close -, and take the time to train part of the staff to guide in white waters. Futaleufu River is considered a top class white water river in the world or kayaking and rafting. (Photo by Ronald Patrick/Getty Images)

South of Buenos Aires and right on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Mar del Plata is an absolutely stunning place. The name translates to “Sea of Silver” and that is definitely accurate to say the least. It is a place filled with incomparable beauty.

The beaches are the top spot here, which probably isn’t a surprise. This is also the place to eat some of the best seafood in the country, not to mention the outstanding nightlife. But Mar del Plata also has an exceptional aquarium that demands to be explored.

San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina

Buried deep in northwestern Argentina is San Miguel de Tucumán. This landlocked city might not have the appeal of an oceanside community but it does rest on the slopes of the Aconquija mountains, which are the definition of picturesque.

The city is filled with amazing, historic buildings and architecture covering a variety of eras. The Parque Sierra de San Javier is wonderful green space to explore, particularly if you’re a birder. And the short hike to Rio Noque Waterfall is always worth taking.

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