The question of which cities to visit in Argentina stems from a simple factor: it's a vast country with incredible geographical diversity. From subtropical rainforests in the far northeast to glaciers and mountain ranges in the far south , passing through densely populated metropolises and high-altitude desert valleys. Therefore, the answer depends on your travel interests.
In this article, we detail the five best cities to visit in Argentina . We won't just list their attractions, but will also analyze the distances, access routes, and logistics needed to travel between them .
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Mendoza, Puerto Iguazú, and Purmamarca consistently rank among the most visited cities in Argentina year after year. You'll find structured itinerary options, recommendations for getting around, and suggestions for excursions.
Ushuaia: the gateway to Antarctica
Ushuaia is the southernmost of the cities in southern Argentina worth visiting . Located in the province of Tierra del Fuego, this city lies on the shores of the Beagle Channel and is flanked by the Andes Mountains. It is one of the few Argentine towns located west of the mountain range.
Logistics in Ushuaia require careful consideration of distances. Malvinas Argentinas International Airport is located just 5 kilometers from the city center. The region's main attraction, Tierra del Fuego National Park, is accessible 11 kilometers from the city via National Route 3.
Within the park, the road ends at Lapataia Bay, marking the end of the Pan-American Highway. For winter sports enthusiasts, the Cerro Castor ski resort is located 26 kilometers from the city, also on Route 3 but heading north.
Navigation and nature at the End of the World
The weather conditions in Patagonia require suitable vehicles and careful planning. To ensure your itinerary is perfect, we recommend booking tour packages in Ushuaia . This option includes essential activities: guided tours along the trails of Tierra del Fuego National Park, a visit to the End of the World Train , and the classic catamaran cruise on the Beagle Channel .
During this trip, the boats depart from the central port and travel approximately 20 kilometers along the channel to see the Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse and the colonies of sea lions and cormorants on the rocky islets. Another highlight of these packages is the land and sea excursion to Martillo Island , one of the few places in Argentina where you can walk alongside Magellanic penguins.
Mendoza: the wine center and the high mountains
Mendoza is one of Argentina's most beautiful cities thanks to its urban planning. Its distinctive feature is the network of irrigation canals and ditches winding through tree-lined streets and lush green plazas, designed to mitigate seismic activity. It is the heart of the Cuyo region and the undisputed capital of Malbec wine.
To explore the wine offerings, it's necessary to venture beyond the city center. The most traditional wineries are concentrated in the departments of Luján de Cuyo and Maipú , located about 20 kilometers south of the city, accessible via National Route 40. For those seeking higher altitude vineyards, the Uco Valley is 100 kilometers away.
To the west, National Route 7 connects the city to the Chilean border through the Andes Mountains. This high mountain road stretches 180 kilometers from downtown Mendoza to the entrance of Aconcagua Provincial Park , passing through towns such as Uspallata and the geological formation of Puente del Inca (Inca Bridge).
Wine routes and expeditions to the Andes
Driving your own vehicle after wine tastings at different wineries is neither safe nor legal. Therefore, the best option is to purchase tour packages in Mendoza . These services include daily transfers from your hotel to the Luján de Cuyo or Valle de Uco regions, as well as guided tours of the wineries and wine-paired lunches.
These packages also include the High Mountain excursion along Route 7 , which allows you to comfortably reach the viewpoint of Cerro Aconcagua (the highest peak in the Americas). They also feature active tourism activities such as rafting on the rapids of the Mendoza River .
Puerto Iguazu: Waterfalls and jungle in the North
In the far northeast of the country, in the province of Misiones, Puerto Iguazú serves as the logistical base for visiting one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World . It is one of the Argentine cities to visit that boasts a humid subtropical climate year-round.
Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport (IGR) is located 20 kilometers from the city center. Access to Iguazú National Park (Argentine side) is 18 kilometers from the city via National Route 12.
Within the park, you can explore three main circuits: the Lower Circuit (1.4 kilometers of walkways), the Upper Circuit (1.7 kilometers) and the route to the Devil's Throat , which is accessed via an ecological train followed by a 1.1-kilometer walk over the Iguazu River.
The city also borders Brazil and Paraguay at the Three Borders Landmark . The Tancredo Neves International Bridge connects Puerto Iguazú with Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil), located just 15 kilometers away.
Exploring Iguazu National Park
Exploring the park's walkways requires a full day and moderate physical exertion. Using tour packages in Iguazu guarantees transportation from your accommodation to the national park's visitor center at strategic times to avoid crowds.
These programs include guided tours with experts on the flora and fauna of the Misiones rainforest and facilitate arrangements for crossing the border and taking a half-day excursion to the Brazilian side of the falls , where a comprehensive panoramic view of the entire system of cascades awaits. Additionally, they allow for the addition of historical visits to the southern part of the province, such as the Jesuit Ruins of San Ignacio Miní, located 240 kilometers away along Route 12.
Purmamarca: the heart of Northwest Argentina
Purmamarca, in the province of Jujuy, is a small town of pre-Hispanic origin that serves as the ideal starting point for exploring the Quebrada de Humahuaca and the Puna . Its altitude is a factor to consider: it is located 2,324 meters above sea level.
The town is located 65 kilometers north of San Salvador de Jujuy (the provincial capital), accessible via National Route 9. Purmamarca sits at the very base of the Hill of Seven Colors . From the town center, you can take the Paseo de los Colorados, a 3-kilometer dirt path that circles the geological formations.
Heading west along National Route 52, the road climbs steeply up the Lipán Pass, reaching an altitude of 4,170 meters, before descending towards the Salinas Grandes salt flats. This 212-square-kilometer salt desert is located 66 kilometers from Purmamarca, at an altitude of 3,450 meters.
Tours of the Quebrada and the Puna
Due to the high altitudes and winding topography of the northern routes, organizing logistics with professionals prevents problems related to altitude sickness and road safety. The best option is to choose tour packages in Purmamarca .
These itineraries depart from operational bases in Purmamarca or the city of Salta , organizing full-day excursions to the Salinas Grandes salt flats with ample time for acclimatization. They also facilitate travel north along Route 9, connecting Purmamarca with other historic towns in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, such as Tilcara (26 kilometers away) and Humahuaca (70 kilometers away), with comfortable transfers and expert guides familiar with Andean culture.
Buenos Aires: the urban and cultural epicenter
Buenos Aires tops the list of Argentine cities to visit . It's the main international gateway (via Ezeiza International Airport, located 35 kilometers from the city center). Its urban layout is extensive, so understanding the distances between its neighborhoods is essential for making the most of your time.
The historic center is home to the government buildings. The distance from the Obelisk to Plaza de Mayo (where the Casa Rosada and the Metropolitan Cathedral are located) is just 1.5 kilometers, a route easily covered on foot along Avenida Diagonal Norte.
To the south, about 2 kilometers from Plaza de Mayo, lies San Telmo, characterized by its cobblestone streets and antique market. Four kilometers further south is the La Boca neighborhood and the famous Caminito pedestrian walkway.
In contrast, to the north of the city, about 7 kilometers from the center, lies the Palermo neighborhood. This area is home to the Palermo Woods, a 400-hectare green space ideal for cycling. Nearby is Recoleta, famous for its historic cemetery and French-influenced architecture.
Excursions and tours in Buenos Aires
Organizing public transport between the city's outskirts can be complicated. Therefore, the best option is to book tour packages in Buenos Aires .
These itineraries include the Classic City Tour , which solves the logistics of transfer by connecting the southern neighborhoods (San Telmo and La Boca) with the northern ones (Palermo and Recoleta) in a single day, accompanied by professional guides.
These packages also allow you to add full-day or evening experiences with included transfers. The most popular options are tango dinner shows in Buenos Aires , or half-day excursions to the northern part of the province to navigate the rivers of the Tigre Delta, located 30 kilometers from the capital.
Other alternatives: the coast and the glaciers
The list of destinations doesn't end with the five locations mentioned. If you're looking for cities on the Argentinian coast , Mar del Plata is the main urban center on the Atlantic Ocean. It's 400 kilometers south of Buenos Aires and is accessible via Highway 2. It boasts extensive hotel and restaurant infrastructure, as well as miles of public and private beaches.
If you'd like to extend your tour of southern Argentina , there are two unmissable tourist destinations. In the province of Río Negro, San Carlos de Bariloche offers lakes and Andean forests, with its famous 25-kilometer Circuito Chico (Small Circuit) that skirts Lake Nahuel Huapi.
Further south, in the province of Santa Cruz, El Calafate is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park . From the center of El Calafate, Provincial Route 11 takes you 80 kilometers to reach the walkways facing the ice wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier .