Points of interest Argentina: Tourism & Monuments

Practical information : Sightseeing Argentina

Timetable

Between the major urban centers and the vast stretches of desert, you can imagine that life doesn't move at the same pace for everyone. In the cities, shops open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays (later in shopping malls) and generally stay open until 2 p.m. on Saturdays. However, everything is closed on Sundays, with the exception of museums, which are often closed on Mondays. Lunch is often taken between 1 and 3 p.m., depending on the situation. In the interior of the country (especially in the north-east and north-west), lunch breaks or siestas are de rigueur (even in some parts of Patagonia!). In this case, it's very difficult to find a shop open between 12 and 5pm.

To be booked

At first glance, reservations aren't necessary: even in high season, you can always find a hotel or organize a guided tour overnight. However, when it comes to Patagonia, you should be aware that your trip may have to meet certain logistical requirements: in summer, ferry and bus traffic increases, but this doesn't mean that more departures are scheduled. So use an agency to organize your stay, or make your own reservations. We advise you to book whale-watching excursions on the Valdes Peninsula: the best agencies sell out very quickly in high season. In neighboring Chile, accommodation and activities in Torres del Paine National Park must be booked in advance!

Budget & Tips

Argentina is far from cheap, especially when compared to its Latin American neighbors. It's true that in recent years, prices have been half those in France: inflation has forced the cost of living down, attracting more and more tourists. However, prices are still higher in Patagonia. The vast majority of national parks charge a fee for both domestic and foreign visitors, with discounts sometimes available for students and children. In Argentina, parks and reserves are administered by the APN (Administracion de Parques Nacionales), the organization in charge of parks and reserves. Guides are not compulsory, and you can explore the park trails at your leisure. Note that the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares charges a fee in the southern sector (Perito Moreno glacier), but is free in the northern sector: budget travellers will be able to hike for several days without spending a penny. For Iguazú National Park, you'll pay half price if you return the next day on presentation of your first entrance ticket. As far as museums are concerned, prices are rarely exorbitant, and sometimes they are even free, with just a small contribution on your part. Many points of interest are also free - you just need to be a little curious and take your time: a path can lead to a pretty waterfall, exploring a village and strolling through its streets can be a stroll lasting several hours, a mirador can be an excellent excuse for a lunch break, strolling along the shores of a lake can lead you to discover a secret beach... Argentina is a great playground for those who take the time to savour its different facets.

Main events

Celebrating its traditions, biodiversity, gaucho culture and national unity, Argentina is a country of colorful festivities. Hundreds of celebrations take place throughout the year, whether in the heart of urban centers or in the middle of the pampas! The most charming and picturesque are certainly the folkloric festivities, which celebrate a condensed version of each region's culture and history: for example, el Día de la Tradición, a celebration of traditional gaucho culture in San Antonio de Areco, the colorful Gualeguaychú carnival in the province of Entre Ríos or the National Festival of the Pachamama (Mother Earth) in northwestern Argentina.

Guided tours

Naturally, guided tours are the order of the day in urban areas, to familiarize you with Argentine history and culture. In Buenos Aires and other major cities, there are numerous walking tours, each with its own theme(street art, tango, gastronomy...). From a few hours to several days, several excursion agencies offer a variety of à la carte programs. For nature lovers, you can discover Argentina's tropical, desert and coastal regions on your own. However, for practical or safety reasons, some activities require you to be accompanied. For example, if you want to get close to marine wildlife, you'll need to book a tour with an agency. To walk among the penguins or approach the whales, these agencies have special authorizations. If you want to get close to the highest peaks and glaciers, you'll need to work with specialized agencies or guides, and glacier trekking also requires you to be well equipped (crampons, helmets, etc.). Most sporting activities require a guide: canyoning, rafting, climbing or diving - follow the guide!

Smokers

Smoking is forbidden in national parks, museums and most outdoor points of interest, and is highly frowned upon. Argentina has a strict anti-smoking law which prohibits smoking in public places.

Tourist Attractions & Monuments Argentina

Map of top points of interest Argentina

GLACIAR PERITO MORENO

CERRO FITZ ROY - CERRO CHALTÉN

CAMINITO - MUSEO DE BELLAS ARTES AL AIRE LIBRE

TREN A LAS NUBES

PARQUE NACIONAL TIERRA DEL FUEGO

PLAZA DORREGO

PALACIO BAROLO

VILLA CARLOS PAZ

GÜIRA OGA

MUSEO EVITA

MUSEO DE ARQUEOLOGIA DE ALTA MONTAÑA (MAAM)

MUSEO NACIONAL DE BELLAS ARTES

BOTANICAL GARDEN

MUSEO DE ARTE LATINOAMERICANO DE BUENOS AIRES

PARQUE NACIONAL IGUAZÚ

DIABLO GARGANTA

BEAGLE CHANNEL

SUPERIOR CIRCUIT

CERRO DE LOS SIETE COLORES

LA BOMBONERA - MUSEO DE LA PASIÓN BOQUENSE

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