Undiscovered Argentina

Bring to mind Argentina and you think of Buenos Aires, tango, wine, polo ponies, the Iguazú Falls and perhaps even glaciers. But what can you discover away from the main flood of tourists in this wild and wonderful country? In our guide to Argentina off the beaten path, you’ll uncover a whole lot more to this sensational country to inspire your trip to Argentina.

Argentina off the beaten path: undiscovered places to visit

There are vast tracks of land where it’s unlikely any man, woman or child has ever trod, and areas that are only truly accessible on horseback, where pumas pad through the craggy landscape and condors soar on thermals. In the north, salt flats and poisonous lakes create beautiful barren landscapes of dusty peach and icy blue, as alien as the surface of the moon to anyone who’s not seen them before. We’ve sought out some of the places to visit in Argentina that are well and truly off the beaten track.

The Iberá Wetlands

Discover Argentina’s version of Africa’s Okavango Delta, the Iberá Wetlands, where over 5,000 miles of marsh and over 60 lakes combine to make a fascinating ecosystem. Caiman lurk in pools, capybaras haughtily survey their surroundings before plunging into the waters for a dip, and over 350 species of birds flit through the rushes and grasses.

Numerous conservation efforts are being undertaken within the wetlands, protecting animals made rare by hunting, such as the collared peccary – little, hairy, pig-like creatures completely unique to South America. Plans to bolster the jaguar population in the area are also afoot, as fewer than 250 of the dappled big cats remain in Argentina to this day.

There are many ways to explore the wetlands – on foot, by boat, or even on horseback – and expert guides can point out fascinating snippets about the wildlife as you go that otherwise may have passed you by.

Tolar Grande

Tolar Grande is a tiny community, deep in the wilds of Argentina’s Salta region and surrounded by incredibly colorful landscapes. If you are interested in geology, a fan of being away from serious habitation, or simply entranced by bizarre contortions of nature, then this is the place for you.

Salt pans stretch from horizon to horizon, crystal clear blue pools mirror the sky, and perfectly conical mounds create utterly surreal surroundings worthy of a Dali painting. It can take quite a while to get there, which puts off the larger hordes of tourists, but it is definitely worth the journey, and you mustn’t forget to pack your camera!

Bahía Bustamante

In the not too distant past, the New York Times referred to this area as the “Argentine answer to the Galapagos”. It is indeed a rugged, coastal haven for wildlife, and its unique set-up lends itself to keeping it that way. Bahía Bustamante is in fact a 210,000-acre estate owned by one man, Matias, and the coast is a protected marine reserve.

If you are lucky you can occasionally spot orca just off the shore, and conservation efforts will hopefully increase these sightings, though the thriving population of sea lions and penguins are probably perfectly happy without the numbers growing back to their original figures.

Climb aboard a horse, or set off on a hike across the pampas to see the native guanaco (similar to the llama) and speedy maras (terrier-sized rodents). All the while, you will learn how conservation work in the area is restoring the environment, slowly but surely, to its former grandeur.

Talampaya National Park

Deep in Argentina’s La Rioja Province, the towering red sandstone cliffs of Talampaya are a sight to behold. Sculpted by millions of years of erosion, this surreal landscape tells a tale of lost species and ancient cultures.

As you wander through this red-hued world of the Triassic Trail, you’ll see 250 million-year-old fossils and unique replicas of the beasts that used to roam this land. Moving a little bit closer to the present, the canyon walls are adorned by petroglyphs made by the Ciénaga and Diaguita cultures.

All of this, along with its striking scenery, makes it one of the most attractive places in Argentina to visit if you want to venture off the beaten path.

Read more: Planning your Argentina adventure vacation: where to go and what to see

Nahuel Huapi National Park

Just over half an hour away from the nearby city of San Carlos de Bariloche, Nahuel Huapi National Park is a testament to Argentina’s natural beauty. Offering a range of outdoor activities in and around the Nahuel Huapi Lake, this is also the oldest national park in the country.

From hiking and kayaking to skiing and mountaineering, the opportunities are endless, with each offering its own unique perspective of the stunning landscape. Cerro Catedral is undeniably the crowd pleaser, with epic hikes and smooth skiing routes throughout the mountain.

Whatever your interests, spending some time exploring this park and engaging in some winter sports is sure to boost your South American sojourn.

San Antonio de Areco

For an authentic experience of a classic estancia (Argentinian ranch), San Antonio de Areco is the place to be. Estancia La Porteña and Estancia El Ombú are two fantastic opportunities to live and learn about Argentine culture.

La Porteña is a 180-year-old estancia where you can ride horses, listen to live music, and tuck into some traditional cuisine. El Ombú, on the other hand, offers a slightly more luxurious experience, but it still holds true to its traditional values.

Aside from the estancias, Areco offers a wide variety of historic museums, a charming main square, and quaint shops that all add to the charms of this small colonial town.

The Beagle Channel

If you’re keen on whale watching and don’t mind a little bit of cold, the Beagle Channel, south of the Santa Cruz province, is the perfect place to visit. From its iconic lighthouse nestled in the choppy Atlantic waters to the rare wildlife, the Beagle Channel is well worth the effort.

On an adventure cruise, you’ll have the chance to see orcas, humpback whales, southern right whales, and several other marine species like dusky dolphins.

San Carlos de Bariloche

If you can imagine a slice of Switzerland nestled in the heart of Argentina, then you’re pretty much imagining San Carlos de Bariloche. With Swiss-inspired architecture, picturesque lakes, and snow-capped peaks, this gem of the Andes Mountains knows how to draw in the crowds.

That said, the main town has some hidden pockets that are fantastic for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Casa Frey is a lovely 20th-century building offering boutique shops and local organic markets, while the nearby public beaches are a refreshing escape from the town.

But the crème de la crème has to be the hidden Cerro Campanario, offering panoramic views of the San Pedro Peninsula, Llao Llao Peninsula, and Lake Moreno.

Read more: Nine things to know before you go on vacation to Argentina

Make it happen

If you would like to plan a trip to Argentina, then get in touch with our local experts who are always on hand to create your perfect tailor-made trip, be it off the beaten path or to all the bucket-list destinations.