Five perfect destinations in Argentina to visit and switch off your phone

Waterfalls, forests, infinite turquoise lakes, colourful mountains, and glaciers entice you into switching off your phone and just contemplate around. Would you try it? Don’t reply yet; first, read this note.

It’s said that there is nothing better than being present —breathing deeply, pausing the autopilot, and becoming aware of the surroundings. Yet, the everyday pace of life, trends, the Internet, and how we communicate in 2021 make it hard. We have more than enough technology stimuli, and social media invade all cell phone screens, coaxing us into blocking out our surroundings. So, how can we reconnect with all that’s happening outside our devices? Argentina has some of the answers to this social dilemma.

When technology fails, Mother Earth comes into play. And, of course, the country with the End of the World knows about it. This is the bedrock of the magical solution: the surroundings capture your attention to such an extent that you won’t need or want to use your phone. There’s nothing compared to the thud of your heartbeats when you breathe in pure air in the middle of the forest. There’s nothing like listening to the running water of a cascade or squinting against the sun reflected on ice masses. Argentina has a diploma of honour for this. Unwinding has never been easier in this land, and the following destinations support our hypothesis.

Iguazú Falls, Misiones

An extraordinary natural portrait that has all it takes to make you focus on this must-see tourist attraction. A landscape that has what every traveller in the globe may seek: more than 275 waterfalls, part of the Iguazú National Park. Light blue and green brushstrokes embellish the set of one of the Seven Wonders of the World and walk you through an alluring place that calls for inspiration and reflection.

Those who look for a nature immersion experience walk 67 hectares open to the public and stop to gaze at the landscape from the viewpoints. The Devil’s Throat is the mandatory stop. Its 82 metres high reflect the strength of the water when it falls down, getting goose bumps to thousands of visitors daily.

Any time of the day is perfect to be amazed by its beauty. However, if you want to double down, there’s nothing better than watching a full moon while listening to the running water in the background. An out-of-the-ordinary experience. You can cross it out from your list if you come to Argentina.

Purmamarca, Jujuy

A superior colour palette, top-notch gastronomy, warm local culture, and unique vibes in Jujuy. Everything is in the same place. It goes without saying that nobody would need a phone to enjoy this iconic destination. Its name comes from the Aymaran language and means “city of the desert.” The sense of this last word also means untrodden ground. Final translation? “People of the Virgen Land.”

One of the most scenic mountains of the country, Cerro de los Siete Colores, is in Purmamarca. Hues of orange, yellow, red, pink, white, and green depict the 2,400 metres postal of the NOA that everyone wants to have. The shades of colours are not only seen on these natural elevations. This people wears the most striking pigments due to its artisan tradition. A custom that decorates every single street and stalls with clothes, hats, blankets, and souvenirs.

Villa Traful, Neuquén

Of course, the Patagonia charms stand fairly on the podium. If there’s a place to unwind completely, that’s the south of our country. Lakes, snow peaks, native forests, and (why not?) a pint of craft beer. This plan gradually leads you into a parallel fairy-tale world. Villa Traful is one of the secrets the Neuquén adventure keeps.

Activities vary depending on the wanted adrenaline level: from going trekking, mountaineering, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking, to walking along the water mirrors. The views at every lookout point will leave you speechless. There are plenty of places in which you’ll be able to breathe in the pure air distinctive of this region. What are the must-see points? Mirador del Viento, Bosque Sumergido, the Catarata waterfall, and the Traful lake.

El Bolsón, Río Negro

The legendary route 40 comes on the scene and goes past the city of El Bolsón, nearby the Andes Mountains, perfect for getting immersed in the Patagonian scenery. The touristic circuit offers a journey that goes beyond expectations: artisan fairs downtown, walks in forests, rivers, and lakes, and amazing panoramic views from the heights.

Just 120 kilometres from Bariloche, this city displays an endless number of alternatives to absorb the Patagonian energy and get away from the screens. Actually, it’s not by chance that one of its must-see attractions is called “El Paraíso” (the paradise), a swimming turquoise hole located on Río Azul. The landscape is stunning: green forests surround a light blue rocky border. The name couldn’t have been more perfectly chosen. There are other places worth visiting: Cerro Amigo, Cabeza del Indio and Del Azul lookout points, the hidden waterfall, and Cerro Piltriquitrón.

Perito Moreno Glacier, Santa Cruz

A deep turquoise, capable of moving anyone, colours one of this country's most cherished natural wonders: Los Glaciares National Park, a protected area declared “World Heritage” by UNESCO in 1981. There are sound reasons for being awarded such recognition. Indeed, more than 486,308 people annually visit these must-see fields of ice. Thirty percent of the total surface (2,600 km2) is glacier. It goes without saying that there are numerous options to sail Lago Argentino and organize a face-to-face meeting with the thousand-year-old mass of ice.

Perito Moreno is the glacier that won worldwide recognition. It is 5 kilometre long and 60 metres high. The word impressive falls short to describe it. The historical ice calvings catch ice and nature enthusiasts’ attention. You can witness it if the final destination on your ticket says Santa Cruz.