One Landscape, One Award —Eight Prize-winning Sceneries in Argentina

Snow peaks, tropical rainforests, mountains of endless colours, and fairy tale-like villages are some of the magical pieces that together, like a puzzle, compose the vast Argentinian territory. Maybe, these are the reasons behind Argentina’s recognition as South America’s Best Destination according to the 2021 World Travel Awards (WTA). Each spot in the map has its unique charm, and thus, a well-deserved prize:

1. Caspalá, Jujuy

Located in Valle Grande, at 3,000 metres above sea level, this gem in Jujuy was chosen as one of the world’s best villages, according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). In this northern town, hidden among reddish hills and distinguished for its culture and craftwork, 50 families live together, who, with their ponchos embroidered with field flowers, perfectly combine with the environment’s natural beauty. The main attraction of this northern place lies in the traditions and warmth of its people, along with unforgettable archaeological sites.

2. Iguazú Falls, Misiones

In the wild Misiones rainforest, 275 waterfalls spring up with force reaching up to 80 metres of height. The Falls, located inside the Iguazú National Park, were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984 and chosen in 2011 as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Visiting the Garganta del Diablo (“Devil’s Throat” in English, named after a Guaraní legend) is almost a must, since it is the most impressive of all falls due to its size and the thunderous sound the water makes when splashing on to the river.

3. Cerro Chapelco, Neuquén

More than 28 slopes with a panoramic view of Lácar lake, the Andes Mountains, and the Lanín volcano have turned Cerro Chapelco into an award-winner site for 5 years in a row. According to the World Ski Awards, this place in San Martín de los Andes is the best ski and snowboard centre. With snow-covered trails, exclusive sleigh rides, and lush forests, it is not hard to secure its place on the podium. 

4. Cafayate, Salta

During the hours of daylight, the vineyards’ green hues, the squares packed with artisanal relics, and old hidden paths dazzle any tourist visiting Cafayate —located between the Calchaquíes valleys in the province of Salta. And in the evenings? There’s a starry landscape worthy of a photography world championship award. Argentinian Gonzalo Santile was one of the winners of the World Photography Organization contest for his surreal image that reveals an anthropomorphic rock framed by the full Milky Way, illuminating the distinctive arid red-tinted soil of the region.

5. San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro

San Carlos de Bariloche was recognized —not once, but twice— as the leading destination in the country by the WTA. In this must-visit Patagonian city, there are activities for all tastes. Summer lovers can walk down the trails of Los Alerces National Park, plunge into the Nahuel Huapi lake, or climb to the highest mountain huts and spend the night watching shooting stars. Whereas winter fans can indulge themselves in delicious hot chocolate after an adrenaline-packed day on Cerro Catedral’s abundant snow, the major ski centre in Argentina. Whatever side you choose, you can rest assured that the countless craft breweries add to it, making Bariloche one of the best places to visit.

6. Valle de Uco, Mendoza

The Zuccardi Valle de Uco winery in Mendoza was selected for the third time in a row as the best in the world according to The World’s Best Vineyard’s jury. So, we suggest you to make a tour around the vineyards, discovering the distinctive features of Mendoza’s different soils and their grapes, and after that, indulge yourself in a gourmet dinner at Finca Piedra Infinita, with extraordinary views of the high snow-capped Andean peaks in the background.

7. Valdés Peninsula, Chubut

This unique natural reserve was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because it is a highly significant habitat for the preservation of southern right whales, which amaze tourists and scientists. Thanks to the possibility of watching these majestic mammals on the peninsula, this place won the 2019 World Travel Award as South America’s Leading Whale Watching Destination, by unanimous votes. You can look closely at these animals’ curious behaviour when migrating towards the coast of the peninsula, and then, walk along the extensive beaches or explore the caves hidden in the cliffs, surrounded by the deepest waters in South America.

8. City of Buenos Aires

Argentina’s capital could not be left out of the list. On the one hand, you can find historical buildings, cemeteries with mausoleums, monuments, and the daring sound of tango. On the other, graffiti, modern art, and the perfect mix between cumbia and rock. Buenos Aires has innumerable theatres and bookshops, but also countless clubs and bars. It is the city that never sleeps: cosmopolitan, cultural, fun, and different. When the jacarandas bloom and tinge 9 de Julio Avenue purple, there is no landscape that can beat it. Last year, it was designated Latin America’s best city to study a university degree according to a ranking by the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) consulting firm; and the same classification positioned the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) as the best higher education centre in Ibero-America for the seventh year in a row.