Water from Heaven: Argentina's Eight Most Impressive Waterfalls and Cascades

High, surrounded by vegetation and breaking with their characteristic noise. Waterfalls from north to south of Argentina offer unique moments of deep connection with nature. They are imposing, they transmit calm, and they are located amidst the most stunning landscapes: mountains, jungles, sierras, and forests do the honours of tracing the perfect paths to walk guided only by the sound of the water. Some have gained worldwide fame, while others are hidden away for the most curious adventurers to be seduced by their charms. In Patagonia, the jungle and the sierras, these are some of the most impressive waterfalls in the country.

1) Iguazú Falls, Misiones

It leads the podium as one of the most stunning waterfalls in the world, a living proof of the force of nature. The surrounding jungle of Misiones is home to hundreds of species of birds and animals that make the Iguazú National Park a magical place. This natural habitat in its most pristine state amazes with 275 waterfalls crossing infinite rainbows. The most remarkable of these is La Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), a name that echoes its grandeur.

2) Dora and Santa Ana, Neuquén

This beautiful 40-metre waterfall is located in the province of Neuquén. The scenery is breathtaking. Through paths that go through native forests, you first reach the Dora waterfall, the first surprise of the route, half an hour's walkaway. This is just a trailer for what is to come later, but the charms do their part and make you fall in love at first sight. 

The next highlight of this hike is a few kilometres away, going through trails where tree and ferns are the main characters. The view from the top is breathtaking: the peculiarity of this waterfall is precisely its surroundings, because the water falls from a forty-metre high basalt ledge. A camera is a must to capture this beautiful scenery from different angles.

3) Salto del Agrio, Neuquén

Magical and unique in the world, thanks to its gentle 45-metre-high waterfall, but above all because of the surrounding habitat: a canyon formed by thousands of years of volcanic activity in the area. This special feature and the amount of minerals that the Agrio River carries along with it paint a fairytale landscape. Between mountainous elevations, greenery, and the blue of the water itself, orange sparkles can be seen splashing on the rocks.

4) La Cascada, Córdoba

In the heart of Santa Rosa de Calamuchita, west of Córdoba province, lies another waterfall that deserves to be on this list. At the foot of the Sierras Chicas, surrounded by native vegetation and fauna, La Cascada Natural Reserve offers emerald shades among the gleams of green. The trail runs through 1700 metres of woodland and is of medium difficulty, suitable for those who are willing to get carried away.

5) Mallín Ahogado, Río Negro

El Bolsón, one of the most beautiful towns in Río Negro, also boasts a well-kept secret when it comes to waterfalls. On the mystical Route 40, very close to the centre of the town, there is a detour that leads to the Mallín Ahogado circuit. The highlight of this tour is its homonymous waterfall, but along the way you can also explore the Cascada Escondida, a waterfall hidden among the rocks, at a height of 30 metres. Passing through groves of trees, you reach the main attraction of the trip, which flows into a pool where you can even swim.

6) Haruwen, Tierra del Fuego

Just thirty-six kilometres away from Ushuaia, the capital of the End of the World, a dreamlike trail opens up from the Haruwen complex. The final destination? One of the most beautiful hidden waterfalls in Tierra del Fuego. Through rivers, streams, and woods (and after a two-hour hike) you reach a peaceful place where the flowing water is the main sound. Cave-shaped rocks, decorative plants and a waterfall that makes every guest fall in love with the landscape.

7) Saltos del Moconá, Misiones

Three kilometres of cascades for a wall of water surrounded by the purest of greenery. These waterfalls in Misiones are one of a kind in the world: the canyon where five different rivers meet provides the peculiarity of their horizontal arrangement, creating an exceptional nature wonder. The jungle trails running through the Moconá Provincial Park also add to the general atmosphere of peace.

8) Salto de la Moneda, San Luis

When the flowing water hypnotises and the sierras glow, the reward for those who visit San Luis in search of nature is huge. The landscape is a work of art where, besides the dreamlike scenery, you can also enjoy climbing and abseiling. The typical picture taken from above allows you to see the famous reservoir and the mountain ranges of the province in the distance.