Best National Parks of Argentina
True beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. So similarly do visitors' views vary about the "best national parks/sites" to be seen in any one country. The key from our experience is, WHAT do YOU like seeing or doing the MOST? Please take a quick scan through the top sites we have selected and visited in Argentina, and see if there is something there for you!
The amazing national parks of Ischigualasto and Talampaya in the northwest of Argentina near La Rioja offer astonishingly beautiful and mystical views that few visitors choose to experience. Featuring the Lost City and Rainbow Canyon in Talampaya, and the Valley of the Moon that is the highlight in Ischigualasto, official guides must be hired here to view the parks. Particularly famous for having the most complete fossil record known from the Triassic Period (230 million years ago), both parks are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Unique Destinations offers options of accommodation in simple, but charming, hostels in nearby Villa San Agustin
at approx US$ 50/ni* to more elegant starred facilities in San Juan for US$100+*
(* 2 persons sharing, with breakfast).
***
Unique Destinations offers options of accommodation in simple, but charming, hostels in nearby Villa San Agustin
at approx US$ 50/ni* to more elegant starred facilities in San Juan for US$100+*
(* 2 persons sharing, with breakfast).
***
Named for its beautiful lake, Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi borders Chile to the west with stunning views of forests and a snow-capped Andean range. A popular destination throughout the year, there are literally TONS of activities to be enjoyed, from rafting, fishing, riding, zip-line, and kayaking in summer, to skiing and awesome adventure activities in the snow in winter. Most visitors stay in the pretty townships of Villa La Angostura or San Carlos de Bariloche. Some travellers go on from here via the "Cruce Andino" that literally "crosses the Andes" by boat and bus, along lakes and valleys, past spectacular scenery with volcanoes and more, to Puerto Varas in Chile.
Unique Destinations can offer a wide range of accommodation here,
in charming hostels from US$ 50/night* to an exclusive golf-spa hotel from US$ 295/night*
(* 2 persons sharing, with breakfast).
***
Unique Destinations can offer a wide range of accommodation here,
in charming hostels from US$ 50/night* to an exclusive golf-spa hotel from US$ 295/night*
(* 2 persons sharing, with breakfast).
***
If it is trekking and enjoying the great outdoors that is sought, it takes a lot to beat the sheer beauty and variety of Argentina's
Los Glaciares National Park in Patagonia.
From El Calafate or El Chaltén visitors can combine fabulous excursions by boat and on foot to the park's glaciers, especially the awesome Perito Moreno Glacier, with the joy of trekking against the backdrop of mighty Mount Fitzroy.
A week can be spent here, but the minimum is two full days. An absolute MUST is to take one of the "Glacier Cruises" that can include a visit to Perito Moreno Glacier or other impressive glaciers on Lago Argentina. Typically lasting about 6 hours at a cost of US$200/person, the beauty of coming so close to such natural wonder is worth every cent!
Unique Destinations can offer a wide range of accommodation here, in simple hostels from US$ 85/night* to 4-star comfort from US$ 270/night*
(* 2 persons sharing, with breakfast).
***
Los Glaciares National Park in Patagonia.
From El Calafate or El Chaltén visitors can combine fabulous excursions by boat and on foot to the park's glaciers, especially the awesome Perito Moreno Glacier, with the joy of trekking against the backdrop of mighty Mount Fitzroy.
A week can be spent here, but the minimum is two full days. An absolute MUST is to take one of the "Glacier Cruises" that can include a visit to Perito Moreno Glacier or other impressive glaciers on Lago Argentina. Typically lasting about 6 hours at a cost of US$200/person, the beauty of coming so close to such natural wonder is worth every cent!
Unique Destinations can offer a wide range of accommodation here, in simple hostels from US$ 85/night* to 4-star comfort from US$ 270/night*
(* 2 persons sharing, with breakfast).
***
The Right Whale (or Black whale) was so-called by early whalers as it was the "right" one to catch and the easiest to encounter.
Now listed as "endangered", all whales are increasingly rare but such a wonderful sight to behold.
One of the best locations in the world to see Humpbacks and Right Whales as they raise their young is at Peninsula Valdés on the South Atlantic coast of Argentina. Best dates for whales are between June and early December. Local tours are also conducted to view Dusky Dolphins (Dec to Mar) and spectacular beach landings by Orcas as they hunt young fur seals (Sept to Nov).
Unique Destinations offers several tour and accommodation packages in conjunction with local partners on the Valdés Peninsula, starting from US$ 145/night*
(* 2 persons sharing, with breakfast).
***
Now listed as "endangered", all whales are increasingly rare but such a wonderful sight to behold.
One of the best locations in the world to see Humpbacks and Right Whales as they raise their young is at Peninsula Valdés on the South Atlantic coast of Argentina. Best dates for whales are between June and early December. Local tours are also conducted to view Dusky Dolphins (Dec to Mar) and spectacular beach landings by Orcas as they hunt young fur seals (Sept to Nov).
Unique Destinations offers several tour and accommodation packages in conjunction with local partners on the Valdés Peninsula, starting from US$ 145/night*
(* 2 persons sharing, with breakfast).
***
Unquestionably the Nº1 national park in Argentina and Brazil, if not in the whole of South America, the spectacular views of mighty Iguazú Falls in Argentina (Iguassu Falls National Park in Brazil!) was the sight that made United States' first lady Eleanor Roosevelt say, "Poor Niagara!"