Explore Argentina’s Beautiful Landscapes Through Its National Parks!

Argentina is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with one of the most diverse landscapes in the world. 38 Argentina national parks are within the country’s border, encompassing various landscapes—glaciers and ice fields, lakes, river valleys, iconic Iguazú Falls, and more! No matter which Argentina park (or parks) you visit on your trip to this amazing South American country, you’ll enjoy the natural beauty that greets you at every turn.

Five Fun Facts About Argentina Parks

From desert landscapes to tropical rainforests to Patagonian glaciers, Argentina has so much beauty to explore. And, unlike most countries, Argentina’s national parks can be explored for free. Only 11 of the 33 Argentina national parks require visitors to purchase an entry pass, which typically costs $20 per day. Here are five fun facts to get you started on your awesome Argentina national park adventure!

• Argentina’s 33 national parks cover approximately 4 percent of the country's territory. These parks are home to diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to towering mountain ranges.
• The Nahuel Huapi National Park is the oldest Argentina National Park, established in 1934. Nahuel Huapi National Park is famous for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
• Iguazú National Park is home to the famous Iguazú Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world. The falls are formed by the Iguazú River as it cascades over a series of 275 individual waterfalls spanning nearly 2 miles.
• Los Glaciares National Park is known for its stunning glaciers, including the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier. The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world, making it a unique and fascinating natural wonder.
• Talampaya National Park features ancient rock formations and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Argentina National Park is renowned for its stunning red sandstone cliffs and unique desert landscape that attract thousands of visitors annually.

From the massive cacti of Los Cardones in the north of the country to the trekker's paradise of Tierra del Fuego in the south, Argentina parks offer visitors unique landscapes, biodiversity, and opportunities for recreation and wildlife observation.

Which Argentina National Park Should I Visit?

Argentina’s parks serve as critical habitats for a variety of flora and fauna, some of which are indigenous to the region. From the towering glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park to the lush rainforests of Iguazú National Park, each park showcases the country's rich natural heritage. Visitors can explore hiking trails, go birdwatching, or simply immerse themselves in the pristine beauty of these diverse landscapes. Conservation efforts are paramount in safeguarding these areas for future generations to enjoy and appreciate the wonders of Argentina's wilderness.

Visitors are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of parks in this beautiful country, so we’ve compiled a list of our favorite parks to help you plan your incredible adventure in Argentina!

Argentina National Park	Location	Description
Punta Tombo Provincial Reserve	Located one hour south of Puerto Madryn, on the Atlantic Coast.	This nature reserve is home to the new marine national park at the Gulf of San Jorge, where the largest colony of Magellanic penguins live outside of Antarctica.
Iguazú National Park	Located in northeast Argentina, on the border of Brazil.	This Argentina National Park is known for its stunning waterfalls, which are taller and wider than Niagara Falls. Many rare and endangered species of wildlife live here.
Los Glaciares National Park	Located in southwest Argentina, in the Santa Cruz Province.	This park is famous for its massive glaciers, including the Perito Moreno Glacier. Visitors can go glacier trekking and ice hiking across the face of this park’s many glaciers.
Tierra del Fuego National Park	Located at the southern tip of Argentina.	Tierra del Fuego National Park features mountains, forests, and coastal scenery – as well as a chance for visitors to stand at the southernmost terminus of the world! Animals like foxes, beavers, and various bird species make this a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise.
Nahuel Huapi National Park	Located in the Andes region of Argentina.	This Argentina park is the oldest in the country and is home to a variety of wildlife and many beautiful lakes.
Lanín National Park	Located in the Rio Negro and Neuquén provinces, in the Andes Mountains.	Home to the Lanin volcano and several glacial lakes, this park is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping.

Which Park Is The Most Famous National Park in Argentina?

Arguably the most famous Argentina National Park is Los Glaciares National Park. In 2022, the park registered more than 675,000 visitors! And, since then, the number of visitors has grown.

Los Glaciares is named after the numerous glaciers that cover roughly half of its sprawling expanse. Many of these glaciers are fed by the massive South Patagonian Ice Field, the largest continental ice extension after Antarctica. Within the ice field, there are 47 big glaciers and more than 200 smaller glaciers. By far the most popular is Perito Moreno Glacier, a 96 square-mile mass of ice and one of the few advancing glaciers in the region.

Visitors can explore this Argentina park’s plant life, which includes green lenga and nira. You can also search for condors, black-chested buzzard eagles, rheas (a type of ostrich), guanacos (a type of llama), and pumas in the park’s Patagonian steppe region. And, if you are feeling adventurous, you can schedule a hiking excursion around the famous Mt. Fitz Roy during your visit to the park!

An Adventure Just Outside of Buenos Aires

If you want to get the feel for one of Argentina’s parks but the bulk of your Argentina travel is centered around Buenos Aires, have no fear! Campos del Tuyu National Park is located just outside of Buenos Aires. The park sits on the southern shore of Samborombon Bay on Argentina’s eastern coastline.

Visitors can gain access to this park for free. The park was established in 2009 to protect the pampas deer, an endangered deer that thrives in this coastal region. Campos del Tuyu forms part of the country’s Pampas region, an area of low grassland that stretches 460 thousand square miles across the continent. The park was founded to protect these temperate grasslands and the animals that call them home.

While this Argentina park doesn’t have the same spectacular views as the other national parks, you can see Geoffroy’s cat (a small wild cat native to the area), capybara (a giant rodent), and hundreds of species of birds within its borders. Visitors can also explore the Pampas region and enjoy outdoor activities and adventure just a short distance from Argentina’s electric capital city!

A Once-In-A-Lifetime Adventure In Argentina National Parks

The sheer variety of Argentina national parks scattered across the country is simply incredible. From the trekker’s paradise of Tierra del Fuego to the drifting serenity of the Ibera Wetlands, visitors can enjoy views of glaciers, towering rock formations, mountains, ice fields, rainforests, sparkling lakes, barren deserts, and some of the most magnificent waterfalls in the world. If you’re looking for your next outdoor adventure or small group tour, Argentina is a paradise of natural beauty and the holy grail for the intrepid explorer!