An Adventure Off the Beaten Path in Argentina

Argentina offers visitors a unique mix of natural wonders and cultural experiences, from the cosmopolitan streets of Buenos Aires to the incredible beauty of Patagonia. But the country is more than just a series of tourist hot spots. If you want to see the hidden gems of Argentina, you have to find the spots frequented by locals. Going off the beaten path in Argentina is an adventure of a lifetime – so let’s start planning your trip!

Five Reasons to Explore Less Popular Destinations

Argentina is well-known for Tango dance and music, as well as for the gaucho lifestyle that can still be found on the pampas today. The vibrant culture of Buenos Aires is just as popular with visitors to the country as are the wine tours of Mendoza or the guided treks across the Perito Moreno Glacier. While these incredible venues should be on every tourist’s bucket list, there are many reasons to add a few hidden gems of Argentina to your tour itinerary.

• Experience Authentic Argentine Culture: Once you get out of the more tourist-centric areas of Argentina, you can discover local cultures, cuisine, and hospitality in lesser-known regions of the country.
• Explore Unique Natural Wonders: Argentina is full of beautiful places to visit, but very few people venture to see the remote canyons and otherworldly rock formations of El Parque Nacional Talampaya. Take a guided bus tour to explore this unique park and enjoy the sculpted canyons that were formed eons ago!
• Hike the World's Highest Vineyards: While Mendoza is a major Argentina travel destination, why stick to just la Ruta del Vino? Go off the beaten path in Argentina to enjoy the breathtaking views and fine wines in the Calchaquies Valley.
• Witness Wildlife in its Natural Habitat: While Peninsula Valdés is a tourist attraction for wildlife enthusiasts who want to see whales and seals, Puna is a good option for visitors who want to experience the largest population of Magellanic penguins in the country.
• Enjoy a Local Bodega: If you want to discover one of the best hidden gems of Argentina, track down a local bodega for a meal. Not only will you enjoy excellent local wines, but you will be able to pair that wine with a traditional asado meal with specialties from the region you are visiting.

Once you get beyond the well-known tourist spots in Argentina, you’ll be able to enjoy authentic experiences that offer an in-depth look at the country and its culture. Getting off the beaten path in Argentina is certainly worth it, so let’s look at the top five hidden gems of Argentina!

Argentina Travel Destination #1: Wanda Amethyst Mines

Hidden away in Argentina’s northern waterfall region of Misiones, you can see amethysts lodged in the very lava that formed them. Visit the Wanda Mines and take a step back in time, when volcanic activity broke through the Earth’s crust and created tons of these sparkly, purple crystals. The mines are located 30 miles south of Iguazú Falls in the town of Wanda, where guided tours allow visitors interested in gemstones, geology, or jewelry to see fantastic geodes embedded in the cavern walls where the semi-precious stones are extracted.

Argentina Travel Destination #2: The Secret Mountain Summit

While the Wanda Mines hide the true hidden gems of Argentina, a secret trailhead just outside of Bariloche offers visitors a jaw-dropping view of Nahuel Haupi Lake. If you’re into outdoor adventure, the walk to the summit (which only takes a few hours) will treat you to a saunter through a forested area before opening up to a clearing from which you can view the lake while enjoying a picnic (or just resting). While there is a bit of an uphill climb to get to this off-the-beaten-path location, most of the hike is flat and suited for people of all fitness levels. And, better yet, the hike is an activity that can be done all year long!

Argentina Travel Destination #3: A Petrified Forest

Argentina is full of national forests, but adding the Jaramillo Petrified Forest to your travel itinerary will take your trip up a notch. This 150-million-year-old fossilized forest contains petrified trees, as well as dinosaur remains, and is considered a major paleontological site. Once lush, humid, and brimming with life, the site is now located in the middle of a flat, dry desert – the Patagonian Steppe. This is one of the most underrated hidden gems of Argentina, where visitors can wander among the park’s more than 200 petrified trees and discover fossil remains. And, when you’ve had your fill of sightseeing in the park, you can combine your trip with a visit to Puerto Deseado to see Penguin Island!

Argentina Travel Destination #4: Hot Springs

The Fiambalá hot springs in the northern province of Catamarca are celebrated for their healing properties. The mineral-rich waters flow down from the mountains and are routed into 14 pools. These natural pools have mineral properties that make them highly valuable due to their healing and medicinal powers. Today, thermal healing is one of the most popular methods chosen by traditional and alternative medicine to solve a variety of problems, making this Argentina travel destination a “to-do” stop for locals and travelers alike.

Argentina Travel Destination #5: The Ancient Stone Men

In the Province of Tucumán, the archeological reserve of El Mollar is home to mysterious prehistoric statues known as Menhires. These granite carvings of men and animals were done by the indigenous Tafi culture. Visitors can explore the Los Menhires Archaeological Reserve, an open-air museum where these stone monoliths have stood for thousands of years. Some of the statues are more than 9 feet high! Although archeologists are not exactly sure what these ancient relics were used for, they suspect they could have been used as astronomical measuring instruments, solar clocks, or as a symbol of some social or religious hierarchy. But no matter what their intent, it’s worth a side trip off the beaten path in Argentina to see the Menhires.

Hidden Gems and Secret Spots: Explore Argentina Today!

Argentina has a remarkable range of natural wonders and quirky cultural attractions to explore, many of which you can add to your itinerary of better-known tourist hot spots. As you begin to plan your trip to South America, consider adding one or two of the hidden gems of Argentina to round out your trip. You won’t regret your side trip – in fact, you’ll want to stay even longer to explore more secret destinations away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist hotspots.