After spending a month in Argentina, I put together a list of my top 10 favourite things in Argentina. In no particular order, they are:
1) Proper Grocery Stores
After a month in Brazil, it was such a treat to arrive in Buenos Aires and encounter a proper grocery store. I have a strange fixation with grocery stores from other countries, as I find it interesting to peruse the aisles looking at all the different foreign products. In many countries that I have been in, there are outdoor fruit and vegetable markets, and then tiny convenience stores with the rest of the fixings for a meal. This is fine… for a while. It was nice to be able to do a one stop shop in Argentina, and get some of the products that I had been missing from home.
2) Buenos Aires
What can I even say about this city? We had heard how amazing it was as we made our way south from Colombia, and it certainly did not disappoint. From European architecture, to nice shops, to great cafes and restaurants, to good wine, and of course tango, this city really has it all. It is definitely a must do on a South American backpacking adventure.
3) Wine
Argentina is known for wine, and the wine is cheap and good. Although Malbec is definitely Argentina’s specialty, they have other various types of wine that are equally cheap and tasty. It is almost mandatory to get a glass of wine with every dinner out in Argentina.
4) Perito Moreno Glacier
Nestled between a beautiful mountain range, this glacier is the size of Buenos Aires. Looking out at the glacier, there is so much to admire: it’s sheer size, the colour, the intricate cracks, the moan and rumble before a huge piece drops into the water. This is another jaw dropping spectacle in Argentina that simply cannot be missed, in my opinion.
5) Iguazu Falls
One of the biggest waterfalls in the world, Iguazu is a must see in Argentina. Tucked away in the northeast corner of the country, it is not always the easiest to get to, but let me tell you, it is worth the journey. You can hear the waterfall from a way’s away, and when you get your first look, it is jaw dropping. The Argentinian side of the falls is set up with intricate infrastructure and boat tours that you can take into the falls. The day we spent at Iguazu was one of my favourite days on this trip.
6) Long haul buses
Call me crazy, but it’s worth it to take at least one long haul bus in Argentina. The seats are large and cozy, like lazy boys, and if you pay for a full cama, they go almost all the way back. On top of that, there is meal service and (sometimes) wine provided. If you need to travel 20+ hours in Argentina, this is definitely the way to go!
7) Ushuaia
Known as the bottom of the world, this place feels like it is somewhere completely different from Argentina. Nestled on an island at the very bottom of Argentina, this town has some extremely impressive mountains to it’s north, and the Beagle Channel to the south. Although there isn’t much to do in the town, a boat trip to the most southerly light house, and a hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park are both must do’s. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it down to Antarctica, but I think anyone who did would say that is a highlight of Ushuaia.
8) Chocolate in Bariloche
Bariloche is worth a stop on it’s own, as the scenery and hiking are both amazing; however, the city is also worth a visit for the chocolate. I’m not sure how a place that doesn’t grow coffee beans can produce such great chocolate, but somehow they do. There are multiple stores that specialize in chocolate, and each is as good as the last one.
9) JuJuy
This province is outerworldly. From desert cactus, to coloured rocks, to old ruins, this province has some of the most incredibly landscapes I have ever seen. San Salvador de JuJuy is a nice city, but it is really the scenery around the city that makes this place so amazing. I would have loved to spend more time in this area, hiking the countryside and taking in the breathtaking scenery.
10) The Argentinian People
With a huge smile and a kiss on the cheek, Argentinian people are some of the most friendly I have met. They are open and curious and always interested to know more. Unlike the reserved culture of Bolivia or Ecuador, the Argentinians are full of energy and always talking, making it a comfortable and nice country to travel. From the very north to the very south of Argentina, we experienced the friendliness of the Argentinian people, and although there are people that are outside this norm (like anywhere), we enjoyed our time in Argentina immensely due to the people and the culture. On the very top of my list of most hospitable Argentinians, would have to be our homestay host, Amanda, and her 2 cats – of course!