October 20, 2023
For 2021, we are looking forward to more travel and being able to discover the world again. To do so, we have put together a list of socially distanced and off the beaten path attractions that will take you away from the crowds so that you can travel with your mind at ease. Today we will be sharing some remote destinations that you can visit in Argentina as well as some lesser known places to see around the more popular destinations of the country.
Nature
The area of Puna in the north-west of Argentina is probably the most remote and deserted place in the country. Only a handful of travellers actually make their way here every year. The area is known for its stunning and varied landscapes made of a mixture of volcanoes, desert-like plains, and yellow grasslands. Unexpectedly, it is also home to the biggest population of flamingos housing almost 20,000 of them. It is a truly isolated area in Argentina with little to no inhabitants in the region. When you visit Puna you will be able to observe the majesty of the place with no outside disturbance, just you and nature. It is a rare occurrence to be this disconnected from civilisation and be able to appreciate the immensity of nature.
At Parque Nacional Talampaya you will witness some striking sandstone formations that have been carved out over the years. This becomes even more impressive when you learn that this desert was once a deep ocean and these cliffs came to be through water erosion. The whole park is coloured red due to the sandstone. For the bravest of travellers, you can spend the night in the park surrounded by these majestic cliffs but only on a full moon!
Just as Bolivia has the Salar de Uyuni so does Argentina have its own version; the Salinas Grandes. A vast white desert that covers almost 212 km2, it is quite a sight to behold. Part of the desert sees many salt basins being dug out and filled with water. This allows the blue sky to be reflected in them making a beautiful contrast to the white almost blinding surroundings. Don’t forget to bring your camera to immortalise the sights. These salt flats are still in use to this day as workmen dig for what they call ‘white gold’. You can purchase small souvenirs from local artisans such as carvings made out of the salt to bring home with you.
Food and Drink
Argentina is the fifth largest wine producing country in the world and is known for its Malbec. Many travellers will head to Mendoza to experience a wine-tasting in Argentina however for those wanting to experience a more tailored and unique experience Cafayete is one of Argentina’s most renowned wine region. The vineyards that are located here are known to produce the Torrontes white wine amongst other fine wines. The area of Cafayete is also much less visited then the popular Mendoza.
If you are looking to taste more traditional Argentinian food, head over to Bariloche in the Southern part of the country where you will be able to find authentic regional dishes. On the other end of the spectrum, in Salta, you will find a mixture of traditional and modern fusion Argentinian cuisine.
Wildlife
If you are interested in wildlife spotting without the crowds Esteros de Ibera is the place to go to. A wetland situated near the Paraguay border in a province called Corrientes, a wide array of different animals live in these marshes such as caymans, swamp deer, monkeys and wolves as well as over 300 bird species. The area is protected by a conservation treaty to protect the flora and fauna of the area as for a while the swamps were left open to commercial hunting which led to many animals becoming endangered.
Argentina is known to have the biggest population of Magellanic penguins and the best place to admire them away from the crowds is at Cabo Virgenes, the most Southern part of Argentina. September through March are the best times to see the penguins as these are when they visit the area the most. First the males arrive in September followed by the females in October when they will build their nests in anticipation of the birthing season in November and December.
Another place to go to if you want to see and learn more about wildlife in Argentina is Puerto Madryn where travellers will find multiple museums on the subject. The most popular of these is the Ecocentro which showcases a large number of scientific research on the animals that inhabit Argentina. They also have interactive artwork so that people who visit can really get to learn in a fun and playful way. Puerto Madryn is also known for being the best place to see the Southern right whale which you can spot from the cliff sides. Travellers can also take a boat to sea to witness up close some of the sea mammals such as dolphins and sea lions.
Culture
For those wanting to get a taste of Argentinian culture, an Estancia is the place to go to. When you arrive there it will truly feel like you've been dropped into a wholly different place. At the ranch you will be able to learn about the history of Argentina which even incorporates a lesson on its economy. Travellers will also be able to experience a classic Asado which is Argentina’s version of a BBQ as well as take part in a variety of activities such as horseback riding and a gaucho show. Gauchos are skilled horsemen who are a symbol of Argentina and are an incredibly important part of Argentinian culture. Being able to meet them is a true privilege.
While in Buenos Aires, travellers should visit some of the surrounding neighbourhoods also called barrios that people don't often take the time to see. San Telmo and La Boca are the most charming and visually appealing of these. San Telmo is known for its cobbled streets and colonial buildings. It used to be the neighbourhood of the richest families in Argentina until the yellow fever made them all flea. San Telmo is now inhabited by and known for its artists and bohemian population. On Sunday there is an antique market that takes place in the streets.
Cuevas de las Manos is a prehistoric cave located in Santa Cruz, Argentina. As its name states it is known for its paintings of hands on the walls of the cave left by prehistoric people. These paintings date back 13,000 years and there are more than a hundred hand silhouettes found here. Travellers can visit the caves with local guides to take you around. While there, try and find the hand silhouette with six fingers!
We hope that these have inspired you to pack your bags and visit some of these yet unknown areas in Argentina. If any one of these have tickled your fancy, do let us know as we would be happy to include any of these in a specially curated itinerary for you.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year with plenty of travel and lots of new discoveries.
