1. Cono de Arita

Cono de Arita is an enigmatic pyramid located in the southernmost tip of Salar de Arizaro, Argentina’s second largest salt flat, between the towns of Caipe and Tolar Grande. Surrounded by astonishing sceneries, this perfectly shaped natural formation catches everyone’s eyes. The arduous access to the site, the characteristics of the area and the mystery around its origin make this flawless natural cone an extraordinary jewel. Its color mythically contrasts that of the salt flat, which turns the whole site into a vibrant one.

Many of the sites in this post are located miles away from the major towns and cities. For that reason it is always best to hire someone well acquainted with the area.

Cono de Arita

2. Piedra Parada

The province of Chubut is home to countless attractions. On one side with Patagonia, and on the other with its natural wonders by the Atlantic Ocean. Route 12 links the east and west of the region, and halfway through this road lies Piedra Parada, or standing rock, an extraordinary rock formation which is part of a natural reserve and which has become a great draw for climbers.

Piedra Parada

3. La Payunia

The amazing diversity of our territory also turns the country into a strategic meeting point for scientists and experts in a number of disciplines. The Payunia Provincial Reserve is one big hotspot for volcano experts who seek to further study the behavior of these majestic landforms.

Color has been present throughout this brief journey around Argentina’s treasures, and La Payunia is no exception. ´The tones in this volcanic region greatly contrast those of the north and the south of the country. Located in southern Mendoza, this site with stunning sights and a rich wildlife is a must-see attraction for hikers, nature enthusiasts and photography lovers.

It may interest you: The 5 Best Trekking Tours in Argentina

La Payunia

4. Salto del Agrio

This cascade, with a fall of almost 60 meters, is framed by a canyon formed by lava flows in times of volcanic activity. Given the composition of the minerals in the water, like iron and sulfur, the whole setting boasts an array of different tones that range from red and orange to green and yellow.

Salto del Agrio lies only a few miles from Caviahue, a town home to a charming lake among other sites well worth seeing.

Salto del Agrio

5. Valle de la Luna

Northern Argentina not only offers exquisite food and dream landscapes; it also features a number of treasure troves that further prove the magnificence and vastness of this marvelous region.

Even when many think that the breathtaking Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors) or the Cerro Hornacal (featuring 14 different tones) are the only highlights in this area, in the province of Jujuy lies Valle de la Luna, where, as its name suggests, visitors live an off-the-planet experience in its moonlike desert landscape with pink-streaked hills, spectacular sunsets and rock formations.

Valle de la Luna

6. Cuevas de Acsibi

Cuevas de Acsibi is one of Salta’s many secret and most amazing natural wonders. Located some 15 km away from Seclantás, a small town in this province, this colorful geological marvel is not readily accessible.

Tours to these formations must be scheduled in advance, so that the guides from Argentina On The Go may arrange entry to the site. After a lengthy journey which starts with a 4×4 vehicle ride followed by a 4-hour trek, visitors eventually reach this archaeologically-rich site where it is also possible to admire some cave paintings as part of the tour.

Cuevas de Acsibi

7. El Leoncito Observatory

Nestled within El Leoncito National Park in San Juan, travelers will find this astronomical observatory that bears the same name as the park and which offers night guided tours. Surrounded by hills, mountains, cascades and a great diversity of sceneries, this site is a unique and strategic point from which to contemplate the sky and marvel at the immensity of the universe.

Observatorio El Leoncito

8. Saltos del Moconá

While the Iguazu Waterfalls are internationally renowned and even listed as one of the natural wonders of the world, only a few miles away from them lies a spot just as impressive, though probably much less known. It is Saltos del Moconá, a geological fault with falls interrupting the Uruguay River course for some 3 km on the border between Brazil and Argentina. A must-see while visiting the province of Misiones.

Saltos del Moconá

9. Villa Pehuenia

One feature that most of the destinations recommended in this post share is the beauty of the roads leading to them. A gradual journey loaded with surprises and natural wealth.

Villa Pehuenia is no exception: the trip from Aluminé will take your breath away. Once in the destination, the place’s points of interest and natural surroundings will do their part.

Located at the foot of the Patagonian Andes, the site offers an exceptional postcard landscape with its lakes, volcanoes and the charming local architecture.

Villa Pehuenia

10. Campo de Piedra Pómez

Now traveling through the province of Catamarca we reach over 3000 meters of altitude to visit Campo de Piedra Pómez (The Pumice Stone Field), whose landscape resembles a sea of white stone shaped by the wind. Depending on the time of day the natural sculptures of this setting offer shades that range from orange to grey and white. The peculiar texture and unique contrast of the rocks make this field look like the perfect landscape for a science-fiction movie.

Campo de Piedra Pómez

11. Laguna Diamante

By far the largest and probably the best-known wine region in Argentina, Mendoza is also home to a great variety of landscapes. Laguna Diamante is indeed a real jewel right at the foot of the Maipo Volcano, whose reflection creates a diamond-shape image, giving the lake its name. The natural scenery surrounding this shimmering blue body of water, along with the winding road leading to it, turn this destination into a must-see on the list.

Laguna Diamante

12. Bahía Bustamante

Back in the province of Chubut, we make a stop in Bahía Bustamante, a precious area that preserves a great wealth of mammals and birds. This is the ideal spot to connect with nature and take in the most amazing views of the ocean. The town also possesses a history worth learning, which plays an important role in the attractions of this place.

Bahía Bustamante

13. Puerto Deseado

Last but not least is Puerto Deseado, a hidden gem in the south of the country. As its name suggests, travelers are likely to wish they could stay there for a long time. It is with good reason that we have selected this port to close our itinerary through some of the treasure troves Argentina possesses.

Puerto Deseado boasts an invaluable natural wealth that will bring you close to the very best of Patagonia, amidst a setting seldom visited that will fill you with peace of mind as you contemplate the many wonders around.

Puerto Deseado