Argentina is a country that brings to mind much more than tango, sports and cultural wealth.
Ruinas Jesuítas – Misiones
I ts natural wonders enjoy a well-deserved fame which, through stories, postcards or the social media, reach thousands of travelers across the planet.
The word “diversity” probably summarizes what visitors will discover throughout the territory: lakes, mountains, deserts, glaciers, as well as a unique view from the very end of the world.
Argentina is home to destinations that have been listed as UNESCO’s World Heritage sites, such as the Peninsula Valdes marine sanctuary, the Iguazu National Park, Los Glaciares National Park, and the most recently listed (2017) Los Alerces National Park in Chubut.
In our post today, however, we will be taking a look at Argentina’s seven natural wonders, which were chosen by popular vote out of 28 spots preselected by experts. For such pre selection the criteria was based on 7 different attributes: exceptional scenic beauty, geological originality, singularity/relevance, biodiversity/heterogeneity, sustainability, accessibility and potentiality.
Nahuel Huapi National Park
In Río Negro and Neuquén
To the south of the country we find the first National Park in Argentina (1903), a natural gem in the country and surely a must see on this list. The 710,000 hectares of its area encompass villages, communities, Villa Mascardi and Villa Traful. The park is also within a short distance from Bariloche and Villa La Angostura.
Among the highlights in this area we may find Cerro Tronador and Cascada de Los Alerces, Los Arrayanes National Park, Isla Victoria and the Arrayanes (myrtle) forest in Bariloche, Puerto Blest and Cascada de los Cántaros. Lake Nahuel Huapi, with its unparalleled beauty, is indeed another big attraction and the gateway to one of the most stunning marvels in our country.
Nahuel Huapi National Park – Rio Negro & Neuquén
Perito Moreno Glacier
In Santa Cruz
Cities and countries around the world are typically associated with their icons. The Coliseum in Rome, the Statue of Liberty in New York, or the big Ben in London. When it comes to natural landscapes, the Perito Moreno Glacier is particularly famed among locals and travelers from all over the world who long to witness its grandeur in person once in Argentina.
Located in the province of Santa Cruz, this breathtaking glacier covers an area of 257 square kilometers. Its walkways offer spectacular views. Visitors may also engage in a sailing tour or even go on a guided trekking expedition on the glacier!
Perito Moreno Glacier – Santa Cruz
Salinas Grandes
In Jujuy
The Seven Color Hill in Purmamarca is one of the gateways to reach Salinas Grandes (the Great Salt Flats). The white color of this natural marvel covers 212 square kilometers and is likely to hypnotize anyone setting foot in it. One the four largest salt flats in the continent, the sublime Salinas Grandes is open for visitors throughout the year.
It may interest you: Off the Beaten Path Destinations in Argentina
Salinas Grandes – Jujuy
Talampaya National Park
In La Rioja
Traveling around Argentina may sometimes feel like traveling in another planet, or even back to pre-historical times. It would be odd not to find a place evoking such sensations on this list. The Tampalaya National Park in La Rioja safeguards the remains of dinosaurs and plants from the area, as well as the geological formations shaped by the wind and the water for millions of years.
Talampaya National Park – La Rioja
Selva Misionera
In Misiones
With the Iguazu Falls as its greatest emblem, the Selva Misionera is a treasure-trove, home not only to over-400-year-old Jesuit ruins and the Saltos del Moconá, but also to the most fascinating flora and fauna ornamenting each single corner of this natural jewel in our northern Mesopotamia. Yerba mate, one of the most iconic plants in Argentina, grows in this rainforest too.
Saltos del Moconá – Misiones
Mina Clavero River
In Córdoba
This natural treasure is closely linked to the locals and their idiosyncrasy. The river originates in the high peaks of the mountains and it crosses the center of Cordoba, creating natural resorts, slides, cascades and extensive beaches, along with amazing views all along.
Mina Clavero River – Córdoba
Bañado La Estrella
In Formosa
Bearing a name perfectly matches the charm of the place, and with an area of around 400,000 hectares, this wetland in Formosa harbors nearly 300 bird species, alligators, anteaters, marsh deer, capybaras, curiyú boas, among many other creatures, all within an astonishing natural setting. In constant transformation over the course of the four seasons, Bañado La Estrella offers visitors a different scenery according to the time of the year.
Bañado La Estrella – Formosa
