Street view of Purmamarca, a native town in northern Argentina. Editorial credit: Jon Chica / Shutterstock.com

7 of the Quirkiest Towns in Argentina

There are so many unexpected and unforgettable towns that one may miss out on when traveling worldwide. With many countries offering pleasant adventures, scenic natural and historical sites, and commercial amusement, one that truly stands out is Argentina. The famous South American country is no stranger to beauty and quirks, and it is full of amazing towns. These Argentinian destinations will leave a smile on anyone's face, no matter how familiar or unfamiliar one is with international travel!

Purmamarca

A panoramic view of Purmamarca, a native town in northern Argentina.
A panoramic view of Purmamarca, a native town in northern Argentina.

A village town in Jujuy, Purmamarca is an attractive destination for any traveler who loves historical and natural upbringing. Algarrobo Historico is a historic carob tree next to the town's colonial church. Cerro El Porito is another hotspot for cultural and historic walkways, where tourists can enjoy an arid climate while checking out fortified walls close by; it even offers glimpses of the El Cerro de los Siete Colores, a marvelous rocky hill with multicolored pigments!

For fun-filled vendor conversations and interesting cultural trinkets, backpackers can explore Plaza 9 de Julio, a famed stop for cute scarves, comfy sweaters, and vibrant locals. Winery lovers may find some happiness at Bodega Kindgard, a notable locale with incredible wine-tasting moments and tranquil mountain photography. For a unique travel experience, one can try out the Purmamarca Aniacho Turismo, a hidden gem touring operator that provides llama expeditions across the whole town! There are easygoing dining options like Comidas Gabriel and Los Morteros, which provide local stews and trout dinners.

Villa La Angostura

Shopping stores in Villa La Angostura, Patagonia, Argentina.
Shopping stores in Villa La Angostura, Patagonia, Argentina. Editorial credit: Diego Grandi / Shutterstock.com

Villa La Angostura, a secluded resort town found on Nahuel Huapi Lake in Patagonia, is known as the "Garden of Patagonia." It has landmarks like the Arrayanes Forest, a travel motivator for anyone who loves beautiful trees and cinnamon bark scents. At Los Arrayanes National Park, casual and hardcore hikers can trek through looping peninsular trails and enjoy a scenic viewpoint of town. Road trippers who want to be in a vehicle during their time exploring around can drive through the La Ruta de Los Siete Lagos for an amazing 107-kilometer drive through historic highways!

Waterfall enthusiasts can check out Cascadas Nivinco, a set of falls that provides magical tourism for all who are new and love poolside experiences after a nature hike. For history lovers, Museo Historico Regional de Villa La Angostura caters to old-fashioned objects and utensils that glimpse early aboriginal life and has narrated tours of infamous shipwrecks and pioneers. Over at the cozy Cucu Shulz, chocolate mousse treats and creamy caramel almond desserts may satisfy any sweet tooth. Tortilla cuisine and late-night cravings can be fulfilled at La Tasca, a seafood diner with the most delicious local and Chilean meats.

Cafayate

A scenic vineyard in Cafayate, Salta, Argentina.
A scenic vineyard in Cafayate, Salta, Argentina. Editorial credit: Danica Chang / Shutterstock.com

Cafayate is every wine lover's paradise in Argentina! The Museo de la Vid y el Vino, or Museum of the Vine and Wine of Cafaya, is equal parts historical and commercial with its wine production exhibits and unparalleled tasting showrooms. There are some popular bodegas around, like Piatelli Vineyards, an exquisite historic locale with fancy Salta wines, horseback tours, and social lunch amenities. One scenic spot usually overlooked by outsiders is the Bodega Vasija Secreta, a grapevine orchard with luxurious international visiting rooms and hands-on winery workshops to make tourists feel like esteemed guests.

At Cascadas del Rio Colorado, gracious waterfall tours and river-crossing adventures are just some of the best elements tourists can expect while moving through various ancient rock beds; it also has splendid sunset areas! Quebrada de las Conchas, or Shells' Ravine, is a must-see landmark with red rocks, jagged cliffs, and Calchaqui Valley road trip allure. For a cute dairy farm tour, one can stop by Cabras de Cafayate, an artisanal vendor with amusing goats everywhere that makes friendly goat cheese samples for newcomers! At Pusk'no Bistro, romantic couples can savor cheese empanadas, quinoa salads, and signature risotto.

Tigre

The Art Museum of Tigre, located in Tigre, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The Art Museum of Tigre, located in Tigre, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

North of Buenos Aires, Tigre is an overlooked destination with lots to see and do. At the Museo de Arte de Tigre, La Boca painting exhibits and collections by fancy patrons await explorers; the museum was once a former casino palace, too! The Museo Naval de la Nacion is an option for anyone who prefers naval history dioramas and maritime artifacts. Even more, history can be found at Museo de la Reconquista, where garden calmness and musical showrooms consisting of wartime portraits are just some of the coolest finds!

The Isla El Descanso is a waterway monument and natural garden landmark that is frequented for its adventurous greenery and art sculptures that are always worth a return trip. The Tigre Delta is one of the world's biggest delta formations and is right in Tigre! Parque de la Costa is a crowd-pleasing segue with fun amusement park themes and rollercoaster thrill rides to energize adrenaline junkies. For a joyful fruit market, Puerto de Frutos has shopping mall kiosks and fresh produce to keep residents and tourists from all wakes of life happy. Italian cuisine is best served at Maria Lujan Ristorante, a classy restaurant with seafood appetizers and gorgeous terrace views.

La Falda

The historic Eden Hotel in La Falda, Córdoba, Argentina.
The historic Eden Hotel in La Falda, Córdoba, Argentina. Editorial credit: Plex-y / Shutterstock.com

In the Sierras de Cordoba mountain range, La Falda is a small town with a big heart and unexpected attractiveness! The Eden Hotel is a primary stop for travelers because of its historical resort amenities and guided tours of enchanting 18th-century museum gardens that may surprise those from out of town. Not far from the resort is Cerro La Banderita, an observation deck with lots of opportunities to enjoy floral habitats, panoramic mountain trails, and Punilla Valley history.

The best place in town to appreciate waterfalls is at Las 7 Cascadas, a series of seven waterfalls surrounded by dreamy foothills with swimming pool leisure for a quick splash. Those who love adorable photographic moments can check out Reloj Cucu, a souvenir stop where people can enjoy commercialized memories with birdwatching platforms! For scrumptious barbecue tastes, tourists can eat at The Mill House Restaurant, known for its Mediterranean selections and boutique ambiance.

Puerto Iguazu

Devil's Throat at Iguazu Falls, a breathtaking natural wonder on the border of Argentina and Brazil.
Devil's Throat at Iguazu Falls, a breathtaking natural wonder on the border of Argentina and Brazil.

This surreal northwestern destination may come as no surprise on this list due to its famous stops and farmland beauty. The Iguazu Falls is one of the most prominent landmarks, with its captivating semicircular waterfall scenery and vast ocean sprays that are all around a wildlife-oriented landscape. La Aripuca is an ecological highlight thanks to its theme park tourism and family-oriented Guarani tribal history tours; it also has bow and arrow workshops! For a stunning sunset, vacationers may want to check out Hito Tres Fronteras, a countryside bridge with photographic viewpoints that is known for its light shows and welcoming locals.

At Guira Oga, nature preserve tours of toucans, panthers, and other creatures may satisfy animal lovers of all ages. Birdwatchers can adore avians up close at Jardin de los Picaflores, a habitat full of exotic hummingbirds and nectar-feeding areas. For those who prefer monkeys and lush vegetation, there is Sendero Macuco, a lengthy trekking route with natural serenity and easy access to Salto Arrechea, a waterfall pool area with pretty local flora all around! Hungry visitors may not need to go further than Aqva Restaurant for the best beef meals and regional white wine.

San Antonio de Areco

A central street in San Antonio de Areco, Argentina.
A central street in San Antonio de Areco, Argentina. Editorial credit: Marc Venema / Shutterstock.com

A travel option for many, San Antonio de Areco is often called the "Prettiest Town in the Pampas"! Conquistador culture is visible at Parroquia San Antonio de Padua, a historical and cultural landmark featuring Italian contemporary architecture and local 17th-century pioneering history related to Areco's upbringing. The Museo Gauchesco Ricardo Guiraldes is a museum full of traditional artifacts and Argentinian gaucho cowboy attire that will reel in Wild West fanatics. For smaller museums, one can also try Museo Las Lilas, an architectural splendor with artistic impressions and costumed quirks to make people laugh!

The Rio Areco is a riverside treat for adventurists who love the outdoors and friendly locals all around a village-like side of town. For a fun horseback riding trip, Areco Tradicion Turismo offers a mix of Argentinian backdoor tours and private estate galleries to showcase artworks and cultural dances. The finest chocolate ideas come to life at Chocolateria La Olla de Cobre, a deli shop with a mouthwatering candy assortment! At El Batara, boutique cheese crafts and cured meats are coupled with comfort dining to make for the ultimate evening.

Explore Argentina’s Quirky Towns

These attractive towns all around the "Land of Fire" will bring out the best of any travel itinerary. With a host of options to take in for a lifetime, no journey in South America can be complete without considering these meaningful scenic towns. With historical, natural, and commercial wonders that will leave a lasting impression, this list will make just about anyone happy!

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