9 Most Laid-Back Towns in Argentina
When you imagine a relaxing, laid-back town, you might not imagine Argentina. However, Argentina is beautiful, with various scenic landscapes, each offering a relaxed atmosphere. Travelers here will be in awe of the views of the gorgeous Patagonia mountains in Villa La Angostura and glaciers in El Chalten. Argentina also features a peaceful wine country. Cafayate is one of the best towns to enjoy the laid-back environment of wineries and rolling hills. While these towns have different scenery, what they all have in common is their laid-back atmospheres. Explore the nine most laid-back towns in Argentina.
Villa La Angostura
Villa La Angostura is part of a string of stunning mountain towns in Northern Patagonia. Bariloche is a more popular destination in the Northern Patagonia mountains, but it is a city with more hustle and bustle. Villa La Angostura is an hour north of Bariloche and is a quieter place with a quaint, cozy atmosphere. The downtown is charming, with many of the buildings featuring a log cabin vibe. There is a local artisan market where you can buy local handmade goods.
A few kilometers up from downtown is the town's historic section, called Casco Historico. This is a great spot to check out a restaurant or unwind on a beach. The historic section is also where the entrance to Arrayanes National Park is. The park is known for a unique species of myrtle that grows as trees there. This is also a beautiful park to enjoy a hike, kayak trip, or mountain bike ride. A great hike to do is Mirador Brazo Norte. The hike is short and offers a beautiful view uphill.
Cafayate
Cafayate is a romantic blend of varied landscapes. The town is well-known as one of Argentina's most beloved wine regions. Driving through the town, you will see red canyons, desert landscapes, and quaint wineries. Cafayate is Argentina's second-largest wine region. Here, you can try the Torrontes grape variety, a true Argentinian grape. Wineries are located in the heart of the town and the town's countryside. Beyond wine, Cafayate is also known for agriculture. Strolling around town, you can enjoy views of rolling hills and fields of corn and alfalfa. There is also a lot of goats. There is even a goat farm open for tours to gusts called Cabras de Cafayate.
Cafayate is also known for its natural wonders. With red canyons and stunning geological formations, the town is scenic, to say the least. Check out the Quebrada de las Conchas; the red canyons and geological formations are breathtaking. You can bike or drive through the Quebrade de las Conchas. For those who prefer to explore natural wonders on foot, there are many hiking opportunities in Cafayate. A popular hike is the Los Estratos. The 30-minute hike offers fantastic views. Just before the trailhead, there is a shop where you can buy snacks to fuel your journey.
El Chalten
El Chalten is another laid-back town full of mountain views and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. The town's nickname is "Argentine Capital of Trekking," and for good reason. Many people go to El Chalten to hike in the Patagonia mountains. While the town is relatively small, it has a lot of outdoor views to enjoy. In El Chalten, you will see the beautiful natural features of the Andes Mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers. One of the most popular hikes in El Chalten is the walk to Salto El Chorrillo. The hike takes just over an hour and takes you to a waterfall in the heart of Argentine Patagonia. Another great hike is the 18km round trip walk to Laguna Torre. Here, you will get amazing views of Laguna Torre, Glacier Grande, and Cerro Torre.
While hiking is popular in El Chalten, so is ice walking. This is where you put on crampons to walk on ice and glaciers. Perito Moreno Glacier is a famous glacier on which to walk. The massive glacier is more than 600 square km and 60 meters high.
Chacras de Coria
Chacras de Coria is an upscale small town with beautiful countryside, historic buildings, cafes, and boutiques. Every Sunday, the charming town square hosts an antique market. Near the downtown square, you can see the quaint, whitewashed, neocolonial parish church. Art lovers will enjoy the town's local art museum, Museo de Bellas Artes de Mendoza. The museum features paintings from local artist Fernando Fader and other artists worldwide.
The town is also known for its wineries. One of the most famous wineries in the region is Bodega y Cavas de Weinert Puerto Iguazu. The winery exports wine around the world and is famous for still using large oak barrels.
Purmamarca
Purmamarca is not only a laid-back Argentinian town but a stunning one. The town is known for the Cerro de los Siete Colores, the Hill of Seven Colors. This natural wonder is a must-see in Purmarca. There is a hike that takes you to the magnificent hill, which takes about 40 minutes. Check out the desert cemetery on the way to the Hill of Seven Colors. The cemetery is unique for its DIY mausoleums, headstones, and gravesites against red rocks. Purmamarca is also unique because most restaurants play live music while you eat. They make the service experience interactive and engaging with guests. Some popular local spots include Ruta 52 and Los Tientos. From scenic hikes to lively local restaurant experiences, Purmamarca is a relaxing town not to miss.
Puerto Iguazú
Puerto Iguazu is the Argentinian town to see waterfalls. The serene surroundings bring in tourists every year. The most famous waterfall in town is the Iguazú Falls, a stunning natural wonder. The falls can be seen at Iguazu National Park. You can even take a tour and see the falls in the Moonlight. There are many other waterfalls to see around town. The highest waterfall is the Garganta del Diablo. The U-shaped waterfall is spectacular to see in person. You can take a train or walk down the path to the waterfall. Since Puerto Iguazu gets so many tourists, there are many great options for local cuisine. Local restaurants serve everything from river fish, pasta, and meat to pizzas with Caribbean flavors. La Rueda is a local favorite spot. The restaurant offers fish, poultry, other meats, and pasta dishes. The urubí Garganta del Diablo is a popular item on the menu.
La Falda
La Falda is a peaceful town located in the foothills of the Sierras Chicas mountains. The town is full of natural beauty from mountains to caves and waterfalls. Those looking to adventure through the Punilla, La Falda, and the Sierra mountains will love La Falda. The town is the perfect spot to prepare for a mountain adventure since it is close to these mountain ranges. A great park to explore the outdoors in La Falda is Los Cocos Park. Here, you can enjoy an ample greenspace, waterfall, and picnic area. Visit Cascada de Olaen for a tranquil waterfall oasis. Around town, there are opportunities to horseback ride through the Sierras to enjoy magnificent mountain views.
San Antonio de Areco
Located 70 miles north of Buenos Aires, San Antonio de Areco is known for its picturesque streets and quiet atmosphere. The town has a rich culture and has preserved many local gaucho and criollo traditions. November’s Fiesta de la Tradición is a festive time in the town. All the town's Gauchos gather and ride their horses throughout the town wearing their finest clothing. There are many museums and galleries around San Antonio de Areco to explore the town's local culture. The Las Lilas Museum has paintings from Florencio Molina Campos (1891-1959). A popular museum in town is the Ricardo Güiraldes Gauchesco Museum. The museum is in honor of Argentinan writer, novelist, and poet Ricardo Güiraldes.
Tigre
Tigre is another laid back Argentina town close to Buenos Aires. The town is full of scenic natural landscapes and has a rich culture. The Tigre Delta is one of the best places to go to enjoy the town's nature. This is one of the world's largest natural deltas. Some people even call it the “Venice of Buenos Aires.” Experience the town's vibrant art community by visiting the local art museum, Museo de Arte Tigre. The museum is in a building that is a work of art itself. The stunning French-style mansion dates back to the early 20th century. Walking around Tigre, check out the bustling Puerto de Frutos. The market started out as a fruit market and has transformed into a market that sells just about everything. This is a great spot to see the thriving community and enjoy a leisurely walk around town.
Argentina is a beautiful country. The small towns have everything you could want in a laid-back destination. In La Falda, you can enjoy green spaces, waterfalls, and scenic parks. El Chalten offers mountain views and many hiking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Cafayate is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a glass of wine. All these activities might not sound laid-back or relaxing to everyone. Everyone's idea of relaxation is different. Some people want to go on an adventure and hike through the mountains. Other people want to leisurely walk around town or sit down and enjoy a good meal. In these towns in Argentina, everyone will find the laid-back destination they are searching for.
