Not to miss

Patagonia

This enormous region south of Buenos Aires province features a glacier-dotted mountainous interior, unique coastal wildlife and Andean national parks. Península Valdés is a special treat for lovers of wildlife.

The Perito Moreno Glacier of Santa Cruz is a 60m (197ft)-high river of rising, toppling and exploding ice, though it hasn't advanced for several years. Carmen de Patagones is a beautiful colonial city and there are unexpected vestiges of the area's previous Welsh inhabitants.

Buenos Aires

More European than South American in flavor, Buenos Aires' heart boasts bustling streets, grand avenues, old-time cafes and stylish restaurants. It's a city of tragedy and elation; a vibrant, cosmopolitan capital where locals are renowned for their flair and cockiness, even in times of adversity.

For the traveler, Buenos Aires delivers. Wander the cobbled streets, marveling at faded architectural glories and colorfully painted metal houses; talk world politics and fútbol (soccer) in an atmospheric old cafe; then tuck into a famously delicious Argentine steak to power a long night's partying.

Iguazú Falls

Situated in the Parque Nacional Iguazú near Puerto Iguazú, these spectacular falls lie just east of the confluence of the Iguazú and Paraná rivers. At least 5000 cubic m (176,570 cubic ft) of water per second plunge the 70m (230ft) into the abyss below.

The surrounding park is home to 55,000ha (135,850 acres) of pristine subtropical rainforest, with abundant wildlife and plant species. You'll need to devote a whole day to truly appreciate the area. If the sun is shining, the mist and spray create abundant rainbows.

Reserva Faunística Península Valdés

Lying on Argentina's barren eastern Patagonian coast, this oddly shaped peninsula is home to some of the country's richest wildlife. Elephant seals, Magellanic penguins, right whales, guanacos, armadillos and foxes are almost guaranteed sightings during their high seasons. This is where orcas have been filmed snatching pinnipeds (genus including seals and sea lions) off the beach.

Elephant seals, sea lions and dusky dolphins lounge around all year long. While the orca phenomenon occurs during high tide from February to April, note that sightings are very rare - you may be disappointed!

Parque Nacional Los Alerces

The spacious Andean Parque Nacional Los Alerces protects extensive stands of alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides), a large and long-lived conifer of the humid Valdivian forests. Other common trees include cypress, incense cedar, southern beeches and arrayán. The colihue (a bamboo-like plant) undergrowth is almost impenetrable. The receding glaciers of Los Alerces' peaks, which barely reach 2300m (7546ft), have left nearly pristine lakes and streams.

Westerly storms drop nearly 3000mm (118in) of rain annually, but summers are mild and the park's eastern zone is much drier. An interpretative center provides information.

Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (South)

Few glaciers on earth can match the activity and excitement of the blue-hued Perito Moreno Glacier, the highlight of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. Its 60m (197ft) jagged ice-peaks shear off and crash-land with huge splashes and thunderous rifle-cracks, birthing small tidal waves and large bobbing icebergs - while your neck hairs rise a-tingling.

The Perito Moreno Glacier was born to be a tourist attraction. The ideally located Península de Magallanes is close enough to the glacier to provide glorious panoramas, but far enough away to be safe. A long series of catwalks and platforms give everyone a great view. Hanging around for a few hours, just looking at the glacier and awaiting the next great calving, can be an existential experience.

Fitz Roy Range

One of Patagonia's premier traveler magnets, El Chaltén, is a small, homely yet fast-growing village set in a pretty river valley. Travelers come here for the extraordinary snowcapped towers of the Fitz Roy range, which offer plenty of world-class hiking and camping along with some of the most stunning mountain scenery you'll ever see.

Climbers from around the world are drawn here for their chance to climb Cerro Fitz Roy (3441m/ 11,290ft), as well as other peaks. Pack for wind, rain and cold temperatures, even in summer, when views of the peaks can be obscured. If the sun is out, however, El Chaltén is paradise on earth; come see it soon, as the road to El Calafate is being paved and changes are sure to come. All water sources in the area are potable, so help keep them clean. Note that El Chaltén is within national park boundaries, and rules must be followed.

Quebrada de Humahuaca

Mountains ablaze with mineral color edge this barren yet stunning canyon, a historic trade route called the Camino Inca. Ancient adobe churches, photogenic traditional villages, crumbling old ruins and a rich indigenous culture provide highlights in the region. To top it off it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.