My first trip to Argentina didn't go particularly well. Being held at the land border because of a visa issue was bad enough, but delaying the half-dozen or so other passengers on the bus transferring us to our final destination was acutely embarrassing.

I expected to be met with abuse when I finally boarded the bus half-an-hour late, but to my pleasant surprise I was greeted with smiles and sympathy. I will always remember those kind strangers gratefully.

That was a few years ago now and, as I recall, none of us on the bus was focusing solely on Argentina. We were also travelling to other parts of the South American continent, in my case Brazil, Chile and Uruguay. But in the years that followed, Argentina – already celebrated for its passion and personality – underwent something of a transformation and stepped confidently into a new era of global tourism.

As a leading nominee in several categories for the World Travel Awards South America 2026, this vast and vibrant nation is no longer just a bucket-list idea, it's a sought-after destination. 

Argentina offers a rare blend of cultural intensity and natural spectacle, from the melting pot of Buenos Aires to the rainforests and peaks of the Andes, and to the big skies of Patagonia.

Landscapes that defy imagination

Argentina's geography reads like a dream itinerary. In the south, Patagonia is defined by its glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, plains, mountains and native forests. Here, adventurers find themselves dwarfed by the majesty of Perito Moreno Glacier, located in Los Glaciares National Park. Thirty kilometres long and five kilometres wide, Perito Moreno has ice walls reaching some 70 metres above Lake Argentino and a total ice depth of 170 metres. It is part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the world's third-largest freshwater reserve, and is one of the few glaciers in Patagonia that has historically maintained a state of equilibrium, advancing and retreating in balance. 

Travel north, and the scenery transforms dramatically. Iguazu Falls is a massive waterfall system on the Argentina-Brazil border, consisting of around 275 cascades and recognised as both a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Iguazu Falls is surrounded by lush subtropical rainforest, home to diverse wildlife including jaguars, toucans, coatis and colourful butterflies. Iguazu is wider than Niagara Falls and taller than Victoria Falls, earning it global recognition as the largest waterfall system in the world.

A toast to the terroir with wines of distinction

In Argentina's west the wine country of Mendoza sits beneath the towering Andes, where vineyards thrive in the shadow of snow-capped peaks. Once associated with quantity rather than quality, Argentina's wine industry has exploded since the 1990s when its wines began to be exported. The country has mastered the art of harnessing altitude and climate to produce memorable vintages, and is now one of the world's top producers of quality wine, with Malbec leading the charge,

In Mendoza, visitors can wander through sun-drenched vineyards, sampling bold reds and crisp whites while gazing out at the Andes. Adventurers can also explore rivers and valleys, go rafting and kayaking, rappelling and mountain climbing, ziplining and mountain biking. You can also visit the Aconcagua Provincial Park and find the mountain sought by climbers from all over the world: Aconcagua, the highest in the Americas, standing at 6,962 metres (22,841 feet).

A culinary journey through the regions 

Argentine gastronomy is as diverse as its landscapes. At its heart lies the legendary asado — a social ritual as much as a meal. Flames crackle, meats sizzle and conversations flow freely, creating an experience that is both intimate and celebratory.

But beyond the grill, the country's culinary identity expands. In Buenos Aires, European influences shine through elegant cafés and fine dining establishments. In the northwest, indigenous traditions bring bold flavours and ancient techniques to the table. Every region tells its own story, and every dish is a chapter worth tasting.

Below is a selection of some of the best restaurants across the country:

Aramburu, Buenos Aires
Argentina's number one fine-dining restaurant and the country's only two-Michelin-starred venue, Aramburu delivers an intimate, multi-course tasting experience led by chef Gonzalo Aramburu. Expect artistic, highly technical dishes that redefine Argentine cuisine.

Don Julio, Buenos Aires
A global icon of Argentine grilling, Don Julio is widely considered the world's best steakhouse and ranked among the top restaurants worldwide. Famous for premium beef and an exceptional wine cellar, it's the ultimate parrilla experience.

El Baqueano, Salta
For something truly different, El Baqueano showcases indigenous ingredients and rare regional meats—from llama to Patagonian lamb—pushing the boundaries of traditional Argentine cuisine.

Siete Fuegos, Mendoza
Located in wine country and led by celebrated chef Francis Mallmann, Siete Fuegos is all about open-fire cooking and rustic elegance, perfectly paired with Mendoza's world-class wines.

The capital

Apart from listing the restaurants above, the travel news report that I based this article on hardly mentioned Buenos Aires, so I thought I should add my own observations. The capital city pulses with life and a Latin vibe, and like all of the world's great cities it never seems to sleep. It also has a vibrant arts community.

For those who only have time to see the main attractions these should include the city square, Plaza de Mayo, lined with stately 19th-century buildings including Casa Rosada, the presidential palace; Teatro Colón, a grand 1908 opera house with nearly 2,500 seats and considered one of the 10 best opera houses in the world; and the modern MALBA museum, displaying Latin American art. One of the most colourful neighbourhoods in the city is La Boca, a working-class district and a tourist magnet but very likeable. 

Take care crossing the terrifyingly wide and traffic-dense boulevards, particularly Avenida 9 de Julio, claimed to be the widest avenue in the world. Its name honours Argentina's Independence Day, 9 July 1816. At its widest, the avenue has seven lanes in each direction plus two lanes for turning into the side streets, a total of 18 lanes. Crossing it on foot is a major undertaking requiring two or three traffic-light cycles and a wait at the median strip.

We stayed at the Esplendor, a delightful hotel conveniently located in Recoleta near the main museums, promenades and tourist attractions of Buenos Aires, including the Palais de Glace and the Recoleta Cultural Center. It boasts a number of stunning artworks and can be recognised from its neo-Renaissance façade. Now a Wyndham hotel, it offers modern décor, an on-site business centre and an inclusive buffet breakfast.

The pulse of a nation: football and heroes

It would be an omission to write about Argentina without mentioning football. Personally, I'm not a fan of contact sport, but devotees of football will be enthralled by the passion for the game that is displayed in Argentina. In the streets of Buenos Aires the sport isn't just played, it's lived. For visitors, attending a match — perhaps at the iconic La Bombonera — is more than sport, it's a cultural immersion, raw and unforgettable.

The far south

Another place that wasn't mentioned in the original report but was one of my favourite cities is Ushuaia. Generally recognised as the southernmost city in the world (although this title is also claimed by Puerto Williams in Chile), Ushuaia is famous for its breathtaking natural landscapes, adventure tourism and as the jumping off point for cruises to Antarctica. Located on the southern tip of South America, Ushuaia offers a unique blend of rugged beauty and cultural richness. The city is surrounded by the Andes Mountains and the Beagle Channel, providing stunning views and a perfect starting point for exploring the region's natural wonders. 

Ushuaia's nickname, "Fin del Mundo" (the end of the world) reflects its remote location and the opportunities it offers for adventure and exploration. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking and bird watching, as well as cultural experiences like visiting the Maritime Museum and the End of the World Museum. The city's infrastructure and services cater to a wide range of travellers, making it an accessible and enjoyable destination for those seeking to experience the essence of this southernmost city.

So why is Argentina rising now?

Partly, it's the convergence of authenticity and accessibility. Travellers today seek more than landmarks; they want meaning, connection and discovery. Argentina delivers all three, effortlessly. Its tourism infrastructure continues to evolve, its cultural exports — from football to food — resonate globally, and its landscapes remain as awe-inspiring as ever.

Recognition from the World Travel Awards only underscores what seasoned travellers already know: Argentina is not just a destination on the rise, it's a destination that must be seen to be believed.

More information:

Visit Argentina

Original text © 2026 Breaking Travel News

Title picture: Matt Broch/Unsplash

Other photos © Judy Barford