TRAVEL DOCTOR-ES in Argentina
Un nota redactada por:
With over two million square kilometers of territory, Argentina, the eighth-largest country in
the world, is also the second-largest in South America and one of the most diverse.
Few places on Earth can boast the rich variety of landscapes that Argentina offers. Its
borders encompass the highest peaks of the Americas, wild coastlines teeming with life,
tropical jungles bursting with biodiversity, deserts, plains, lakes, glaciers, vast metropolises,
and even the furthest reaches of civilized land.
Traveling across this enormous country can be challenging. That’s why proper planning is
essential when organizing a trip through this beautiful land; otherwise, your time will be
consumed by travel rather than enjoyment. The same applies to healthcare. Argentina has a
public health system that struggles to meet the needs of the local population, often proving
insufficient. Long waiting hours are a daily reality for those needing public healthcare
services.
Fortunately for travelers, Argentina also boasts an excellent private healthcare system.
However, the country faces another challenge: very few doctors speak English or are trained
to provide medical attention in languages other than Spanish. That’s why we’ve decided to
offer you the best care in English through traveldoctores.com.
Today, I want to share my favorite places to visit in Argentina — ten must-see spots worth
exploring and experiencing.
The capital and largest city of Argentina, Buenos Aires, is also the third-most populous city in
Latin America and the second in South America, with over 16 million people living in its
metropolitan area. Beyond its size, Buenos Aires is one of the most visited cities in the
region and is, for many, the cultural capital of Latin America. It’s home to numerous theaters
and performance venues, including the stunning Teatro Colón, one of the most beautiful
stages in the world. Buenos Aires is also known for its grand downtown filled with
eclectic-style palaces, earning it the nickname “the Paris of Latin America.”
You’ll find the magnificent buildings of Plaza de Mayo, with the iconic Casa Rosada at its
helm. Don’t miss Avenida 9 de Julio, one of the widest avenues in the world, home to the
city’s symbol: the Buenos Aires Obelisk, standing 67 meters tall. Recoleta is another iconic
neighborhood, filled with beautiful mansions, although most visitors come to see its famous
cemetery, the final resting place of figures like Eva María Duarte de Perón, the legendary
“Evita.” No visit to Buenos Aires is complete without strolling through Caminito, arguably the
city’s most traditional area. The birthplace of tango, porteño fileteado art, and the Boca
Juniors soccer team, Caminito is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in Argentina’s rich
culture.
From the civilization and modernity of Buenos Aires, we journey into the jungle, to the wild
landscapes where Argentina meets Brazil: the Iguazú Falls. These are among the most
breathtaking places on Earth and are located here in Argentina. This massive system
comprises over 200 waterfalls, where the Iguazú River plunges into a spectacular abyss.
About 80% of the falls lie within Argentine territory, with the remaining 20% in Brazil. To visit
this natural wonder — declared one of the New7Wonders of Nature in 2011 — you must
travel to Puerto Iguazú in the country’s northeast, which has its own international airport.
From there, it’s easy to explore the stunning falls via famous walking trails offering
spectacular and unique views from every angle.
But Iguazú is more than just jungle and waterfalls. Dedicate a full day to visiting the Jesuit
Mission Ruins of San Ignacio Miní in the Misiones province. A UNESCO World Heritage Site
since 1984, these ruins are the most culturally significant site in the province and the
best-preserved Jesuit missions in Argentina.
Founded in 1610 at a different location, the structures we see today date back to 1696, when
the Jesuits settled in San Ignacio. The mission functioned as a self-contained nation with its
own administration, where the Guaraní language was spoken, and priests served as judges
and advisors. Many original structures remain, including the magnificent Church of San
Ignacio, carved from red stone in a mixed architectural style.
Traveling to remote areas like this makes it even more important to have access to qualified
medical support in case of unforeseen events. Remember, Traveldoctores.com is your best
option for this.
Close to the highest and most rugged section of the Andes lies a city that beautifully
encapsulates the culture of this great nation. Mendoza is renowned for its vast vineyards,
bustling streets, top-notch restaurants, and the crisp mountain air.
What I love most about Mendoza is its orderliness. The city’s layout is regular, and
everything seems designed to charm its visitors. Shops feature well-designed signs, the
sidewalks are in pristine condition, and the cobblestone streets make a characteristic sound
when cars pass. While Mendoza doesn’t boast many colonial buildings, as most were lost
over time, it stands out for its greenery. The city is full of beautiful tree-lined pedestrian paths
bustling with shops of every kind.
Although Mendoza is a beautiful city, its greatest attractions lie in its surroundings. Here, on
the border with Chile, the Andes Mountains reach their highest point at Mount Aconcagua.
Standing at an impressive 6,960 meters, it’s the tallest peak in the Americas and in both the
Southern and Western Hemispheres.
Head to the small town of Uspallata to explore this region, passing by stunning sites like the
Potrerillos Dam, a spectacular body of water that mirrors the surrounding landscape. Take
the winding road that connects Mendoza with Santiago, Chile, offering breathtaking views of
the Andes. A must-see stop is the Puente del Inca, a natural formation where a mineral-rich
river petrifies everything it touches. Today, it’s part of the famed Inca Trail, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
About 250 kilometers from Mendoza is San Rafael, a charming town with a quaint historic
center. Here, you’ll find one of Mendoza province’s greatest natural wonders: the Atuel
Canyon.
This impressive canyon, carved by the Atuel River, was one of my biggest surprises in
Argentina. Visiting is straightforward, as numerous tours depart from Mendoza or San
Rafael. The canyon stretches 56 kilometers, with a depth of up to 260 meters. The region’s
hydroelectric potential has also been harnessed, and there are four major reservoirs here.
The most striking is Valle Grande, which offers spectacular views from its iconic lookout
point.
One of the things I adore about Argentina is its majestic mountains. The southern stretch of
the Andes, with its low peaks, is a captivating area filled with stunning landscapes and
massive glaciers. This region is home to Los Glaciares National Park, established in 1937
and a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site since 1981.
The gateway to this incredible national park is the city of El Calafate. A lively town full of
tourist amenities, El Calafate sits on the shores of Lago Argentino. Its turquoise waters are
visible from every hill in the city. Avenida del Libertador, the city’s main street, is buzzing with
activity and lined with restaurants, souvenir shops, bars, clubs, and even a Toy Museum
showcasing the history of playthings. The Laguna Nimez Nature Reserve is the city’s most
important natural site and a must-visit urban park.
Perhaps Argentina’s most iconic natural landmark is the Perito Moreno Glacier. This
stunning glacier is unique in that it doesn’t retreat; instead, it advances, maintaining a stable
position ideal for exploration.
The most popular way to see the glacier is from Lago Argentino on a boat tour, where you
can witness massive chunks of ice breaking off and crashing into the water, creating a
thunderous sound and large waves. Alternatively, you can explore the glacier on foot, using
the well-designed walkways that provide incredible views. For the adventurous, there are
guided tours that allow you to trek across the ice itself, revealing hidden wonders within the
glacier.
If you plan to embark on these adventures, having access to quality health coverage and
English-speaking doctors is essential. That’s where traveldoctores.com comes in,
ensuring you’re well cared for during your journey.
The activity I enjoyed most in Los Glaciares National Park was hiking from El Chaltén,
known as Argentina’s trekking capital. This small town exists solely for tourism and offers
access to some of the country’s most remote and rugged landscapes.
El Chaltén is filled with friendly locals eager to help visitors make the most of their stay.
There are countless trekking options, ranging from challenging multi-day hikes to shorter,
more accessible trails. One of the best is the trek to Laguna de los Tres, an 8-hour round trip
that showcases stunning Andean scenery and a breathtaking glacial lake framed by the
peaks of Fitz Roy, Poincenot, and Saint-Exupéry.
Our journey through Argentina ends at the northern arm of Lago Argentino, where Estancia
Cristina offers one of the most peaceful and beautiful settings in Argentine Patagonia.
Accessible only by boat from Puerto Bandera, this historic ranch offers a rustic tour with
spectacular views of the Upsala Glacier and a trekking route to the Fossil Canyon, featuring
a petrified forest filled with ancient mollusk fossils. The estancia’s historic facilities include
the family home of its original settlers and the waterwheel that once provided energy from
the Caterina River.
These are just a few of Argentina’s many treasures. As I mentioned, it’s an inexhaustible
land with so much more to discover. So don’t let anything hold you back—set out and
explore this marvelous country!