From the deserts to the glaciers, Argentina has one of the most diverse collections of landscapes in the world, so it’s no surprise that it’s the natural World Heritage Sites that dominate its list.
Of the 12 World Heritage Sites in Argentina, five of them are natural, covering some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring national parks the country has to offer.
A couple of highlights are the cascades of Iguazu, which I think are the most impressive waterfalls in the world, and Los Glaciares National Park, which is the crowning jewel of Argentina’s Patagonia region.
But it’s not just about nature. When it comes to the cultural World Heritage Sites in Argentina, there’s a fascinating collection of places that spans more than 13,000 years of history.
Starting with prehistoric cave art, the story of humanity in this part of the world continues through the Incan Empire, the European colonial period, modern architecture, and even up to the dark days of the country’s dictatorship in the late 20th century.
Each of these places is really interesting in its own right, but they also remind you how much history there is in this part of the world… even if there are some eras that are under-represented (an issue with cultural UNESCO sites in South America more broadly, I fear).
If you wanted to visit all of Argentina’s World Heritage Sites, things could be a bit tricky, though.
A couple of the cultural ones are pretty accessible, in big cities like Buenos Aires and Cordoba. But many are in remote areas, particularly the natural sites.
To visit some of these UNESCO sites in Argentina, you will have to go quite out of your way, so ultimately that’ll be a decision for you about whether it’s worth it.
You’ll see what I mean when you look at them on the map here:
Ultimately, though, Argentina has one of the best collections of World Heritage Sites in South America because of its dramatic natural wonders and wide variety of cultural attractions.
Let’s take a look at each of them in more detail.
Iguazu National Park
I thought we should start with one of the most impressive (and one of my favourites), Iguazu National Park. Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and ecological significance, the park’s centrepiece is the majestic Iguazu Falls, a series of 275 cascades stretching for nearly three kilometres.
(As a side note, the Brazilian side is a separate World Heritage Site called Iguaçu National Park – note the different spelling – because they were inscribed before the more recent trend of countries sharing sites.)
The sheer scale and power of Iguazu Falls is breathtaking and it’s something you need to experience, not just see, because the roar of the tumbling water and the spray of mist in your face are all part of it.
Well-maintained walkways allow visitors to approach the falls from various angles, right up to the ‘Devil’s Throat’, a U-shaped chasm where several falls converge. You can also take boat tours to get a thrilling up-close encounterswith the cascades.
The World Heritage Site includes the lush subtropical rainforest surrounding the falls, with a rich biodiversity including rare and endangered species like jaguars, giant anteaters, and harpy eagles.
If you’ve got time, you can explore hiking trails through the rainforest, spotting colourful toucans, butterflies, and coatis. The park’s infrastructure is well-developed, with visitor centres, restaurants, and scenic train rides. It’s easy to spend an entire day visiting Iguazu Falls just from the Argentinian side, then another day from Brazil.
Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks
Forming a combined World Heritage Site, the two natural parks of Ischigualasto and Talampaya are renowned for their exceptional geological and paleontological significance.
For geologists, they offer a unique window into the Triassic Period with their fossil-rich rock formations. For visitors, it’s all about the incredible landscapes!
Ischigualasto has earned the nickname ‘Valle de la Luna’ (Moon Valley) because of its otherworldly landscape, with multi-coloured rock formations and erosions causing bizarre alien shapes. It’s also one of the world’s most important fossil sites, with the most complete continental fossil record from the Triassic Period, including early dinosaur remains and plant fossils.
Although it’s not far away, parts of Talampaya can look quite different, characterised by towering red sandstone cliffs and canyons. Ancient petroglyphs and rock art adorn its canyon walls, offering insights into early human habitation.
If you only have time for one, I would recommend visiting Ischigualasto Provincial Park because it has more things to see and is a bit more dramatic. Talampaya does have some impressive scenic drives and walks, though. I good option for either one is a guided tour.
Because the parks are quite remote, they’re generally not crowded, which also means you’re going to get a more intimate experience with nature and prehistory here.
Los Alerces National Park
Continuing with Argentina’s natural World Heritage Sites, Los Alerces National Park combines two of the most important elements of Argentina’s geography – the mighty Andes mountains and the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia.
Even though it’s at the northern end of Patagonia, the park has a high enough altitude to create an alpine atmosphere, with glacial lakes, rivers, and snow-capped mountains. With ecosystems from temperate rainforests to flower-filled meadows, it’s home to endangered species like the huemul (Andean deer) and the pudú (world’s smallest deer).
The highlight, though, is the alerce trees, for which the park is named. These are some of the longest-living organisms on the planet and the alerce forest here has some trees that are over 3000 years old!
The towering conifers, relatives of California’s giant sequoias, can reach heights of 60 metres so you can just imagine how impressive they are!
Visiting Los Alerces offers a tranquil wilderness experience with hiking trails winding through ancient forests and along crystal-clear lakes. There is lots of wildlife to spot, opportunities for fishing and kayaking, as well as boat tours and scenic drives.
Peninsula Valdes
Almost directly in line with Los Alerces National Park – just on the complete opposite side of the country – Peninsula Valdes couldn’t be more different. Rather than the Andes mountains, this World Heritage Site is all about the Atlantic coast.
Peninsula Valdes is famous for its extraordinary marine wildlife and unique coastal ecosystems. In particular, it is known as one of the most important breeding ground for the southern right whale, but also for the southern elephant seals, and southern sea lions.
When you visit Peninsula Valdes, you’ll be able to see the seals and sea lions right on the beach, possibly with their young if you’re there at the right time. Magellanic penguins are normally easy to spot over the warmer months, while there are also orcas in the water.
One of the best ways to explore the peninsula is with a guided tour, because the spotters will also be able to find interesting animals on land, like the guanaco, rhea, and pichi.
The rugged Patagonian coastal landscape, with its dramatic cliffs and expansive beaches, serves as a stunning backdrop to all of this – a fantastic addition to a site where the wildlife is the true star.
Los Glaciares National Park
In the southern part of Argentina, Los Glaciares National Park is probably exactly what you’re thinking of when you imagine a classic image of Patagonia. I think it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it is also very important scientifically.
The park is home to a vast ice cap – the largest outside Antarctica and Greenland – feeding 47 major glaciers. The centrepiece of this is the Perito Moreno Glacier, a massive ice formation that is more than 30 kilometres long!
As well as viewpoints to look across its 5-kilometre-wide face, there are boat tours right in front of it, or walking tours right on the ice.
Along with the glaciers, Los Glaciares National Park has striking mountains like the towering peaks of Mt Fitzroy and Cerro Torre, which are iconic in the world of mountaineering. Using El Chaltén as a base gives you access to world-class hiking and climbing opportunities.
Otherwise, the town of El Calafate serves as the main gateway. From here you can explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, from Andean-Patagonian forests to windswept steppes, supporting a variety of wildlife including condors, guanacos, and pumas.
Cueva de las Manos, Río Pinturas
Moving on from the natural to the cultural, the oldest of the man-made World Heritage Sites in Argentina is Cueva de las Manos, or Cave of Hands.
In the arid conditions of central Patagonia, prehistoric people created a gallery of rock art in the walls of a canyon up to 13,000 years ago. Although there are depictions of animals and hunting scenes, it’s the colourful hand stencils that define the site (hence the name).
The artworks here span about 3000 years, with latest from around 7500 BC, and offer an incredible insight into the lives of early human societies, who would’ve passed through here on hunting trips.
This is one of the most remote UNESCO sites in Argentina and the drive to get here is long. However, the isolation contributes to the feeling that you’re stepping back in time.
When you visit the Cave of Hands, a local ranger will walk you through the site, pointing out the main caves and overhangs where the vivid ochre stencils and paintings are. At the entrance, a small interpretation centre provides some context about the site’s history and significance.
While the artwork is the main attraction, the surrounding landscape offers its own stark beauty, looking out across the valley from the side of the canyon. If you’re lucky, you may even spot local wildlife like guanacos and condors.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
Known as the Andean Road System, Qhapaq Ñan, is a vast network of trails that was the backbone of the Incan Empire. This World Heritage Site covers six countries, with some of it in Argentina.
Argentina’s portion of Qhapaq Ñan represents the southernmost extent of this remarkable pre-Columbian engineering feat. It’s significant for its demonstration of the Incan Empire’s reach and its adaptation to challenging Andean landscapes
Among the general things you’ll see along the routes are stone pavings, retaining walls, and bridges. But there are also some specific places of interest.
Key sites include the Inca trail in Santa Rosa de Tastil, the archaeological complex of La Ciudacita in Tucumán, and sections in Quebrada de Humahuaca.
In some ways, though the most enjoyable way to experience Qhapaq Ñan is just to hike along some of it. There’s something meaningful about knowing you’re walking the same trails used by Incan messengers and traders centuries ago.
Along the way, you can explore archaeological sites, encounter local communities that maintain traditional practices, and witness stunning Andean landscapes. Some sections are easily accessible, while others require guided treks into remote areas.
Quebrada de Humahuaca
Another stretch of land that was an important route for the Incan Empire was one that they didn’t need to build. Known as Quebrada de Humahuaca, this narrow mountain valley in northwest Argentina was a crucial trade route for the Incas… as well as many other groups over the course of history.
From early civilisations right up to the Spanish colonial period, the 155-kilometre-long gorge was used for about 10,000 years. This has left a wonderful cultural legacy to explore, from buildings like fortifications to events like festivals and markets.
The town of Humahuaca serves as a central hub, with its historic centre and famous cabildo (town hall) with a mechanical San Francisco Solano statue. Nearby, the Pucará de Tilcara offers panoramic views and insights into pre-Columbian life.
You can also explore picturesque villages like Purmamarca, famous for its Hill of Seven Colours, and Iruya, perched dramatically on a mountainside. The region is known for its vibrant markets, traditional Andean cuisine, and folkloric music.
Geologically, Quebrada de Humahuaca is also remarkable for its exposed rock layers that vividly illustrate millions of years of Earth’s history. The landscape is characterised by colourful mountains with striking red, purple, and orange hues creating a stunning visual spectacle.
Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis
Right up in the northeastern Misiones Provinces, nestled between Paraguay and Brazil (and close to Iguazu Falls), are a series of interesting Jesuit missions.
Found by European Jesuits in the 17th and 18th centuries, they are a remarkable testament to the unique cultural fusion that occurred with the indigenous Guarani people, designed with a mix of European Baroque and Guarani architectural elements.
The ruins of the missions feature impressive stone structures, with churches, living quarters, and communal spaces. They show not just a blend of architectural styles, but also cultures and social organisation.
The World Heritage Site is shared with Brazil, but there are four missions in the Argentinian part: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto, and Santa Maria Mayor.
Each mission tells a unique story of cultural exchange, economic self-sufficiency, and social equality that was revolutionary for its time. The most intact site, San Ignacio Mini, boasts a well-preserved church facade and plaza, allowing you to imagine the bustling community that once thrived there.
The lush subtropical setting adds to the atmospheric experience, with the ruins partially reclaimed by nature, creating a hauntingly beautiful landscape.
Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba
A similar site is the Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba, another complex from the 17th and 18th centuries that shows a unique fusion of European and indigenous cultures (although different cultures to the Guaranis).
This was a larger and more formal setting that showcases the Jesuit order’s educational and economic system in South America. The World Heritage Site consists of a core urban complex in Cordoba city, including the University of Córdoba, one of the oldest in South America.
But there are also five rural estates (estancias) scattered throughout the province, which served as agricultural and livestock centres, supporting the Jesuit mission’s activities and providing resources for their educational endeavours.
You’ll find that visiting the Jesuit Block at Cordoba offers a journey through time, with impressive Baroque architecture and the well-preserved Jesuit Church at its heart. The historic buildings of the university has important artefacts and documents on display.
Cordoba is an interesting city with plenty of history but also a fun student vibe. You may pass through on your travels in Argentina and, if you do, this is certainly one of the main attractions I would recommend seeing.
The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement
This is an interesting World Heritage Site because it consists of a collection of 17 buildings by an architect called Le Corbusier, spread across seven countries on three continents!
Of those 17 buildings, one of them is in Argentina. It’s called the Curutchet House and is located in La Plata, a small city just outside Buenos Aires. Completed in 1955, it’s the only Le Corbusier design in South America and represents a significant example of his architectural philosophy.
The Curutchet House embodies Le Corbusier’s ‘Five Points of Architecture’, including pilotis (support columns), a free floor plan, free facade, horizontal windows, and a roof garden. It showcases his innovative approach to integrating modern design with local context, adapting to the specific needs of the client, Dr. Pedro Curutchet, and the urban setting of La Plata.
While the interior preserves much of its original character, it now functions as a museum, so you can visit the Curutchet House and take a tour to see all of this for yourself.
You’ll be guided through the various levels, showcasing the innovative use of ramps, the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, and the clever incorporation of natural light. The house’s compact yet open design offers a unique perspective on modernist residential architecture.
ESMA Museum and Site of Memory – Former Clandestine Centre of Detention, Torture and Extermination
Finally, the most recent World Heritage Site in Argentina – and the most somber – is the ESMA Museum in Buenos Aires. It stands as a powerful testament to the country’s dark period of state terrorism during the military dictatorship of 1976-1983.
The museum is on the site of the former Navy Mechanics School, which was one of the largest clandestine detention centres. It’s estimated about 5000 people were illegally held, tortured, and often ‘disappeared’ here.
Visiting the ESMA Museum is a deeply moving experience. The main building, once a symbol of oppression, has been transformed into a museum that meticulously documents the horrors that occurred within its walls.
You can explore reconstructed detention areas, view exhibits featuring personal belongings of the victims, and learn about the testimonies of survivors. But there are also spaces for reflection and commemoration.
It’s an unusual World Heritage Site because there has generally been an approach not to list places associated with conflict. However, there are some around the world and this is one of the most recent. The aim is that it helps future generations remain vigilant against human rights abuses like this ever happening again.
