Famous Landmarks In Argentina
Here are some of the most famous landmarks in Argentina that you don’t want to miss out on if you’re planning to visit the country.
After being ruled by Spain for three centuries, Argentina finally gained independence in 1816. It now encompasses a large portion of South America’s southern tip and is the eighth-largest country globally.
From its wild landscape and raging waterfalls to old civilization artifacts, Argentina has always been a traveler’s favorite. Known for soccer, tango, and gaucho, the country has won the hearts of tourists with its historical, cultural, and natural landmarks.
Read on to learn more!
Looking for more famous historic and natural landmarks around the world? Check out all the articles, or start with these posts:
Iguazu Falls
The Iguazu Falls are a series of 275 waterfalls on the Argentina-Brazil border. These magnificent falls are situated on the banks of River Iguazu and stretch for 2.7 kilometers, running from Brazil’s Parana Plateau to the Atlantic Ocean.
The Iguazu National Park, which features these falls, is Argentina’s second-largest park. It’s a breathtaking landmark with a height varying from 60 to 82 meters and a width ranging from 150 to 1,500 meters. Some 39 million gallons of water per second cascade over the falls during the rainy season.
One unique feature of the Iguazu Falls is the Devil’s Throat. With a breadth of 150 meters and a height of 82 meters, it attracts millions of tourists annually.
Cabo San Pablo
Cabo San Pablo, an evocative part of Tierra del Fuego, is one of the many historic landmarks in Argentina. It is 182 kilometers away from Ushuaia and takes around two hours and 45 minutes to reach by car. This long drive can discourage visits and it is easy to miss, but that does mean the isolated spot isn’t particularly crowded.
When you arrive, you will find a vast stone and sand beach overlooking the Southern Atlantic Ocean. The steppe and lenga forest present here provide a natural habitat to numerous guanacos.
The beach isn’t the only scenic place. A lighthouse built in 1945 and replaced in 1966, a wrecked cargo ship from 1983, and the Patagonian estancia all provide fascinating glimpses into the history and life of Tierra del Fuego.
The Southern Fuegian Railway
The Southern Fuegian Railway is one of the many famous landmarks in Argentina and is found on South America’s southernmost tip. It was used to support Ushuaia, a prison town at the foot of the mountains in Argentina’s deep south.
The town’s original residents used wood from Tierra del Fuego to construct the prison. To make things easier for themselves, they built the railway as a freight line so they could carry timber and woods to and from the prison.
In 1947, the prison closed down. A couple of years later, the railroad followed due to damage sustained by an earthquake in 1949. Around 50 years later, in 1994, the railway was renovated for tourists.
The railway crosses the Pipo River, passes through the Cemetery of Tree, and travels between many majestic waterfalls and landscapes. Riding this thrilling train ride at the “End of the World” isn’t something you should miss out on during your visit.
Teatro Colon
Teatro Colon is Argentina’s most renowned opera theater. Situated in Buenos Aires, it was designed and built in 1908 in the Electric architectural style.
Known for its spectacular acoustics, the theater’s intricate details and aesthetic are guaranteed to leave visitors awestruck with its marble, stained glassware, and a grand staircase in the lobby. The main auditorium features a beautiful dome adorned with paintings by Ral Sodi, and the Golden Hall is sure to transport you to the elegant Versailles.
Igor Stravinsky, Luciano Pavarotti, Julio Bocca, and Paloma Herrera have performed in what is considered one of the best opera houses in the world. In addition to the Art Institute, the building houses workshops to support local performances.
Perito Moreno Glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier is located in Los Glaciares National Park and is amongst the most spectacular natural landmarks in Argentina. Remarkably, it is still growing, unlike many others that are unfortunately regressing.
You can view this wonder from a boat cruise or other similar platforms. However, the best way to take in the unforgettable sights is by hiking the glacier.
That can be done in two ways: through a “Mini Trek” or a “Big Ice Adventure.” “The Mini Trek” lasts two hours and includes transportation, whereas the “Big Ice Adventure” is a seven-hour journey that involves extra effort and harnesses.
Obelisk of Buenos Aires
One of the many recognizable landmarks in Argentina is the Obelisk of Buenos Aires. Similar to the Washington Monument in the United States, the Obelisk has become a beloved symbol of Argentina’s capital city.
Built in 1936 on Plaza de la Republica at the intersection of two of the world’s widest avenues— de Julio Avenue and Corrientes Avenue—the structure commemorates the city’s 400th anniversary.
The Obelisk, which stands 71.5 meters tall, was constructed in only 31 days. That compared to the Washington Monument, which took over 40 years to finish. It stands at the exact spot where the Argentine flag was first hoisted after the country’s independence in 1812.
The Recoleta Cemetery
The Recoleta Cemetery dates back to the early 19th Century and has served as a burial ground for some of Argentina’s renowned and wealthy citizens. Its monumental graves, maze-like layout, and small pathways make it feel like a city. So, it’s no wonder that CNN named Recoleta one of the most scenic cemeteries in the world.
Among those buried at the cemetery are Nobel Prize winners, revered writers, and even presidents. The most famous grave is that of the former first lady, Eva Peron, which attracts many people to the cemetery.
Other graves include Rufina Cambaceres, with stunning ornamental architecture, Liliana Crociati de Szaszak’s tomb with her distinct life-size statue in a wedding dress, and the Paz family mausoleum with a black stone building and massive marble angels.
Floralis Generica
The Floralis Generica, a large silver flower made of steel, was arguably the world’s first movable public sculpture operated by photoelectric and hydraulic sensors when it was inaugurated in 2002.
Eduardo Catalano donated this sculpture to Buenos Aires when he fulfilled his aim of creating a piece that reflected time dynamism. According to Catalano, the flower represents a blending of flora and the hope of a new day.
This 20-meter-high, 18-tonne aluminum, stainless steel sculpture was named “Floralis Genérica” to honor all flowers and stands in the middle of Recoleta’s Plaza de las Naciones Unidas.
It has operating petals that take about 20 minutes to open. At 8 am each morning, the flower blooms, and the petals close when sunset strikes.
Conclusion – Landmarks In Argentina
Argentina offers a memorable and varied vacation experience. You can visit the bustling city of Buenos Aires and fall in love with its spectacular colonial architecture, admire the majestic Iguazu Falls, or find peace at the Perito Moreno Glacier.
And that only scratches the surface. After all, Argentina is a culturally diverse country, home to a plethora of magnificent landmarks and unforgettable tourist destinations. So, what are you waiting for? Now is the time to plan a trip and visit these extraordinary landmarks in Argentina for a vacation unlike any other!
