Northern Argentina Travel Guide
The lesser-known northern regions of Argentina are full of surprises, and offer a rich blend of natural beauty, colonial history and strong indigenous traditions.
In the northeast, the Paraná and Uruguay Rivers shape a lush, subtropical area known as Mesopotamia. This region includes the provinces of Misiones, Corrientes and Entre Ríos, and it's a hot and humid place full of swamps, forests and plant life such as yatay palms, orchids and tree ferns. One of its most famous sights is Iguazú Falls, which is located in the far northeast near the border with Brazil. The falls are part of Iguazú National Park, a protected area filled with wildlife and thick forest.
To the west lies the Gran Chaco, a wide, dry lowland that stretches across provinces such as Chaco, Formosa and parts of Santiago del Estero. The land here is covered in scrubby forests and thorny plants, and is less populated than other regions, but is important for its timber and tannin production. Traditional rural life is still strong, with a mix of indigenous and local customs.
In the northwest, the provinces of Salta, Jujuy, Tucumán and Catamarca boast a completely different landscape. This area is known for its colourful valleys, high-altitude salt flats, and rugged mountains. Visitors will also find old colonial towns, lively markets and a strong presence of indigenous culture in everything from the food to the music.
Travel in the north is shaped more by winding mountain roads and local rhythms than by itineraries. For those drawn to landscapes that challenge and cultures that run deep, the regions offer a journey that's as rewarding as it is unpredictable.