Argentina's Most Beautiful National Parks (Top 10)

Visiting the most beautiful national parks in Argentina is a great way to experience Argentina's wild side. From towering mountains and deep forests to glaciers and roaring waterfalls, Argentina’s national parks are spread across almost every type of landscape the country has to offer.

Los Glaciares National Park

Los Glaciares National Park is located in the Santa Cruz province of southern Patagonia and is one of Argentina’s most visited and visually striking parks. The park covers over 7,000 square kilometers and includes more than 40 glaciers, making it the largest ice cap in the Southern Hemisphere outside of Antarctica. The star attraction here is the Perito Moreno Glacier, which moves forward up to 2 meters per day, often causing dramatic ice breaks that crash into Lake Argentino. Visitors can walk along boardwalks right in front of the glacier or take boat tours that get even closer.

The northern section of the park includes the famous trekking town of El Chaltén, a hub for hikers from around the world. Here, you’ll find trails leading to Mount Fitz Roy and Laguna de los Tres, offering some of the best alpine views in all of South America. Whether you're into hiking, photography, or just jaw-dropping scenery, Los Glaciares is one of the most beautiful national parks in Argentina and a bucket list stop for outdoor lovers.

Iguazú National Park

Iguazú National Park sits in the Misiones province in northeastern Argentina, right on the border with Brazil. It’s home to the legendary Iguazú Falls, a massive system of over 250 waterfalls that span nearly 2 miles wide. The most powerful section is the Devil’s Throat, where water crashes down more than 260 feet into a narrow canyon, sending mist high into the air. It’s one of the loudest and most impressive natural sights anywhere in the world.

Beyond the falls, the park is also a protected subtropical rainforest filled with howler monkeys, toucans, jaguars, and hundreds of butterfly species. There are several well-marked trails and elevated walkways that wind through the jungle and give you multiple angles of the falls. Visitors can even take boat rides that go right up to the base of the cascades. Iguazú is not only one of Argentina’s most beautiful national parks, but it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see destination for nature lovers.

Nahuel Huapi National Park

Nahuel Huapi National Park is located in Argentina’s Lake District, centered around the crystal-clear Lake Nahuel Huapi and surrounded by the snowcapped peaks of the Andes. The park is Argentina’s oldest, established in 1934, and is home to thick forests, glacial lakes, and alpine meadows. The charming town of San Carlos de Bariloche sits right on the edge of the park and serves as a popular base for exploring the area year-round.

The park offers countless outdoor activities, from kayaking and fishing to skiing in the winter months. Some of the most popular hikes include Cerro Campanario, Cerro Catedral, and Refugio Frey, each offering different views of the lakes and mountains. Boat trips on Lake Nahuel Huapi are also popular, especially routes that take you to Bosque de Arrayanes, a forest of rare cinnamon-colored trees that inspired Disney’s Bambi. Whether you're visiting in summer or winter, Nahuel Huapi offers a perfect mix of scenic beauty and outdoor fun.

Tierra del Fuego National Park

Just minutes from the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park sits at the edge of South America where the Andes meet the ocean. The park covers a wide range of ecosystems, including forests, coastal inlets, peat bogs, and mountain lakes. What makes it special is its wild, remote feel — even though it’s just a short drive from Ushuaia, it feels like the edge of the world.

Popular hikes like the Senda Costera trail offer coastal views of the Beagle Channel, while inland trails take you through lenga forests and along lakes like Lago Roca and Lago Acigami. You can also ride the End of the World Train, a historic narrow-gauge railway originally built to transport prisoners. This park is smaller and more low-key compared to others on this list, but its location and scenery make it one of the most unique and beautiful national parks in Argentina.

Talampaya National Park

Talampaya National Park is located in La Rioja province in northwestern Argentina. Known for its dramatic red rock canyons, strange rock formations, and fossil beds, this park looks more like something out of Utah than South America. The landscape is carved by wind and time, featuring towering cliffs that reach up to 500 feet tall and rock pillars shaped like Gothic cathedrals.

The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often paired with a visit to Ischigualasto Provincial Park (aka Valley of the Moon), just next door in San Juan. Together, they make up one of the most important paleontological zones in the world. Guided tours are required in Talampaya, often done by van or bike, and take visitors deep into the canyons where they can see petroglyphs, wildlife, and fossil sites. This is one of the best national parks in Argentina for geology fans and anyone looking for something totally different from Patagonia.

Lanín National Park

Lanín National Park sits in the northern part of Patagonia, near the border with Chile, and is centered around the stunning Lanín Volcano, which towers at nearly 12,300 feet. The volcano’s snow-covered peak dominates the skyline and is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the region. Surrounding it are glacial lakes, dense forests of native Araucaria (monkey puzzle) trees, and miles of hiking trails through terrain that feels both rugged and peaceful.

The park is especially popular with climbers attempting to summit the volcano, but you don’t have to be a mountaineer to enjoy it. There are scenic drives, picnic areas, and boat rentals available on lakes like Lago Huechulafquen and Lago Paimún. It’s also one of the quieter parks compared to Bariloche or El Chaltén, so it’s a great place to get off the beaten path without sacrificing views. Wildlife in the area includes deer, foxes, and native birds like condors and woodpeckers. If you're looking for incredible scenery with fewer crowds, Lanín is a solid choice.

El Impenetrable National Park

One of Argentina’s newest parks, El Impenetrable National Park was officially established in 2014 and is located in the province of Chaco in the country’s far north. The name might sound intimidating, but it refers to the dense, dry forest that once made this region nearly impossible to explore. Today, the park protects over 3,000 square miles of forest, rivers, and wetlands — making it the largest national park in northern Argentina.

What makes El Impenetrable so special is its biodiversity. It’s one of the best places in the country to spot rare and endangered species, including jaguars, tapirs, giant armadillos, and maned wolves. Unlike the more developed parks in Patagonia, this one is still relatively wild and under the radar, with limited tourist infrastructure. That makes it ideal for wildlife photographers, conservation-minded travelers, and anyone looking for a deep-nature experience. Guided tours, eco-lodges, and interpretive centers are slowly being added, so now’s a good time to visit before it becomes more mainstream.

Los Alerces National Park

Los Alerces National Park is located in the Andes near the Chilean border in Chubut province. This park is known for its crystal-clear lakes, steep forested hills, and some of the oldest trees on Earth. The Alerce trees, which the park is named after, are similar to redwoods and can live for over 3,000 years.

Popular activities here include boating on Lago Futalaufquen, hiking through temperate rainforest, and visiting the ancient Alerce Milenario. The scenery is lush and green, very different from the drier parts of Patagonia. It’s a great choice for those who want both mountain views and forest trails. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its rare ecosystem and long-living tree species.

Quebrada del Condorito National Park

Located in Córdoba province, Quebrada del Condorito National Park is one of the best spots in Argentina to see the Andean condor in the wild. These massive birds, with wingspans up to 10 feet, nest along the cliff edges of the canyon that runs through the center of the park. The hike to the viewing platform, known as La Quebrada, is the main draw, offering dramatic views of the canyon and a chance to watch condors soar overhead.

The park is smaller and less visited than others on this list, which gives it a relaxed, local feel. It’s also only about a two-hour drive from the city of Córdoba, making it an easy day trip. Besides condors, the park protects native grasslands, foxes, and reptiles, and offers peaceful hiking without big crowds. If you want something different from glaciers and rainforests, this park’s rocky canyons and birdlife make for a unique and scenic stop.

Sierra de las Quijadas National Park

Sierra de las Quijadas National Park is located in San Luis Province in central-west Argentina and is one of the most underrated parks in the country when it comes to scenery. It’s known for its dramatic red rock cliffs, wide canyons, and wind-eroded formations that stretch across a semi-arid desert landscape. The terrain looks a lot like the American Southwest, with colors that shift from deep red to gold as the sun moves through the sky. The most iconic area is the Potrero de la Aguada, a huge natural amphitheater surrounded by rugged cliffs where you can hike, explore, and take in panoramic views.

One of the best things about Sierra de las Quijadas is the freedom to explore without large crowds. You can walk the trails at your own pace, and it's one of the few national parks in Argentina where hiking off the beaten path feels truly peaceful and remote. It’s also a prime spot for spotting Andean condors, especially in the early morning when the thermals begin to rise.

From glaciers in Patagonia to waterfalls in the rainforest, these national parks in Argentina show off the best of the country’s natural beauty. Whether you’re chasing wildlife, hiking in the Andes, or just enjoying the views, each one offers something different and unforgettable.

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