G20 Countries On Map

What in the World is the Group of Twenty (G20)? Interactive from us.boell.org

Are you planning to travel to one of the G20 countries? These nations, which include the world’s largest economies, offer a wealth of experiences for travelers. Whether you’re interested in culture, history, nature, or adventure, there’s something for everyone in these diverse and fascinating destinations. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, and more in each of the G20 countries.

Argentina

Top Attractions

Argentina is famous for its tango, steak, and wine, but there’s much more to see and do in this South American nation. Some of the top attractions include:

The Iguazu Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls
The Perito Moreno Glacier, a massive ice formation in Patagonia
The Andes Mountains, which offer excellent hiking and skiing opportunities
The city of Buenos Aires, known for its European architecture and vibrant culture
The wine regions of Mendoza and Salta, where you can taste some of the country’s best Malbecs and Torrontes

Hidden Gems

If you want to get off the beaten path in Argentina, consider visiting these lesser-known destinations:

The Quebrada de Humahuaca, a stunning canyon in the northwest
The Valdes Peninsula, a wildlife sanctuary that’s home to penguins, sea lions, and whales
The town of Cafayate, which is surrounded by vineyards and offers a laid-back atmosphere

Food Scene

Argentina is a carnivore’s paradise, with plenty of delicious beef and lamb dishes to try. Don’t miss these classic Argentine foods:

Asado, a barbecue feast that includes various cuts of meat
Empanadas, savory turnovers filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables
Matambre, a stuffed flank steak that’s rolled and grilled
Dulce de leche, a caramel-like spread that’s used in many desserts

Budget-Friendly Tips

While Argentina isn’t the cheapest country in South America, there are ways to save money while traveling here:

Stay in hostels or budget hotels instead of luxury accommodations
Eat at local restaurants or markets instead of touristy spots
Use public transportation or walk instead of taking taxis
Visit museums and attractions on free or discounted days

Outdoor Adventures

With its diverse geography, Argentina offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities:

Hiking in the Andes or Patagonia
Skiing or snowboarding in Bariloche or Las Lenas
White-water rafting in Mendoza or Salta
Fishing for trout or salmon in the rivers of Tierra del Fuego

Historical Landmarks

Argentina has a rich history that’s reflected in its architecture and landmarks:

The Casa Rosada, the presidential palace in Buenos Aires
The Recoleta Cemetery, where many famous Argentines are buried
The Jesuit Block and Estancias of Cordoba, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Family-Friendly Activities

Traveling with kids? Argentina has plenty of family-friendly attractions:

The Temaiken Biopark, a zoo and aquarium outside Buenos Aires
The Mar del Plata Aquarium, which has dolphin and sea lion shows
The Mundo Marino amusement park, which features roller coasters and water rides

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for unique experiences in Argentina, consider these options:

Attending a tango show in a local milonga
Taking a cooking class to learn how to make empanadas or other Argentine dishes
Visiting a gaucho ranch to ride horses and learn about traditional Argentine ranching life

Natural Wonders

From glaciers to waterfalls, Argentina has some of the world’s most impressive natural wonders:

The Iguazu Falls, which straddle the border between Argentina and Brazil
The Perito Moreno Glacier, which is constantly advancing and calving chunks of ice into the lake below
The Talampaya National Park, which features stunning red rock formations and dinosaur fossils

Vibrant Nightlife

Argentines love to stay up late, so it’s no surprise that the country has a lively nightlife:

The clubs and bars of Buenos Aires, which stay open until dawn
The wine bars and pubs of Mendoza, which offer a more laid-back atmosphere
The outdoor concerts and festivals that take place throughout the country during the summer months

Local Markets

If you want to experience everyday life in Argentina, head to one of these local markets:

The San Telmo Market in Buenos Aires, which sells antiques, crafts, and food
The Feria de Mataderos in Buenos Aires, which features traditional gaucho music and dance
The Mercado Central in Cordoba, which is the city’s oldest market and sells fresh produce and meat

Beaches and Mountains

Argentina has plenty of options for both beach and mountain lovers:

The beaches of Mar del Plata, Pinamar, and Villa Gesell, which are popular with Argentine vacationers
The ski resorts of Bariloche, Las Lenas, and Chapelco, which offer world-class skiing and snowboarding
The hiking trails of the Andes and Patagonia, which offer stunning views of glaciers, lakes, and mountains

Cultural Immersion

If you want to immerse yourself in Argentine culture, consider these options:

Attending a soccer match, which is a passion for many Argentines
Learning to dance the tango in Buenos Aires
Visiting a traditional estancia to learn about gaucho culture and horsemanship

Art and Music Scene

Argentina has a thriving arts and music scene, with many museums and theaters to explore:

The Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, which is one of the world’s most famous opera houses
The MALBA museum in Buenos Aires, which features modern and contemporary Latin American art
The Usina del Arte cultural center in Buenos Aires, which hosts concerts, theater performances, and dance shows

Walking Tours

One of the best ways to explore Buenos Aires is on foot:

The Recoleta Cemetery, where many famous Argentines are buried
The colorful La Boca neighborhood, which is known for its tango and soccer culture
The Palermo Soho and Hollywood districts, which offer trendy shops, cafes, and restaurants

Architectural Marvels

Buenos Aires is known for its European-style architecture, but there are other impressive buildings to see as well:

The Casa Rosada, the presidential palace in the Plaza de Mayo
The National Congress building, which features a neoclassical design and is home to the Argentine parliament
The Barolo Palace, which was inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy and features a lighthouse at the top

Historical Sites

Argentina has a rich history that’s reflected in its landmarks and museums:

The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Buenos Aires, which features Argentine and European art
The Cabildo, a colonial-era town hall that now houses a museum of the May Revolution
The Casa de la Independencia in Tucuman, where Argentina’s independence was declared in 1816