Some of Argentina's Top Wintertime Destinations

Although the largest chunk of the winter season is over, there are still several weeks of cool weather and intermittent snowfalls - in certain corners of the country - that characterize this time of the year. And in terms of tourism, the figures show that both Argentines and foreign travelers have taken advantage of their vacations more than ever to discover the most charming corners of the country.

Last July, more than 5.5 million people traveled to destinations all over the country, and among the main places chosen were San Carlos de Bariloche, Córdoba, Mendoza, Salta or Ushuaia. We tell you why these destinations shine especially during the winter season, although all year round they have a great charm. 

San Carlos de Bariloche

Guarded by the Andes Mountains, this town of alpine architecture becomes a destination of stamps during the winter. Its privileged location - in the province of Río Negro, in the Argentine Patagonia, in the surroundings of the Nahuel Huapi glacier lake - makes it one of the most sought-after destinations at this time of the year, with a tourist offer that combines the aforementioned natural treasures - which allow the practice of multiple activities such as skiing, kayaking or hiking -, together with the local gastronomy - starring lamb, trout or chocolate - and dreamy landscapes.  

For ski lovers, it is undoubtedly one of the best options within the Argentine territory, since Bariloche has perfect facilities focused on winter sports. In fact, one of the most important ski resorts in the country, Cerro Catedral, is located in the city, and has more than 60 slopes for all levels.

Córdoba 

The number of travelers who have chosen the province of Córdoba to enjoy their winter vacations has also been remarkable. Temperatures are especially pleasant during this time of the year, which makes it possible to visit the city's many monuments and tourist attractions, such as its beautiful cathedral - consecrated at the beginning of the 18th century -, its Jesuit block and estancias - declared World Heritage Sites - or its charming Sarmiento Park. 

But the rest of the province also hosts numerous options for tourists, such as the Ansenuza Lagoon - located within the Ansenuza National Park -, one of the largest wetlands in Latin America, and the fifth largest in the world, especially interesting for those who love bird watching, or the Camino Real, a journey through the history and tradition of the region along 176 kilometers, which crosses several towns that maintain the Creole essence, such as Colonia Caroya, Villa Tulumba or Villa del Totoral. 

Mendoza  

The cradle of wine in Argentina is experiencing a special moment: its vineyards are among the best in the world, as demonstrated by the list of the 50 World's Best Vineyards, and the designation, by the Iberoamerican Academy of Gastronomy, of the locality as 'Ibero American Capital of Gastronomic Harmony. Starring Wine'. 

This, and its wide natural and wine tourism offer have made Mendoza one of the favorite destinations for travelers in recent months. While wine lovers can visit some of the leading wineries in the area, such as Bodega Zuccardi Valle de Uco or Bodega Andeluna, those who enjoy the natural heritage can choose from places like Malargüe, the Aconcagua Provincial Park or the Cacheuta Hot Springs. 

Likewise, in July this year it was announced that the province -together with the City of Buenos Aires- was chosen by the famous Michelin Guide to be one of the destinations evaluated in Argentina. Thus, the country is the first Latin American Hispanic country to be examined by the guide's inspectors.

Salta 

The province of Salta is, without a doubt, one of the tourist jewels of northwestern Argentina. Every town in this region oozes tradition, culture and history, and many of the tourist-oriented activities are proof of this. This is the case of the Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds), a railroad ride through the Andean slopes at an altitude that reaches 4220 meters above sea level at its highest point, which makes it the third highest train in the world, and which crosses several points of interest such as the Artisan Market of San Antonio de los Cobres, the town of Santa Rosa de Tastil, El Alfarcito or the San Antonio de Padua Church. 

And as we were talking about history, we must refer to the town of Cachi, a small colonial town of great charm where you can visit the San José Church - declared National Historic Monument in 1945 - and the Archaeological Museum, as well as contemplate archaeological remains of the Cachi culture that are mixed among the beautiful mountain landscapes.

Ushuaia

We return to where we started, to the Argentine Patagonia, to claim the southernmost city in the country, where snow and adventure form a unique tandem. And as main attractions are the Tierra de Fuego National Park - in which to get lost with its countless routes and trails - or the lagoons and glaciers that emerge - such as the Esmeralda Lagoon or the Martial and Vinciguerra glaciers -. And in winter, when these landscapes are covered with snow, there is no one who wants to miss these beautiful views.