UNESCO sites in Argentina

Argentina is a very diverse country with great natural beauty, rich history and culture. This was also recognized by UNESCO so, as of 1978, its historical sites have been qualified for inclusion on the list. So far, there are 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Argentina, 6 of them cultural, and 5 of them natural. In addition, there are 3 components enlisted in the Intangible cultural heritage list: Tango (traditional worldwide known dance), Fileteado (traditional painting technique), and Chamamé (folk music genre and a dance).

Here is a list of all UNESCO sites in Argentina you can visit, check out the map at the end of the post for easier navigation.

Cueva de las Manos

Santa Cruz Province, Argentina

Literally translated, the name of this site means “The Cave of Hands”. And why, you wonder? Because it contains hand paintings made by indigenous inhabitants approximately 13,000 to 9,000 years ago. Furthermore, the paintings depict different scenes and motifs, from humans and animals to hunting scenes and geometric shapes. If you’re interested in visiting a site that will induce your creative juices, this is the place for you.

Iguazú National Park

Puerto Iguazú, Misiones Province, Argentina

This national park is one of the most famous and most visited national parks in Argentina. It is best known for its breathtaking waterfalls. What’s more, Iguazú Falls are one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. They are located in the center of the park, forming a semicircle almost 3 kilometers long and around 80 meters high. How impressive is that? Therefore, it is no surprise that this paradise on Earth is enlisted as a World Heritage Site. It is truly a unique and magical place, and definitely a ‘must see’ site in Argentina. 

Ischigualasto and Talampaya Natural Parks

Villa San Agustín, San Juan Province, Argentina

Ischigualasto and Talampaya are two neighbouring natural parks, both of great importance. Moreover, some of the most important findings and remains dating back to the Age of Dinosaurs (around 245–208 million years ago) have been found in this area. Thus, this is one of the world’s most important paleontological sites. Besides that, the park’s natural beauty is also imposing. It includes towering red canyons, cliffs, as well as unique rock formations.

Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba

Córdoba Province, Argentina

Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba are cultural sites in Argentina. They are religious, educational and agricultural Jesuit reductions developed by the missionaries between 1604 and 1767. Furthermore, the Jesuit Block portrays the merging of European and Native American cultures, as well as contributions from African slave labourers. Besides that, each Estancia encompasses a church and set of buildings. These are the places around which the towns grew. Such is Alta Gracia, the nearest town to the Block. In addition, one of the oldest universities of South America, The University of Córdoba, is located here as well as the Montserrat Secondary School, a church, and residence buildings.

Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis

Misiones Province, Argentina

This site contains remains of towns created by the Society of Jesus between 1609 and 1818. Formerly, there were 30 missions spread throughout Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina. These missions are treated as one of the most essential cultural initiatives of South American colonization. Four of them are located in Argentina: San Ignacio Mini, Nuestra Señora de Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto, and Santa María la Mayor. The most famous one is San Ignacio Mini where you can stroll through the remains of former towns and admire the remarkable remnants of history. However, nowadays nature has started to reclaim these areas so numerous remains are overgrown and contain some smaller wildlife species such as lizards.

Los Alerces National Park

Chubut Province, Argentina

Los Alerces National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in Argentina. It is a stunning work of nature chiselled by glaciations, dotted with lakes, and coated with famous and globally endangered Alerce trees. Moreover, the oldest Alerce tree found in the park is more than 2600 years old whereas other ones are at least 1000 years old. Besides amazing views of the scenery, the park offers numerous activities for its visitors such as horseback riding, swimming and enjoying beautiful beaches as well as various excursions.

Los Glaciares National Park

Santa Cruz Province, Argentina

Los Glaciares National Park is the largest national park in Argentina. It was established in 1937 and in 1981 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This exceptional area contains the biggest ice mantle in the world aside from Greenland and Antarctica. What’s more, around 30% of the park’s surface is covered in ice. Furthermore, the biggest attractions include Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma. Besides that, the park encompasses numerous waterfalls, glaciers and mountains. Regarding activities, apart from hiking, the most popular ones include boat rides which allow visitors to closely watch big ice blocks break and crash into the lake.

Peninsula Valdes

Chubut Province, Argentina

Peninsula Valdes is a site of great global importance, located on the Atlantic coast of the Chubut Province. The majority of its territory is infertile land with salt lakes. However, the area is significant because it is a habitat for the endangered southern right whale. It can be found in protected bodies of water in Golfo Nuevo and Golfo San José between May and December. In addition, the area is populated by other marine mammals such as elephant seals, sea lions and orcas. Furthermore, the peninsula is characterized by active sand dunes, cliffs, bays and lagoons. 

Qhapaq Ñan

Andes, Argentina

Qhapaq Ñan means “royal road” and it is the road system built by the Inca civilization in the Andes. In the past, it was used for communication, trade and defence. Nowadays it is an important reminder of an ancient civilization. This impressive transportation system is around 30,000 kilometers long and it took centuries to build. What’s more, the roads cut through deep valleys, high peaks, snow-covered mountains, swamps, live rocks and alongside raging rivers. Undoubtedly, this is one of the largest and most advanced road systems in pre-Columbian South America. 

Quebrada de Humahuaca

Jujuy Province, Argentina

This narrow mountain valley, about 155 kilometers long, has been used as an economic, social and cultural route between the Andean highlands and the plains for more than 10000 years. It contains numerous important prehistoric remains such as stone-walled agricultural terraces and fortified towns. Based on the remains, it is believed that its earliest settlers were hunter-gatherers. Furthermore, in the 15th century, the valley served as a caravan road for the Incas. On top of that, in the 19th and 20th centuries, it was the stage for many battles of the Argentine War of Independence. 

The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier – Casa Curutchet

La Plata, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

This site is a collection of architectural works that includes 17 locations spread through 7 countries on 3 continents. The properties are works of renowned French-Swiss architect, known as Le Corbusier, who is considered to be one of the pioneers of modern architecture. However, most of his work is located in France, followed by Switzerland. Only one of his works is located in Argentina – the Casa Curutchet. It is a relatively small, four-level house with a courtyard, a ramp and a spiral staircase. What’s more, the house is a demonstration of Le Corbusier’s five points of architecture and it incorporates elements of the traditional Argentine courtyard house.

Map of World Heritage Sites in Argentina