10 Argentine destinations for a sustainable stay

It is the second largest wetland in the world and, when it comes to ecotourism or sustainable tourism, it’s one of the most popular choices for tourists in South America. In this National Park, species live freely, light pollution is practically nonexistent, and accommodations have very conscious waste management.

The park has several entrances, but we recommend the one at Concepción del Yaguareté Corá, a town of 5,000 inhabitants chosen among the “Best Tourism Villages” by the UN, recognizing tourism that protects communities, local traditions, and heritage. Here you can visit the Esteros via horseback rides or silent boat tours to see capybaras and caimans up close; take a historical tour of the town or visit a ranch to experience rural life in Corrientes.

Tip: Throughout the Iberá Park, the Rewilding Foundation is working on species reintroduction and monitoring. They also assist communities in providing tourism services. This link offers a guide to activities in the park. The Tránsito Boutique Hotel operates in what was once an old ranch dedicated to cattle farming and now offers an all-inclusive service about 12 kilometers from the Carambola Portal.

Where: Concepción del Yaguareté Corá is 189 km from Corrientes Capital towards the province’s center. About 10 km from this town is the Carambola Portal entrance to the park.

According to the Booking.com report, El Chaltén is one of the tourist destinations with the most accommodations recognized or certified for sustainability. Known as the “National Trekking Capital,” this town is very close to nature. Its trail network is visited by thousands of tourists each year who want that coveted photo with Mount Fitz Roy as a backdrop.

All of El Chaltén’s tourist life happens in its mountains, glaciers, and lakes, though it has a lively main street, especially in summer and during the day. The accommodation we recommend was the first in the destination to achieve the Gold category in the “Greenest Hotels” certification.

Tip: The main trails in El Chaltén (Laguna de los Tres, Chorrillo del Salto, Laguna Torre) are free and self-guided.

Where: El Chaltén is 214 km from El Calafate. It’s inside Los Glaciares National Park, in southwestern Santa Cruz.

It’s one of the few pedestrian-only towns in the country. To reach the town center, you must park outside and enter on foot or by public transport. It’s an ideal place to enjoy nature, surrounded by forests and waterfalls.

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Solar panels are common on many houses and lodgings in town. The village treats its water and has separate waste collection. The gastronomy is a must, strongly influenced by its original Central European settlers.

Tip: The town has about 20 restaurants, five hotels, cabins, and inns. Several accommodations offer a special 3-for-2 promotion this season. We recommend Casas Viejas Lodge & Spa, with unbeatable views of the Sierras Grandes and its own restaurant.

Where: La Cumbrecita is 118 km from Córdoba Capital in the Calamuchita Valley.

Like El Chaltén, Villa La Angostura was included in the Booking report. It’s a popular destination year-round: lakes dominate in summer, snow and the Cerro Bayo ski center in winter.

It’s a peaceful place with top-quality restaurants and spectacular hotels to enjoy the surrounding nature. For any time of year, we recommend the Route of the Seven Lakes, one of the most beautiful in the world. You can also visit the Arrayanes Forest and Victoria Island.

Tip: For the more adventurous, there are activities like sailing, horseback riding, and 4x4 excursions. The Correntoso Hotel, selected for this destination, has a strong sustainability policy including water reuse, efficient lighting, responsible waste management, and support for local producers.

Where: Villa La Angostura is 43 km from Bariloche, located in the Los Lagos department in southern Neuquén.

A tiny town in the Punilla Valley, only 45 minutes from Córdoba Capital. Villa Icho Cruz is busy in summer for its small beaches along the San Antonio River. However, in autumn and winter, it’s a great place to disconnect and enjoy nature.

It has dirt streets and a main artery where you can enjoy coffee shops and local eateries. Activities include trekking, horseback riding, and cycling. Recommended lodging here is a lodge situated within a 400-hectare nature reserve.

Tip: From Icho Cruz, you can visit nearby towns like Villa Carlos Paz, Cuesta Blanca, Mayú Sumaj, among others.

Where: Villa Icho Cruz is 45 km from Córdoba Capital in the Punilla department.

Cachi is also among the destinations selected by Booking as some of the most sustainable in the country. In addition to certified accommodations, there are various initiatives promoting local community development.

Located at 2,300 meters above sea level and surrounded by mountain peaks often snow-capped in winter. From here, you can explore the Wine Route with six wineries producing high-altitude wines; and the Spice Route (from Payogasta), which turns red in May during the drying of chili peppers under the sun. A perfect tour for food lovers.

Tip: Nearby is Los Cardones National Park with its biodiversity and the Tin Tin straight. Recommended lodging is Miraluna, one of the local wineries that also offers cabins blending harmoniously with the unique natural surroundings, built with non-invasive materials like adobe, stone, reeds, wood, flagstone, and cactus wood.

Where: Cachi is west of Salta province, about 157 km from Salta Capital, in the heart of the Calchaquí Valleys.

Of all the destinations listed, Puerto Iguazú has received the most international recognition. It is certified as a Sustainable Destination by Biosphere, a distinction granted to destinations meeting the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Its main attraction is obviously Iguazú National Park and its waterfalls. However, it also has other natural sites like the Moconá Falls and Wanda Mines, which hide precious stones from the region.

Tip: Many hotels in Puerto Iguazú are located in the middle of the jungle, offering a unique experience surrounded by nature. Loi Suites Iguazú was awarded Gold in the “Greenest Hotels” contest for preventing deforestation and planting native species in its jungle setting.

Where: Puerto Iguazú is in northern Misiones, bordering Brazil and Paraguay, about 300 km from Posadas.

One of the country’s cities that most promotes environmental care and respect for local wildlife. All tourism in Madryn revolves around animals, and every activity emphasizes the importance of respecting each species’ space.

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From June onwards, Madryn begins receiving whales that come to its coast to give birth and mate. You can also visit penguin and sea lion colonies to see how these animals live up close. For those interested in other activities, there are 4x4 excursions, trekking, and cycling tours.

Tip: Winter is a peak time for tourists who come for boat whale watching from Puerto Pirámides. Recommended lodging is Dazzler by Wyndham, ideally located in downtown with stunning sea views.

Where: Puerto Madryn is on the coast of the Nuevo Gulf, northeast of Chubut province, about 83 km from Rawson, the provincial capital.

Like Concepción del Yaguareté Corá, Uspallata was also chosen by the UN to represent Argentina among the “Best Tourism Villages” for its sustainable lifestyle, community, and local development. It has strong historical value for its role in the Crossing of the Andes.

Points of interest include the Puente del Inca, Aconcagua Provincial Park, the Hill of Seven Colors, and the Villavicencio Nature Reserve, a must-see in Mendoza. Activities are closely linked to trekking and enjoying scenic landscapes.

Tip: This was once a mining zone, so you can visit some vaults that are part of a colonial mining complex still in excellent condition. Recommended lodging is Domos Uspallata, a glamping site that combines direct contact with nature and hotel comforts. It is also strategically located to explore the area’s attractions.

Where: Uspallata is 120 km from Mendoza city via National Route 7.

With fewer than 3,000 permanent residents, 80% of the area is covered by native forest. Activities here include ecotourism, wine tourism, and rural tourism. Many accommodations are sustainability-certified, and the towns still have their dirt roads and tranquility.

The lodging we recommend deserves special mention. Posada La Matilde has its own winery and produces everything locally or nearby. Its construction is adobe, and its wines are biodynamic, managed according to the lunar calendar.

Tip: The town lies at the foot of Champaquí, the highest mountain in Córdoba province.

Where: San Javier is 200 km from Córdoba Capital, in the Traslasierra Valley.