10 Towns With Fewer Than 400 Inhabitants to Visit in Argentina

This list begins with a destination that probably shares many features with the rest: natural surroundings, a rural experience, and a getaway that guarantees peace and disconnection. Located seven kilometers from San Antonio de Areco, this village has deep ties to the railway: its station dates back to 1894 and was once the junction between trains arriving from Luján and Retiro. Today, it operates as a Railway Interpretation Center open to visitors interested in its history. With fewer than 90 inhabitants, its magic lies in strolling along dirt roads, drinking mate under the trees, and enjoying traditional Argentine food in one of its few restaurants.

Good to know: Train lovers should check out Los Vagones de Areco, a rural accommodation that uses restored vintage train cars as rooms and offers full board.

How to get there: From Buenos Aires City, take National Route 8 and follow the signs to Vagues.

Although its population does not exceed 400 people, this small village in Córdoba’s Sierras Chicas once welcomed John F. and Jackie Kennedy among its visitors. According to local stories, the couple were close friends of the Cárcano family, one of Córdoba’s most prominent families, who owned an estancia that still exists in this peaceful corner of the province.

A visit should include the Sacred Heart Church, built in neo-Gothic style and home to a plaque commemorating the former U.S. president’s visit; Tres Cascadas, a trekking area with beautiful waterfalls; and Estancia La Paz, the residence once chosen by Julio Argentino Roca. Today, the 500-hectare property includes a golf course, lodging, and a restaurant.

Good to know: The village also has a 3,300-hectare natural reserve ideal for hiking and relaxing by the Carapé River.

How to get there: From Córdoba City, take National Route 9 to Jesús María and then Route E66 to Ascochinga. The drive takes about one hour and fifteen minutes.

This is one of many Argentine destinations nominated by the UN as a Best Tourism Village. With fewer than 400 inhabitants, the village stands out for its tranquility and two architectural gems that contrast with the rest of its buildings: its European-style churches and convents.

Also of interest: Hudson: polo, gastronomy and nature just minutes from Buenos Aires

The Cristo Redentor Church dates back to 1923 and features a nave crowned by a 35-meter tower. Inside, there are three carved marble altars and an oak pulpit brought from France.

Eighty percent of Aarón Castellanos’ population works in pejerrey and carp fishing.

Good to know: The village is named after the father of Mercedes Castellanos de Anchorena, its founder.

How to get there: Located in southern Santa Fe Province, it can be reached from Buenos Aires City via National Route 7 toward northwestern Buenos Aires Province, heading to Leandro N. Alem for 393 kilometers until the entrance to Aarón Castellanos.

Yavi sits at a higher altitude than its number of inhabitants. Located in the middle of the Puna region of Jujuy at 3,400 meters above sea level, it is a true historical gem in northern Argentina. Positioned along the old Royal Road that connected the Río de la Plata with Upper Peru, Yavi was home to the country’s only marquisate.

Two major constructions from that era remain: the Nuestra Señora del Rosario and San Francisco de Asís Church, and the museum. The church preserves golden images of the Virgin Mary and Saint Francis on its altar. Directly across from it is the “House of the Marquis,” visited by historical figures such as Mariano Moreno, Manuel Belgrano, and Juan Manuel de Pueyrredón.

Good to know: The village still preserves its dirt roads, adobe houses, and quiet charm. Visitors can stay in inns or family-run homes.

How to get there: Fly from Buenos Aires to San Salvador de Jujuy, then drive 300 kilometers along National Route 9 to Yavi.

The undeniable protagonist of this village is its historic carob tree located in the middle of one of its side streets. Declared a Communal Historical Monument, it is believed to have served as a resting point for troops traveling along the Camino de las Tropas. With around 400 inhabitants, La Posta is an ideal destination for tasting humita, asado con cuero, or prickly pear syrup.

Although the village officially developed around the railway, it had an earlier settlement two kilometers away called Cañada Honda, now almost abandoned. There, visitors can still see the old church with its bell tower and other historic buildings.

Good to know: The village is located along Provincial Route 32, which leads to Miramar de Ansenuza, famous for its flamingos and salt lagoon.

How to get there: From Buenos Aires, take National Route 9 to James Craik, continue along National Route 19 to Río Primero, then Provincial Route 10 and finally Provincial Route 32. The drive covers 788 kilometers to La Posta.

Located in the Olavarría district, this village was founded by Volga Germans who arrived in Argentina after 1878. One of its main attractions is its riverside beach area along the Nievas Stream and its Municipal Camping Site, home to the annual Camping Festival every February.

Also of interest: Estancia Vigil, the Vineyard Restaurant Visited by Colapinto

Among its attractions are the Miguel Stoessel Müller Municipal Museum, which tells the story of the village through objects that belonged to early settlers, and the San Miguel Arcángel Church, dating back to 1883.

Good to know: Every April, the village celebrates Volga German Day with traditional food and dances.

How to get there: Take National Route 3 toward Olavarría. Colonia San Miguel is about 351 kilometers from Buenos Aires City.

Its name might suggest a noisy city full of stars and flashing lights, but thankfully it is the complete opposite. The village has fewer than 400 inhabitants—and barely any phone signal. Before arriving, visitors must complete one final challenge: crossing the Cuesta de Los Ángeles, a winding road through cliffs and rocky landscapes.

Founded by the Spanish in 1644, the village inherited one of its symbols from them: walnut trees, which can be seen throughout the town. The Los Ángeles River is one of the area’s highlights and the starting point for hiking trails into the Sierra de Ambato.

Good to know: Many locals make homemade sweets, jams, and walnut-based products, perfect for tasting the flavors of Los Ángeles.

How to get there: From Buenos Aires, it is best to fly to San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca or Córdoba. From the provincial capital, take National Route 38 toward Miradores and then Provincial Route 33 to the village. The final stretch is around 40 kilometers.

Chosen in 2023 as one of the UN’s Best Tourism Villages, this former mining town has become one of San Luis Province’s favorite destinations. It has fewer than 300 inhabitants and lies at the foot of Cerro Tomolasta. The village’s history revolves around mining, especially gold extraction. Old tunnels and former mines can still be explored today.

Another attraction is the Amarillo River, famous for its golden-colored waters and the chance to search for traces of gold. Visitors can also explore the Poetry Museum, located in the former home of renowned poet and philosopher Juan Crisóstomo Lafinur, and the Inti Huasi cave, a prehistoric archaeological site accessible through elevated walkways.

Good to know: During high season, La Carolina becomes pedestrian-only, making it ideal for exploring on foot or by bike.

How to get there: From Buenos Aires, take National Route 7 toward Villa Mercedes and then Provincial Route 9 to La Carolina. The journey covers approximately 850 kilometers.

San Clemente is perfect for an improvised getaway from Córdoba City or for travelers who enjoy simple pleasures: reading a book by the river on a sunny afternoon without too many plans. Water is the village’s greatest attraction, as it is surrounded by rivers and streams. According to the latest census, the population does not reach 200 inhabitants, though it becomes a popular summer escape.

Visitors can also explore the Nuestra Señora de la Merced Chapel, built in 1947, and Quebrada del Condorito National Park, located about 50 minutes away and offering several hiking trails.

Good to know: Before leaving San Clemente, don’t miss Córdoba Trucha Club, a trout fishing institution with a specially prepared pond that raises thousands of trout and serves excellent dishes made with the catch of the day.

How to get there: From Buenos Aires City, take National Route 9 to Río Segundo, then Provincial Route C45 around Alta Gracia and finally Provincial Route E96 to Falda del Carmen. The final section is a paved mountain road.

Like several villages on this list, Carlos Beguerie was born thanks to the railway and experienced its golden age through agricultural and dairy production from surrounding estancias. By 1961, the town had become almost abandoned, but tourism eventually brought it back to life. Today, it has accommodations, local stores, and even a Tourism Office that organizes guided tours.

The village has fewer than 400 inhabitants, and one of its must-see spots is La Yunta, a countryside store over 114 years old that helped revive tourism in the area.

Good to know: For accommodation, El Rebusque is a charming option. This restored old house stands out for its facade, covered in mosaic murals made from tiny pieces of ceramic tiles.

How to get there: From Buenos Aires, take the Ezeiza–Cañuelas highway to Lobos and continue along Provincial Route 205 toward Roque Pérez. The distance is about 140 kilometers.