These 15 Stunning Photographs Capture All That There Is to Love About the People, Land and Culture of Argentina

Travel | August 21, 2026 7:30 a.m. See images of the South American country’s charming cities, historic homes, beautiful beaches and majestic mountains The granite peak of Mount Fitz Roy in Patagonia rises more than 11,000 feet above sea level, attracting hikers and climbers from around the world. Ilhan Sen, 2023 These 15 Stunning Photographs Capture All That There Is to Love About the People, Land and Culture of Argentina See images of the South American country’s charming cities, historic homes, beautiful beaches and majestic mountains Photographs selected by Allison Scates August 21, 2026 7:30 a.m. The granite peak of Mount Fitz Roy in Patagonia rises more than 11,000 feet above sea level, attracting hikers and climbers from around the world. Ilhan Sen, 2023 Once a Spanish colony, Argentina has been an independent nation for 210 years. Now home to 46 million people, it is the second-largest country by area in South America. Argentina’s landscape offers miles of shoreline and picturesque peaks, with venues for those who like to climb and hike or swim and fish. It also provides a peek into the past with historic old towns, featuring quaint and colorful structures from bygone decades. More modern cityscapes have popped up, too, giving tourists a mix of classic and contemporary. Take a look. In the historic town of Humahuaca, a pedestrian decides to face an uphill battle on foot, rather than pedaling on a bike. Julie Turkewitz, 2009 Buenos Aires’ stylish Recoleta neighborhood is known for its many cultural spaces. Diane Dugas, 2011 A subway car in Buenos Aires features works of street art that represent iconic national figures. Federico Borobio, 2016 This seller, peddling goods on Villa Gesell Beach, knows that the easiest way to carry a hat is on your head. Federico Borobio, 2016 Rock formations create a natural window that offers a spectacular nighttime view of Balcarce. Federico Weyland, 2020 A fishing boat at rest in La Brava Lake. Federico Weyland, 2019 Wrassling isn’t just for cows. Sometimes gauchos have to wrangle sheep. Jose Maria, 2021 In Argentina, the baqueano is known as the one who knows the land — a person with an instinctive sense of direction and an intimate bond with the territory. Nicolas Jacobo, 2023 Along Argentina’s Inca Trail, a woman carries a small goat and a small slumbering human. Graciela Caldero, 2009 It’s common to see buildings boasting bright colors while walking the charming streets of Buenos Aires’ La Boca neighborhood. Jaymie Hilliard, 2009 A window shopper surveys a store’s colorful inventory. Henry Alfred Bugalho, 2010 A woman sits in the window of a modest building in the desolate town of Capitán Castro, where growth and infrastructure changes have affected local industry. Now, few residents remain. Rodrigo Illescas, 2022 An enterprising child uses buckets and overturned stools to display flowers for sale. Adriane Guy, 2010 Climbers look toward the summit of Mount Fitz Roy. Leo Pon, 2015 You Might Also Like Planning Your Next Trip? Explore great travel deals A Note to our Readers Smithsonian magazine participates in affiliate link advertising programs. If you purchase an item through these links, we receive a commission. More about: Argentina Cities Mountains Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries South America