Argentinian Territories: the Trail of the Andes

In Argentina, the mountain range does not just function as a natural border with Chile. It is also the backbone of 10 of its provinces from end to end, from the southernmost province, Tierra del Fuego, to Jujuy in the extreme north of the country.

In the country’s southernmost province, the Andes are the star of this national park, which combines sea, forest, and mountain landscapes, giving shape to the sea coast, lakes, valleys, and magnificent forests.

Two large groups of southern natives lived in Tierra del Fuego: the Selk’nam (also known as the Onas) who lived in the continental region and were hunter-gatherers, and the Yaghan, who spent most of their time in canoes along the Tierra del Fuego canals and coasts.

Located in the province of Santa Cruz, in the southern Andes, at the Los Glaciares National Paek, is one of the most beautiful attractions in Argentina. It was declared a Unesco World Patrinomy in 1981. The magnificent Perito Morena glacier is located there.

Famous for crossing the country from south to north, this route starts in Cabo Vírgenes in the province of Santa Cruz. From here, it travels parallel to the Andes Mountains and reaches the northern city of La Quiaca, Jujuy, spanning a total of 3,100 miles (5,000 km) and linking 11 provinces.

Known as the National Trekking Capital, this locality in the province of Santa Cruz offers incredible trails that cross forests, mountains, and glaciers. There are tours for walking over ice, paddling in a kayak across the Desert Lake, and fishing.

This is another large protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the province of Chubut. There are numerous lakes and rivers here, such as the Futaleufú, which crosses the Andes Mountains and reaches Chile. 

In the province of Neuquén, the localities of Caviahue and Copahue unveil a unique natural environment with trees like Nothofagus and Lenga, freshwater waterfalls, lagoons, and even a volcano. It is an ideal place for trekking, hiking, birdwatching, and observing flora.

With a warm and dry climate, San Juan is another key province in Argentinian viticulture, placing second with 17% of the country’s total planted area. Its wines are coupled with local characteristic foods such as machacado, tomaticán, or carbonada.

In 1817, the Army of the Andes, commanded by José de San Martín, crossed the Andes Mountains through a pass in San Juan to liberate Chile from the Spanish troops. Many tourists travel to this province to recreate this crossing over several days.

This is another province with a long tradition of viticulture, with the fragrant and floral torrontés grape as its flagship variety, which originated from these lands. It also stands out through its production of exquisite olives.

One of the biggest attractions of this northern Argentinian province is called Seismiles, a route composed of 19 volcanoes almost 20,000 feet (6,000 m) tall, with immeasurable peaks, immense lagoons, thermal springs, and one-of-a-kind fauna.

From the province of Salta and descending toward Mendoza, we can travel the Argentinian length of the Inca Trail, a tourist route that lets us discover how this great civilization passed through the country where they arrived in the mid-15th century.

Located on the border between the northern provinces of Jujuy and Salta, the Salinas Grandes are some of the largest salt flats in the country. They are immense, with characteristic Jujuy Puna scenery.

One of the province’s greatest attractions can be found in this magical Jujuy village: the Cerro de los Siete Colores. Its variety of shades is the product of the accumulation of sediment in marine and continental basins 600 million years ago.