The many and diverse landforms of Argentina make the country one of the world’s most interesting landscapes. From mountains to volcanoes and canyons to bays, there are a wealth of stunning landforms throughout Argentina. Anyone planning a visit to Argentina should be familiar with at least a few of the country’s most unique landforms. We’ve identified three must-see sights, and this guide will tell you everything you need to know for a spectacular journey.
The major landforms of Argentina
Argentina has no shortage of breathtaking landforms. Adventurous travellers will find a whole host of wondrous landscape waiting to be explored. The country is made up of five key geographical regions, and each has many stunning landforms to behold. Those regions are:
- Mesopotamia, the rainforest region in the northeast of the country. It’s got thick jungles and swamps, and is home to the magnificent Iguazu Falls.
- Gran Chaco, a hot lowland region that boasts the world’s tallest volcano, Ojos del Salado.
- Pampas, a large area of flat plains, with the river Parana snaking through it. The majority of the Argentinian population live here.
- Tierra del Fuego, the southern reaches of the country, covers Argentinian Patagonia. Of the many wondrous Argentinian landforms here, Mount Fitz Roy is a highlight.
- The Andean region, on Argentina’s western border, includes the longest mountain range in the world, the Andes. The most important landform here is Aconcagua, the tallest mountain outside of Asia.
Four landforms of Argentina you can’t miss
You could spend every vacation for the rest of your life exploring Argentina, and still not see all its glorious topographical wonders. With that in mind, we’ve picked out four of the most important landforms of Argentina that any serious traveller will want to see in person. They are, in no particular order:
1. Iguazu Falls
The Iguazu Falls are the world’s largest waterfall system and cover both Argentina and Brazil. Many travellers make the trip from Rio to Iguazu Falls, though it’s possible to start the journey on the Argentinian side too. The waterfall’s edge spans some 2.7 kilometres, and are truly spectacular.
Of all the landforms of Argentina, none are quite so immediately imposing as Aconcagua. Measuring 6,961 metres in height, this is the highest mountain in the western and southern hemispheres. It is a part of the Andes mountain range and lies in the province of Mendoza. Aconcagua is one of the Seven Summits, the highest point on each continent.
3. Mount Fitz Roy
Though it can’t rival the height of Aconcagua, Mount Fitz Roy has the distinction of being among the world’s most difficult mountains to climb. Although few may be able to scale it, many go to Patagonia to view it. Various El Chaltén hiking trails offer spectacular views of the snow-covered peaks.
4. Ojos del Salado
Arguably the most remarkable of Argentina’s landforms is Ojos del Salado, an active volcano measuring 6,893 metres. For those counting, that makes it the world’s tallest volcano. The name “Ojos del Salado” roughly translates from Spanish to “eyes of the salty one”, because of the large salt deposits found in the volcano’s many glaciers.