“Small towns, big destinations.” This is how the Undersecretariat of Tourism of the Nation describes the eight Argentine towns that were nominated to compete as the “best in the world” in the fourth edition of the Best Tourism Villages.
The 2024 winners of the Best Tourism Villages contest will be announced next November and, according to the organization, “interest is growing in the eight Argentine candidates participating in the UN Tourism contest”.
From Saldungaray, in the province of Buenos Aires, to Gaiman, in Chubut, these sites represent the diversity and cultural richness of our country, and each one offers unique tourist attractions.
In October 2023, the designation of La Carolina (San Luis) made the arrivals will increase by 181% during the three months following the distinction.
And since then, visitors mention that they learned about the destination because of its selection as “the best town in the world.”
Below, one by one, which are these rural destinations that already have a positive impact generated by their candidacies, when the winners have not yet been defined.
1) Saldungaray, province of Buenos Aires
“The sense of belonging and recognition of local values” is being consolidated after the candidacy, they say in the southwest of the province of Buenos Aires.
In it Tornquist partySaldungaray is part of a peaceful tourist region of Sierra de la Ventana, with a wealth of historical, cultural and gastronomic attractions.
It is accessed by provincial route 72, 100 km from Bahía Blanca, and has less than 2 thousand inhabitants and an extensive parked margin on the Sauce Grande River to drink mate and cool off on warm days.
What to visit? 9 km from Sierra de la Ventana, Fortín Pavón is a historic military post and is considered one of the points of interest, as well as the Salamone Interpretation Center.
Other alternatives to visit are the nearby Ernesto Tornquist Provincial Parkwhere you can see panoramic views of the mountains.
Not to be missed: tour and observe the famous works of Francisco Salamone: the cemetery, the municipal headquarters, the slaughterhouse, the square and the market. And there are also rural tourism activities.
What to eat? Dairy products from the dairy farm and wines from the local venture of Bodega Saldungaray.
2) Urdinarrain, Entre Ríos
Local producers began to analyze how to incorporate guided tours to their establishments in this rural town located 57 km from Gualeguaychú, south of the province of Entre Ríos.
What to visit? The grounds of the La Estación Regional Museum, which is made up of three museums where you can breathe local history and traditions.
The visit is completed by the artisans’ exhibition, the wine-producing farm and the dairy farm where their milk sweets stand out.
You can walk around the old railway station and its well-preserved buildings, and ride a bicycle through the town and its rural surroundings.
In summer, the “Arenas Blancas” Municipal Camping Spa is one of the meeting points to enjoy nature.
3) Tulumba Village, Cordoba
It is about the oldest town of the province: it dates back to 1585 and is part of the Camino Real, running through what was the main communication route between Upper Peru and the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata.
With its cobbled streets, streetlights, churches and adobe mansions, it is considered an open-air museum (especially the so-called “Four Corners” and the House of the Reynafé family), 77 km from Jesús María and 130 km from Córdoba. capital.
What to visit? The Nuestra Señora del Rosario chapel, declared a Site of National Historical Interest, which has on its grounds the ruins of the old 17th century temple. And the Interpretation Center of the Old Royal Road, which provides information on the route.
Horseback riding, hiking and folklore circuits are organized.
4) Campo Ramón, Misiones
Named the “first ecological municipality” of the province, it is located 12 km from Oberá and 66 km from the Jesuit Ruins of Santa Ana, in Misiones.
What to visit? The yerba mate cooperative that opens its doors to tourism to publicize the production of yerba mate.
Another attraction to visit is the Teodoro Cuenca Falls, which is located in a natural jungle and stream environment.
Among the red dirt roads, the place is surrounded by jungle, streams and waterfalls. It is a land of immigrants who populated the area establishing productive weed and tea enterprises.
5) Barrancas, Jujuy
In the Puna of Jujuy, 113 km from Purmamarca and at 3,643 meters, this town has one of the most important rock treasures, among which its pictographs and petroglyphs pre-inca and inca.
What to visit? The Archaeological Interpretation Center. In addition, the Barrancas Municipal Natural and Cultural Reserve stands out, where you can see vestiges of primitive inhabitants, while its walls called “ravines” give the town its name.
It is a place that is ideal for lovers of archeology and ancient cultures.
6) Los Chacayes, Mendoza
Traversed by the history of the Sanmartinian feat and its wineries, Los Chacayes is located in the department of Tunuyán, at the foot of the Andes Mountains.
Recognized for the quality of its waters and wine production, there you can make the Andean crossing through the Portillo Piuquenes pass, on horseback or on foot.
Climbing in the Cajón de Arenales or trekking on the Punta Negra hill are options to take into account for those who practice adventure tourism.
What to visit? The Theme Park, the Museum and the Historic Manzano Reserve, as well as the “Return of the Homeland” Monument.
Not to be missed: the wineries, many of which are open to tourists for guided tours and tastings.
7) Caviahue-Copahue, Neuquén
Snowy mountains, hot springs, waterfalls and pehuenes forests. Caviahue-Copahue is located within the protected natural area “Parque Provincial Copahue”. There is an active volcano, lakes and lagoons.
With more than 20 types of mineral-medicinal waters, considered unique in the country, the Copahue hot springs represent a must-see visit.
During the winter, you can ski on the slopes of the Copahue volcano, or go snowshoeing and/or snowmobiling.
What to visit? El Salto del Agrio, the impressive fall of the Agrio River that reaches 45 meters high. Also, the Stone Bridge and the Escondida lagoon.
8) Gaiman, Chubut
Known for his welsh traditionGaiman is famous for tea houses, museums and chapels, crossed by the Chubut River.
It is located 17 km from Trelew and 80 km from Puerto Madryn, on National Route 25, in the province of Chubut.
What to visit? The first Gaiman House and the Regional Historical museums and the Poet’s House. Also worth visiting are the Bethel and Salem chapels, the railway tunnel and the Paleontological Park.
After living the Welsh tea experience In one of its numerous houses, visitors can tour the enterprises producing fine fruits, vineyards and sweets, among other things.
Attention: the 8 proposals are added Travellinin Chubut, which in 2022 was one of the 20 towns selected for the destination consolidation program. It is 26 km from Esquel and has been growing every spring with its Tulip Field.