Argentina UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Argentina UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The UNESCO Sites in Argentina have resulted from the recognition of 11 cultural and natural landmarks as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Argentina and 10 locations on the Argentina UNESCO tentative list. These tourist sites in Argentina are acknowledged for their unique and valuable cultural, natural, artistic, and historic significance and are preserved for future generations to enjoy.

In addition to these 11 sites in the Argentina UNESCO list, many other places to travel to Argentina are being considered for UNESCO recognition. These sites, listed on the tentative list, showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and are waiting for approval to join the prestigious and famous World Heritage Sites list.

To help visitors discover these remarkable Argentina tourist attractions, we have put together an interactive map of the UNESCO sites in Argentina.

Argentina UNESCO Map

Click markers to show information and photo.

World Heritage Sites in Argentina Placeholder
World Heritage Sites in Argentina

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Argentina

There are 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Argentina. All of these three sites are listed under the Cultural category.

  • Cueva de las Manos, Río Pinturas
  • Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba
  • Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil)
  • Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
  • Quebrada de Humahuaca
  • The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement
  • Iguazu National Park
  • Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks
  • Los Alerces National Park
  • Los Glaciares National Park
  • Península Valdés

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Argentina are protected locations for their cultural and natural importance.

Cueva de las Manos, Río Pinturas

Is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Patagonia region of Argentina. The site features well-preserved prehistoric cave paintings dating back 13,000 and 9,500 years ago. The paintings depict human hands, animals, and geometric shapes, offering a rare glimpse into early humans’ artistic and cultural achievements. The site is located in Argentina’s remote and rugged region, and visitors must navigate difficult terrain to reach the caves. The Cueva de las Manos, Río Pinturas is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and art of early humans.

Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba

Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Córdoba, Argentina. The site comprises a group of buildings and properties established by the Jesuits in the 17th and 18th centuries, including the University of Córdoba, the National School of Monserrat, and various estancias (ranches) used for agricultural production. The buildings showcase a unique blend of European Baroque architecture and indigenous design elements and are considered some of the finest examples of Jesuit architecture in the world. The site is an important cultural and historical landmark that reflects the Jesuits’ contributions to education, science, and religion in Argentina.

Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil)

The Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Argentina and Brazil. The site includes four Jesuit missions in Argentina (San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto, and Santa Maria Mayor) and one in Brazil (Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes). These missions were established in the 17th and 18th centuries by the Jesuit religious order and were designed to convert and educate the indigenous Guaraní people. The missions are well-preserved and feature impressive colonial Baroque architecture, including churches, residences, and other buildings. The Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis is a testament to the successful integration of European and indigenous cultures in South America and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and architecture.

Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System

Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans several countries in South America, including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The Inca Empire built a road system that stretches over 30,000 kilometers across the Andes Mountains, connecting various cities, towns, and settlements. The road system played a crucial role in the Inca Empire’s economic, political, and cultural development, showcasing the remarkable engineering and architectural achievements of the Inca civilization. The Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in South America’s ancient history, architecture, and culture.

Quebrada de Humahuaca

Quebrada de Humahuaca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Jujuy Province of northwest Argentina. The site is a stunning mountain valley inhabited by various cultures for over 10,000 years, leaving behind a rich history and cultural heritage. The landscape is characterized by colorful rock formations, cliffs, and dramatic gorges, making it a popular destination for hiking and exploring. The site also includes several small towns and villages that showcase the local culture and traditions, including the pre-Columbian settlements of Tilcara and Pucará de Tilcara. Quebrada de Humahuaca is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Argentina’s history, culture, and natural beauty.

The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement

The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement, is a transnational property that includes 17 buildings designed by the renowned architect Le Corbusier. One of the buildings, Casa Curutchet, is in La Plata, Argentina. The property was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2016 and is recognized as an outstanding contribution to modern architecture. The buildings are located in seven different countries and showcase Le Corbusier’s innovative ideas and contributions to modern architecture, including the use of reinforced concrete, the integration of open spaces, and the use of modular elements. Casa Curutchet is a prime example of Le Corbusier’s modernist approach to architecture, with its simple lines, open spaces, and integration with the surrounding environment.

Iguazu National Park

Iguazu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Misiones Province of Argentina, near the border with Brazil. The park is home to one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, the Iguazu Falls. The falls consist of a series of 275 waterfalls stretching over 2.7 kilometers, with the largest waterfall, the Devil’s Throat, 82 meters high. The park is also home to various plant and animal species, including jaguars, pumas, and toucans. Visitors to the park can take guided tours, hike on various trails, and experience the natural beauty of the falls and the surrounding rainforest.

Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks

Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Argentina’s San Juan and La Rioja provinces. The site includes two adjacent natural parks, Ischigualasto and Talampaya, which showcase some of the world’s most important fossil records from the Triassic period. The parks are home to unique geological formations, including canyons, cliffs, and rock formations, that glimpse the Earth’s history and evolution. The parks also have a rich biodiversity and are home to several endangered species, such as the Andean cat and the vicuña. Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in natural history and outdoor adventure.

Los Alerces National Park

Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Argentine Patagonia, in the province of Chubut. The park is known for its pristine lakes and rivers, towering mountains, and ancient alerce trees, some over 2,000 years old. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including Andean condors, pumas, and guanacos. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, kayaking, and camping and can visit the picturesque village of Villa Futalaufquen located within the park. Los Alerces National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore the beauty and biodiversity of Patagonia.

Los Glaciares National Park

Los Glaciares National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site in the southern Andes of Argentina. The park is home to the largest continental ice cap in the world outside of Antarctica and Greenland, as well as some of the most impressive glaciers in the world. The park is also home to stunning natural features such as lakes, mountains, and forests, making it a popular destination for hiking, climbing, and other outdoor activities. The park’s most famous landmark is the Perito Moreno Glacier. This massive glacier is over 30 kilometers long and is known for its dramatic ice falls and blue-hued ice formations. A visit to Los Glaciares National Park is an unforgettable experience that showcases the natural beauty and majesty of the Andes and the glaciers that have shaped this region for millennia.

Península Valdés

Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the eastern coast of Argentina, in the province of Chubut. The peninsula is a unique natural sanctuary home to diverse marine life, including southern right whales, Magellanic penguins, elephant seals, and sea lions. The area is also a crucial breeding ground for these species, making it an important site for conservation efforts. Visitors to Peninsula Valdes can observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitats and explore the beautiful coastline and surrounding landscapes. The site is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in wildlife and natural beauty.

Argentina UNESCO tentative list

  1. Valle Calchaquí
  2. Sierra de las Quijadas National Park
  3. La Payunia, Campos Volcánicos Llancanelo y Payún Matrú
  4. Geological, Paleontological and Archaeological Provincial Reserve Pehuén co – Monte Hermoso
  5. Moisés Ville
  6. ESMA Site Museum – Former Clandestine Centre of Detention, Torture, and Extermination
  7. City of Tigre and its rowing clubs
  8. Buenos Aires – La Plata: Two capitals of the Culture of Modernity, Eclecticism and Immigration
  9. Cueva de las Manos and associated sites of the Pinturas river basin
  10. Sanmartinian Routes

Tours in Argentina

Our choices of tours in Argentina are divided into thematic features such as Buenos Aires, Bariloche, and the Iguazu Falls Experience.