Argentina boasts a rich historical legacy dating back to prehistoric indigenous communities and colonial rule to the struggle for independence, and is home to numerous UNESCO sites as a testament to this rich legacy. Discover them now.
Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires served as the setting for many crucial moments during Argentina’s struggle for independence. Learn about them all at the National Historical Museum!
Pucara de Tilcara
Pucara de Tilcara is one of several UNESCO World Heritage sites located within Quebrada de Humahuaca, a narrow mountain valley which has served as an important trade route and military location throughout its over 10,000-year history. Additionally, this location was an integral component of Argentina’s colonization and subsequent War of Independence.
Pucara Hill in Jujuy Province of Argentina served as a pre-Inca fortification that later served as residential units, workshops and a ceremonial center that functioned as the ceremonial hub of Humahuaca Gorge. Today it remains a historic archaeological site with residential units, workshops and ceremonial centers still visible within it.
Archeologists have used excavation of these ruins to better understand settlements in Quebrada de Humahuaca and to construct chronologies for northwest Argentina. Today, this site serves as a museum that exhibits ceramics from Pucara excavations as well as collections from around the region; Eduardo Casanova continued the work begun by Juan D. Ambrosetti and Salvador Debenedetti at this museum site.
San Ignacio Mini
One of Argentina’s best preserved Jesuit sites, this moss-covered red sandstone architecture complex was established by Jesuit missionaries in 1610. Located at the border between Argentina and Brazil.
This reduction was constructed with the assistance of indigenous Guarani residents and is considered an exemplary structure in terms of design, structure and size. Furthermore, Jesuit missionaries introduced cutting edge agricultural techniques which significantly raised living standards locally.
By 1732, this site had become one of the earliest reductions to establish a fully self-sustaining economy with advanced skills & trades.
Posadas Jesuit Ruins are an important UNESCO World Heritage Site and well worth a day trip from Posadas. Being the easiest of the Jesuit missions to access, this attraction features an accessible museum inside. Santa Ana and Loreto Ruins in this region also contain museums.
Cafayate
Cafayate is one of Argentina’s premier wine towns and home to one of its UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Quebrada de Humahuaca (Valles Calchaquies). For over 10,000 years, this narrow mountain valley has served as an economic, social and cultural lifeline – from prehistoric hunter-gatherer communities visible today through to Inca transport routes in 16th century South America as well as playing an instrumental part in independence struggles in 19th century Argentina.
There are numerous day tours available to explore the historic sites of Cafayate and its neighboring Quebrada de las Conchas. Each tour features an experienced guide sharing historical facts and local culture to enhance guests’ experiences. One particular highlight is visiting Casa Rosada – former presidential palace frequented by Eva Peron and Juan Peron and now turned museum where visitors can view her balcony used to address Argentines.
Casa Rosada
Casa Rosada (literally “Pink House”) is the seat of Argentina’s Executive Power and an iconic symbol of its political history. Visitors to this historic site can explore presidential memorabilia displayed here as well as learn about their country’s turbulent past in its museum behind this palace.
Before its transformation into a palace, this site housed both a government building and post office. President Julio Argentino Roca instructed his civil engineering department to combine these structures and add a gallery balcony, thus giving birth to Casa Rosada as we know it today.
Legends surrounding the Palace’s unique pink hue abound. One theory suggests it was President Sarmiento’s attempt to ease political tensions through mixing red and white paint; another claimant suggests it was created as a result of using bovine blood for humidity protection on its walls. Whatever its source may be, its bright pink color will surely draw your eye – conveniently accessible via both metro and multiple bus routes from Plaza de Mayo.
