Top Ten Provinces of Argentina

Argentina isn't just about Buenos Aires and tango - it's a patchwork of 23 unique provinces, each with its own flavor, and one special city province equivalent. These administrative divisions are under a federal, as opposed to unitary, system, meaning they have a degree of autonomy. This gives each province its own personality and charm.

Each province is a chapter in the larger story of Argentina. You've got everything from bustling cityscapes to rugged mountain ranges, lush rainforests to arid deserts. There's a province for every kind of traveler, every kind of resident.
The Top Ten
Buenos Aires Buenos Aires is the largest and most populous province in Argentina, known for its diverse landscapes ranging from fertile plains to bustling urban centers such as the capital city of Buenos Aires. It is a major agricultural hub, producing crops like soybeans, corn, and wheat, and is also home to important industrial and commercial activities.

This is the one autonomous city that's equivalent to a province. It's sometimes known as "Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires," which means "Autonomous City of Buenos Aires." As a city, it has all the big city amenities while being safer than many other parts of the country.

Chubut Chubut is a province in the southern region of Argentina, characterized by its stunning natural beauty, including the rugged Andes Mountains and the picturesque Atlantic coastline. It is renowned for its Welsh heritage, which is evident in towns like Gaiman and Trelew, where Welsh traditions are still celebrated. Chubut is also known for its thriving sheep farming industry and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Peninsula Valdés, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

It's a southern province, far removed from a lot of the gang violence and drug trade further north. It also has a lot of Welsh people.

La Pampa La Pampa is a province located in the central part of Argentina, known for its vast expanses of flat terrain, which are primarily used for agriculture and cattle ranching. The province is sparsely populated compared to others in Argentina and is characterized by its peaceful rural lifestyle. La Pampa is also home to several natural reserves and parks, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching.

It's pretty empty, but all of its socioeconomic indicators are above average.

Mendoza Mendoza is a province in western Argentina famous for its wine production, particularly Malbec wines, thanks to its ideal climate and fertile soil. The provincial capital, also named Mendoza, is a bustling city renowned for its tree-lined streets and vibrant cultural scene. In addition to wine tourism, Mendoza offers opportunities for outdoor adventures like hiking in the Andes Mountains and exploring the stunning Aconcagua Provincial Park.
Tierra del Fuego Tierra del Fuego is a province located at the southern tip of Argentina, encompassing the eastern part of the island of Tierra del Fuego as well as several smaller islands. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and fjords. The provincial capital, Ushuaia, is often referred to as the "End of the World" and serves as a gateway to Antarctica for scientific expeditions and adventure tourism.
Santa Cruz Santa Cruz is a province in southern Argentina known for its breathtaking landscapes, including the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier and the otherworldly beauty of the Patagonian steppes. It is the second-largest province in the country by area but one of the least densely populated. Santa Cruz is also significant for its rich fossil discoveries, particularly dinosaur fossils found in areas like the La Leona Petrified Forest.
Río Negro Río Negro is a province in northern Patagonia known for its diverse landscapes, including fertile valleys, forests, and stunning lakeshores. The province is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. Río Negro is also known for its fruit production, particularly apples and pears, which thrive in the region's temperate climate.
San Luis San Luis is a province in central Argentina, characterized by its picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, valleys, and mountains. The provincial capital, San Luis, is a vibrant city known for its colonial architecture and cultural attractions. San Luis is also renowned for its natural beauty, with attractions such as the Sierra de las Quijadas National Park and the Salto del Tabaquillo waterfall drawing visitors from far and wide.
Buenos Aires Province Buenos Aires Province, distinct from the city of Buenos Aires, is the largest and most populous province in Argentina, encompassing diverse landscapes from fertile plains to coastal areas along the Atlantic Ocean. It is an economic powerhouse, contributing significantly to the country's agricultural production and industrial output. The province is also known for its cultural heritage, with historic towns, museums, and traditional festivals attracting visitors throughout the year.

The province surrounds the city, and they are two separate entities.

Córdoba Córdoba is a province located in the geographical center of Argentina, known for its stunning natural beauty, including rolling hills, picturesque valleys, and crystal-clear rivers. The provincial capital, also named Córdoba, is the second-largest city in Argentina and boasts a rich colonial heritage, evident in its architecture and cultural landmarks. Córdoba is also renowned for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous theaters, galleries, and music festivals showcasing the region's creativity and talent.

The Newcomers

? Chaco Chaco, located in the northeast of Argentina, features a vast expanse of lowland forests and savannas, forming part of the Gran Chaco region. The province's economy is primarily based on agriculture, forestry, and livestock, with significant production of cotton and soybeans.
? Entre Ríos Entre Ríos is a province situated between the Paraná and Uruguay rivers, offering fertile land ideal for agriculture and livestock farming. It is also famous for its hot springs, attracting tourists seeking relaxation and wellness treatments.
The Contenders
Salta Salta is a province in northwest Argentina known for its stunning landscapes, including the colorful rock formations of the Quebrada de Humahuaca and the lush valleys of the Calchaquíes. It is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, with indigenous influences blending with Spanish colonial architecture in cities like Salta and Cafayate. Salta is also famous for its traditional cuisine, which features regional specialties such as empanadas and locro.
Catamarca Catamarca is a province located in the northwest of Argentina, known for its rugged terrain, including the majestic peaks of the Andes Mountains. It is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Qhapaq Ñan, an ancient Inca road network that traverses the province. Catamarca is also renowned for its archaeological sites, including the ancient city of El Shincal, which offers insights into pre-Columbian civilizations in the region.
Misiones Misiones is a province located in northeastern Argentina, known for its lush subtropical forests, stunning waterfalls, and rich biodiversity. It is home to the iconic Iguazú Falls, one of the largest and most spectacular waterfall systems in the world. Misiones is also significant for its Jesuit missions, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Ignacio Miní, which provides a glimpse into the region's colonial history.
Tucumán Tucumán is a province in northwest Argentina, renowned for its fertile valleys and historic significance as the birthplace of Argentine independence. The provincial capital, San Miguel de Tucumán, played a pivotal role in the country's liberation struggle and is home to numerous landmarks commemorating this heritage. Tucumán is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, with festivals celebrating music, dance, and gastronomy drawing visitors from across Argentina and beyond.
Jujuy Jujuy is a province located in northwest Argentina, characterized by its stunning landscapes, including the colorful rock formations of the Quebrada de Humahuaca and the high-altitude puna grasslands. It is known for its indigenous culture, with traditions such as the Pachamama ceremony still practiced by local communities. Jujuy is also famous for its traditional handicrafts, including textiles and ceramics, which reflect the region's rich cultural heritage.
La Rioja La Rioja is a province in the west of Argentina, known for its rugged landscapes, including the dramatic peaks of the Sierra de la Rioja and the deep canyons of the Talampaya National Park. It is rich in archaeological sites, with cave paintings and petroglyphs providing insights into the region's ancient civilizations. La Rioja is also renowned for its wine production, with vineyards dotted throughout the province producing high-quality wines.
San Juan San Juan is a province located in the west of Argentina, known for its stunning desert landscapes, including the otherworldly beauty of the Ischigualasto Provincial Park, also known as the Valley of the Moon. It is a major producer of wine and olive oil, with vineyards and olive groves thriving in the arid climate. San Juan is also significant for its mining industry, with valuable minerals such as gold, copper, and silver extracted from its mountains.
Santa Fe Santa Fe is a province in the central region of Argentina, known for its fertile plains, bustling cities, and historic towns. The provincial capital, Santa Fe, is one of the oldest cities in Argentina and features charming colonial architecture and cultural landmarks. Santa Fe is a major agricultural hub, producing crops such as soybeans, wheat, and maize, and is also an important industrial center, with manufacturing and services sectors driving its economy.
Corrientes Corrientes is a province located in northeastern Argentina, known for its lush wetlands, including the vast Esteros del Iberá, which teem with wildlife such as caimans, capybaras, and birds. It is renowned for its traditional chamamé music and dance, which reflect the region's Guarani and European influences. Corrientes is also famous for its yerba mate plantations, with the province being one of the main producers of this popular South American beverage.
Neuquén Neuquén is a province located in the west of Argentina, characterized by its diverse landscapes including the Andes mountains and expansive forests. It is renowned for its significant oil and gas reserves, contributing substantially to Argentina's energy sector.
Formosa Formosa is a province in the northeast of Argentina, bordered by Paraguay and known for its subtropical climate and lush vegetation. The province is rich in biodiversity, featuring the Pilcomayo National Park which protects numerous species of wildlife.
Santiago del Estero Santiago del Estero, located in the north-central part of Argentina, is one of the country's oldest cities, known for its colonial history and cultural heritage. The province is predominantly agricultural, with large-scale production of cotton, soybeans, and cattle.