Heading to Argentina to explore the country’s most stunning towns? Here are our five top picks:

With the Andes on the horizon and its boundless slopes of vineyards, Mendoza is one of Argentina’s loveliest addresses. Along with a robust wine route that includes plenty of Malbec, Mendoza is known for fabulous cuisine (try La Marchigiana or 743 Msnm Bistro) and plenty of history. Make sure your stay includes visits to the General San Martin Historical Museum, San Francisco Basilica and Independence Park. From January to March, you can also enjoy the annual Grape Harvest Festival, the oldest in Argentina. The enormously popular event wraps up with a live music concert.

It’s all rustic mountain splendor in San Carlos de Bariloche on the forested shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi in the Rio Negro Province. The city is a huge draw for ski fans, thanks to the proximity of Mount Catedral resort, and is beloved by outdoor enthusiasts for its great hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and river rafting. Also known for vibrant nightlife, the city boasts a number of craft breweries and artisan chocolate shops, and hosts the annual Chocolate Festival each Easter season.

With bricked streets in swirling patterns and charming Colonial architecture, Salta City in the north dates to 1582. Begin your exploration in city center at 9 de Julio Square, then take your time admiring the historic buildings that edge the plaza. Historic churches worth stopping by include the Cathedral and Baroque/Italian-Neoclassic style Saint Francis Church. Make time for the High Mountain Archaeological Museum with its Inca-era collection and peruse the Handcrafts Market, located within an 18^th-century house, where you can shop for paintings and ceramics, items crafted from wood and leather and clothing woven from alpaca wool.

The spectacular Iguazú waterfalls are a continuous draw for visitors, and for good reason: Made up of 275 separate falls, the crashing water falls from a height of nearly 260 feet. But don’t just make Iguazú National Park and the falls your only destination — the town of Puerto Iguazú rests on the borders of Brazil and Paraguay, and is the perfect destination for nature lovers. In the town, sites include the Mbororé battle site and Natural Sciences Museum, along with the Tres Frontiers Boundary Stone, marking the point where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet.

Situated within the Patagonian mountains, the town of Villa La Angostura is a popular hiking, kayaking and adventure destination. Worthwhile sites include the beautiful Chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin and the Historical Regional Museum of Villa la Angostura. After you’ve sailed across Lake Nahuel Huapi and hiked the Green Lagoon Interpretive Trail, check out the region’s culinary highlights at Bruce Grill Station, or relax over tea and something sweet at Café Antibes or Margaritas Casa de Té.