Two Argentine localities, Colonia Carlos Pellegrini (Corrientes) and Maimará (Jujuy), have been awarded in the list of the “Best Tourist Destinations of 2025“, a distinction that UN Tourism awards annually.
The official announcement took place this Friday from the city of Huzhou, in China. In this edition, 52 villages from various parts of the world were selected, chosen from a total of 270 nominations submitted.
In addition to these recognitions, two other Argentine localities were admitted to participate in the “Improvement Program“.
This initiative, which is already celebrating its fifth edition, aims to promote tourism in rural areas. According to the organizers, the award highlights those villages as the best destinations with “accredited cultural and natural assets, a commitment to the preservation of community values, and a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability in economic, social, and environmental dimensions”.
In the South American context, along with the Argentine localities, villages from Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador were also distinguished.
Carlos Pellegrini: A “sanctuary of biodiversity and living culture” in Corrientes, one of the best destinations
This locality is located in the center of the province of Corrientes. Its origins date back to 1923, and its current population is 1,113 inhabitants.
Colonia Carlos Pellegrini is an integral part of the Iberá Natural Reserve, being its main tourist attraction and one of the points as lesser-known destinations highlighted by the UN.
“This destination has become a reference for nature tourism and conservation for over 15 years,” emphasized the United Nations Tourism organization. They also emphasized its “pristine night skies” and its status as a “cultural sanctuary“.
The UN emphasized three pillars. The first is the “reintroduction of endangered species“. Examples were cited such as the return to their natural habitat of the jaguar, the anteater, and the collared peccary. This work involves former local residents, who now act as guides and park rangers.
“In this process of best destinations, the community becomes a key player in the protection of its natural heritage, demonstrating to the world that it is possible to build a prosperous future without giving up the past,” detailed from United Nations.
The other two highlighted pillars were the empowerment program of local women as tour guides, and the enhancement of the flavors and crafts of the Iberá.
Women lead tours that “reveal customs, stories, and local knowledge that enrich the visitor’s experience, fostering an authentic cultural exchange“. At the same time, the network of chefs and artisans has strengthened the gastronomic and artisanal identity, rescuing ancestral knowledge passed down from generation to generation.
Maimará: Captivating colors and flavors in Jujuy
While Colonia Carlos Pellegrini stands out for its cultural richness and the biodiversity of the Iberá, Maimará shines for “the colors and tradition” characteristic of the Quebrada de Humahuaca.
The UN described this town, located in Tilcara at over 2,000 meters above sea level and with 4,000 inhabitants, as a place that “merges ancestral traditions with majestic landscapes“.
Maimara, Quebrada de Humahuaca[/caption>
“The fertile valleys produce fruits, vegetables, and flowers nourished by river irrigation, while the high-altitude vineyards offer a unique terroir for the local wines,” adds the United Nations Tourism office.
They also mention the celebrations of Pachamama and All Saints’ Day. The organizers summarize that “this model of sustainable tourism and best destinations safeguards cultural heritage while generating inclusive economic development, strengthening the identity of Maimará and sharing it with the world”.
The recognition of Maimará is based on three central points to be considered one of the best tourist destinations of 2025.
“Hospitality deeply rooted in the land,” is the first aspect valued by the UN. They delve into this: “Local farmers welcome visitors into their homes, offering them authentic experiences of daily life: harvesting, caring for animals, preparing traditional dishes, and sharing their agricultural rhythms. These encounters foster real connections between visitors and the local way of life“.
The second pillar is gastronomy. “Through the newly inaugurated pedestrian market ‘Flavors and Knowledge‘, opened in January 2025, visitors enjoy traditional dishes, regional beverages, and live shows that reflect the spirit of the Quebrada,” they explain. “This innovative space integrates infrastructure, training, and cultural pride, boosting local entrepreneurs and enriching the visitor’s experience with authentic warmth”.
The third aspect evaluated as best destinations is Maimará’s contribution to “shaping the future of ecotourism“, through clean energy and digital transformation. The Quebrada Solar Train and a network of ceramic markers with QR codes that provide access to “maps, history, and information about local services, all without the need for paper” are highlighted.
The other Argentine candidates and those recognized in previous editions
Along with Colonia Carlos Pellegrini and Maimará, six other Argentine localities had submitted their applications for the “Best Tourism Villages” list. These were Uspallata (Mendoza), Famatina (La Rioja), San Javier and Yacanto (Córdoba), Villa Elisa (Entre Ríos), Seclantás (Salta), and Saldungaray (Buenos Aires).
From this group, San Javier and Yacanto
