The 2026 edition of the Best Tourism Villages initiative, driven by UN Tourism, concluded with an unprecedented result: 55 villages from 20 Argentine provinces submitted their applications, the highest number since the program began in 2021.
The National Secretariat of Tourism and Environment will be responsible for selecting the eight best tourist villages that will represent the country in the international evaluation. There, they will compete for the highest global recognition: becoming one of the Best Tourism Villages in the world.
Selection Criteria
The program distinguishes rural destinations with low population density that stand out for:
- Authenticity and identity.
- Connection with natural and cultural resources.
- Sustainable and innovative tourism.
- Community commitment.
Unlike other awards, it does not seek massive or hierarchical destinations, but those that excel for their work and authenticity.
Territorial Representation
The applications cover all regions of the country: from the Atlantic coast to the mountain range, passing through the Misiones jungle, the Jujuy Puna, and the southern Patagonia.
The provinces with the most pre-candidates were:
- Buenos Aires, Chubut, and Misiones: five each.
- Córdoba, Corrientes, Jujuy, San Juan, and San Luis: four each.
Among the nominated villages are Mar de las Pampas, Puerto Pirámides, La Cumbrecita, Concepción del Yaguareté Corá, Huacalera, Tafí del Valle, Tolhuin, Puerto San Julián, Cachi, Molinos, San Carlos, Villa General Belgrano, San Ignacio, Varvarco, Perito Moreno, among others.
International Background
Argentina already has several recognitions in previous editions:
- 2021: Caspalá (Jujuy).
- 2023: La Carolina (San Luis).
- 2024: Caviahue-Copahue (Neuquén), Gaiman and Trevelin (Chubut), Villa Tulumba (Córdoba).
- 2025: Carlos Pellegrini (Corrientes) and Maimará (Jujuy).
These achievements consolidate the country as a benchmark in sustainable rural tourism.
Importance of the Initiative
The Best Tourism Villages program seeks to transform rural tourism into a driver of sustainable development:
- Rural development: boosts local economies and combats depopulation.
- Heritage appreciation: protects culture, traditions, and biodiversity.
- Responsible tourism: balances visits with conservation.
- Community empowerment: promotes gender equality and local participation.
- International visibility: places small villages on the world tourism map.
With 55 villages as candidates, Argentina sets a record in the 2026 edition and reaffirms its commitment to a rural tourism model that combines authenticity, sustainability, and community development.
The selection of the eight national representatives will be key to showing the world the country’s cultural and natural diversity and to consolidating tourism as a positive force that preserves rural wealth and improves community well-being.
