Four **outstanding Argentine towns** have been recognized among the best places in the world to visit. The **United Nations Organization** highlights the importance of these towns in promoting sustainable tourism and community development.
In this fourth edition, 55 towns from different regions of the world have been recognized, selected from 260 towns in 60 countries. Among them, four are in Argentina, two of which are in the province of Mendoza. The towns are:
– **Caviahue-Copahue (Neuquén)**
– **Gaiman (Chubut)**
– **Trevelin (Chubut)**
– **Villa Tulumba (Córdoba)**
The Secretary-General of **UN Tourism**, Zurab Pololikashvili, stated: “Tourism is an essential tool for inclusion, empowering rural communities to protect and value their rich cultural heritage, while promoting sustainable development.”
The initiative, known in English as “Best Tourism Villages” (**Best Tourist Towns**), not only recognizes the remarkable achievements of these villages but also highlights the transformative power of tourism.
**Among the 57 globally recognized sites, these 4 Argentine towns are included.**
### **Trevelin, Chubut**
The World Tourism Organization (OMT) describes this town of 10,000 inhabitants as a captivating destination in Patagonia, Argentina, located at the foot of the Andes. Its rich variety and cultural heritage are influenced by the region’s agricultural characteristics.
The area has been shaped by its early inhabitants, including the native peoples and the Welsh settlers who arrived in 1885 and took advantage of the fertile land known as the “Hermosa Valley” or Cwm Hyfryd (as the Welsh call it). Several productive activities in Trevelin are open to tourism, becoming significant attractions for the region.
Highlights include tulip fields, vineyards, and the cultivation of wheat, berries, honey, and saffron.
### **Gaiman, Chubut**
With a strong Welsh heritage, Gaiman is a picturesque town nestled in the Chubut Valley, in the heart of Patagonia, Argentina. Located on National Route 25, it is about 1,500 km from Buenos Aires, 180 km from the Valdés Peninsula, and just 36 km from Rawson, the provincial capital.
Gaiman’s identity is deeply influenced by Welsh culture, although its name comes from the Tehuelche people and means “sharpening stone”.
Visiting Gaiman offers a unique experience that intertwines its historical roots with contemporary life, showcasing a striking contrast between urban and rural landscapes, characterized by sandstone and brick architecture against the lush vegetation and ochre hills of the Patagonian steppe.
**Interesting fact**: In 1995, Lady Di visited Argentina. As the “Princess of Wales”, she specifically traveled to Gaiman and on November 25th had tea in one of its traditional tea houses, famous for its “Welsh cake”. The place preserves and displays in a showcase the items, cutlery, cups, and napkins she used, including the lipstick mark left on her cup.
### **Villa Tulumba, Córdoba**
With just 2,500 inhabitants, Villa Tulumba has made a global impact. Located 150 km north of Córdoba city, in the picturesque region of Sierras Chicas, the OMT considers it a must-visit place due to being a living testimony of Argentina’s colonial history.
Founded in 1585 and declared Villa Real in 1803 by King Carlos IV, it features charming cobbled streets, old lanterns, and adobe houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, making it an open-air museum.
The town houses a **baroque-style church** with invaluable relics over 430 years old. There are also more than 35,000 cave paintings in the Sanavirones mountains, the aboriginals who inhabited that area.
Situated between the impressive Salinas Grandes and the **Ansenuza National Park**, Villa Tulumba offers a rich cultural experience combined with stunning natural landscapes. It is an ideal destination for those seeking historical information.
### **Caviahue-Copahue, Neuquén**
With a population of only 1,059 inhabitants according to the latest census, Caviahue-Copahue, in the province of Neuquén, Argentina, is a stunning destination where landscapes blend perfectly with its rich cultural heritage.
This unique area, located 365 km from Neuquén’s capital, comprises two settlements: Caviahue, at 1,600 meters above sea level, and Copahue, at 1,800 meters. Together they are part of the “Copahue Natural Protected Area”, which covers 28,300 hectares of geodiversity shaped by volcanic rocks and glacial activity.
Known for its active volcano, hot springs, and ancient forests, Caviahue-Copahue turns into a winter paradise from June to October, offering a wide range of outdoor activities. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant **Mapuche culture** through crafts, festivities, and gastronomy. A series of unique experiences make this destination truly special.
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