Two corners of Argentina were among the best tourist towns in the world in 2025: where they are and why they were chosen.

Two Argentine towns were selected for the UN Tourism Organization's 2025 list of the best tourist towns . These are Colonia Carlos Pellegrini , in Corrientes, and Maimará , in Jujuy.

The announcement was made this Friday in the city of Huzhou, China. The list includes 52 towns from around the world, known for their tourist attractions. A total of 270 nominations had been submitted .

In addition, two other Argentine towns were selected to participate in the Improvement Program.

The award, now in its fifth year, seeks to promote rural tourism. It recognizes localities with "proven cultural and natural assets, a commitment to preserving community values, and a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability in the economic, social, and environmental dimensions," according to the organizers.

In addition to the two Argentine towns, towns in Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador were recognized in South America.

This town is located in the center of the province of Corrientes. Its origins date back to 1923 and it currently has a population of 1,113.

Colonia Carlos Pellegrini is part of the Iberá Nature Reserve, its main tourist attraction, highlighted by the UN.

"This destination has become a benchmark for nature and conservation tourism for more than 15 years," the United Nations Tourism Organization emphasized, citing its "pristine night skies" and "cultural sanctuary."

The UN emphasized three aspects. One of them is the "reintroduction of endangered species." They cited as an example the return of the jaguar, the anteater, and the collared peccary to their natural habitat, a project involving former local residents who are now guides and park rangers. "In this process, 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 abandoning the past," the United Nations explained.

The other two highlights were the program to empower local women as tour guides, and the flavors and crafts of Iberá.

Women lead tours that "reveal local customs, stories, and knowledge that enrich the visitor experience, fostering authentic cultural exchange." And the network of chefs and artisans elevated the "gastronomic and artisanal identity, reviving ancestral knowledge passed down from generation to generation."

If Colonia Carlos Pellegrini stands out for its cultural richness and the typical flora and fauna of Iberá, Maimará shines for the "colors and traditions" of the Humahuaca Gorge.

"It fuses ancestral traditions with majestic landscapes," the UN noted about this village located in Tilcara, more than 2,000 meters above sea level and home to 4,000 inhabitants.

"Its fertile valleys produce fruits, vegetables, and flowers nourished by river irrigation, while the high-altitude vineyards offer a unique terroir for local wines," adds the United Nations Tourism Office.

It also celebrates the Pachamama and All Saints' Day celebrations. "This sustainable tourism model safeguards cultural heritage while generating inclusive economic development, strengthening Maimará's identity and sharing it with the world," the organizers summarize.

They include three key points to recognize Maimará as one of the best tourist towns of 2025.

" Agricultural hospitality rooted in the land" is the first aspect valued by the UN. They elaborate: "Local farmers welcome visitors into their homes, offering them authentic experiences of everyday 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 point is gastronomy . "Through the recently opened 'Sabores y Saberes' pedestrian market, inaugurated in January 2025, visitors can enjoy traditional dishes, regional drinks, and live performances that reflect the spirit of the Quebrada. This innovative space integrates infrastructure, training, and cultural pride, promoting local entrepreneurs and enriching the visitor experience with authentic warmth," they explain.

And the third aspect they're evaluating is that Maimará is "contributing to shaping the future of ecotourism" with clean energy and digital transformation. They point to the Quebrada Solar Train and a network of QR code ceramic markers that provide access to "maps, history, and information on local services, all paperless."

In addition to Colonia Carlos Pellegrini and Maimará, six other Argentine towns had nominated themselves to be included on the "Best Tourism Villages" list.

They were Uspallata (Mendoza), Famatina (La Rioja), San Javier and Yacanto (Cordoba), Villa Elisa (Entre Rios), Seclantás (Salta) and Saldungaray (Buenos Aires).

San Javier and Yacanto were selected for the Improvement Program, which supports towns with high potential to meet recognition criteria, "helping them improve in areas identified as weak during the evaluation," according to UN Tourism's categorization.

Meanwhile, in previous years , Caspalá (Jujuy, in 2021), Trevelin and Gaiman (Chubut, both 2024), La Carolina (San Luis, 2023), Villa Tulumba (Córdoba, 2024) and Caviahue-Copahue (Neuquén, 2024) were recognized in the "Best Tourism Villages" program.

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