South America’s southernmost countries have more in common than not.
Chile, located to the west, and Argentina, to the east, are divided by the Andes Mountains—one of the world’s most majestic ranges. Both countries were colonized by Spanish conquistadores and served as important outposts for the crown until the early 1800s.
Since then, Chile and Argentina have evolved into distinct and equally attractive destinations for tourists.
The former has enjoyed multiple cultural heydays thanks to its football stars, from Diego Maradona to Lionel Messi. Chile, on the other hand, is better known for its endless coastline, natural beauty, and more poetic leanings.
Given their distinctions, they tend to attract two different types of tourists.
Outdoor adventurists usually fly to Santiago before heading into the great outdoors. Those who head to Argentina, on the other hand, are likely to spend more time in Buenos Aires before exploring the countryside via day trips.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to comparing these two South American countries. If you’re looking for more information on Chile & Argentina for travel purposes, here’s what you should keep in mind.
Culture: Indigenous vs European Traditions
Argentina has a much stronger European influence, while Chile is a lot more in touch with its indigenous roots.
This harkens back to the (many) waves of European immigration into Buenos Aires (and nearby Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay).
From the late 1800s into the 1950s, millions of immigrants from Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Greece arrived in Argentina. The vast majority stopped in Buenos Aires rather than hike or fly across the Andes into Chile.
This European influence has left a mark on the country—from its architecture to its economic policies.
Meanwhile, Chilean culture reflects its many indigenous groups, including the Mapuche. You’ll notice this heritage in Chile’s cuisine, music, and even the dialects spoken throughout the country.
There’s also a stronger movement to preserve and celebrate indigenous traditions, which gives tourists the chance to immerse themselves in a totally new culture.
Nature: The end of the world vs Moon Valley
As mentioned up top, Chile also has a reputation for being home to rugged and stunning natural landscapes.
There’s the lunar-like landscape of Moon Valley, the Atacama (the world’s highest desert), and the crown jewel of Patagonia’s Lake Region: Torres del Paine National Park.
Oh, and Easter Island—that’s part of Chile, too.
Argentina, by contrast, shares its lake region with Chile. This mountainous area is home to towering peaks that shelter steep valleys and emerald lakes. At the very tip of the continent, you can also find the southernmost settlement in the world: Ushuaia, Argentina.
When comparing natural wonders, Chile comes out ahead because of its diverse offerings—you’ll get desert views, mountain views, and plenty of forested lake views.
Argentina, by contrast, has fewer wonders. Though they’re equally as stunning (especially in areas like Bariloche and Mendoza), they aren’t quite as varied.
Cuisine: Beef vs wine
Speaking of Mendoza, you should know that it’s Argentina’s wine capital.
This is where some of the world’s tastiest grapes are fermented in Malbec. You can find classic vineyard views in Mendoza, backdropped by the gigantic Andes.
That being said, Argentina is better known for its beef. Gauchos are the South American version of cowboys, responsible for driving cattle across the country. In fact, Argentina is only behind the US, Brazil, and China in terms of beef production.
That means you can sample some seriously delicious steaks, ribs, and other beef products while you’re visiting Argentina. You can even pair them with a Malbec.
But don’t forget about Chile’s wine region. When it comes to award-winning bottles that travelers can get their hands on, Chile comes out ahead.
First, because its wine region is easier to get to—meaning you can sample more wines at a faster rate. Second, Chile has seen an impactful wave of French influence, which has improved its winemaking processes. Third, its climate is slightly drier and harsher, meaning its valleys are perfect for vineyards.
Make sure to try Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Riesling when in Chile.
Heroes: Pablo Neruda vs Messi
During my research for this article, I found quite a few sources hinting that Argentineans are louder and more extroverted, while Chileans are more prone to introversion.
I can’t confirm or deny this—but I think a great lens to study both countries is through their iconic heroes.
In terms of Argentina, Lionel Messi is arguably the best soccer player of his generation. He’s a global superstar with a penchant for leading the play in the midfield and scoring at improbable moments.
By contrast, Pablo Neruda is Chile’s most famous celebrity export. He won the Nobel Prize in 1971 for his poetry, which blends surrealism, romance, and politics. As a writer, he’s been on my radar for well over a decade and is regarded as one of the greatest creative writers to come from the Americas.