SUMMARY: ARGENTINA
Argentina is a classic, must-see destination, but make sure you set aside enough time, or plan to return, because it is the eighth-largest country in the world by land area with a huge diversity of landscapes and culture to explore from ski resorts, lakes and Andean mountains in the west to the urban metropolis of Buenos Aires on the south shore of the R. Plate in the east, and from the waterfalls, rainforests and historic ruins of the north to the sweeping glaciers of Patagonia in the south.
|
Tourist Office The Argentina Government Tourist Office does not have a tourist office in the UK. |
|
The Iguazu Falls They have been one of South America's must-see icons ever since the first visitor, Spanish explorer Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, encountered them in 1541. The falls are spread out in series of separate cascades along a 2-mile arc of the Iguazu River forming the border between Brazil and Argentina. Two thirds of the falls are on the Argentinian side where the highest drop is 269 feet. The Iguazu National Park has rainforest trails where wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy the rich flora and fauna of the jungle. Visit in the spring or autumn. The water flow is at its lowest in the winter and it's uncomfortably hot & humid in the summer. |
|
Ushuaia - gateway to Antarctica Ushuaia is the Argentinian departure point for Antarctic cruises. From here the large cruise ships and smaller expedition ships - the ones with the zodiacs and a chance to get up close & personal with penguins, whales, seals and icebergs - set off for the "White Continent". Most cruise intineraries are around 2 weeks including 1½ days crossing Drakes Passage to get there. Some cruises last longer, visiting the Falkland Islands and South Georgia on their way back. |
|
What to do/Where to go Estancias. Argentina is famous for its 'ranch stays', where you can relax in elegant country club-style villas with swimming pools and tennis courts, or ride with the gauchos over vast grasslands of cattle ranches in central Argentina or sheep stations in the south. Salta. Desert landscapes with the Andes in the background. This area of NW Argentina has deep hills and valleys... and wineries! Yaay! |
Further Reading...
- Falling in Love with Buenos Aires Keith Jenkins' blog post on his first time in the Argentinian capital.
- Ten things to do on a budget in Buenos Aires Connaroo's list of crucial experiences
