Welcome to Argentina!
Argentina. The name conjures up images of soccer, tango, Pampas, Evita and Maradona. But there is more, much more. Let us tell you more about Argentina and the enormous range of possibilities that offers you.
Argentina is bounded by Bolivia and Paraguay on the north, Brazil, Uruguay and the Atlantic Ocean on the east, and by the Atlantic Ocean and Chile on the west and south.
Comprising almost the entire southern half of South America, Argentina is the world’s eighth largest country, covering an area of 2.8 million square km. Argentina possesses some of the world’s tallest mountains (Aconcagua, 22.834 ft., 6960 m., is the highest peak in the world outside those existing in the Himalaya), expansive deserts, and impressive waterfalls, with the diversity of the land ranging from wild, remote areas in southern Patagonia to the bustling city of Buenos Aires. From beach resorts of holy cities, to cool hill stations and high mountain villages, the choice is enormous, whether you want an inexpensive experience, a cultural tour, or a high-priced exclusive holiday.
Tips about Argentina
Argentina’s cultural roots are mainly europeans and that is clearly reflected in its arquitecture, music, literature and lifestyle.
It has an intense cultural activity. It is seen in the festivities, expositions, cinemas, theatres, and concerts that take place in the principal cities.
The characteristic music of the city of Buenos Aires is the world-famous tango. In other regions folklore includes several and varid rythms and styles.
The typical Argentine food is asado (barbecue: meat cooked over live coals), appart from empanadas ( a sort of turnover meat pie or pastry that comes with a variety of other stuffings), tamales ( a dish made of corn meal, chicken or meat wrapped in corn husks), humita (dish made of grated corn, sweet peppers and tomatoes wrapped in the green leaves of corn) and locro ( dish made of meat, potato, pumpkin, corn and sweet pepper).
Our country characteristic drink is mate (infusion).
However, and due to the important migrating current that populated the country , there exists a quite varied international cuisine: Spanish, Italian, French, German, Scandinavian, Greek, English, Sweddish, Hungarian, Dutch, Chilean, Mexican, Basque, Jewish, Russian, Ukranian, Chinese, Japanese, Thailander and Arabian.
The quality of its wines and meats is worldly known and the new Argentine cuisine has reached an international level standing out due to its qualified chefs.
Even though several sports are practiced, football (soccer) is the most outstanding one. In the city of Buenos Aires there are a large number of stadiums, some of them with a capacity of more than 40.000 people.
The ski enthusiasts can choose from numerous winter centers to practice it.
Sporting fishing can be practised in the whole country. Argentina is well known for the huge Dorados and the varieties of Salmonidae.
Due to its extension and diversity of climates Argentina offer the opportunity to practice any kinds of traditional and adventure sports such as motonautic, wind sailing, boating, kayak, rafting, scuba diving, trekking, mountain climbing, mountain bike, parachuting, hang gliding, ski and snowboard.
Argentina has exceptional natural beauties, for it comprises a diverse territory of mountains, plateaux and plains with all the climatic variations
There are several climatic and landscape regions. Geographers usually recognize five main physical areas:
- Northwest
It is the region of the high mountains, volcanic peaks, salt lakes and the blue sky.
It includes Jujuy, Salta, Catamarca, La Rioja, Tucumán and Santiago del Estero provinces.
Its most beautiful places are La Quebrada de Humahuaca, The Calchaquíes Valleys, Salta city and El Tren a las Nubes (Railway to the Clouds) . This area was called “Pachamama” (Mother earth) by the natives Incas. - Northeast
2.1 Mesopotamia: Mesopotamia, a broad, flat plain between the Iguazú, the Parana and UruguayRivers in northern Argentina, is wet, swampy and extremely hot during the summer. It covers the provinces of Misiones, Corrientes and Entre Ríos. It has several beautiful places to visit, being the most important ones El Palmar National Park which preserves the last examples of Yatay palm tress which are almost 800 years old, the Jesuit Missions and the Falls of Iguazú ( impressive waterfalls ) . Being the last two considered an protected by the UNESCO, as a part of the Heritage of Humanity . Besides there are thermal fountains in several cities
2.2 Chaco región: This parched area in the west is part of the enormous Gran Chaco, a region that Argentina shares with Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil. The Chaco contains both grassland and thorny forest. It includes the following provinces: Formosa, Chaco and Santa Fe. Although the southern part of the last one belongs to the Pampas region. - Pampas
These fertile plains are Argentina’s breadbasket. They consist of the Humid Pampas along the seaboard and the Dry Pampas in the west and south. The region includes Buenos Aires, as well as the world-class beaches of its surrounding area where there are several bathing resorts which receive a big amount of tourists who travel there to enjoy the beautiful beaches, the blue water and the cultural activities.This region is the cradle of the legendary Gaucho. It is also here where the most flavorful meat of the world is produced, and also where the Argentine folk music has its main artists.Enjoy staying in one of the hundreds of ranch and residences of colonial, British or French style that covers the Pampa. Participating in all the activities that that have to be made in a ranch:driving, lacing, and markingof cows and sheep. Together with the “Gaucho”, and wearing the traditional outfit. Enjoying the good food, with theArgentinean barbecue as the main course, and the fireside at the end of the day. - Cuyo
It is an arid mountainous region, which is cut by plentiful rivers that make up majestic canyons such as that of the AtuelCanyon. Rafting, mountaineering, trekking and many other adventure activities are all possible here. Excellent ski resorts such as that of Las Leñas Valley. There are wonderful wineries to visit.This region includes San Juan, Mendoza and San Luis provinces. - Patagonia
Patagonia is situated in the south of the Colorado River.It has an area of more than 770,000 sq km, and includes five provinces: Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut, Santa Cruz, and Tierra del Fuego.The Patagonia is recognized internationally by the great variety and beauty of its landscapes. The Patagonian habitats – many of them with unique characteristics in world- are protected by the existence of 12 parks and national reserves.Patagonia can be divided in 3 parts:- Andean Patagonia: The mountainous Patagonia region, peppered with natural lakes, glaciers and woods is one of the most astounding landscapes of Argentina. Excellent for adventure tourism activities like trekking, rafting, and mountaineering. Water sports and excursions in its numerous lakes. There are excellent snow skiing resorts such as Chapelco, MountCathedral and many hot springs soak in after.
- Atlantic Patagonia: The eastern part of Patagonia that borders with the Atlantic Ocean and sometimes called the Patagonian Plateau, posses a very distinct relief.An area rich in sea life. In the northern area, you will find good beaches for swimming with comfortable water temperatures. Scuba diving is one of the other important attractions.
- Tierra del Fuego: Tierra del Fuego (The Land of Fire) is actually an archipelago including the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego (which Argentina shares with neighboring Chile) and numerous smaller islands. Northern Isla Grande is similar in terrain to Patagonia’s plains, while the mountainous area in the south is filled with forests and glaciers.