Argentina

Bienvenido a la Republica de Argentina. Deriving from the Latin word for ‘silver’, early Spanish settlers came to this land in hopes of finding precious metals.

Today, Argentina’s hectic urban centres contrast with a staggeringly remote hinterland. Known as the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires is a sophisticated capital city brimming with character and an excellent spot for shopping, museums and Tango. Here, you can savour some of Argentina’s world-renowned wines and indulge in a mouth watering Asado a la Parrilla (grilled tender steak). For the explorer in you, visit the northern tropics and Iguazú Falls or travel to the southern tip of the continent – Patagonia - to witness the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier. For fun in the sun, you may want to visit the city of Mar De Plata. Located on the Atlantic coast, its prime beaches, restaurants and nightlife have made Mar De Plata one of Argentina’s prime destinations. Come and enjoy the vast variety that Argentina has to offer.

Cataratas del Iguazú (Iguazu Falls)

Located on the northern border of Argentina with Brazil, Iguazu Falls is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Iguazú, meaning "big water" in the native Guarani language, is a group of over 270 subsidiary waterfalls that stretch for more than two miles of tropical rainforest. Here, the principal attraction is the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat), where the largest volume of water passes creating the most memorable sight. There are many walkways to explore that allow visitors to peek over the top of the falls. You may also choose to get wet and explore some of the lower walkways that bring you face to face with the raging waters of the Río Iguazú (Iguazu River).

Declared a World Heritage Area by UNESCO in 1984, the Iguazu region is home to hundreds of species of trees and wildlife. On a clear blue day, there is no place you'd rather be. After your adventurous tour, you can enjoy some shopping and a traditional steak dinner at nearby Puerto Iguazú City, a charming border town within the province of Misiones. Relax and end the day by watching the breathtaking sunset from the watchtower at Hito Argentino, where the Río Iguazú and Río Paraná meet and the corners of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil converge.

Buenos Aires, Capital Federal

Off the shores of the Río de la Plata, lies the capital city of Argentina. This vibrant, cosmopolitan capital has a population over 11.5 million residents, making it one of the ten largest cities in the world. Here, the oceanic and warm temperatures make Buenos Aires a great place to visit all year round.

Porteños, as the diverse people of Buenos Aires are known, possess an elaborate and rich cultural identity; they tend to be very well dressed and are known for a somewhat cool, elitist attitude. Known as the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires flourishes with museums, stylish restaurants, tango, old-time cafes, architectural spectacles and historic monuments. In the heart of this great metropolis, you can visit Avenida 9 de Julio, which, at about 130 meters, is the widest street in the world. Named after Argentina’s day of independence, this grand avenue is home to El Obelisco (the Obelisk), a characteristic monument residing over the spot where the national flag was raised for the very first time. Divided into barrios (neighborhoods) each part of the city has its own personality. The beautiful and prestigious Recoleta, trendy Palermo, commerce-minded El Centro, timeless San Telmo, picturesque Puerto Madero, and colorful La Boca all contribute to Buenos Aires' culture and way of life. Among these barrios, you will find some great shopping. Anything you can get in London, Paris, Rome or Tokyo, you can get in Buenos Aires. There are also many native products, such as leather goods, that you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

Visitors to Buenos Aires are sure to enjoy succulent dining as Argentine steak houses are unmatched the world over. Indulge yourself with Emapanadas and Asado, a meat pie appetizer with a barbecue main course of excellent quality beef. Some of the local wines are world-renowned and have unparalleled flavor. You may want to try a traditional Mate, the hot drink of choice for many Porteños. Some of the most delicious deserts include Dulce de Leche (creamy caramel) and Alfajores.

Considered to be ‘the city that never sleeps’, Buenos Aires comes alive at sunset. The monuments light up the starry sky, and life seems to enter a different dimension. The nightlife is funky, friendly and never ending. Avenues come alive with people on their way to shops, restaurants and theaters, especially at Puerto Madero and Recoleta. Your stay in Buenos Aires is guaranteed to be unforgettable.

Mar del Plata and the beaches of The Atlantic Coast

Among the gems of the Argentine Atlantic coast resides Mar del Plata. Known as La Perla Del Atlantico (The Pearl Of The Atlantic), Mar del Plata is Argentina’s most popular tourist resort. Catering to millions of tourists each year “Mardel”, as locals like to call it, offers miles of some the finest beaches in South America. Crowded, tan-bodied beaches as well as quieter seaside coves define its long coastline while the carefully preserved, early 20th century French-style mansions contribute to Mar del Plata’s captivating architecture. This coastal city is a great spot for surfing, swimming, sailing, jet skiing, diving, as well as a large number of other aquatic sports and activities. You can also enjoy horseback riding or paragliding over some of the most beautiful areas of the Atlantic shore. For the adventure seeker, there’s a chance to charge the rugged terrains and large sand dunes on an all terrain vehicle. Along with the natural coastal beauty of the area, you can explore dramatic cliffs, ecological reserves, charming fishing villages, and of course the culture and vibrant nightlife of the city itself.

Mar del Plata offers great shopping, world-class resorts and is home to Argentina’s largest casino. Built in the 1930’s, the architecture was inspired by 17th century French palaces and was once one of the world’s most prominent casinos. Located on the Punta Piedras ravine, visitors can enjoy Torreón del Monje (The Tower of the Monk), a delightful restaurant with a spectacular view. Other interesting sites include the Villa Normandy, Villa Victoria and the Torre Tanque, an 88-meter tower where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Mar del Plata. You can also visit the Banquina de Pescadores, a picturesque wharf near the port with many restaurants and cafeterias. Mar del Plata is the perfect combination for those who search for tranquility and rest as well as the possibility of finding noise and entertainment.

San Carlos de Bariloche

In the midst of the Andes Mountain wilderness, at an altitude of about 770 meters above sea level, resides the beautiful ‘village style’ city of Bariloche. Located in the center of the Nahuel Huapi National Park, the city is fronted by a magnificent clear water lake. Famed for its many outdoor activities, sightseeing drives, boat trips, great restaurants, and shopping, Bariloche is the second most visited destination in Argentina. Here, man made facilities and the beauty of the natural environment, come together in perfect harmony. Surrounded by thick forests, rippling lakes and snowcapped peaks the city is charmed with German, Swiss, and English influenced architecture that has survived many years of modern urbanization.

Every winter season, more and more enthusiasts of snow sports visit Cerro Cathedral, the most prominent ski resort in South America. With some of the best hiking, horseback riding, rafting, trails and trekking excursions in the country, summers in Bariloche are synonym with adventure. For those in need of an extra dose of amusement, Bariloche is an invitation to a superb nightlife. Its discos are famous among students on graduation trips, as well as the great deal of tourists that visit the city each year. When you visit Bariloche, remember to leave behind the frantic rush of everyday life and be prepared to treat yourself to an unforgettable experience.

El Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier

With a population of about 4,000 residents, the village of El Calafate has become the gateway to many of the most important destinations of the Patagonia region. Named after the small Calafate bush, the village resides on the shoreline of the turquoise colored Lago Argentino (Argentine Lake), the third largest lake in South America. Native to the Patagonia region, the fruit of the Calafete bush is a delicious berry, which is excellent for making sweets and jam. Cozy amenities, great restaurants, cafes, pizzerias and a main street filled with friendly shopping boutiques preserve the charm of the southern Argentine people. El Calafete is also the starting point for a vast number of adventurous excursions.

A short distance from El Calafate is the hiking haven of El Chalten and the National Park ‘Los Glaciares’, the largest glacier park in the world, and home of the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier. With an area covering 8,500 square miles, the enormous Glacier National Park is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, half of the park is covered by ice fields that connect 47 major glaciers with two of Argentina's largest lakes and the stunning Fitz Roy Mountain.

Growing at a rate of about 7 feet per day, the colossal Ventisquero Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the worlds few glaciers that is still advancing. It resides over Canal de los Templanos (Iceberg Channel) that connects to Lago Argentino. The walls of mammoth glacier rise about 40 meters from the ground and when massive parts of ice separate, the sound can be heard for kilometers. The falling pieces of ice create huge waves on the water below. Although glacier trekking at Perito Moreno is a special activity, it is not allowed without the assistance of a professional guide. Trekking excursions that depart from El Calafete usually last about half a day and include a brief walk through a virgin forest. There are also many boat excursions that provide a very unique view of the glacier rising high above the water. Boat tours tend to stay a safe distance on account of the glacier breaking off and sending large waves down the lake.

This natural wonder is definitely worth the visit.