Introduction
Argentina a land of beautiful natural and man-made wonders. From Patagonia’s majestic glaciers and Andes sky-scraping peaks to the vineyards of Mendoza and the bustle of Buenos Aires, there’s so much to see in this dynamic and incomparably unique country. It has the largest Iguazu waterfalls at the vast grassy plains of the Pampas and wonderful estancias where you can ride all day. This unique country conjures up images of tango dancers, elegant architecture, gauchos on horseback, polo and mouth-watering steaks. Add in the fascinating and rich culture the incredible marine wildlife of the Valdes Peninsula.
What to See and Do
There are three most well-known areas in Argentina: Buenos Aires; Northeast, where The Iguazu Falls are and Patagonia, composed by Calafate and Ushuaia as most renowned cities.
The Iguazu Falls, taller than Niagara Falls and nearly twice as wide voted as one of the seven wonders of the World. Easily accessible walkways, through the best possible views, including some at the bottom of the falls, an area known as the Devil’s Throat.
Buenos Aires: The City of Barrios, cultural capital of Tango and Steak is a cosmopolitan city, with a mix of European heritage and native folklore. Learn how to cook empanadas, famous pastry eaten within Argentina. Eat delicious meat while enjoying a Tango show.
In Patagonia you cannot miss the National Parks, Glaciers and Lakes. Perfect place to do hiking in El Chalten, minitrekking on the amazing blue – Ice Perito Moreno Glacier, declared a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO.
Valdés Península, home of Penguins and Southern Whales, the spot to visit several nature reserves, observe and be close to the penguins and watch Whales, dolphins, Sea Lions among other marine fauna and flora.
Mendoza: best represented by the Wine region. Among grapevines, farms and wineries, you can go along the Wine Road, an attraction of international renown.
The train to the Clouds excursion is a journey that starts in Salta and will take you 4200 meters above sea level; The Calchaquies Valleys are the place to enjoy colorful scenery with little old villages and archeological sites.
The Iguazu Falls
Buenos Aires
Patagonia
Valdés Península
Mendoza
The train to the Clouds
Lake Wanaka
Milford Sound Nature Cruise
Where to Stay and Eat
Best bang-for-your buck hotel -
Pestana Hotel Buenos Aires: Great location, in the downtown with reachable access to transport and most recognized attractions. Has an indoor swimming pool, a sauna room and luxurious décor, the deal is complete, great value for a great hotel in a fantastic locality.
Casa Sur Palermo Located in one of the chicest neighborhood of Buenos Aires, surrounded by bars, art galleries and the best restaurants of the city. The warmth of the neighborhood during the day merges with the nightlife generates the largest gastronomic center of Buenos Aires !
Mercure Hotel Iguazú Staying almost in the middle of the forest but still close enough from the Waterfalls has no price…this is why Mercure Hotel Iguazú offers a unique location with very reasonable room rates and excellent service.
Restaurants only the locals would know
Buenos Aires is the place where you should go if you are a Wine lover. Enjoy a glass of wine while eating delicious dishes as it’s a cozy place, ideal for summer with a small terrace and for Winter with intimate and romantic indoors.
La Brigada is a grill located in the neighborhood of San Telmo, distinguished by the variety of its cuts of meat and its extensive wine cellar. The menu is extensive, with many entries but what distinguishes them are their meats and achuras, they have Gizzards and Chinchulines de chivito, Chorizo de Javato. It is recommended to try, the special Roast of the center, the special cut or the Eye of Steak, specialties of the house that are worth trying.
in the middle of Iguazú Falls National Park offers the best view while eating typical dishes of the region.
Total Recall Moment
- Colon Theatre Tour in Buenos Aires: Considered as one of the main lyric theaters in the world, along with La Scala in Milan, the Paris Opéra, the New York Metropolitan. Be amused by the incredible view of this acoustic spectacular theatre
- Overflight in Iguazú: You can enjoy a fascinating aerial view of the falls framed by lush vegetation, it’s a unique way to see the immensity of the falls and its greatness, and the particularities of the geological formation.
- Minitrekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier: The sensation experienced while walking around two hours in the glacier is indescribable. It is a unique opportunity to appreciate different formations of the glacier and the variety of tonalities of the ice.
Rookie Mistakes
In Buenos Aires get used to their “local time” It is different from other places in South America, as the dinner is served earliest at 8 or 9 pm in evening, you will be able to find restaurants open 24 hrs here,
In Iguazú be really careful of “Coati’s”, a small mammal. If you get distracted for even 2 seconds and leaves your belongings aside, they will steal the bag, backpack or food.
For you Facebook Wall –
Looking the city by night and from a historic building changes the whole story. Get in at the top of Palacio Barolo in Buenos Aires, at the height of 100 meters, where you can get an unbeatable 360 degree view of downtown Buenos Aires.
A panoramic photo of Iguazú Falls and Tucanos in the National Park of the Argentinian side is a landmark and for sure photography here will be a memorable idea.
Capture the moment while minitrekking on Perito Moreno Glacier, the total White landscape will give a surreal effect of the place.
Perfect Souvenir
Leather goods make popular mementos from Argentina, whether a pair of custom-made boots, a designer handbag or a cowhide wallet. Such products are available throughout the city, from the San Telmo fair on every Sunday to boutiques in the trendy Palermo Soho neighborhood.
A mate gourd and straw is another option for a uniquely local souvenir. Mate is the caffeinated, loose-leaf tea Argentines drink, the gear for consuming the tea is a gourd, often made from a carved-out pumpkin, and a silver straw these are widely available in markets, including the San Telmo fair or Plaza Francia weekend market in Recoleta.
One tasty souvenir not as readily available outside the country is Argentine Dulce de Leche, which is like a creamier version of caramel and it is incorporated into just about every popular dessert in the country. Dulce de leche is sold in buckets of varying sizes in any supermarket in Buenos Aires, as well as at more gourmet food stores.
