Argentina arguably has the sexiest dance, the best tasting beef, some of the cutest penguins and the highest peak in South America. It is the second largest country in South America. Whether you are a backpacker looking for a little bit of an adventure or you are a retired couple looking for a getaway, you can find it in this country. Argentina has a lot of unexpected surprises for travelers. Note: Argentina can be quite expensive. Consider a South America tour that visit Argentina to get the most value for your money.
Here is a brief Argentina Travel guide.
The City
If you are looking to feel the fast paced city life of Argentina then Buenos Aires is the places to go. It’s filled with cafes, newspaper stands and purple jacaranda flowers. There’s so much going on in Buenos Aires that travelers can get easily overwhelmed if they haven’t been to a big city before. Other noteworthy places to visit include Bariloche and Cordoba.
Where To Relax
If the city just isn’t your thing or you just want to escape it for a few days in a quieter environment there are plenty of places to go in Argentina. Menodoza is the fourth largest city in Argentina and is known for their world famous wineries. There are many different types of wine tours available and once you are done you can check out the town and its tree lined streets. The city of Salta is not on the radar for a lot of tourists, but there are some great things to see if you plan to stay there for a few days including the nearby Quebrada de Humahuaca ravine. For a unique experience, stay at a luxury ranch.
Recreation
In addition to being known for wines, the Mendoza region is also known for its Alpine scenery and trekking opportunities. The best bird watching is in Patagonia. Hiking trips are popular in Patagonia in the warmer months, and the desert canyon country of the Salta region in the cooler months. You can go white water rafting in Patagonia, Mendoza and Salta, but keep in mind the waters are quite cold year round. You can go whale watching at the Valdes Peninsula. The best skiing can be found in Catedral, near Bariloche and Las Lengas an isolated area near Mendoza.
Natural Wonders
Argentina is filled with many natural attractions including three of South America’s “must see” scenic wonders: the stunning alpine scenery of the Lake District and Bariloche, the powerful Iguassu Falls and astounding Perito Moreno Glacier. The powerful Iguazu Falls is one of the most frequented destinations by tourists in Argentina. This UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site’s name literally means “great waters.” The Lake District and Bariloche is the place to go for those that want to see glacier-fed lakes and some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire country. Perito Moreno Glacier consists of snowy peaks and glacial lakes and many refer to it as the eighth wonder of the world.
The Culture
Argentina is often associated with the tango. This saucy, steamy dance has contributed heavily to the culture of this country. There are venue after venue of dance clubs throughout Argentina. While many parts of the country are all about fun and excitement, there are different cities that are more laid back such as El Bolson. Buenos Aires also offers plenty of galleries, museums, parks and shops throughout the city’s colorful neighborhoods.
What To Eat and Where To Stay
Argentinians love beef, especially steak. The national dish is called parrilla. It’s a mix of grilled steak, sausage and organ meats. Other popular dishes include puchero which is a mulligan stew, locro which is a meat and hominy stew and tartas which are vegetable pies. You can also find Italian dishes like pizza and spaghetti in many restaurants. Other favorites include vegetables like squash, eggplant and tomatoes. In Buenos Aires you can find French, Italian and Chinese options. For dessert, try the flan, zapallo en almibar (sweet squash in cream) or anything topped with dulce de leche. As in other Latin countries, it is common to each late. Lunch is around 2 pm and dinner typically starts after 10 pm.
When it comes to accommodations you have a variety of options. If you are on a budget there are numerous hostels and low budget hotels. For travelers that want to be as comfortable as possible there are 4 and 5 star hotels throughout Argentina including Panamericano Hotel and Resort and the Four Seasons in Buenos Aires.
Shopping
In Buenos Aires, stoll down Calle Florida and Avenida Sant Fe to find upscale stores. Palermo Viejo has quirky shops, boutiques and designers outlets. Popular hand made items to shop for include leather goods, goucho souvenirs, wines, guitars, art and products made from high quality wool. Some people even take home a hand made poncho.
Argentina is a country that is filled with a lot of natural beauty, friendly people and entertaining nightlife. From the passionate tango dancing in Buenos Aires to the Great Plains and Argentine cowboys in Pampas, this country should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
Interesting Facts: Argentina consumes more beef per person each year than any nation in the world. They also rank 7th in the world for wine consumption.
