Discover Argentina: Heaven on earth

Argentina is a diverse country, both naturally and culturally. Its geography ranges from northern deserts to humid jungles and culture, art and 
architectural influences from around the world. Soccer is the national obsession but trekking, watersports and skiing also play an important role. Buenos Aires is the ninth largest city in the world and cultural capital of Argentina. The country has a number of regions that you can enjoy.

Buenos Aires: The capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, is an excellent tourist destination. Explore the unique neighbourhoods, socialise in the outdoor cafes, and take in a tango show on your visit to this beautiful city.

Patagonia: Patagonia is a very large region in the south of Argentina. The region offers numerous sights and activities.

Iguazu Waterfalls: Explore one of the world’s greatest waterfalls on foot or from a boat that gives you a view of the water falling from below.

Salta: Salta City is the best preserved colonial city in Argentina. The province of Salta has a number of great attractions to the visitor.

Mendoza:  Argentine wines are world famous and most of the vineyards are located in the Mendoza province.

Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay: Colonia is a very unique colonial town with narrow cobbled streets flanked by whitewashed buildings.

The Atlantic Coastline: Just a few hours drive South from Buenos Aires lies the city of Mar del Plata and the pretty towns of Pinamar, Carilo, and Villa Gesell.

Cordoba: Although there are not many tourist sites, the colonial architecture and surrounding sites will make the trip worthwhile.

Antarctica: Antarctica is the continent of ice around the South Pole of our planet. Although it is not located in Argentina, most trips for Antarctica start from Ushuaia, Argentina.

FOR THE FOCUSSED TRAVELLER

Argentina offers a lot for the traveller who’s focussed on specific tours. Here’s what is on offer:

Ecotourism: This is one of the most popular activities in Argentina. The most interesting activities in terms of ecotourism are hiking through national parks and natural reserves, and bird sightseeing, with nearly 1,000 identified species. The most important bird sightseeing areas are Esteros del Iberá in Corrientes and the national parks Iguazú, El Rey, Calilegua and Laguna Blanca, among others. Scuba diving can be practiced in Península Valdés, and also in the lakes and lagoons in the provinces of Córdoba, Mendoza, Neuquén and Río Negro and in the coasts of Tierra del Fuego.

Language Tourism: Studying Spanish and fully enjoying the “criollo experience” makes Argentina a fascinating place to discover. Living in its cities, discovering the warmth of its people, and immersing in its culture are some of the possibilities this destination offers, and some of the most entertaining ways to learn Spanish, the official language of the Argentine Republic.

Tourist Trains: Tourist trains is a different way to travel around Argentina. Amidst the amazing Argentine landscapes, still today the railroad system offers a different trip across the beautiful regions of the country. Its tourist trains, which multiply from north to south, allow visitors to enjoy the magical combination of history and nature. Each itinerary is a fascinating challenge for visitors, who can travel in steam locomotives, high-altitude trains, and enjoy itineraries through the forest or in the southernmost areas in the world, among others.

Wine Tourism:  Wine tourism in Argentina is a valid alternative that combines beautiful landscapes with typical local wines and gastronomy. Unlike other wine-producing countries, and due to its large territorial extension, Argentina offers a non-linear wine route, scattered in beautiful wine-producing oases almost parallel to the Andes Range. From the northern provinces of Salta and Catamarca down to Neuquén, Río Negro and Chubut in Patagonia, crossing Córdoba in the heart of the country and the Cuyo region — a wine producer par excellence — with the provinces of Mendoza, San Juan and La Rioja, each place is worth discovering.
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SOURCE:
“Amazing Argentina: Heaven on earth”
The Economic Times
25 May 2009
http://www.indiatimes.com
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News-By-Industry/ET-Cetera/Amazing-Argentina-Heaven-on-earth/articleshow/4573324.cms