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Argentina
One of the most geographically varied countries in South America and also culturally diverse, Argentina will amaze you with the stark desert landscapes of the northwest, the windswept plains of Patagonia, snow-capped Andean peaks and the thundering falls at Iguassú. The country's unique character has been shaped by immigration from many countries, and there are still pockets of Welsh speakers in northern Patagonia and German families in the area around Mendoza. Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires is arguably Latin America's most beautiful capital city, with avenues reminiscent of the Parisian boulevards, and the gourmet traveller will love the succulent steaks, washed down with some of South America's greatest wines.
Tres Torres, El Chalten
BOLIVIA PARAGUAY CHILE
Jujuy Salta Formosa
Iguazú Falls
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is a vibrant capital city with a strong European influence. It has beautiful late 19th century buildings, a lively café culture and shopping opportunities which range from upmarket boutiques to outdoor markets. The city is home to many Tango schools, and dancers are a familiar sight in many areas. A few days in the city can be complemented with a stay at a traditional estancia (ranch), or combined with a cruise along the Parana River.
Argentina Travel Tips
· Time: GMT -3 · Flying Time from UK: Approx. 14 hours to Buenos Aires. · Language: The official language is Spanish but English is spoken in the larger hotels and most tourist areas. · Currency: The Argentine Peso (ARS). £1 = ARS 6.29 · Visa Requirements: A visa is not required by UK citizens for tourist stays of up to three months. · Festivals, Events & Busy Times: As well as the normal religious holidays observed by western Europe there are a number of national holidays and numerous local events that are celebrated throughout the year. Argentina celebrates Independence Day on 9th July. · Departure tax: US$18 for international flights and US$3 for domestic flights. Migration tax of US$2-10 applies for land, river and sea departures. Subject to change. · Tourist Office: Contact the Embassy of Argentina, asking for the tourist department. Argentine Embassy, 65 Brook Street, London W1K 4AH. Tel: 020 7318 1300 or http://www.argentine-embassyuk.org/.More useful information, see pages 88-89.
Santiago del Estero Catamarca
ARGENTINA
Córdoba Santa Fe San Antonio de Areco
BRAZIL
San Juan Mendoza
URUGUAY
Buenos Aires
Northern Argentina
Northern Argentina offers a wealth of scenery, from the world-famous Iguassú Falls to the less well-known attractions of Mendoza and Salta. The Falls are impressive due to their size and also their location in the middle of humid forest. Mendoza is at the heart of the Argentinean wine-producing region, and is dominated by the high Andes, whilst Salta, a beautifully-preserved colonial city, provides access to the mountainous northern deserts and the spectacular scenery of the Humahuaca Gorge.
Lanin National Park
San Carlos de Bariloche
Puerto Madryn
Valdés Peninsula
Trelew
Atlantic Ocean
Puerto Deseado
Los Glaciares National Park
Patagonia
The area surrounding San Carlos de Bariloche offers a huge range of outdoor pursuits in the nearby mountains, lakes and rivers and is a well-used crossing point into the Chilean Lake District. On the west coast, the Valdés Peninsula is home to almost a million penguins as well as elephant seals, sea lions and whales. Further south, El Calafate acts as a base for exploring Los Glaciares National Park which incorporates the Perito Moreno, Upsala and Onelli glaciers. Tierra del Fuego is in the far south, and the key attractions are the Beagle Channel, the ancient forests and the isolated town of Ushuaia.
Puerto Santa Cruz El Calafate
Tierra del Fuego
Ushuaia
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Argentine Pampas
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