Argentina perfectly deserves its label of a “Land of Extremes”. It is a fascinating destination even for the most jaded seen-it-all travelers. Be it the fertile plains of the Pampas or the stunning beauty of Patagonia. It is home to Mt. Aconcagua (6,959 m), the highest mountain of the Americas. Its overwhelming natural beauty combined with its sophistication, romanticism and joy for living makes it a must-see destination. All you need is knowledge of football and good dancing skills to feel like a local.
Best Time to Visit: The seasons in Argentina are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. Buenos Aires is ideal in fall (Mar-May) and spring (Sept-Nov), when temperatures are mild. The beaches and resort towns are packed with vacationing Argentines in summer (Dec-Mar), while Buenos Aires becomes somewhat deserted (you decide if that's a plus or a minus -- hotel prices usually fall here in summer). Plan a trip to Patagonia and the southern Andes in summer, when days are longer and warmer. Winter (June-Aug) is the best time to visit Iguazú and the Northwest, when the rains and heat have subsided; but spring (Aug-Oct) is also pleasant, as temperatures are mild and the crowds have cleared out.
Main Attractions
Buenos Aires: This is a complex, energetic and seductive port city and the main gateway to Argentina. It is known as the “Paris of South America” because of its European sophistication. Portenos as the multinational people of Buenos Aires are known possess a rich cultural identity. They value their European heritage highly--Italian and German names outnumber Spanish, and the lifestyle and architecture are markedly more European than any other in South America. Tango the national dance is practiced in ballrooms, plazas, parks, dance halls and streets. The neighborhoods are small and have individual characteristics right from Victorian, Classical, Baroque and Italian styles. It has one of the world”s finest opera houses Teatro Colon.
Sightseeing in Buenos Aires: A city tour consists of “Plaza de Mayo” where the Government House (Pink House) is located. Other highlights include the Cathedral, City Hall and San Telmo, where the city was born 425 years ago. Puerto Madero is the plushest residential area of the city with views of the river. Next is La Boca, probably where the Tango was born. Attractions in the northern part of the city at Recoleta include Evita”s Cemetery, Municipal Museum, France Square, Quintana and Alvear Avenues. The whole city is dotted with trees and parks, which makes it very pleasant for the eye.
Parana Delta Excursion: The junction in between the Parana and Uruguay rivers forms this delta. It has hundreds of islands and channels rich in flora and fauna. Your visit will include a costal train ride by the river: with beautiful views of high class private neighborhood by the river, historic mansions, and traditional town as San Isidro. Once you get into ‘El Tigre’, main train and sailing station for all the Delta, will board a boat for a short sail around some of the islands. ‘El Tigre’ traditionally ‘British-Porteños’ first getaway for weekends, around the 1900 start giving the area a definitely weekend town look.
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Misiones
Offers 500,000 hectares of protected land, two international reservoirs and world class lodging and facilities for the tourists. 2000+ plant species, 400 bird types, 100+ mammal species and over 300 waterfalls make Misiones, a huge tourist spot. A naturalist”s delight!
Main Attractions
Iguazu Falls: Iguazu Falls, which means ‘big water’ in Guarani language. These falls are shared by Brazil and Argentina. In all there are 275 falls up to 70 m high filled with the waters of the Iguazu River. The Iguazu National Park has a facility to bring visitors close to the falls thereby providing an intimate touch. Walking through the numerous trails allows you to enjoy the rich flora and fauna, beautiful birds and butterflies (over 500 types) and other animals. The most impressive fall is the ‘DEVIL”S THROAT”. You can take a speed boat along the Devil”s canyon up to the fall. It is UNESCO World Heritage Site.
San Ignacio: This is the first Jesuit mission established in Argentina in 1696. It was made to convert the natives to Christianity. San Ignacio site was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One can visit them while traveling to the falls.
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Africa
