Argentina Travel - Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata, Iguazú Falls
Argentina
The colorful country of Argentina is THE place to be if you’re looking for a good time on your vacation to South America. Aside from its beautiful attractions and vibrant culture, it’s amazingly cheap prices due to its miraculous comeback from the economic crisis it was facing has placed Argentina back on the travel map once again.
Argentina is in all ways the definition of fabulous, as most Argentineans would be more than happy to tell you. South America’s darling and second largest nation (after Brazil) is teeming with fantastic culture and biodiversity, ultra hip cities like Buenos Aires and an unabated passion for fine wine, scrumptious steak and an uncompromised quality of life.
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is the culture and fashion capital of the region. The city just screams elegance when you come to view its splendor. It has a very European look and feel to it. The old and the new blend quite well and gives Buenos Aires its distinct cosmopolitan vibe.
It's a lovely place to walk around and there are sights and attractions galore from old majestic buildings, historical landmarks, museums, parks, shopping, night life, and of course, tango. Food is relatively cheap and there are many excellent choices throughout the city. Steak lovers will find Buenos Aires to be heaven on earth.
Highly recommended areas to explore are the Palermo district, in particular Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood. These 2 are new fashionable areas where you can find shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars, street culture and vibrant night life.
Puerto Madero is a trendy waterfront community considered to be one of the most successful waterfront renewal projects in the world. It is now prime property where young professionals and retirees alike flock to and it is home to several luxurious hotels, classy restaurants, modern multiplex cinemas, theaters and cultural centers. If you don't mind shelling out the dough for a fancy and tasty steak dinner, the Cabana las Lilas in Puerto Madero is the best parilla (steakhouse) in Buenos Aires.
Other areas of interest are the San Telmo District which has a renowned flea market every Sunday and the historic Boca district to the south of the city.
Mar del Plata is also one of Argentina’s famous cities that you can also visit and enjoy. It is the second largest city of Buenos Aires province and is 400 kms south of Buenos Aires city. Positioned on the Atlantic coast, it is the largest seaside beach resort and a major fishing port of Argentina.
The city is host to a large number of discos, pubs and bars to cater to the tourists that flock to the area to have a good time. The ‘Noisy Avenue’ is a street which is famous for its night life. Mar del Plata is also the venue of several local cultural festivals and shows particulaly during the summer season.
However, if you prefer a much quieter form of relaxation, then you can enjoy relaxing the day away on the wonderful beaches of Mar Del Plata.
Iguazu Falls
If you prefer nature to city life then visiting Iguazu Falls should be on your "to-do" list. Believe it or not this wonder of nature is twice as wide as and taller than Niagara Falls! Visit it in the summer time to really take in and appreciate its grandeur and beauty.
Iguazu is a massive wonder of nature that touches 3 countries: Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. In Argentina, the falls are situated in the province of Misiones. Iguazu National Park has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Words don't do justice to the majesty of the Falls, it is an attraction that should be experienced personally.
Patagonia
If you prefer colder climates on the other hand, then head further down south towards the region of Patagonia. It straddles both Argentina and Chile and comprises the southernmost portion of the Andes and all the way down to the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego.
Patagonia is characterized by mountains, snow covered slopes and steppelike plains. It is truly another world entirely, not surprising as the region is so close to the Antarctic already. Yes, it is that far down south. For the adventurous and lovers of the primal beauty of nature, Patagonia is the place to visit.
At the southernmost tip of Patagonia lies the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, which means "Land of Fire" in English. The area and its main island is shared by both Argentina and Chile. Tierra del Fuego plays an important role as a logistics base for Antarctic missions and stations.
The eastern part of the archipelago belongs to Argentina and the capital city of the administering province is Ushuaia which lays claim to being one of the southernmost cities in the world. Tierra del Fuego is home to diverse and abundant wildlife and sub-polar forests.
Among the tourist attractions around Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia are the National Park and Lapataia Bay. Winter sports, especially alpine skiing, sledding and hiking are other attractions as the area boasts the longest skiing season in South America.
Have the Time of your Life in Argentina
So if you have plans to travel to South America, consider visiting Argentina. From the majestic Iguazu Falls in the north; to the "end of the world" at its southernmost region, Patagonia and the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego; the beaches of Mar del Plata and the cosmopolitan Eden of Buenos Aires, Argentina has a lot of offer in terms of giving you that unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
2011 Moira G Gallaga©