Places to visit in Argentina

10 Reasons to Visit Argentina

2012-12-17T13:38:00.000-05:00

The approximately 4.6 million people who visited Argentina in 2007 must know something that the rest of the world is missing out on. Argentina is far from the most popular tourist destination in the world and yet offers travelers a unique experience. A quick investigation of the country reveals a wealth of reasons to visit this beautiful country.

1. Tango

Few nations can legitimately lay claim to being the birthplace for an entire genre of music. Argentina can. Tango is the national music of Argentina and differs from some other music in that its accompanying dance is just as important as the instruments. Tango displays Spanish roots with a specifically Argentine flair.

2. Wine

Argentine wine is world famous and supports the 5th largest wine industry in the world. Most Argentine wine regions lie in the northwest of the country and there are more than a few businesses that operate wine tours to show of the amazing wines of the country.

3. Steak

This list is looking pretty attractive so far. Music, wine, and food? Great reasons to visit Argentina. The cuisine of Argentina is centered around its agrarian roots with asado(Argentine barbecue) at the center of Argentine food culture. Argentine steak is known around the world and sends travelers home with their mouths still watering.

4. Patagonia

Traveling south, Patagonia is the last land in South America before the Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego. Straddling Argentina and Chile, this region is home to one of the most magical landscapes on Earth with broad plains, tiered steppes, protruding peaks, and massive lakes. Due to the chilly climate and frequent high winds, Patagonia receives less visitors than other parts of the country and is more sparsely populated. From climbing mountains to fly fishing, outdoor lovers will find no shortage of activities here.

5. Buenos Aires

The capital of Argentina is considered by some to be the Paris of South America and it’s easy to see why. As the cultural center of Argentina, it boasts a vibrant music and theatre scene as well as numerous museums. This is one of the best places to check out Argentine cuisine and learn to tango. You could even catch a football(soccer, for Americans) game while you’re there.

6. Tierra del Fuego

Only a small part of this archipelago to the south of the Strait of Magellan is in Argentina but is worth including in this list anyway. Tierra del Fuego (the Land of Fire in Spanish) is home to some truly breathtaking country. Far from the comforts of major cities, it takes a hearty traveler to make the trip here. It’s not too far from Antarctica either. The price for a trip to Antarctica is no small ticket, perhaps suited to a recent winner of the Euromillions lottery.

7. Iguazu Falls

Perched on the border between Brazil and Argentina lie some of the largest waterfalls in the world, comparable to Niagara Falls in the US or Victoria Falls in Africa. The collection of waterfalls makes a 2,700 meter semicircle and is 80 m tall at it’s tallest.

8. Los Glaciares National Park

This national park showcases the largest ice cap in the world aside from those of Greenland and Antarctica, with 47 glaciers spilling forth towards both the Pacific Ocean in Chile and the Atlantic Ocean on the coast of Argentina. The park was created in 1937 and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981. In addition to the glaciers that are fed by steady maritime currents, the park is home to striking granite peaks that seem to defy the laws of nature.

9. Endless Winter?

North American visitors that can’t get enough of snow and cold can find a way to never experience the warmth of summer by visiting Argentina during it’s winter, between June and September. A handful of ski resorts operate on the east slope of the Andes and offer some of the finest skiing in the Southern Hemisphere.

10. Penguins

Who doesn’t love penguins? These flightless wonders can be seen en mass in select locations in the south of Argentina. Penguins, along with a huge variety of wildlife, can be seen on tours in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.

Of course, a large nation with such a rich heritage has much more to offer than this short list can convey. If you want to see a jewel of South America, Argentina is waiting to reveal itself to you.

Exotic Places of Argentina - Part 2

2012-08-16T09:56:00.000-04:00

Continuing with the article Exotic Places of Argentina, in this second part I will show three diferent cities, Rio Turbio, in the province of , Presidencia Roque Saenz Peña, in the province of Chaco, and Bella Vista in the province of Corrientes.

National Coal Capital - Rio Turbio (Province of Santa Cruz)

Rio Turbio is known as the Argentinian coal capital, it is a city situated in one of the remotests corners of Argentina. Its population (6650) is mostly made by workers employed in the coal field, activity that started in the 1940's.
Among the activities you can do in Rio Turbio there is the Don Anatol Kowaljow Museum, created in 1978 as a training center for workers in the coal mine, and then revalued as a museum to contain within it a wealth of tools and files that show the development of Rio Turbio's coal activity. It can be seen working machinery, photographs, archives, video projections and various other objects that shows visitors to how to perform the extraction, processing and transportation of coal. Guided tours are conducted by staff from the company YCRT.
Rio Turbio also has a modest winter sports center, called Valdelen, the season runs from late April to September and offers lodging, catering, babysitting service, instructors, equipment rentals, lifts, snowboarding, and sledding.

National Capital of the Orange - Bella Vista (Province of Corrientes)

Bella Vista (population: 25393) is one of the largest citrus production centers in the country with various juice bottling plants, motor of its economy. In addition, annually hosts the celebration of the Provincial Party of Orange. Located near the Parana River, Bella Vista offers beaches, water sports, river fishing and the local Carnaval during the months of January and February.

National Capital of the Cotton - Presidencia Roque Saenz Peña (Province of Chaco)

Located in the province of Chaco, in the north of Argentina, Presidencia Roque Saenz Peña has a population of 76300. The main economic activity in Saenz Peña is agriculture where it stands up the Cotton. Among the attractions that the city has, you can find Thermal baths, one of the most important Thermal centers in the north of Argentina, you can also find the city Zoo and Museums.

Cathedral

City center

City Zoo

Exotic places of Argentina - Part 1

2012-05-02T15:29:00.000-04:00

Argentina has many incredible places, but it is common for many small cities and towns seeking to draw attention to something that distinguishes them, and thus arise the national capitals of different products or features of the site.

I really love this kind of cities, small cities that are not known for the common traveller, but that have their charm and own culture. So here in this post I will name and show part of this exotic cities of Argentina.

National Capital of the Wheat - Leones

Located in the southeast part of the province of Cordoba, 465 km from Buenos Aires, Leones is the National capital of the Wheat. And has a population of 10596 people. Every year, the 9th of February, the town has the National Wheat Fest.

National Capital of the Yerba Mate - Apostoles

Apostoles is located in the province of Misiones, and it is known because it is the National Capital of the Yerba Mate. The Yerba Mate is the most known infusion that most of the Argentinians drink. It has a population of 42457 people.

National Capital of Oil - Comodoro Rivadavia

Comodoro Rivadavia is much bigger city than the other ones I mentioned, and its main activity if Oil. It is located in the province of Chubut, in the south of Argentina, and has a population of 173266 people.

Continue to Part 2

24 hidden destinations in Argentina

2011-12-26T11:11:00.000-05:00

Argentina is very vast and has many places that are unknown even to the local travelers, they are hidden places that unique and incredible, some very difficult to reach. In this post I wanted to show a journey through 24 hidden destinations in Argentina. Enjoy.

1. La Ciudacita
Province of Tucuman

More than 4,000 meters above sea level rise the ruins of the Inca stronghold only in Tucuman. It consists of two stone buildings separated by a road: on one side there is a ceremonial room of 300 m2, facing the east, whose front door is aligned with the sun during the winter and summer solstices, and in the other a group of stone corrals.

2. Parque Nacional Baritú (Yunga Salteña)
Province of Salta

One of the most pristine National Parks and least visited of Argentina. Created in 1974, its 72,400 hectares protect mountain forest of northeastern Salta. Lacks of any paths and infrastructure, so to follow it is necessary to have several days in advance and contact with the Park Rangers, whose detachment is in the town of El Lipeo.

3. El cono de Arita
Province of Salta

Located in the middle of Arizaro salt flats is the Arita cone, Arizaro is the largest salt flats in Argentina and the third in the world after the Uyuni in Bolivia and the Atacama in Chile. In the Aymara language, Arita means sharp or stabbing. As for the name of the salt flats Arizaro means "vulture roost", named for the Condors that hovered overhead looking for the dead bodies of the cattle that were falling on the long journeys that must endure when it was moved to Chile, where it was sold.

4. Dunas del Nihuil
Province of Mendoza

It a desert of 30.000 hectares, within it these huge dunes are hiding, whose steep hills reach 200 meters. It is a place that is not easily accessible (no roads) and that we must go to special vehicles and guidance of an expert. It this place nothing is easier than running the risk of an accident, there are wells and too soft areas, characteristic of this type of desert and it is a place were it is easy to get lost.

5. La Payunia
Province of Mendoza

450.000 hectares of barren land covered by a thick mantle of volcanic ash of the intense activity that convulsed the whole area for millions of years. It is surrounded by 800 peaks with no actual volcanic activity, where we can highlight the Matrú Payún with a boiler of nine kilometers in diameter and a lagoon in the middle, and the Payún Liso, 3680 meters in height

6. Península Mitre
Province of Tierra del Fuego

Desolated, a land area of Tierra del Fuego that the lack of roads has isolated from the rest of the province. The series of deserted beaches alternate with extensive peat bogs and rivers of crystal clear water. Ancient shipwrecks, abandoned factories and wild horses running free by the sea complete this enigmatic end of the world. In the area you can also find remains of the ethnic Indians "Haush", you can also find a variety of wildlife such as cormorants, sea lions,foxes, condors, geese and bustards, among others.

7. Piedra Parada
Province of Chubut

It is a huge and impressive mass of volcanic rock, which stands alone in the midst of a vast plain. It has about 100 base and 240 feet high. Nearby is the entrance to Canyon of the Buitrera, a "funnel" five miles long accompanied by a stream all the way. Recently an archaeological excavation established the existence of ancient aboriginal rests that lived in the area more than five thousand years ago, the earliest human occupation of the area. Piedra Parada was declared Protected Natural Area in November 2006.

8. Parque Nacional Perito Moreno
Province of Santa Cruz

This National Park preserves a rich collection of paleontological flora and fauna. The seven lakes, Belgrano, Escondido, Mogote, Volcan, Peninsula Nansen and Azara, are one of the few that were not planted with trout so that still retains native fish species. Because of its difficult access it is very rarely visited, so that, according to experts in the area are hidden intangible specimens of the last Huemul of the Argentinian Patagonia.

9. Pampa de Pocho
Province of Cordoba

Natural forests of Caranday palm trees and a cord dormant volcanoes, make up this strange tall pampas, where also you can discover a brackish waters lagoon and two Jesuit chapels (from the eighteenth century), called Pocho and Las Palmas.

10. Parque Nacional Sierra de las Quijadas
Province of San Luis

The 150 000 hectares which includes the park, created in 1991, is a and reddish desert vastness formed 25 million years ago. Sandstone walls carved by the effect of wind erosion and water, petrified logs and fossils of dinosaurs are the riches you can find in this incredible place. It is an ecosystem that is home to endangered species now, like the pilgrim Hawk. You have three circuits that you can make to know this place. The first one leads to the footprint of a Pterodaustro (flying reptile) and takes two hours to do it, the other leads to deep into the cliffs, through the Potrero de la Aguada, is the best way to know this habitat if you tolerate the four hours walk that it takes to do it. The guidance of a local guide is essential in both cases. If just look to appreciate the whole area without having to move much the viewpoints gateway is the third possibility.

11. Laguna Galarza
Province of Corrientes

With its 19 km2, is one of the smaller lakes of the Iberá system. Its only access is from the San Lorenzo stay, connected to it through a narrow channel of 2 km open in the middle of a large reservoir (a web of interwoven plants, looking carpet). The route allows a close spot of alligators sorrel, jacanas, herons, capybaras and even the elusive marsh deer, in a dense floating vegetation. The walk follows the Isirí creek, which links the Laguna De Luna.

12. Laguna Diamante
Province of Catamarca

Lies, hidden inside the volcano Galán, sheltered from the winds and populated by flamingos. To discover this incredible place you have to climb the 5,000 meters volcano to the edge of the crater, a mouth of 35 x 20 km. Once above, you can see the enormous diameter of the boiler, together with the lake rises a the Cerro Galan of 5912 meters. A less risky plan is to go in a truck to the crater edges, and then down to the vicinity of the lagoon. The excursion takes all day.

13. Bañado La Estrella
Province of Formosa

It is the third most important wetland in the Americas, after the Brazilian Pantanal and Iberá wetlands. The new ecosystem meant the death of the native forest(consisting of white and red quebracho, rosewood and carob) and the emergence of other flora. The logs are still standing today covered with vines and taking spectral images that inspired the locals call these figures chámpalas or chámpales. A fauna where you can observe many of otters, alligators, viscacha, capybara and anteaters and the prevailing birds, especially herons, storks and Jabiru.

14. Alero de Charcamata
Province of Santa Cruz

It's a big rock 70 meters long and 20 meters high that keeps in its interior wall paintings of hands, geometric symbols, guanacos and hunting scenes of different colors (black, ocher, yellow and red light). The complete tour takes all the day.

15. El Shincal
Province of Catamarca

Located on a plateau surrounded by hills, it was an administrative enclave and redistribution of wealth of the Incas between the years 1471 and 1536. As regional capital of the empire of Cuzco, it integrated that monumental network of thousands of miles of paved roads. The ruins were discovered in 1901, hundreds of buildings that housed between 600 thousand inhabitants. It highlights the Ushnu, a raised platform stone that served as ceremonial function, and several rectangular enclosures called Kallankas, arranged around a large square (Aukaipata). The place was declared a Monument National Historic Landmark in 1997. It has a museum exhibiting pottery, ceramics, maps and elements of defense.

16. Bosque petrificado Jaramillo
Province of Santa Cruz

One of the most important fossil sites in Argentina, 10,000 hectares with petrified tree trunks 30 meters long and 2 meters in diameter. Prior to the formation of the Andes mountains, the area housed a vast forest. Then the winds from the Pacific generated heavy rains that allowed a leafy vegetation, the reverse of the current landscape.

17. Ría Deseado
Province of Santa Cruz

It is an ancient river valley that was formed in the Quaternary when the Deseado river abandoned its course and free the territory for the entry of the sea. The 42 km of emerald waters that enter the continent are a rich display of marine life. Five species of cormorants, oystercatchers, terns, sea lions, dozens of species of birds and Magellan penguins that nest on the Quiroga, Punta del Paso, de los Pajaros and Chaffers islands,are some of the species of this unique ecosystem.

18. Saltos del Moconá
Province of Misiones

Wonderful and unique, these jumps are the result of a return that gives the Uruguay River to roll over on itself along a fault nearly three kilometers long and a height ranging from 12 to 15 meters. The water falls with great force and form swirls. Hence the term "Moco", which in Guarani means swallowing. Given the nature of the Moconá Falls, they only become visible when the river level is low.

19. Valle de la luna jujeño
Province of Jujuy

Also known as Valle de Marte, although its name is not official, it is needed to climb over 4,000 meters to reach this place. In fact, in the Puna there are many spectacular places, dry in the extreme, where abundance of reddish and gray forms, hidden from the eyes of tourists.

20. María Ignacia-Vela
Province of Buenos Aires

Two thousand and two names for one Town divided by the train. On one side is called Maria Ignacia and the other, Vela. The story began in 1885, when brothers Felipe and Pedro Vela, donated the land through which must pass the laying of tracks of the Southern Railway route to Bahia Blanca. In recognition, the station was called Vela. Years later, on the other side grew a village by the name of Ignacia María, the mother of a local rancher, who batch the land boundaries of the station.

21. Volcán Copahue
Province of Neuquen

Still active, it really stands geothermal source between Araucaria forests. This volcano is 2910 meters of height and the ascent to the crater is the main attraction of each summer. Above, we discover a lagoon that opens at the foot of a glacier(in hence the cloudy appearance of the water), the sulfur smell is intense. At the foot of Copahue, in the small town called the same way as the volcano you find thermal center, renowned for the many kindnesses that its mud and hot waters have.

22. Ruta del Zeballos
Province of Santa Cruz

It is a stunning mountain road that ascends parallel to the boundary with Chile. It begins at the Buenos Aires lake, 200 meters above sea level. The first milestone is the Mirador Jeinimeni, overlooking the homonymous river and the town Valley. Among forests of ñires and beech you reach a bridge that crosses the river Zeballos(a footprint down to your jump). As one ascends, you can see a series of lunar lookalike landscapes with corridors of natural stone walls and waterfalls of snow melt.

23. Nuestra Señora del Rosario
Province of Catamarca

It is the second oldest church in the province. Constructed in 1770 the story says that in 1664 the Spanish crown awarded to Don Asencio de Mercado y Reinoso and his wife Josefa Sanchez de Loria for the achieved victory in the second Calchaqui wars against the fearsome Chelemín chief, chief of the Hualfín Indians. Over time, the title reached the hands of Dona Maria de Medina y Montalvo, a distinguished lady of Tucumán, who in 1767 obtained a license to build this jewel chapel, decorated with paintings and motifs of animals in pastel that amaze by its simplicity and sympathy. Single nave with a single bell tower is a monument unknown but a valuable National Historic Landmark.

24. Pampa del Leoncito
Province of San Juan

Pampa del Leoncito is an earthy and white plain of 14-km long, also known as Barreal Blanco. Its cracked floor in the form of pentagons and spherical stones sprinkled moon looks, except for the snowy peaks surrounding it. There you can go sand yachting, as gusts in the area reaches 80 km per hour.(in Barreal you can hire in advance to the service providers). Another option is spy on the stars from one of its two observatories, CASLEO and Carlos Cesco, located under one of the clearest skies of the world.

Sources: Lugares de Viaje

Cataratas del Iguazu, one of the seven natural wonders of the world

2011-11-14T07:41:00.001-05:00

Cataratas del Iguazu (Iguazu Falls) were voted last week as one of the new 7 wonders of the world. The information was provided by the authorities of New 7 Wonder (N7W) and confirmed by the governor of Misiones, Maurice Closs. The organization of the "Seven Natural Wonders" visited each of the 28
finalists and decided that the Iguazu Falls are one of the new seven natural wonders.
Iguazu Falls, with its 275 jumps on average according to the flow of the river, and considered "the largest curtain of water in the world", was nominated by Argentina and Brazil.
The border between the two countries goes through the Garganta del Diablo, the greatest of its falls and the cannyon of the Iguazu. At its margins are the communes of Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, and Foz do Iguaçu in the Brazilian state of Paraná.

You can see more of the Iguazu Falls in these articles:

Amazing Iguazu Falls

Top Ten Natural Beauties of Argentina

Attractive Buenos Aires

2011-11-14T07:26:00.001-05:00

Buenos Aires has become in the last ten years one of the tourist most visited South American capitals.

The wide range of events and festivals, all with international projection, has made Buenos Aires a "City of Cultural Tourism", which has shown a marked growth in recent years with an increase in the volume of overseas visitors.

Buenos Aires is recognized as an international tourist city capable of competing with major cities in the world. This is reflected in its permanent mention in trade magazines, which since 2003 highlight its qualities. A survey conducted by Travel + Leisure placed the City of Buenos Aires as the second destination for readers, placing it second only to Florence, Italy. Buenos Aires received the highest scores in three features: shopping, dining and restaurants, and value.

But Buenos Aires has also become a major business hub, for which it provides an important infrastructure in terms of hotels and tourist services.

The wide variety of tourist services offered by Buenos Aires will allow tourists to find not only a good hotel but also a cheap holiday deal, since the supply is important, giving the example that in the last five years the tourism industry grew over 60%, with the construction of many new international hotels.

That's why the tourists who visit Buenos Aires can be comfortable visiting the city, as the offer is quite important and at good rates.

Buenos Aires has all the comforts to enjoy a lovely holiday.

Casa Curuchet, an architectural marvel in La Plata

2011-10-07T09:52:00.000-04:00

The Casa Curutchet (Curutchet House) is a house designed by renowned Swiss architect Le Corbusier built in the city of La Plata, capital of the Province of Buenos Aires, between 1949 and 1953. The exact address is Boulevard 53 N º 320, between streets 1 and 2.

In late 1948, Surgeon Pedro Curutchet wrote to Le Corbusier entrusting the project of his private home in a small batch of 9m and 20 m depth, between party walls, with an exceptional location, facing a broad green avenue and a place linked to the Forest of the city of La Plata, capital of the province of Buenos Aires.
Agreed the terms of the contractual relationship begins the preliminary draft in February 1949 under the following residency program to the doctor, his wife, two daughters and a doctor's office, housing, dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, desk or guest room, apartment for domestic, garage and utility room. For the clinic: a waiting room, consultation room and cabinet for admission.

In late 1949, begins the work under the technical direction of Argentine architect Amancio Williams, suggested to Dr. Curutchet, among others, by Le Corbusier.

During the course of the work the relationship between Dr. Curutchet and Architect Williams deteriorates reason why Arch.Williams resigns and, in September 1951, Technical Architect Simon Ungar takes charge, and later Mr. Alberto Valdés to finish the work in 1955.

The Curutchet House is the only work of Le Corbusier built in Argentina and the Americas (although Le Corbusier designed projects in the U.S. and Chile ). More importantly, this house is a masterpiece of Corbusian architecture, a superb example of the so-called “machine á habiter”, where the experienced Swiss architect superbly solved its form, function, space and lighting, using the elements and paraphernalia which are typical of its prolific theoretical and practical architectural background.

The Curutchet House is open to the public due to its preservation by the Colegio de Arquitectos de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (Institute of Architects of the Province of Buenos Aires), it is opened to visitors who want to know it and contact with one of the emblematic works of the modern movement in Argentina.

This house is open to the public Tuesday, Wednesday, thursday and Fridays 10 AM to 2 PM 10.30; 11.30; 12.30 AM and 1.30 PM

See 2011/2012 Argentine nacional holidays http://www.turismo.gov.ar/eng/menu.htm
During January the house is closed

ADMISSION FEES Foreing visitors $ 40.00 (About USD 10)

GROUPS Group visits must be reserved in advance.
This enables us to schedule groups throughout the day, thereby avoiding overcrowding.

Tours: about 45 minutes.
Reservation: casacurutchet@capba.org.ar

Argentina, the most popular tourist destination in South America

2011-09-21T10:46:00.000-04:00

Buenos Aires

Argentina has become the most popular tourist destination in South America, with growth of tourists, the country has become the first South American destination.

For many years, the Argentine government has made efforts to make Argentina an important tourist destination, and this work is now reflected in the 5.3 million visitors that Argentina had last year. Argentina had a growth of three times the world growth in the Tourist sector and outperformed the emerging markets, to rank as the first South American destination, and the forth in the Americas. But the good news are that recently the Government launched the Tourism Strategic Plan 2020, to continue with this great job that make Argentina an important tourism destination, and that can let more and more people know about the great places that Argentina has to show.

Beagle Channel Glacier

During the ceremony of the launching of the Tourism Strategic Plan 2020, the officials explained that last year Argentina received "5.3 million foreign tourists, representing a cumulative growth of 78 percent since 2003, and an income in 2010 of 4,800 million dollars." Comparing to Brazil that received last year to 5.2 million foreign tourists, according to the website of its Ministry of Tourism. The officials estimated that by 2020 "some eight million foreigners" would visit Argentina.

Iguazu Falls

In addition to its varied geography, Argentina has exploded in recent years theme tourism, like the tango and gay tourism.

Ischigualasto National Park

Find Hotels to Stay in Argentina

Historic Tramway in Buenos Aires

2011-08-18T15:09:00.000-04:00

Buenos Aires grew at the side of the tramway tracks, like most Argentine cities. Many neighborhoods were formed thanks to its services, and although in 1962 they were removed from the streets of Buenos Aires, Countless memories and stories still persists in its users then.

From November 15, 1980 opens the "HISTORIC TRAMWAY OF BUENOS AIRES", thanks to the Asociacion Amigos del Tranvia, a group that brings together those who share the enthusiasm for this form of transport.

All weekends and holidays, the Historic Tramway travels the neighborhood of Caballito being free to all who wish to take a ride.

Trams leaves every 15 minutes from the only stop on the line, located in Emilio Mitre 500 (E. Mitre between Directorio Avenue and Jose Bonifacio Avenue) and travel a road circuit of 2 km along the street Emilio Mitre , Rivadavia Avenue Hortiguera street and Directorio Avenue.

Obera, Misiones

2011-06-03T11:23:00.001-04:00

Known as the capital of the mount, Obera has a subtropical climate with average annual temperatures of 20 º C, registering highs of 33 º C in summer and minimum of 10 º C in winter.
Obera City is located in the south central part of Misiones, in the corridor of the central highlands of
the province, it is 97km from Posadas airport. And a few kilometers from the river ports that allow the passage of vehicles and people across the Uruguay River to Brazil.
Red earth, wild places, waterfalls, streams, creeks and beaches together in pleasant environment for relaxing, fishing and excursions by bike, ATV or horseback riding.
Currently it is very popular for touirsts visitng the zone, to have interpretative visits to the Tea boom dryers and plantations and herbalists mills.
Some places to visit are the famous ruins of San Ignacio, the Garden of Birds, the Parque de las Naciones (Park of nations), the Agro-Camping Santa Rita, the Reservation of Chachi, and the Historical Museum and Natural science.
Surrounded by beauty, Oberá is a paradise with all the comforts of life to enjoy various adventures offered by the immensity of nature.
During September (from days 2 through September 12) it takes place the traditional Fiesta of the Immigrant, during which social, cultural, sporting and leisure activities take place and where Tourists can enjoy delicious regional dishes, traditional dances, costumes and outfits characteristic of each community.

Ver mapa más grande

Fiambalá, Province of Catamarca

2011-05-14T18:26:00.000-04:00

Fiambalá,which in the language of the indigenous peoples of the area means "water that penetrates the mountain" is a small town located a few kilometers from the city of Tinogasta in Catamarca province.
It is located at 1.505 m.a.s.l and in addition to its mild micro-climate and warmth, has a unique spice that makes it ideal to visit: its hot springs

Hot Springs Fiambalá

The hot springs formed from water that descend from the mountain, with water temperatures ranging between 38 °C to 70ºC and mineral properties that make them highly recommended for their healing powers.

The area, which was named by its first Aborigines as "PIANWALLÁ" now has a stable population of nearly 3000 people, who are spread throughout the town and both sides of the road that connects with Tinogasta.

But not only the hot springs are the things that make Fiambalá an interesting place to visit, the huge olive groves and vineyards stand the sight of the visitor, as well as centuries-old adobe buildings are still standing and now form part of the "Ruta del Adobe", a major attraction in the province of Catamarca.

Besides the baths, visitors can not fail to visit the Church of San Pedro, which is the main architectural monument of the area, which has colonial architecture and features paintings and pictures brought during the time of the Virreinato del Alto Peru, around the year 1770.

Also, the town's main square, the municipality, the Comandacia de Armas (Command of Weapons) and the Museo del Hombre are some of the points the visitor can visit during your stay in place.

San Pedro Church

Comandancia de Armas-Fiambalá

In the Museo del Hombre (Man's Museum) visitors can find valuable archaeological collections, where pieces from aborigines Pituil, Batungastas and Mayupucas, which inhabit these valleys, are the interesting collection from the Museum. The Museum displays ceramics and stone objects, among which are projectile points, pottery and funerary urns slew rate, and mummified bodies of a man and a woman, with grave goods, which reach age 500 years.

Road to Fiambalá

Dunes near Fiambalá

San Pedro Church

Hotels in Catamarca

Gualeguaychu Carnival 2010

2011-05-04T08:06:00.000-04:00

The Gualeguaychu Carnival is the most important carnival in Argentina. It begins the first´s days of January and finishes the last days of February, every weekend the streets of the City Corsodrome fills
with bright colours, the joy of people, rhythms that make the body vibrate and the carnival parades that give a great show to the people present in the corsodrome.

There are five traditional parades from Gualeguaychú: Mary Mary, O'Bahía, Kamarr, Papelitos and Ara Yevi, but three are competing in each unearthing of King Momo, Saturday to Saturday between January and February, as thousands of expectant eyes which seeking to break with the everyday in search of freedom and fun. The champion will have the privilege of a comeback the following year to defend against the other two groups place and deserved recognition.

More than one night ... more than an event than a festival ... ... more than a rite ... An indescribable experience that can only be understand by anyone who has experienced the Carnival of the Country.

The Carnival is a great show to see and to have a nice weekend in the city of Gualeguaychu, a city that is located in the Entre Rios province, at a distance of 233km from Buenos Aires.

The Welsh settlement in Argentina

2010-11-01T09:12:00.000-04:00

If there is a cultural imprint that shows in most cities in Chubut, it is the Welsh. Moreover, almost any other province in the country have formed colonies as large as this. Before the Spanish and Italian, European settlers in the Welsh opened the field to "civilization" in this part of the map of Argentina, back in 1865, seeking new land for employment.

On July 28, 1865 landed in Golfo Nuevo, currently Puerto Madryn , 153 Welsh immigrants. The contingent was composed of men, women and children who came from different counties of Wales.
They arrived aboard the ship Mimosa, brought the necessary elements to make their home in the new land and some elements for agricultural work.
The climate and geography were unknown to most of the group. Soon it was essential to obtain fresh water. Thus they came to the mouth of the river they were seeking, the Chubut, then Chupat, were installed on the northern edge of it and founded a village which later became capital of the province and they called Rawson, in honor of Dr. Guillermo Rawson, the interior minister of President Bartolome Mitre, and who both had helped to settle in Patagonia.
The cities that were founded by the welsh are Trevelin, Gaiman, Trelew and Dolavon among other small towns.

Trevelin in Winter

Today the population of Patagonia is around 1,750,000 with many descended from the Welsh settlers and many people are able to speak Welsh. Welsh traditions are very strong in these places and are touristic attractions for the visitors.

Gaiman

View Larger Map

References: A: Gaiman, B: Trevelin, C: Trelew, D: Dolavon and E: Rawson

Villa Pehuenia

2010-10-28T10:15:00.000-04:00

Lying on the northern shore of Lake Alumine, populated by ancient Pehuenes forests contrasting with blue green lakes and snowcapped mountains, this mountain village lets the virgin nature recount history itself.

It is located in central-western province of Neuquen. The forests of Pehuenes growing in these lands since prehistoric times, resisting the onslaught of Andean wind, gave the village its name. At the generous shade of these ancient trees grew Villa Pehuenia, founded in 1989 by the provincial government to plan and control the Tenure of land. The strong boost tourism allows privileged harmonize their natural environment today with a growing and varied hotel and gastronomic infrastructure, excellent to relax and enjoy the scenery.

The climate in Villa Pehuenia is humid, temperate and cool, with temperatures ranging between 20 º and 30 º in the summer days, dropping from 5 ° to 0 ° C at night. In the winter, freezing temperatures whitening landscape, with snow covering the entire region.

Its captivating geography offers spectacular scenarios to contemplate, as the viewpoint of Cypress, Piedra Negra, the viewpoint of the Morro or Garganta del Puma (Throat of the Puma), also to venture to kayaking and sport fishing in the lakes Alumine, Moquehue, Pulmarí and Ñorninco, in addition to horseback riding, climbing, hunting trips and hiking trails that go deep into the forests and mountains.

In winter, the snow park in the hill Batea Mahuida, within the territory of the Mapuche group "Puel", invites you to enjoy alpine skiing and snowmobile rides, in addition to bringing the rich culture of the community, expressed mainly in handicrafts and typical meals.

A peaceful corner of Patagonia, Villa Pehuenia wedged between the mountains the wild charm of the Andes.

Map

View Larger Map

Distance from Buenos Aires: 1620 km

How to go to Villa Pehuenia: By plane to Neuquen city, and then 302 km by bus.

Photo of the month - October 2010 - Ischigualato National Park

2010-10-20T12:39:00.000-04:00

More known as Valle de la Luna, Ischigualasto bases its value and importance in the rugged landscapes and paleontological richness.Its fame lies in the large number of fossils that lie, condensed,
from the Triassic period of the Secondary Era which began about 248 million years ago and was characterized by the expansion of the first dinosaurs and mammals.
A place that combines tourist attractions of great beauty, nature and culture with scientific wealth.

Photo of the Month - August 2010 - Les Eclaireurs lighthouse

2010-08-10T12:37:00.000-04:00

Les Eclaireurs is a beacon located in an island northeast of the group of the Les Eclaireurs islands in the Beagle Channel, off the coast of the Bay of Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.

Often confused with the "Faro del fin del Mundo", this lighthouse can be seen when travelling by ferry.

Where it is located:

Ver Mis ubicaciones guardadas en un mapa más grande

"Faro del Fin del Mundo" lighthouse at the end of the world

2010-08-05T10:08:00.000-04:00

The "Faro del Fin del Mundo", lighthouse at the end of the world, (officially known as San Juan Lighthouse Rescue) is to the northeast of the Isla de los Estados, south of Argentina. It has only a height of 6 m, but is 60 m above sea level.

It is the oldest lighthouse in Argentina and the first to be built in the southern waters: its construction dates back to 1884.
Jules Verne was inspired him to write his novel The Lighthouse at the End of the World, published posthumously in 1905.
The original lighthouse remained in ruins for decades, but was recently restored respecting the original design, is an octagonal house, floor, located on a rocky promontory, with the lantern on its roof.

It is a restricted area, but a exact replica of the lighthouse can be seen at the Museo Maritimo in Ushuaia.

Where it is located:

Ver Mis ubicaciones guardadas en un mapa más grande

Photo of the Month - July 2010 - Cariló, Buenos Aires

2010-07-20T12:36:00.000-04:00

Cariló is a town near Pinamar, Province of Buenos Aires. It is located south of it, bordering the municipality of Villa Gesell. It is a natural reserve of forest, dunes and beaches, a beautifull place to rest and enjoy forest and the beach. This town is a very popular place to visit in summer.

How to get to Carilo:

By car, using Route 11. Can also be reached by train (to Pinamar) and plane (the latter only in high season and the nearby Villa Gesell Airport). By bus uo to Pinamar and from there there you can go by taxi or remise.

Ver mapa más grande

Chascomus, gaucho traditions and water sports

2010-07-15T08:49:00.000-04:00

With its air of old town and its famous lagoon, Chascomús is one of the most complete tourist destinations in the province of Buenos Aires: gaucho traditions, fishing and water sports.

One of its most famous attraction is the lagoon, the largest of the chained system of lagoons "Las Encadenadas". It extends over an area of 3000 hectares, with a length of 15 kilometers by 5 wide. Its average depth is 2 meters.
Converted into a mini tourism classic of Buenos Aires, in the surrounding area offers a pleasant place to stay, with various options for camping, spas, cabins, apart hotels, cottages, restaurants, farms and inns.
Lots of water sports are possible on this lagoon, from swimming and sailing activities, to skiing, windsurfing and many other variants.
As for the scenery, one of the most picturesque is "Las Escalinatas" on the shore. There, tourists and locals gather to drink mate, enjoying the breeze and watch the acrobatics of the athletes.
There is also the "Paseo de Los Libres del Sur", a walk of eight acres of lush foliage and various species.
Traverse the City also has its attractions, typically built, has a central square, cathedral and government buildings around it. But Chascomús also has several historic sites, such as the replica of Fort San Juan Bautista, a site where the city was founded in 1779.
With narrow streets, old houses, Chascomús is a tourist destination outside the major international tourism circuit, but its proximity to the city of Buenos Aires, can be a good option to spend a day knowing very picturesque places.

Photo of the Month - June 2010 - Cerro Catedral

2010-06-20T12:35:00.000-04:00

At 19 km from the city of Bariloche is Cerro Catedral, named for the similarity of their peaks with a Gothic cathedral. It is the most important ski center of South America, which is reached from
Bariloche. The hill has a height of 2388 mts. and has about 2,000 hectares. of ski slopes and over 70 tracks for all levels and excellent lifts.

Photo of the Month - May 2010 - Road to Iruya, Salta

2010-05-20T12:33:00.000-04:00

Iruya is located in the Andes at 2780 Meters above sea level, approximately at a distance of 320km.
from the city of Salta. It is known for its geographic beauty and as a dream town because of its beauty.
In the village of Iruya Aboriginal culture is interwoven with the Hispanic culture, making the survival of both, which has generated a historical process of multiculturalism.

Photo of the Month - April 2010 - Nahuel Huapi Lake

2010-04-20T12:32:00.000-04:00

The picture of this month is the Lake Nahuel Huapi in Patagonia, a really impressive place.

The route of wine

2010-04-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

Argentina has become one of the most important wine producers in the world. There are many region in the country where wine is produced. The most
important region is Cuyo, wich includes the provinces of Mendoza and San Juan, but they are not the only regions in where wine is produced, the patagonic region with the Neuquen and Rio Negro provinces, also has become important and in the North, Salta, La Rioja and Catamarca also produce great wines. The last region is Buenos Aires, a new region that has been developed in the last years.

Cuyo Region

In the Cuyo region, the most important wine region in Argentina, with very diferent climates, produces a variaty of wines that includes the Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and diferent new vineries like Bonarda, Viognier, Caladoc, Ancellotta and Marselán.

Northern Region

In Salta and Catamarca This region is distinguished by the outstanding quality of wine Torrontes. Also cultivated varieties such as Chenin, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and Barbera.

In La Rioja, red wines are grown very good Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah and Bonarda. There is a new crop especially in Aminga, the Petit Verdot.

Southern Region

The vineyards are located on the Patagonian rivers Limay, Neuquén, Negro and Colorado. The southernmost is located in the town of Epuyén in the province of Chubut.

In this region produce good white wines. They are also recognized for their good quality versions of Pinot Noir and Merlot early maturing.

Buenos Aires Region

The varietals made in this region are: Malbec, Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
The wine region in Buenos Aires is located in Medanos, southeast of Buenos Aires province and east of the traditional wine regions of Argentina, a region that has recently begun to develop high quality wines. Located at 39 degrees south latitude, Medanos is one of the vine production sites with more time of solar exposure in the southern hemisphere. This feature makes the process of photosynthesis larger, resulting in higher production of polyphenols and sugars, which, coupled with the thick skin that results from a windy spring produces wines of intense color, fresh, elegant, complex and large aromatic characteristics.

Boca vs. River, an amazing experience

2010-04-05T08:18:00.000-04:00

Boca Juniors and River Plate are the biggest soccer teams in Argentina, and to see a River vs Boca or Boca vs. River is a unique experience in the world.

It is known that the fervor of the Argentine supporters is something unusual, but in a Boca vs. River heat and color in the tribunes is an indescribable sight. Thousands of tourists usually buy packages where includes going to see a Boca vs. River, and be able to participate in this event is something that will remain in the memories of any visitor.

As always when these games are played tour companies sell travel packages with tickets to the match included, is important if you decide to go to see a Boca vs. River to check that the company that sells the tickets is reliable.

Stadium is located on Brandsen street in the neighborhood of La Boca

While the River Plate stadium is located on Figueroa Alcorta Avenue, in the neighborhood of Nuñez.

Underground tunnels in Buenos Aires

2010-03-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

Buenos Aires is full of Mysteries, one of them are the underground tunnels that connect the city, tunnels are from the Renaissance style, urban archeologists try to solve the mysteries hidden city.

Much has been said about the underground of the city of Buenos Aires. From hiding a network of tunnels where the Jesuits carried out bloody torture sessions or a network designed for smuggling and to allow the escape of any government of the day, to the enormous hidden treasure during the Viceroyalty ...The truth is that every so often, the floor of a square sinks and uncovers strange underground constructions, and sometimes the same happens when an excavator opens up land for future skyscrapers. So it is clear that the Buenos Aires underground houses more than pipes, sewers or parking lots.

The small area where the tunnels are located on Peru street in the Manzana de las Luces, was recently discovered in 1980 as they were covered with earth. Who, how and when covered them is unknown. Archeologists analyzed the walls and established that seniority refers to late 1600 or early 1700.

Manzana de las luces Tunnels