Places to visit in Argentina

Visiting the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur, an Oasis in the middle of the city

2024-07-18T08:55:00.000-04:00

Cities can feel suffocating, especially in summer. Walls of buildings, concrete jungles, and endless cars leave little room to breathe. Imagine finding a haven of fresh air, trees, and water right within a bustling metropolis – that's the magic of Buenos Aires' Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve.

This urban oasis lies surprisingly close to the city center, just a stone's throw from Puerto Madero. Its location is ideal – a short walk from the heart of the city takes you to Puerto Madero, where the Reserve's entrance awaits you just beyond the iconic Paseo de la Gloria. Finding it is a breeze.

Encompassing a reclaimed 3.5 square kilometers of land along the Rio de la Plata, the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve offers a network of trails perfect for various activities. Whether you seek a peaceful stroll along the river, birdwatching amidst the diverse avian population, or an invigorating bike ride through the entire reserve, this green haven caters to all preferences.

Speaking of birds, the Reserve boasts an impressive biodiversity. Over 300 species call it home, including Carpincheros (Capybaras), Coaties (Nasua nasua), and Swans. The list extends beyond feathered friends – 18 mammal species, 28 reptile species, 22 fish species, and 12 amphibian species contribute to the Reserve's rich ecological tapestry.

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But the beauty goes beyond the creatures. The Reserve flourishes with an estimated 575 plant and tree species, alongside a surprising 42 mushroom varieties.

For a city as vast as Buenos Aires, the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve is a treasure. It offers a welcome escape from the urban clamor, a chance to reconnect with nature without venturing far. So, if you find yourself yearning for a breath of fresh air amidst the city lights, this urban oasis awaits.

Edelweiss to start flying to Buenos Aires

2018-09-19T07:53:00.000-04:00

The Swiss airline Edelweiss will start flying to Argentina in November, and their chairman visited the country and said that they have the potential to bring around 26.000 Swiss tourists by year.
At this particular moment flying to Argentina is a good opportunity, the Peso is very weak against the US dollar and the Euro, so it is much cheaper and it results very attractively to visit the country.

Edelweiss will use Airbus A340-300 that will do the flight from .... to Buenos Aires ib 14 hours, the plane that has 314 seats, wich 211 are Economy Class, 76 Economy Max and 27Business Class with Fully Lie-Flat seats.

This shows that Argentina is an attractive destination and the number of airlines flying to the country will probably increase giving tourists from all continents different alternatives to reach the country.

The Best Places To Golf In Argentina

2018-06-22T13:38:00.000-04:00

For fans of professional golf, it’s an exciting time of year. The U.S. Open just wrapped up after providing a thrilling four days of entertainment. From tricky conditions, to a bizarre stunt by Phil Mickelson, to a repeat victory for Brooks Koepka, it was just the sort of tournament that could get golf fans excited for the remaining months of the PGA Tour in 2018.

Still to come are some of the most entertaining tournaments on the calendar. The Open Championship will be held in Scotland in late July, representing what some see as the most challenging of the majors, year in and year out. The PGA Championship follows less than a month later, and will be held in St. Louis in the United States. The TOUR Championship in Georgia will take place in the middle of September, and always brings out the best in the top players. And this year, golf fans get a special treat in the form of the Ryder Cup in France. Held just every two years, this is a fun international competition where the players compete for pride and supporters tend to be much more vocal than at other traditional tournaments. All in all it’s a very appealing lineup of tournaments.

But come the end of September the PGA Tour will be done for the year, and all of this fascinating and enjoyable spectator activity will have golf fans around the world wanting to work on their games - just as it’s beginning to get cold where much of the golf world lives. It’s for this reason that we’d suggest taking a look at a southern hemisphere destination like Argentina, where you can take your passion from the professional golf season and apply it to your own game in warm weather. If this sort of golf vacation appeals to you, the following are some of the best and most beautiful golf courses around Argentina.

Olivos

Probably the most famous course in the country, Olivos has been listed among the top 100 golf courses on Earth, and has hosted numerous professional events. It was designed in part by one Luther Koontz, who used to work with the Augusta National architect, which is why some have referred to the course as the Augusta of South America. Naturally with this kind of pedigree it’s a little less accessible than some other options. But if you can secure a tee time, it’s a gorgeous place to work on your game.

Buenos Aires Golf Club

This is another course that’s commonly placed among the best in Argentina, and it’s nice to see such an impressive club in Buenos Aires. Tiger Woods has actually won on this course before, which should give you an idea of its general level of prestige. Ultimately it’s a beautiful place to play, with low green hills, several bodies of water, and an idyllic clubhouse.

El Desafio

If you’re looking for something a little bit different that perhaps takes more advantage of the Argentine country, look no further than El Desafio. This is a mountain resort in the Patagonia region of Argentina, and was actually designed by Greg Norman. Despite that, it doesn’t have the feel of a typical U.S. or European course, but rather makes terrific use of its surroundings, with massive, sloping fairways and stunning mountainous backdrops. It may ultimately be the most authentically Argentine course.

Mar del Plata

Said to be similar to some of the famous Scottish courses (which are known for both quality and difficulty), this is a gorgeous course on the Atlantic coast of Argentina. It might be the most challenging course on this list, but it’s also an interesting one to see, different than you might expect in this region, and excellent for testing your ability in a relaxing setting. The Mar del Plata course is also home to the South Open, which means it has hosted some of the world’s top golfers.

The list could go on and on, as there are actually dozens of terrific courses around Argentina. Some of the ones that aren’t quite as well-known as the four mentioned above may ultimately be easier (and cheaper) to play at. But if you can secure a tee time at any of these courses you’ll be in for some excellent late- or early-year golfing, perhaps scratching that itch from the July-September tournaments!

Unveiling San Telmo's Heart: Plaza Dorrego

2018-06-21T09:00:00.001-04:00

Living in Buenos Aires grants me the privilege of frequent exploration, and San Telmo is a neighborhood I find particularly charming. Plaza Dorrego is its vibrant core, the perfect starting point for your San Telmo adventure.

Nestled in the heart of San Telmo, Plaza Dorrego boasts a central location close to the city center. Many hotels now ring the plaza conveniently, making it an ideal base for your Buenos Aires explorations. This charming square is undeniably a major Buenos Aires attraction.

Undoubtedly, most tourists visiting Buenos Aires find themselves drawn to Plaza Dorrego. Its traditional atmosphere transcends tourism, though. Locals often linger over coffee here, enjoying the open-air entertainment provided by street performers. Living statues, tango dancers, and musicians bring the plaza to life. Encircling the square, cafes, bars, and pubs spill out onto the pedestrian area, while shops brimming with antiques and crafts tempt the curious.

Beyond the regular street performances, Plaza Dorrego is a stage for captivating displays of musical and dance talent, including tango shows. On Sundays, the famed Feria de San Telmo transforms the square and surrounding streets into a bustling marketplace. Here, artisans showcase their work alongside vendors of antiques. The presence of both tourists and locals lends Plaza Dorrego a unique and lively character.

The surrounding buildings, dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, typically boast no more than three stories. These structures house the cafes, restaurants, and pubs that line the plaza. Venturing beyond the square, you'll discover historical gems like the Jesuit Church Nuestra Señora de Bethlem, the San Pedro Telmo Parish, and the Antonio Ballve Prison Museum, which still shelters the Chapel of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, built in 1734.

No exploration of San Telmo is complete without a peek into the neighborhood's captivating antique shops. Located near Plaza Dorrego, these havens allow you to delve into the world of goldsmiths, leatherworkers, and plastic artists, uncovering the neighborhood's creative spirit.

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New airline LASA connecting cities in Patagonia

2018-06-19T18:47:00.002-04:00

End of next month the new airline LASA will start to connect cities in the Patagonia and southern Argentina.

What the Argentina government is calling the Planes Revolution is starting to see results, since all this process started many new airlines have asked for routes to fly within Argentina and near countries.

LASA is one of them and they will connect cities of the Patagonia and southern Chile with new Embraer ERJ 145 planes.

This will make easier to move around the Patagonia, avoiding to fly back to Buenos Aires or use other ways of tramport if you want to visit different cities in the southern Argentina and Chile.

The cities that LASA will connect are Comodoro Rivadavia, El Calafate, Río Gallegos, Río Grande, Ushuaia, Neuquén, Bariloche, Esquel, Trelew, Viedma, Bahia Blanca and Mar del Plata in Argentina and Temuco and Puerto Montt in Chile.

The Argentina government is investing a lot in many of the airports around the country to help the tourist industry grow and make it easy to travel around the country.

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Air Canada starts it´s direct flights Toronto-Buenos Aires

2018-05-04T15:41:00.001-04:00

Air Canada started the direct flight Toronto-Buenos Aires with 3 weekly flights. This is a new option to get to Argentina, especially for Canadians wanting to travel to our country.

The flights that join both cities will be done with the new Boeing 787-9 and will depart from Toronto on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and will departure from Buenos Aires on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

This shows the growth of Air Canada in the region as also they will add another flight to the four they actually have to Santiago de Chile.

Hotels in Buenos Aires

American Airlines adding new routes to Argentina

2018-04-06T09:34:00.000-04:00

Good news for the tourism in Argentina, American Airlines is adding new routes, in December 2018 is connecting Buenos Aires with Los Angeles, and also they are adding a new route Cordoba-Miami.
This new routes will facilitate the connections between Argentina and the United States, but also will be good for people traveling to and from Asia, as California is a perfect connection to do this.
More and more airlines are looking to expand their operations to Argentina, which is good not only for tourism but also for business.
This year the national government is expecting that tourism to Argentina will be of 7 million tourists.

For the route Los Angeles-Buenos Aires there will be 3 weekly flights and will start in December of 2018, for the route Cordoba-Miami, the flights will start next year, in April 2019, and will have four weekly flights.

Los Angeles-Buenos Aires flight will be made with Boeing Dreamliner 787-9, and the route Cordoba-Miami will be made with Boeing 767-300.

Ethiopian Airlines had its first flight to Buenos Aires

2018-03-12T10:18:00.000-04:00

Ethiopian Airlines started it´s flight to Buenos Aires, the airlines, the biggest of Africa, will have 5 weekly flights that will conect Addis Adeba with Buenos Aires with a stop in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

This will not only facilitate conexions to African countries, but will also add alternatives to fly to and from Middle East and Asia. The African airline had an impresive growth in the last 7 years, and has become one of the most important airlines in Africa.

Flights, Frequencies and stops of Ethiopian Airlines to and from Buenos Aires:

From Addis Adeba to Buenos Aires: 5 weekly flights

Sunday - 1 stop in Sao Paulo (Brazil)
Monday - 1 stop in Sao Paulo (Brazil)
Wednesday - 1 stop in Sao Paulo (Brazil)
Thrusday - 1 stop in Sao Paulo (Brazil)
Saturday - 1 stop in Sao Paulo (Brazil)

From Buenos Aires to Addis Adeba:

Sunday - 1 stop in Sao Paulo (Brazil)
Monday - 1 stop in Sao Paulo (Brazil)
Wednesday - 1 stop in Sao Paulo (Brazil)
Thrusday - 1 stop in Sao Paulo (Brazil)
Saturday - 1 stop in Sao Paulo (Brazil)

Latam Airlines to cancel routes to San Juan and Bahia Blanca

2018-03-09T13:46:00.002-05:00

Latam Airlines has informed this week that they are cancelling definitive routes to the cities of San Juan and Bahia Blanca.
This decision,(it is the first time that the airline cancels routes since it started to operate in Argentina in 2005) was made by the airlines due to the increasing operating costs of those two cities.
According to the company, the earning in those two cities grew by about 7,6%, but the costs grew 35%, which makes it difficult to continue flying to those destinations.
The increasing competition in domestic flights is another factor that has made the bigger airlines study more specifically which routes are more economically beneficial.
In the case of Bahia Blanca, the new low-cost airline, Flybondy started to fly at the beginning of the year, and sure some new airlines like Avianca and Norwegian will do the same during the year.
San Juan remains only with flights from Aerolineas Argentinas, but it could possibly start receiving flights from low-cost airlines too.

New Airport in Buenos Aires for low cost airlines

2018-02-13T13:28:00.004-05:00

Recently Buenos Aires added a new airport especifically for low cost airlines, the new airport is located in El Palomar, about 25km from the city center.

The airport was an old airforce airport that has been adapted to receive low cost airlines flights, at the moment 5 million dollars (of a total plan of 80 million) have been invested to adapt the airport for comercial flights.

The only airline using the airport up to now is the lowcost airline Flybondi, that had their first flight from El Palomar to Cordoba city on February 9th, but other airlines will start to use the airport during the year.

According to national authorities this airport will help to bring costs down and is part of the plan to grow the number of people flying in Argentina. Also the plan includes to increase the number of foreign tourists visiting Argentina, a plan that wants to take the number from 6,6 million tourists last year to 9 million by 2020.

El Ateneo, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world

2016-06-03T09:24:00.004-04:00

A Literary Oasis in a Former Theater

Recently, the prestigious newspaper The Guardian included El Ateneo bookstore in its list of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, securing the third spot. This is a testament to this Buenos Aires gem's enchanting atmosphere and unique character.

Part of the local El Ateneo chain, this bookstore is undeniably stunning. Housed in a former theater, it's a captivating blend of old-world charm and literary haven. Since 2000, when El Ateneo transformed the space into a bookstore, it has become a beloved local spot and a major tourist attraction, welcoming nearly 3,000 visitors daily.

With over 120,000 titles lining its shelves, a café occupying the former stage, and the opportunity to relax and read on the theater's balconies, El Ateneo offers a truly unique experience. No wonder this bookstore has become an iconic part of the city's fabric.

Finding El Ateneo

El Ateneo is located on Santa Fe Avenue in the Barrio Norte district. It's easily accessible by subway (Subte). Take the D line from Carlos Pellegrini Station and get off at Callao Station. From there, it's a three-block walk. Alternatively, you can enjoy a pleasant stroll down Santa Fe Avenue from downtown; the bookstore is just eight blocks from 9 de Julio Avenue.

Have you been to El Ateneo? Share your experience in the comments below!

My first visit to the Hipodromo Argentino de Palermo

2015-02-25T22:14:00.002-05:00

By orourkepatricio (originally posted to Flickr as Hipódromo Argentino) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Ever since I was a child, horses held a special place in my heart. I vividly remember passing by the Palermo racetrack, captivated not just by the races, but by the sheer beauty of the place. I vowed to visit it someday.

By JT Kendall [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Well, this year, at the ripe age of 42, I finally made that dream a reality! Let me tell you, the wait was worth every minute.

The Hipodromo Argentino de Palermo is a masterpiece of Belle Epoque architecture, designed by French architect Louis Faure-Dujarric in 1908. Though the racetrack itself dates back to 1876, with the first national derby held in 1884, the grandstand is a true testament to the city's vibrant past.

It's hard to imagine the atmosphere back in the early 1900s, but the Hipodromo certainly evokes a sense of grandeur. The design is superb, offering breathtaking views of the racetracks, ensuring a seamless experience whether you're there for the races or simply admiring the architecture.

By Roberto Fiadone (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Speaking of racetracks, the Hipodromo boasts two impressive ones. One is a 2400-meter all-weather dirt track, while the other is a 2200-meter grass track. The crown jewel, however, is the Gran Premio Nacional (Derby Argentino) held annually in November. The unique thing about this race? Spectators get a front-row view of the start, adding to the excitement!

This visit sparked a fire within me. It reminded me of all the incredible places in Argentina I've promised myself to see. I'm creating a list and planning trips to finally experience these long-held dreams.

I suspect many of you can relate. There are likely treasures right in your own backyard, places you've always meant to visit but just haven't gotten around to. Has that ever happened to you? Share your stories in the comments below!

10 Reasons to Visit Argentina

2012-12-17T13:38:00.001-05:00

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 travellers 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 of 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 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 centred around its agrarian roots with asado(Argentine barbecue) at the centre of Argentine food culture. Argentine steak is known around the world and sends travellers home with their mouths still watering.

4. Patagonia

Travelling 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 fewer 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 centre 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 traveller 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 meters tall at its 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 its 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 is 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 with special vehicles and guidance of an expert.

In 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.

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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

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