When most people think of Argentina, two things immediately pop into their minds: soccer and tango! Certainly Argentina is a soccer mad country, and it is also home to the tango, but these two words do not even come close to summing up this stunning country. Argentina has 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offers spectacular nature vistas, it is a foodie's heaven, and has some of the wildest and most expansive terrain on the planet. But, before setting off on any explorations in this vast and rugged country, make sure you have the right gear and travel insurance!
Being the 8th largest country in the world, the countryside changes drastically from the North to the South. The northern regions of the Andean Northwest and Chaco bear a strong resemblance to neighboring Peru and Bolivia. If you want to go where the locals go and get away from international tourists, this is the place. Coming here you see amazing vistas of the Andean mountains, you can pet a llama and get to try some locro: a hearty stew made from locally grown corn, pork meat and pumpkin that will warm you on cold nights.
Neighbouring Chaco is the region of Mesopotamia, home to the world famous Iguazú Falls and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Words can truly not adequately describe what it is like standing in this 13,000km2 nature reserve, looking at the dramatic waterfalls that are taller and twice as wide as Niagara Falls. Surrounding the falls is a spectacular rain forest. This area is accessible from both the Argentinian and the Brazilian side. Do take the time to explore this landmark from both sides if you have the opportunity!
Buenos Aires, which is situated in the Pampas region, is where most travellers will arrive. This bustling city consists of 48 different districts. Most tourism tends to center around La Boca, a wonderfully colorful neighborhood with a good vibe. Walking around here you will discover the Caminito ('little path') a pedestrian street filled with local arts and crafts. In the North of Buenos Aires you will find the Recoleta neighborhood, which is home to embassies, fancy hotels and the cemetery that has become the resting place of the national icon Eva Peron. If you happen to be in Buenos Aires on a Sunday, make sure to visit the street and flea market in San Telmo. If you stay until the evening, you may also catch one of the live tango performances.
West of Buenos Aires and the Papas is the Cuyo region, which is boasts to have Argentina’s finest wines. It also hosts the highest mountain in the chain of the Andes: Aconcagua, which is also the highest peak outside of Asia. 80% of the wine produced in Argentina comes from this region, making it ideal for budding wine connoisseurs. Should you be inclined to study español, Mendoza is home to several excellent Spanish… what? schools, classes etc
South of Cuyo and the Pampas you find Patagonia and the famous Tierra del Fuego. Patagonia is at the same time stunningly beautiful as it is utterly desolate. This region is raw and un-spoilt offering nature tourism at its finest. This area is particularly popular among mountaineers, wishing to climb virgin peaks, and motorcycle riders doing big tours. If you want to go exploring in Patagonia, you will need a bit more than good travel insurance and a headlamp, good preparation is key.
The southern most tip of Patagonia is Tierra del Fuego. Separated from the mainland of Argentina by the Magellan straight. Half of this magnificent land belongs to Argentina, the other half belongs to Chile. This area is usually sought out by adventure travellers wishing to go Kayaking in the Beagle Channel or hiking along trails in the national park or up a glacier. Make sure to try some of the local specialty: King Crab ('centolla').
While Buenos Aires offers the city experience replete with clubs, tango lessons, and museums, seeing the rest of Argentina can be a bit trickier and requires adequate planning. Bus and airplanes are very valid options for getting around, but they can be expensive. Cheaper options are available in the form of trains or flying LADE (a local airline), but they tend to favor locals over international travellers. As a general precaution for travelling in South America take out good travel insurance.
Argentinian time and actual timetables are also often at odds with each other, whether it be a concert or a flight. Whatever you have planned will probably happen just a little bit later. In bigger cities beware of pickpockets operating alone and in groups.
