The Appeal of Patagonia

Unfortunately many tourists envision the area of Argentina commonly called Patagonia as a vast flat plain of cold wind and rain. This is unfortunate because the area is not entirely the same from end to end or corner to corner. Though it is at the southernmost area of Argentina, and South America, the area contains some remarkable geographic features, and lovely wildlife.

For example, an itinerary for the Patagonia region of Argentina could include a trek or hiking in the Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, or through the Fitzroy Mountains. A wildlife enthusiast could enjoy observing the Magellanic Penguins in their natural environment or they could partake of seasonal activities which include the migration of whales and some seals.

Patagonia has much to offer, and many visits begin in the city of Ushuaia. Here visitors can embark for winter hikes and outdoor activities or they can prepare for a cruise to Antarctica. The city is located on the shores of the Beagle Strait, making it the ideal place to depart for the shores of the nearby continent.

In fact, the tourist industry in the city has grown to such a level that it alone is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. There are actually many hotels, restaurants, shops and even casinos that have appeared to answer the needs of the tourism trade in this part of Patagonia.

The town is also home to several fascinating museums including a maritime and military prison as well as the Museo del Fin del Mundo which educates visitors about the many birds that make this part of the continent their home.

From Ushuaia a visitor can hike the Glacier Martial or visit the Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Another city popular with tourists of the Patagonia area is San Carlos de Bariloche, known for its natural scenic beauty, and its European atmosphere. The town has a reputation for outdoor activities as well as its many popular chocolate boutiques, which many people claim give it a Swiss village charm and appeal.

The city is the home of the Museum of Patagonia which covers the history of the region from pre-Hispanic settlement to the modern age. There are also several cruises that depart from the town, and these include all day tours of Lake Nahuel Hauapi and the National Park.

A comprehensive tour of the Patagonia region is easy to plan, especially with the right travel tools. At HotelsCombined.com airfare and accommodations reservations can be made with only a few quick clicks of a mouse!

The Andean Northwest of Argentina

Tucked up against the borders of Chile and Bolivia is the Argentinean area known as the Andean Northwest region. Here the terrain can be dramatically different from many other areas of the Argentina, and even the culture has been affected by the terrain. There are both high mountain peaks and dramatic salt flats, cactus plants and lush gardens.

Here the people behave much in the same way as their Chilean or Bolivian neighbors, and much of the tourist population is actually domestic rather than foreign. The terrain does attract many hikers and outdoor enthusiasts however and there are many support services and friendly natives happy to open their homes to such visitors.

Additionally, the Andean Northwest is also home to the nation’s most popular city of San Miguel de Tucuman, where it is usually called simply Tucuman. It is one of the most important locations, historically, for the entire country since the city contains the “Casa Historica”. This is the colonial era home where the nation’s Declaration of Independence from Spain was signed in 1816.

In addition to the Independence House, the historical area of Tucuman also contains the historic Government House, the Plaza Independencia, and one of the largest public parks in the country the 9 de Julio Park.

Another popular city destination in the Andean Northwest is Salta. Many visitors come to enjoy the wonderful natural scenery, but also to focus on the incredibly well preserved colonial architecture. The city is also home to the Museum of High Mountain Archaeology (MAM) which focuses on the Incan civilization. Their collection includes the famous, perfectly preserved bodies of three Incan children believed to have been sacrificed hundreds of years earlier. The city also plays host to an extremely popular weekly crafts fair and market where many travelers find wonderful treasures to bring home.

The city of Salta is also commonly used as a gateway or base for a journey along the “Train to the Clouds” which is one of the most impressive feats of engineering in existence, running through nineteen tunnels and across twenty nine bridges, through thirteen viaducts and nine sheds until it reaches its final destination of over thirteen thousand eight hundred feet in altitude!

While some visitors to the Andean Northwest may opt for a stay in a local “pueblo” there are many comfortable and affordable hotel accommodations, and visitors can visit HotelsCombined.com to find the most appropriate location for their Argentine adventure.

See a Gaucho in Argentina

What is a “gaucho”? While many cultures have historic laborers who relied on their horses to get a job done – think of American cowboys and many military groups – in areas of South America there was, and still remains, the gaucho.

In Argentina the gauchos historically lived in the Pampas, Chacos and Patagonia grasslands. Originally they were thought to be strictly nomadic people, with generous and friendly natures. They lived off the land, relying on their inherited skills to locate food sources to survive.

While there is no documentary evidence as to the background origins of the gauchos, they soon became symbols of nationalist feeling in the areas they dwelt, particularly in Argentina. For example, the epic poem entitled “Martin Fierro” written by the Argentinean poet Jose Hernandez was actually a long complaint against the forces of modernization introduced through European influences. In the poem Hernandez reminds the readers of the gaucho’s role in Argentine independence from Spain, and in the Argentine culture.

Though such a poem did little to prevent industrialization or modernization, the primary industry of certain areas of Argentina meant the survival of the gauchos, and their culture. Today they are still seen riding their horses and working on large cattle farms.

The influence of the gaucho ways can be found in many areas of Argentine culture. For example, many foods and recipes are originally those of the gaucho, including the roasting of meats, and the reliance on mate (a strong caffeinated tea). Additionally, the gaucho has become a popular symbol throughout Argentine culture, appearing as the logo for clothing companies, the name of sporting teams or musical groups, and is often the focus of tourist’s visits to certain areas of Argentina.

Some themed tours are built around riding or trailing the gauchos in their day to day work, and while their activities are interesting the surrounding scenery can be quite spectacular as well. Many photographers take a trip led by a gaucho or one organized to follow them on a cattle drive.

For visitors looking to see and perhaps photograph the gauchos in person there are wide range of options available. Most journeys into Argentina will begin with a stop in Buenos Aires, and it is here where the tour will probably set out. To find an accommodation in the city, and to save money by combining both airfare and hotel reservations, visit HotelsCombined.com where an entire journey can be arranged in only a few moments!

A Brief Tour of Argentina’s National Parks

Most people are aware of the amazing variety in the overall geography of the country of Argentina. For instance, the country contains some of the Andean mountains, huge stretches of sea coast and the southernmost point in the Americas which all adds up to a huge range of landscapes and scenery. Many people may not be aware of how much of the nation’s lands are under preservation or protection. Almost every district or region contains a piece of land or even a collection of buildings that is considered a national treasure.

For example, the well recognized Iguaçu Falls and the entire area called the Tierra del Fuego are considered protected regions. The country has numerous designations, but the most common are parks, natural reserves, national monuments and regional parks.

The entire country has seven distinct “regions” that it has organized government around, one very well known region for natural tourism and outdoor enthusiasts is Patagonia, this is because a huge portion of Argentina’s parklands are there. For example, this is the area where the Los Glaciares National Park is located (which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The area is home to the Nahuel Hauapi site as well and the Peninsula Vales. In all of these locations visitors can see distinct wildlife, ranging from penguins and whales to endangered sea birds and unique plant life.

Of course, not all of the national parks or preservations are in the southernmost area of the country, this is due to the diversity of the environment throughout Argentina, and which includes areas of historic as well as geographic importance. This is the reason several towns have made the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in addition to many of the country’s naturally occurring wonders.
The other areas of the country that are home to parks include the Northern Andean region and the provinces of Salta, Jujuy and Santiago del Estero which are home to the Laguna de los Pozuelos, Las Cuevas and El Rey among dozens of others. In the Chaco, Rios and Misiones of the eastern corner of the country there are Iguaçu National Park, Colonia Benitez and Formosa, among many more.
A brief look at the amazing natural and historic wonders contained in Argentina makes it clear that a journey to visit only a few of the country’s sites is well worth the time and effort.

Enjoying Mendoza

The province known as Mendoza in Argentina contains a diverse number of fascinating industries, locations and scenery. It is home to some of the country’s best vineyards; it contains the continent’s tallest mountain, and several beautiful sites of natural beauty and wonder.

In addition to scenery Mendoza provides access to year round sporting activities such as skiing, hiking, mountain climbing, horseback riding and fishing, in addition to many more.

The wine industry in Mendoza is supported by the climate of the region, and is celebrated during the annual harvest festival known as the Vendimia. This usually takes place in March, but can actually begin as early as January in some areas. The main focal point of the celebrations however is the Mendoza area because it is home to most winemaking activity. While there are some religious elements to the Vendimia, for the most part they involve events marked by the celebration of a successful season. Simultaneous to the annual wine celebrations are other harvest festivals, and visitors to the area always find these to be fun and lighthearted events.

While they do take place during the hottest part of the year, the many fountains and plantings of the area manage to keep celebrants comfortable and relaxed. Additionally the pleasure of the afternoon siesta keeps guests and laborers from the worst part of the day. Visitors who cannot attend the celebrations are always welcome to tour the many vineyards and farms of the area at any time of year. In fact, wine tasting tours are becoming one of the most common reasons for visitors to come to the Mendoza region.

In addition to the wine and harvest festivals there are many historic areas to visit. The Museo Popular Callejero gives a wonderful glimpse of the changes that have come to Mendoza since it was founded in the late 1500s. The Cristo Redentor statue marking an historic border dispute between Argentina and Chile is in the Mendoza region, and is considered one of the most remarkable sights around. It is located at an altitude of over thirteen thousand feet, and can only be seen during the summer months.

Those interested in the pre-Colombian period of the area might want to take a trip to Uspallata where the remains of a settlement and mining operation can be viewed as well as ancient petroglyphs (drawings usually on rocks).

There is a great deal more to enjoy in the Mendoza region, and numerous hotels and accommodations providers happy to take in travelers and visitors to the region. To find the best prices on a room or suite visit HotelsCombined.com, where visitors can also book their airfare at the same time.

Enjoying Mar Del Plata

Millions of people have visited Argentina’s most famous city, Buenos Aires, but only a short distance away is a city equally exciting and offering some of the best beaches in the area – Mar Del Plata. The city has been a major seaside destination since the late 1800s, and this influx of both domestic and foreign tourists can still be seen today in the city’s architecture and cultural institutions.

In addition to fantastic waterside fun and activities, the city is home to an incredible assortment of cultural and historical activities dedicated to the Argentinean and South American people and to the city’s early founders. For example the Museo del Mar is strictly dedicated to the preservation and education around the seashells and tidal activity of the Argentine coastal areas.

The city is also home to an impressive Aquarium, historical and natural history museums, a large number of historic homes and many world class beaches. Mar Del Plata also has several professional Tango theaters where the daily shows are reasonably priced and performed both during matinee and late evening hours.

There are many cafes and restaurants specializing in Argentine cuisine, including the nation’s favorite beverage – mate, an extremely bitter yet somehow addictive beverage that is loaded with caffeine and which fuels many late night Tango and Carnival events.

In addition to its popularity with travelers, Mar Del Plata also specializes in several other industries, including sporting events at the city’s Olympic quality stadiums. Fishing is still a major way of life for many residents, and the city has also expanded to include some light industry including textiles plants and food production facilities.

The focus on the fishing and seafood industry has brought the Fiesta Nacional del Mar to the city (the National Sea Festival) which takes place every December and is the official opening to the summer months in the country.

The city is also home to an increasing number of popular festivals and regular cultural events including film festivals, fashion shows, theater events and sporting events such as the Mar del Plata Marathon.

For visitors to the city there is a seemingly endless variety of options in accommodations. From luxury suites to affordable single rooms the city makes it easy to find a comfortable and satisfying place to stay.

The Patagonia, Argentina

The Andes mountain range shows its beauty in the Patagonian provinces. From Puerto Montt in Chile to Ushuaia at the tip of Argentina, the Patagonian region has spectacular landscapes, a relaxed rural lifestyle, and welcoming towns. You can travel to the Lakes District by flying to Puerto Montt or Bariloche in Argentina and do the Lake Crossing between the two towns to see the volcanoes and colorful lakes. Don’t miss the Torres Del Paine National Park, home of the dynamic Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world’s most impressive icefields. Millennial silent forests with native vegetable species are extended along the shores of glistening waters. On top of the mountains, nature overflows with granite peaks and ice fields spreading their glacier tongues into lakes of unsurpassable beauty. Imposing mammals and sea birds, half-way between real life and fantasy, spend certain seasons on the rough coasts of Patagonia where they complete part of their life cycle. Seals colonies play on the islets and sandbanks. The world’s most important southern elephant seal continental colony is located in Peninsula Valdés. Every year, southern right whales come to Nuevo and San José gulfs to breed. Patagonian hares, “ñandúes” (South American ostrich), and “guanacos” run about the steppes, and the largest colony of Magellanic penguins in the world is located in Punta Tombo. This life cycle repeated since time immemorial, unfolds itself in front of the astonished visitors’ eyes. In the south, Tierra del Fuego and the World’s southernmost city, Ushuaia, are the gateway towards the vast and mysterious Antarctica.

Pampas & Sierras

Some of the most important cities in Argentina are situated in this region: Buenos Aires, La Plata, Cordoba, Rosario, and Santa Rosa. The Pampas is perhaps the best-known region in Argentina. The bare mention of its name is enough to bring forth a feeling of legend, mystery and infinitude. It is a word of Quechua origin meaning “treeless plain”. As a matter of fact, most of its surface is composed by vast grasslands and crops where the image of the “gaucho” is still present in the mores inherited by countrymen. There is very little vegetation that is native to the pampas. The only tree that grew here as an authoctonous species is the “omb?”. The main city in the region is Buenos Aires, “la Reina del Plata” (the Queen of the River, as the tango lyrics go), also known as the “Paris of the South.” Enjoy the magnificent European architecture and dining, nightlife, and dancing, specifically the romantic tango. Wander through the vibrant neighborhood of La Boca, and enjoy the excellent shopping in the neighborhood of San Telmo. Undoubtedly starting point for any itinerary within Argentina. However, there are some other very important cities such as Cordoba and Rosario because of their population and cultural patrimony.

Northeast – Litoral

The region bordering Brazil and Paraguay is a region of large rivers, humid tropics, red earth, magnificent forest, a virgin forest full of huge trees and extraordinary flora and fauna. Great Waters – “Iguazú” in the Guaraní language – overflowing into one of the world’s wonders: the Iguazú Falls. A scenery of exuberant beauty spreading along the Iguazú National Park, Saltos del Moconá (Moconá Falls), Río Pilcomayo National Park, El Palmar National Park, Esteros del Iberá (Iberá Swamps), or the Chaco plains. Apotheosis of Nature, where the Jesuit ruins, declared World Heritage by the UNESCO, are a vivid testimony of the Society of Jesus’ fruitful wor

North Argentina

Argentina’s northern provinces feature traces of Pre-Columbian cultures, mingled with ruins of natives’ villages, as well as forts and constructions dating back to the time of the Conquest and colonization. Time seems to stand still in the high plateau of the Puna, a land full of mountain ranges, steep mountain paths, and gorges. Villages have been built in the small valleys. Multi-coloured and monochromatic hills covered with huge cactuses on the slopes surround the village. This region offers landscapes full of contrast for tourists to enjoy, from the high peaks to the plains, the salt pans, and the subtropical rain forests, where Latin American culture took root.

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