Patagonia Argentina

PATAGONIA

This region is composed by the provinces of Chubut, Neuquen, Rio Negro, Santa Cruz and Tierra del Fuego, in each of them we will encounter landscapes of incredible beauty.  This region has 3 sectors: Southern Lake District The lake district gathers a set of unbelievable beautiful National Parks and its surroundings. Vast extensions of virgin woods, deep crystal-clear water lakes and the snowed peaks of the Andes are woven in an exceptionally attractive landscape that changes as the seasons go by. In winter, the mountains dress in white making ski an unavoidable passion. The scenic map of this district includes three major areas: San Martín de los Andes with its Lanín National Park, in Neuquén; San Carlos de Bariloche with its Nahuel Huapi National Park, in Río Negro; and finally El Bolsón with its Lake Puelo National Park, along with Esquel with its Los Alerces National Park, in Chubut. Central Patagonia The history of the evolution of the earth left its traces on this so special strip of land that extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Andes. Its rugged coasts outlined by several gulfs, bays, estuaries and cliffs that plunge into the green waters of the Argentine Sea form an exceptionally beautiful natural reserve of invaluable species. The following species must be protected in order to safeguard its survival: Southern Right Whales, Sea Elephants and Sea Lions, Magellan Penguins, and countless marine bird species. But also the steppe counts on amazing autochthonous species such as guanacos and ‘ñandues’ (or rheas). A land of legend where millenary petrified woods, marine fossils outstanding for having been found so far away from the sea, relics of prehistoric plants and animals, bluish glaciers formed by the patient labor of the centuries up in the high Andean peaks, and ancient rupestrian paintings. Southern Patagonia The southern extreme of Patagonia offers tourist resources unique in the world. A land of legends that many audacious spirits in the world have dreamt to travel. A land rather bleak, barren, inhabited only by those who have accepted to challenge of loneliness and the only company of nature at its best. Due to its geographical position, it is exposed to strong winds, which is proven by its low constructions and the lack of vegetation in the cities, whose only trees grow bent following the wind direction and are thus called ‘flag-trees’ for the shape they adopt. ‘Los Glaciares National Park’ heads the long list of sites that, passing by the mythical Tierra del Fuego and the Islands of the Southern Atlantic Ocean, ends in the captivating ‘white continent’: Antarctica. The main cities of this region are: Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world and El Calafate, the gateway to an impressive land of glaciers

How to Prepare for a Argentina Vacation

One of the things anyone would surely look forward to after burying their heads in work for more than a year or so is a week-long vacation. Imagine getting that chance to do all the things you had wanted to do in a long time like immersing in myriads of water activities, enjoying the sun, viewing scenic spots, and other similarly exciting adventures. Bear in mind, however, preparations for any vacation should be made way ahead of schedule so that any possible glitches would be minimized.

Among the very first things that you should do a month or two before your planned trip is to settle on a vacation destination. Search the internet for popular vacation destinations and select at least three. Remember that some of these tourist destinations may be out of the country and so it is important to familiarize yourself with these places by doing some online research. Try to have a comparison and select the one that have numerous attractions, an adequate transportation and accommodation, and the highest level of tourist satisfaction.

Check with your local travel agency if they provide service to your selected destination. Ask them about accommodation and transportation rates and see if they can make reservations on your behalf. Seek their advice on the best time to travel to your preferred destination. Do not forget to ask if they offer any tour packages since this is usually the most hassle-free option. If you will be traveling to Argentina, for instance, try to check the best time and method to get there.

Try also to seek additional inputs from your friends or relatives who have been to that place and are familiar with Argentina attractions. Remember that your vacation should be a time well-spent. In order to do that, you have to experience everything that Argentina has to offer and so any information that would be helpful to you should be noted.

You must also bear in mind that during the peak season, there would be a lot of Argentina tourists like you. This is why it is always a good idea to confirm your travel package at least a three days before you board the plane or ship to check if everything, especially your accommodations, are in order.

Having that week-long vacation and have the chance to finally see the countless Argentina attractions can truly be very exciting. Preparing for such trip in advance would guarantee a gratifying holiday which would surely recharge your tired body.

Places to See when on a Vacation in Argentina

Spending your vacation in another country is truly a rewarding and meaningful experience. There is nothing more relaxing than spending your time abroad away from the entire stressful environment in the office. You also get the chance to immerse yourself in the culture of the country you are visiting and at the same time, enjoy all the wonderful things it has to offer you.

Some of the best travel destinations include countries which enjoy a temperate climate like those found in South America. One such place which could offer you a truly tranquil and wonderful vacation is the country of Argentina. You will certainly discover a lot of things that would surely make you fall in love with that place. Argentineans are well known for their warmth and hospitality, particularly to foreign visitors and would always try to assist you with almost anything.

There are many things to see and do in Argentina. You can join a cultural tour in Buenos Aires and enjoy works of art in its numerous museums, monuments and old districts. You can also visit Patagonia and be mesmerized by both lush and petrified forests, its enormous glaciers, and colossal mountain ranges. Resistencia in Argentina is another interesting place that you may want to visit particularly if you have a soft spot for art. This is where the famous woodcarving contest takes place. You will definitely get to enjoy the carvings and sculptures that dot the city, making it a truly delightful experience for artists like you.

Another famous place in Argentina which you would really love to have your vacation is in Mar del Plata. You will get to enjoy this truly wonderful Argentina beach resort which spans for several miles long. Accommodation is not a problem since the beach is fully developed and dotted with lots of places where you can stay.

If you are the type who would like to spend the day under the sun and have enjoyable moments in one of the city’s bars, then this Argentina beach is definitely the place for you. With a wide variety of water activities that you would be able to do, you will never have any dull moments.

There are many other Argentina attractions that you would surely enjoy. There is the renowned International Film Festival, an event that attracts filmmakers around the world, and the Carnival del Pais which happens two weeks before Lenten celebration. Visiting Argentina during these seasons would surely liven up your vacation, making it more enjoyable.

What You Need to Know About Argentina

You have been working for over a year without letup and now you feel the need to give yourself a break by going on a week-long holiday. You decided to spend it in Argentina where the weather condition, combined with beautiful beaches and mountain ranges, allows you to indulge in a number of invigorating outdoor and water activities.

Argentina is a lovely country encompassing the southeastern tip of South America. It is actually the eight largest country in the world based on its land area. Argentina is a place where natural assets like spectacular waterfalls, petrified and lush forests, and humongous glacier formations abound. Its rich cultural heritage and varied character made Argentina one of the premier destinations of tourists from around the world.

Transportation and tourist accommodation in Argentina is never a problem. In fact, it boasts as one of those countries that enjoy highly advanced road networks and arteries with plenty of taxis and other mode of transportation. There are a lot of hotels where you can stay while you are on vacation in Argentina. You can either choose to rent a suite in one of the premier hotels overlooking the waterfront or opt for those which offer low rates, albeit, these are located a little farther away from popular destination points and scenic spots.

Buenos Aires is the capital and the largest of Argentina cities. Being the capital city, it usually has the highest number of tourists. This picturesque city is home to a number of iconic landmarks, monuments, museums, and historical districts. Once there, you would have the chance to participate in a cultural tour which would take you through the glorious past of Argentina.

Other popular Argentina cities and destinations include the Puerto Iguazu, where the majestic and world renowned Iguazu Falls is found, the Glaciers National Park, located in Santa Cruz Province within the Argentinean Patagonia, and the Valdes Peninsula in the Province of Chubut where you would be able to witness whales and dolphins frolic in the water.

These tourist destinations are merely the tip of the iceberg in terms of what Argentina can offer you. When you make that Argentina trip, you will certainly discover more, where you will find places to enjoy fantastic art, serene mountain ranges, and water sports. The best way to discover Argentina is to spend your week-long vacation there. You will never regret it.

The Famous Perito Moreno Glacier

Departing from Puerto Bajo de la Sombra, we will arrive at the glacier where we will begin by navigating the Rico Arm. On the way, pass in front of the wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier. Here you can appreciate the imposing glacier and the height of its massive walls.

You will also be given the chance to visit the footbridge in front of the glacier. At the Mirador (or footbridge) enjoy a magnificent view of the glacier, an unforgettable moment.

The glacier advances on the waters of the lake, until reaching the opposite shore. The rupture of the glacier is a spectacular process that begins as the glacier advances to the front of the peninsula of Magallanes until forming a natural dike of ice. This formation obstructs the drainage of the water from the Rico Arm to the Channel of the Témpanos.

As the waters of the Rio Arm exert pressure on the wall of the glacier a tube of ice is formed that allows for water flow between the basins and lakes again.

Finally this tunnel collapses. This event can last from 1 to 2 days and offers a spectacular show of singular beauty. Once it is complete, two basins obstruct the channel and the whole process begins again.

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Dove Hunting Argentina Thrills

Need to find a perfect place for dove hunting? Cordoba is one of the exciting cities to visit with its wide dove hunting spots. Whether you are new to hunting or a veteran in the field, this place will definitely satisfy your desire.

Cordoba is a great and historical city near the geographical center of Argentina. The city was founded by Jerónimo Luis de Cabrera, who coined the name after Córdoba, Spain on July 6, 1573. It was one of the first Spanish colonial capitals of Argentina and made famous for its dry white wines and olive oil. Not only that, the place continues to provide the best dove and pigeon hunting spots in the world.

Dove hunting in Cordoba was started by a Spanish businessman, Paco Riestra, who himself is a passionate hunter. He manages 2 of the most popular lodges in the area, the Estancia La Macarena, Corboda’s oldest and most recognized hunting lodges, located just 90 minutes from the Cordoba International airport, which has 5 rooms wherein 3 of which are suite rooms and Estancia El Rocio suitable for foreign guests and hunters.

In Estancia El Rocio, regular rooms as well as their suite rooms are fully equipped with amenities to make a wonderful stay. Guests are pampered with their delicious dishes and swimming pools that are surrounded by trees. For those light travelers specifically those who do not want to bring with them their shot guns, the lodges offer them clean and well-maintained 12 & 20 gauge Beretta’s and Benelli’s.

Dove hunting doesn’t go with the season. Anytime of the year visitors can go hunting because of the abundance of doves of different varieties all throughout the year. It is estimated that the numbers of dove ranges from 18,000,000 to 20,000,000 on the 4,000 acre private fenced, Los Chanares Ranch. Anyone interested to come and visit the place would find it easy since there are daily flights going to Cordoba from Buenos Aires and Santiago Chile. Flights arrive at mid morning giving more time for travelers especially dove hunters to discover the place.

There are a number of shooting areas exceptionally made for new and experienced hunters. They are well-organized by the director of hunting depending on the shooters capability. Most hunters, may it be new or experienced could easily shoot for an estimate of 1,000 rounds per day.

It takes short drives in coming to the area as most shooting fields are near the lodges. It is very accessible giving visitors more time to unwind and enjoy their food and refreshing swimming pool.

Doves in Cordoba have different kinds. There is the Mourning Dove which reproduction only occurs once a year. Another type is the Golden Eared Dove which reproduces 5-6 times in a year and lays about 3-5 eggs per nest. This massive reproduction of doves disturbed farmers in Cordoba as they would lose about 40% of their crops which includes corn, milo, sorghum, and wheat. Thus, they very much welcome dove hunters in their place to help them lessen the dove population.

So, are you just going to read stories about Cordoba? Or, would you rather experience this once in a lifetime adventure?

Eating in Buenos Aires on $30 a Day

With an exchange rate of 3 pesos per dollar, Argentina is certainly a deal for the American tourist and the nomadic Yankee traveler.  However, because inflation here is on the go-go-go, prices are on the rise, and it is not the dirt-cheap cosmopolitan metropolis it once was.  However, it is still very possible to live a good life in Buenos Aires for relatively few American dollars; it is just that now, things such as eating cheaply require a little planning, which can even make things more fun.  Who knows, your quest to find cheap eateries may even lead you to new culinary discoveries.

 

As an American now making pesos as an English teacher in Buenos Aires, and also as an American with a never-ending appetite, I have searched high and low for the cheapest way to culinary delight.  Let’s start with breakfast.  When my boyfriend and I first arrived in Buenos Aires, we had dollars, and were frequenting cafés in the Recoletta, Barrio Norte, and Palermo neighborhoods for café con leche and croissants or fresh fruit.  Soon, though, these rendezvous began to take a toll on our finances; Recoletta and Palermo are chic barrios that are soft on the eyes, but no so soft on the wallet.  Our morning coffees & fruit were beginning to cost us about 30 pesos a day, with the café con leche itself costing 7 pesos each. 

 

After we moved to San Telmo, we discovered the joy of café con leche for 3 pesos.  These cheap cups of joe can be found at any number of the corner Ma & Pa-run cafés that dot the streets of this barrio, as well as the neighboring Montserrat and San Cristobal neighborhoods.  Often for 4 or 5 pesos, you can get a café con leche, a glass of orange juice and a little chaser of sparkling water, as well as a basket full of medialunas, croissants encased in a sugary glaze.  Delicioso.  And affordable.

 

A few hours after one’s memorable date with a croissant and coffee, it is already time for another date, this time with lunch.  Lunch at a restaurant gets unexpectedly pricey, as such things as bottled water can be sold for upwards near 7 pesos a pop, with tap water being virtually unattainable in any café.  The most economic way to have lunch in Buenos Aires is to go to a grocery store and plop down with your goods for a picnic, the good old fashioned way.  It is cheap, and a great way to learn the layout of the land, and to do some people watching while you’re at it. 

 

Grocery stores–supermercadeos or autoservicios in Spanish—come a dime a dozen per street.  No matter which one you choose, it will certainly have logs of salami hanging from the deli counter.  The salami here is scrumptious, juicy and full of spice and flavor.  You must buy one.  Sliced and topped with a hunk of fresh mozzarella cheese makes it a perfect picnic snack.  On your way to check out at the store, grab a bottle of Quilmes to wash down your salami and cheese.  I guarantee a liter will not cost you more than 3 pesos. 

 

After you’ve got your goods, you will not find any shortages of plazas or small green spaces.  I specifically recommend the river-front in Puerto Madero.  The picnic benches overlooking the water make it a primo-picnic spot on a sunny day.  However, any plaza will do just as well, from Plaza de Mayo to Plaza Italia to Plaza Evita.  Bring out the meat and cheese, crack open the beer, and there you have it, a muy affordable bon appétit.  

 

After a day like this, of maybe cutting back here and there, it is time to get excited for dinner.  Dinner in Buenos Aires is a late affair, usually taking place around 10 pm.  It is never rushed; this meal is as much for the social aspect as it is for the nutrient aspect.  And the dinner menu in Buenos Aires is truly mouth-watering.

 

As I’m sure you have heard, the steak in this city is something to write home about.  The city is filled with parillas, or steak restaurants, that serve tender and juicy servings of red meat cooked to perfection.  It would be a crime to visit the Paris of the South without trying a parilla.  Just like the café con leche, parilla lines the city, but the most affordable ones are found in the San Telmo, Montserrat, and San Cristobal areas. 

 

My other favorite food in Buenos Aires is the pizza. I know, I know, coming from the US you want to try something exotic.  But trust me, the pizza here seems exotic compared to what we are used to.  The mozzarella cheese is softer in Argentina than in the States, which is not always a good thing, but when we are talking about being melted on top of a delicious focaccia-style crust, the softer the better.  Toppings range from green olives to shrimp to thick pieces of salami to fresh leaves of basil.  It is not the cheese soaked, grease drenched pizza of home (that don’t get me wrong, is sometimes just what you need).  In Argentina, it is the barely greasy, fluffy, and delicately flavored pizza pies that must not go uneaten when one is in Buenos Aires.  Please, at my insistence, order a grande and enjoy.

 

And there you have it, an affordable and highly edible three meals in Buenos Aires.  Remember to top everything off with a glass, or two or three or four, of famous Argentine Malbec, and your day will truly be complete.

Visiting Cordoba

The second largest city in the country of Argentina is the city of Cordoba. Established in the fourteenth century, and home to one of the first universities on the continent, today Cordoba is called “la docta” for its many educational opportunities. During the 1950s the city faced industrialization programs led by the government, which has left it today as a leader in the motor vehicle and software industries as well.

 

Visitors to the city can view many of the city’s well preserved buildings dating from the 1600s, though the industrialization period did expose some structures to the affects and interference of modern architecture and construction. Luckily entire blocks are now under preservation and protection and the city continues to retain its beautiful and antique charm.

 

In additions to the dozens of historic buildings open to the public, there are also numerous museums, some belonging to the colleges and universities that fill the city, and others simply focusing on a specific subject or collection. There are currently museums of modern art, historic Latin American Indian collections, science museums devoted to the prehistory of the continent as well as the other sciences. There are technology museums dedicated to the industrial focus of the city as well as those educating children about technology. The history museums of the city could easily fill a few days’ itineraries and include everything from art history, to coin collections and a review of Cordoba’s fascinating past.

 

Because the city was built for scholarly pursuits there remain many green and open spaces where the pace and noise of a thriving city can be easily escaped. The two million residents of Cordoba have over twelve large gardens and public parks to visit. Some regularly stage craft or artisan fairs, and some make all sorts of family activities available each weekend.

 

Additionally, because Cordoba is still a college town it offers fantastic cultural venues both day and night. There are many excellent theaters and clubs, including annual festivals in the theater and cinematic arts. There are some major sporting events held in the stadiums built by some of the universities and regularly scheduled games take place throughout the year.

The Unique History of La Plata

Argentina is home to some fairly large cities, and most with several hundred years of history behind them. These include the extremely sophisticated Buenos Aires as well as the college city of Cordoba. The third largest city in the country of Argentina is La Plata. While it is now over two hundred years old, the entire city was created using modern concepts in design, urban planning, and was even photographed throughout its construction.

The governor of the region, Dardo Rocha, decided to create a new city meant to serve the needs of provincial government institutions and a new university. Pedro Benoit was then hired to design the new city. He did so by developing it around an urban center – La Plata has a city center with two main, intersecting avenues that run along a diagonal. All other streets are built along a grid of six blocks by six block patterns which meet at small parks.

Rocha effectively created the design using standards of the day, and to take it even further opened up the architectural design of the main city buildings to an international competition. This is the reason today that the city has such a cosmopolitan appeal – its city hall was won by the German designers, who had their own European influences, and the Governor’s Palace was created by an Italian firm with concepts of their own.

La Plata is the home to some other unique “firsts”. In addition to being the first city on the South American continent designed by urban planners, it was the first city to install electricity throughout the entire town – as early as 1884 the streets of La Plata were lit by electric lighting.

It is also home to the largest church in the country – the Cathedral of La Plata. The city also contains one of the only two buildings designed by Le Corbusier (a Swiss architect known for his contributions to Modern Architecture) in the Americas – the Curutchet House was fully restored in the 1980s and is a national landmark of Argentina.

Clearly, any visitor to La Plata has a great deal to see and do. The many parks are lined with Linden trees, the streets are full of interesting shops and restaurants, and the University is known for its remarkable observatory and paleontology museums.

When planning a visit to the well designed city a traveler can count on a wide range of accommodation choices. In order to enjoy a great deal of savings in time and money visit HotelsCombined.com, where both a room and flight reservations can be made with a few clicks of the mouse!

The Sophistication of Buenos Aires

The capital city of Argentina is the remarkable Buenos Aires. Divided into an astounding forty eight districts it also contains one of the most diverse populations on the continent. With a total of around fourteen million citizens, that also makes it one of the most populated places in the world.

Many people choose to relocate to the city because of its open minded atmosphere of acceptance, which is one of the reasons the city has such a thriving gay tourism industry, as well as an open and readily accepted gay community.

In addition to its friendly and hospitable atmosphere, Buenos Aires is also one of the finest places in the world for those who like to walk, dine, shop, learn, dance or explore a new city. Buenos Aires is home to some of the largest parks in the country, including the promenade in the Palermo district of the city and the La Boca area of the city which boasts an enormous arts and crafts community.

If a more unique walking experience is desired, braver tourists visit the Cementerio de la Recoleta where the wealthiest residents bury their dead. The crypts are palaces in their own right, and the cemetery is populated by a staggeringly large community of friendly calico cats. A famous resident of the cemetery is Eva Peron, who was considered a leader of the people until her death at the age of thirty three.

The city is also well known for its love of the dance known as the Tango, which is the national dance of Argentina. Most visitors are encouraged to visit a “Milonga” in order to experience a true Tango dance. Traditional Milongas will be advertised in the local media and it is a good idea to plan on attending one, they are held in late in the evenings or during special matinee performances. In general, the population is happy to help teach newcomers some steps and some of the basic guidelines of the Tango, but if more formal training is desired there are an ample number of schools and dance academies available.

The city is also popular with shoppers who come for specialty crafts, such as “gaucho” or cowboy items made from leather, traditional baked goods, Tango shoes, and many other regional products.

When planning a trip to Buenos Aires a great deal of time and money can be saved by a quick visit to HotelsCombined.com. The site offers exclusive combination rates to those who book their airfare and accommodations together. Some of the finest hotels in the city can be found when looking through the listings at the web site.

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