Situated on Argentina’s stunning Rio de la Plata coast, Buenos Aires is a thriving portside capital defined by a rich history, vibrant culture, and strong European influence - thus nicknamed the Paris of South America. Countless museums covering a cornucopia of subjects; an active theatre culture; carnivorous buffets second to none; sensuous tango performances; a mosaic of architecture; and shops to fit all fancies – all these facets and more make up the seductive blend that is Buenos Aires. Some of the city’s highlights include the buzz of the La Bombonera Stadium; tango and milonga venues like the Bohemian La Catedral; and heritage architecture such as that at the Cementerio de la Recoleta, where visitors can wander through a ‘city’ of massive statues and marble mausoleums. Don’t miss the International Festival of Independent Cinema and the vibrant annual Pride Parade.
Stretching along the wide lip of the Nuevo Gulf, Argentina’s Puerto Madryn offers spectacular ocean views, a vibrant restaurant culture, and an array of outdoor sports. A variety of beaches to beckon to holidaymakers, including the town beach, lined by bars and often hosting concerts; the pristine El Doradillo where visitors can spot whales; and the quiet Playa Parana pebble beach. Seals, dolphins and whales flourish in the waters, and can be seen in a variety of ways: from the shore, as part of boat tours to islands, or up close as part of scuba-diving expeditions. The many adventure sports on offer here include kayaking, boating, diving, kiteboarding, windsurfing, water skiing, hiking, sandboarding and cycling.An abundance of superb restaurants serve traditional Argentine cuisine like steak or lamb, as well as fantastic seafood and Italian dishes.
A sweeping expanse of 360 000 hectares on the Atlantic Coast just off central Argentina, UNESCO-listed Peninsula Valdes is an arid and barren landscape connected to the mainland by the narrow isthmus of Carlos Ameghino. The terrain may be harsh, but its shores and protected ocean bays support a profusion of marine life, a key breeding site for the endangered southern right whale, as well as the southern elephant seal, southern sea lion and Magellan penguin. In addition to gulfs and rocky cliffs of up to 100 metres in height, there are shallow bays and shifting coastal lagoons with extensive mudflats, sandy and pebble beaches, and small islands.
Situated in Argentinian Patagonia, the region known as ‘Atlantic Patagonia’ is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. The remarkable landscape is characterised by magnificent fjords, glittering bays and secluded inlets meeting the lowlands of the Pampas. This spectacularly scenic area is home to the famed Valdes Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its marine life, in particular for the orcas that beach themselves to hunt sea lions. This wild Patagonian coastal area offers visitors an abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities. Other popular activities include swimming at the pristine northern Las Grutas Beach and diving in the crystal-clear waters of Argentina’s diving capital, Puerto Madryn. Don’t miss the Cabo Dos Bahias Nature Reserve inhabited by an enormous penguin colony and countless birds, sea lions, and walruses.
Situated deep in Patagonia’s snow-capped vistas, on the southern shore of Lake Argentino, El Calafate has become a key stopover for travellers headed to nearby Los Glaciares National Park. This icy wonderland is best known as the home of spectacular Perito Moreno glacier – a massive, shifting ice cap composed of dozens of smaller glaciers. Take a glacier tour, a helicopter ride, or a 4x4 excursion; hike and boat to your heart’s content; or visit one of the traditional ‘ranchos’ (estancias) to learn more about local culture (another great spot for this is the Centro de Interpretacíon Historico). A wonderful selection of restaurants and boutiques adds appeal; make sure to try the ‘alfajores’ cookies. Drink vodka, watch a movie, and learn all about ice at the impressive Glaciarium.
Situated in the Austral Andes in the Santa Cruz Province of southwest Argentina, the Los Glaciares National Park is known for its magnificent natural beauty. Glacial lakes, towering mountains and majestic glaciers merge to create an awe-inspiring spectacle of nature. It is the largest national park in the country, stretching over 7000 square kilometres. This UNESCO World Heritage site features a sprawling collection of spectacularly beautiful glaciers. Perito Moreno, one of the most famous glaciers because of its dynamic changes, can be seen in the southern area of the park; whilst granite peaks and forests characterise the northern area of this world-renowned park. Visitors can explore the mountain village of El Chalten, soak up the dramatic views of the glaciers with their calving ice falls into Lake Argentino, and discover the various types of Andean-Patagonian Forest, Patagonian Steppe and unique high-altitude vegetation blanketing the landscape.
Known for its spectacular beauty, Torres Del Paine National Park is a rich biosphere reserve in Chile’s Patagonian region. The park stretches over 242 000 hectares of magnificent landscape, featuring snow-capped mountains, ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, golden grasslands and several lakes that attract a variety of water birds. Three iconic granite pillars of the Torres del Paine tower over the landscape of emerald forests and the impossibly blue lake. Travellers may be able to spot the endemic guanaco llama, Andean condor, foxes, cougars, guanacos, Chilean Huemul, and around 15 birds of prey. Neighbouring Bernardo O'Higgins National Park to the west and the Los Glaciares National Park to the north, Torres Del Paine is the perfect place for extended trips in the Chilean wild.
