Argentina is located in the southern extreme of South America. With a continental extension of 2,791,810 km2, (including South Atlantic Islands and part of Antarctica), Argentina is the second largest country in South America and the eighth in the world.
Including the Antarctic Sector, Argentina claims a total area of 3.761.274 km2. It is some 1425 Km across at its widest from east to west and stretches 3.800 Km from the north to the south.
It is bound by Bolivia and Paraguay in the north, Brazil, Uruguay and the Atlantic Ocean on the east, and by the Atlantic Ocean and Chile on the west and south.
The name Argentina comes from the Latin term “argentum”, which means silver. The origin of this name goes back to the first voyages made by the Spanish conquerors to the Río de la Plata.
The survivors of the shipwrecked expedition mounted by Juan Díaz de Solís found indigenous people in the region who gave them silver objects as presents.
The news about the legendary Sierra del Plata - a mountain rich in silver - reached Spain around 1524. As from this date, the Portuguese named the river of Solís, Río de la Plata (River of Silver).
Two years later the Spanish used the same name.
Ranging from balmy subtropical reaches in the north, to the frosty Antarctic shores of the Patagonian south, Argentina is one of the world’s most geographically diverse countries. Its kaleidoscope of landscapes offer myriad adventure and leisure opportunities, and this natural variety – coupled with its warm, animated locals, delectable carnivorous cuisine and fascinating history – make it a captivating and unforgettable travel destination. Whether you’re most likely to be spellbound by the spectacular torrents of Iguazu Falls, the sprawling ski slopes of Bariloche, the vibrant capital of Buenos Aires, or the age-old Inca city of Humahuaca, Argentina has something to delight and mesmerise even the most seasoned explorer.
Argentina’s capital is a thriving portside metropolis defined by a rich history, vibrant culture and strong European influence, with the result that it’s sometimes called 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.
The Argentinian Lake District’s most popular destination, San Carlos de Bariloche, commonly called Bariloche, is a city for all seasons. It features a setting second to none – stretching along a glacial lake shoreline, surrounded by a national park in Argentina’s pristine Patagonia region. The region offers myriad activities and leisure opportunities: whether you want to go skiing, hiking, fly-fishing, or simply kick back and indulge in an epicurean feast, it’s all there for the taking. The city's numerous cafés and chocolate shops are a delight to explore by day; while after sunset, the city lights up with bars and nightclubs, where locals and visitors can dance the night away. Don't miss the opportunity to view the unique Swiss alpine-style architecture and discover the spectacular surrounding Andes Mountains.
Resting at the confluence of the Parana and Iguazu rivers, Puerto Iguazu is a charming tourist city that serves as the gateway to Iguazu Falls on the Argentinian side of the border. It is surrounded by red rocky landscape interspersed with verdant forest inhabited by abundant wildlife. The city is a popular tourist destination and draws visitors from around the globe to visit the Iguazu National Park and its breathtaking waterfalls. Visitors can also explore the spectacularly scenic surroundings through a variety of activities including: jumping on one of the many tours on offer, enjoying an array of outdoor activities, visiting the Guira Oga - 'The House of Birds', and soaking up the views from the Hito de las Tres Fronteras, a magnificent natural park.
As previously described
Located in southwest Mendoza, along the beautiful Tunuyan River, the Uco Valley is renowned for its world-class Argentinian wine. Fringed by the magnificent Andean Mountain Range, this viticultural area is popular among tourists following the renowned Argentina Wine Route. The valley is considered one of the top wine regions in Argentina. The main reason visitors frequent this spectacular valley is to soak up the surrounding natural beauty and to sample an array of delicious wines in the foothills of the Andes. Popular varieties produced in Uco Valley include: Semillon, Malbec, Bonarda, Barbera as well as Merlot and Pinot Noir. Visitors can spend leisurely days with a glass of wine in hand, soaking up the incredibly breathtaking views.
