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.
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.
Sarmiento is a town in the province of Chubut in southeast Argentina. Lying between the lakes of Musters and Colhue Huapi, within a fertile valley in an otherwise arid region, Sarmiento has some interesting cultural sights and unique near-lying outdoor attractions. In town, there are a range of accommodation and restaurant options and the guided tour at the Parque Paleontologico – a theme park featuring dinosaur replicas – is a recommended family excursion. Active travellers will find tourist offices near the lakes (which provide detailed information about the fishing and water sports available), while the Petrified Forest Jose Ormachea will interest nature lovers. This arid area used to be densely wooded, as evidenced by fossilised logs strewn across the landscape. Finally, visit the Painted Hands Cave (featuring aboriginal paintings) and get permission to explore the volcanic Sarazola Caves (located on private property).
Situated in beautiful Patagonia - known as one of the last wild places on earth - Patagonia National Park lies in the spectacular Chacabuco Valley. Once an overgrazed sheep and cattle ranch, it has been transformed into a magnificent sanctuary protecting a biodiverse ecosystem. The breathtaking landscape is characterised by Patagonian steppe and majestic glaciated peaks, inhabited by rare and endangered endemic wildlife. The park offers ample accommodation for visitors in its lovely lodge and well-equipped campgrounds. Commonly spotted wildlife include guanacos (llama), huemul, pink Chilean flamingos and an array of other wildlife. Popular activities are hiking, scenic drives, boating, fly fishing, mountain biking, and excellent bird watching.
The Argentine section of Southern Patagonia is a phenomenal place where sheep outnumber humans at the end of the world. It is known for its icy windswept landscapes, vast expanses of remote empty Patagonian Steppe and diverse wildlife. This scenic remote landscape is home to the region’s top highlights: the Torres del Paine National Park which spills over into Chile and the Los Glaciares National Park, which both feature deep fjords, snow-dusted mountains, expansive glaciers and ancient forests. Visitors to this area can enjoy some of the most beautiful natural attractions in the world including: the annual rendezvous of the Southern Right Whale at the rugged Peninsula Valdes and the stunning Patagonian Ice Fields boasting colossal glaciers. Popular activities include: hiking, camping, whale watching, mountaineering, climbing and horse riding.
