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.
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.
Situated in the Misiones Province of Argentina, in the beautiful Iguazu Department, the Iguaza National Park is a phenomenal wonderland of natural beauty and ecological importance. At the centre of the Paranaense Rainforest, the majestic Iguazu Falls tumble in a display of 275 cascades, and constitute one of the largest waterfalls in the world, earning it a classification as one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of Nature’. The entire park has been recognised as a UNESCO site, due to the falls as well as its abundance of important (and often endangered) flora and fauna. Look out for colourful butterflies, numerous wild cat species, and rare, threatened animals such as the jaguar, yacare caiman, and tapir. Thrill-seekers can take part in white river rafting, while those seeking more leisurely pursuits can take in the views from the park’s excellent restaurant.
Foz do Iguacu is an important Brazilian town within the state of Parana, set close to the three-way border between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Explore the incredible natural wonders of the UNESCO-listed Iguazu National Park, which offers the chance to see not only the enormous cascading waterfalls (one of the largest in the world) but also numerous rare and endangered plants and animals. At the Bird Park, see bright and beautiful winged species. Marvel at the architecture, atmosphere and sacred ceremonies at the Buddhist Temple and Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Mosque. Delve into local heritage by attending the mesmerising Ipora Show, a celebration of culture through story, song and dance. Other highlights include the Three Borders Landmark, Itaipu Dam, and Dreamland Wax Museum.
An enticing mix of historical architecture, picturesque views and sprawling vineyards await travellers to Salta, located in the lovely Lerma Valley in the Andean foothills. Simply wandering through the streets of the central city area will take you past a variety of impressive 18th and 19th-century buildings, including the neoclassical Cathedral of Salta, the ornate Church of Saint Francis and the Museum of High Mountain Archaeology – housing a collection of ancient Inca relics. Other popular attractions are the area’s array of exceptional wineries, and the panoramic views over the region visitors from the top of San Bernado Hill.
The ochre cliffs of the Cerro de los Siete Colores (The Hill of Seven Colours) form a magical backdrop to this charming rural village. The colourful layers have been formed over 600 million years by the accumulated deposits of sea, lake and river sediments. The unmistakeable image of the village against these multi-hued mountains can be found on postcards across the country. Every day there is a vibrant market in the central square, where locals and tourists can purchase clay pots, woven goods and handicrafts. Don’t miss a visit to the village church, Iglesia de Santa Rosa de Lima, which was declared a national monument in 1941.
The small mining town of San Antonio de los Cobres is located in the Andean puna (highlands) province of Salta in northwest Argentina. Though it is home to some charming adobe (mud brick) buildings, San Antonio de Los Cobres is a curious destination in that its chief attraction lies in the rail trip it requires to access the town. The Tren a las Nubes (‘Train to the Clouds’) is the third-highest railway line in the world and is one of the provinces of Salta’s most unforgettable travel experiences. These day trips offer spectacular Andean scenery, and an exciting ride as the train passes over 29 bridges and through 21 tunnels from the city of Salta to the La Polvorilla Viaduct.
Encompassing the provinces of Catamarca, Jujuy, La Rioja, Salta, Santiago del Estero and Tucumán, Northwest Argentina covers some impressive landscapes. The region’s awe-inspiring scenery is characterised by fertile valleys, majestic Andean mountains, tropical jungles, red-rock canyons and mountain passes. Visitors can look forward to driving through the unrivalled beauty of Quebrada de las Conchas, exploring the quaint colonial towns and discovering an array of popular destinations, including the majestic Quebrada de Humahuaca Valley. Other highlights include the wine-producing Cafayate Calchaquí Valley, the mountain town of Tafí del Valle, as well as many vibrant cities.
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Located in northern Argentina and flanking the Rio Grande River, the UNESCO-listed Quebrada de Humahuaca is a narrow mountain valley known for its mesmerising rock formations and its indigenous Quechuan villages. The Hill of the Seven Colours (Cerro de los Siete Colores) is a rainbow masterpiece, while the limestone formation called Serrania de Hornocal presents a sculpture of triangular-shaped striped rockfaces. The desert valley holds evidence of life dating back 10, 000 years, from early hunter-gatherer tribes to pre-Hispanic communities, Incan culture, Spanish colonizers, and into the 20th century. The villages of Quebradea are filled with ancestral roots, as the indigenous peoples of the area still practise the same rites, festivals, art, music and agricultural techniques as they did hundreds of years ago, making this a unique place to experience traditional culture firsthand.
Resting in the picturesque of Quebrada de Humahuaca valley, the enchanting town of Tilcara is set in the Jujuy Province in northern Argentina. It is known for its rich traditions, scenic landscapes and delicious cuisine. Explore the steep streets lined with earth-and-straw brick buildings, or visit the pre-Hispanic Pucara Ruins, the Sculptures Museum, and a fascinating Carnival Museum. Other activities in and around the city include caravanning with lamas, visiting the local botanical gardens, and meandering along the Garganta del Diablo, an imposing waterfall in the Huasamayo River. Don’t miss a visit to the Dr Eduardo Casanova Archaeological Museum and the incredible Jose. A. Terry Museum to see superb paintings of local life.
