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 in the foothills of Argentina’s Andes Mountain Range, Mendoza has a rich gastronomic heritage, and produces some of Argentina’s most exceptional wines and olive oil. Gourmands can participate in tours and tastings at the many wineries and sample delicious local cuisine at the laid-back cafes. The city also boasts a number of historic attractions, most notably the Museo Fundacional which displays the town’s progress through human evolution, and the Museo Historico General San Martin which honours Jose de San Martin, the general who liberated Argentina from the Spanish. Other highlights include: charming, well-kept parks; bustling, fountain-adorned plazas; and the opportunity for picturesque hiking, skiing and rafting in the nearby Andes. Several exquisite churches and art-deco architecture add to the town’s landscape.
The name Mendoza is synonymous with wine. Surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful Andean scenery, the Mendoza Wine Region is known for its vast vineyards, a wide variety of exceptional wines, and spectacularly majestic scenery. The landscape features desert terrain and mountain vistas interspersed with lush Visitors can look forward to sampling the regions vast selection of world-famous, award-winning vintages including a variety of malbecs at an endless array of fantastic wineries. Other popular activities include: white-water rafting, rock-climbing, skiing, horse riding and other adventures in the nearby Andes. Don’t miss the opportunity to hike several magnificent peaks on the Cordon del Plata reaching over 6000 metres above sea level and take on the highest peak in the Americas, Mt Aconcagua.
As previously described
Resting in the foothills of the Andes in western Argentina, Potrerillos is a district of the Luján de Cuyo Department in the province of Mendoza. The district features some exceptional natural scenery and serves as a popular eco-tourism destination with a range of outdoor activities on offer including canoeing, hiking, fishing, white-water rafting, windsurfing, kayaking, and camping. The lovely Mendoza River meanders past the eastern edge of the town of Potrerillos and discharges into the exquisite trout-filled Potrerillos Dam. The banks of this dam and river are fringed by an array of cabins and inns, providing a peaceful retreat away from the city of Mendoza which lies only 60 km to the south. Must-see sights of the surrounding area include: the small but charming Vallecitos ski resort and the healing hot spring waters of Cacheuta.
Uspallata is an Andean settlement located in Argentina's Mendoza Province, close to the Chilean border. The town is set at an altitude of 6,690 feet above sea level and surrounded by desert mountains and a petrified forest. Places of interest in Uspallata include the ruins of the Paramillos Mines, the 17th-century kilns which are shaped like eggs and a small museum.
As previously described
Los Penitentes lies in west-central Argentina near the Chilean border. This resort, about 180 kilometres from Mendoza, offers outdoor lovers some wonderful activities and natural sights. Ski season (July and August) at Los Penitentes provides visitors with a range of amenities, from a ski school to learn the basics to a Snow Garden where children can be minded while their parents hit the slopes and a range of accommodation options and restaurants. Meanwhile, in summer (December to March) visitors can take the lift up to the peaks for walking, and active travellers should head to Aconcagua Provincial Park for trekking and climbing, as well as to view Aconcagua (the highest peak in the Andes) – though note that permits are required. Finally, be sure to make reservations as the resort fills up quickly over peak season.
