Argentina Travel Guide

Mountaineering

Argentina is a favored destination for serious mountain climbers, most intent on conquering one of the highest peaks in the world, Aconcagua, west of Mendoza. Other challenging climbs in the country are the Fitzroy Range in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares in Santa Cruz province, and the Sierra de la Fentana. Official climbing season runs from 15 November to 15 March. Aconcagua can be climbed safely only by well-equipped teams who are in excellent physical shape, experienced, and led by expert guides. The various routes up the mountain offer all kinds of technical climbing challenges on rock, ice and snow.

Trekking

Argentina, with its infinite variety of landscapes and geographic zones, provides plenty of opportunities for those who like to take on nature up close and on foot. Northern Argentina offers unique desert landscapes, lush subtropical rainforest and of course the thunderous Iguazu Falls, on the border with Brazil. To the south, trekkers are greeted with the awe-inspiring scenery of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Treks are often combined with cruises through colorful port towns, verdant fjords, and rugged, glacier-topped mountains. The natural beauty of Argentina offers some of the best trekking in the world and numerous tour operators organize expeditions throughout the country.

Rafting

Argentina offers some wonderful white-water rafting opportunities, ranging from grade 2 through to 4, offering exciting rides through magnificent scenery. One of the most popular routes is on the turbulent Rio Mendoza, cutting through mountain gorges, and on the Rio Manso through the southern part of the Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi. The town of Esquel is also used as a base for rafters wishing to tackle Chile's renowned Rio Futaleufu, with its Grade 5 rapids. Numerous operators offer day trips.

Tango

Tango emerged from a set of social conditions in Buenos Aires in the 1800s. In those early days it spoke of the hardship, pain and loneliness of the European immigrants who'd left their families and loved ones behind in search of a better life. This seemed elusive for the majority of the male immigrant population who lived mainly on the shores of the Riachuelo and in the impoverished neighborhoods of southern Buenos Aires. Tango lyrics arose from the mournful love songs and melancholic moments of these times, and with it a dance that expressed much of these sentiments. Men danced with men, and then prostitutes gradually provided the female quota, and so the dance evolved. The Argentine upper classes distanced themselves from the dance because of its associations and it was only after World War II that things changed. Its transformation in the eyes of the elite came about with its celebration on the dance floors of the Parisian ballrooms. Buenos Aires thus gave birth to a dance that has captured the popular imagination of fellow tango dancers around the world. It is the penultimate experience for any tango lover to watch the passion, lust, beauty and melancholy of the dance being performed on the streets and in the tango halls of its inception.

Fishing

Fishing in Argentina is appealing to anglers of all types. Beginners to experts, spinners and fly-fishers are all like fish here: when they catch the Argentina bug, they're hooked. Argentina has a huge variety of fishing destinations. Patagonia makes for the best fly-fishing. Lower and deeper rivers are best suited for spinning and trolling. The Atlantic coast makes for innumerable sea fishing destinations. Each region has different fishing seasons but in general the best time to visit is in summer. Visitors should be careful to choose where their fishing trip is as regions have different fishing regulations for the different species.

The Dorado, known for its fighting spirit and beautiful golden color, is the country's most prized fish. Sharing a conquistador's thirst for gold, fishermen are infatuated with its size and lustre. These beauties can be battled throughout the country's various terrains. Argentina's trout are equally versatile. Salmon were artificially introduced to the country for sport fishing and now thrive in its mountain streams.

Wedding and Honeymoon

Argentina is a fantastic destination for a wedding and honeymoon abroad. From beautiful Buenos Aires and the open plains of La Pampas to the southern glaciers or the tropical jungles of the north, this outstanding country has so much to offer romantic wedding or honeymoon couples. There are numerous wedding and honeymoon locations, ranging from plush hotels and resorts to private villas. While Argentina has fairly good weather for most of the year, the best time for a wedding or honeymoon is probably from March to November.

Wedding and Honeymoon things to see and do

There are many things to see and do while in Argentina for a wedding or honeymoon. Explore San Telmo in Buenos Aires, a bohemian artists' quarter where the tango was born. It is also home to La Boca, where Diego Maradona hails from. In the north, couples might enjoy the colonial splendor of Córdoba, or the inherent power of the Iguazú Falls. Tierra del Fuego, in the south, is a place of gorgeous scenery including serene lakes, snow-capped mountains and beechwood forests. Mountaineering, trekking and rafting are just some of the adventures a couple in Argentina might like to experience together.

Argentina Wedding Formalities

In Argentina a legal marriage cannot be performed for foreigners, but couples are welcome to get married at home and then celebrate their matrimony with an Exchange of Vows in the Argentine venue of their choice.

Horse Riding

In this nation where a game on horseback ( pato) is the national sport, and gauchos(cowboys) still ranch the land, going horse riding is a must for visitors wanting to get a feel for the beautiful landscapes, culture and traditions.

Embark on a horseback ride across the mountains, woods, beaches and streams of Argentina, an activity for all ages and abilities. There are guided rides across this beautiful country's diverse terrain and most guides will give riders a brief theory lesson before departure. Compliant criollo horses, saddled in comfortable long-haul tack, are generally used for these excursions.

Riding in north Argentina's Iguazú region, along paths only accessible on horseback, visitors can enjoy the sounds and sights of the rainforest. The Mendoza Province, at the foot of the Andes, is another great horse riding destination. Here, beautiful San Isidro is one of the favorites, as are the aljibes(cisterns) of the Huarpe settlements and the Laguna del Diamante Lake. At the Boquerón Hacienda in Tierra del Fuego, guests can enjoy an authentic Argentine ranching experience. Visit Equitoursfor more details.