Argentina Travel Guide

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Argentina is a land of infinitely enchanting landscapes, from the Andes' snow-capped peaks to the dusty plains of Patagonia. Whether exploring the lush rainforest of Missiones, horse riding in the scorched red mountains of Salta, trekking the evergreen forests of the Lake District or playing the gaucho in the fertile Pampas, Argentina provides wonderful, boundless adventures.

At the heart of all this is the capital, Buenos Aires: a contemporary city that is bursting with energy. While the spirit of the tango thrives, and gaucho heritage is much-celebrated, modern Argentina is more cosmopolitan in its outlook than many South American countries.

Despite a dark period of military dictatorship and several economic crises, the Argentines have a lust for life that is infectious; this passion shines through in the nation's three great loves: football, food and partying. Visitors to Argentina easily get into the swing of things, bringing back long-lasting memories of fine wines, enormous steaks, and extraordinary landscapes.

Geography

Argentina is situated in South America, separated from Chile to the west by the long spine of the Andes. Its eastern border is the Atlantic Ocean, with Uruguay, Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazil to the north and northeast. It can roughly be divided into four main geographical areas: the spectacular Andes mountain range, the dry North along with the more verdant Mesopotamia, the lush plains of the Pampas and the windswept wastes of Patagonia. Mount Aconcagua soars almost 7,000m (23,000ft) and waterfalls at Iguazú stretch around a massive semi-circle, thundering 70m (230ft) to the bed of the Paraná River. In the southwest is the Argentine Lake District with a string of beautiful glacial lakes framed by snow-covered mountains.