Argentina offers visitors some of the greatest backdrops in which to enjoy a number of sports and recreational activities. From June to September, you can ski the great mountains in the Andes. The country offers a smorgasbord of things to do including hiking, biking, fishing, glacier climbing, and whale-watching, all of which can be easily arranged through a host of reputable tour operators.
A visit to Buenos Aries can be enjoyed any time of the year. This city offers everything from luxury shopping to unusual museums, graveyard tours to ultra-chic nightclubs. If urban life isn’t for you, why not try your hand at being a gaucho cowboy? It’s not exactly a luxurious experience, but watching the sun go down while sitting round an open fire in the Argentine wilderness has a certain appeal.
Commonly called the Paris of the South, Buenos Aries is internationally known for its impressive boulevards, outdoor cafés, and historical sites. Being such a diverse city, this is usually the first place visitors go before exploring anywhere else. The cobblestone streets, boutiques and shops all radiate old world charm and guided tours of Buenos Aries are available through Citytours.com and Buenosaires-tours.com.
Learn to tango and experience the passion that this dance evokes. Invented by the working class population of Buenos Aries in the early 1800s, the tango has become a global phenomenon and is a staple in Argentine society. It’s sexy, addictive and schools are virtually everywhere – especially in the capital.. Classes can be arranged through truetango.com or tejastango.com.
From June through September, visitors by the thousands flock to Argentina for world-class skiing in the Andes. All the resorts are located in the western part of the country, which requires a two- or three-hour flight from Buenos Aires and then ground transportation to the slopes. Argentina has two big downhill resorts, Cerro Catedral in Bariloche and Las Lenas in Mendoza, and a dozen smaller options. Customized ski tours can be booked by Andes Ski Tours.
One of the great natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Iguazu Falls are situated on Argentina’s border with Brazil and Paraguay. Spread in a horseshoe shape over nearly two miles of the Iguazu River, Iguazu Falls are the result of a volcanic eruption which caused a massive crack in the earth. During the rainy season of November to March, the flow of water over the falls may reach up to 450,000 cubic feet. Tours can be arranged through Buenosaries-tours.com.
Another of Argentina’s well-kept secrets, the fascinating landscape of Perito Moreno Glacier can be witnessed on a full day excursion from El Calafate. Explore glacier streams, lagoons, gullies, crevasses, and spectacular ice formations on this unique South American experience. Learn about the different flora, fauna, and general glaciology of the region, as well as the unusual phenomena that is unique to Perito Moreno. Contact Patagonia-Argentina Tours or Argentina4U for more information.
Patagonia is one of the most isolated and most beautiful places on the planet, and it’s one of Argentina’s best attractions. It also has the most southerly city in the world, Ushuaia, which is the gateway to Antarctica and a great place to find cheap, last-minute cruises to the white continent. There is an array of hiking, driving and sightseeing in the area, and visitors can enjoy the many lakes and meadowlands that make Patagonia such a unique ecosystem without ever coming into contact with another tourist. Guide operators include Patagonia-Argentina Tours and Adventure-Life Tours.
The picturesque city of Mendoza, in the foothills of the Andes, is right at the heart of Argentina’s famous wine country. This area, commonly known as Argentina’s Napa or Sonoma valley, is where visitors can enjoy the best wines the nation has to offer. A colorful Incan Bridge, vibrant plazas, and the Western Hemisphere’s tallest peak near Mendoza – Aconcagua, are highlights. Tours can be arranged through WinesOfArgentina.