Argentina

Argentina is a country in South America, situated between the Andes in the west and the southern Atlantic Ocean in the east and south. It is bordered by Paraguay and Bolivia in the north, Brazil and Uruguay in the northeast, and Chile in the west and south. It also claims the British overseas territories of the Falkland Islands (known in Spanish as the Islas Malvinas) and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. Under the name of Argentine Antarctica, it claims around 1,000,000 km² of Antarctica, overlapping other claims by Chile and the United Kingdom.

The area of present Argentina was sparsely populated until it was colonized by Europeans. The Diaguita lived in northwestern Argentina on the edge of the expanding Inca Empire; the Guaraní lived farther east. Europeans arrived in 1502. Spain established a permanent colony on the site of Buenos Aires in 1580, and the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata in 1776. Independence from Spain was declared on July 9, 1816. Centralist and federationist groups were in conflict, until national unity was established and the constitution promulgated in 1853.

Foreign investment and immigration from Europe aided the introduction of modern agricultural techniques and integration of Argentina into the world economy in the late 19th century. In the 1880s the "Conquest of the Desert" subdued or exterminated the remaining native tribes throughout Patagonia. From 1880 to 1930 Argentina became one of the ten wealthiest nations. Conservative forces dominated Argentine politics until 1916, when their traditional rivals, the Radicals, won control of the government. The military forced Hipólito Yrigoyen from power in 1930 leading to another decade of Conservative rule.

Political change led to the presidency of Juan Perón in 1946, which aimed at empowering the working class and greatly expanded the number of unionised workers. The Revolución Libertadora of 1955 deposed him. In the 1950s and 1960s, military and civilian administrations traded power. When military governments failed to revive the economy and suppress escalating terrorism in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the way was open for Perón's return to the presidency in 1973, with his third wife, María Estela Isabel Martínez de Perón, as Vice President.

During this period, extremists on the left and right carried out terrorist acts with a frequency that threatened public order. Perón died in 1974. His wife succeeded him in office, but a military coup removed her from office in 1976, and the armed forces formally exercised power through a junta in charge of the self-appointed National Reorganization Process, until 1983. The armed forces repressed opposition using harsh illegal measures (the "Dirty War"); thousands of dissidents were "disappeared", while the SIDE cooperated with DINA and other South American intelligence agencies in Operation Condor. Economic problems, charges of corruption, public revulsion in the face of human rights abuses and, finally, the country's 1982 defeat in the Falklands War discredited the Argentine military regime.

Democracy was restored in 1983. Raúl Alfonsín's Radical government took steps intending to account for the "disappeared", establishing civilian control of the armed forces and consolidating democratic institutions. Failure to resolve endemic economic problems and an inability to maintain public confidence caused his early departure. President Carlos Menem imposed peso-dollar fixed exchange rate in 1991 to stop hyperinflation, and adopted far-reaching market-based policies, dismantling protectionist barriers and business regulations, and implementing a privatization program. These reforms contributed to significant increases in investment and growth with stable prices through most of the 1990s. The Menem and de la Rúa administrations faced diminished competitiveness of exports, massive imports which damaged national industry and reduced employment, chronic fiscal and trade deficits, and the contagion of several economic crises.

The Asian financial crisis in 1998 precipitated an outflow of capital that mushroomed into a recession, which led to a total freezing of the bank accounts (the corralito), and culminated in a financial panic in November 2001. Next month, amidst bloody riots, President de la Rúa resigned. Several new presidents followed in quick succession. Argentina defaulted on its international debt obligations. The peso's almost 12-year-old link with the dollar was abandoned, resulting in massive currency depreciation and inflation, in turn triggering a spike in unemployment and poverty. In 2003, Néstor Kirchner became the president, and started implementing new policies based on re-industrialization, import substitution, increased exports, consistent fiscal surplus, and high exchange rate.

Area: 3,761,274 km²

Population: 39,538,000

Capital: Buenos Aires

Language: Spanish

Religion: Most of Argentina's population is at least nominally Roman Catholic (80%). Evangelical churches number more than 3.5 million or 10%. The country also has the largest Jewish population in Latin America, about 300,000 strong, and is home to one of the largest Islamic mosques in Latin America. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) number over 330,300, the seventh largest concentration in the world. Traditional Protestant communities are also present.

Currency: Peso (ars)

Government: Democratic Republic

Buenos Aires: 12,046,799

Córdoba: 1,368,301

Rosario: 1,161,188

Mendoza: 848,660

San Miguel de Tucumán: 738,479

La Plata: 694,253

Mar del Plata: 541,733

Salta: 468,583

Santa Fe: 454,238

San Juan: 421,640

Resistencia: 359,590

Santiago del Estero: 327,974

Corrientes: 316,782

Neuquén: 291,041

Posadas: 279,961

San Salvador de Jujuy: 278,336

Bahía Blanca: 274,509

Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is one of the most European cities in South America. It is a very stylish city with many interesting buildings from the nineteenth century. It is also known as the South American Paris for its architecture and style. Don't miss the neighborhood of San Telmo, a run-down but appealing area halfway between midtown and the south end of the city. It is comparable to New York's Greenwich Village. Cobblestone streets here are rich with early 19th-century colonial architecture and mansions once inhabited by upper-class Spaniards.

If you are looking for some entertainment, Buenos Aires is your best choice. Many discos, a casino, plenty of bars... The night has no end in Buenos Aires. There are countless things to see and do in this passionate city including San Telmo, el Teatro Colon, La Casa Rosada, Plaza de Mayo.

Mendoza
Mendoza is the most important city of the West of Argentina. Set at the foot of the Andes mountains at an altitude of 760 meters, it is only 200 km from Santiago in Chile. The city was founded in 1561, and although this is not an Earthquake free zone, there are quite a few historic buildings of interest in the centre. The Ruinas de San Francisco mission in the Ciudad Vieja, the Museo Fundacional and the Parque San Martin are main attraction in town. On saturdays you should visit the Plaza Espana, where a artisans market is held. For a cup of coffee, choose on of the sidewalks terraces on Avenida San Martin. Around Mendoza there are many wineries one can visit.

Salta
Salta is located in the Lerma valley in a mountainous region in the North-West of Argentina. The town has quite a few nice colonial mansions and churches and is a good base for exploring the region. The city centre is small enough to explore on foot. To Plaza 9 de Julio is the real centre of town, and here you find the Cathedral dating back to the 1850-ies and the Cabildo. East of the centre is the Cerro San Bernardo which can be reached by cable car (spanish: teleferico - depart from Parque San Martin) and from which you get a great view over the city. The small suburb or San Lorenzo is a good destination for a short excursion (20 minutes away, AR$9 by taxi) - stroll in the park or go further into the forest on one of the many hiking trails that start there; go on a horseback ride up the hill to get a great view of Salta, or simply walk around this very nice neighborhood to see the the colonial-style houses the rich Saltenos live in. From Salta, there is a variety of excursions that will take you up in the mountains for fantastic views. On Avenida Buenos Aires, one block south of Plaza 9 de Julio, you will find several agencies providing 1-day, 2-day, 3-day or even 4-day excursions / trekkings (recommended: MoviTrack - excellent service and great fun). Go to Cachi (West) for one day to see landscapes reminiscent of the desert of Arizona, Cafayate (South) for breath-taking rock formations, or Jujuy (North) for a trip into the rainforest. The main attraction in Salta is the Tren A Las Nubes (train to the clouds). This 15-hour train ride (only runs on saturdays) takes you to 4,200 m of altitude, to the large viaduct La Polvorilla and the small Indian village of San Antonio de Los Cobres. Tour guides on the train will tell you a lot of interesting information during the ride; Indian artisans will sell you hand-made alpaca sweaters for US$8; and folk bands will play traditional music on the way back. The ride is long (especially the last 2 hours, after nightfall) and a bit pricey, but WELL WORTH IT. The scenery will take your breath away.

Bariloche
Bariloche is well known as a posh ski resort in the Argentinian Andes. But the town has a lot more to offer than just ski slopes. There is a great National Park nearby, and there are many hiking, biking, rafting and other outdoor activities waiting for you. Every season in Bariloche has its own special charm. Winter brings the excitement of skiing and the graduate trips that arrive in May or June. Fishing tackle in November, long, hot days in summer and crowded chocolate shops at Easter are typical of the changing seasons. Bariloche's tourist area is located near the Centro Cívico, with the main shopping and business area centered on Mitre street, and to a lesser extent, Moreno and intersecting streets. There are chocolate factories, shops selling smoked food and knitted garments, restaurants and fast food outlets, tourist agencies, shows, and everything else that a first-class tourist resort can offer. Parapointing is available from the top of the ski resort during the summer months. Jumping off a mountain on a parachute is quite a thrill. Horseback riding and extensive trails are also available in the area.

Tucuman Argentina offers so much in one country - snow, waterfalls, countryside, large cities. It's because of this that they call it the land of five continents. Tucuman is part of the fifth - the desert. Although the desert may not conjure images of beauty for all, las sierras de Tucuman (the hills of Tucuman) certainly are quite spectacular. A bus ride will take you out of the city, and over to the hills - a barren, isolated area that is sparsely populated. The top of the hills offer a spectacular view of the few animals that survive up here, cactus', more hills and at some points the city layed out far below. There are particular places where tourist buses will stop and it is here that the Argentineans come to sell their native goods. These include cute things such as jewellery, flutes, dolls and other small souvenirs. Some may also offer tricks and games and may ask tourists to make a bet to see if they can beat them. If you decide to do this be careful!!!! They are tricky, and if you avert your eyes for a second or even blink, they will beat you!

Deep in the hills you will find las ruinas de los Quilmes (the ruins of the Quilmes Indians). It is here that the Quilmes had their homes, their village, which was later destoryed. The ruins remain and you can walk around the stone walls which once separated houses, streets and other facilities. It is fascinating to walk through an area that was home to a people thousands of years ago. If you remain here until sunset you will have a fantastic view of the sun setting behind the mountain miles away and the open plain in front of you slowly descending into darkness. Although the city itself isn't amazing, it does have it's interesting aspects. These include the government house which is lit up at night with hundereds of light bulbs. Tours of the goverment building can also be taken.

Rosario
Rosario's main claim to fame is the fact that it was the birthplace of Che Guevara - the apartment building Entre Rios 480 can be visited. The city is located some 300 km upstream form Buenos Aires on the west bank of the Parana. It is one of the economic powerhouses of the Pampas. The centre of town is the area around the Plaza 25 de Mayo and the pedestrianized streets of San Martin and Cordoba - great for shopping. The main attractions in town include a few Museums (Historico Provincial, de la Ciudad, Bellas Artes) and the Monumento nacional de la Bandera.

Iguazu although commercialized and touristy, the Iguazu falls are definitely worth a visit. They are located on the border between Brazil and Argentina, and can be reached from both sides as well as from Paraguay. Legend attributes their origin to the anger of a god who lost the girl he loved. When you look down the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's throat) you will believe that there is some truth in this story. Iguazu falls are the second largest in the world after Victoria Falls in Africa and are deservedly one of the seventh wonders of the world. Their height isn't as inspiring as is their length - the falls seem to go on and on in the distance. When the water level of the river is high, the whole ridge is almost covered in the huge expanse of water poring over. At other times, when the river level is lower, the amount of water is less and trees are rocks jump out from the fall wall providing a beautiful break in the water. There are multiple approaches to the falls, both from above and below. At some points you can get so close that you will feel the spray from the falls on your face. The Iguazu falls is formed at the edge of a volcanic flow where the rock suddenly changed hardness and wore away. What's sad is there was a second, even larger, fall that was destroyed when the river was dammed. Besides the falls, you can enjoy a walk through the bush where you will be delighted with sights of monkeys and tucans playing in the forest. For those who would like to see the falls from both sides, it is only a short taxi ride across the border to Brazil. It is suggested that the Brazil side should be seen first, as, although stunning, is not quite as awesome as the Argentinian side, and this way leaves the best until last. You should give yourselves at least half a day on each side and preferably more.

La Rioja
La Rioja, the capital of the province with the same name is located in the west of Argentina, close to the border with Chile. The city is set at the foot of Velasco mountains and it is an excellent base for exploring the valleys, mountains, rivers and narrow passes of the region. Nice detail: notorious ex-president of Argentina, Carlos Menem, is from La Rioja and used to govern this province for many years.

Cordoba
Ask any Argentinean about their favorite part of the country and many will respond: the province of Cordoba. This region, in the centre of the country and about 800 km from the capital Buenos Aires, is known to be a hot spot for those who want to enjoy pure, rough nature. Mountains, rivers, lakes, forest, you can find everything in Cordoba. Surrounded by nature you will also find famous villages like for example Villa Carlos Paz, Mina Clavero, Villa General Belgrano and San Marcos Sierra.

Esquina Corrientes
Corrientes has “Paye” says the popular saying from the area. Paye in the land of the ancient Guaranies means majesty, the legend says whoever visits Corrientes falls in love completely. Posada hambare is exactly like that, it’s a place where you’ll fall in love and you’ll never forget it. It is the best place to perceive fluvial essence of the Mesopotamia. The place is unique for its nature and its environment; it is located in front of the Corriente’s River giving the most spectacular view from the house. That River begins at the Esteros del Ibera and ends up by the Esquina’s port, crossing by unexplored landscapes fulfilling by its beauty along its way, making the River become the only in the world that does not have villages or small towns in its way until its end at Parana’s River. Esquina is a very old fishermen’s town and it still exist a doubt about its time of foundation. It seems a place taken from time, with its traditional streets and pass ways decorated by the famous trees of lapachos. Its church, its houses and its warm-hearted people clearly show the influence from the Spaniards and Italians. Posada hambare is an ideal place for a perfect holiday, it is a place that allows you to do absolutely everything; such as relaxing, enjoying and simply fascinating yourself. It is the place where you’ll live the majesty of “Paye”.

Tandil
Tandil is a nice town to visit, the setting is beautiful with the Sierras de Tandil as being the highest mountains of the province of Buenos Aires and the Atlantic Ocean at not too far distance.

Argentine cuisine is distinct from that of the rest of Latin America by the characteristic influx of two great European traditions: Italian and Spanish cuisine. Beyond these there is the influence of native American cuisine. Among the native influences one must note those of Andean origin (including Quechua and Mapuche as well as many others) and those of Amazonic origin (such as the Guaraní). Given the importance of Italian, Spanish and even Near East influx, the typical Argentine diet is a continuation what is often called the Mediterranean diet. Another determining factor of Argentine cuisine is that Argentina is one of the world's major food producers, including wheat, maize, meat (especially beef), milk, and since the 1970s, also soybeans. The large production of red meat makes it a common part of the Argentine diet (in many periods of Argentine history the annual consumption of red meat has been above 100 kg per capita, and in the 19th century, consumption neared 180 kg per capita). Similarly, the huge size of the production of wheat have made white (wheat flour) bread the most commonly found on the table, and explains the success of certain Italian dishes based on it.

Besides the regional differences which are mentioned in this article, there exist at least two others which are important in understanding Argentine cuisine: The first distinguishes a cuisine that is essentially urban (highly influenced by the "globalization" of cuisine and its customs) from a rural one, which is more traditional and occasionally, more 'folkloric'. The other distinction is made on the basis of socioeconomic criteria. Typical foods Argentines are famous for their high protein diet, particularly beef. Grilled meat (parrilla) from the asado is a staple, with steak and beef ribs especially common. Chorizo, morcilla, chinchulines, mollejas, and other parts of the animal are enjoyed. In Patagonia, lamb and chivito — goat — are eaten more than beef. Whole lambs and goats can be seen on the asado. Chimichurri, a sauce of herbs and chili, is usually the only seasoning for steak and chorizo. Fideos and other Italian dishes are features of Argentine cuisine Breaded and fried meat — milanesas — are used as snacks, in sandwiches or eaten warm with mashed potatoes — puré. Empanadas — pastries of meat, cheese, sweet corn and a hundred other varieties — are a common sight for parties, starters and picnics across Argentina.

Vegetables and salads are important too for Argentines, even beyond the fried or mashed potato. Tomatoes, onions, lettuce, eggplants, squashes and zucchini are common sides. Just as much as beef, Italian staples, such as pizza and al dente pasta, are eaten. It is said that Buenos Aires has more pizzerias than Rome. Fideos, ñoquis, ravioles and canelones can be bought freshly made on every block in Buenos Aires. Italian-style ice cream is made in huge parlors, with even drive-thru places offering hundreds of flavors to satisfy this national obsession. In Chubut, the Welsh community is known for their teahouses, with scones and Torta Galesa, rather like Bara Brith. Sandwiches de miga are delicate sandwiches made with crust less buttered white bread, very thinly sliced cured meat and cheese and leaf lettuce. They are often purchased from entrepreneurial home cooks and consumed with a Quilmes beer for a light evening meal. Maize features in pre-Columbian Argentine cuisine In the provinces, food is less European and more influenced by pre-Columbian and colonial traditions, with maize, beans, pumpkins and chilies making more appearances, whereas in Buenos Aires, even black pepper has been shunned. Locro is a spicy stew of white maize, often with pumpkin and sausage. Pucheros (stews) and cazuelas (casserikes) reflect a blend of Amerindian and Spanish cuisines. The sweet paste, Dulce de leche is another national obsession, used to fill cakes and pancakes, spread over toasted bread for breakfast or as an ice cream flavor. Alfajores are shortbread cookies sandwiched together with dulce de leche or a fruit paste. The "policeman's" or "truck driver's" sweet is cheese with quince paste or dulce de membrillo. Dulce de batata is made of sweet potato / yam: this with cheese is the Martin Fierro's sweet. Fruits of Argentina are delicious, and their quinces, apples, pears, peaches, kiwifruits, avocados and plums are major exports.

A traditional drink of Argentina is a tea-like drink called yerba mate or mate. The dried leaves and twigs are placed in a small cup, also called mate, usually made from a gourd, but also bone or horn. The drink is sipped through a metal or cane straw called a bombilla. Mate can be sweetened with sugar, or flavored with aromatic herbs or dried orange peel, to hide its strong bitter flavor, although this a less traditional method, looked at unkindly by seasoned drinkers, as the added flavors may remain in the gourd and influence later mates. Hot water is poured into the gourd at near-boiling point so as to not burn the herb and spoil the flavor. This action is called cebando el mate, and is considered an important social ritual. At family or small social gatherings, the group may share one mate, with the host preparing the mate to the preference of each guest. When one guest is finished, the mate is returned to the host, who will then prepare a mate for another guest. Mate cocido is the same leaf, which rather than brewed, is boiled and served, as coffee or tea, with milk or sugar to taste. Other typical drinks include wine (occasionally mixed with soda water); tea and coffee are equally important. 'Quilmes' is the national brand of lager, named after the town Quilmes where it was first produced.

Skiing
The season is June to October, with the best conditions in July and August. The main resorts are Catedral at Bariloche in Río Negro, Chapelco at San Martín de los Andes and Cerro Bayo at Villa la Angostura in Neuquén, Las Leñas in Mendoza Province and La Hoya at Esquel in Chubut Province.

Mountain climbing
You’re spoilt for choice - see the section on National Parks. The highest, Mount Aconcagua (6995m) is a good preparation for ascents of Everest. For non climbers there's a 25 mile trek to base camp at Plaza de Mulas starting from Puente del Inca where there's a climbers' cemetery.

Wildlife watching
The wildlife sanctuary at the Peninsula Valdes nature reserve in Chubut Province is the place to see whales, sea lions, elephant seals and penguins; the best time for whales is August to December. The nearby bird sanctuary Isla de los Pájaros is home to cormorants, flamingos and egrets. All the national parks have their wildlife specialty from wild chinchillas to puma.

Mountain biking and rafting
Lots of mountains and rivers mean masses of opportunities to do both. White water rafting is often close to the ski resorts and includes the Río Hua Hum and Río Meliquina near San Martín de los Andes; Río Limay and Río Manso near Bariloche and the Río Mendoza. The Sierras de Córdoba are particularly popular for biking with their mild climate and good network of roads and tracks. A railway experience The Tren a las Nubes, Train to the Clouds, is one of the world's great rides. The Tango?Buenos Aires is full of Salones de baile, or tango salons. The most famous are in San Telmo where you can watch traditional Argentine tango danced or learn for yourself.

Argentina Golfing Guide
Argentina has a great number of challenging golf courses situated in some of the most picturesque places in the world. Whether you make golf you main activity in Argentina or you just take one afternoon to play a round of golf, golfing is a pleasure in Argentina.

Fishing
The lake region in Patagonia is famous for the best fly fishing in the world. There are also a number of fishing possibilities well worth considering near Buenos Aires and in other regions of Argentina.

Horseback Riding
Argentina has a rich Gaucho, or cowboy, culture. The horseback riding in Argentina is excellent and a number of ranches offer unforgettable day trips and tours.

Biking
From urban bike tours in Buenos Aires to mountain biking in the Andes, Argentina has excellent biking facilities for every level and taste.

Argentine Spectator and National Sports
Argentina has produced a number of sports icons and some of the leagues and teams that play in Argentina are world famous. Here you will find information on all the major sports of today and yester-year.

Iguazu
2 days, 1 night
Day 1: Arrive in Puerto Iguazú, and transfer to the National Park Visitor Centre. Take the little train to the causeways and passerelles that link the tiny basalt islands and cross the myriad streams as they cascade over the lip of the precipice. Continue to Devil’s Throat Station and to the 1,100m causeway that leads you to the spectacular Garganta del Diablo. The rising mist can be seen from a distance and the din increases as you approach the vantage point and peer into the thundering vortex below. Be prepared for the clouds of soaking mist driven up from the abyss. Transfer to hotel.

Day 2: Half day excursion to the Brazilian side of the falls, from where you will have a panoramic view of the whole sweep of the cataracts: 70m high and 2.7km long, then transfer to Puerto Iguazú airport.

Mendoza Wine Region
3 days, 2 nights
Day 1: Arrive in Mendoza airport, and transfer to hotel.

Day 2: Morning excursion to an acclaimed winery in the region, for full appreciation of the excellence of fine Argentine wine.

Day 3: Drive westwards to the wall of the Andes, passing the Puente del Inca - a huge natural stone bridge - climbing up the Uspallata Valley, with views (in clear weather) of the western hemisphere’s highest peak - Aconcagua (6,959m). The road uses the old railway tunnel, then snakes down past the ski resort of El Portillo, to arrive late afternoon in Chile’s cosmopolitan capital, Santiago.

Patagonian Icecaps
4 days, 3 nights
Day 1: Arrive in El Calafate on the shores of Lago Argentino, a glacier-fed lake whose turquoise waters reflect the Andes in the distance.

Day 2: Full day excursion by road to Perito Moreno Glacier - you feel you can get close enough to touch the 65m high wall of ice - though in reality it’s 50m away. It’s an awesome sight. Return to El Calafate in the afternoon.

Day 3: Drive to Puerto Bandera to board the comfortable catamaran, and cruise along the lake - passing deep blue icebergs on the way - towards the Upsala and other glaciers. The boat moors for lunch, giving you an opportunity to walk through a fairytale forest, whose twisted trunks and boughs are festooned with moss, to the frozen Lake Onelli. If the weather holds this is amongst the most memorable trips on the continent. Return to El Calafate in the evening.

Day 4: Transfer to El Calafate airport.

Tierra del Fuego
3 days, 2 nights
Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, and transfer to hotel.

Day 2: Half day excursion to the Lapataia National Park - a world of deep sea inlets, fjords and forested hills. In the late afternoon, board the catamaran for a cruise along the Beagle Channel, Return to hotel in the evening.

Day 3: Transfer to airport.

Darwin’s Rhea
Day 1: Depart your hometown.

Days 2-4: Arrive in Buenos Aires in the morning. At leisure, including a tour of this sophisticated and elegant city, with its seductive belle époque architecture, historic plazas and colourful port district. Evening visit to a tango show.

Days 5&6: Fly to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, fronting the Beagle Channel. This busy little port lies in the shadow of a striking chain of jagged mountains, one of which hosts a ski slope. Excursion to Tierra del Fuego Glacial Fjord National Park. The unique vegetation of this park enhances the beauty of its mountains, lakes, creeks and gorges. Shared catamaran trip down the Beagle Channel, with the opportunity (in season) to spot sealions, penguins or even dolphins and whales.

Day 7: Fly to El Calafate, a small tourist resort on the shores of the turquoise waters of Lago Argentino, on the edge of the Los Glaciares National Park.

Day 8: Full day excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier. Here the Patagonian icecap extends to form a glacial dam across the lake. There are purpose-built walkways on the hillside facing the ice wall, which enable you to see the glacier close up from different vantage points.

Day 9: Full day shared excursion by catamaran on glacial Lago Argentino. The destination is the Upsala Glacier, which is fed by the Patagonian icecap, though how close you will get is dependent on the number and size of the icebergs on the lake.

Day 10: Drive across the tawny Patagonian steppes to Chile - either to Puerto Natales or to Torres del Paine.

Days 11-13: Exploring the Torres del Paine National Park. The scale of the Park’s features is staggering - sheer granite rock walls with soaring pinnacles, skyscraper high glaciers and mint green lakes dotted with icebergs the size of battleships. You stay at one of the several lodges or hotels inside or on the edge of the park.

Day 14: Drive to Punta Arenas (5hrs) and to Santiago (or Puerto Montt - see alternative below).

Day 15: Fly to home arriving day 16.

Alternative ending - 19 days, 16 nights

Day 14: Arrive in Puerto Montt, bustling fishing port close to the island of Chiloé.

Day 15: A day of quick changes between bus and launch as we cross the Andes from Chile to Argentina through the Lake District, passing the perfect volcanic peak of Osorno to Bariloche. On a clear day, this is one of the world’s most scenic journeys.

Day 16: Walking or relaxing in Bariloche - an Andean Switzerland of rugged mountains and sinuous lakes.

Day 17: Fly to Buenos Aires, time for some last-minute shopping.

Day 18: Fly back home.

The seasons in Argentina are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. Buenos Aires is ideal in fall (Mar-May) and spring (Sept-Nov), when temperatures are mild. The beaches and resort towns are packed with vacationing Argentines in summer (Dec-Mar), while Buenos Aires becomes somewhat deserted (you decide if that's a plus or a minus -- hotel prices usually fall here in summer). Plan a trip to Patagonia and the southern Andes in summer, when days are longer and warmer. Winter (June-Aug) is the best time to visit Iguazú and the Northwest, when the rains and heat have subsided; but spring (Aug-Oct) is also pleasant, as temperatures are mild and the crowds have cleared out.



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