One of the most geographically varied countries in South America and also culturally diverse, Argentina will amaze you with the stark desert landscapes of the northwest, the windswept plains of Patagonia, snow-capped Andean peaks and the thundering falls at Iguassu.  The country’s unique character has been shaped by immigration from many countries, and there are still pockets of welsh speakers in northern Patagonia and German families in the area around Mendoza.  Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires is arguably Latin America’s most beautiful capital city, with avenues reminiscent of the Parisian boulevards.  The gourmet traveller will love succulent steaks, washed down with some of South America’s greatest wines.

Essential Activities

·         Enjoy panoramic views of the Iguassu Falls and feel the spray from the awe inspiring Devils Throat waterfall

·         Take a tango lesson in the vibrant, exciting city of Buenos Aires

Taste some of the best wine and foods in Mendoza

Buenos Aires is a vibrant capital city with a strong European influence.  It has beautiful late 19^th century buildings, a lively café cultures and shopping opportunities which range from upmarket boutiques to outdoor markets.  The city is home to many Tango schools, and dancers are a familiar sight in many areas.  A few days in the city should ideally be complemented with a stay at a traditional estancia (ranch), or combined with a cruise along the Parana River. 

Northern & Central Argentina

Northern Argentina offers a wealth of scenery, from the world famous Iguassu Falls to the less well known attractions of Mendoza and Salta.  The Falls are impressive due to their size and also their location in the middle of humid forest.  Mendoza is at the heart of the Argentinean wine producing region, and is dominated by the high Andes, whilst Salta, a beautifully preserved colonial city, provides access to the mountainous northern deserts and the spectacular scenery of the Humahuaca Gorge.

Patagonia

The area surrounding San Carlos, d Bariloche offers a huge range of outdoor pursuits in the nearby mountains, lakes and rivers and is a well used crossing point into the Chilean Lake District.  On the west coast, the Valdes Peninsula is home to almost a million penguins as well as elephant seals, sea lions and whales.  Further south, El Calafate acts as a base for exploring Los Glaciares National Park which incorporates the Perito Moreno, Upsala and Onelli glaciers.  Tierra del Fuego is in the far south, and the key attractions are the Beagle Channel, the ancient forests and the isolated town of Ushuaia.