Top Places to Visit in Argentina
Argentina is a land of contradictions; it's both wild and sophisticated, subtropical and subpolar. Here the land is steeped in tradition, and the people are formal but friendly. No matter where you go in Argentina, you'll be forever touched by the experience. One could spend a lifetime exploring Argentina, but if you don't have that long to devote to a tour, here are the must-see highlights:
Patagonia
Found at the Southern end of Argentina, Patagonia is packed with natural wonders and human surprises. At its most southern point is the Tierra del Fuego, an area filled with dense subatlantic forestry, ice fields and Antarctic glaciers. The national park there, Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, is one of Argentina's most famous attractions. The islands just off the coast, called 'El Fin del Mundo' (the end of the world), are the southernmost part of the world short of Antarctica itself. Take the path less traveled and visit the island Tolhuin with its friendly population of sheep herders to see some of the most dramatic cliffs and ocean carved scenery in the world.
Be sure to check out the Welsh settlements found in Chubut Valley. The people speak both Spanish and Welsh, but they hold tight to their Welsh culture. You'll probably arrive in the city of Trelew, a small city on the River Chubut, which is a bit touristy but has good access to penguin heaven at Punto Tumbo and the small Welsh villages found further down river. Nearby, Valdes Peninsula is an important nature reserve and home to sea lions, elephant seals, fur seals and a variety of whales including the infamous Orcas.
Iguazú Falls
Found in the northeastern section of Argentina, referred to as El Litoral, Iguazú Falls consists of 250 waterfalls along a little more than a mile and a half of the Iguazu River. The Devil's Throat is the most impressive. The 270 ft tall u-shaped cascade divides Argentina and Brazil. Two-thirds of the falls are in Argentina; the rest are in Brazilian territory.
Iguazú National Park has two main walking trails to and around the falls. Here the climate is subtropical and the landscape and wildlife are rich, varied and plentiful. For example, there are more than 450 bird species and five big cat species in the area.
Parque Nacional Talampaya and Parque Provincial Ischigualasto.
Western Argentina is wine lover's country; be sure to tour the vineyards. The landscape here is painted in dry air and colorful sandstone and framed by the Andes. There is plenty in this region for the sophisticate to love, but these two protected areas are a must-see.
Known as "Triassic Park," the alien-esque landscape of Parque Provincial Ischigualasto features weird, towering rock formations; Triassic period remains; and bizarre artifacts. It's a humbling experience to view a scene that has not changed since before man was created. San Juan is the best starting point for this trip, and it also has a wonderful display of dinosaur remains found in the area in its Museo de Ciencias Naturales.
Parque Nacional Talampaya is best known for its breath-taking red-colored canyon that changes tint and tone with the passing of the sun: a startling and overwhelming view.
Las Pampas and Buenos Aires
A combo in contrasts, the Eastern region of Argentina is comprised of the bustling capital city Buenos Aires and miles of flat, treeless plains, called Las Pampas, filled with traditional towns. Buenos Aires is a world class city with truly amazing architecture, a thriving arts scene and historical significance underscored by numerous landmarks and monuments. The Argentine gaucho born of Las Pampas was later romanticized into the American cowboy figure embraced in the United States. Despite its agricultural focus, the area is for ultra-sophisticates, art lovers, history buffs, and hardcore partyers. Never a dull moment to be found in wonderful Argentina!
Comments
Notifications are OFF. Turn on notifications. Turning on notifications for this article will cause you to receive an email every time a new comment is made.
