Buenos Aires is the birthplace of tango, a proud cultural element of Argentina’s national identity.

The passion of the South American lifestyle is fully reflected in the vigor and liveliness of the tango, an iconic dance which hails straight from the heart of Argentina: Buenos Aires. Danced in places from family homes to hidden milonga venues to straight on the streets, the sultry tango lies in the very blood and soul of an Argentine. Today, it is one of Argentina’s most known cultural exports, and the annual Buenos Aires Tango Festival is a celebration of its best qualities.

A great addition to your Argentina holiday if traveling in August, the festival brings together some of the best tango dancers in the world where they showcase exactly what the dance is all about. The intensely choreographed moves diffuse a smoky sense of lust rarely seen otherwise in public, all emoted by a swift swing of the leg, a hand down the back, and quick dip before coming back up for a near-kiss. From the brisk swirl of the female dancer’s traditionally vibrant red dress and lipstick to the commanding leading motions of her partner, there are few dances more sensual than the tango.

The city’s La Boca district is always alive with the spirit of tango.

Despite its popularity in modern times, however, tango has not always been so well-received. With origins in the mid-1800s, the dance was once an activity only for the lower classes—Argentina’s African slaves and working European immigrants—who needed an outlet after their long days of labor. The pure carnality of tango’s characteristic moves and the brashness of its musical lyrics made it inherently disgraceful almost to the point of being immoral. It wasn’t until the middle of the 20^th century that the dance slowly came to be accepted in the wider Argentine culture when respected singer Carlos Gardel turned in into an international phenomenon. The rest, as they say, is history, and tango is now beloved as one of the most basic components of Argentina’s national identity.

At the annual Buenos Aires Tango Festival, visitors are able to watch the best dancers show off their moves for free! That’s right, all of the events are free of charge except for some special classes or seminars. Otherwise, spice up your Argentina trip and Buenos Aires tour just by watching the professionals to see how it’s really done, and even jump right in if you think you’ve got what it takes!

At the 2012 Buenos Aires Tango Festival, watch professionals show off their moves, or jump right in yourself!

If you unfortunately cannot make it to the capital city in August, there are always still other opportunities for experiencing the tango on your trip to Argentina. In 2012, February 9-12 brings the Misterio Tango Festival to Buenos Aires for 4 days with many shows all around the city, and March 11-18, the CITA (Congreso Internacional de Tango Argentino) rules Buenos Aires for 1 week. Otherwise, the bohemian and very diversified La Boca district always has many performers boasting their dancing talents along the river’s pedestrian walkway, and the historic Boedo neighborhood also has countless tango houses and theaters.

To learn more about how to tango in Buenos Aires on your Argentina vacation, contact one of our travel advisors at Argentina For Less.

Indeed, anyone who travels through the northwest of Argentina, as well as northeast Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador will note unifying elements in regards to people, culture, artifacts, and architecture. An Argentina trip that starts in Mendoza and continues north to Salta and Jujuy provides insight into this captivating regional history, set amid a visual feast of incredible landscapes.

Mendoza

Readily accessible by air from Buenos Aires, Lima, or Santiago de Chile, Mendoza is the perfect starting point for a northern Argentina tour. The city feels like a laidback version of the Argentine capital and it’s easy to forget that it is smack in the middle of a desert. Mendoza offers an easy transition to the more rugged landscape that lies beyond its well-irrigated, tree-lined downtown area.

Within Mendoza, the cultural offerings include wine tourism and excellent dining options.  For wine enthusiasts, the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia (National Grape Harvest Festival) occurs annually during the first weekend in March.  During the rest of the year, there are several hundred bodegas (wineries) that offer world-class wine tasting and culinary options.

Mendoza is the place to sample Argentina’s increasingly famous wines.

For the adventure traveler, the nearby Andes Mountain range will beckon, and there are abundant opportunities for mountaineering, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and other activities, all within driving distance. From the nearby foothill community of Blanca Encalada, you can enjoy a 2-hour hike to Cerro Negro, a 6,800 foot (2,072 meter) mountain.  Climbers can also try to tackle Cerro Aconcagua, 70 miles (112 km) from Mendoza, which, at 22,841 feet (6,962 meters), is the highest peak in the Americas. In the winter months, the nearby Las Leñas ski resort features excellent skiing options.

Salta

On the way to Salta, stop in La Rioja, a province host to Talampaya National Park, where you can find ancient petroglyphs dating from 10,000 BC, as well as stunning geological formations along the dry bed of what was once the Talampaya River.

Stunning geological formations are a highlight of a tour through northwestern Argentina.

Also within the park are the Cañon Arco Iris (Rainbow Canyon) and the Ciudad Perdida (Lost City). The amazing water- and wind-formed landscape can be appreciated on foot, horse, or bike.

The Dali-esque, Cañon Arco Iris, or Rainbow Canyon, named after the dazzling multicolored hues of its rock formations.

Further north is Salta, the 8^th largest city in Argentina and host to architectural treasures that bestow the city with an air of colonial charm.  Around the city’s main square, travelers can find the Cathedral, the Cabildo (or city hall), and the Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montaña, which houses the impressively preserved remains of 3 Inca children thought to have been human sacrifices in ancient indigenous rituals. A city tour of Salta includes visits to churches, convents, and other colonial monuments in the surrounding plazas and pedestrian streets. For panoramic views of Salta, a cable car takes passengers to the top of Cerro San Bernardo, which rises 1,400 feet (430 meters) above the city.

Salta, Argentina’s 8th largest city, bears a strong Spanish colonial influence most evident in its architecture.

Salta also provides a jumping off point for more outdoor adventures and sightseeing. The Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) is a popular 217km (135 mi) rail route that can also be traversed by car. Sights and stops along the way include Campo Quijano, Quebrada del Toro, the pre-Inca city of Santa Rosa de Tastil.

Jujuy

In juxtaposition to the heavy Spanish influence visible in Salta, Jujuy’s culture and population are more heavily Andean. Quechua and Aymara groups have a profound and visible presence and travelers that arrive during a carnival can appreciate this community’s rich and living cultural traditions. The nearby sites of Tilcara, Quebrada de Humahuaca, Paseo de los Colorados, and the Salinas Grandes (salt lakes) boast must-see landscapes as well as pre-Inca ruins dating back several thousand years.

Jujuy’s Salinas Grandes provide a surreal setting of vast flat spaces bordered by foothills and interrupted by active salt mines.

From Jujuy, travelers can launch into further exploration of the region by venturing into Chile, Bolivia, or Peru.  The region’s deep history and the remarkable vistas that it offers make it a worthy addition to any Argentina or South American travel package.

Despite all the things they have seen and done, Audrey tells us that their time spent in South America remains some of the most treasured memories. Here she shares some of her nostalgia and tips for traveling on the continent, hoping to inspire everyone to go see it for themselves.

The fragrant smells, colorful displays, and mingling local population found in South American food markets often make for eye-opening travel experiences.

1. What aspect of travel in South America has continued to be most memorable to you? The landscapes? The people? Aspects of the culture? The architecture? etc.

Most memorable has to be the people, of course. We have wonderful memories of getting lost in lively local markets learning about local foods and dishes from vendors. Landscape comes in as a close second. Some of our favorite landscapes include the salt flats (Salar de Uyuni) in Bolivia, Patagonian mountains and glaciers in Chile (Torres del Paine) and Argentina (El Chalten), mountains throughout Peru and Ecuador.

2. Have you had a chance to visit the 2 South American destinations that have recently been honored as part of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the world: the Amazon Rainforest and Iguazu Falls? In what ways did they strike you?

We were at the edge of the Amazon Rainforest while in Bolivia and Peru but didn’t actually go into the Amazon. It’s still on our wishlist!

As for Iguazu Falls, we were blown away. We’re usually jaded when it comes to waterfalls, but Iguazu is like no other waterfall we’ve seen – it’s awesome to feel the mist from the falls on you and really feel the power of the water.

"Iguazu Falls is like no other waterfall we've seen."

3. If you had the chance to return to Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, or Chile tomorrow, which would you choose and why?

Oooh, tough question! If I could only choose one, it would have to be Peru because we missed visiting Arequipa and trekking in Huayhuash during our last visit.

4. Which South American destination would you suggest to the nature lover? The urban city explorer?

For the nature lover, I’d suggest the Patagonian area of Chile, especially the northern areas near the Carretera Austral. We had the chance to travel quickly through there and not only was the landscape stunning, but there was no one around. It would be the perfect escape for a nature lover.

The 4-day journey from Tupiza to Uyuni going through the salt flats was also incredible; the colors were just surreal at times.

As for the urban city explorer, I’d suggest Buenos Aires for cosmopolitan, La Paz for funky, Quito for colonial beauty, Lima for food, and Santiago for markets and laid back feel.

Peru is known throughout South America and the world for its exceptionally developed and varied gastronomy. You can’t miss out on a fresh plate of ceviche or hearty meat sandwich during your Peru vacation!

5. Peru, and particularly Lima, has been earning spots on countless 2012 Gastronomy Capital honors in recent months. Where did you best enjoy food in South America?

Definitely Lima. We spent over three weeks there and could have stayed longer just to eat more Peruvian food. Loved the fresh seafood dishes like ceviche and tiradito, but also enjoyed causa, rocoto relleno, and so much more. Also, the fresh juices in Peru were addictive (and very cheap)!

The idea for the event came about after French racer Thierry Sabine got lost in the Libyan desert of North Africa during an unrelated competition. During this time, he saw the potential that Europe and Africa’s dramatic geographies have for hosting an international rally race. However, political situations have made the intercontinental event too dangerous in some locations, so since 2009, Dakar has been moved to South America indefinitely.

The 14-day Dakar Rally brings together the top motorsports racers in the world to see who can race through the South American continent the fastest.

While many of us were still recovering from the previous night’s festivities on January 1, 2012, the top racers around the world were just getting ready to embark on a 14-day journey through the most desolate and extreme environments on the continent. In the last 3 years, Dakar had always been a roundtrip path between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Chile. This year, the rally started in Mar del Plata, Argentina and will continue upwards before ending in Lima, Peru.

Try to catch a glimpse of the racers as they blast through Argentina, Chile, and Peru’s top destinations, but be careful to stay off the road!

The motorsports event is regarded as a true rally where authentic off-road vehicles, as opposed to modified commercial automobiles, roar through the countryside conquering severe terrain. Dakar 2012 racers—who compete in 4 classes namely car, truck, motorcycle, and quads—will cover up to a staggering 500-560 miles (800-900 kilometers) per day for a total of 5,281 miles (8,500 kilometers). Because of the countless tests of nature that the vehicles endure, many of the motor industry’s top brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagon, Hummer, Honda, and Yamaha like to sponsor and showcase that their products are as well-built and dependable as advertisements claim.

The harsh desert along Peru’s Pacific coastline is forecasted to be one of the biggest challenges in the second week of the race.

If you have free time on your Peru holidays, following Dakar through its first time in the country will surely add some unique thrills to your vacation memories. The group of 465 vehicles will arrive in the capital city of Lima on January 15, 2012 after passing through popular destinations to the south such as Arequipa, Nazca, and Pisco. In fact, is it speculated that two of the most difficult sections will be the 152 miles (246 kilometers) between Arequipa and Nazca, and the 171 miles (276 kilometers) between Nazca and Pisco (famous for being the birthplace of Peru’s iconic grape brandy) due to the rough conditions and intense dune sizes of the coastal Peruvian desert.

Also, if you hurry, you can even catch the Dakar 2012 competitors as part of your Chile vacation. From January 7 to 9, the rally will pass through beautiful sections of northern Chile such as Antofagasta, Iquique, Copiapó, and Arica.

It’s a 2 hour flight to get from Buenos Aires to Bariloche, a small city at the foot of the Andes which has the region’s largest and most accessible airport. From Bariloche, we rented a car to drive to San Martín de los Andes, 190 kilometers distant. For travel in Argentina between these 2 places, I recommend taking this road trip simply for the opportunity to see the dazzling Patagonian landscape along the way.

Argentina's well-maintained and extensive road system makes it easy to enjoy a roadtrip on a Patagonia vacation. Enjoy the scenery, but keep your eyes on the road!

The Setting
Picturesque is an understatement; Patagonia is more like breathtakingly beautiful. A blanket of forest covers the mountains and snow may be found year-round atop the highest peaks. The dark blue color of the lake water hints at its icy cold temperature, which even in hottest summer months peaks at 14°C (57°F). This April, the Patagonian fall was in full force, beginning to dovetail toward winter, and cold winds, harsh but invigorating, whipped through the trees and coaxed the lake waters into gentle waves. Taken as a whole, the glacier-carved landscape is exquisite.

Heading north on the well-paved Route 231, the enormous Nahuel Huapi Lake served as our continuous boundary to the east. We stopped for lunch in the quaint town of Villa La Angostura (population 11,000), which boasts excellent local craft brews and deer stew. From there, we continued along Route 234, also known as “La ruta de los siete lagos” (or 7 Lakes Road), named after the 7 lakes that you pass along the way. There was one length of road which was under repair at the time, and we tossed and tumbled over pebbled, rain-soaked roads for about an hour, but this was the only rough spot before the final smooth entry into San Martín de los Andes. In total, we traversed 190 kilometers (118 miles) in about 4 hours, including the stop for lunch, as well as the washing machine simulacrum on Route 234. (On the way back we took the less lovely, but better maintained, Route 40 back to Bariloche and made the 260 kilometer-trip, or 160 miles, in about 3 hours.)

With this sublime landscape before you, it's easy to forget you have 10 miles to go.

The Race
San Martín de los Andes presented its best face on race day: scattered cirrus clouds, temperatures in the single Celsius digits (low 40s Fahrenheit) early in the morning, warming up to ‘teens (low 60s Fahrenheit) later in the day. My Argentine co-competitors in the 21K were absolutely friendly, there were aid stations every 6 kilometers for refueling and hydration, the race course was sufficiently beautiful to distract one from its challenging bits, and I really couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

A unique crossing of the finish line. I wonder what the guy behind me was thinking.

The Finish
In the past, I’ve found that plotting a creative finish is an energizing distraction from the doubts and recriminations (such as: why did I do this to myself, can’t I just walk this part, this kind of hurts, I should’ve trained better, etc.) that creep into my brain in those agonizing moments of a race before the end is in sight. Anticipation thus replaces self-reproach.

Final kilometer: I pass a distressed multitude of variously limping, walking, suffering Argentines, while the cheers of spectators at the finish grow audibly.

50 meters: I dig deep (suppressing as best as possible my limp, desire to walk, and suffering). Quick check behind me to make sure I’m clear.

Mere centimeters: Full stop. Hands on the ground, balance weight on knees, head to the ground, engage core strength (thank you, yoga), extend legs into a full headstand, and lacking further strength, falling/rolling onto my back, landing on my buttocks. My race photographer snapped the prep and the landing, but unfortunately did not catch the actual headstand!

Nonetheless, it was pretty awesome. The ideal race conditions, the beautiful Patagonian setting, and my respectable ranking (30th in my group) combined to make this Argentina vacation an experience I’ll never forget. Throughout, I was reminded of why I love to run on mountains and why I love to travel.

The Lake District’s many bodies of water provide countless opportunities for fishing, sailing, kayaking, and more.

Too often, visitors to Argentina get too drawn into the charms and enchantments of Buenos Aires to venture much further. Indeed, the capital city and its lure of sultry tango, fantastic international cuisine, and nightlife to suit all styles and schedules all make for a memorable Argentina vacation. But for those looking for something more, something a little off the beaten path and sure to make their eyes open wider than they ever have before, take the southern plunge to Argentina’s Lake District.

As its name suggests, the Lake District is brilliantly defined by its 20 stunning lakes. Here, travelers can delight in all the glories of alpine landscapes without going so far as Patagonia down at the ends of the earth, although it is a good intermediate spot from which to continue on from. Sightseeing, fishing, trekking, skiing, horse riding, rafting, kayaking, and more will keep you occupied during the long daylight hours, while at night, hearty food and Malbec wines will revitalize you for the following day. The summer months of December to February are the best times to book your Patagonia holidays, when temperatures are warmest.

There is wildlife and flora in the Lake District’s many national parks that cannot be found anywhere else in Argentina.

The region of Neuquén is a great place to start your Patagonia trip. The region teems with paleontological treasures such as rock formations, bones, and footprints some from more than 100 million years ago. The town of Zapala has a particularly fascinating geology museum showcasing various minerals, fossils, and more. Then there is Nahuel Huapi National Park, a truly remarkable destination you won’t soon forget, a place dense with striking mountain peaks, ancient glaciers, unique wildlife, clear rivers, and the gorgeous Nahuel Huapi Lake. The national park is—and should be—a top choice for those who visit the Lake District.

To the west near the Argentine border with Chile is Lanín National Park which spreads over 936,525 acres and includes the famous Lanín Volvano. The volcano is the flamboyant attention-seeker of the area with its ideal conical shape and snowy top, but the more subtle draw are the forests which contain many trees not found anywhere else in the country.

Surrounded by snowcapped mountains and sprinkled with nearby alpine villages and accommodations, Bariloche is an adventure retreat to remember.

An excellent way to cap your Argentina tour of the Lake District is in the town of San Carlos de Bariloche. Just a 2-hour flight from Buenos Aires, it is a destination that can easily be added to any Argentina vacation package. The picturesque Bariloche sits on the southern shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake and is hugged by the heights of Cerro Otto and Cerro Cathedral, both well worth ascending on a daytrip for sweeping panoramic views of the scenery. The city is the adventure capital of the region, where its location and resources make for a convenient base for camping, sailing, hiking, and skiing. There are also other, more relaxing excursions to be had, however, such as tasting the delicious local chocolate and touring Bariloche’s streets featuring Swiss-style architecture. Indeed, this little alpine town deep in the southern heart of Argentina has something to suit all travelers.

Why not use your South American vacation to rejoice in the good and bad of the old year and get a vigorous jump into the fresh one? Who knows, you might even get to check off a few New Year’s resolutions ahead of time!

The mainly Catholic Christmas traditions of the continent below the equator, where the seasons are inverted with those of the northern hemisphere, have flair of their own. Generally, the major festivities with friends and family are held on Christmas Eve. After mass at the local church, neighborhoods ring with traditional music and food-filled parties (centered on an immense turkey) that continue until the early morning. Fireworks are also shot off in the dark of night. On Christmas Day however, much of South America is closed for rest. That means you get to explore your destination in a unique atmosphere of peace and quiet!

Here are our top suggestions for the best places in South America to spend your holiday season.

Doesn’t Paraty, Brazil look like the perfect place to spend your holidays and launch into the New Year?

Paraty, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro might steal the spotlight the rest of the year, but come New Year’s Eve, it’s Paraty’s time to shine. The ocean waters are pristine cerulean, the nearby jungle gives way to an exotic escape, and the fully developed region has all the modern comforts and indulgences for ending 2011 in style. Travel to Brazil for the ultimate New Year’s where dozens and dozens of nightlife options, from the trendiest clubs to the finest restaurants, await. When you begin to seek some new sights, just venture up and down the brilliant Brazilian coast to other beachside corners such as Ubatuba and Trindade.

Wake up to the dawn of a new year in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Full of life, laughter, and soul, Buenos Aires is the cultural capital of Argentina and arguably the entire continent. Its nickname as “The Paris of South America” draws from its cosmopolitan air, charming wide avenues with sidewalk hangouts, and chic population. It’s the ideal place to spend the end of the year surrounded by fashion and style. But to party where the Argentines are on New Year’s Eve, you’ll have to take a short trip to one of the nearby beaches, particularly Punta del Este. Dress in your fanciest, drink, and dance at some of the glitziest clubs and bars in the area. Learn to dance the tango, a must-do on any Argentina trip, and then spend the rest of the first day of the new year resting as the locals do.

Although a great milestone for celebrating the holidays, Machu Picchu is great any time of the year.

Machu Picchu, Peru

This may seem a most unconventional location for spending your holidays, but that’s exactly what makes it so amazing! Machu Picchu is great at any time of the year, but what better place to spend Christmas and ring in the new year than by gazing at and wandering the grounds of the more than 600-year-old Inca citadel? The archeological site is one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, and as such, regularly tops lists for being the ultimate travel destination. It will likely give you the inspirational boost you might be looking for! If seeing the ruins isn’t enough for you, then also look into climbing Huayna Picchu, the iconic peak that lurks in the background of most Machu Picchu photographs. However, you probably won’t be the only ones hoping to get here during the holidays, so make sure to book your Machu Picchu travel packages as soon as possible in order to snag a ticket.

The massive fireworks display of Valparaiso, a colorful Chilean town along the Pacific coast, makes it the ultimate celebration spot.

Valparaiso, Chile

Although the capital city, Santiago, might be your first stop in Chile, the real place to be for Christmas is Valparaiso just 1.5 hours by vehicle. On New Year’s Eve, the streets of Valparaiso come alive with a major carnival and spectacular, out-of-this-world fireworks display, guaranteed to add some “oohs” and “ahhs” to your Chile vacation. Almost a million audience members have been known to come out to see the presentation, so get there early if you want to find a good spot to watch the show. The next day as you are regaining your energy, relax on the hot beaches and go for a dip in the Pacific Ocean.

Machu Picchu built by the mighty Inca Empire has stood for over 600 years in the Peruvian Andes and probably won’t be going anywhere soon, but we can't say the same for this flight sale!

We don’t know about you, but we’re already thinking ahead in order to make our travel resolutions become realities in the upcoming new year. To help you get one giant leap further in the vacation planning process, we’re excited to announce that LAN Airlines, South America’s most premier, is hosting a massive flight sale!

Call it what you will, perhaps an early holiday present from the travel gods, but this promotion is truly something to be excited about. For the next 2 weeks only, flights originating in USA cities such as Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco to all the major South American countries we serve including Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Ecuador are up to 50% off.

Start your 2012 with some adventure and make your way to South America by taking advantage of LAN Airlines’ most recent flight sale.

And there’s no better time than now to finally go on that South America trip you’ve always talked about. The Amazon Rainforest which spans over 40% of the continent, and the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls which stretches across the border of both Argentina and Brazil have both recently been named as 2 of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The iconic white Christ the Redeemer statue hovering over all of Rio de Janeiro is proudly regarded as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Finally, the incredible Inca citadel of Machu Picchu high up in the Peruvian Andes has just surpassed the 100 year anniversary of its discovery. What more are you waiting for?

Be sure to book today (or at the very latest by December 12, 2011) and travel between March 1 and June 30, 2012 so that your unforgettable Machu Picchu vacation and relaxing Argentina holidays can help you start 2012 on the right wandering foot. Contact us to see how Latin America For Less can help you take full advantage of this promotion. Email us directly at travel@peruforless.com to speak to one of our expert travel advisors and let us know what you’re seeking for your perfect South America vacation!