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.

Buenos Aires, cosmopolitan capital of Argentina where influences from all over the world meet and mix, is known as the capital of tango. Every year, thousands of professional dancers flock to this glittering metropolis to attend the world famous Buenos Aires International Tango Festival, held in August. During two weeks, the city is under the spotlights as the world’s best dancers meet one another with electrifying performances.

What is it about tango that tugs at our heartstrings? This Argentine dance somehow charmed the world in the early 1900s when Argentinean sailors made their way to Europe and showed off their moves in local establishments. These sailors are believed to have arrived first in the port of Marseille, France, where they taught this lascivious dance to local girls. It rapidly became France and Europe’s favorite couple dance.

For years, tango was not socially accepted in Argentina, especially among the elites who considered it a distasteful call to lust. However, avant-garde young people in Europe took the unconventional dance style and started doing the tango. Eventually, Argentina’s upper class embraced the dance as their own. Tango was to become Argentina’s national dance, and one of its most thrilling cultural attractions. Over the decades, tango reached such a magnitude worldwide that in 2009, UNESCO declared it an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

From August 16-30 this year, Buenos Aires will once again house the Tango Festival and Dance World Cup, where the finest practitioners will meet with equally brilliant local artists for 2 weeks of tango competition. Concerts, dancing displays, exhibitions, and tango classes are all part of the package.

This is the ideal time to pay a visit to Argentina’s beautiful capital, and soak up the culture of dance and warmth. Testament to the passionate Argentinean spirit, tango is duly celebrated at virtually all city clubs and venues during the event. With countless opportunities to observe and learn how to tango, travelers are in for the dance of a lifetime.

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

Just like most countries in the world, the majority of countries in Latin America require travelers to have a passport valid up until at least 6 months after they enter the country. So before you even start booking your trip to South America, make sure you have a passport and that it is valid for this duration of time. It can take up to 6 weeks to get a new passport, so don’t wait until the last minute (although there are some emergency procedures for specific cases).

Now, for country specific regulations:

Peru

Nationals of the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union do not need a visa to visit Peru. Touristic stays of up to 183 days are allowed in Peru. You will generally be given a 90-day stamp upon arrival at the international airport, but if you wish to stay longer and travel in the country, you can just ask the immigration officer for a 6-month stamp.

The airport in Lima—so far the only international airport in Peru—charges an international tax of approximately $30 USD upon departure from the country. However, most international airlines now include this fee in the flight ticket, but if it is not included when you purchase your flight, you’ll be required to pay it before you leave.

Argentina

Nationals of the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union do not require a visa to visit Argentina, and touristic stays of up to 3 months are allowed in Argentina. Touristic stamps are valid for several entries in the country within their period of validity, making it easier to travel cross country on your Argentina vacation. But, be aware that all citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia will be charged a reciprocity fee upon entry in Argentina. As of 2011, the tax amounts to $100 USD for Australians, $70 USD for Canadians, and $140 USD for Americans.

Brazil

Citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia must have a visa to visit Brazil. Make sure to contact the Brazilian embassy or consulate in your home country in order to obtain your visa prior to travel. Check out the list of Brazilian embassies and consulates in the world and find the one closest to your home. Procedures take approximately 2-3 weeks, so it is important to submit your visa application about 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date. But don’t do it too early either because your visa is only valid 90 days after its issuance.

US citizens need to fill in an e-application form, print it, and make an appointment with the Brazilian embassy using the online scheduling system. You’ll need to bring the form with a passport, picture, and travel documents. Find here the online application form for Brazil visas. Disregard the security warning that will pop up when you click on the link as this is a secure site and the error message only comes from the Brazil channel which is not automatically recognized by international internet browsers yet.

Nationals of the United States will need to pay a $140 USD reciprocity fee to enter Brazil; the fee is $65 USD for Canadians. Citizens of European Union countries are exempts from any visa requirements and entrance fees.

Chile

Nationals of the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union do not need a visa for touristic stays up to 3 months in Chile. However, if you are from the USA, Canada, or Australia, you will need to pay a reciprocity fee of respectively $131, $132, and $61 USD.

For more information about visa and passport requirements and to start planning your exciting trip to South America, contact one of our expert travel advisors.

The Famous Mar del Plata Beach Resort

With an extensive coastline running along the Atlantic Ocean, Argentina boasts some excellent beaches that will thrill everyone, from nature lovers and party goers to the most discriminative travelers. There is a wide range of beaches featuring distinct characteristics to suit all tastes: highly urbanized 24-hour party resorts, complete wilderness, and private spa retreats, Argentina has a beach for everyone.

Here is a selection of some of the best beaches in the country, where you are assured to have a blast whatever your interests are:

Probably the most famous in the country, and the first you will hear about, Mar del Plata is a favorite among locals and foreigners alike. Built in 1874, the country’s oldest beach resort features about 17 kilometers of beautiful beaches along the coastline, and is surrounded by picturesque landscapes of rolling hills. Bear in mind that this is one of the top vacation destination for Argentineans, so summer months can get pretty crowded.

If you are looking for some activity and 24 hour partying, and don’t mind sharing your spot on the beach, this is the perfect beach. There is plenty of choice for restaurants, bars and nightclubs in this resort, so rest assured, you will not be bored! The trendiest restaurants and shopping are found on Playa Grande, and if you want a more chilled out experience, head out to Playa Punta Mogotes.

The Upscale Pinamar Beach

One of the most luxurious beach resorts in the country, Pinamar is the perfect destination for travelers looking for relaxation and calm, while still wanting to enjoy the maximum level of comfort. Designer stores, gourmet restaurants, boutique hotels, luxury spas, and white sand beaches await you in Pinamar. This is a popular destination for the wealthy that are looking to get pampered for a few days. A favorite among the Argentinean elite, and a must if you are looking for luxury and serenity, away from the masses of tourists, Carilo offers amazing cabins secluded among the foliage away from the eye, and stunning private beaches.

For a more laid back atmosphere, and a fun vacation, head to Quequen, home to dreadlocks, paragliders and party-goers. With wide beaches and consistent wind, this sleepy beach town is a paradise for surfers, and even boasts a great surfing school for the beginners among you. Relax sipping on a cocktail and enjoying fresh fish at the restaurants located directly on the beach. Make sure to stop by “Jamming”, a hostel also serving as the only nightlife destination in town.

For those who want to avoid tourists and enjoy nature at its wildest, Pehuen Co is the destination. This spot filled with natural, untouched beaches is ideal for adventure travelers. You are unlikely to cross anyone’s path as you relax on the beach. Be aware that accommodations and facilities are sparse in the area, so come prepared.

For more information on Argentina’s excellent beach scene and for other Argentina travel opportunities, contact one of our knowledgeable Argentina travel advisors.

It appears Kristina has a true natural eye for taking amazing photographs, as she says she has never taken any photography classes, and was only using a small digital camera when she took this magical picture of Mount Fitz Roy, in Argentina’s Patagonia.

Ever since she started traveling around the world, Kristina has always carried a camera with her to ensure that she brought back many photos from her trips. Although she enjoys taking pictures, and wishes to learn more about photography, Kristina reminds us, rightly, that it’s all about enjoying yourself: “I was camping there, and I had such a great time. This picture is more about the memories of these moments.”

Still, we asked her for tips on how to take a good photo. According to Kristina, the light is generally what makes all the difference, and you should always have your camera ready for the special moments when the sun’s rays hit just right. Landscapes are also generally easier to photograph than other things, Kristina says, and they can make the best pictures simply because they are so beautiful to begin with.

Since her trip to Argentina, Kristina has invested in a more professional camera, a reflex camera, and is thinking of taking classes to learn some techniques to take truly great pictures—although all of us at Latin America For Less think she’s already doing a fantastic job.

When asked how she manages to take such spectacular pictures, Kristina, very modestly, tells us: “I guess I was just lucky. It’s just such a beautiful place that it would be hard to take a bad picture.”

Patagonia, with its infinite glacial landscapes and majestic mountains covered with snow, is probably one of the most beautiful destinations in Latin America. It’s certainly Kristina’s favorite, as she has spent months traveling all over this region in Argentina. Trekking on gigantic glaciers, sailing across icy lakes, and hiking up dizzying mountains is an experience you are unlikely to ever forget, she says.

We couldn’t resist showing you one more of Kristina’s photos of this truly superb region. This photo, with the mountains silhouetted against a striking sky, is her favorite, and we hope it leaves you speechless with its beauty, just like it did for us.

To discover the magical landscapes of Argentina’s Patagonian region and practice your photography skills, contact Kristina or any of our other expert travel advisors and ask about a Patagonia tour.

To the untrained eye, Mendoza may seem like an unlikely location for world-class wine production. The neighboring Andes throw a massive rain shadow across the valley, resulting in an average of only 200 millimeters of rainfall a year. But thanks to the indigenous Huarpe culture and their complex irrigation system, what was once a desert is now a bountiful agricultural oasis.

Mendoza Vineyard

The ancient system of rationing snowmelt water with channels and miniature flood-control gates, as well as the system of flood irrigation, are still widely used today. The high altitude and strong sun create the ideal climate for producing the coveted grapes that become full bodied wines. Viticulturists and wine connoisseurs travel to Mendoza not only to taste the wines, but also to learn about and participate in  the region’s rich history.

Colonization brought to Argentina the Catholic Church and its demands for Holy Communion ingredients, which of course include wine. So in the 1550s, priests began planting the Criolla Grande vine to ensure a local supply of naturally fermented communion wine. Today, Criolla Grande accounts for a third of Argentina’s grapes, though they are now primarily used to produce low to medium quality table wines for domestic consumption.

A later flood of Spanish and Italian immigrants in the 19th century brought with them the higher-quality Old World grapes. It is thanks to these drink-loving settlers that Argentina today boasts a large quantity of varied and distinguished wines, such as Malbecs, Bonardas, and Cabernet Sauvignons.

Presently, Mendoza has about 1,000 vineyards that produce over 80% of all Argentine wine.  Drink flows year-round in this high-altitude paradise, but one of the best times to take an Argentina wine tour is during the La Vendimia Festival—the wine and grape festival, which in Mendoza lasts from February through March.

Vendimia was first celebrated in the 17th century to commemorate the local wine harvest and made an official event in 1936. Now, the biggest show is saved for the first weekend of March when the city overflows with parades, street fairs, and the election of a Harvest Queen, La Reina de la Vendemia.

Liven up your Argentina vacation by attending some of Vendimia’s diverse harvest celebrations, making a special point to see the traditional blessing of the grapes by Mendoza’s Archbishop. However, if you plan to visit another time of the year, a great way to experience Argentina’s wine region is to take a Mendoza tour for a tasty mix of history, viniculture, and fun.

For more information on planning a Mendoza wine tour contact an Argentina For Less travel advisor.

Located a mere 450 miles (725 km) from the southern tip of the world, Eolo Lodge is a drop of refinement clinging to the wild, rugged steppe of Argentina’s Patagonia. The 17 room estancia-style lodge is fitted with a whitewashed exterior that matches the distant ice capped peaks, but blazes defiantly against the 9,885 acres (4,000 hectares) of burnished La Anita Valley landscape. Large windows offer astonishing views of the desolate landscape, but to truly appreciate the sweeping isolation, hop on a horse, gallop across the void and experience a real Patagonia travel adventure.

Argentina, El Calafate: Eolo

2. Peru, Puno: Casa Andina Isla Suasi

Isla Suasi, a private island ringed by the pristine waters of Lake Titicaca, tempts visitors with its stunning scenery, lulling isolation, and five star eco-resort. Casa Andina Private Collection Isla Suasi, the only accommodation on this serene island, is an indulgent treat of rustic luxury, outdoor adventure, and culinary delight. Its 24 rooms contain cloud-like beds, wood burning fireplaces, and panoramic lake views. Cozy up under the covers, meanderer the cobblestone courtyards, or explore the rugged island outskirts; wherever you go, the view will follow. Explore this spectacular region in style on your Lake Titicaca tour.

Peru, Puno: Casa Andina Isla Suasi

3. Chile, San Pedro de Atacama: Alto Atacama Desert Lodge

The Atacama Desert is the driest place on earth, but don’t let that stop you from visiting Alto Atacama Desert Lodge, because its barren, rain-deprived landscape is one of the most stunning and humbling places in the world. The Lodge is so skillfully designed that it seems to merge with the rust-colored Salt Mountain Range, concealing the hotel’s interior modern luxury.

Chile, San Pedro de Atacama: Alto Atacama Lodge

4. Ecuador, Baños: Luna Runtun

No place is better for soaking up the scenery in Baños, Ecuador, than Hotel Luna Runtun. The picturesque mountaintop cottage complex faces the mighty Tungurahua Volcano and the verdant Llanganates National Park. Lavish pools and spas carved into the cliff overlook the town below, creating the elevated aura of a Mount Olympus playground with Greek god guests lounging in luxury. Enhance your Ecuador vacation with a stay at this excellent hotel.

Ecuador, Baños: Luna Runtun

5. Brazil, Ilha Grande: Pousada Naturalia

Surrounded by lush rainforest and lapping azul waters, a stay at Pousada Naturalia Hotel is like accepting a hug from Mother Nature. Bask on your balcony or lounge in your hammock and remind yourself that the tranquil island’s scenery isn’t a postcard, it’s real.

Brazil, Ilha Grande: Pousada Naturalia

6. Peru, Machu Picchu: Sanctuary Lodge

Machu Picchu. Need we say more? One of the 7 New Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is the most spectacular historical destination in South America. Secluded and separated from modern development by a laborious trek and imposing mountain peaks, the site remains as impressive now as it was decades ago. Only one hotel, the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, neighbors the citadel. Several rooms have mountain views and show a sliver of the site, but the real attraction is the ability to linger at the ruins before, and long after, everyone else is gone.

Peru, Machu Picchu: Sanctuary Lodge

7. Costa Rica, Arenal: Arenal Observatory Lodge

Experience a bedroom eruption like none other at Arenal Observatory Lodge, one of the most luxurious Arenal hotels. Here guests can lounge in bed and admire the active Arenal Volcano, just two miles from the hotel, as it seeps glowing lava and puffs black smoke.  Now that’s hot.

Costa Rica, Arenal: Arenal Observatory Lodge

8. Peru, Puno: Libertador Lake Titicaca

Watch the sun creep over the horizon and crawl across the calm waters of the highest navigable lake in the world, turning the already vibrantly-colored waters into a sparkling sapphire sea. Hotel Libertador rests on the shore of Isla Esteves on Lake Titicaca. Its 123 rooms are all luxurious with elegant décor, but no man-made design can compare to the natural display flaunted just outside the panoramic windows.

Peru, Puno: Libertador Lake Titicaca

9. Argentina, Iguazú Falls: Sheraton

Guests at the Sheraton Iguazú Resort can marvel at the mighty Iguazú Falls, hear its roaring torrent, and almost taste the spray, all without leaving their room. Tucked inside the Iguazú National Park, this large and luxurious hotel is only a mile from the waterfalls and walking distance from all of the park’s exciting attractions.

Argentina, Iguazú Falls: Sheraton

10. Peru, Colca Canyon: Colca Lodge

At Colca Lodge, a glance out your window is a time machine back to ancient times. Situated in a river valley ringed by pre-Inca agricultural terraces, this luxurious nature-inspired lodge is an ideal place to experience an exciting Colca Canyon tour. Relax in natural hot springs and admire how the hotel’s adobe walls, thatched roofs, and stone pathways harmonize with the agrarian landscape.

Peru, Colca Canyon: Colca Lodge

For help planning a Latin America vacation to one of these spectacular locations, contact a Latin America For Less travel advisor.

Amazon, Brazil: The United Nations have declared 2011 the International Year of the Forest. Sounds like the perfect time to hug a tree. As global warming and deforestation continues, the chances to spot fascinating wildlife in the rainforest become smaller so hurry to the beautiful region before it is too late.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina: This force of nature is made up of 275 separate cascades which thunder over basalt rock down 250 feet. Be splashed by the powerful cascade’s mist at this unforgettable sight. Iguazu Falls are set on the border of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay so you can easily make it to at least three countries before the apocalypse.

Iguazu Falls

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador: As Charles Darwin did some 200 years ago, marvel at the creatures found nowhere else on earth. These rough and rocky isles are home to a wonderfully strange, abundant, and extraordinarily fearless wildlife.

Machu Picchu, Peru: Follow the path of the Incas into the Sacred Valley to the sun gate outside of Machu Picchu, or take the train through the cloud forests. In an almost impossible location high in the Andes, you can admire the mysterious and well preserved site. Machu Picchu survived the Spanish conquest, and it may not be a bad place to hide out in December 2012.

Machu Picchu

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia: The highest and largest salt lake in the world is at a dizzying altitude of 3,650 meters. Driving across it may be one of the most peculiar experiences around. If the bright blue skies contrasting with the white salt crust aren’t enough for you, visit the striking soda lakes. The red Laguna Colorada and the jade green Laguna Verde are located in a surreal desert landscape.

Easter Island, Chile: Nearly 2,500 miles west of Chile’s coast is one of the world’s most legendary sites. Easter Island is a nature and culture lover’s dream destination in the Pacific Ocean. Be amazed by the 20,000 archeological sites, rich culture of the Rapa Nui, volcanoes, marine wildlife, and white sand beaches.

Patagonia, Chile: In South America’s southern frontier, nature grows wild, barren, and beautiful. On this crowded planet it is strangely satisfying to encounter silence, large spaces, jagged peaks, and pristine waters. Get away from it all and enjoy the serenity of the spectacular infinite landscapes of Patagonia.

Torres del Paine in Patagonia

La Paz, Bolivia: Have your breath taken away by the highest capital city in the world. This city’s eccentric beauty sets it apart from other South American cities. Fly into the world’s highest commercial airport, golf at the highest golf course, and ski on the highest slope, just to say that you did.

Lake Titicaca, Peru: While you’re making your round of the “highest” destinations, be sure to hit up the highest navigable lake in the world. Shared by Peru and Bolivia, this shimmering blue lake is home to fascinating native communities living on floating reed islands in complete isolation from the rest of the world.

Buenos Aires, Argentina: The most attractive capital in South America, Buenos Aires is a bustling and cosmopolitan city with countless attractions and a unique atmosphere. Be transported in a whirl of thrills as you explore the buzzing capital of tango.

To start planning your Latin America travel adventure contact one of our expert travel advisors who can help customize your travel plans.