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.

The impressive Iguazu Falls

The Foz do Iguaçu, or Iguazu Falls, is a force of nature. The 275 separate cascades make up a thunderous flow over basalt rock which gushes over 250 feet down, hence the meaning of “Iguazu” which means “big water” in Guarani, the regional indigenous language. At the Devil’s Throat, the largest waterfall in the circuit, water plunges over a U-shaped cataract that is 490 by 2300 feet. Spectators can get close enough to be surrounded by 260° of water. Numerous catwalks allow visitors to view and experience Iguazu Falls from many angles. Another possibility for prime viewing capabilities is a helicopter tour around the falls.

The waterfall is surrounded by lush rainforest and a reddish soil that contrasts with the green canopy. The Parque Nacional Foz do Iguaçu is well worth exploring and there are many peaceful hikes where you will have the chance to see wildlife in its natural habitat. Keep your eyes open for brown capuchin monkeys and colorful birds such as toucans. The town offers plenty to do and has a large choice of hotels, restaurants, and shops. This UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site lies on the border between Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay so while visiting the falls you can easily make your way into three South American countries and have even more to brag to your friends and family about.

Another South American escapade to be proud of is a trip to breathtaking Easter Island. Nearly 2,500 miles west of Chile’s coast, it is one of the world’s most famous archeological sites bound to leave travelers amazed. Easter Island is a nature and culture lover’s dream getaway in the Pacific Ocean.

The mystical moai statues

One of the most isolated places on earth just got easier to travel to. The mystery of Easter Island and its indigenous inhabitants, the Rapa Nui, are intriguing to scientists and travelers alike. This triangular island is full of an extraordinary collection of archaeological wonders, including the iconic moai. These statutes form one of Rapa Nui’s most enduring images. These famous moai sculptures may be what first come to mind when picturing Easter Island, but the island has many other worthwhile attractions. On Easter Island you will be amazed by the 20,000 archeological sites, rich culture, two volcanoes, scuba diving, and white sand beaches.

You can now stand in the mysterious presence of Easter Island and be splashed by Iguazu Falls after a simple flight from the United States.

For more information on Brazil and Chile vacations, contact one of our travel advisors who can help you customize your next big adventure.

A surfer has the waves to himself in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

From December to late February and often early March, the beaches of Buenos Aires are crammed full, and for many travelers, such crowds significantly detract from the experience. The weather may be beautiful and the water perfect, but tripping over someone else’s umbrella is not anyone’s idea of a relaxing day at the beach.

However, venturing south of the city brings a pleasant surprise: a short flight from Buenos Aires takes you to Argentina’s oldest and most famous resort – Mar del Plata. Dubbed “ciudad feliz” (happy city) by its inhabitants, Mar del Plata is a thriving beach town with entertainment and sparkling white-sand beaches galore.

Mar del Plata’s 29 miles of gleaming shoreline is blessed with plenty of glorious beaches. Among them is posh Playa Grande, known as the city’s best shopping and hotel location. While the popular Playa la Perla is a local favorite, the best all-around beach in Mar del Plata is, without a doubt, Playa Punta Mogotes.

On all the beaches, visitors can try their hand at paragliding, sailing, boating, and windsurfing – among myriad other activities.

Sometimes called a miniature Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata isn’t just a beach town. The city’s topography also features towering cliffs and deep ravines. It is also a small, but lively cultural and entertainment powerhouse, home to excellent shopping spots along Plaza San Martin, a gorgeous cathedral, and a collection of turn-of-the-century mansions at the end of the well-known Avenida Colón. For nature lovers, it also houses a 988-acre (400-hectare) brilliantly-preserved forest, Bosque Peralta Ramos.

Summer in Mar del Plata is chock full of activity. If you go in December, check out Fiesta del Mar, a wild, exuberant celebration with rowdy live shows, colorful parades, and the coronation of a festival queen. Early March brings the world-famous International Film Festival, a quieter, but equally exciting showcase of both Argentine and international cinema.

Don’t forget that Mar del Plata is first best known as the fishing capital of Argentina. In January, the city hosts its annual National Fishing Festival, a jubilant affair that welcomes fishermen from all over the country. As one might expect, Mar del Plata offers some of the tastiest, most creatively-prepared seafood in all of Argentina.

For more information about Argentina travel and attractions, or to create a customized Argentina vacation, please contact one of our travel advisors.

Buenos Aires, the city that never sleeps

After breakfast in your Buenos Aires hotel you should head out to explore this huge city.

For a first time visitor, Buenos Aires can be overwhelming, as the city is packed with hundreds of excellent restaurants, dozens of museums, art galleries, and on-going exhibitions.

You should start by making your way to Plaza Mayo, which is where Casa Rosada and the Central Cathedral is located, and was the famous place where Eva Peron spoke to crowds before her death.

From Plaza Mayo you can head up Av. Diagonal Norte to Plaza de la Republic, which is graced by the grand Obelisk. Av. 9 de Julio, the largest avenue in the world, cuts through the heart of Buenos Aires.

By this time, you’re probably thinking about lunch. Nearly every street corner in Buenos Aires has a gourmet restaurant. If you walk up Av. Honduras towards Palermo Hollywood you will find plenty of terrific restaurants. Plaza Serrano, which is at Av. Serrano and Av. Honduras in Palermo, is a nice place to find somewhere to eat.

The trendy Palermo district is split in two by train tracks. The SoHo side is home to Buenos Aires’s young middle class. In Palermo Hollywood are Argentina’s movie and TV studios, as well as a number of smaller cafes and bars. Venturing over the train tracks is definitely recommended.

After lunch spend some time exploring the streets before you head off to the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires (MALBA)? on Av. Pres. Figueroa Alcorta. The museum houses an interesting collection of modern as well as pre-Columbian art.

Nearby is the Museo Evita (Av. Lafinur 2988) which is dedicated to the life of Eva Peron, who was immortalized in the movie Evita and was played by Madonna. The film shows what Argentina achieved in the post-war period to tackle poverty, fight inequality, and improve education, as well as the horrible story about what happened to the body of Eva after her death.

A short walk up the street with take you to Plaza Italia which is next to the Buenos Aires Zoo, which is open till late, especially in the summer months. You can spend time meandering the expansive park.

If you are looking to spend the night like a typical porteño, going out late and dancing you should head to Av. Cornel Niceto Vega and Av. Humbolt. Vega Avenue is lined with chic clubs open all night long. Av. Humbolt has a number of restaurants, a cinema, and a British/style pub.

If you happen to wake early after a late night out in the city and it is a Sunday morning, you should make your way to the street market in San Telmo (Av. Defensa) where they sell a range of market goods, food, and what San Telmo is famous for, antiques.

The area of San Telmo is very artsy, with the main plaza in San Telmo having tango and dance shows put on by locals every week. The plaza is also a good place to find something to eat and a small bar to listen to some live jazz.

After exploring the streets around San Telmo, you should make your way over to the residential area of Recoleta.

Recoleta is home to the famous Recoleta Cemetery, the resting place of the Argentine high society. Some of the graves are more like monuments and it is worth having a look around.

From the cemetery you can walk to the nearby chapel and then down to the Recoleta Design Center which is more like a mall, selling the very latest in fashions from Argentina and the world.

There are some great lunch spots around here, just see what you can find. But for a quick lunch, you can pick up an Argentine empanada, a meat-filled sandwich available on nearly every street corner for only a few pesos.

You can then walk down to the Museo Nacional de Bella Artes (Av. Libertador), the museum of fine arts in Buenos Aires.

No trip to Buenos Aires would be complete without exploring the stuff that runs through the blood of every Argentine – a passion for soccer.

When the Boca Juniors play in La Bombadero stadium, the city stops and everyone’s attention centers on the game. The stadium, located in the district of La Boca, also has a museum that tells the history of the team and its famous Buenos Aires players.

You can then head down the waterfront in La Boca to see the colorful houses that line the streets. La Boca is a typical ‘working class’ area of Buenos Aires and was home to waves of early immigrants to the city, a very interesting place.

Some final places to make sure you visit if you somehow find the time is the new Puerto Madero development, the newest part of the city, which backs onto the banks of the river and the Buenos Aires ecological reserve.

Also you should visit the area around Retiro station, with the grand clock tower ‘Torre de los Ingleses’ which contrary to recent Argentine British relations, was donated by the British government to commemorate the Argentine May Independence revolution and the closeness between the two nations at the start of the 20^th century.

Buenos Aires is a huge city that even residents have not fully explored. 48 hours is not enough to see it all, but you can always try!

Bariloche, in northern Patagonia, is a Mecca for those heading for a Patagonia destination. The town is most famous as a ski resort due to its proximity to the ski slopes of Cerro Catedral.

Perched on the side of a huge lake and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Bariloche seems more like a Swiss Alpine resort.

Golf and snow capped mountains in Bariloche

Its residents seem European too, as many of Argentina’s citizens are immigrants, and the capital, Buenos Aires, is often nicknamed the Paris of South America.

The local pubs have the feel of an Alpine bar, serving a variety of European and local beers.

Famous Fondue

Just like in many Alpine ski resorts, there is a range of fondue restaurants around Bariloche. You can gather around a pot of bubbling cheese and cook various meats and vegetables, perfect for warming up after a long day of hitting the slopes.

Chocolate & Bariloche

What many visitors to Bariloche are unaware of is that Bariloche is the chocolate capital of Argentina and possibly South America.

Even though the cocoa bean was first discovered in Mexico, it was the Europeans and then later Americans that perfected the process to make it into the chocolate that we know today.

It was also the Swiss and Germans that engineered the technique of mixing fresh milk with the bitter cocoa bean to make the sweet milk chocolate that we know of today.

This made Swiss chocolate some of the most famous and well-known chocolates in the early chocolate market development.

Bariloche, keeping in line with the Alpine feel, developed its own chocolate industry, using fresh sheep as well as cow milk to make the sweet chocolate.

As you walk down the main shopping street of Calle Mitre you are struck by the sweet smells and colorful stores that line the sides of the street.

Feel free to enter the shops and indulge your senses. Ask for some free samples!

Many of the stores feature displays that allow you to see how they hand-craft their luxury chocolates.

Many of the stores also have special chocolate features, such as giant chocolate rabbits during Easter.

Don’t forget to take some time between your Bariloche tours to visit the Bariloche Chocolate Museum!

Now, many of the estancias near El Calafate offer room, board, and activities like horseback riding and sheep shearing demonstrations, giving visitors a taste of the rugged and beautiful way of life in southern Patagonia.

From El Calafate, the trekker’s town accessible by airport or by bus, there are several estancias within a half or full day trip, and all are worthy of inclusion in your next Argentina El Calafate tour. Keep in mind that the best time to travel to Southern Argentina is October through April.

The views of glaciers, lakes, and mountains around El Calafate are breathtaking.

Estancia Cristina, only accessible by boat or a several day trek, is one of the most isolated estancias in the region, but it is also one of the best. From El Calafate, you catch a boat cruise at Puerto Banderas on Lago Argentino, and head north towards the Upsala Glacier, passing icebergs that glow several shades of blue.

Once you arrive at the 85,000 acre ranch, its beauty astounds. Set on a meadow that glows green in the spring and summer, against the backdrop of the looming Upsala Glacier, the green-and-white trimmed lodge will lure you to book another night on the spot.

The ranch, in operation since 1914, once belonged to an Englishman. Now it offers room, board, a full Patagonian lunch to day trippers, plus guided walks or horseback riding to the Upsala Glacier lookout point. After a day of exploring the ranch, you can return in the boat cruise to Puerto Banderas, or tuck into bed in your rustic cabin.

The Galpón del Glaciar estancia is the closest to El Calafate. Only 12 miles from town, it is a working ranch where traditional sheep shearing methods are practiced. If you arrive by lunchtime, you will be treated to delicious homemade scones, puddings, and baked goods.

You can choose to take a walking tour to the Native American camping grounds, go mountain biking or bird watching along Los Pájaros Lagoon, or watch Kelpis shepherding dogs hard at work at the arreo, the sheep round up before the sheep shearing demonstration.

In the evening, you can end your excursion with a delicious Patagonian lamb barbecue and watch a traditional folk dance. If you choose to spend the night here, you can book a room with a terrific view of the Cordillera de los Andes or the Lago Argentino.

Read about our other recommended El Calafate estancias in our El Calafate Tours.

In May 1810, Argentina’s independence movement began, culminating on the 25^th of May with the government of Rio de Plate (what is now Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia) creating its own government, separate to the one of the Spanish king, yet still loyal to the crown.

The center of celebrations for May Revolution Week will be on Avienda 9 de Julio

As news of this spread, similar home rule governments sprouted up. The Spanish king, weakened by the Napoleonic invasion, was unable to quell colonial ambitions. In the spirit of Enlightenment thought, many Spanish colonies successfully asserted their independence.

Cities around the country are preparing to host free live music concerts, parades, and shows. Tonight in Buenos Aires, a parade will kick-off the celebrations at 8pm. The parade will weave through the center of the city, passing the central obelisk and a concert stage on Avienda 9 de Julio. Other events will start at 8pm throughout the city.

On Saturday at 12pm, the military will celebrate the occasion with the “desfilódromo” parade, marching between the obelisk and Avienda Belgrano. Over

3000 soldiers in their historical Argentine military uniforms will accompany the Argentina Air Force and the cavalry.

Along the grand Avienda 9 de Julio will be stalls and markets for people to taste Argentinian cuisine typical of Buenos Aires as well as other regions.

Each day of festivities will have a musical theme. Rock music starts things off today, Saturday will be Latin music, Sunday will be folk and tango, and Monday will have performances from the National Symphony Orchestra. The festivities culminate on Tuesday, the 25^th, with a performance by the famous Argentinean musician Fito Paez.

The key events fall on the final day, with a range of political and religious events to take place in the Casa Rosada in Plaza Mayor, in the heart of the city. While you’re in the city, check out the great Buenos Aires museums, and make sure to tango. If you’re wondering where to stay in town, we’ve got you covered with a list of Buenos Aires hotels.

Whatever you decide to do, do it in typical Argentine style: stay out late and dance!