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.

Red is for the sultry details of tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Red is for… the Argentine tango
There is no image that comes clearer to mind upon thought of an Argentina trip than the tango. The energetic but sultry dance was born and fostered in the fringe communities of the country’s magnificent capital, Buenos Aires, and its artistic influence has since spread across the world through all social levels. The moves are fast paced and the dancers’ attitudes are evocative, enchanting every audience member with the dance’s brash sensuality. Whether you choose to experience the heart of tango along La Boca, Buenos Aires’s old port, or in an unmarked milonga venue, you won’t soon forget the blurred whirl of the female’s classic red dress, shoes, and lipstick detail as she plays with her partner on the dance floor.

Orange is for the sweet sun setting on the landscape of the Atacama Desert in Chile.

Orange is for… sunset in the Atacama Desert of Chile
If there was ever a place to test your feeling of mortality, it would be the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. This is the driest place on earth with absolutely no record of any rain since recordkeeping began more than 500 years ago. Standing in the middle of this vast desert composed of salt basins, sand, and the occasional hardy vegetation, you’ll want to clutch your water bottle tightly with newfound appreciation for every drop. This otherworldly landscape includes the dramatic Moon Valley and its stunning natural formations that champion out of the barren land around it. At sunset, however, you will forget for a moment the desert’s forsaking circumstance as the orange of the sky enhances every pore of the rocky surface, seeming as if existence itself is going to sleep for the night.

Yellow is for the glorious rays of the Costa Rican sun that blesses the entire country.

Yellow is for… the brilliant sunrays of Costa Rica
The sun defines Costa Rica. Without it, the paradise of tropical beaches would lose their essence, the mist of the jungles would linger less mystifyingly, and the massive volcanoes dotting the land would have less aesthetic faces to show throughout the passage of a day. Thankfully, the brilliant yellow rays persist, helping to showcase the country in all its glory. Whether you wish to kayak in one of Costa Rica’s many rapids, trek the impressive Arenal Volcano, party up in the capital of San José, or discover the unique microclimate of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, the feel and illumination of the sun and its cycles will mark your Costa Rica holiday memories.

Green is for the lush natural wonders of the Pantanal wetlands in Brazil.

Green is for… the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil
A more obvious green point would be the Amazon Rainforest that covers most of South America, but the less frequented freshwater Brazilian Pantanal has well earned its reputation as well. Located in the southwestern state of Mato Grosso do Sol, the large reserve continues to spread into Bolivia and Paraguay as well. The wetland foliage’s gradient of green hues is beautiful to behold, and a boat excursion as part of your Brazil vacation package will take you on the crisp waters for an even more intimate exploration of the Pantanal. Delight in the exotic animals that hide in the verdant foliage and perhaps even spot a jaguar!

Blue is for the stark ripples and reflections of Lake Titicaca in Peru.

Blue is for… the waters of Lake Titicaca in Peru
Lake Titicaca, the highest navigatable lake in the world, can be approached from the Bolivian side as well, but the Puno gateway in Peru remains the more popular access point. From Puno, meander along the waterside, or take a boat tour to one of the reed islands such as Amantaní and Taquile where some traditional families still call home. A most spectacular time to see the lake is during the afternoon barrage of sunlight when the blues of the serene ripples shine brightest.

Purple is for the deep but light chicha morada juice so ubiquitously found throughout Lima, Peru.

Purple is for… chicha morada in Lima, Peru
Lima was once the capital of the Spanish empire in South America and it continues to stand today as a living reminder of colonial history as well as catalyst of contemporary culture. One new reputation the Peruvian metropolis has enjoyed is its status as the gastronomic capital of the Americas. From intimidating platters of ceviche (the national dish of raw seafood marinated in lime juice and spices) to the succulent sandwiches found streetside, dining in Lima is nothing short of an adventure in and of itself. In the end, wash it all down with a chilled glass of dark purple chicha morada, a non-alcoholic corn drink that dates to eras predating even the legendary Inca Empire. Cheers!

Black is for the rich, sleek skin of the sea lions that call the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador their home.

Black is for… the smooth skin of the Galapagos sea lions of Ecuador
To spice up your Ecuador travel plans, fly out to the Galapagos Islands to feel as if you’re an explorer of the old days. As you embark on your Galapagos cruise, admire the vast diversity of wildlife that populate this remote archipelagos, which includes but by no means is limited to its iconic sea lions, ancient sea turtles, marine iguanas, lava lizards, penguins, various colored boobies, and creatures deep underwater such as sharks, rays, dolphins, eels, and more. Finally, of course, you will be able to watch the local finches flit back and forth, the very birds who helped to inspire Charles Darwin and the development of his theory of evolution.

White is for the pristine emptiness of the vast Salar de Uyuni salt lake of Bolivia.

White is for… the Uyuni salt flat in Bolivia
Within Bolivia’s quieter personality lies the conspicuous Salar de Uyuni salt flat, a must-see destination for any Bolivia tour or South America trip. It is the largest of its kind on earth, and the panoramas here will be unlike anything you have ever seen before. A driving expedition will take you into the core of the 4,085-square-mile salt lake where the visage of this alien landscape seemingly extends endlessly into infinity. After a rain, Uyuni becomes the grandest natural mirror in existence when the reflected sky fuses seamlessly with the horizon and the terrain. If you are lucky and come in the right season on your Bolivia vacation, you might even get to see the local flamingoes that breed in this surreal plain.