Argentina


Argentina

  • About Argentina

    Argentina is a land of spectacular contrasting landscapes from the fertile plains of the Pampas in central Argentina to the rolling plateau of Patagonia in the south and the awe inspiring Andes mountains to the west. As well as providing the visitor with some of the most stunning natural sights in South America Argentina also entices tourists with its exotic cultural heritage. The impressive capital, Buenos Aires, is one of the great cities of the world. Buenos Aires is often described as a combination of Rome, Paris and London. Another reason to visit Argentina is its excellent value for money right now.

  • Did You Know?

    The Aconcagua, on the border of Argentina and Chile, at 6,960 metres, is the highest mountain in the Americas.

  • Geography

    Argentina is vast. It is the second largest country in South America in terms of geographical size and the eighth largest in the world. It is 3,700 km long from north to south and 1,400 km from east to west. Argentina borders Chile to the west and Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil and Bolivia to the north and east. It also shares the offshore island territory of Tierra del Fuego with Chile. The ownership of the Islas Malvinas, the Falklands, continues to be disputed with the UK.

    Famous tourist destinations include: Bariloche, the capital city of the lake region of Patagonian, which offers excellent skiing facilities and also warm weather sports during the whole year, respectively. In Peninsula Valdes and El Calafate you can see outstanding natural beauty and wildlife. The colonial town of Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay is also worth a visit. Carmen de Patagones is a beautiful colonial city and there are unexpected reminders of the Welsh ancestry.

  • Culture

    Despite its size this is the Latin American country where perhaps more than any other Europeans and North Americans can feel at home. A reputation for hospitality and an enthusiasm for European culture means it is easy to break down barriers. An interest in football is a definite advantage. Argentina competes with Brazil for the title of the most passionate footballing nation and in Diego Maradona has produced one of the great artists of the game. In other fields such as music, dance, literature and fashion Argentina holds its own with any nation in the world.

  • Travel

    Aeropuerto Internacional Ezeiza outside Buenos Aires is the main international airport. Buenos Aires can be reached by shuttle bus or taxi service. Land and river crossing points are available from all neighbouring countries Long-distance buses are recommended for their good value and they are fairly quick. The rail network is irregular.

  • Climate

    Ranges from subtropical in the north to humid and steamy in the centre, and cold in the south. The upper Andes region has erratic rainfall, flash floods in summer, searing heat, snow at higher altitude, and the Zonda - a hot, dry wind. The lowlands receive sufficient rainfall to create swampy forests. In winter there is a dry season and intense summer heat. Patagonia is mild year round in the east and glacial in the south. Patagonian weather ranges widely during the year.

  • National Parks

    There is a network of 29 national parks in Argentina. The parks cover a very varied set of terrains and bio enclaves, from Barit National Park on the altiplano northern border with Bolivia to Tierra del Fuego National Park in the south.

  • Recommended Places

    Parque Nacional Los Glaciares

    The main feature of this other worldly ice, rock and water landscape is the Moreno Glacier, an active ice field. You can see and hear the glacier from a series of catwalks and platforms.

    Iguaz Falls

    A region of large rivers and virgin forest full of huge trees and extraordinary flowers and plants spreading along the Iguaz National Park.

    Patagonia

    Glacier dotted mountainous interior of incredible beauty. Also includes unique coastal wildlife zone. The Perito Moreno Glacier of Santa Cruz is a high river of rising, toppling and exploding ice. Although it hasn't moved for several years.

    Peninsula Vald s

    Unesco World Heritage national park on Argentina's eastern peninsula is home to some of the country's richest wildlife. Elephant seals, Magellanic penguins, right whales, orcas, guanacos and foxes are all here.

    Mendoza

    Medoza is a formidable wine and adventure sports region offering terrific sights of the Andes Mountains. A very picturesque and accessible region very popular with tourists.

    Salta

    Lying on the Lerma Valley, Salta is the capital city of this very pretty northern region. This charming colonial town benefits from perennial good weather. Train journeys are also recommended in this area due to the unforgettable scenery.

    The Atlantic Coast

    One of the popular holiday areas for many Argentineans as well as foreign visitors, particularly in summer. Enjoy the superb ocean views in Mar del Plata city.

    Quebrada de Humahuaca

    This stunning valley is a Unesco World Heritage site. Mountains rich with mineral colour overlook a stunning canyon like some ancient lost world. Charming traditional villages, ruins and churches dot the landscape.

  • Key Facts

    • Full Name - Rep blica Argentina
    • Capital - Buenos Aires
    • Population - 37,812,817
    • Time Zone - GMT - 3
    • Languages - Spanish (main), Quechua, Guarani, Araucanian
    • Main Religion - Roman Catholic
    • Currency - Argentinean Nuevo Peso