Going far corners of the globe, at end of the continents, sailing the seas and flying over the horizons have always inspired me. This constant quest to explore, dream and discover steered me to the travel to, Argentina, an amazing country of mix. It nurses huge diversity in terms of geography, climate, people and culture. Stretching from Tropic of Capricorn to tip of Antarctica, Argentina is filled with alluring landscapes and staggering diversity of terrains. Not only its nature but also its culture is one of main attractions. Colonial influences are still very evident in its architecture, lifestyle and language.
Historically, Argentina got its name from the Latin word for silver, argentum, which was to be found in heavy proportion in those times. Argentina is still a good source for valuable minerals, livestock and, cereals that is why it was once ranked among world’s richest countries. Geographically, length of the country is 5121 kilometers & is shaped as an inverted triangle having its capital at the top, sharing borders with countries like Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay and Atlantic Ocean. Going by the size of the country there are climate variations; December to March the most favorable time to visit Southern Argentina, Buenos Aires is pleasant in July to August and the wine valleys of Mendoza turn golden copper from March to May. But having said this, it is the most accessible country and can be visited all year round so we decided to take our trip in month of December.
As first time visitors to Argentina we picked up most of the must see- sites: The capital Buenos Aires, Mighty Iguazu Falls, Vine valleys, Andes, ice fields and glaciers of southern Patagonia. We knew we were surely in for a lifetime experience.
Here are our best experiences from our trip to Argentina.
Perito Moreno Glacier
Glacier Perito Moreno is the highlight of Parque Nacional Los Glaciers, it is among the most visited sights in Argentina. This impressive ice field is 30 km long, 5km wide, 60m high but what makes it unique in the world is that it advances up to – 2m per day resulting into large chunks of ice falling into lake Argentina forming icebergs. We were lucky enough to see a slice of ice calving off and crashing into the lake below creating a massive impact and a deep thunderous, echoing sound. The walkways offer a lot of vantage points and allows you to get really close to admire the remarkable size of the glacier and lake. To make the experience more adventurous we took a boat ride, amidst the icebergs. We got so close to the glaciers that we could literally hear the ice crack. Other activities like flying over the National Park, Glacier Walking, Hiking across the glacier make the experience unforgettable.
Tierra del Fuego
Doesn’t the thought of being at the southernmost tip of the earth, the end of the world, excite you? Knowing that further south is Antarctica? Our feelings were no less overwhelming as we arrived in Ushuaia, dramatically referred as world’s southernmost city. Encased by snowcapped mountains and stunning view to the sea, Ushuia earned its popularity among the tourist in last decade. Every year Tourists flock in the city for fishing, sailing, some winter sports activities, hikes and treks in the Tierra del Fuego National park, and of course to set out on expedition to Antarctica. Don’t miss the daytime cruises through Beagle channel that takes you along Ushuia’s breath-taking coastal landscapes and local marine time wildlife.
Iguazu Falls
Iguazu is one of the widest waterfalls in the world; it is among the greatest Natural spectacles on earth. We knew Iguazu was massive but seeing it in front of us we were left spellbound. Iguazu is not just one but 275 waterfalls together. The never-ending flow of water, mist forming rainbows, smell of dense jungle, the thunderous sound, chirps of tropical birds, made the whole experience so sheer and personal that one needs to witnesses it to understand it. These falls are set in The Iguazu national Park over the Iguazu River, which flows between the Brazil-Argentina Border splitting 80% of the falls in Argentina and 20 % in brazil. Following the bird watch trail through the jungle, we stood at the viewing platforms opposite and on top of the falls, the tumbling water below our feet was quite gripping. The central and highest point of the waterfall is called Devil’s throat. Activities like speed boat safari that take you right beneath the falls and Helicopter rides that fly over the falls to see its dramatic formation on earth. It is one of the most cherished wonders of nature.
Fun Fact- It is Triple the size of Niagara Falls.
Buenos Aires
This Sprawling capital of Argentina is known as “Paris of South America”. Buenos Aires is a city of amazing food, vibrant neighborhood, modern and colonial buildings, fashionable people, lovely music, tango dancers, soccer fanatics and amazing nightlife. Established as Gold and Silver port in 16th century, it was named for its cool winds from the oceans. Spanish Colonizers brought in their trading skills and made Argentina world’s richest country. Since than the fortunes have faded but its splendor remains in its architectures. During our visit, a Friend of ours, Javier walked us around the city, telling us everything about Plaza de Mayo, Opera House, Casa Rosada, Avenida 9 julio, Teatro colon etc. Later we just strolled around in cafes of La boca and wandered around in Recoleta cemetery where city’s rich and famous are buried, The cemetery is fantastic as each grave is a piece of art.
La Boca & San Telmo
This neighborhood has a cool bohemian vibe, lot of European elements are there, like buildings look French, people speak Spanish but with a Napoli accent from Italy. The famous El Caminito street, in La Boca is filled with colorful houses, cobbled alleyways, local artist selling paintings, soccer fanatics, live music, and throbbing tango beats. Tourist can enjoy tango performances with a cup of coffee at the outdoor cafes. This artistic neighborhood is filled with infectious energy of South American life and history. Don’t miss the legendary Boca Juniors soccer stadium and museum. Wander in San Telmo to buy homemade souvenirs from the patio shops of the old colonial buildings, browse in historic artisans markets for Tango-themes collectibles and antiques.
Tango
The tango is not something to miss when in Argentina. It was in ports of Buenos Aires where sultry tango originated. Interesting thing about Tango is it stills holds cultural tie of the people; Old or young, everybody still loves to groove in its engaging music. On of the best ways to enjoy Tango is by learning it. There are free as well as paid lessons in the local tango clubs and halls. Even we took a tango lesson at one of clubs, learned all the ins and outs of the dance and relished the romantic time we had dancing. The lessons were followed by a wonderful Tango show performed by professional artists. Local argentines feel so proud about the heritage that is so well culturally twined in roots of its country.
Mendoza
Set at the foothills of Andes it is fondly know as the wine capital of the country. People visit the Mendoza province for its beautiful landscapes of Andes Mountains and endless wineries. This place is filled with world-class luxurious hotels & resorts, adventure hilly terrain activities, gourmet cuisine and lots of wine tasting tours. Malbec is one of their finest produce, if you love wine than you cannot simply leave Argentina without having a Glass of Malbec. This Andean city represents what argentines do best, enjoying a good life!
Food
It is said that Argentina has best meat in the world. Asado is the star of their cuisine; it is cooked on a grill or on an open fire called Parrilla. Argentine’s love for food can be seen everywhere, walk into any small bakery or café or restaurant you will find a good meal. You can try Argentine version of Pizza with thick base & loaded cheese. If you are a vegetarian you can try some veg Empanadas stuffed with cheese, mushrooms & veggies. Indulge yourself in Dulce de Leche, Argentinians are obsessed with, you will find it everything; biscuits, ice creams, coffee, cakes & all desserts. Do forget to try Mate, it is a strong tea that is to be drank from a pot shaped gourd, argentines swear by it and is traditionally drunk at social events.
Marty Rubin says “travel doesn’t become adventure until you leave yourself behind”. Our trip to Argentina was one hell of an adventure. Its easy to say that one visit to this country wont do justice to it glory so we took photos as our return ticket.
