Tango to Techno: Touring Argentina

    From mountain treks to close encounters with penguins, and from historic winery tours to boutique hotels in colonial cities, Argentina has transformed luxury travel with one-of-a-kind experiences.

     Add to these unique adventures Argentina’s convenient location, its proximity to other South American countries and a favorable exchange rate, and travelers can expect nothing short of a dream vacation, complete with a warm welcome from the Argentinean people.

     Let’s do a little exploring… region by region…

BUENOS AIRES

     With more than a hundred museums, some of the best shopping in South America, and numerous fine restaurants, it’s no wonder that this charismatic capital — the birthplace of the tango — is often referred to as “The Paris of South America.”

     Sports is a national passion, and Buenos Aires is where you’ll find weekend soccer games, polo matches and horseracing, all of which draw huge crowds. The city also is home to some of the most exquisite golf courses on the continent.

     Nightlife is rich and varied. One can attend a cultural performance at Teatro Colon, or dance the night away at a tango salon or techno club.

     Seeking serenity? Many of the city’s five-star hotels have world-class spas that lavish guests with soothing treatments.

CENTRO

     Gauchos once roamed the pampas (or grassland) of Central Argentina. Today, the grand estanicas (cattle ranches) have been transformed into luxurious getaways with horseback riding and other rustic activities.

     Picturesque Cordoba, Argentina’s colonial capital, has magnificent architectural landmarks from the Jesuit era, as well as plenty of world-class resorts where travelers can relax and enjoy the view.

     Villa Allende, La Cumbre and Las Delicias all have lush golf greens and a full menu of outdoor adventures — hiking, fishing, paragliding, etc.

     Near Ascochinga, on the colonial Camino Real, historic sights include Santa Catalina, once a splendid Jesuit mission.

PATAGONIA

     Jaw-dropping scenery provides the backdrop for extraordinary adventures in Patagonia, which stretches a thousand miles from La Pampa province to Tierra del Fuego.

     In the glacier-domed Andes, where herds of wild horses still roam, visitors can go skiing, ice climbing, fly fishing, horseback riding, scuba diving and white-water rafting, thanks to the extreme variations in terrain and altitude.

     On the Atlantic coast, visitors can see whales, sea lions, elephant seals, dolphins and Magelian penguins in their natural habitats — and balance all of that outdoor activity with a relaxing stay at one of the area’s premier hotels or lodges.

     Visit Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, and take a ride on The End of the World Train.

CUYO

     Home to Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas, and surrounded by rivers, Cuyo is ideal for every imaginable outdoor adventure, including snow skiing, trekking, horseback riding, paragliding and rafting.

     Hikers will delight in crossing the Puente del Inca — the Bridge of the Incas.

     Agro-tours take visitors behind the scenes of historic wineries and feature exclusive tastings of Argentina’s wines — including the country’s signature Malbec, a specialty of the Mendoza region.

     In Mendoza, ultra-modern lodges treat travelers to sumptuous amenities. San Juan boasts Ischigualasto Provincial Park, one of the most important paleontological sites in the world.

NORTE

     In colonial times, this region thrived while Buenos Aires was still a rural outpost. Today, travelers can stay in elegant boutique hotels while exploring beautifully preserved colonial cities such as Salta, San Salvador de Jujuy and Santiago del Estero. Or, they can take in the mystical landscapes and immerse themselves in the cultural heritage of the villages of Quebranda de Humahuaca, a UNESCO site.

     Luxury hotels offer sophisticated retreats in Argentina’s famous wine country, known for exceptional grapes grown at the highest altitude in the world. Along with Malbec, sought-after varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon and Torrontes, among many others.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Teatro Colon

teatrocolon.org.ar

Villa Allende

enjoy-argentina.org

La Cumbre

argentinaturistica.com

Santa Catalina

enjoy-argentina.org

The End of the World Train

trendelfindelmundo.com.ar

Ischigualasto Provincial Park

welcomeargentina.com

Quebrada de Humahuaca

whc.unesco.org/en/list/1116

Posted in Our Wine Travel Log
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