Module 3 ALL AROUND-TRAVELLING in ARGENTINA

Module 3 ALL AROUND-TRAVELLING IN ARGENTINA

Ushuaia I Bariloche I Mendoza I Salta I Córdoba I Puerto Madryn I Peninsula Valdés

USHUAIA (The End of the World, Famous as the Cruise Hub) BARILOCHE – The Lake District (The Serene Luxurious Town with many Adventure Options) MENDOZA (The Gorgeous Wine Region) SALTA (Postcard Pretty City) CÓRDOBA (The Charming Place where History and Culture meet) PUERTO MADRYN & PENINSULA VALDÉS (Crazy Adventure & Wildlife)

In this module we briefly introduce you to the many other wonders of Argentina. The country offers a great assortment of options, which can be packed innovatively and proposed to travelers. With so many options it is imperative to understand the preferences to be able to cater to the needs of travelers and create mind-blowing itineraries.

SALTA

CÓRDOBA

MENDOZA

BARILOCHE PUERTO MADRYN & PENINSULA VALDÉS

USHUAIA

USHUAIA – (The End of the World & Famous for its Cruises) Weisheng Lee Weisheng

Ushuaia is the capital of Tierra del Fuego. It is commonly regarded as the southernmost city in the world, which is why it is called ‘The End of the World’. Known to be a busy port and adventure hub, few cities in the world can match Ushuaia’s stunning beauty and rare location, situated between the Beagle Channel and snowcapped mountains. It is also an important cruise hub and a gateway to Antarctica. Getting around the town is easy and the town offers plenty of accommodation options. Ushuaia has a busy nightlife and is bustling with tourists from all over the world. For those who fancy a train ride, one can enjoy the Del Fin del Mundo Train (End of the World train) – also known as ‘the inmate train’ because it was built by inmates of the Ushuaia Prison in the early 20th century. It departs from the Fin del Mundo Station and follows an exciting path giving guests a feel of the beautiful landscape in the area. Some of the preferred choices of the tourists that come to the city are: Maritime Museum – the old Ushuaia Prison, End of the World Museum, Yámana Museum, City Museum, Old Government House and ‘Pensar’ Malvinas Museum. Ushuaia offers an endless number of possibilities and adventure activities for its tourists: In summer the activities

Train to the end of the world Ushuaia Inprotur Inprotur

Ushuaia Bariloche

included are trekking, horse riding, sport fishing, canoeing, four wheel traction adventures, mountain biking and so on. Visitors can appreciate the natural areas in the region, such as the Tierra del Fuego National Park. In winter, the cold temperatures invite another set of action-packed activities that include skiing, snowboarding, dog-sledding, snowmobiling, and ice-skating. Visitors can also enjoy excursions in a catamaran along the coasts of the city and at sea. Many cruises depart from Ushuaia.

GETTING THERE & THE CLIMATE: Ushuaia The flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia is Leo Becari approximately 3 ½ hours. The airport is called Ushuaia - Malvinas Argentinas International Airport (USH) and is about 5 kilometers from the city centre. The climate of the region is cold and humid without a dry season because of the low sunshine. The closeness to the ocean helps to maintain a uniform climate. The average temperature in winter is around 0`C and the average in summer is 10`C – although in exceptionally warm weather it can reach 24`C.

BARILOCHE – The Lake District (The Serene Luxurious Town with many Adventure Options)

Bariloche, officially known as ‘San Carlos de Bariloche’, is a gorgeous little town surrounded by lakes and mountains. It is a city inthe province of Río Negro, Argentina, situated south west of Buenos Aires, in the foothills of the Andes on the southern shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake. It is located within the Nahuel Huapi National Park, in the Patagonia region. The peaks that form a ring around the town give post card perfect views in every direction. These mountains aren’t just for gazing – the high intensity of the snowfall makes this place a winter wonderland for adventure sports. In summer, hiking, fishing, riding mountain bikes and horse riding are some of the best ways to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. The other adventure activities that can be enjoyed are: paragliding, kayaking, and canoeing. In a nutshell, it is a natural playground and enjoys nature at its best. Even if guests are not interested in adventure they will find plenty of options to suit their fancy which include, boat trips, shopping in nice boutique shops, fine dining options, driving excursions...The city centre is compact enough to be explored on foot. The region has excellent restaurants and beer houses that offer great gastronomic experiences. Bariloche is also Argentina’s chocolate capital and has endless number of chocolate houses that produce Bariloche

Inprotur variations of chocolate in an artisanal way combining them with

Bariloche

Fly Fishing Inprotur exquisite coca and fine dried fruits. These chocolates can be tasted at Villa La Angostura, San Martín de los Andes and other stores that sell handmade chocolates. Chocolate en rama (chocolate twirls) is one of the traditional chocolate varieties that one must try when on a visit. It is light, kind of hollow, each piece of chocolate en rama resembles the bark of a tree trunk. However, its aroma and texture leave no room for mistake. It is a piece of authentic chocolate. Many of the places allow visitors on a tour to witness the handmade chocolate production process and to enjoy a hot beverage together with a selection of chocolates, cakes or other delicious baked goods. There are tours to the chocolate museum and some other tours include a wine and chocolate pairing. The warmth, hospitality, stunning scenery and sweet taste of chocolate make the visit an exceptional experience.

GETTING THERE & THE CLIMATE: The flight from Buenos Aires to Bariloche is approximately 2 hours. The airport is called San Carlos de Bariloche International Airport (BRC) and is about 15 kilometers from the city centre. Bariloche has a cool Mediterranean climate with dry, windy summers and cold winters. There are plenty of accommodation options to suit all needs that range from luxury hotels to camping sites.

MENDOZA & ITS SURROUNDINGS – (The Gorgeous Wine Region)

Mendoza Wine Federico Garcia Federico

Mendoza is on the north west of Buenos Aires and is a beautiful province protected by some of the highest peaks that are mostly covered with snow and is surrounded by vineyards, olives and scented fruit trees. This picturesque place lies in the heart of the Cuyo region that comprises Mendoza, San Juan and San Luis. It’s the natural landscape that makes this wine area so special, with the wineries at high altitudes, the dry climate and snowcapped peaks in the background - the colors travelers see during a visit to the vineyard are amazing. With so much fantastic wine on offer, visitors will want to grab their glasses, enjoy the wine and experience the adventure activities. Golf, hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, skiing, white water rafting, and zip lining are some of the adventure activities that are popular in this area. As a city, Mendoza offers plenty of accommodation and gourmet options given its lovely plazas and cafes. Visitors can easily explore Mendoza on foot. Buses/taxis are inexpensive and easily available. The grape harvest during the Vendimia festival (National Harvest Festival) is famous and travelers from all over the world come to enjoy the experience. Mendoza today is also officially one of the world capitals of wine. The most important varieties such as Malbec, (red wine) a rich full bodied wine, and Torrontes, a popular white wine, are the flagships of the wine industry. Many people rent a car to tour around the wineries due to the breathtaking views, the pretty wineries and the opportunity to enjoy a true Argentinian wine experience. Mendoza’s main tourist wine route is divided into the following regions that include the High Zone, Mendoza South and Uco Valley. There are many wineries, and each one offers different facilities from wine tasting to accommodation, to olive oil tasting.

Mendoza

Some of the classic tours around Mendoza: It provides a great opportunity to enjoy excellent wines from various vineyards, enjoy the scenery with the snowcapped peaks in the background, experience gourmet cuisines, exceptional stays and a visit to an olive oil factory. - San Agustín del Valle Fértil, 74 kilometers from Ischigualasto (or Valle de la Luna), being its nearest city. - The Tampalaya National Park in La Roija, which is 72 kilometers away from Villa Unión. - The Sierra de Las Quijadas National Park that is 122 kilometers away from the city of San Luis. - Puente del Inca and the amazing natural stone bridge, 70 km away from Uspallata, in the Mendoza province. Vineyard Federico Garcia Federico

GETTING THERE & THE CLIMATE: The flight from Buenos Aires to Mendoza is approximately 2 hours. The airport is called Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (MDZ), better known as El Plumerillo International Airport, and is located 8 kilometers from the centre of Mendoza. Mendoza has a continental climate and semi-arid desert conditions. The region experiences 4 distinct seasons.

Mendoza Vendimia Festival Secretaria de-Turismo de Mendoza Secretaria de-Turismo

SALTA – (Colonial Postcard Pretty City)

Salta is situated in the northern region called Norte. The region is famous for its history, regional art and adventure, and is surrounded by the luxurious natural beauty, old colonial towns, delightful festivals and other rustic delights. The region also includes other places like Jujuy, Catamarca, Tucumán, and Santiago del Estero. Salta is located north of Buenos Aires, showcases a rich mix of several elements that make it distinctive. It is also one of Argentina’s most colonial cities. Attractions in the city include the 18th century Cabildo, the neo- Colored hill classical style Cathedral, and

Franco Cappellari Franco the 9 de Julio central squares along with San Bernardo hill, and its surroundings. The city’s museums exhibit a wide range of artifacts and artwork from the native civilizations that flourished in the area. Getting around the city is easy and can also be explored on foot. There is a wide variety of accommodation options, from 5 star hotels to cozy cabins. Staying at an estancia (large estate or cattle ranch) is really nice, although there are also wineries that offer accommodation. The nightlife is pretty active too, with options of bars, nightclubs, casinos and Peñas (traditional music bars).

Salta Salt Flats Inprotur

Salta

TRAIN TO THE CLOUDS: The Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) is a tourist train service in the Salta Province. It is an unbelievable experience where guests can enjoy the stunning sceneries and a breathtaking ride with the train reaching a height of 13,842 feet, without the help of cable tracks. The journey is about 434 kilometers and includes 29 bridges, 21 tunnels, 13 viaducts, 2 spirals and 2 zigzags. The train departs from Salta at 7 am, and returns at around 11 pm. It operates from April to November. The train is composed of a dining carriage, bar carriage, a first aid area and passenger Train to the Clouds carriages. There are numerous stops along the way, some with Eliseo Miciu markets selling artisan goods and locals offering regional cuisine.

THE SALINAS GRANDES (SALT FLATS/SALT PLAINS): The salinas (salt plains) are in Salta province, but are most easily reached by heading west – most easily accessible from Purmamarca, Jujuy or Salta. The large open space is visually stunning and a photographer’s delight. Visits here can be done via public transportation or by hiring a car.

AROUND SALTA: Salta is the base for many great trips throughout the province. The neighboring area offers a diversity of lush cloud forests, red desert canyons, and the high altitude wine countryside. There are Salt Flats plenty tour agencies offering excursions to the region. There are Inprotur many popular routes for this area, where travelers from Salta can head through the national parks and view cactus on the way to Cachi. One can also head through Valles Calchaquíes to Cafayate, home to some of Argentina’s best wines. Several popular combinations of routes are possible. Another route could be to visit the spectacular salt plains of the Salinas Grandes, and then to the unbelievable Quebrada de Humahuaca.

GETTING THERE & THE CLIMATE: The flight from Buenos Aires to Salta is approximately 2 hours. The airport is called The Martín Miguel de Güemes Airport (SLA), also called El Aybal, and is approximately 7 kilometers southwest of the city. Located in the north, at an altitude of 1,200 meters, Salta enjoy 4 distinct seasons. Summer is mild and the winters is warm and dry, with records of an annual average temperature of 22ºC

Salta Ministerio de-Turismo de Salta Ministerio de-Turismo

CÓRDOBA (The Charming Place where History and Culture meet)

Córdoba is Argentina’s second largest city and offers visitors an interesting contrast to the modern metropolis of Buenos Aires - the well-preserved colonial architecture mixed with a buzzing arts scene, classy modernity and an enormous student population makes Córdoba a vibrant city. Córdoba is so highly regarded for its cultural richness that it was crowned as the Cultural Capital of the Americas. There’s plenty to see with four superb galleries that are dedicated to emerging, contemporary, classical and fine art – all worth a visit .They are within easy walking distance of each other. Downtown in Córdoba is a treasure trove of colonial buildings and other historical monuments- the most famous being the Iglesia Catedral, Manzana Jesuítica. Most of the colonial sites are within a few blocks of Plaza San Martín- the city centre. The classic tour of the Jesuit Estancias tourist itinerary and visit to the Jesuit Square is very popular among visitors. The city boasts of a super nightlife - the main areas for nightlife are Nueva Córdoba and El Abasto. Shopping is also great and the Barrio Guemes is packed with little craft and antique shops. Adventure junkies can head to the hills where Cordoba paragliding is an excellent option, or de Cordoba Agencia de-Turismo can visit the national parks that offer great trekking options. Golf is popular with a good selection of golf courses.

GETTING THERE: Córdoba is North West of Buenos Aires and the flight from Buenos Aires to Córdoba is approximately 1 ½ hours. Aeropuerto Internacional de Cordoba ‘Ingeniero Aeronáutico Ambrosio L.V. Taravella’ (COR), more commonly known as Pajas Blancas, is located 9 kilometers from the centre of the Córdoba city. The climate of the city of Córdoba is humid subtropical. The city has four marked seasons.

PUERTO MADRYN & PENINSULA VALDÉS– (Crazy Adventure & Wildlife)

Whale Watching Subsecretaria de - Turismo de Chubut Subsecretaria de - Turismo Puerto Madryn is located to the south of Buenos Aires and is the gateway to Península Valdés. In summer it holds its own reputation as a beach destination, but later whale watching takes over. These migrating whales come so close, that they can be viewed without actually going on any sort of tour. Adventure activities include diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, hiking and biking. Nearly all hotels are situated on the main coastal road. Wildlife enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the world-renowned Península Valdés, a treat to observe marine wildlife. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.The Valdés Peninsula is located in the province of Chubut, in Patagonia. It is a sort of huge natural zoo where visitors can enjoy marine wildlife viewing opportunities and see the elephant seals, penguins, sea lions, orcas, dolphins and the southern right whales.

GETTING THERE & THE CLIMATE: Located south of Buenos Aires the flight is approximately 2 ½ hours to both the airports. Though Puerto Madryn has its own modern airport 5 kilometers west of town, called Aeropuerto El Tehuelche (PMY), but most of the commercial flights arrive in Trelew, 65 kilometers away. It is called Almirante M A. Zar Airport (REL). Puerto Madryn has a city bus system and taxis are numerous. Rental cars are also available. The climate is very dry with low rainfall.