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Cuyo

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In Argentina, contrasting features undoubtedly abound. In this country, you are going to find different colors, weathers, feelings. You will find beautiful sceneries and live joyful times once and again, but there is one thing that keeps the same —the way locals are going to be friendly and warm, and will find that entertaining you is their pleasure. WORLD HERITAGES Quebrada de , At the Upper Pinturas River Province of of Santa Cruz

The ’s multicolored landscapes frame the villages Located South of the Perito Moreno town, by the Alto Río Pinturas Valley, of , Maimará, and Humahuaca. Its adobe houses, the Cueva de las Manos (Cave of the Hands) contains one of the most historical chapels and Pre-Hispanic ruins provide a stunning view. A monolith significant assemblages of cave art in the . Vestiges of a 9,300 marks the Tropic of Capricorn, where each June 21st, the celebration of the year-old culture are foundin the caves and the gully’s rocky sides, which show Inti Raymi (Sun Festival) takes place. stenciled outlines of human hands and other rich pre-historic depictions giving testimony to its past. World Cultural Landscape World Cultural Heritage Site Iguazú National Park Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba Province of Misiones Province of Córdoba

The famous Iguazú Falls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, This magnificent collection of historical buildings include the Church of the are at the heart of this National Park. An impressive amount of water plunges Compañía de Jesús, the chapel Capilla Doméstica, the Jesuits Residence and the 70m into the abyss below, breaking into 275 inlets and drops. The border Rectorate of Córdoba National University, together with the University Council, between Argentina and is marked by the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Conferring Room, the Higher Library and the Monserrat National High Throat) drop.The surrounding park has over 2000 species of plants and is School. The Jesuit Estancias Jesús María, Caroya, Santa Catalina, La Candelaria home to the region’s exotic wildlife, including more that 400 bird species. and Alta Gracia are visited in a 250 km itinerary following a hilly landscape. World Natural Heritage Site World Cultural Heritage Site Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis Península Valdés Province of Misiones Province of Chubut

Jesuit Missions of the Guaraní Natives San Ignacio Miní, Nuestra Señora de Two gulfs of Península Valdés, San José and Nuevo, are the meeting points Loreto, Santa Ana and Santa María la Mayor Jesuit Missions constitute a 296 of the Southern Right Whales. They gather here every year between May and km long tourist itinerary of incredible scenic beauty. These reductions, settled December to feed and breed. The fauna concentration in this area is in Argentina in the 17th century, were part of the 33 villages that formed the outstanding. Elephant seals, sea lions, and Magellanic penguins, as well as Ancient Jesuit Province of Paraguay. guanacos and maras (Dolychotis patagonum), also known as Patagonian hare. The Isla de los Pájaros reserve protects thousands of bird species. : Alberto Patrian Picture : World Cultural Heritage Site World Natural Heritage Site Ischigualasto and Talampaya Natural Parks Los Glaciares National Park Provinces of San Juan and La Rioja Province of Santa Cruz

The Ischigualasto Provincial Park (San Juan), also known as Moon Valley is one Thirteen glaciers, all of them feeding into the Atlantic basin, break into huge of the greatest paleontological reserves of the world, rich in remains of vertebrates towers of ice over the Viedma and Argentino lakes. The front walls of the from the Mesozoic Era and early dinosaur footprints, and the Talampaya Perito Moreno, Mayo, Spegazzini and Upsala glaciers topple into the National Park (La Rioja), with cliffs and reddish rock formations that are the Argentino lake waters. The glaciers may be visited via a boat trip for a closer perching place for Andean condors, are situated in a 5,000 sq. km basin. Petroglyphs view of this breath-taking natural wonder. El Calafate, which has an airport, of uncertain origin and age are one of Talampaya’s astounding features, along Mateos O. Alfredo Picture: is the closest urban center. with the massive walls -over 150 meters high- of the 3 km long canyon. World Natural Heritage Site World Natural Heritage Site

02 WORLD HERITAGES WORLD HERITAGES 03 Obelisco CITY OF PROVINCE OF BUENOS AIRES

BUENOS AIRES The Great Gate and the Domains of

Colón Theater ,

uenos Aires, the global metropolis and open city lying on the banks of the Río de la Plata, is a place where tango, literature, the best food, music, films, theatre, shopping tours, football, and nightlife converge. With its mixture of BEuropean-style appeal and Latin feeling, at the “Star City” on the banks of the Río de la Plata everything is possible, at all times. You can learn how to dance tango, which with its close embrace is the purest expression of the melancholy felt by those immigrants who developed it over a century ago next to the ships that had brought them from . You can also enjoy its amazing cultural offer in its museums, public parks, exhibition centers, historical neighborhoods, and great stages. At the peak of its local fashion and design boom, the city proposes not only a wide variety of shopping opportunities just as any other large capital does, but also several itineraries dedicated to antiques and to avant-garde objects, to style as well as state of the art furniture, to handicrafts and to the creations by young artists. The best food, led by meat-based dishes but also including cuisines of Italian, Spanish, Jewish, Eastern roots, or from other ethnic origins, goes hand in hand with other entertainment which, in Buenos Aires, as a Latin city, includes football as a must which might even be classified as one of the fine arts.

BUENOS AIRES / CITY 05 Polo Match CITY OF OF BUENOS AIRES

Mall Nereidas Floralis Genérica, Recoleta

Accommodation. Over 480 hotels holding 56,400 beds. There are a variety of categories, from modest bed and breakfasts and hostels to luxurious hotels. Means of transport. There are over 32,000 taxis. The bus (called “colectivo”) is a fast and economic service and there are over 100 lines running all around the city. Also, there are 5 lines of subways. The shopping areas: , Santa Fe Avenue, and the following eighborhoods: Belgrano, Palermo Viejo and Palermo Hollywood. There are 9 malls in the city. In some areas, the distinguishing feature is the cuisine, such as Puerto Madero, Recoleta Las Cañitas, and Palermo Viejo. In Buenos Aires, dinner is served late at night, from 9.30 PM until well past midnight. In general, it is cheaper to eat out at noon. There are approximately 169 theatres of all sizes and 207 movie theatres including those that are located in the malls. Along Corrientes Avenue, you will find the main circuit. The Colón Theatre has proven to be the stage for outstanding opera stars ever since 1908. On Saturdays, Sundays and Business Holidays, craftsmen display their booths in parks and squares, one of the most remarkable ones being the San Pedro Telmo Fair. You can’t miss Caminito Street, the colorful heart of La Boca neighborhood, where ’ “La Bombonera” football stadium stands out.

BUENOS AIRES / CITY 07 City of Mar del Plata CITY OF BUENOS AIRES PROVINCE OF BUENOS AIRES

Atlantic Coast Match Surfing along the Atlantic coastline

n the Province of Buenos Aires, you will be amazed at the horizon of numberless crops, being the natural habitat of the and his horse. There, Creole traditions live side by side with sports, as the remainders from Ithe past blend along the endless sand dunes reaching out to the sea. This area provides the tourist with a hard-to-beat cocktail, as rich in winter as in summer. You can practice, learn, or simply watch amazing sports on horseback, with the best polo in the world as one very strong appeal, and the pato as the . Don’t forget the century-old estancias (large estates or cattle ranches), with open doors that let the traveler in to experience the traditions of the Argentine countryside. On the seaside, the beach resorts string along the Atlantic coast, starting from the north of the Patagonia coast up to the Río de la Plata, and shining with a light of their own from December through March. In the Tigre area, an array of islands unveils the magic of the Delta of the Paraná River.

BUENOS AIRES / PROVINCE 09 Marina Regatta Club , El Tigre CITY OF BUENOS AIRES PROVINCE OF BUENOS AIRES

Estancia house Rural Tourism Lake

The Classical Tours. Don’t miss San Antonio de Areco, a traditional town where you will find museums such as the Museo Gauchesco (Gaucho Museum) and Luján’s Basilica. Off the Beaten Track. Do stop by San Miguel del Monte and Chascomús. In the south, you will find the towns of Balcarce -where the Fangio Museum awaits you-, Tandil, Sierra de la Ventana and Carmen de Patagones. Ecotourism. Samborombón’s Bay on the Buenos Aires Atlantic Coast. Water Sports and Activities. Buenos Aires offers you lakes and countless sand beach resorts in the Atlantic coastline. Tigre’s islands and waterways make up a water world you shouldn’t miss, whether you choose a quiet spot or one of the Delta’s popular parks. The Best Food. You will love Buenos Aires’ traditional beef and offal barbecue, our famous “”. Cold meats and cheese from Tandil, in the province of Buenos Aires, are superb. Mar del Plata is the right place to find delicious fish and seafood. The best candy in the region is the “alfajor”, a sort of cookie sandwich filled with our traditional “dulce de leche” (caramel spread). The Best Festivities and Events. Every November, the Tradition’s Festival is celebrated in San Antonio de Areco.

BUENOS AIRES / PROVINCE 11 BUENOS AIRES Leather for Everyone BUENOS AIRES The Delta (City of Buenos Aires) Renowned around the world, Argentine leather clothes, (Province of Buenos Aires) It is a mudflow basin over 100,000 years old, extending over 19,000 square made out of cow leather and sheepskin, spell quality and kilometers and covering 350 rivers, streams, and canals. A practical design. The excellent raw material comes to its best in service of taxi and bus boats and catamarans having the Tigre The annual average In Buenos Aires, a mild shoes, handbags, jackets, pants and coats, in ever station as their home base make it possible to move around temperature is 17°C. more original colors and finishing. climate prevails, which is and enjoy the clubs, recreation areas, hostels, In January, the maximum a feature of the Pampa region. and restaurants. average is 24°C, and in Summers are warm, July the minimum and winters are mild. average goes down to 10°C. This is rather La Plata a humid city.

BUENOS AIRES

Ecological Reserve CITY OF BUENOS AIRES

Sierra de la Ventana Caminito Atlantic Coast

Mataderos Craft Fair Handicrafts You will find silverwork and Historical Monuments knives (mainly in the little The Countryside In the city of Buenos Aires, those who towns of Buenos Aires); The Pampa plain is the agricultural and love architecture may visit countless leather crafts and fine raw cattle-raising area par excellence in the historical buildings, true architectural leather plaited items; boots, country. It is an ideal grazing ground for jewels bequested by Gaudí, Le saddles, equipment for polo several different cattle breeds such as Metal Craftsmanship Corbusier, Bustillo, and Pelli, among and other horse sports; and Hereford, Aberdeen Angus, Holando knitted garments (mainly in Knives, daggers, “facones” (large knives others. Sculptures by Lola Mora, Rodin, Argentino, and Shorthorn. Also, soy, Mar del Plata). used by gauchos), “rastras” (decorative buckle or Botero stand out in green spaces, peanuts, wheat, corn, sunflower, of a gaucho’s belt), buckles, mates, spurs, stirrups… many of which were designed by Thays. barley, and rye are grown. Artisans are true masters in the art of working silver, gold and semiprecious stones with a hammer and a chisel, creating truly unique pieces.

12 BUENOS AIRES / CITY BUENOS AIRES / PROVINCE 13 Jesuit Estancias, Alta Gracia CÓRDOBA

CÓRDOBA Getting to the Heart of Argentina

Carlos Paz Breakfast at an estancia house Golf in La Cumbre

n the Province of Córdoba, plains turn into hills and fertile valleys, where there are many creeks and mounts. Indeed, Camino Real is hidden behind these valleys and you can go back in time visiting chapels and estancias (large estates or Icattle ranches) built by the Jesuits in the 17th and 18th centuries. This is a World Cultural Heritage Site, as so declared in 2000. Apart from the capital city, La Caroya is one of the first estancias which guaranteed the Order. Then, Jesús María followed suit, being perhaps the home to the Latin American version of mass wine, “Lagrimilla”, having turned into the site of the Jesuit Museum. However, this area is also famous for its natural landscapes, dams, and outstanding infrastructure for tourism. In the Calamuchita Valley, that boasts of native chañares and carob trees, Villa General Belgrano and La Cumbrecita display music of water, greens of pine trees, and sweetness of brooms, peonies and blackberry bushes. Up there, you can feel peace is in the air, enjoy trunk cozy inns and taste the typical dishes from central Europe. The Punilla Valley unfurls in very many opportunities for entertainment and free time; from Villa Carlos Paz you can set off to tour Cosquín, Los Gigantes, Uritorco Mount, etc. The Condorito Gully is an ideal spot for condor watching, mountain biking; and paragliding. Nothing beats taking the Traslasierra circuit and seeing its crystal clear creeks and waterfalls.

CÓRDOBA 15 CÓRDOBA CÓRDOBA

In Córdoba, the average temperature is 17°C and the climate is mostly dry, with summers that are also warm and mild winters.

Mar Chiquita

Sierra de Comechingones Champaquí Mount Another preferred Stream in Traslasierra Santa Catalina Jesuit Estancia Ceballos River CÓRDOBA destination for those who love adrenaline-releasing experiences is climbing the Accommodation. As regards accommodation, possibilities are endless, ranging from Champaquí Mount, the big, luxurious city hotels to fancy inns and cozy small hostels located in tourist centers. highest in the province of Córdoba Córdoba, located at 2,800 The Classical Tours. Take the Jesuit Estancias tourist itinerary and visit the Jesuit Square. meters above sea level. Jesuit Squares and Estancias Off the Beaten Track. Visit the towns of Ischillín and Tulumba in Sierras Chicas, Part of the World Heritage, the and San Javier in Traslasierra, where you can take the Camino de los Artesanos rchitectural legacy of the Compañía (Craftmen Path) and visit the Rocsen Museum in Nono. de Jesús lives on in the historical Ecotourism. Condorito Gully, in Cordoba’s High Summits. and cultural journey that includes the Church of the Compañía de Jesús, The Best Food. In the hilly area, don’t miss the traditional “chivito” (goat meat). In the National University building, and the Valley of Calamuchita, German influence is all around —so much so that Oktoberfest the Montserrat National School in High Summit Trail Córdoba. This proposal is completed is celebrated in the city of Villa General Belgrano. Do try the cold meats and cheese Up this trail, the visitor goes through by the estancias of Caroya, Jesús a long, winding concrete road crossing of Colonia Caroya. María, Santa Catalina, La Candelaria, from east to west over Sierras Grandes. and Alta Gracia. The Best Festivities and Events. In Jesús María, the Breaking in and Folklore National At 2,200 meters above sea level, visitors Festival takes place in mid-January. At the end of January, in the city of Cosquín, the will enjoy fresh air of Pampa de Achala, National Folklore Festival is held. Each city holds a festival or fair revolving around one Traslasierra taking turn after turn through a mountain road, covering sunny as well as rainy, of their essential products. In Traslasierra, you can enjoy and appreciate nature on display if you foggy, stormy, snowy areas. This trip walk up and down trails (which are is a destination in itself. appropriately signaled), crisscrossed by creeks, slope streams and waterfalls, and walk through native woods.

16 CÓRDOBA CÓRDOBA 17 Ischigualasto Provincial Park, San Juan LA RIOJA SAN JUAN MENDOZA SAN LUIS

CUYO Where Wines are Born and the Sun Always Shines

Tupungato, Mendoza Sierra de Las Quijadas National Park, San Luis La Mejicana, La Rioja

hanks to its weather and the virtues of its soil, Cuyo is a synonym to health, good living, and better wine. The mountain rivers running down along the slopes of the snow capped high summits make a sharp contrast and invite Tus to enter into the landscape, carrying skis, oars, climbing gear or simply backpacks… The journey starts up north, in La Rioja, with its generous offer including the Tampalaya National Park, and in San Juan, with the Ischigualasto Provincial Park, with its worldwide-prized paleontological reserves, and home to many species, among them vicuñas (wild ruminants related to the guanacos but smaller, and yielding soft wool) and guanacos (lowland relatives of the upper- llama). The Sierra de las Quijadas National Park, in San Luis, has similar features. Lying to the west there is the Andes mountain range, a haven for winter sports lovers and mountain climbers, for whom the Aconcagua is an irresistible lure. From Chilecito, La Rioja, to San Rafael, Mendoza, going over the Jáchal area and the Ullum valleys and Calingasta de San Juan, you will find vineyards, and olive- and fruit-growing farms. Both industrial and boutique wineries, many of them centuries old, are a must for anyone who is curious and for lovers of good wine interested in uncovering the secrets of Argentine malbec. This is the king of the many varietals grown in the area, which make up a rich menu of strains.

CUYO 19 Puente del Inca, Mendoza LA RIOJA SAN JUAN MENDOZA SAN LUIS

Caverna de las Brujas Cerro de la Gloria, Mendoza Rafting San Juan

Accommodation. In the large cities, you will be absolutely comfortable in any hotel. Tourist centers and towns offer a variety of small hotels and a large number of cabins. The Classics.Don’t miss San Agustín del Valle Fértil, 74 km away from Ischigualasto (or Valle de la Luna), being its nearest city. In La Rioja: Tampalaya National Park, 72 km away from Villa Unión. In San Luis: the Sierra de Las Quijadas National Park is 122 km away from the capital city. In Mendoza: Puente del Inca, with its amazing natural stone bridge, 70 km away from Uspallata. Off the Beaten Track. Thanks to its features, the Cuyo region has roads that are famous for their landscapes: Cuesta de Miranda in La Rioja; Los Caracoles, the road leading to Villavicencio, Mendoza; and the road from Jáchal to Huaco, in San Juan. Some of these are part of the Route Number 40. Itineraries for 4WD Vehicles and an Expert Guide: The Laguna Brava Provincial Reserve (in La Rioja) and the San Guillermo Biosphere Reserve (in San Juan), where large flocks of vicuñas (wild ruminants related to the guanacos but smaller, and yielding soft wool) can be seen. Also, El Sosneado and the Cueva de las Brujas (Cave of the Witches), in Mendoza and Bajo de Véliz, in San Luis. Summer Oases. The largest center in San Luis lies in Merlo, at the foot of

CUYO 21 LA RIOJA SAN JUAN MENDOZA SAN LUIS CUYO

In the Province of San Luis there are two quite distinct climatic areas: Chilecito the East, humid and mild, and the La Rioja West, dry, with warm summers Petroglyphs and cold winters. The Provinces LA RIOJA These thousand year old expressions of San Juan, Mendoza, and SAN JUAN may be found in: Valle del Indio, La Rioja make up a semi-arid Caucete, San Juan; Talampaya, La Rioja; Cautana Gully, San Luis and zone, with very hot summers Uspallata, Mendoza. and cold winters. There San Juan blows the “zonda” or foehn Vineyards Thanks to its weather conditions, Picture: Nildo Vignolda Nildo Picture: wind, a strong, dry, and the features of its soil, the warm wind. In Mendoza, Los Penitentes, San Juan Ischigualasto, San Juan Cacheuta Thermal Baths, Mendoza upland and the new Merlo more than enough technologies, the Cuyo region is the main wine producer snow falls in winter to render Aconcagua Mount Sierra de Las Quijadas National Park in the country. of the Comechingones hills. In San Juan, you can practice water sports in Rodeo, in the place ideal for winter sports. 6,959 m the Cuesta del Viento dam. Also, in the San Rafael area (in Mendoza), the Valle Mendoza High Summits Grande and El Nihuil dams are worth visiting, as the Olta dam in La Rioja. The Andes mountain range has its The Best Festivals and Events. Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia (National Grape San Luis highest peaks in this region. The Harvesting Festival) in Mendoza, and other national festivals such as Fiesta de la most outstanding are Aconcagua Chaya (Carnival) in La Rioja, Sol (Sun) in San Juan and Valle del Sol in San Luis. –the highest in the Western SAN LUIS hemisphere–, which is 6,959 m The Best Food. This is the land of the wine par excellence, but it is also the home high, and Tupungato, 6,600 m of the best olive plantations. In La Rioja you will find delicious nuts, whereas in the high, in Mendoza; Pissis, 6,872 MENDOZA m high and Bonete, 6,759 m Calingasta valley, San Juan, aromatic herbs abound. There is an important high, in La Rioja; Mercedario, production of dried fruit and cider. 6,770 m high, in San Juan Handicrafts. Craft workshops specialized in onyx-green marble manufacture a Water Sports variety of objects in La Toma, San Luis. You will also find loom-woven cloths of The visitor may practice kayaking, canoeing, Iglesia and handicrafts in wood from Baldecitos (in San Juan) and pottery from La Rioja. rafting, water motorbike riding, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing, and diving, among others. Water sports can be practiced along the Atuel and Diamante rivers, Mendoza; in the San Juan River, and in the Ullum and the El Viento Dams, San Juan; in the Los Sauces dam, La Rioja; and Potrero de los Funes, San Luis.

22 CUYO Iguazú Falls, Misiones MISIONES CORRIENTES ENTRE RÍOS FORMOSA CHACO SANTA FE

LITORAL The Land of Great Rivers

Esteros del Iberá, Corrientes Jesuit Ruins, Misiones Uruguay River, Entre Ríos

ome to generous and tameless fauna and flora, the Argentine Mesopotamia (i.e. “land between rivers”) stretches from the Iguazú Falls to the very doorstep of Buenos Aires. To the east, in Santa Fe, its undulating plains Hhold a powerful industrial and commercial zone, with an agricultural and cattle-raising profile. Right next to it, between the large rivers in which the most famous and enormous native fish live, a lure for fishermen from all over the world, the Chaco-Formosa jungle springs forward, an always-lush garden sheltering the industrious indigenous tribes. The fertile soil of Entre Ríos favors agriculture and cattle-raising. It is the land of the carnival, with its colorful “comparsas” (costumed groups) parading, that heathen ritual which is also celebrated more to the north, in Corrientes. In the Iberá area lies a natural reserve with over a million hectares, which alternates marshlands and swamplands, and which stands as the perfect place for bird-watching, amphibian-watching, sport fishing, and ecotourism. If you move into Misiones from the south, you will come across a line of Jesuit town ruins, the ultimate expression of which is the San Ignacio Miní complex. Near the borders of the country, close to the triple border with Brazil and Paraguay, the renowned Iguazú Falls stand out, a world class tourist attraction and an experience that can’t be missed.

LITORAL 25 Carnival Costumed Groups MISIONES CORRIENTES ENTRE RÍOS FORMOSA CHACO SANTA FE

Itatí Basilica, Corrientes Gaucho from Corrientes

Iguazú Falls. They are located in the 67,000 hectare National Park Iguazú, in the northern part of the province of Misiones. Don’t miss Macuco trail, Garganta del Diablo, Dos Hermanas Waterfall and San Martín island. Esteros del Iberá, Corrientes. This ecosystem is made up by lagoons, marshlands and swamps. The area is home to monkeys, stags of the swamps, capybaras, caymans, a rich and varied flora and over 400 species of birds. Boats leave from Colonia C. Pellegrini. El Palmar, Entre Ríos. This is an 8,500 hectare National Park exhibiting a stunning concentration of yatay palms, many of them being 8 centuries old. Off the Beaten Track. Moconá Waterfalls, Misiones: a 3-km long, 5 to 12 meter high gorge in the bed of the Uruguay River has shaped this amazing waterfall. You get here by boat from El Soberbio. Campo del Cielo, Chaco: this stretch of land is scattered with meteorites fallen around 6,000 years ago, the largest weighting 33.4 tons. El Impenetrable, Chaco: this is a dense vegetation area, a paradise for ecotourists. Bañado La Estrella, Formosa: this vast fauna reservation is only accessible by canoe.

LITORAL 27 MISIONES CORRIENTES ENTRE RÍOS FORMOSA CHACO SANTA FE LITORAL Native Species Many endangered species, such as the yaguareté or jaguar, the The weather in tatú carreta or giant armadillo, the aguará guazú or maned wolf, and the anteater, live in this area. You Santa Fe and can also see Chacoan and collared peccaries, Entre Ríos is mild, deer, gray foxes, pumas, capybaras, carayá Sailing down whereas to the north, in monkeys, caymans, curiyú snakes, Pilcomayo River and toucans. Corrientes, Formosa and FORMOSA Chaco, a warm, rainy climate prevails. Iguazú Falls Formosa Misiones, with its CHACO MISIONES Jesuit subtropical climate, Ruins is one of the most humid Resistencia provinces in the country. Itatí Corrientes Posadas Flag Monument, Santa Fe Iguazú National Park, Misiones San José Palace, Entre Ríos Esteros del Iberá

City Itineraries. In Santa Fe, you must see the Church and Convent of San Francisco and the Church of the Compañía de Jesús, both from the 17th century. In Rosario, don’t CORRIENTES miss the Flag Monument and the Promenade. In Entre Ríos, the San José Palace and the Museo del Inmigrante (Immigrant Museum) await you at Colonia San José. SANTA FE The Best Food. In the north, cookery has been influenced by the Guaraní culture, Sportfishing where tapioca is an essential ingredient, used both in chipá (cheese rolls), “mbeyu” (a The Paraná, Uruguay, Paraguay, fried pastry) or as a side dish of meat. Throughout the entire Littoral Region, local Bermejo, and Pilcomayo rivers offer the experienced fishermen, both ENTRE RÍOS fish varieties such as dorado, surubí or pacú are the basis of several specialties. Argentine and foreign, the possibility Misiones and Corrientes are the largest producers of yerba mate and tea. Chaco’s to get pieces such as dorados, lisas, Santa Fe manduvíes, pacúes, surubíes, and patíes. main output is cotton. Farming and cattle raising are Santa Fe and Entre Ríos key Paraná business activities. The Flag Monument El Palmar Rosario is a remarkable convention and conference center. National Park In Rosario, Province of Santa Fe, right Shopping: As for semiprecious stones, to find geodes, amethyst and quartz stones, where our independence advocate Flag Monument you can visit the largest stone center in the area, located in Wanda, Misiones. Manuel Belgrano raised our national Iguazú Falls The Best Festivals and Events. Besides the Carnival in Entre Ríos and Corrientes, a flag for the first time on February 27, 1812, lies the National Flag An imposing 2,700 meter wide, 70 meter high very interesting International Sculpture Biennial Exhibition is held in Resistencia, Monument, built by architects fall, comprising 275 inlets and drops. Chaco, by mid-July. In August, the popular Dorado National Festival is celebrated in Alejandro Bustillo and Ángel Enjoy this dazzling panorama from footbridges Paso de la Patria, Corrientes. Guido, and by sculptors José sheltered by the subtropical jungle. Don’t miss the Fioravanti and Alfredo Bigatti. thrill of viewing the falls from a rubber-boat or take a romantic walk under a full moon. 28 LITORAL Los Colorados, Jujuy JUJUY CATAMARCA TUCUMÁN

NORTE A Shelter for Tradition and Pre-Colombian Art

Shincal Ruins, Catamarca Church Close-up Molinos, Salta

mong high summits and arid or subtropical valleys, the Northern Region invites you to delve into history, to uncover regional art and to take the challenge of adventure. Surrounded by luxurious natural beauty, the old Acolonial towns, still intact, hold out their attractiveness, as well as the popular celebrations and the rustic delights of the regional cuisine, a close friend of those elements offered by Earth. Enjoy Jujuy, with its pre-Colombian and colonial cultural legacy, and its red-tinted towns. Don’t miss Salta and its hills, churches, and “postas” (regularly-spaced stations where messengers could change horses when riding long distances), all of which were the backdrop in the struggle for Independence. Visit Catamarca, with its breath-taking landscapes, and Tucumán, our historical garden, the cradle of freedom. And go to Santiago del Estero, home of true wooden art. Besides history and nature, the region has its own itineraries, which are ideal for adventure tourism, sport fishing, tours, and thermal baths. You can travel from Santiago del Estero to Tucumán, passing by the thermal baths in Río Hondo, San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, San Miguel de Tucumán, and the Quilmes Indian ruins. Take the long way from Salta to Quebrada de Humahuaca, going through the Calchaquí valleys, the Tren de las Nubes (Train to the Clouds), Purmamarca, , and … The Northern Region has everything it takes to get a restless traveler going.

NORTE 31 Juramento River, Salta JUJUY SALTA CATAMARCA TUCUMÁN SANTIAGO DEL ESTERO

Purmamarca, Jujuy Traditional Festival, Salta Quilmes Ruins, Tucumán

Accommodation. There is a wide variety of options, from 5 star hotels to cozy cabins and hostels. Staying at an estancia (large estate or cattle ranch) is the rule, although there are also wineries that offer accommodation. Festivals and Events. In August, Carnival, Easter and Pachamama (Mother Earth) are the most remarkable and colorful ones. Güemes Gauchos remember national hero Martín Miguel de Güemes the big way on July 16 and 17 in the capital city of Salta. All throughout the year, towns celebrate their Patron Saint’s Days leading misachicos (processions), performing ceremonies, and holding traditional celebrations. From Tafí del Valle, in Tucumán, to Quebrada de Humahuaca, in Jujuy, you get a million chances to go horse-riding, all of them being really attractive. Inca Ruins. Don’t miss the ruins of the Pucará Indians in Quebrada de Humahuaca, the Quilmes Indians in Tucumán, and Shincal ruins in Catamarca. There are hundreds of churches and chapels scattered through this region: each and every one of them treasures some art expression that calls for a visit. There, you will be amazed at the golden sheet pulpits and altars, carvings and paintings of sacred images, confessional boxes, and thistle wood ceilings. Local rural chapels are often closed, but there is always someone around who keeps the key.

NORTE 33 JUJUY SALTA CATAMARCA TUCUMÁN SANTIAGO DEL ESTERO NORTE

In the gullies and sub-Andes hills, the weather is mild and temperatures usually reach Archeology 38° C in the summertime. Visiting Quebrada de JUJUY Humahuaca is enough to The Northern Region shows attempt to reconstruct the great weather contrasts. Omaguaca Indians’ daily Santiago del Estero life. The whole region is extremely rich in archeological is warm and dry, sites, such as the Quilmes with extremely hot SALTA Indian sites and La Ciudacita, Tucumán; Pucará de Summers and short, Salta Aconquija and El Shincal,

Picture: Caro Aldao Caro Picture: Mayans Piti Picture: mild Winters. On Catamarca; Pucará de the other hand, Tilcara, Jujuy, etc. Horseback Riding, Catamarca Susques Church, Jujuy Chilly Peppers, Valles Calchaquíes Tucumán has a CATAMARCA subtropical weather Off the Beaten Track. Even if you have mapped out a different route, don’t miss with a dry season. TUCUMÁN Ofrendas florales Antofagasta de la Sierra and Salar del Hombre Muerto in Catamarca, Salinas Grandes In the Puna, the San Miguel In the northern region, in Santiago in Jujuy, or the little towns of Iruya and Santa Victoria, in Salta. In Simoca, del Tucumán being the Easter climate is cold celebrations as the most Tucumán, there is a sulky parade in the Sunday fair. and dry, and SANTIAGO relevant ones, local inhabitants pay homage Siesta. The nap is a typically northern habit. Stores, churches and museums close in the valleys San F. del Valle de DEL ESTERO to their saints, whose from 1PM to 5 PM. Catamarca it turns tropical images are brought from The Best Food. Local cuisine is highly seasoned but delicious, with a strong personality, different locations in and warm. Santiago del Estero as is the case of “locro”, tamales, “humitas” (corn in a sauce made of flour, milk, butter colorful processions, preceded by huge banners and nutmeg in a ground corn shell) and “empanadas”. The most common ingredients, made of dried flowers and just to name a few, are corn, chilly pepper, Andes , and “quinua” (a type of seed). fruit. Locals also make Try llama meat and other types of meat that are served once they have been dried by flowers out of colored “Empanadas” paper to give as an the sunrays (charqui). It is worth mentioning how delicious the cheese from Tafí del Empanadas are turnover pastries but offering to their Valle is. Wines are mainly produced in the Calchaquíes valleys, in Cafayate and they are not always prepared the same dead and their saints. Cachi, Salta; and in the northern area of Catamarca near Santa María. way, depending on the area. In the North, they are filled with knife-diced meat which, according to the experts, Handicrafts. Do have a look at the silverwork in Salta, the weaving loom cloth in is the secret for it to be juicy. In Catamarca, empanadas are stuffed Catamarca and Santiago del Estero, the (the official Argentine stone) in with barely-boiled meat, in Tucumán, raisins and olives are added, Catamarca, the traditional and artistic pottery, the carved ornaments made with holy and in Salta they are preferred juicy and spicy. In Jujuy, empanadas are usually fried, unlike in the rest of the provinces, where they tend wood or thistle wood from Jujuy, and bombos legüeros (drums) from Santiago del Estero. to be baked in an earth oven.

34 NORTE Fitz Roy, Santa Cruz LA PAMPA NEUQUÉN RÍO NEGRO CHUBUT SANTA CRUZ TIERRA DEL FUEGO

PATAGONIA Between the Andes and the Atlantic Ocean, the Mythical Patagonia

Limay River, Neuquén Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, Tierra del Fuego Corcovado River, Chubut

atagonia is an open adventure for everybody: intense in its natural features, both archetypical and appealing, this region abounds in reasons to become a myth. Its northern borders run along the last green fields from the Pand the fertile Río Negro valley. Between the Andes mountain range, showered with forests, lakes, and glaciers, and the sea, with its extremely rich fauna, lies the arid Patagonia plateau or steppe, the last home of dinosaurs. To the west, at the foot of hills and volcanoes and among an idyllic landscape, winter sports and sport fishing reign supreme, in an awesome, ever-growing offer for the tourist, ranging from five-star hotels to estancias (large estates or cattle ranches), including cabins, shelters, and hostels. To the east, the coast on the Atlantic reaches its glorious peak at the Península Valdés, a sort of huge natural zoo where elephant seals, penguins, sea lions, and, in particular, Southern right whales, come to mate or to give birth. In the southernmost corner, almost at the end of the world and detached from the continent, the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego stands out, with its ski centers and its National Park. And there is one more reason for amazement: the white continent, Antarctica, a snapshot of ice in the South Pole.

PATAGONIA 37 Picture: Luciano Bacchi Catedral Mount, Río Negro LA PAMPA NEUQUÉN RÍO NEGRO CHUBUT SANTA CRUZ TIERRA DEL FUEGO

Estancia house, La Pampa Los Antiguos, Santa Cruz Los Glaciares National Park, Santa Cruz

Spend the night at the comfortable Patagonia estancias and imagine the life of the pioneers who used to live there. To Learn and Understand. Don’t miss the Eco Center, ; the Egidio Feruglio Museum of Paleontology, ; the Salesian Mission Museum, Río Grande or the Prison Museum, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego. The Classics. Just to mention a few: the Perito Moreno Glacier, the Cave of the Hands, Santa Cruz. The Península Valdés and the Magellanic penguin colony in Punta Tombo, Chubut. The Arrayanes Forest, the Llao Llao Hotel, and El Bolsón, Río Negro. The Road of the Seven Lakes, in Neuquén. Sailing across the Beagle Canal, Tierra del Fuego. Off the Beaten Track: You won’t regret passing by Lihué Calel National Park, La Pampa; the petrified forests in Sarmiento, Chubut; the Chaltén with the Torre and Fitz Roy Mounts, Santa Cruz, a goal for mountain climbers; and the caves with ancient art paintings in the La María estancia (large estate or cattle ranch). In Neuquén, enjoy the therapeutic, sulphurous waters of the Copahue thermal baths. This area, up to the Aluminé lake, holds a large number of monkey puzzle trees and pehuenes. Visit the native settlements of the Mapuche, most of which are located on the banks of the Rucachoroi lake.

PATAGONIA 39 LA PAMPA NEUQUÉN RÍO NEGRO CHUBUT SANTA CRUZ TIERRA DEL FUEGO PATAGONIA Dinosaurs and Petrified Forests Santa Rosa In several places in this region, it is On the Patagonia amazing to see the footprints and the plateau, the climate fossil remains of the dinosaurs that inhabited the Earth millions of years ago. is cold and dry, its Petrified forests in the plains and short summers having very long LA PAMPA fossilized bivalves along the coast bear days, followed by long winters. Neuquén testimony to our planet’s evolution. In the strip running along the NEUQUÉN mountain range, temperatures decrease, and the climate Viedma RÍO NEGRO becomes more humid. At the southernmost end of the country, in Tierra del Fuego, Península Valdés Rawson

Picture: Nildo Vignolda Nildo Picture: Peralta Osvaldo Picture: the cold is intense in winter; wind and rainfall are frequent CHUBUT Tierra del Fuego National Park , Rio Negro Antártida throughout the year. Native Fauna In Península Valdés, a “sanctuary” to nature, colonies Native Trees. In this mountain range are the tall deciduous beech or lenga, the coihue, of elephant seals and elephant seals, sea lions, the ñire, the millennium-old larches, the maitén, the monkey puzzle tree or araucaria penguins, killer whales, and the mythical Southern Right Whales spend most of the year. In the continental and the colihue cane. In the fall, the pellín oak and the deciduous beech cover the area, black-neck swans can be found, together with Cave of the Hands, mountains with a red tint; in January, the north and the center of the Andes region Alto Río Pinturas flamingos, guanacos, pumas, vizcachas (close relatives bloom with yellow amancay flowers. of chinchillas), Creole hares, skunks, and exotic species, such as wild boars, hares, and red deer. The Best Food. In the Andes region, many local dishes contain mushrooms, venison, wild boar, and monkey puzzle tree pine seed. Some specialties are trout and farmed SANTA CRUZ Sportfishing salmon, as well as smoked foods, beer, fine fruit, sweets, and chocolate. Treat yourself The Argentine South offers a variety of with a Welsh tea in Gaiman or Trevelín. Some must-eats: Patagonia roasted lamb, alternatives for those who love this sport. A Glaciar fishing permit is required, which can be codfish, or black hake off the Atlantic coast, and spider crab from Tierra del Fuego. Perito Moreno obtained at the National Park offices and some A way to enjoy nature and the environment is by camping in permitted areas inside provincial offices. The high season starts in the Skiing middle of November, and it ends in April. National Parks. Among the wildest spots, the Perito Moreno National Park, Santa Patagonia is the ideal place for those Cruz, is worth mentioning. who like to ski in landscapes as if taken Río Gallegos Sail the Andes lakes by catamaran or by boat, in order to enjoy a close-up of their right out of a dream. This area has everything, from winter resorts with Islas Malvinas banks and the glaciers. state-of-the-art technology, to small centers By Car. Take the challenge of the mythical Route 40, which just as many others is a called “snow parks”. Apart from skiing and ANTÁRTIDA ARGENTINA gravel road. It is in fairly good condition, but drive at less than 70 km an hour, and all its alternatives, it is also possible to ride TIERRA DEL FUEGO sleighs pulled by dogs. always bring two spare wheels. Ushuaia 40 PATAGONIA Nahuel Huapi National Park, Victoria Island, Río Negro

owadays, in Argentina there are 3,603,068 hectares in NATIONAL PARKS 34 protected areas, National Parks and monuments, with 4 native animal species. They can be found all Nthroughout the country, from the Puna in Jujuy to Tierra del Fuego’s far lands, and they offer contrasting settings such as , forests, woods, mountains, plains, rivers, lakes and beaches. The native ecosystems take up huge areas where flora Los Cardones National Park, Salta and fauna are amazingly plentiful, varied and well preserved. In these privileged areas, a large amount of endangered species can be observed, without disturbing the environment. Discovering, learning and enjoying are some of the multiple choices for those visiting natural parks and reserves, which have their own information offices, authorized guides and an appropriate infrastructure: paths, viewpoints, signs, and bibliography, as well as good interpretation centers where needed, as tourists

Los Arrayanes National Park, Neuquén keep coming. Argentine National Parks, with the comfort they offer tourists and the quality of the sites, are natural classrooms, so to speak, where children and adults can learn about the Parque Nacional Calilegua, Jujuy increasingly necessary environmental issues.

Talampaya National Park, La Rioja

Iguazú National Park, Misiones

NATIONAL PARKS 43 Southern Right Whale, Península Valdés, Chubut

he real basis of ecotourism is traveling across free from ECOTOURISM environmental contamination areas in order to analyze, study, interpret and enjoy unique ecosystems. There is Tnothing as exciting as being close to the fauna in any of the many protected areas in Argentina. There are more than a thousand identified species of birds and a large variety of mammals in the ecosystems that go from the Puna to the Condón del Tigre, San Juan Yungas, from the Patagonia Andes forest to the sea coast, including incredible pampas, deserts, steppes, lakes and lagoons. Discovering the fauna and flora, listening to birds singing and identifying them is a revealing exercise. Don’t miss some remarkable places: Esteros del Iberá, the Andes forest, the Patagonia coast and national parks such as Iguazú, El Rey, Calilegua, San Guillermo and Laguna Blanca Reserve. Walking along the paths that run through the reserves is a real

Cave art in Las Marías, Santa Cruz adventure. Natural history trips are an ideal chance for travelers who are determined to film or take pictures of the wild life secrets. Also, there is a large variety of estancias (large Quebrada del Río Las Conchas, Salta estates or cattle ranches) and small hotels close to the natural attractive areas that make out this environmental proposal.

Chaco National Park, Chaco Picture: Osvaldo Peralta Osvaldo Picture:

Antártida Argentina

ECOTOURISM 45 Cuchi Corral, Córdoba

rgentina offers multiple possibilities to enjoy its ADVENTURE TOURISM most important heritage: Nature. It provides all the possible options for adventurers and courageous Atravelers —mountain climbing, trekking, horseback riding, hang gliding, flying planes or gliders, hot air balloons… rafting, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing and scuba diving. In the south, classical activities include ascents of the Tronador Corona del Inca, La Rioja and Lanín hills, and climbing the vertical faces of Torre and Fitz Roy hills, posing a formidable challenge for the most experienced climbers. Going further to the south, in Tierra del Fuego, dog sledding excursions with Siberian Huskies are traditional activities. Furthermore, boats and cruises set sail from the Tierra del Fuego coast and travel the Beagle Channel towards the Isla de los Estados, Cabo de Hornos and to Antarctica. Offering amazing contrasts, the center and

Horseback riding, San Juan northern region of Argentina provides activities such as bird-watching, off-road vehicles expeditions, horseback riding and ascents of the central mountain range, featuring the brightest star, i.e. the Aconcagua, which is 6,959 meters high. Cycling, horseback riding and trekking are becoming popular in the Yungas, where nature has witnessed to the traces of

Picture: MaríaRodriguez Mercedes Goñi Picture: thousand-year-old cultures.

Trekking, Glaciar Perito Moreno, Santa Cruz

Rafting, Mendoza

ADVENTURE TOURISM 47 Miramar, Buenos Aires

reens and fairways located amongst mountains and GOLF woods, at the seaside or in the midst of forests, in the countryside or in the town attract golfers. From GUshuaia, in the southern end, to Palpalá, in the northern end, Argentina offers more than 240 golf courses, providing distinct choices according to the players’ tastes and levels. The courses, designed by renowned architects such as Allister Alta Gracia, Córdoba Mackenzie, Von Hagge, Dentone, Caprile, Serra and Marcó del Pont, display different styles, such as Scottish, American, links, and English. Many of them are so competitive that major championships such as the Professional World Championship is held there. Travel agencies offer accommodation with amateur and professional tournaments according to the schedule of local and international matches. The green fee in Argentina ranges from US$ 15 to US$ 50. Some courses offer electric

El Siambón, Tucumán carts, but it is common to hire caddies, whose service costs between US$ 10 and US$ 15. Some of the courses that can be visited are Jockey Club, Olivos Golf Club, Mar del Plata and Sierra de la Ventana in Buenos Aires, Llao Llao and Arelauquen in Río Negro, Villa Allende and La Cumbre in Córdoba and Jockey Club in Tucumán.

Bariloche, Río Negro

Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires

GOLF 49 Tierra del Fuego

isiting Argentina today also offers you the chance to RURAL TOURISM get in touch with the rural life of a country that is famous for its huge fields and its rural tradition. VArgentina’s rural tourism is developed in 1000 big, medium and small farms, where visitors discover and enjoy the beautiful landscapes and the local’s customized service and kindness. In each of these estancias (large estates or cattle Teaching Farm ranches) you can try typical dishes and share experiences with descendants of locals immigrants coming from all over the world who decided to live in the countryside. There are varied sports you can practise, such as pato (the national sport), polo, golf, tennis, football, sportfishing and hunting, trekking, horseback riding, f lora and fauna watching, and other activities related to life in the countryside. The idea is to spend at least one day visiting some of these farms, many of

Province of Buenos Aires which have been founded at the turn of the last century, so as to try asado (barbecue) and share a few experiences of the gaucho’s life. More often than not, the architecture of many of these farmhouses and surrounding buildings, that open their gates to welcome guests from all over the world, is amazing due to their building quality

Loreto, Corrientes and diversity.

Tilcara, Jujuy

RURAL TOURISM 51 Old Patagonia Express - “”, Chubut

raveling by old time trains is another charming choice TOURIST TRAINS that Argentine geography has to offer. Locomotives and cars alike tell stories about the times of pioneers Tand glory. The (Train to the Clouds) is a remarkable engineering work that reaches as high as 4,200 meters. It leaves from the city of Salta and runs 200 km through Valle de Lerma to literally reach the clouds… As Coast Train, City of Buenos Aires interesting as this ride is the ride by Viejo Expreso Patagónico (Old Patagonia Express), also known as “La Trochita”, which takes travelers from Esquel to Nahuel Pan or El Maitén. The Tren Histórico a Vapor (Historical Steam Train) takes you from San Carlos de Bariloche to Los Juncos lagoon. Further south, close to Ushuaia, the train called Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino, which runs close to Pipo river, leaves from Fin del Mundo station (the station of the end of the world). Tren de

The End of the World Train la Costa (Coast Train), which travels through the north of the City of Buenos Aires and gets to the Delta, puts forward a more city-like proposal. The Tren Ecológico de la Selva (Forest Train to the Clouds, Salta Ecological Train), that runs in Iguazú National Park, or the Central Entrerriano -that goes from Villa Elisa to San José Palace or to Barú Creek- are as interesting and invite you to live the same experience: Rides that will indelibly be etched on your memory.

Historical Steam Train, Río Negro

Forest Ecological Train, Iguazú, Misiones

TOURIST TRAINS 53 Thermal Resort, Federación, Entre Ríos

eauty treatments, cosmetic surgery, anti-stress programs, HEALTH TOURISM weight loss therapies... If you want to organize a trip to get physically better, Argentina offers a wide variety Bof spas, medical and beauty centers with state-of-the-art technology, highly qualified professionals and affordable prices in treatments and stays. Mineral springs, balneotherapy and steam, seawater therapy, fangotherapy, physiotherapy, Thermal Resort, Río Hondo, Santiago del Estero heliotherapy and climotherapy are only some of the treatments you can enjoy. There are 36 thermal water centers, in the provinces of Buenos Aires, Catamarca, Chaco, Córdoba, Entre Ríos, Jujuy, La Pampa, La Rioja, Mendoza, Neuquén, Salta, San Juan, San Luis, Santiago del Estero and Tucumán. In addition to the classical thermal resort of Río Hondo in Santiago del Estero, Reyes in Jujuy, Rosario de la Frontera in Salta, Cacheuta in Mendoza, Copahue in Neuquén, Colón or

Thermal Resort, Carhué, Buenos Aires Federación in Entre Ríos, and Carhué in Buenos Aires, new centers are opened every day, the latest being the one in Aguas Claras, Concepción del Uruguay, in Entre Ríos. It is worth mentioning that these baths with waters at different temperatures and with different therapeutical qualities are advisable to treat rheumatologic, osteoarticular, skin and respiratory problems.

Thermal Resort, Copahue, Neuquén

Thermal Resort, Cacheuta, Mendoza

HEALTH TOURISM 55 Alpine ski

rgentina’s ski centers can be found along the Andes SNOW mountain range. From north to south, they provide great facilities and modern chairlift systems, slopes Afor skiers of all levels who want to practice alpine, cross-country and Nordic skiing, mountaineering skiing or snowboarding. These resorts offer schools with professional instructors, equipment rental and repair, schools and day care centers for Las Leñas, Mendoza children, medical care and, of course, different accommodation choices and an excellent cuisine. Penitentes and Las Leñas, in Mendoza; Caviahue, Chapelco and Cerro Bayo, in Neuquén; Cerro Catedral, in Río Negro; La Hoya, in Chubut; Cerro Castor, in Tierra del Fuego, are the most important winter resorts of Argentina. The smallest ones include: Vallecitos, in Mendoza; Cerro Wayle, Batea Mahuida and Primeros Pinos, in Neuquén; Cerro Perito Moreno, in Río Negro; Valdelén, in

Bariloche, Río Negro Santa Cruz; Wolfang Wallner and Francisco Jerman tracks, Glaciar Martial, Altos del Valle, Solar del Bosque, Tierra Mayor, Llanos del Castor, Las Cotorras and Haruwen, in Tierra del Fuego. International championships, slalom exhibitions and torch descents complete the attractive Argentine snow offer that takes place from June to October.

Cerro Castor, Tierra del Fuego

Chapelco, Neuquén

SNOW 57 Fishing, Manso River

rgentina, with more than 250 native species that live SPORTFISHING in rivers and inland waters, is a truly attractive destination for fishing lovers. Argentine waters A–drinking and mostly limpid– are free from Whirling Disease. Fly fishing and throwback fishing are developing steadily in the remarkable Argentine natural landscapes. Patagonia’s rivers and lakes are famous for the Salmonidae quality, Esteros del Iberá, Corrientes including rainbow, brown and brook trout. There are also landlocked Atlantic salmons, perches and Patagonia atherine. If Patagonia is the ideal destination for the most exquisite fans, the area of Bermejo and Paraná rivers is ideal for those who enjoy fishing as a family outing, since the largest amount of neotropical biggest species can be found there. Fly fishing of the struggling dorado is a booming activity. Pampa lakes are very popular. They are located in the Province of Buenos

Belly boat, Patagonia Aires and south of Santa Fe and Córdoba, where another large group of local species can be found. In Mar Argentino, the so called "Marine Pampas", there are varieties such as black hakes, island groupers, and soles.

Northern Patagonia

Surubí Fishing, Litoral Region

SPORTFISHING 59 Vineyard, Mendoza

owadays, is one of the magnets that THE ROUTE OF WINE attract foreign visitors from all over the world the most. Visiting vineyards from the northern to the Nsouthern ones, is just an unforgettable experience. With imposing landscapes, each region gives finished wine the characteristics of its own terroir. Most Argentine wine production comes from the Cuyo region and Mendoza, along with La Rioja and San Juan. Vineyard in El Hoyo, Epuyén, Chubut They are a synonym to Malbec and top quality wines. In the northern region, you can’t miss Salta and Catamarca, and taste their upland wines. Up there, you can take an outstanding tour visiting farms surrounded by colorful hills. Also, the Valles Calchaquíes is the perfect destination for you if you are a fine wine lover and are also very fond of adventure. Up there, wines get their own personality, particularly considering that they grow in the highest lands of all. In the south of the country you

Lunch at a Vineyard, Mendoza are going to be amazed at Patagonia fancy wines, which also display all their personality. Grapes grown in La Pampa, Neuquén, Río Negro and Chubut are the best southernmost wines in the Americas. In Argentina, each and every wine oasis offers a myriad of choices. Nature in its purest form and outstanding vineyards do welcome visitors. By making a circuit accompanied by a guide, travelers taste wines, visit museums, and have meals at a restaurant in wineries where they can indulge themselves with

Relax and Wines in Valles Calchaquíes, Salta local dishes. In some cases, tourists are luxuriously accommodated in the vineyard site, and they can even enjoy spa options. Each destination’s beauty is shown as no other in the routes of wine.

Wine Harvest, Neuquén, Patagonia

THE ROUTE OF WINE 61 hanks to its first level infrastructure display, Argentina CONFERENCES, EXHIBITIONS AND INCENTIVES is chosen as a venue for meetings, conferences, festivals, and exhibitions every year. All through the four seasons Tof the year, Argentina welcomes thousands of travelers that come to participate in these meetings, ranging from incentive trips to the organization of international fairs for different areas of expertise. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the premises, which are specifically designed to house a good deal of professionals, abound in major cities and resorts. The accommodation capacity of hotels have remarkably increased in recent years so as to meet the new needs, favoring the organization of conferences on medicine, industry, politics, economics, and entertainment, especially in Buenos Aires, La Plata, Mar del Plata, Córdoba, Rosario, Posadas Puerto Iguazú, Salta, San Miguel de Tucumán, Mendoza, San Carlos de Bariloche, Villa La Angostura, and Ushuaia, amongst others. The public’s response also reflects how Argentina serves as the venue of these kinds of meetings which aim at cultural exchanges, networking, businesses and spreading of ideas.

CONFERENCES, EXHIBITIONS AND INCENTIVES 63 Lake at the foot of the Torre Mount, Santa Cruz

ll along this huge country, bordering the Andes ROUTE 40 mountain range, you will find sharp contrasts as well as adventures and emotions waiting to be Adiscovered. This country offers a great variety of weathers and landscapes, from the warm temperatures in the north in its typical reddish sceneries, to the cold temperatures in the south in its one-of-a-kind white sceneries. Argentina has so Quilmes Ruins, Tucumán much to offer that you need a road to help you go across it. Indeed, Route Number 40 is the longest and most spectacular road of the country. This is a unique way, and so are the places it goes by along 5,200 km. -from the start, in Cabo Vírgenes, Santa Cruz to La Quiaca, in the Jujuy Puna. It goes along three regions (Patagonia, Cuyo and the North) and crosses over 11 provinces; it reaches as high as almost 5,000 meter above sea level; it crosses under 236 bridges and over 18

Hualfin Chapel, Catamarca major rivers; it borders 13 great lakes and salt mines. Also, it reaches 20 national parks and reserves, it connects 27 mountain range passes and goes across 5 spots that have been declared as World Heritage, namely: Los Glaciares National Park, the Cave of the Hands, Ischigualasto and Talampaya National Parks and Quebrada de Humahuaca. Taking this route is, no doubt, the best way to get to discover Argentina.

Araucaria trees at the foot of the Copahue volcano, Neuquén

Picture: Luciano Bacchi Luciano Picture: “La Trochita” train near El Maitén, Chubut

ROUTE 40 65 Cerro Siete Colores, Jujuy

BOLIVIA

JUJUY PARAGUAY

SALTA

TUCUMÁN CATAMARCA BRASIL

LA RIOJA Ischigualasto, San Juan SAN JUAN

URUGUAY 40

MENDOZA

NEUQUÉN Vineyards, Mendoza

RÍO NEGRO

Talampaya, La Rioja

CHUBUT

SANTA CRUZ Quebrada de las Flechas, Salta

ANTÁRTIDA

Connected by 5,000 km, living experiences and stirring up emotions Victoria Island, Bariloche, Río Negro

ROUTE 40 67 Tango Indoors

rgentina has always been famous for its wide TANGO AND ENTERTAINMENT entertainment offer. Tango, the melancholic feeling that was born in the poor areas of the town, allures Aeverybody in shows, concerts and even dance classes. However, Buenos Aires is much more than that: The entertainment schedule is almost endless; it includes remarkable international level theaters such as Colón, Cervantes or Avenida. The River Plate Stadium, Buenos Aires neighborhoods of La Boca, Recoleta, San Telmo and Palermo Viejo constantly offer concerts, classical and modern plays, popular dance and experimental ballet... The provinces also make visitors their own suggestions, full of colorful and exciting celebrations. In the north, the carnival and the celebration of Easter in Quebrada de Humahuaca intertwine with ancient rites, such as that of Pachamama (meaning “Mother Earth”). Folkloric festivities, such as the Poncho’s, in

Fiesta de la Vendimia, Mendoza Catamarca; the Bombo Drum’s, in Santiago del Estero or sport tournaments such as touring car or tennis championships, along with the colorful carnivals in Gualeguaychú and Corrientes. And of course there is football, the most pagan celebration of all, which as inexplicable as mysterious as it is, is a real

Tango Outdoors popular expression.

photomonteleone.com Colón Theater, Buenos Aires

TANGO AND ENTERTAINMENT 69 transportation services. You can purchase the Visit Routes. There are both toll-free and toll roads. If tolled, USEFUL DATA Argentina Airpass in your home country, so that you can there is a $ 0.50 to $ 8 price range. Roads are mostly travel more economically up and down the territory. The two-way paved roads. In the provinces, there are gravel airlines for domestic flights are: Aerolíneas roads, which are usually in very good conditions. If you Area: almost 3,8 million Km², from 22° to 55° South. mainly, at the international airport called Ezeiza “Ministro /Austral, LADE and LAN Argentina. These flights travel travel along lonely roads, check conditions out with the Pistarini”, 37 km away from the City of Buenos Aires. out of Jorge Newbery Airport, on the banks of the Río de la Automóvil Club Argentino or the nearest gas station. Bordering Countries: Chile, , Paraguay, Brazil and Plata, just 15 minutes away from Buenos Aires downtown. For this kind of routes, it is advisable to take two spare Uruguay. Entry Requirements. Visitors to Argentina must have a wheels with you. Remember that -depending on the passport in force, with or without a visa, as applicable. Airport Taxes. For domestic flights you have to pay a $ route you choose- you may drive for as much as almost Administrative Divisions. Argentina is divided into 23 Contact your embassy or nearest consulate. 7.05 departure tax. When leaving Ezeiza, a U$S 18 tax is 200 km without finding any gas stations, so do get provinces, plus the City of Buenos Aires. charged for international flights. You can only use Pesos information beforehand. Route 40 runs along the Vaccination. No vaccination certificate is required to and American dollars to pay these taxes. For regional whole country from north to south, bordering the Government: Representative, Republican and Federal enter the country. flights, a U$S 8 tax is charged. Andes mountain range. Route 3 starts in Buenos Aires government, under a Constitution that was first adopted and runs along the Atlantic coast, reaching as far as in 1853 and amended for the last time in 1994. Ezeiza “Ministro Pistarini” International Airport. Flight times for domestic flights from Buenos Aires to. Ushuaia. Seat belts are mandatory in all the country, Visitors from non-bordering countries are exempt from Córdoba: 1.15 hours./ El Calafate: 3.15 hours./ Mar del and in routes you must turn dipped headlights on. Capital City: City of Buenos Aires with 11,460,575 taxes on their belongings and new articles whose cost is Plata: 0.45 hours./ Mendoza: 1.50 hours./ Posadas: 1.30 Also, you must carry a fire extinguisher and marker people considering the city and 24 suburban districts of not higher than U$S 300 (U$S 150 for people under hours./ Puerto Iguazú: 1.45 hours./ Río Gallegos: 2.55 lamps in the car. For further information about the Great Buenos Aires. 16) and additional U$S 300 if they have been bought in hours./ Salta: 2.00 hours./ San Carlos de Bariloche: 2.20 conditions of non concessioned (toll free) routes, contact: the authorized duty free shops located at the arrival hours./ San Miguel de Tucumán: 1.50 hours./ San Salvador Dirección Nacional de Vialidad (011) 4343-8544, and Population: 36,260,130 people according to the Census terminal. Money can be exchanged all day long at the de Jujuy: 2.10 hours./ Trelew: 2.00 hours./ Ushuaia: 3.20 for further information about the conditions of toll conducted in 2001. 95% of white people, many of them Banco Nación -located at Arrivals in Terminal A. hours. concessioned routes, contact: Órgano de Control de being descendants from Spanish and Italian settlers, Concesiones Viales 0800-333-0073. 4,5% “mestizos” (European/Ameridian) and 0,5% pure Weather. Remember that seasons in the Southern By Bus. In Argentina, there is a large bus network. Most indigenous population. Hemisphere are the opposite to those in the Northern long-distance units offer fully reclining seats, toilet, Hemisphere. The most favorable season in Patagonia air-conditioning and bar services. The ticket price Business Hours. Banks and exchange houses are open Language: Spanish is the official language, although and the Southern Andes range is summer -with mild generally includes meals. The Buenos Aires bus on weekdays from 10 AM to 3 PM. Business offices are English, French and Italian are rather widely used. temperatures and longer daylight times-, although in terminal is on Ramos Mejía 1680, close to the Retiro generally open from 9 AM to 12 PM and from 2 PM to winter that area is ideal to practice snow sports. Even railway station. 7 PM. As regards stores, they are open from 9/9.30 AM Religion: Roman Catholic, although there is complete though in summer everything looks greener, winter is to 7.30/8.30 PM, although in the provinces, they generally freedom of religion. the best time to visit the northern and littoral regions, By Train. (Constitución Station, phone: close at midday. Malls are open from 10 AM to 9 PM. as it rarely rains and the subtropical temperatures are a 4304-0028/31/38; 0800-222-8736); TBA (Retiro Station, Official Time: GMT (Greenwich Meridian Time) -3 hours. bit cooler. Fall and spring are great times in Buenos phone: 4317-4407/45); (phone: 4312-2989); Means of Payment. The official Argentine currency is the Aires, as in the whole country. Ferrocarril Urquiza (Federico Lacroze Station, phone: peso. However, U.S. dollars and euros are widely accepted. Electricity: Alternating current: 220/240 volts to 50 cycles. 4554-8018). Money can be exchanged in banks and exchange GETTING AROUND: houses. American Express, Diners, MasterCard and VISA Telephone Area Code: 54 Car Rentals. Most international companies operate in are the most widely accepted credit cards. Remember By Plane. The best way to travel Argentina’s vast distances is Argentina. In Buenos Aires, you can find Ai Rent, Avis, that credit cards and traveler’s checks may not be Getting There: All airlines flying to Argentina arrive, mainly, by plane, which allows you to combine it with land Budget, Dollar, Hertz - Annie Millet, Localiza, Thrifty. Fuel accepted other than in cities and resorts. Also, you can

70 USEFUL DATA USEFUL DATA 71 withdraw pesos with your credit card from the large 2655 Le Jeune Rd. PH-1 Ste. F, Coral Gables, FL. ATM network all throughout the country. 33134. Phone: 001 305 442-1366. Fax 001 305 441-7029. E-mail: [email protected] VAT Refund. If you purchase national products for over $ 70 (per invoice) in stores subscribing to the “Global New York Office: Representative: Ms. Inés Segarra. Refund” system, you get back the corresponding VAT at Head Office: 12 west 56 th Street Nueva York, NY the airport. 10 019 . P h o n e : ( 0 01 ) 21 2 - 6 0 3 - 0 4 2 5 . F a x 0 01 212-586-1786. E-mail: [email protected] Communication Services. It is very common to find phone booth stores all around the country. For domestic Representative in Spain and Portugal: Ms. Isabel Crego long-distance calls in Argentina, dial 0 before the area Fraga. Head Office: Argentine Embassy, Spain. Calle code, and for international calls, dial 00 before the Pedro de Valdivia 21, (28006) Madrid. Phone: (0034) 91 country code. More economical rates are charged from 771 0500 // 771 0546. Fax (0034) 91 563 5697. 10 PM to 8 AM, Saturdays after 1 PM and all day long E-mail: [email protected] on Sundays and holidays. If you wish to place a pay phone call, you can use either phone cards (sold at phone Representative in Brazil: Ms. Marcela Cuesta. Head booth stores) or coins (legal tender currency). If you Office: General Consulate and Business Promotion would like to browse the Internet, there is a widely spread Center in San Pablo. Av. Paulista 2313 -Sobreloja- CEP service in specific stores, bars and phone booth stores. 01311-300 San Pablo - SP. Phone/Fax 0055-11 3082-8071/ 3082-8113. E-mail: [email protected] Tourist Safety and Assistance. Tourist Police Station: Av. Corrientes 436, (C1043AAR) Buenos Aires. Phone: Representative in : Mr. Carlos Feeney. Head 4346-5748, 4328-2135 or 0800-999-5000, e-mail: Office: Argentine Embassy, France. 6, rue Cimarosa, 75116 [email protected]. Paris. Phone: (0033) 01 47 27 01 76. E-mail: [email protected] Tourist Offices Abroad. In all the Embassies and Consulates of the Republic of Argentina and in the TOURIST INFORMATION following tourist local offices: National Bureau of Tourism, Representative in Chile, Bolivia and : Mr. Horacio Tourist Information Centers: Bóvolo. Head Office: Argentine Embassy, Santiago de Ezeiza International Airport and Jorge Chile. 285 Miraflores St. Phone. 00-562-582-2604. Newbery Airport; Av. Santa Fe 883, E-mail: [email protected] (C1059ABC), Buenos Aires. Phone: 4312-2232 ó 0800-555-0016. Representative in the United States, Mexico and Canada: E-mail: [email protected] Mr. Eduardo Piva. Head Office: Argentine Tourist Office.

Coordinación, producción y diseño: Departamento de Diseño y Producción, Secretaría de Turismo de la Nación / Foto Tapa: photomonteleone.com

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