Guide to Argentina
Argentina is a country that offers a variety of options
for travelers to South America.
BUENOS AIRES
The capital of Argentina has a strong European influence
and is the most cosmopolitan city in South America. It has many different
neighborhoods worth visiting: Palermo,
Recoleta, San Telmo and La Boca.
The cultural activities in Buenos Aires are outstanding. There is everything
from museums and theater to tango and street music. You can take a tour or a
get a sense of Buenos Aires history simply by walking through the city.
Useful Link:
For info about activities,
cultural events etc., check out: http://agendacultural.buenosaires.gob.ar/
MENDOZA
Mendoza is the wine center of South America. Exceptional
natural conditions such as altitude, sun and a dry climate have made this area
ideal for growing wine- especially the French grape Malbec. Thanks to the more than 1200 wineries that can be found in
this region, close to a thousand million liters of wine are produced every
year! Mendoza is also known for outdoor activities like trekking,
whitewaterrafting, horsebackriding and for those that like to combine their
interests- there are biking winetasting tours.
PATAGONIA
When it comes to natural beauty,
and outdoor opportunities, nothing can compare to Patagonia. Worth visiting is
the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier, 5 km wide and more than 60 meters high. It has been
considered as one of the 8 wonders of the world. Ushuaia is known as “the city at the end of
the world” because of its proximity to the south pole. It offers unexplored territory allowing for
new discoveries and adventures. You can trek, horseback ride and climb. Bariloche is another beautiful city with lakes, rivers
and mountain views. Lot of opportunities for trekking and rafting and sampling
their famous chocolate.
NORTE
Salta is a colonial city full of old houses with wooden balconies and quiet streets. For at special adventure take a ride on "The Coud Train". One of the highest railways in the world, it divides the province of Salta crosses the Andes Mountains. Iguazú falls: some of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in the world. This is an experience that shouldn't be missed!
Useful Link: http://www.norteargentino.gov.ar/
For more information, check out Guide to Argentina or Lonely Planet
Useful Link: http://www.norteargentino.gov.ar/
For more information, check out Guide to Argentina or Lonely Planet
Hope you decide to visit Argentina and participate in the Mendoza Ultimate Vino Hat Tournament!
Guide to
ARGENTINA
Argentina is a country that offers some of the most variety for travelers to South America.
BUENOS AIRES
The capital of Argentina has a strong European influence and is
the most cosmopolitan city in South America.
Useful Links: For infomation about activities, cultural events and so on, check out: http://agendacultural.buenosaires.gob.ar/
Palermo neighborhood:
Where old culture meets young hip and modern. An
area full of parks, libraries, cafés, restaurants, as well as nightclubs and
designer shops. Highlights: The Rosedal park, Palermo Soho (shops), Palermo
Hollywood (restaurants)
Recoleta neighborhood:
Here you can find
museums, tree lined streets and French architecture. Highlights: Museo de
Bellas Artes, Recoleta Cemetery (the grave of Eva Perón), Plaza Francia with a big
handicraft market on the weekends.
San Telmo neighborhood:
This is the oldest part of the city. Wander the
cobblestone streets and you’ll find tango schools, milongas (tango dance
places), bars and cafes on every corner. Many original buildings have been
maintained or renovated. The heart of San Telmo is Plaza Dorrego and the Sunday arts and crafts fair. There is
also the famous Antique Market where you can find everything from old coins to fur coats and vintage
shoes.
La Boca neighborhood:
La Boca is best known for two things, football
and tango. When Boca Juniors are playing you are sure to see hordes of fans
chanting on their way to a game. Caminito is a street right by the
river. All the houses are painted bright colors and tango dancers give
demonstrations for the many tourists who are visiting.
Café Tortoni:
Avenida de Mayo 829. Founded in 1858, this is one of the oldest cafés
in the city and was a gathering place for many famous artists, thinkers and
politicians. The dining room has beautiful stained glass ceilings and a classic
bar. At night you can listen to tango and jazz.
Mataderos Fair:
Av. Lisandro de La Torre y
Av. De Los Corrales, in the Mataderos
neighborhood. This fair shows off the cultural roots of Argentina. It was started
in 1986 and offers argentine handicrafts and regional food. There is also live
music as well as tango, folk and popular dance. Open Sundays and public holidays from 11am to 8pm.
Highly recommended.
Tango:
To enjoy the tango scene
you can either pay for a Tango Show or you can simply go to a Milonga where the
locals and other tango tourists dance. There are tango dancers from all over
the world who visit Buenos Aires just to dance and take classes. Some good places
to enjoy live orchestras and tango dancing.
- Maldita y Bendita milonga, Peru 571, Monday and Wednesday (live orchestra starting at 23pm).
- La Catedral, Sarmiento 4006, Tuesday (great atmosphere)
- Milonga Andariega, Peru 571, Sundays (live orchestra starting at 23pm)
- Maldita y Bendita milonga, Peru 571, Monday and Wednesday (live orchestra starting at 23pm).
- La Catedral, Sarmiento 4006, Tuesday (great atmosphere)
- Milonga Andariega, Peru 571, Sundays (live orchestra starting at 23pm)
Eating:
Argentina has fantastic
meat that shouldn’t be missed. There are a lot of good Parillas (barbeques)
around town.
- Parilla 1880, Defensa 1665 has good steaks and a local feel. Reservations needed, slow service.
- El Español, Rincón 196, another busy local place, you can try many of the different meats they offer. You might need to wait to get a table.
- Parilla 1880, Defensa 1665 has good steaks and a local feel. Reservations needed, slow service.
- El Español, Rincón 196, another busy local place, you can try many of the different meats they offer. You might need to wait to get a table.
Palermo has restaurants
with every type of food including parillas, Armenian, Mexican and more.
For quick street food try one of the many “Bondiolitas” –the food carts along the costanera sur and near many parks. Or you can always get an empanada or alfajor at the many pastelerias and cafes.
Transportation:
To get around town the
best options are the subway and bus systems. The subway is easy to navigate and
generally reliable. Be aware that trains stop running at about 22:30. The buses
are cheap (just make sure you have some coins) but can be confusing. Always check ahead of time how to get both to
and from your destination since the bus route might be different.
Good internet options to find out directions: http://mapa.buenosaires.gov.ar/ and http://www.omnilineas.com.ar/colectivos/
Depending on your budget Taxis are not too expensive and probably the quickest way to get places. Always take a “radio taxi”. They are safer since they have dispatchers. Also make sure you have change and watch the meter so you don’t overcharged.
MENDOZA
Mendoza is the wine capital of South America. Exceptional natural
conditions like the altitude, sun and dry climate have made this area ideal for
growing wine- especially the French grape Malbec. Thanks to the more than 1200
wineries that can be found in this region, close to a thousand million liters
of wine are produced every year!
Bus to the airport: www.cdmgaleria.com/recorridos/item/427
Bus to the airport: www.cdmgaleria.com/recorridos/item/427
Cordon del Plata
Cordón del Plata covers
around 250 km and is a perfect place to
go for a daytrip. You’ll leave from Luján de Cuyo y Potrerillos, and
after traveling down a gravel road the landscape changes: towards Tunuyán you
will see the vegetation of the prehistoric hills called “Knives of Tupungato” and
mountains covered in snow and ice including the impressive Tupungato (6800
meters).
Following the road RP N°89 you will get to San José, a village that works as the entrance of Uco Valley. Be sure to visit The Salestein Wineries.
Following the road RP N°89 you will get to San José, a village that works as the entrance of Uco Valley. Be sure to visit The Salestein Wineries.
High Mountains
One route to the Chilean border is along the Mendoza River, climbing
uphill but staying below the foot of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in South
America at 6962 meters above sea level.
Around 100 km after passing the wineries of Luján de Cuyo y el dique Potrerillos, you will reach Uspallata, the last city before crossing the Andes Mountains. In Uspallata there are opportunities for trekking, horseback riding, rafting, etc.
Another stop nice village to stop at is Chacras de Coria: 15 km from Mendoza.
Wineries to visit:
Bodega Zuccardi
Bodega Chandon
Bodega Salenstein
More information in: www.winemaponline.com/en/
BIKING TOURS OF THE WINERIES (closed on Sundays)
Take bus 173
Rent a bike at one of the many rental companies - for instance Mr Hugo www.mrhugobikes.com
Nightlife: Calle Aristides y Villanueva, Chacras de Coria – Bars, Discos (20km from Mendoza)
Day: Park San Martin, parks and squares in the center of Mendoza, restaurants and shopping.
Around 100 km after passing the wineries of Luján de Cuyo y el dique Potrerillos, you will reach Uspallata, the last city before crossing the Andes Mountains. In Uspallata there are opportunities for trekking, horseback riding, rafting, etc.
Another stop nice village to stop at is Chacras de Coria: 15 km from Mendoza.
Wineries to visit:
Bodega Zuccardi
Bodega Chandon
Bodega Salenstein
More information in: www.winemaponline.com/en/
BIKING TOURS OF THE WINERIES (closed on Sundays)
Take bus 173
Rent a bike at one of the many rental companies - for instance Mr Hugo www.mrhugobikes.com
Nightlife: Calle Aristides y Villanueva, Chacras de Coria – Bars, Discos (20km from Mendoza)
Day: Park San Martin, parks and squares in the center of Mendoza, restaurants and shopping.
PATAGONIA
Perito Moreno Glacier – El Calafate
Perito Moreno is the
most important glacier of The National Glacier Park in the southeast of the
Santa Cruz province. It is an incredible wall of ice that stretches along the
whole length of the deep valley. The front end has a 5 km width and is more
than 60 meters high. It has been considered as one of the 8 wonders of the
world.
Ushuaia
Known as “the city at
the end of the world” because it is the closest city to the south pole without
going to antarctica. It offers unexplored territory allowing for new
discoveries and adventures. You can trek, horseback ride and climb. The weather
is always uncertain and often cold and windy. Be prepared with appropriate
clothing.
Bariloche
Lots of opportunities
for trekking and rafting. Local buses will take you out to trailheads where you
can hike up and back to one of the many refugios or do a multi-day circuit.
NORTE
Ravine of Humahuaca.
Pumamarca
Pumamarca
A small, but colourful,
village. There are only a few peaceful blocks with houses made of clay bricks.
There is also the “Hill of Seven Colours”.
Tilcara
This village is more
important from a cultural point of view. You will find archeological museums,
markets, clubs with folk music and the famous Pucará with a cactus garden.
Salta:
It’s easy to see the colonial
influence in this northern city. Full of
old houses with wooden balconies and quiet streets. For a special adventure
take a ride on “The Cloud Train”. One of the highest railways in the world, it
divides the province of Salta and crosses the Andes Mountains.
Iguazú falls: Some
of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in the world. This is an
experience that shouldn’t be missed!
Airlines
Airlines
Aerolineas
Argentinas www. aerolineas.com.ar
Lan Argentina http://www.lan.com/es_ar/sitio_personas/index.html
Lan Argentina http://www.lan.com/es_ar/sitio_personas/index.html
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