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Planet In1 Destination South America - Argentina
Argentina is the second largest country in South America, bordered by Chile to the west and south and Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay to the north and east. Argentina is a country of contrasts, being home to both Cerro Aconcagua, South America's highest mountain and the Valdes Peninsula, the lowest spot on the continent. The country derived its name from argentums (silver), which was one of the attractions for European settlers.

Argentina can be divided roughly into three: in the north, the fertile plains of the Pampas, the centre of Argentina's agricultural wealth; the flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in the south down to Tierra del Fuego and the rugged Andes mountain range along the western border with Chile, with the highest point being the Cerro Aconcagua at 6,960 m.

The largest river is the Parana and the climate ranges from mainly temperate with sub-tropical in the north and arid/sub-Antarctic in the far south.

Argentinians are an ethnic mix of Italian and Spanish immigrants as well the indigenous peoples in the north, northwest and south. The official languauge is Spanish.

Argentinians are well known for their love of soccer and horses. The gaucho, the solitary, independent ranch hand, is to many, a symbol of Argentina. The country produces some of the best polo players in the world. Who could forget the tango, which originated in the brothels and port areas of Buenos Aires which housed a racial and cultural melting pot? The dance gradually gained respectability and its costumes and sexually aggressive moves evoke a powerful image of the smouldering romance of Argentina.

Buenos Aires, located at the mouth of the Río de la Plata, is the capital city and commercial and industrial centre of the country. A population of 12 million people makes Buenos Aires one of the largest cities in South America. The busy port is a distribution hub connected to Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay as well as the rest of Argentina. |This cosmopolitan city with its tree-lined avenues and many plazas is home to Avenida 9, popularly known as the world's widest thoroughfare. Avenida Santa Fe is the most fashionable shopping area, with the Plaza de Mayo being the main centre of activity. The Teatro Colón is a world-class facility for opera, ballet and classical music and there are many museums well worth a visit. The Italian suburb of La Boca is a colourful spot with brightly painted wooden houses lining the Riachuelo waterway and a good place to go for decent food at reasonable prices. Indeed, Buenos Aires has a huge selection (over 8000) of very good restaurants and bars, featuring delicious world-famous Argentine beef, local seafood and excellent Argentinian wines.

Córdoba is Argentina's second largest city, located in central Argentina, in the middle of the most productive agricultural area. It has a wealth of architectural treasures: the Iglesia Catedral with its Romanesque dome, the Iglesia de la Compania , the Musea Histórico Provincial Marqués de Sobremonte, which is one of the most important historical museums in the country and the fine collection of colonial buildings in the city centre.

Mar del Plata is a city in the east of the country, on the Atlantic Coast. A major fishing port, this is also a popular seaside resort for tourists and locals alike. With a coastline stretching over 29 miles, there is plenty of room for all comers and something going on all the time, from theme parks to skydiving, paragliding, mountain biking, horseback riding, archery, trekking, rappelling, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing and water sports of all kinds.

The Northeast is a region of large rivers, humid tropics, red earth, magnificent forests, and extraordinary flora and fauna. The Iguazú Falls on the border with Brazil is one of the world's natural wonders. Lined with dense forests, the Iguazú River flows into 275 waterfalls, plunging more than 70 meters. This is located in the Iguazú National Park.

The Northwest is a landscape full of contrasts, from the high peaks to the plains, the saltpans, and the subtropical rain forests, where Latin American culture took root. The forts and constructions date back to the time of the Conquest and Colonization. Here are the cities of Tucumán, La Rioja, Catamarca and Santiago del Estero.

The Pampas plains, home of the gaucho, is a land of wide open spaces and huge estancias (ranches).

Cuyo (desert country) is the region of the high peaks, the snow-covered volcanoes, and the large wilderness spreading from the Andes mountain range and foothills to the steppe. Talampaya Natural Park contains Ischigualasto, also known as “Valle de la Luna” (Moon Valley) because of the amazing diversity of forms and colours of its landscape shaped by erosion, is one of the world's most important paleontologic sites. The cities of Mendoza and San Juan are in this area.

The Central Andean Range contains Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, respected by mountain climbers from all over the world. Here also is the Wine Road, farms and wineries along the valleys of La Rioja, Mendoza and San Juan.

Patagonia and the majestic Andes mountains are a sight to behold, with granite peaks and ice field on top of the mountains. El Calafate, is the starting point to visit the glacier region. The great Perito Moreno glacier, along with 12 others is in Los Glaciares National Park.

In the south, Tierra del Fuego and the Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, are the gateway to the vast and mysterious Antarctica.