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Argentina Tours South America Enjoy The Pleasure

admin — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 11:16:46 +0000

Article by Pawan Find More South America Travel Articles Related posts: South America Wine Tours: Argentina and Chile Wine Regions Experience South America With Small Group Tours South America Escorted Tours Will Help You Re-Trace the Adventurers Trail Related posts:

South America Wine Tours: Argentina and Chile Wine Regions

admin — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 03:48:35 +0000

If you can name wine and travel as two of your greatest passions, you should consider combing the two and traveling to South America for a wine tour. Once a trip solely for the jet setters of the world, wine and culinary tours have grown in popularity side by side as people discover that one of the best ways to experience another culture is through its food and spirits.

As wine enthusiasts know, South America is quickly emerging as one of the most important wine centers in the world. Argentina and Chile in particular are gaining international recognition as viticulturists continue to produce award winning wines. The two best grape regions in South America are Mendoza in Argentina, and the Colchagua Valley in Chile.

Both of these areas are blessed with stunning scenery and a range of climates that naturally produce delicious grapes. High altitudes, steep hillsides, a wide range of temperatures, plenty of water, and an above average amount of annual sunshine make the grapes grown here especially complex and perfect for making high quality wines.

Mendoza is one of the most beautiful cities in Argentina with dramatic views of snow capped Andes Mountains dominating the horizon, and verdant rolling vineyards surrounding the small city. Mendoza is known primarily for its Malbec wine, but the Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Chardonnay are also remarkable. Wine tasting in this picturesque Argentina countryside is a great way to spend the day and wineries here often have unique bed and breakfasts where guests can stay the night. Horseback and bike tours are popular alternative ways to travel between wineries.

The Colchagua Valley is known for its amazing robust red wines like Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah, and Carmenere. Named the wine region of the year in 2005 by Wine Enthusiast, the Colchagua Valley is a great place for an introduction to Chilean wines. Besides the amazing wines travelers can taste, the location of this valley makes it a perfect destination for combining a wine tour with a vibrant city experience. Santiago is only two hours from this wine producing valley, and the ski resorts of Chile are only three hours away.

The two countries’ regions are separated by the Andes, but flights are only 50 minutes. Many travelers are discovering that combining the wine regions of both countries into one trip is a great, unique way to explore South America while tasting some of the best wines in the world.

Argentina Travel: Two Weeks To See The Highlights

admin — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:49:07 +0000

Two weeks in Argentina may seem like a long time but after researching what this amazing country has to offer its visitor’s one quickly realizes that two weeks just isn’t enough time to see it all. Unfortunately, sometimes two weeks is all the time we have to enjoy a vacation abroad. Daily lives often can’t afford much more of a break than that. I’ve outlined a suggested Argentina travel itinerary that includes main highlights that you don’t want to miss, and a way to squeeze it all into two weeks.

Fly into Buenos Aires, the gateway to Argentina and the lively and animated cultural and political capital. Plan a full day to do a city tour and see a tango show in the evening. There are many different options for a city tour, there are walking tours, biking tours, classic tours, etc. It is definitely suggested that you do one of these to familiarize yourself with this amazing city and its important history. A tango show is a great way to end your first full day in Argentina.

From Buenos Aires you will fly directly to Puerto Iguazu, home to the famous Iguazu Falls. Iguazu Falls is a series of 275 waterfalls along a short stretch of the Iguazu River. It is probably the most amazing waterfalls on the planet and deserves a visit if at all possible. You’ll want to make sure you’ve got plenty of life in your camera because it’s to see a lot of action capturing this place.

Leaving Iguazu on the fifth day fly to Puerto Madryn where the main attraction is a visit to the Valdez Peninsula, the adventure capital of the region, offering mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking, and sand-boarding. Visit Caleta Valdes to see a rockery covered in sea elephants and Punta Delgada to see the popular hang-out spot for sea lions. Whale-watching cruises are available certain times of the year from June to December.

On the eighth day fly to Tierra del Fuego, the most southern inhabited lands on the planet, and Ushuaia, the largest city on the island. Here you will be in the heart of Andean-Patagonian forest. The rough and wild wilderness leaves a lasting impression. From Ushuaia you can fly to El Calafate and visit Perito Moreno Glacier, probably the most famous glacier in the world. It is the most important of all 13 glaciers found in Glaciers National Park and with its immense size, nature offers a unique experience of infinite peace and tranquility. The silence of the lands is interrupted every so often by huge chunks of ice cracking off the glacier and splashing into the lake below.

From El Calafate fly to Bariloche, possibly the most famous ski and snowboard resort city in all of South America. If you are not going to ski for the day or it is the wrong season, take a tour of the region that will take you to some of the most beautiful overlook spots and points of interest such as Playa Bonita and Llao Llao Peninsula.

From Bariloche you can fly back to Buenos Aires for your return flight or transfer on to your next South America travel destination.

Argentina Travel: Patagonia Culture

admin — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 17:49:09 +0000

Patagonia is one of the most amazing places on the planet. The dramatic landscapes of the lands end create a lasting impression on the lucky visitors with the means to experience it. The fascinating history and culture of this remarkable destination unveils in guided visits and tours of different attractions.

The landscape is surrounded by daunting barriers on three sides that has kept the region fairly unexplored before the 15th century. With the vast expanses of the largest ocean in the world, the Pacific on one side, Atacama, the driest desert in the world and the Andes Mountains, one of the most extensive mountain chains it is easy to understand why. When the Inca people were led south by Emperor Tupac Yupanqui, they were able to cross the extensive salt basins of the Atacama Desert and encountered one of the three local peoples that were inhabiting these unforgiving and wild lands: the Mapuche.

The Inca’s, who were on a mission to expand their territory and had thus far been very successful, would not succeed in conquering the Mapuche. They attempted to traverse the Maule River into the Lake District in present-day Chile but were unable to penetrate with any success. The Mapuche had the home-field advantage and were fiercely hanging on to their territory. So, though the Inca Empire bumped up against Patagonia it never really expanded into it.

Later on in the 16th century, when the Spanish conquest of the southern portion of South America was getting serious, they too, were unsuccessful in their attempts to suppress the Mapuche. In fact, the leader of the Spanish conquest of Chile, Pedro de Valdavia, was bounded to a tree and beheaded in 1553, more than ten years after he first entered the country and founded Santiago. His big mistake was building strongholds in Mapuche territory.

So, during the Spanish colonial years, Patagonia remained largely unaffected by the outside world. The Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia was founded by the Mapuche in 1860 which included Chilean and Argentinean Patagonia. A French lawyer living in Araucania, Orelie-Antoine de Tounens, was elected the first King of Patagonia. In 1862, however, just two years after the foundation of the Kingdom, the king was captured by Chilean soldiers and deported to France. His attempts to regain the throne were unsuccessful.

Today the Mapuche, though their kingdom no longer exists, maintain a strong voice in the governing of Patagonia. Prince Philippe of Araucania is the current head of the Royal House of Araucania and Patagonia. He has spoken before the United Nations Working Groups on Indigenous People as a representative of Mapuche in Argentina.

The rich history in this land often goes overlooked as the beauty of the landscapes tends to dominate people’s interests. A suggested Argentina travel itinerary to Patagonia would include a visit to Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital and international gateway. From Buenos Aires, fly to Puerto Madryn to tour the beautiful Valdez Peninsula. Arrive in El Calafate to visit the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Next travel to El Chalten to discover the beautiful Viedma lake. Travel back to El Calafate before flying to Ushuaia to tour Tierra del Fuego National Park and the Beagle Channel. This unbeatable Argentina vacation will not disappoint.

5 Argentina Travel Tips for the Foreign Study Traveler

admin — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 17:48:55 +0000

Have you ever thought of hopping a plane for spring break in Argentina? Maybe you want to study Spanish in Buenos Aires or learn the Tango in Mendoza? Too difficult, you say? No way, but there are a few things you need to know when traveling abroad. Take advantage of the following top five travel tips for your next trip to Argentina and make it an experience to remember.

1. PASSPORTS – Argentina visitors that are citizens of the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa will require a passport for entry. US Passport applications can be obtained at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html, with routine services taking up to 10-12 weeks from the date you applied. A Visa is not required for a tourist stay up to 90 days, for longer stays contact your local embassy for information. In the U.S. — Contact the Consular Section of the Argentine Embassy, 1718 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20009 (tel. 202/238-6460). For more information, try http://www.uic.edu/orgs/argentina. In Canada — Contact the Embassy of the Argentine Republic, Suite 910, Royal Bank Center, 90 Sparks St., Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5B4 (tel. 613/236-2351; fax 613/235-2659). In the U.K. — Contact the Embassy of the Argentine Republic, 65 Brooke St., London W1Y 4AH (tel. 020/7318-1300; fax 020/7318-1301; seruni@mrecic.gov.ar).

2. CURRENCY – The current exchange rate is 3 to 1 for the US dollar to the Argentina Peso. The Peso is made up of 100 centavos. Money is denominated in notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 pesos; and coins of 1, 2, and 5 pesos, and 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos. US dollars are widely accepted in Buenos Aires, but in the rural areas of the country pesos are the currency of choice and exchange locations are less abundant. American Express traveler’s checks can be exchanged at offices located in Buenos Aires at Arenales 707 (tel. 11/4130-3135), Bariloche, Salta, San Martan, and Ushuaia. Outside of these locations there are very few American Express exchange offices, so when traveling to remote locations be sure to plan ahead. Many of the hotels do not accept credit cards, so check in advance before you assume you can pay your bill that way.

3. CAR RENTALS – Argentines drive very fast in comparison to U.S. drivers and do not always obey traffic lights or lanes. The seat belt law is in effect, though few locals actually wear them. U.S. driver’s licenses are valid in greater Buenos Aires, but you need an Argentine or international license to drive in most other parts of the country. When driving outside the city, remember that autopista means motorway or highway, and paso means mountain pass. It is not advised to drive in rural areas at night as cattle roam free and are hard to see in the dark. Fuel is about $1 per liter, or $4 per gallon. Car rentals are available at Hertz, Paraguay 1122 (tel. 800/654-3131 in the U.S., or 11/4816-8001 in Buenos Aires); Avis, Cerrito 1527 (tel. 800/230-4898 in the U.S., or 11/4300-8201 in Buenos Aires); Dollar, Marcelo T. de Alvear 523 (tel. 800/800-6000 in the U.S., or 11/4315-8800 in Buenos Aires); and Thrifty, Av. Leandro N. Alem 699 (tel. 800/847-4389 in the U.S., or 11/4315-0777 in Buenos Aires). Car rentals are more expensive in Argentina with compacts starting at $50 to $60 per day, ask for special promotions.

4. ELECTRICITY – Electricity in Argentina runs on 220v. Most U.S. laptops run on either 110v or 220v, check yours to determine which one you have. A transformer and a European style adapter will be necessary for any other small appliances. While most luxury hotels will have these items for your use, some smaller or rural hotels will not. Cyber cafes called “Locuturios” are common in Buenos Aires and other major cities, where you can connect for an average of $1.00US per hour.

5. SEASONS – While those of us here in the Northern Hemisphere are used to the seasons that we have come to know, you must remember that things are in reverse south of the equator. The summer months in Argentina are December thru February, perfect for a trip to Santa Cruz. However, Buenos Aires has a very hot, humid summer so it is therefore better to visit in the spring and fall (November or March). If winter sports are what you are looking for, then the winter months of June thru October would be when to plan your next trip.

These tips will certainly give you a leg up when planning a trip to exotic Argentina. Traveling to a foreign county does require a little effort, but the experiences you will gain will last a lifetime. The world is such a global community that visiting and understanding another country’s culture only brings people closer together.

Argentina is waiting for you, start planning your trip today?

Argentina Travel: Salta

admin — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 17:49:05 +0000

With Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and Patagonia filling Argentina travel itineraries people often forget to consider visiting the northern part of the country, where you’ll find Salta. Salta is city with a population of half a million people located in the northwestern part of Argentina. It is the eighth largest city in Argentina and with the sheer beauty of the desert region it lies in and the culture and excitement of the city itself, you wouldn’t want to miss it.

Salta is known for having outstanding museums covering a variety of interests. The Iglesia San Francisco is probably the most well-known and with its beautiful facade and the sleek tower it is easy to understand why. The inside of this church is tastefully decorated and the lovely garden has a equally lovely museum filled with religious art and artifacts.

The Anthropology Museum is located on the lower streets of Cerro San Bernardo above the Guemes monument. Here you’ll find many examples of local ceramics, specifically from the Tastil ruins, which is the largest pre-Inca town in Argentina. Admission to the museum costs $2 Argentinean and its open for visits from 8am – 7pm Monday through Friday and from 8am – 1pm and 3pm – 7pm on Saturdays.

The Contemporary Art Museum is another museum worth a visit. It has impressive displays of local artists from Salta as well as the rest of Argentina and the world. This museum changes its high quality exhibits regularly and is the type of place you can visit more than once. Admission is $2 Argentinean is open daily from 9am – 1pm and 5pm – 9pm. It is located in Plaza 9 de Julio in the center of Salta.

Arguably the most famous museum in the whole northern part of Argentina, the Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montana is a fascinating museum that addresses Inca culture and especially, child sacrifices the Inca people made on certain imposing Andean peaks. A beautiful and captivating exhibit explores this ancient practice where the centerpiece is the mummified remains of a 15-year-old girl, one of three girls that were found at the peak of Llullaillaco Mountain in 1999. The decision to display the body was a very controversial one and the experience of looking at this young body does create a strong impression. The Archeology Museum of Alta Montana is open from 9am – 1pm and 4pm – 9pm and admission is free if you enter between 9 and 10am Tuesday through Friday.

The Museo de Bellas Artes is Salta’s fine art museum, found in the Arias Rengel family’s two-story colonial mansion. The walls are over six feet thick! Many people feel the works displayed here are much more interesting than the in the Contemporary Arts Museum. You’ll find a beautiful sculpture garden and a wooden staircase that leads to a hanging balcony. Full admission is only $1 and the museum is open Monday to Saturday 8:30am – 1pm and 4:30 pm – 8 pm.

Fit Salta and its museums into your Argentina travel itinerary after a visit to Iguazu Falls. A recommended itinerary would include a lengthy stay in Buenos Aires where you will most likely be flying in anyway. From the vibrant capital fly to magnificent and wondrous Iguazu Falls where your jaw will drop at the site of these 275 cascades pushing powerful amounts of water in a deafening roar and pristine setting. From Iguazu you can fly to Salta, to experience the northern culture and sights.

Crossing the Argentina/chile Border in Patagonia

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:48:35 +0000

When you’re high in the Andes, you can’t help but be attuned to the scenery. Breathtaking, snow-capped peaks surround you, water rushes over falls as it hurries down the valleys, lakes brim with emerald water, and the world seems to spin just a little bit slower.

Crossing through the Patagonia from Argentina into Chile is one of the best ways to explore the landscape and gives you a glimpse of the spectacular expanse that comprises the eastern edge of the Pacific’s great rim of fire. The crossings between Argentina and Chile, whether by bus, bike, or boat, are not merely a passageway, but an opportunity to see firsthand the unsurpassed natural beauty of the region.

By guided tour from Bariloche, Argentina, you can cross from the Nahuel Huapi National Park in Argentina into the Puyehue National Park in Chile. The tour stops at a beach resort overlooking Lake Espejo atop a dramatic cliff. At Lake Espejo, which earned its name from the mirror-like quality of the water’s still surface, you can enjoy the tranquility of a private beach. The tour continues to the confluence of the pristine waters Blanco and Pereyra Rivers, and then continues over the Cardenal A. Samore International Pass. On the far side of the pass lies Chile’s Puyehue National Park, where boundless outdoor activities, beautiful scenic drives, and the Puyehue Hot Springs await.

If you’re interested in traveling over the emerald lakes by boat, a crossing from Bariloche, Argentina over Lake Nahuel Huapi is a wonderful choice. The crossing begins at Puerto Panuelo, where you will sail across Lake Nahuel Hupai to the shores of Puerto Blest. A short bus ride to Puerto Alegre, and you’ll board a catamaran that whisks you across the emerald-green waters of Lake Frias into Chile. You’ll arrive in the Chilean town of Peulla, where you’ll find the infamous Bridal Veil Falls, which are surely worth a visit.

Traveling to Chile from the Argentinean town of El Calafate by car or bus is a spectacular way to glimpse the stunning Torres del Paine National Park. Depending on your budget and time constraints, there are several options for crossing the border. The most inexpensive way is to travel from El Calafate to the Chilean town of Puerto Natales, the gateway to several National Parks including Torres del Paine.. Another option would be to have a travel agent organize private transportation through Torres Del Paine, which is a half-day trip. From Puerto Natales, you can stay overnight and catch a morning bus to the park, which is home to the “Cuernos del Paine,” three sheer granite towers that are among the most photographed in the park. The park is known for its untouched beauty and remote setting, with lakes of all shades of blue and green, and activities ranging from kayaking and rafting, to hiking and rock climbing.

The international border crossing of the Jama Pass begins in the Argentinian village of Purmamarca. This border crossing lead through the Patacal area into Salar, in Northern Chile. Set in the Andes, the Jama Pass is a highland plateau with daytime temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees C and at nighttime with temperatures dropping very low, sometimes freezing in winter. The road follows the Rio Grande River, and is an uphill journey for most of the way.

Crossing into Chile over the Uspallata Pass means a route that begins in Mendoza, Argentina. The passage leads to Chile’s bustling capital, Santiago. Situated in the Andes Cordillera at 12,500 feet, the crossing affords spectacular views of Mount Aconcagua, the tallest peak in South America. It also leads past the Christ of the Andes statue, which commemorates the peace and boundaries between the two nations. The Pan-American Highway runs through the pass, making it accessible by bicycle and automobile. Uspallata has also been the base for films like “Seven Years in Tibet” and “Of Love and Shades” because of its proximity to such stunning scenery.

No matter how you choose to travel from Argentina to Chile, each border crossing affords the opportunity to experience the unique landscape of the Andes. Whether you’re heading to Santiago for a cultural experience, or to one of the national parks in Chile for a memorable outdoor experience, the mountain range that divides the two countries is majestic and awe-inspiring. This will be a journey you’re sure to remember.

Suggested South America Travel Itinerary To World Wonders

admin — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 17:47:44 +0000

A suggested South America travel itinerary would include highlights from Brazil, Argentina and Peru. Brazil has so much to offer it is difficult to narrow down a couple specific destinations, however there is never enough time for everything so to narrow it down it is recommended that the traveler visit Rio de Janeiro, the beautiful and historically significant coastal city and Iguazu Falls, the most extraordinary falls on the planet. From Argentina it is also possible and worth it to visit the other side of Iguazu Falls. Also, it is not recommended that you travel to Argentina without visiting the vibrant capital city of Buenos Aires on the eastern coast. Finally, what is a trip to South America without a visit to Machu Picchu, a world wonder and the highlight of a Peru vacation? This itinerary guarantees that you will visit some of the best South America has to offer.

This South America vacation begins in Rio de Janeiro. The large majority of flights and all international flights flying in and out of Rio from Aeroporto Galeao, also known as Aeroporto Antonio Carolos Jobim. The airport is just 10 miles from the Rio city center. Some domestic flights, especially a Sao Paulo flight fly from Aeroporto Santos Dumont which is in the center of Rio. If you are traveling overland, Rio is served by bus from every major city in Brazil. The bus station, however is located in a sketch area however, so you should defiantly plan on taking a taxi to your hotel from the bus station.

To travel to Iguazu Falls from Rio de Janeiro it is recommended that you fly. Iguazu is right on a cruz between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay so it can be accessed from cities in all three countries: Puerto Iguazu in Argenitina, Foz de Iguazzu in Brazil, and Ciudad del Este in Paraguay. All three cities have airports so depending on where you are choosing to lodge would be a good deciding factor on which city you fly into.

From Iguazu you can take another flight to Buenos Aires. There are buses but a flight is much quicker and more comfortable and you don’t want to lose a lot of time since Buenos Aires has so much to offer its visitors. It is recommended that you spend ample time in this exciting capital before your flight to Cusco, Peru.

Flying to Cusco will take a day since you will have to connect in Lima most likely. Give yourself a couple days to see Cusco and the Sacred Valley as Machu Picchu is by no means the only thing to see in that area of Peru. When you are ready to see the ancient Inca citadel, take the train directly from Cusco or Ollantaytambo. It is a beautiful ride along the Urubamba River with the peaks of the Andes all around you.

The train will take you to Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu Mountain. From Aguas Calientes there are buses every half hour or so up the mountain to the entrance of the famous Machu Picchu. There is plenty of accommodation in Aguas Calientes so it is recommended that you spend the night there or in the Sanctuary Lodge right outside the ruins. If you wish to return to Cusco there are afternoon trains as well.

Quila Quina: Magic Patagonian Shores of Lake

admin — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:21:38 +0000

Situated 18 miles from San Martin Andes and in full Lanin National Park, Patagonia Argentina offers, once again, a dream landscape: beaches surrounded by cypresses twisted, forest and waterfall crystal. Half an hour by boat from San Martin de los Andes, Neuquén, and tourists and are seduced by the charms of Villa Quila Quina, in lands of the Mapuche Curruhuinca.

Once in the port side of the hill is the fan that blends in with the lake volcanic chutes. There is also a modern confectionery and a beach where kayaks are rented. Those who enjoy long walks, nothing better to visit the place along the coast as you can see the mountains, where you can find cypresses, oaks, pellín, Cohiba, radales, maitenes, raulíes and rosehip. Another place not to be missed is the cascade of Arroyo Grande, a source of carbonated mineral water.

The canyon of the cave paintings and the Lion, where cougars refuge for protection from wind intensity Puelche are other options worth a tourist visit.

If you are considering meet Quila Quina, San Martin de los Andes there are nice hotels and inns to stay. These include the Caupolicán, Le Village, The Farmhouse and The Cheminée. If going by car, a good option is installed on the camping Quila Quina, where you can enjoy a tea lounge, restaurant and barbecue on the banks of river.

Puerto Madryn, Beautiful place to watch huge whales

admin — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:00:36 +0000

Puerto Madryn is a small town in the province of Chubut, Argentina, on the shores of Golfo Nuevo, originally inhabited by the Welsh, because of its strategic location has great importance as a tourist destination, is the gateway to the Valdes Peninsula, was declared by UNESCO as Natural Patrimony of Humanity in 1999.

Considered the national capital of diving, is visited by thousands of tourists each year come to the place for diving in the beautiful reefs or enjoy the presence of large whales are sighted off the coast, is a spectacle to lovers of these beautiful whales. The calm waters of the Gulf and conditions of the peninsula makes it possible for southern right whales from reaching the site each year to have their offspring.

Doradillo beaches is the ideal place to spot whales franca, the appropriate months are between June and December.
The places where you can appreciate the varied fauna of the peninsula are the following: Punta Norte, Caleta Valdés, from here you can watch the whales, penguins from Punta Tombo, Punta Delgada, the sea lions from Point Loma, Punta Norte, the elephant seals from Punta Delgada, Punta Cantor, Caleta Valdés and birds from Island birds.

Along the coast there are seven resorts where you can enjoy the beaches or water sports or simply enjoy delicious meals in restaurants in the area. If it comes to travel, Puerto Madryn is a good choice, enjoy the beauty of nature, water sports, sightseeing, museums, protected areas, the option you choose.

It is advisable to travel if it’s summer, wear light clothing for day and night for a jacket or a sweatshirt in winter do not forget to bring warm clothes. As for accommodation, Puerto Madryn has excellent hotels, including hotels 1 to 4 stars or you can choose options residences, hostels, camping or rent a home temporarily. The city’s cuisine is varied, delicious dishes based on seafood, or the inevitable Patagonian lamb barbecue.

How to get from the federal capital are operating flights to the airport of Puerto Madryn, different airlines do this service and the city itself has a deep water port, which cruises arriving from different countries. There overland transport companies from joining the Federal capital city of Puerto Madryn.