Carlos Gardel

Carlos Gardel was the Buenos Aires tango king at one time. Although his birth place is a mystery , Carlos Gardel is generally thought to have been born as Charles Romuald Gardés in Toulouse, France to unknown father and Berthe Gardés. Whenhe was 2, he came to Argentina and his name was Hispanicized. When asked about his nationality he would answer I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the age of 2 years and a half.

Gardel began his career singing in bars and parties and in 1913 formed a duet with José Razzano (which would last until 1925), singing a wide variety of folk songs. Gardel made the music his own by inventing the tango-canción in 1917 with “Mi Noche Triste”, which sold a 100,000 copies and was a hit throughout Latin America. Gardel went on to tour Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Colombia and made appearances in Barcelona, Paris and New York. He sold 70,000 records in the first three months of a 1928 visit to Paris. As his popularity grew, he made a number of films, which were essentially vehicles for his singing and his matinee-idol looks.

Gardel possessed a dark baritone voice which he used with excellent musicality and dramatic phrasing, creating miniature masterpieces among the hundreds of three-minute tangos which he recorded during his lifetime. Together with his long-term collaborator, lyricist Alfredo Le Pera, Gardel also wrote several classic tangos, notably “Mi Buenos Aires Querido”, “Volver”, “Por una cabeza”.

When Gardel and his collaborator Le Pera were killed in an airplane crash in Medellín, Colombia in 1935, millions of his fans throughout Latin America went into mourning. Hordes of people went to pay their respects as the singer’s body travelled via Colombia, New York and Rio de Janeiro to its final resting place in La Chacarita cemetery in Buenos Aires.

Gardel is still revered in Buenos Aires, where people like to say of him “he sings better every day.” His fans still like to place a lit cigarette in the fingers of the life-sized statue which adorns his tomb. One of Gardel’s favorite phrases, Veinte años no es nada (Twenty years is nothing) became a famous saying across Latin America.

El Tigre Argentina

El Tigre Argentina Tourist Information

The best day trip outside of Buenos Aires is to go to El Tigre. There you can shop, eat, take a boat ride and relax. The weekends offer lots of activity and everything is open. The weekdays offer peace and quiet and a boat ride.

On the northern outskirts of Buenos Aires is a place called “El Tigre”. This is where the Parana and Uruguay Rivers flow into the Rio de la Plata, one of the world’s largest estuaries. These rivers drain portions of Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay, and the silt and sediment that have brought to the delta with them now make up the hundreds of islands, which are now inhabited. There are no roads on the islands and residents must go to and from their homes by boat. There are supermarket boats, ice cream boats, and even pizza delivery by boat. It is a really interesting place to see, and it is easily reached from central Buenos Aires.

To get there, I recommend that you go to Retiro in Buenos Aires. (the large train station near Plaza Martin). It’s the first terminal, the Mitre Station. Buy a ticket from the ticket vending machines. Push “Tigre” and the deposit 95 centavos. This is a beautiful train station built by the British in 1900. There are several tracks so make sure you board the right train that says El Tigre on the digital sign.

This is a communter train and can be loud as well as crowded. It is known as the bad train but it is cheap and quick. You will arrive in El Tigre in about 45 minutes and get some great views along the way.

When the TBA commuter train arrives at El Tigre, get off and take a left to the small bridge. Then take a right and walk along the river there and pick out a boat ride from the various vendors. You may also want to get a map from the tourist informaiton booth near McDonalds.

There are many El Tigre boat rides to choose from. You can take a large one to Colonial Uruaguay over night. Or just for the day. You can take a 4 hour boat ride to one of the islands and have a meal. Or you can take a 90 minute boat ride of the area for 14 pesos. They leave every 30 minutes.

On the boat ride you will see the communites in this area that often have no roads but do everything by boat. You will also get a chance to see the things to do in El Tigre around the area.

When you get back from the boat trip, step off and take a left. As you walk, on your right you will see beautiful old mansions dateing back 200 years. You will also find some decent places to eat.

You will walk past many boats, then see an amusement park that is only open on the weekends. It is large and has a nice ferris wheel that can offer spectacular views of the area.

At the El Tigre Amusement Park, you will also find a Casino that is open everyday. Just past the Casino is the Tren De LA Coasta. An excellent train and your ride back to the city.

If you walk past the Train, you will find yourself in the neighborhoods of El Tigre. Simple Spanish homes and a typical small Argentina town. Keep walking and you will cross the train tracks, then pass a another huge Casino. Then if you take a left down a small road you will find the Puerto De Frutos. On the weekends, this place hosts one of the most amazing shopping centers around Buenos Aires. Everything is cheap, high quailty, and great. You can spend hours here. On the weekdays, it hosts a few shops of fresh fruits and wood used to make the funiture you will find for sale all over Tigre.

Then when you are done at the Puerto De Frutos (Estaci), head back the way you came and buy a ticket on the Tren De La Costa. This is perhaps one of the nicest trains in all of South America. It is small and quiet. The all day pass is 6 pesos and you can get off and back on at any stop.

The best place to get off is at San Isidro. This is the best suburb of Buenos Aires Argentina and is a great place to shop. At San Isidro you will first see a large outdoor shopping mall that is open everyday. Past that is a small hill, walk up that to find downtown San Isidro. An amazing church is present to the left. Walk past that against traffic and then take a right at Belgrano. Then you will be in the shopping center of San Isidro and there are plenty of worthy things to buy and see. You also might want to get a coffe in San Isidro. They have fantastic restaurants and coffee shops.

Back on the Tren De La Coasta, which comes every 20 minutes, you can head back toward the city. At the final stop, Maipo, you will get out and walk down a long hallway to catch another train. Along this hallway there is some shopping booths during the weekends that can be very interesting.

You will reach another train. Buy your ticket to Retiro for less than 90centavos and wait for the train. This train is not the worst train, but not the best either. It is a long ride with many stops. But eventually you will end up back where you started. In Retiro in Buenos Aires.

Evita Peron

The History of Eva Peron (Evita Peron)

Eva Peron was born Eva Duarte in the province of Buenos Aires in a ranch town called Los Toldos. Her mother was an unwed cook at the ranch of Juan Duarte. She was one of 5 illegitimate children. When Eva turned 15, she left home and came to Buenos Aires to seek fame and fortune and spent several years having a difficult time until she found work as an actress in radio and then later in film. Eventually she met her husband, Jaun Peron at Luna Park. After they were married, all her films were banned in Argentina because it was frowned upon for politicians to marry entertainers. Eva Peron supported her husband and helped him to finally become president. Due to political pressures and her health she could not accept.

Eva had humble beginnings and often used this to rally support behind her husband. She was hated by the blue bloods and middle class of society for not having a proper education and being so powerful in government. But everyone else loved her intensely. At one point she was clearly the second most powerful person in Argentina next to her husband and easily the most powerful women in South America. She used her power to make health care available to all classes in Argentina and she created a political women’s party. She also helped in giving the women the right to vote in 1952.

Eva died of cervical cancer although some think it was leukemia. She died at age 33 but the public was told she was 30 because she altered her birth certificate before entering public life and changed her illegitimate statue and also knocked a few years off her age. A few moments after her death was announced, the entire country of Argentina stopped working and began to mourn. She died at the height of her popularity. She was given the title, “spiritual leader of the country”.

At Evita’s funeral, over 1 million people paid their respects. 17 people were actually crushed to death and many others were injured. There were plans to construct a monument larger than the stature of liberty with Eva Peron buried with an open coffin, but before that could happen, Peron was overthrown in a surprise coup and was forced to leave the country very quickly. Thus leaving behind Evita´s body.

The military dictatorship that took over made wax copies of the corpse to hide her exact location although strangely, there were always fresh flowers at the secret place here body was kept.

One time, the man guarding Evita’s body accidentally shot and hilled his wife when he thought she was a kidnapper. Or body snatcher. And once the chauffeur driving the body died suddenly of a heart attack. Eventually, the government flew the body to Milan and buried it under a different name. There Evita rested in peace for 20 years until the old dictatorship reveled the hiding place and Jaun Peron had it flown to his home in Spain. During this period, Evita’s body was kidnapped again and finally recovered in an exchange deal for another kidnapped body. Finally, Evita was given to here sisters and they put her in their family vault here in 1974. She is buried under 5 meters of steel.

Buenos Aires Culture

10 Things To Know Before Visiting Buenos Aires Argentina.

Argentina Wine

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History of Argentina Wine

Argentina wine arrived from Spain in 1557. It took some time to find the appropriate locations for the cultivation of wine however it was indeed discovered that parts of South America were excellent for wine growing. But during those early days, due to navigation troubles, and sparsely populated regions, wine became scarce. It was only later when religious services and missions demanded wine, and the need for wine for the sick, that serious wine production began in Argentina.

The cuttings cut from vines in Spain during the winter budded during the long voyages, having passed through the more southerly and hence warmer latitudes. Arriving at their destination they were planted in an inappropriate season. Later, material in pots was tried hoping to solve these problems, but again problems of transportation occurred. It is also known that seeds from grapes were used in the formation of those first vineyards. The problem here was the varietal characteristics of the original grapes were not the same. However these plantings would be the origin of numerous native varieties that populated the colonial vineyard and are still used today.

Many varietals in Argentina reflect its Italian and Spanish immigrant population. Italians brought Sangiovese, Barbera, Dolcetto, and Bonarda. The Spanish brought Tempranillo, (Spain’s answer to Cabernet Sauvignon), and Torrontés, a white wine grape from Galicia. Torrontés can be a delightful wine with crisp acidity and a lovely Muscat-like aroma. Other Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, and almost all reds, achieve the same deep color and soft tannins found in Malbec. This is largely due to the increased ultraviolet light from high altitude plantings (as high as 5400 feet in some areas.

Although there are several regions of Argentina that grow wine, Mendoza is the largest producing 60% of all wine in Argentina. This region is snug against the Andes Mountains and is sunny most of the year. The soil is excellent due to snowmelt drainage from the mountain range. In 1598, the first wines from Mendoza appeared in Buenos Aires. Two preponderant factors influenced the huge growth of viticulture: on the one hand, the large proportion of European immigrants in Mendoza originating from South European countries where viticulture was a large industry. On the other hand the arrival of the train in 1885.

Why Is Argentine Wine So Good?

Argentine winemakers have traditionally been more interested in quality rather than quantity. Due to the high altitude and low humidity of the main wine producing regions, Argentine vineyards rarely face the problems of insects, fungi, moulds and other disease that affect grapes in other countries. This permits cultivating with little or no pesticides, allowing some organic wines to be easily produced.

There are many different varieties of grapes cultivated in Argentina. The most popular is the Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon among the reds. The Torrontés and Chardonnay among the whites.

The Malbec

The most distinctive grapes are the Malbec, introduced in the 19th century and currently Argentina is the world’s number 1 producer of it. . Malbec is a minor blending grape in Bordeaux and California, but in Argentina, it is a primary varietal. Malbec in Argentina produces a dark, juicy, spicy, and meaty wine, a great match for Argentina’s wonderful grass-fed beef. Malbec is said to provide a more compelling personality than the top wines from Chile.

Argentine Wine Industry

Argentina is the fifth largest wine producer in the world and the largest wine producer in South America. However it is the 13th largest exported of wine in the world. Argentineans drink less wine than they used to, so there is plenty to export. Total production in 2000 amounted to 440 million gallons, but less than five percent of that was exported. But after the devaluation of the Argentina peso, there is more money to be made and foreign investors have helped to increase quality and production such as Moet and Chandon, the French based company.

Of course, “you can’t dismiss Chardonnay. It’s the driving force for American wine consumption,” says George Rose of Allied Domecq, the international beverage conglomerate that owns Balbi. “Chardonnay is incredible in Argentina. We sell twice as much Chardonnay as Malbec,” Catena says. “Altitude is the key. At different altitudes you get different characters. For example, more acidity from higher altitude, more tropical flavors from lower altitudes. When you blend them together you get a more interesting wine with a lot of layers of flavor.”

Nonetheless, Johnson thinks Sauvignon Blanc has a better future than Chardonnay because “it loves the heat.” Generally, Sauvignon Blanc in Argentina gets no oak treatment. In fact, says Johnson, “Argentineans are just getting comfortable with Chardonnay in oak.” José Alberto Zuccardi, proprietor of Santa Julia, likes Pinot Grigio and Viognier, particularly Viognier, which he says “shows a great adaptation capability to the climate and soil of the region (Mendoza).”

Argentina has the ability to produce good wine at very inexpensive prices. And it has also stunned the wine industry with it’s excellent wines, making it one of the most diverse and constant players in the wine world. With prices depressed, quality rising, and all things Latin becoming more and more popular on a global scale, this is the best time ever to discover Argentinean wines.

Argentina Wine Reviews and Recommendations

Because there are over 3,000 different labels of Argentina wine to choose from, it is difficult to pinpoint the best. Here we have narrowed the search to a few factors. Price and grape variental.

Argentina Malbec From Mendoza

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Producer: Finca La Linda

Wine: Malbec

Vintage: 2003

Appellation: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Wine Type: Red

Varietal: Malbec

Grade: A-

Designation: Cheap and Good

Price: 20 pesos in Buenos Aires

This 2003 Malbec is a great deal. It’s a medium-bodied red with ripe fruit and good balance. Its central theme is plum and dark berry fruit, both in aromas and flavors. There are also soft floral flavors, some pepper, and then a creamy toffee and butterscotch finish that is silky and smooth. A good food wine or romantic wine. The Cabernet and Tempranillo are also excellent.

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Producer: Altas Cumbres

Wine: Malbec

Vintage: 2003

Appellation: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Wine Type: Red

Varietal: Malbec

Grade: A-

Designation: Cheap and Good

Price: 20 pesos in Buenos Aires

This 2003 was surprising excellent. From the first sniff, I got a sense of place, and a large body. It’s a large-bodied red with a dark berry fruit aroma. It was incredible from beginning to end and I was atonsihed at just how much I enjoyed the body. It is a sweet wine, but not too sweet and works as a desert, a romantic event, or just for pure pleasure of the grape.

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Producer: Bodega Catena Zapata

Wine: Alamos Malbec

Vintage: 2003

Appellation: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Wine Type: Red

Varietal: Malbec

Grade: B+

Designation: Cheap and Good

Price: $10

This Malbec displays ripe blackberry and cassis on the palate with notes of chocolate and espresso.

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Producer: Bodegas Lopez

Wine: Lopez Malbec

Vintage: 2004

Appellation: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Wine Type: Red

Varietal: Malbec

Grade: B+

Designation: Cheap and Good

Price: (if in Argentina, 10pesos)

This is a excellent table wine from the Lopez vineyards who have been around since 1898. In Buenos Aires, this is a standard table wine to accompany most meat dishes in restaurants.

Contact Izic Wick at

tangohistorytours@gmail.com

for more information about Argentina Wine 

Buenos Aires Pictures

Buenos Aires picture taking tips:

Enjoy these Buenos Aires pictures and some picture taking tips. Many of these were taken on the Buenos Aires tours like the daily Buenos Aires city tour and the Tango history and city tours.

There is a tremendous amount of things to see in this unique city but camera batteries can be expenisve and often difficult to find. Make sure you bring extra ones.

Tip: There are plenty of cyber cafes (locotorios) that you can download your pictures with and they are very inexpensive. Discs are about 1 peso each. To use a computer in a cyber cafe is about 1 peso per hour.

Tip: The best time to take good photographs is in the afternoon when the shadows are the smallest.

Tip: Taking great pictures in the city can be difficult due to the amount of poles in the way. It is a joke among tourists as to how many poles per picture.

Follow this link to view Buenos Aires pictures.

Mar Del Plata Argentina

Mar Del Plata on the Atlantic Coast of Argentina is home to the best beach.

Mar del Plata is also known as “Ciadad Feliz” (celebration city). This young town became the popular tourist destination for portenos around 1900 and combines relaxing and nature with an exciting urban environment. This city hosts the most famous Argentina beach becuase of its long beaches, dunes, cliffs and ravines, as well as swimming, windsurfing, jet skiing, diving and sailing. It is also home to the biggest casino in the world.

How to get to this Argentina beach from Buenos Aires

By Bus – There are at least 10 different bus companies that run to Mar Del Plata from Buenos Aires. The trip takes about 5 hours and the cost is less than 50pesos for a luxury ride one way.

By Car – Driving from Buenos Aires is an easy jaunt lasting about 5 hours. However many of the roads require constant tolls and are often only one lane. Forcing you to pass trucks habitually. The scenery is mostly farmland and small farm towns along the way.

By Air – Flights from Buenos Aires to Mar Del Plata are common and last about 45 minutes. The cost is typically $200USD for the round trip.

What to do in Mar Del Plata

Interesting neighborhoods – The most outstanding attractions are the Colón Square, the Torreón del Monje (The Tower of the Monk), Los Troncos neighbourhood, the Harbor and Mar del Plata Sailing Club, Punta Mogotes, Barrancas de los Lobos, De los Padres Hill and Lagoon, and Chapadmalal Beach.

Mar Del Plata nightlife – This seaside city has an active nightlife especially in the summer months. Theater is huge here, often shows on the road from Buenos Aires. Tickets sell out quick. Casinos and bingos have a large following in Mar Del Plata. And of course there are amble amount of pubs and discos to choose from.

Outdoor activities – Not only is El Paraíso a zoo full of animals but also a fantastic botanic garden. Just a few minutes from Mar del Plata, this spot is ideal both for children and grown-ups to have a closer look at Mother Nature. The Gold Cathedral offers the possibility of playing along the sea, in the hills or in the cliffs. The famous golf cathedral is something unique and not to be missed. There is a surf school that also teaches a philosophy of life and a passion as well as how to surf this spectacular Argentina beach. You can cruise the water in various sea going vessels and get great views of the city or share a romantic meal with someone special. Diving and snorkeling is also available here to explore the sub aquatic brimming with fauna and colors.

Museums – The successors of Mr. Benjamín Cisterna created the Museum of the Sea in Av. Colón 1114, an amazing history and tribute to the ocean. “Juan C. Castagnino” Municipal Art Museum is on Av. Colón 1189, where the residence of the Ortiz Basualdo family used to be. Villa Victoria Ocampo Cultural Center is at 1851 Matheu Street. It is a building that was constructed by Mr. Manuel Ocampo as a present to Victoria’s grandmother- Mrs. Francisca Ocampo de Ocampo.

Write to me for more information about Mar Del Plata Argentina.

tangohistorytours@gmail.com

Follow this link for more pictures of Mar Del Plata Argentina.

Patagonia Argentina

The area known as Patagonia Argentina is one forth of the entire country of Argentina. The Argentina provinces that Patagonia occupies are Santa Cruz, Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut, and Tierra del Fuego. The terrain is primarily flat baron land with rising jagged mountains near the Andes and in Chile. On the Atlantic coast there are numerous penguins and large amounts of migrating whales. In the center is evidence of volcanic activity. The original myth of European settlers was that of giants living there. The region has become famous because of the clothing line called Patagonia. The main industry is sheep herding mostly attended to by decedents of Irish immigrants that settled the land in the late 1800’s.

How to get to Patagonia Argentina from Buenos Aires

By bus – There are several cities of interest in the Patagonia region of Argentina and it is easy to get there by bus. To get to the heart of the area takes about 15 hours. Some of these are nonstop lines. The average cost is about 120pesos one way.

By car – Perhaps this is the best way to explore Patagonia due to the sheer size of the area and various different attractions. Create your own Patagonia tours. Car rentals run about $400USD for the week from Buenos Aires. To drive to Patagonia will take you about 15-20 hours to reach the heart of the region.

By Air – There are several different cities to choose from when flying to Patagonia. To fly to the Atlantic Coast will cost about $250USD round trip. The travel time is roughly 3 hours.

What to do in Patagonia Argentina

Outdoor activities– The main activities for a tourist in Patagonia Argentina is to camp, hike, ski, and mountain climb. Fishing is also popular. There is a tremendous amount of natural beauty to observe here. There are thousands of lakes; in fact the 6th largest lake in the world is here. Often these lakes turn a shade of blue unseen anywhere else in the world.

For more information about Patagonia tours in Argentina, and any specific Patagonia location information, please write to us at:

tangohistorytours@gmail.com

Follow this link for pictures of Patagonia Argentina.

 

La Pampa Argentina

And A La Pampa Argentina Tour

The province of La Pamapa Argentina is rich in Argentina history and tradition. For it was there that Argentina beef became famous and it was the agriculture of La Pampa that drove the boom of Argentina in the early 1900´s and made it one of the richest nations in the world. The two most famous things to come from La Pampa are the Goucho (or Argentina cowboy) and Asado, which is slow grilled beef or barbecue.

How to get to La Pampa Province from Buenos Aires.

By bus – Just a short jaunt from Buenos Aires, there are many bus companies that offer service. The time is about 3 hours and the cost is about 50 pesos one way for a high quality ride.

By plane – It is possible to fly into La Pampa to Santa Rosa or Rio Cuarto on small planes. The fee is about $100 USD round trip and it takes about 45 minutes.

By car – Driving to the Pampas is often the preferred method of travel due to the area being so spread out and so close to Buenos Aires. The travel time is about 2 – 4 hours.

What to do in La Pampa Argentina

Luro Park – Located 35 km away from Santa Rosa, Luro Park consists of 3 different environments; the Lake area, the low mountain area and the ‘medanos’, or the meadows. The 3 combine to create a wonderful natural habitat for animal life. The Park is completely enclosed, surrounded by a wire fence. Pedro Luro bought the land at the trun of the century with the purpose of making a self-enclosed hunting area or a “coto”, just like the ones he saw from his trips to Europe.

La Pampa Ranch – While in La Pampa, it is best to stay at a local ranch to better become acquainted with Argentina’s countryside and all its rich gaucho traditions. At a ranch, visitors are invited to ride horses, witness gaucho’s skills, enjoy argentine’s famous beef (asado, where most of the animals organs get cooked) and have the same landowners as companions. Ranches can accommodate anywhere from 6 to 20 people and are usually very spacious. Their main purpose could be cattle breeding or agriculture. The Goucho ranch is a fantastic Argentina tour.

 

Lithuel Calel National Park. – This park is about 300 km south of Luro Park. It was created in 1977. The name Lihuel Calel is native for “mountain of life”. There is a tremendous amount of wildlife in this park and from 1986 – 1989 the USA performed a very comprehensive study.

Contact me for more information about La Pampa Argentina:

tangohistorytours@gmail.com

Tierra Del Fuego Argentina

Tierra Del Fuego, great for Argentina camping and adventure.

TIERRA del FUEGO, Argentina camping and adventure at it’s best

The land was discovered in 1520 by conquistador Hernando de Magallanes while he was looking for a path that would connect the Atlantic with the Pacific Ocean. Tierra del Fuego means “land of fire” although really this land is of ice and mountains. The southern most province of Argentina is Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost city in the world is Ushuaia. In this region there are many things to see and explore and is most famous for Argentina camping.

Getting there from Buenos Aires Argentina

By Bus – It is possible to get to the end of the world from Buenos Aires by bus although the ride takes about 5 days.

By Car – It is possible to drive from Buenos Aires to Tierra del Fuego. If you attempt this you will surely find adventure and fantastic camping along the way. On your way down you will pass through Commodore Rividavia and see the oceanic wildlife. Endless mountains will accompany on your 3 day of the trip.

By Plane – certainly the most time efficient method of travel. It is possible to fly into Ushuaia and go from there. The air times takes 5 hours and the cost is about $350 USD roundtrip.

What to do in the Argentina province of Tierra Del Fuego.

The Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino sightseeing train was built for comfort and viewing pleasure. The train runs the route of the old “convict train” when prisoners were once banished to this island. It is a steam engine train and offers panoramic views of snow-covered mountains. The train trip lasts 2 hours and from Oct – Mar it leaves at 8:30am 4 times a day just a few miles from the center of Ushuaia.

Tierra Del Fuego State Park – A subantartic forest covers the region up to 600 mts above sea level. There are plenty of rabbits and the fauna is similar to the rest of the island but much more abundant. It is recommended a walk to the “black or dark” lake where dark waters have a mirror-like effect and where today rabbits have become a plague after having been introduced in the 40’s from Europe. Excellent Argentina camping is available here if the weather is decent. Tents are available to rent and make sure to bring warm shoes and extra socks. There are facilities and showers and a forest guard.

Fagnano Lake – Fagnano Lake is about 100 km long. It ends in the “Estrecho de Magallanes” and it is the 6th biggest lake in the world. Although winds can get very strong it is considered excellent for fishing as well as camping.

Ushuaia – , capital of Tierra del Fuego, has seen explosive growth in recent years due to Federal programs for development. In 1970 there were only 5,000 habs. Today 30,000. Visits to local ranches can be arranged, where there is usually a very friendly environment, local sweets and a good warm tea !

Follow this link for more pictures of Tierra Del Fuego.

For more information about travel to Tierra Del Fuego please contact me at:

tangohistorytours@gmail.com

Mendoza Argentina

MENDOZA

Mendoza Argentina is wine country. Situated near the Andes Mountains the city is a picturesque environment with lots of outdoor activity to enjoy. Skiing is famous in this area as well as wine production. The area is populated by 1,500,000 people although it often feels like a small town.

How to get there from Buenos Aires

By bus – There are many bus companies that travel to Mendoza from Buenos Aires. The cost one way is a little less than 100 pesos for a comfortable ride. Nonstop is available and will take about 8 hours.

By car – An excellent car trip. Driving to Mendoza takes about 9 hours and on the route you can pass through the city of Cordoba and the deserts of the North of Argentina.

By plane – an easy two-hour trip from Buenos Aires. Cost is about $200 USD round trip.

What to do in Mendoza Argentina

Downtown Mendoza – Mendoza was under the rule of the Inca Empire during the 1600´s, then the Peru viceroyalty controlled it, finally it became part of Argentina in the 1800’s. And the result is a vibrant and interesting as well as beautiful downtown with diverse architecture and sense of culture and history. There are great water canals and fantastic parks throughout downtown Mendoza. Plenty of wonderful restaurants and shopping as well as hotels and hostels can be found. Also popular are the many wonderful museums of history and culture in Mendoza Argentina.

Mendoza outdoor activities at Atuel Canyon– There are so many to choose from. Outdoor Mendoza activities include rafting, kayaking, skiing, horseback riding, windsurfing, parachuting, and cave exploration. A half hour drive from San Rafael will lead to incredible outdoor beauty. Atuel Canyon and Nihuil Dam. Clear waters, and diverse shapes surround this region. The Atuel river is born at 4,000 mts above sea level at Las lenas, descending all the way to Nihuil Lake where a dam holds the water to form an artificial lake of about 9600 has: the perfect place for those looking for outdoor activity. Rafting, douqui and cataraf. Also, the walls of the Canyon born at the lap of Nihuil lake, are used to do rappel and perform climbing activity. Those looking for a quieter time can choose trekking trips or horse riding journeys through the valleys of the Canyon. Picture lovers can take ‘picture taking safaris’ On the lake, it is common to see windsurfers, jet skis and enthusiasts of water ski. There is also parachuting and wing flying as well.

Wine tasting in Mendoza Argentina – There are a number of large wine makers in the Mendoza region and it is possible to tour the vineyards and same the crop within a short drive from the downtown.

Aconcagua State Park – High in the Andes mountains is the Aconl, the largest mountain in the Americas and the second highest in the world. About 250 km outside of Mendoza is an amazing trip through the mountains reaching Las Cuevas, Portrerillos, Uspallata and Puente del Inca. Puente del Inca holds old Inca ruins and natural hot springs.

Follow this link for Mendoza Argentina pictures.

For more informationa about Mendoza Argentina please contact me at:

tangohistorytours@gmail.com

Salta Argentina

Salta. Renoun for Argentina fishing and the Train to the Clouds.

Salta Argentina is in the northern part of the country and a very unique and culturally rich destination. It was once part of the Peru empire and before that, part of the Inca empire. Recently amazing ruins have been discovered in this region. This is a medium sized city with various types of architecture from different periods blending well together. It is an excellent location for Argentina fishing by fly fishing or otherwise.

How to get there from Buenos Aires

By Bus – The bus trip to Salta is about 20 hours. There are several bus lines to choose from and the average cost is about 120 pesos. One way.

By Car – It is possible to drive to there from Buenos Aires traveling through Cordoba and the deserts of the North. The trip will take about 2 or 3 days.

By Plane – To fly to this region in Argentina from Buenos Aires will cost about $200 USD and will take about 4 hours.

What to do in Salta

Salta’s Train in the clouds (Currently Not Running!!!!!) – Known to be one of the highest trains in the world. This train from Salta runs through a titanic structure built by American eng.Richard Maury in the 30’s. Covers 217 km in about 16 hrs departing every Saturday (April – Oct), twisting its way through the awesome Toro ravine to reach 4200 mts above sea level at Polvorilla Viaduct. The train has a restaurant and a medical staff in case of emergencies There are also bilingual guides, a video system and regional bands on board.

Visiting Tastil Argentina, – one of the first pre-incaic cities in South America. Tastil was discovered by Eric Boman in 1903. It is believed it was populated by 2500 natives in 1300 BC. One of the branches of the “Inca Trail” (from Peru) used to cross the middle section of the town. The archeological value and ruins are astonishing. Following the same path there is San Antonio de los Cobres in the middle of Toro ravine.

Argentina Fishing Trip in Salta- Adventure oriented visitors will enjoy fishing trips organized to “Dique Cabra Corral” and to Rio Bermejo, where trouts, dorados and surubies can be found. Camping, tents and trips on 4×4 ‘s can be arranged with a local guide. There are several restrictions that need to be followed. A Permit is required in order to fish in the different lakes. Also the size of the catches and the fishes itself has been subject to regulation (60 cm dorados and 20 cm for bagres, minimum). Argentina fishing season starts April 1st through Oct 31 st each year.

Salta wine tasting. – Some of the best regarded wines in Argentina are produced in Cafayate, a small area south of Salta. where weather and grape varieties combine to obtain internationally acclaimed wines like Torrontes. From Cafayate crossing “Calchaquies valley” visitors can get to “Cachi” (1500 habs) where small familiy owned wineries plus local artist offer their goods to the public.

Iruya, is a must see. At 2800 mts above sea level the town is the center of many religious celebrations. Every Aug. 1st natives celebrate the ‘Pachamamas Festival’ to show devotion to Mother Earth. The first week-end of October ‘La Virgen del Rosario’ celebration takes place where natives play peculiar instruments like Quenas, Cajas and Sikus.

Follow this link for more Salta Argentina pictures.

For more information about Salta Argentina write to me at:

tangohistorytours@gmail.com

San Carlos de Bariloche Argentina

Bariloche Argentina

San Carlos de Bariloche Argentina

Bariloche Argentina is in the Rio Negro Province near the Nahuel Huapi National Park in Argentina. This town is popular for tourists all year round. All outdoor sports and activities are available here especially skiing. Bariloche is a fast growing city due to the high quality of life and the scenery. It is situated on a lake that remains very cold all year round due to snowmelt.

To get to Bariloche from Buenos Aires:

By plane · Aerolineas Argentinas [www.aerolineas.com.ar] flies from Buenos Aires. A ticket is around Ar$830 (Nov/05) · LAN Argentina [www.lan.com] flies from Buenos Aires. A ticket cost around Ar$800 (us$270). Data of November 05

BY CAR To go by car to Bariloche from Buenos Aires takes about 22 hours. One of the best alternatives is to go to Neuquen first day (about 1200 Km) and continue the second day driving about 450 kilometers.

By bus If you decide to travel by bus you can choose between diferent companies, such as “Via Bariloche”, “El crucero del Norte”, “AndesMar”, etc. The first 2 companies offer different services where the main variable is confort and price. You can take “supercama”, wide and large seats. “Cama”, wide seats. “Semi-cama”, normal distribution of 4 seats per line. “Supercama”, and “cama” take as long as 19hs (summer), “semi-cama” makes several stops and takes as long as 22hs (summer).

What to do in Bariloche Argentina · Circuito Chico – This beautiful 60km route can be biked, clockwise is the most easiest way. Or take a bus. · Cerro Otto – Transport there costs $25 pesos (it’s not on the standard bus circuit). Either take the cablecar up or mountain bike to get to the top. The rotating restaurant at the top has some impressive vistas of the region (average meal costs about $25 pesos) and there are some nice hiking trails behind the restaurant. · Paragliding – Ernesto Gutierrez, 02944-462234 / 02944-1543037 (parapente@bariloche.com.ar) offers 50 minute tandem flights for Ar$120 and an additional Ar$10 to Ar$30 transportation cost depending on the location. · Rafting – Several agents offers rafting on the grade III Rio Limay or the grade III/IV Rio Manso. · Cerro Campanario – $15 pesos (usd$5) for entry/ski-lift up the mountain. This is another peak on the circuit with spectacular views (no hiking trails, though) and a non-revolving restaurant at the top. Take city bus #20 out of Bariloche to arrive/return.

Follow this link for more pictures of San Carlos de Bariloche Argnetina.

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu falls are an awesome sight as tons of water throw themselves over cliffs and the mist rises amongst the jungle. They are taller than Niagara Falls, and twice as wide, for which Eleanor Roosevelt is said to have exclaimed on her first sight of the Falls: “Poor Niagara!”

It is well worth spending a day on each side of Iguazu Falls.

On the Argentine side (30 AR$ pp, second day for half price if you get your ticket stamped before leaving on the first day) there are a whole series of walkways and trails by the main visitors centre, allowing you to stand right on the edge of the precipice, below some of the waterfalls themselves, see a good overview and take a short boat trip to Isla San Martin below the falls. Wear waterproofs and protect your camera!

There is a free train running up to a 1km-long walkway across the river to stand just back from the main horseshoe of falls – the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo), where the roar and spray are tremendous.

On the Brazilian side (20 R$ pp, cheaper for Brazilian residents) you get an excellent overview of Devil’s Throat and the rest of the falls, from both above and below.

Albergue Paudimar Campestre (Av. das Cataratas). Twelve kilometres outside Foz do Iguaçu on the way to the Brazilian side of the falls, it’s more a mini-resort than a hostel. It offers free internet, budget meals and also has a swimming pool and bar. They also arrange tours to the Argentinean side of the falls. Half the taxi fair from the bus terminal is returned if you go with two or more persons and stay at least two days. Look for the stand at the bus terminal.

Camping El Viejo Americano – 5 km outside of Puerto Iguazu on the Argentine side of the falls. Very cheap and great for both camping (bring a tent and your gear!) and staying in the bungalows (costs extra). You can get there by bus (take bus heading towards the falls) or by taxi (which will cost a bit more). There are pools, a restuarant, convenience store and soccer fields, which are all very well maintained. Many fire pits for barbecues and other niceties. Bugs galore so bring Off or other bug repellent.

From Ciudad del Este or Foz do Iguaçu you can visit the Itaipu Dam – one of the largest in the world. No entrance fee, but expect a quick tour in a bus and a bit of propaganda.

Between Puerto Iguazu and Posadas the red sandstone ruins of the Jesuit mission of San Ignacio are well worth a visit.

How to get to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires

By bus – There are many options if you are traveling to Iguazu Falls by bus. You can take Greyhound or Eurolines. Both are extremely comfortable with movies and fully reclining seats as well as excellent prepared meals and drinks built into the price. The trip last about 18 hours and the cost is about $50 or 150 pesos for the premium service. For a less expensive service you can take Tigre-Iguazú (owned by Via Bariloche). The bus is smaller and the seats do not fully recline, but the food is good and it includes drinks too. Cost is 130pesos one way.

I took Expresso Singer on the return trip and the bus borke down 3 times. Twice the police boarded and asked for ticket stubs. Via Bariloche was slightly more better. They has less stops and were faster by two hours.

By plane – You can fly from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls from the domestic airport in the city. The trip takes about 3 hours and costs about $300 round trip. Expect to pay 10% more if you are not from Argentina.

By car – You can rent a car or motorcycle to Iguazu falls from Buenos Aires. You will need a driver’s license, a passport and a credit card. The cost of an economy size car for a week is about $300. Sometimes the mileage is an additional cost.

What to do at Iguazu Falls

Hotels – There are a variety of hotels to choose from once you arrive. Many people prefer the Sheraton because it is so close to the Falls. Cost is about $250 a night. But there are also hostels and cheaper hotels available in the area without reservations.

There is a bus that runs to the park where the falls are. The bus leaves every hour and the cost to get in the park is 30 pesos.

There is also a train that runs straight through the park to the Devils Throat which is free.

Hiking – Inside the park the three trails worth seeing are the “garganta del diablo” which is at the top of the big horseshoe (directly across from Brasil), the “upper circuit” and the “lower circuit”. Try and get the garganta out of the way your first day (which is at the end of the train line), and then maybe the upper circuit. You should be able to do this before the park closes at 7pm.

There is also a small waterfall you can hike to which will take an hour. Lots of insects on the way and when you arrive, you will see a small waterfall with a great pool at the bottom worth a swim.

There is one private company that runs tours in the park called “Iguazu Jungle Explorer” and there are several options to choose from.

Boat ride – The Aventura Nautica takes you on a boat and basically under the falls, you get totally soaked and it’s well worth the $45pesos.

Jungle ride – The Gran Aventura has the same boat trip, but also takes you on a jeep ride thru the jungle as well as a slow ride on top of the falls.

Follow this link for Iguazu Falls pictures.

For more information about Iguazu Falls please write to me at:

tangohistorytours@gmail.com

Buenos Aires Argentina

Buenos Aires Argentina is located near the center of Argentina on the Rio de Plate river. It is the largest city in Argentina with over 13 million people in the greater Buenos Aires area.

All roads into Argentina begin in Buenos Aires usually at the international airport. For more informattion about the airport and the best was into the city, click on the “Tourist Tips” tab on the menu to your left.

Steeped in fascination history, filled with beautiful people, easy on the pocket book, and one of the friendliest big cities in the world.

This mega metropolis offers a wide spectrum of adventures for the tourist. And if you are traveling on a budget, you you could not choose a better distination to visit right now.

Buenos Aires is generally the jumping off point to the rest of the country. And in Argentina, there is a lot to see. All kinds of terrain and outdoor activity is abundent as well as excellent Argentina wine and Argentina beef and agriculture production.

In Buneos Aires, there is an endless supply of things to do. Shopping, nightlife, great restaurants, theater, and fantastic Buenos Aires tours.

Some of the highlights in Buenos Aires include Tango dancing, fantastic architecture, parilla grilled beef, the Recoleta Cemetery, museums, Evita history, Tango shows and more.

But no matter what you do, you will be gald you came and did it. It is one of the most unique places on the planet.

Please serach this website for more indepth information about Argentina travel and Buenos Aires Argentina.

10 Things To Know Before Visiting Buenos Aires Aregentina

 

10 Things To Know Before Visiting Buenos Aires

Visiting Buenos Aires has always been a mysterious and dynamic experience and like any big city, the more you know before you go, the better that experience can be.

Generally, those who visit Buenos Aires are glad they did. It is one of the most unique cities in the world and truly offers something for everyone.

However before you travel to another country, it is wise to glean information from those who have recently visited or even better, from people living there.

Here are 10 things to know before visiting Buenos Aires Argentina.

1. The Culture. They speak Spanish in Buenos Aires and the accent takes some getting used to. If you don’t speak Spanish, you can still get by but you may encounter some difficulties with taxis, shopping, and menus. Most people related to tourism speak English. The people are mostly friendly and very conservative keeping old traditions alive. Argentines are hard working people and work a 9-hour day without a nap. Families are the core of the culture and every Sunday is dedicated to spending time with loved ones. Everyone is good looking, even the dogs.

2. Is it safe? Visiting Buenos Aires is safe compared to most cities of 13 million people. The most common crime is petty theft including purse snatching and pick pocketing. You will always want to be cautious of this. But the murder rate is incredibly low, the kidnappings of the past have subsided, and there are plenty of police on the main streets to keep an eye on things.

3. What is the environment like in the city? Buenos Aires is an extremely urban environment and the noise and activity is constant. The weather is mild all year round with a few weeks in February that swelter, and a few weeks in August that get chilly. Pollution does exist on weekdays and can cause breathing troubles and the throat to itch. The streets are narrow and walking can sometimes be precarious. The architecture is a treasure trove spanning the last century.

4. What is the political situation? At the moment, politics in Argentina are stable with President Kirchner at the helm for the last 3 years and leaning toward the left. Argentines are very vocal about how they feel and there are peaceful protests around the government buildings several times a week. Throughout the last 70 years, there have been dictators and democracy and a strong rally for socialism. Despite a strong distaste for President Bush, in general the people of the port are open minded to foreigners visiting Buenos Aires and enjoy meeting them.

5. How is the economy doing? The economy in Buenos Aires is thriving with small businesses, global companies, huge fashion districts, endless restaurants, and a growth in tourism. The University Of Buenos Aires is excellent and keeps the work place progressive. After the devaluation in 2001, the country had some difficult years, but now unemployment and homeless statistics are low and dropping. Foreign investment is booming and creating jobs in almost every sector.

6. Where should I stay? Choices for accommodations when visiting Buenos Aires are staggering and each neighborhood will offer a different experience. You should rent an apartment if you are planning on staying a week or more. You should try to find lodging in a central part of the city keeping transportation costs low. Recoleta is surely the best neighborhood and very central. The Microcenter is the center of the city and most hotels and hostels are located here. Wherever you stay, make sure you are a few floors up from the street noise. It can be a serious annoyance for tourists and locals alike.

7. What should I pack? When planning on visiting Buenos Aires, all you really need is your passport, something to help you sleep on the plane, and a camera with extra batteries. Everything else is available here at bargain prices. Laptops are accepted but cyber cafes are everywhere. Anything that can’t fit in 2 suitcases may be taxed heavily at the airport. Make sure to leave plenty of room in your luggage for souvenirs. And don’t forget to bring a pair of comfortable shoes.

8. What about money? Bring cash and exchange it at the airport. ATM’s are plentiful but have a $300 USD limit. To exchange money in the city, go to the financial district and look for signs that say “cambio” and bring your passport and an address of where you are staying. Currently $1 USD is worth about 3 pesos, which is good news for the tourist. Very few places accept credit cards. Only restaurants, grocery stores, and banks will break a 100peso bill. So always carry change with you. Always!

9. Transportation. Getting around for a tourist visiting Buenos aires will consist of 3 methods. Subways are cheap, safe, and only crowded at rush hour. (9am and 7pm). Taxis are also inexpensive but you may be taken on the scenic route if you speak English. Always have the necessary address written down so you can hand it to the driver. And finally, walking is the best way to see the city so make sure you carry a map. For locals, the bus system is the best transportation because there are so many. If you are brave, remember when you get on a bus, always tell the driver “ochenta”.

10. What happens after I get off the plane? When you arrive at the Buenos Aires International Airport (Ezeiza), you will first go through immigration. Before you get in line, make sure you have filled out the visa they give you on the airplane. Hand the visa and passport to the official for stamping. After that, go to baggage claim and collect your things. When you enter the terminal, go around to the right, all the way to the back to where a blue sign says “Banco”. Stand in this line to exchange your money for the best rate in the airport. Next, go to the center of the terminal where an indoor white taxi stand is. Tell them “Capital Federal” and have an address where you are staying. The cost is about 54 pesos and you will be escorted to a white taxi that will safely take you to your lodgings.

And enjoy visiting Buenos Aires Argentina.

This article was written by Izic Wick who lives in Buenos Aires and writes as a travel consultant as well as offering private tours of Buenos Aires.

Visiting Buenos Aires Tango

 

Visiting Buenos Aires Tango In Argentina

by Byron Blade

About a year ago my wife and I went to the movies to distract us from a difficult period in our lives. I had no way of knowing then that one day I would end up in a shoe shop in downtown Buenos Aires wearing a Carlos Gardel hat while strutting the tango snugly against various young Argentine women in tight clothes. And not just with my wife’s permission, but it was her brilliant idea in the first place.

Nothing much of interest was playing that hot summer night at our local movie Cinemaplex. But we could both agree to settle on a movie that had a picture of Richard Gere and lovely Jennifer Lopez on the billboard. It was called Shall We Dance.

I don’t like to dance but I don’t mind watching Mrs. (or is it Miss?) Lopez in tights. About half way through the movie I realized the degree of my wife’s enthrallment in Mr. Gere and the romanticized tale of Tango being presented in such a touching style. I was surprised when even I began to shed a tear at the end of the movie.

Tango. This was all my lovely wife could speak about. She researched it, rented tapes, bought shoes, and of course she made me sign up for Tango lessons. To my disappointment, my tango teacher was not as exotic as Jennifer and I soon lost interest after my 4th class because I didn’t manifest into Richard Gere.

But my wife’s interest increased to the pitch of, “I want to go to Buenos Aires” on a daily basis. Finally I relented. A place I had never been, a language I had never spoken, and all because of a few dance steps I knew very little about.

I rented an apartment in San Telmo for 2 weeks at more than a third less than the cost of a hotel. After we paid the landlord, I unpacked and took a stroll around the neighborhood looking for tango. The first thing I noticed was the age of the architecture. It reminded me of the French Quarter in New Orleans. Wrought iron balconies and super sized windows. I saw about 5 interesting restaurants on my lap around my block as well as a few extraordinary women. I did not identify any immediate signs of Tango but I kept seeing an old picture of a man that looked to be somebody famous and debonair.

The following day my wife and I went shopping for antiques and other unique items. We saw a sign for Tango classes in a window and signed up for a 2 hour class at the price of $20 USD. The class was a living nightmare. Not only could we not understand what the teacher was explaining, we found the instructor to be very strict and rude. And the other students were taking it very seriously and laughed at us. It was a disaster and I swore I would never dance again.

The next day, as we wondered the cobblestone streets of the Tango district, I saw a Tango nightclub that was painted exotic colors and I bought 2 tickets for a show and dinner. This dinner had courses the size of free samples at our hometown grocery. And once the show began, I kept wondering where the rest of the band was. Were they out back smoking? The whole cast included 6 people. About half way through the show, the spotlight turned on us and the MC began asking us questions in Spanish. I turned red and my wife and I felt very embarrassed as the crowd around us laughed at a joke we did not get.

Enough Tango I told my wife. She suggested we take a city tour and found one in English for 20 pesos. This was her first good idea. I learned a lot that afternoon about Buenos Aires and the fascinating politics that could give most people whiplash. Our guide informed us about a Day Of Tango Tour that would guarantee a positive result and a deep look into the Tango of Buenos Aires. I protested hard. My wife made a reservation anyway and at the last minute, I agreed to accompany her. Mostly due to fear about her dancing alone with Latin men.

This tour started out in a great café in the city. Then we walked through the old Tango district and I finally learned about what I had been looking at the whole time. I learned who the man in the picture was, Carlos Gardel, and I discovered the history of the dance. Men created it and danced with each other in the beginning. They set the roles of women in a submissive stance thus making tango a manly dance. I could appreciate that.

We went to several areas of the city before we got to our tango lesson. We purchased tango shoes handmade at a 3rd of the cost in the US. Our teacher was very sweet and patient with us and as we danced, others began to join us. Amazing women about 30 years younger than me found themselves in my arms, looking up to follow my interpretation of the classic music. I got to kiss each one on the cheek after a 3-minute jaunt around the dance floor. Somebody put a Tango hat on my head and my wife began taking pictures of my giant grin and me. It ended all too soon with more kisses and hugs and laughs. And I did indeed find that I had manifested into Richard Gere. Perhaps even a little better looking.

Well, the Day Of Tango Tour was paying off nicely. We went back to the hotel and changed into evening attire and were escorted to a great restaurant where Carlos Gardel watched over us from his familiar pose in the black and white picture. We had the befe de chorizo and were glad we did. Then off to a real tango show. The kind I had expected to see. And after hearing about it all day, and learning the moves, I could really appreciate what I was witness to on the stage. The talent was incredible, and they were all so young. This time, the band was a proper band with a few accordion players who could really squeeze the thing into some expressive melodies. The music was great, the show was great, the day was fantastic and it all ended too soon.

Finally we had found Tango in Buenos Aires, and had enjoyed ourselves immensely.

When we returned home the first thing I did was sign up again for Tango lessons and asked my wife, “Shall we dance?”

“Si” she said.

Top 10 Buenos Aires Attractions

The Top 10 Buenos Aires Attractions

Buenos Aires Argentina has always been a favorite South American destination. This enormous city is rich in cultural treasures and teaming with enough activity to keep its visitors in a perpetually state of awe. Don’t miss out on the best things to do in Buenos Aires.

The first Europeans to try and inhabit Buenos Aires were eaten by the natives in 1516. This hurt the tourism industry for centuries to follow. But in the late 1700’s, immigrants from Spain and Italy poured in and created much of the city that exists today. Buenos Aires has survived dictators, democracy, inflation and devaluation over the last 200 years but still continues to be one of the most interesting and friendly cities in the world.

There is a tremendous amount to do in Buenos Aires. Here is a list of the top 10 Buenos Aires sightseeing attractions.

1. Buenos Aires Tango is the biggest cultural contribution Argentina has made to the world in the last 100 years and is currently enjoying a comeback. There is hundreds of Buenos Aires tango shows to view as well as large nightly tango dances called “milongas”. Tango lessons can be found in a variety of different forms and tango history is around almost every corner and city café. A Buenos Aires tango tours tour is the ticket to get the most out of the number 1 attraction in Buenos Aires.

2. Plaza De Mayo has always been the centerpiece of the city. Impromptu demonstrations are still held here weekly including the Mothers Of Plaza De Mayo who still mourn their children from the “Dirty War”. This public space is situated in front of the Casa Rosada, or “pink house”, where the president has his offices and Evita performed her speech to millions. The old Cabildo and the Metropolitan Cathedral also border the plaza and are worth a tour. The best way to see this attraction is on the daily Buenos Aires walking tours.

3.The Recoleta Cemetery in the elite neighborhood of Recoleta brings to life the history of its country like no other graveyard in the world. Presidents, dictators, legends, heroes and scoundrels are all buried side by side in a gorgeous display of sculptures and architectural masterpieces. Evita Peron is buried here after her corpse was stolen and copied and stolen again. The cemetery is 13 acres and it can be easy to get lost so a knowledgeable English speaking tour guide is a must for the Recoleta Cemetery Tour.

4. San Telmo is the most unique neighborhood in Buenos Aires with vintage Spanish architecture, interesting restaurants and nightlife including tango shows. Also found along these cobblestone streets are antique shops and the history of Tango. On Sunday, Plaza Dorrego is filled with arts and crafts booths and in the evening, this historic square turns into a giant tango dance called a milonga. This is the arts district and bohemian area of Buenos Aires and although there are many tourists, it is a good idea not to dress too flashy.

5.Caminito is the world’s first outdoor museum and can be found in the working class neighborhood of La Boca, which is anything but a museum. Caminito has a strong Tango theme amidst the coventillos, or old dwellings of the Italian immigrants that came to the city and worked on the docks. An artist named Jaun Quinquela Benito painted these small houses many colors making this a vibrant and fascinating area of the city. Here you will find tango cafes, arts and crafts and many tourists. This area closes early at 6pm and can be a little rough after dark.

6. The Colon Theater is still one of the best opera houses in the world and has held that title for 100 years due to the acoustical design and beautifully constructed interior. The Teatro Colon also houses one of the most extensive costumes collections on the planet. Tours of this Buenos Aires attraction are currently Monday through Friday beginning at 11am.

7. Buenos Aires Restaurants offer some of the best beef and wine in the world. There is an entire district along the old port called Puerto Modero specifically for great restaurants. The befe de lomo and befe chorizo are the best cuts of the cow and go great with a Mendoza Malbec. Buenos Aires also has a café culture and the oldest and most interesting of them all is Café Tortoni.

8. La Boca Football Game – La Boca football is more than a religion and should not be underestimated. The fanatics you will find here truly give the word “a fan” its full meaning. The cheering section alone is worth the ticket however tickets can be hard to acquire on your own. Make sure you are cheering for the home team and confirm if your seat is actually a seat, or just a spot to stand in. Also, you should be careful when the game lets out because there has been a tradition of rioting. But if you manage to live through this experience you will never forget it.

9. Florida Street is a pedestrian street located in the center of the downtown and is always packed with beautiful people. There are countless shops for just about everything you can think of including Argentina leather, souvenirs, clothes and electronics. You may also witness free Tango demonstrations going on creating huge crowds. You will also find gigantic shopping malls on this city street including one of the most beautiful in the world called Galaria Pacifico. Make sure you hold onto your purse or wallet while strolling this attraction and prepared to be bumped into a few times.

10. Buenos Aires Nightlife has a reputation of lasting until dawn and indeed it will on the weekends. There are some amazing nightclubs with laser light shows like Museum. You can also find excellent fashionable bars located in the trendy Palermo district. A sure bet for good people watching is in Recoleta near the Cemetery. And of course you must enjoy at least one tango show while in the unique neighborhood of San Telmo.

This list of the top 10 Buenos Aires attractions was written by Izic Wick who lives in Argentina.

Top 10 Argentina Attractions For A More Memorable Trip

 

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This is a list of the top 10 Argentina attractions and things to do when you Travel to Argentina. Written by Izic Wick.

1. Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan city filled with nooks and crannies to satisfy the pallet of the most experienced world traveler. The city is gigantic and each neighborhood offers rewards in architecture, cultural treasures and urban life. Tango was born in the neighborhood of San Telmo and La Boca. The government is located in the Buenos Aires City Center. Shopping is extremely unique and the nightlife is vibrant. Everyone is good looking, even the dogs. Transportation is abundant but it’s wise to bring a pair of comfortable shoes and take a walking tour of Buenos Aires.  

2.Iguazu Falls is one of the unclaimed natural wonders of the world and ranks second best of the Argentina attractions. The entire journey there, and the semitropical jungle itself, is an adventure you will never forget. Not to mention the endless waterfalls that border with Brazil in this Northern Argentina attraction. Make sure you take the boat ride underneath the falls and use plastic bags to keep your things from getting wet.

3.Buenos Aires Tango is the most unique cultural contribution Argentina has made to the world in the last 100 years. It is currently enjoying a comeback and the options for viewing it are staggering. To make the most of a day in Buenos Aires, the Buenos Aires Tango Tours are the ticket. You will get a tour of the different areas of where Tango began and why. You get a Tango lesson, tango shopping, a tango restaurant and one of the best Tango shows available. And if this still does not satisfy, you can go to a Tango milonga for late night entertainment.

4. The Recoleta Cemetery is located in the elite neighborhood of Recoleta. This cemetery brings to life the history of its country like no cemetery in the world. All the legends of Argentina are laid to rest here including past dictators, scoundrels, heroes, and the most famous women of South America, Eva Peron. (Evita) The Recoleta Cemetery is a 13-acre labyrinth of concrete, sculptures and architectural masterpieces so it is a good idea to have a knowledgeable English speaking tour guide for the Recoleta Cemetery Tours.

5.Bariloche Argentina is a progressive Southern Argentina city and growing swiftly due to its healthy environment. It is located on a picturesque lake and in the Andes mountains range. Bariloche is also the jumping off point for out door adventures in the Patagonia region. But this quaint mountain town is most famous for it’s world class skiing.

6. Salta Argentina is an exotic city steeped in history and located in an arid region in Northern Argentina. This area was once part of the Inca Empire and the Inca ruins are worth exploring. The famous train here is called The Train In The Clouds. Although this train offers panoramic mountainous views of the area, it sometimes gets stuck in the clouds and may not be running. Still, Salta is beautiful with rolling hills, historic sights, excellent fishing and a relaxed atmosphere.

7. Argentina beef has become world famous because the cows graze on nutrient rich river basin soil from the Rio De Plate. In addition, the climate of the Pampas region is mild and moist all year round making the beef tasty and succulent. The cow itself led the country to an economic boom in the early 1900’s that allowed for great infrastructure and decadent architecture that remains intact today.

8. Buenos Aires restaurants are where you can find the beef and they are excellent Argentina attractions by themselves. You pay for what you get in Buenos Aires. Most restaurants have the same Italian menu and are very conservative. However even in those, you will find great parillas and good beef and chorizo. But if you cough up a little extra and go slightly upscale, you will find just about every kind of dining experience available to man. It is wise to consult a Buenos Aires restaurant guide first before making a choice.

9. The Colon Theater in Buenos Aires has hosted some of the most famous performances of each decade over the last century. It is still one of the top opera houses in the world and worth a look. Today it houses one of the most extensive costume collections on the planet making it an important Argentina attraction.

10. Argentina products and shopping – Due to the devaluation of the peso in 2001, Argentina tries to rely heavily on it’s own industry and production. Therefore, in the shops scattered all over Argentina, you will find unique goods only found in Argentina and at fantastic prices. This includes rare stones, leather goods, and clothes and shoes. And don’t forget about Argentina wine. The Melbec is the best but since it’s hard to pack, we recommended that you finish the bottle before you leave the country.

This list of the top 10 Argentina attractions was written by Izic Wick who lives in Argentina.