Thread: Argentina

Comprising almost the entire southern half of South America, Argentina is the world's eighth largest country, covering an area of 2.8 million square km. Argentina possesses some of the world's tallest mountains, expansive deserts, and impressive waterfalls, with the diversity of the land ranging from wild, remote areas in southern Patagonia to the bustling metropolis of Buenos Aires in the north. Its six major regions are as follows:

Cuyo & the Andean Northwest
This area surrounding the Andes began as a colony of Peru, but today only a few miners and herders occupy this unforgiving region of volcanic peaks and salt lakes. Very little rain falls in Cuyo, though to the east are found the fertile river valleys and subtropical lowlands of the Gran Chaco.

Mesopotamia & the Northeast
Mesopotamia, a broad, flat plain between the Parana and Uraguay Rivers in northern Argentina, is wet, swampy and extremely hot during the summer. The northern province of Misiones, a more mountainous region nearly enclosed by Brazil and Paraguay, is densely forested and contains a section of the majestic Iguazu Falls.

The Chaco
This parched area in the west is part of the enormous Gran Chaco, a region that Argentina shares with Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil. The Chaco contains both grassland and thorny forest.

The Pampas
These fertile plains are Argentina's bread- basket. They consist of the Humid Pampas along the seaboard and the Dry Pampas in the west and south. The region includes Buenos Aires, as well as the world- class beaches of its surrounding area.

Patagonia and the Lake District
South of the Rio Colorado, experiences a desert climate, although temperatures range from mild to subzero and terrain varies from bucolic river valleys to the gigantic, ice-capped southern Andes. Its cool grazing grounds support enormous flocks of sheep, and numerous fruit and vegetable farms can be found in the valleys. Patagonia also holds vast reserves of oil and coal.

Tierra del Fuego
The Land of Fire is actually an archipelago including the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego (which Argentina shares with neighbouring Chile) and numerous smaller islands. Northern Isla Grande is similar in terrain to Patagonia's plains, while the mountainous area in the south is filled with forests and glaciers. Its climate is usually mild year-round, although storms are frequent.

Along with numerous nomadic tribespeople, two main indigenous groups existed in Argentina before the European arrival. In the northwest, near Bolivia and the Andes, was a people known as the Diaguita, while further south and to the east were the Guarani. Together the Diaguita and the Guarani constitute the origins of permanent agricultural civilization in Argentina, both developing the cultivation of maize. The Diaguita are also remembered for having successfully prevented the powerful Inca from expanding their empire into Argentina from what is now Bolivia. It was perhaps a legacy of this successful resistance that enabled the native peoples of Argentina to carry on a prolonged campaign against colonization and rule by the Spanish. The first Spaniard to land in Argentina, Juan de Solis, was killed in 1516, and several attempts to found Buenos Aires were stymied by the local inhabitants. Inland cities were more successful, and it wasn't until the late 16th century that Buenos Aires was securely established.

Despite its military success, indigenous resistance was inexorably weakened by the introduction of diseases from Europe. Even after the native threat became minimal, however, Argentina was still mostly neglected by Spain, which was more interested in developing Lima and the riches of Peru. Buenos Aires was forbidden to trade with foreign countries, and the city became a smuggler's haunt. The restrictive trade policy probably did little to endear Spain to the colonists. The British attacked Buenos Aires in 1806 and 1807, as Spain's had come under the control of Napoleonic France. The colony managed to repulse Britain's attacks without any assistance from their mother country, an act of strength that no doubt helped to foster the region's growing sense of independence.

When the French captured Spain's King Ferdinand VII, Argentina fell completely under the rule of the local viceroyalty, which was highly unpopular. The locals rebelled against the viceroyalty and declared their allegiance to the captive king. By 1816, the deep division between Argentina and its mother country had become quite apparent, and a party of separatists decided to declare the country's independence. One of the new patriots, Jose de San Martin, crossed the Andes and captured Lima. Along with Simon Bolivar, Martin is credited with breaking the shackle of Spanish rule in South America.

Early independence in Argentina was marked by an often bitter struggle between two political groups: the Unitarists and the Federalists. The Unitarists wanted a strong central government, while the Federalists wanted local control.

Argentina's culture has been greatly affected by its immigrant population, mostly European. Their influence contributed to the demise of pre-Columbian cultures, resulting in the lack of a dominant indigenous population. The European immigrant groups each adopted different roles. The Basque and Irish controlled sheep rearing, the Germans and Italians established farms, and the British invested in developing the country's infra- structure.

More than one-third of the country's 32 million people live in Buenos Aires, the capital, which along with other urban areas accounts for almost 90% of the total population. The principal indigenous peoples are the Quechua of the northwest and the Mapuche in Patagonia. Other marginal groups include the Matacos and Tobas in the Chaco and other northeastern cities. There are strong Jewish and Anglo-Argentine communities throughout the country; small communities of Japanese, Chileans and Bolivians; and enclaves of Paraguayan and Uraguayan residents.

The universal language of Argentina is Spanish, but many natives and immigrants keep their mother tongues as a matter of pride.

Patagonia RegionThis vast region south of Buenos Aires begins at the Rio Colorado and stretches to the Straits of Magellan. It encompasses interior mountains and glaciers in the provinces of Rio Negro and Neuquen; sandy beaches on its Atlantic coast, and forests of beechwood and monkey puzzle trees where it meets the Andes. The beauty of Patagonia has been preserved in several national parks. Neuquen
This provincial capital, 265 meters above sea level, sits at the point where the Limay and Neuquen rivers converge. It has a population of 300,000 and is the agriculture service centre for the Rio Negro valley.

Peninsula Valdes
Peninsula Valdes is home to large numbers of sea lions, elephant seals, guanacos, rheas, Magellanic penguins and numerous other sea birds. Whale sightings are best in August but have also been reported through December. Sheep ranches occupy much of the interior section.

Ushuaia
Few relics remain testifying to life at this former missionary base and subsequent Argentinean prison. It became a key military base in 1950 and is now a major vacation destination. Forestry and fishing are the chief occupations of its inhabitants.

National Parks

Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi:
The main feature of the park is Lago Nahuel Huapi, a 100 km long lake formed by the Pleistocene glaciers, possessing a single narrow island at its centre. Isla Victoria as it is now known, is notable for its rare species of trees and for a number of exotic animals, including the pudu and the huemul, both rare indigenous deer. The lake is home to a number of native fish species, plus several newcomers such as trout and salmon, offering exceptional sport fishing. However, the real attraction of this region is excellent high country trekking, among its rugged mountains and alpine meadows. Just west of the lake is Tronador -meaning thunderer-, a 3554-metre/11722-foot extinct volcano, and the Chilean border. The area is noted for its forest-covered mountain slopes and the summer blanket of wildflowers.

Parque Nacional Laguna Blanca:
Laguna Blanca is located 30 km from Zapala in a barren volcanic area of Neuquen. The shallow lake was formed when lava flows dammed two small streams. One of only two swan sanctuaries in the western hemisphere, it is a breeding ground for the distinctive black- necked swan. Laguna Blanca also features other bird species, such as coots, grebes, upland geese, gulls, and flamingos.

Parque Nacional Lanin:
This tranquil forest area extends 150 km north from Nahuel Huapi to Lago Norquinco, with snow- capped, 776-metre/ 12615-foot Volcan Lanin as its centerpiece. Its flora includes huge stands of broadleaf deciduous southern beech, rauli, and pehuen (monkey puzzle tree), plus lenga, nire, and coihue, which are characteristic of more southerly forests. Many finger-shaped lakes attest to the passage of glaciers.

Reserva Provincial Punta Tombo:
Between September and April, half a million Magellanic penguins breed at Punta Tombo, 110 km south of Trelew. Also known as the jackass penguin, these birds exhibit a distressing tendency to emit loud, donkey- like brays. Given that penguins cover the entire visible landscape, the chorus can be quite an experience. Step carefully, as these breeding birds have a strict concept of personal space and the beak to back it up. Other prevalent bird species include cormorants, giant petrels, kelp gulls, flightless steamer ducks, and oystercatchers.

Parque Nacional Los Alerces:
The park was built to protect extensive groves of alerce a large and ancient conifers that can exceed 150 feet in height and 12 feet in diameter. Alerces well over two millenia in age grow amongst stands of cypress and incense cedar. The park is located west of Esquel and also features pristine lakes and streams, enchanting views and excellent fishing. The area is usually mild in the summer although it can be quite wet at other times.

Parque Nacional Los Glaciares:
Home to almost four dozen major glaciers, this 2300 square mile/ 6000 square kilometer park is a unique opportunity to see some of the most powerful forces of nature. The northern section of the park is characterized by its steep jagged peaks, including Cerro Fitzroy which exceeds 11000 feet. This section of the park is particularly popular among trekkers and mountaineers. It is known as an exceptionally challenging and dangerous climbing area. The southern section of the park is more hospitable to casual sightseeing and containe many interesting glaciers. Moreno Glacier, one of the world's few remaining advancing glaciers is the most spectacular, currently grinding its way down the Cordillera directly into an arm of the enormous Lago Argentino. About every three years the glacier cuts off the flow of water into the lake resulting in an immense accumulation of pressure as the water behind the glacier rises. The explosive resolution of these forces is a spectacular event to those lucky enough to witness it.

Monumento Natural Bosques Petrificados:
During Jurassic times, the extensive forests that once covered this part of Patagonia were buried by volcanic ash. Subsequent erosion revealed mineralised trees measuring three metres in diameter and 35 meters / 90 feet in length--some of which remarkably remain standing.

Parque Nacional Perito
Moreno:
This jewel of a park is often overlooked by visitors to the area. Here, glacier- covered mountains rise majestically above blue lakes where migrant birds sojourn and herds of guanacos lazily feed. The weather here is often windy and cold, even in summer.

Travel Tips

Entry Requirements
A passport is all that's required of most visitors -although Australians and New Zealanders do need visas. Renewable tourist visas are issued at airports and borders, and are good for 90 days.

Vaccines
Vaccines are not required to enter Argentina.

Currency
The local currency is the Argentine Peso. At the time of this writing, it had a 1 to 1 ratio with the US dollar.

Language
Spanish is spoken everywhere, though many Argentines also speak the language of their heritage.

Business Hours
Most business open at 8am, then close for lunch until 3 or 4pm. They will then usually stay open until 8 or 9pm. Most government offices, however, work on a 8am - 5pm basis.

Cordoba is Argentina's colonial capital, a picturesque city of a million on the edge of a mountain range known as the Sierra Chica. Because of its proximity to the mountains, Cordoba is a perfect base for excursions into the natural beauty of the Andes, or even the Pampas 100 km to the south.

Prior to the rise of Buenos Aires, Cordoba was Argentina's center of arts and learning, a place of scholars and priests, churches and universities. Though in terms of national importance the city has fallen behind the capital, it still retains and independent spirit and distinctive grace. Its name comes from the surrounding province, which embraces an unusually scenic section of the Andes, the Sierras de Cordoba.

The Primero, or Suquia River forms Cordoba's main natural landmark. The physical center is the Plaza San Martin, named after Argentina's great liberator and the site of the city's cathedral. South of the Plaza is Calle Obispo Trejos, an easily walkable avenue filled the some of the city's most illustrious colonial buildings including the Church Compania de Jesus, which was built in 1645 and is known for its unique roof.

Historic Quarter
Cordoba's Historic Quarter, located in the heart of town, features one of South America's most unique arrangements of colonial architecture. Its major sites are the Cabildo, (1588); the Cathedral (1574); San Martin Square (1577); the Church and Convent Las Teresas (1628); the Obispo Trejo Pedestrian area; the Church Compania de Jesus (1640); the Montserrat School (1687) and the National University of Cordoba, the oldest university in Argentina and the second oldest in South America.

San Martin Theater
The San Martin Theater, opened in 1891, is the oldest theater in Argentina. The interior details of this building are marvelous and make the theater an architectural as well as cultural attraction. San Martin was originally conceived as an opera house - a fact that gives it superior accoustics - but today the main productions are symphonies, ballets, and plays.

Valle de Punilla
The Valle de Punilla has long been a preferred holiday spot in Argentina, and there are many resorts situated around the villages of Carlos Paz, Cosquin, La Falda, La Cumbre, and others. The pleasures of the valley revolve largely around nature, although there's no shortage of cultural attractions such as Hotel Eden (1700) and the Chapel of Our Lady of Mercedes.

Lakes & Ranges District
Cordoba's Lakes and Ranges District is a region of rolling foothills, mountains, and deep blue lakes. There is also some history here: Che Guevara spent his childhood in the region, and the village of Alta Gracia was once a jesuit stronghold. Villa General Belgrano, with its European atmosphere, hosts the National Beer Festival. Another annual event that takes place here is the World Rally Championship every May.

Valle de Traslasierras
This area has been a vacation spot for over 100 years, mostly because of Mina Clavero - a town situated in region of impossibly clear mountain streams, waterfalls, and the grand wilds of the Sierras de Cordoba.

Sports
Sporting events are big in Cordoba. The city's two strongest soccer teams, the Talleres and Belgrano divide the loyalties of the inhabitants in a passionate and ongoing dispute. Major games takes place at the Chateau Carreras Soccer Grounds. Basketball is thriving in the province because of Atenas - one of the best teams in South America. Because Cordoba is a resort capital, it is also a good place to play golf. Beautiful greens such as Villa Allende, La Cumbre, and Las Delicias abound.

Weather
Fall: The average temperature is 15C, warm and pleasant. Mostly sunny and moderately dry.

Winter: Average temperature is 10C, rather cold and dry.

Spring: Average temperature is 17C, humid and warm. The rainy season begins towards the end of spring.

Summer: The average temperature is 23C, wet and hot. Daily thunderstorms and rain.


Transportation
Air - All flights arrive at In Tallavera Airport, about 30 minutes ($8) by cab from downtown Cordoba. The aiport has direct links the main cities in Argentina and Latinamerica. Tallavera's carriers include: Varig, Aerolineas Argentinas, Transbrasil, Lloyd Aeroboliviano, SW, Austral, LAPA, Dinar, TAN, and Andesmar.

Taxis - Taxis are black and yellow. The fare is metered.


Medical Facilities
Cordoba has quality medical centers. They are: Hospital Privado, Sanatorio Allende, Clinica del Sol, and Hospital de Ninos (Children's Hospital).

If there is one place Argentines choose to go on their summer vacations, Mar del Plata is it. Lying about 400 km south of Buenos Aires on the Atlantic Coast, Mar del Plata and its surroundings offer miles of some the best beaches in South America. Along with the natural beauty of the area's wind-swept dunes and dramatic cliffs, there are ecological reserves, fancy resorts, charming fishing villages, and of course the culture and vibrant nightlife of the city itself.

Compared to some of Argentina's other cities, Mar del Plata is young. It was founded in 1874 by a developer named Patricio Peralta Ramos, who turned the town into an industrial center. The true wealth of the city, however, has come with the overwhelming tide of tourism that has taken place in the last 50 years. Though many of the resorts once catered to the rich, Mar del Plata today rests firmly in the hands of the middle class.

Museums
Two important public museums reside in Mar del Plata: the Museo Municipal de Arte Juan Carlos Castagnino, and the Museo Archivo Historico Municipal. There are also two private museums, the J.M. Fangio and the Guillermo Vilas. Casino and Discos
Mar del Plata's famous Casino is open all summer, from December to the end of April. Like any resort city, there is also no shortage of discos, most of which are along Avenida Constitucion.

Local Theater - Cinematography Festival
Mar del Plata is also the site of country's most important film festival, the Argentine version of Cannes.

Mar del Plata Aquarium
The local aquarium, one of the best in the country, offers a wide range of marine attractions. Most popular are the dolphin and seal shows. There are also penquins, tortoises, flamingos, many kinds of fish, and a cinema featuring 3D films.

Leisure & Fishing Cruises
From Mar del Plata's port you can embark on both fishing and leisure cruises through the surrounding sea. Pleasure cruises head for the nearby Isla de Los Lobos or the Naval Base, and culminate by passing along some of the region's most dramatic coastline. From September to May, you can also charter fishing boats at the port, depending on the weather.

Golf Courses
There are five excellent golf courses in Mar del Plata.

Ecology & Educational Farms
"La Piedra" and "La Pilarica" Laguna Sierra de los Padres
Laguna Sierra is Mar del Plata's premier ecological reserve. Its encompasses over 200 hectares of marshland and is ideal for bird watching.

Here eating is good in Mar del Plata. Because nobody really likes to cook on vacation, the city has an ample supply of restaurants offering a wide selection of both international and national cuisine. The best bet is probably sea food - it's bound to be fresh.

Most of the night time activity takes place along Avenida Constitucion, which has so many discos that is has been given an infamous nick name: Avenida del Ruido, "Noisy Avenue." There is also, of course, the Casino, which at night becomes a black tie affair.