COUNTRY PROFILE
Argentina W
A LAND OF PASSION Capital city: Buenos Aires | Language: Spanish | Currency: Peso | Visa: Not required by British citizens | Time zone: GMT -3hrs
ith its high standard of living, excellent tourism
infrastructure, direct flights from the UK and a distinct European flavour running through it, Argentina might just be the perfect introduction to Latin America for first-time visitors to the region. Neighbouring Brazil might challenge that but, for the moment at least, Argentina can also claim to represent better value for money. The country has come a long way since spiralling into financial meltdown over ten years ago, but costs remain relatively low and, crucially, it is one of only three countries in Latin America to welcome direct flights from the UK, courtesy of British Airways. The re-introduction of a daily, direct service to Buenos Aires this year will bolster already impressive visitor numbers that surpassed those of Brazil for the first time in 2010. Visitors to Argentina will discover
one of Latin America's most westernised cultures, featuring fine- dining, excellent native wines, a host of soft adventure options, luxury ranch and hacienda-style accommodation, and stunning landscapes in which to enjoy it all. What's more, it should come as no surprise that a country almost the size of India has an enviable range of striking environments
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■ The Salta region in the foothills of the Andes
throughout its length and breadth, from glaciers and mountain ranges, to endless vineyards and deserts. The capital city, Buenos Aires, is
often likened to Paris such is its sophistication and beauty. There's an excellent choice of grand hotels and impressive European architecture is prevalent throughout the city centre. Wealth is also in evidence in the suburb of Recoleta and its famous cemetery, but the colourful homes of La Boca and San Telmo – spiritual home of the sensual tango – offer a glimpse of a more grounded Buenos Aires. While sophisticated city culture
SAMPLE PACKAGE Cox & Kings' 13-day Highlights of Argentina itinerary visits the country's best-known destinations, including Buenos Aires, the Valdes Peninsula for its marine life, El Calafate, the Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia and Iguazu Falls.
12 | Latin America
will appeal to some, the country’s gaucho culture will hold sway with others, with horse-riding and trekking expeditions proving popular in the central Pampas region, or in wine-producing areas in western Argentina such as Mendoza. Many of the region's vineyards offer tours, tastings and their own on-site boutique accommodation.
TIPS FROM
THE TOP “With stunning natural beauty – from high desert and rainforest in the north to glaciers in the south – rich wildlife and culture that includes colonial European heritage, pre-Inca ruins and traditional gauchos, Argentina is an extremely diverse country. The excellent infrastructure throughout the country includes luxury boutique hotels, traditional estancias and beautiful wine estates, plus there is the famed and superb food and wine, and passionate and welcoming people. The best-selling destinations are
Buenos Aires, Patagonia and the amazing Iguazú Falls. However, more and more people choose to visit and relax in the winelands or, with better flight connections now available, explore Salta and the secrets of north- west Argentina.“
Vessela Baleva, Latin America Product Manager, Cox & Kings
HIGHLIGHTS Sophisticated Buenos Aires The Iguazu Falls Awesome Patagonia Mendoza and its wineries Gaucho culture
In the far south of the country,
spectacular Patagonia is regularly incorporated in the itineraries of UK visitors. It is an area of windswept plains, mountains and icefields whose highlights include the Fitzroy Massif range and the Perito Moreno glacier. The country's second largest city,
Cordoba, is in the geographical centre of Argentina and is a major gateway to the Pampas region. In the southwest, meanwhile, lies the city of Bariloche, at the heart of the scenic Lake District in the foothills of the Andes. In northeastern Argentina, on the border with Brazil, are the magnificent Iguazu Falls – comprised of over 250 different falls over a two-mile stretch of river – while the Valdes Peninsula, on the south Atlantic coast, is a haven for whales and other marine life.
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