Adventure in the South

Patagonia Region
This 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.

A MUST SEE IN ARGENTINA

Buenos Aires : More European than South American in flavor, Buenos Aires ' heart boasts bustling streets, grand avenues, old-time cafes and stylish restaurants. It's a city of tragedy and elation; a vibrant, cosmopolitan capital. For the tourist, Buenos Aires delivers… wander the cobbled streets, marvel at faded architectural glories and colorfully painted metal houses. Talk with your friends in the atmospheric it's old cafes, then have of the famous Argentinean steaks to begin your long night's partying or perhaps TANGO!

Córdoba: Argentina 's second city, Córdoba long rivaled Buenos Aires for political, economic and cultural supremacy... while Buenos Aires languished through neglect in the 17th century, Cordoba was the country's architectural treasure house. Today, you can see it's fine collection of colonial buildings, that include the old market, the Iglesia Catedral ( featuring a Romanesque dome ) and the Jesuit Iglesia de la Compañía. The Museo Histórico Provincial Marqués de Sobremonte is one of the most important historical museums in the country.

Iguazú Falls : Situated in the Parque Nacional Iguazú near Puerto Iguazú, these spectacular falls lie just east of the confluence of the Iguazú and Paraná rivers. At least 5000 cubic m (176,570 cu ft) of water per second plunge the 70m (230ft) into the abyss below. If they look familiar, it's because they were the supporting actors in the film The Mission ; appropriately, the area has historic ruins of Jesuit missions which also draw many visitors. San Ignacio Miní, built in a style of architecture known as 'Guaraní baroque', is especially popular. Above the falls, the waters are suitable for canoeing, kayaking and other water sports. The surrounding park is home to 55,000ha (135,850ac) of pristine subtropical rainforest, with abundant wildlife and plant species.

Mar del Plata : Summer means the beach to the inhabitants of Greater Buenos Aires, and Mar del Plata is most often the beach they have in mind. Situated on the northern Atlantic coast, 400km (228mi) from the capital, beaches in this area sprawl for 8km (5mi). Sophisticated mansions from the area's heyday as an upper-class resort mingle with the newer, more modest resorts catering to middle-class porteños . Sea lions keep an eye on the fishing activities around the wharves, and a replica of the grotto of Lourdes is a kitsch paradise.

Pampas: The unrelentingly flat Pampas is Argentina 's agricultural heartland and the home of that symbol of romantic nationalism, the gaucho . Comprising the provinces of Buenos Aires , La Pampa and major parts of Santa Fe and Córdoba, its varied environments include forested hills, extensive grasslands and flamingo-flecked salt lakes. The Parque National Lihué Calel is a popular detour, with wildlife including some puma and many guanaco, rhea, native hares and a variety of wild chinchilla called a vizcacha. The cities of La Plata , Luján (whose basilica to La Virgen de Luján receives 4 million pilgrims a year), Rosario and Santa Fe are worth seeing for their many museums, churches and faded colonial buildings.

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, 3776-metre/12615-foot Volcan Lanin as its centerpiece. Its flora includes huge stands of broadleaf deciduous Argentina 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 Argentina 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.