The second largest country in South America, Argentina, has enough diversity to have something for everyone, and this is the main reason for this country being one of the most popular tourist destinations on the continent.
Argentina’s varied landscape consisting of high mountains and vast beaches, lush forests and sprawling grasslands are home to some of the world’s largest waterfalls, varying wildlife ranging from penguins and seals to llamas, huge glaciers and salt water flats.
Needless to say, Argentina is on top of the list of many nature lovers and adventure seekers because of the immense contrasts that it offers in its topography and flora and fauna.
Flights to Argentina are easily available from most large cities around the world and you can fly into Buenos Aires, the capital city from the US or Europe. Many people enter Argentina by road, especially when they plan to visit other tourist attractions in the neighborhood like Chile, Bolivia and Brazil.
Once you are in Argentina, you should rent a car if you want to witness the country up close and personal, especially since many of the highlights of the nation can be found in the small villages and towns that you will find while traveling from one big city to another.
Apart from Buenos Aires, the capital, other important travel destinations in Argentina are Cordoba, Bariloche, Ushuaia, Mendoza, Mar Del Plata and Rosario. Buenos Aires has been dubbed the “Paris of South America” because of its beautiful architectural features and rich culture.
Some of the major attractions in Buenos Aires are the artistically beautiful Teatro Colón, Plaza de {Mayo}, Museo de la Policia Federal, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and the Planetarium.
The lively neighborhood of La {Boca} is like a small culturally rich state which is a tourist paradise full of live performers, street dancers, tango clubs and other locally flavored establishments. San Telmo, also known as the birth place of the famous tango, will provide you with a taste of old Spain with cobbled streets and quaint old buildings.
Recoleta, Puerto Madero and Palermo are other popular neighborhoods in Buenos Aires.
Bariloche is a winter hot spot, especially because of its proximity to the mountains of {Cerro} Chapelco and Cerro Catedral, which are very popular winter sports destinations. Surrounded by Lakes and forests, the city is a beautiful {Haven} even during the summer months and a collection of museums and places of historical interest make it a good place for a family holiday.
Cerro Chapelco is the base from where you take tours on the Beagle Channel or visit the Tierra del Fuego National Park, so it is a must visit place for nature lovers. The city of {Tandil} is famous for a number of things, with some of the main tourist attractions being the Tigre Mountain Range, Piedra Movediza, El Centinela and the Independencia Park.
Mendoza is the wine production hub, along with San Juan, and you can taste different varieties and visit {Vineyards} while you are here. You can also stay in a wine estate if you want to experience what life managing a vineyard is like. {Mar} del Plata is the popular beach resort.
Apart from these cities, some of the main attractions that nobody visiting Argentina should miss are the Iguaza {Falls}, which are higher and larger than the Niagaras; the Glaciers National Park, with its huge slow moving glaciers; the world famous Pampas Grasslands and the {Andes} Mountain Ranges, the San Rafael Lagoon National Park, the Chaco National Park, {Patagonia}, Puerto Madryn and {Quilmes} etc.
Since Argentina is a popular tourist destination, you will be able to find all kinds of places to stay, ranging from high end hotels to budget student hostels. Some of the best hotels in the country are the {Alvear}, Four Seasons and the Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt in Buenos Aires, the Llao Llao Hotel and Golf Resort near Bariloche, the Park Hyatt in Mendoza and the Los Notros and Eolo in Calafate. You can also stay at cozy estates (estancias) or in lodges and villas situated on vineyards for a taste of rich and real Argentina.
People with a mid range budget can choose to stay in 3 star hotels, comfortable inns or bungalows that provide you the comfort of home. Hostels can be found aplenty for hitchhikers and student travelers on a shoestring budget. But make sure that you book online in advance especially if you want budget accommodation during peak tourist seasons.