This theatre is not only an ornament of Buenos Aires but of the whole of Argentina too. It is one of the most impressive theatres in the whole world and is incredibly beautiful inside and out. The theatre presents grand productions and gives a very interesting guided tour that explores even the smallest corner.
If you are visiting one of the big cities you should not cheat yourself and definitely secure yourself a spectator's place at a football game. Even if you are not the slightest bit interested in the sport it is essential to experience Argentina's football circus in order to understand what this sport really means to the population. Across the whole of Argentina, the name Defo Maradona causes a dreamy look in the eyes as Argentineans talk about love, greatness and failure.
The gigantic Iguazú waterfall is on the border between Argentina and Brazil and is for many the high point of their visit to Argentina. There is a really good reason for this. This water mass crashes and splashes all over the place and drags beautiful rainbows out behind it. Small paths guide one around the impressive park, it is also possible to sail out really close to the mighty water or see the whole thing from above, in a helicopter.
This area is situated in northwestern Argentina and provides the most luxurious and painterly scenery within the barren desert. Churches from colonial times spring up out of the sand all over the place but otherwise one still is very much aware of the continents original inhabitants - The Indians.
Just a few hours from the city of Calafate, the mountaintops in Cerro Fitzroy National Park rise up over the Mecca for ramblers and hikers. Under the constant clouds, the snow covered mountain-chain meanders through plains and fertile forests. This area is a challenge both for experienced mountain climbers and for the happy amateur wearing hiking boots for the first time.
In spite of the fact that these islands are still under British rule, they are a potential destination for Argentina bound travellers with an interest in animal life. The islands have the most unbelievable animal life and it is surprisingly easy to get close to the animals. Seals, penguins and sea lions are among the many fascinating animals one is able to observe from a close distance. Anglers will also enjoy being able to pull out one sea trout after the other out of the water.
This park boasts impressive example of massive glaciers. The Perito Moreno glacier is particularly impressive; it can take your breath away watching as water from the neighbouring lake breaks off bits from this wall of ice in magnificent surroundings. The gateway to the park is the town El Calafate, in Santa Cruz Province.
The Missiones Province is situated in the north east of Argentina on the route between the Iguazú waterfall and Buenos Aires. There are some remarkable ruins that stem from the 1600's Spanish Jesuit civilisation. The acclaimed film, The Mission was shot in his area. The ruins can be reached from the town of San Ignacio de Mini.
It is not exactly Flamingos that one expects to find at a height of 4000 metres. Anyway, there are no less three different types in this park in Jujuy Province. Here, one can also find the endangered lama specie, the vincuna, as it struts around the park's many places of archaeological interest. Wear warm clothes, the wind that pierces through the Andes Mountains can be merciless.
Argentina's rich animal life is well represented in this park, which fortunately up to now has not been taken over by one of the large tour companies. The mountainsides are almost coloured by its versatile nuances and pumas, foxes, condors and even flamingos live in this peaceful paradise.
In Beunos Aires' suburb, Recoleta, life and death take on a different perspective in this enormous graveyard. The gravestones are like small stone palaces adorned with religious effects and photographs of the deceased. Many would like there to be a limit to these extreme tokens but everyone would nevertheless agree that it is a deeply fascinating place.
Cuyo is the area where the grapes that are used for the well-known Argentine red and white wine come from. It is not only the vineyards that attract visitors to this area. Due to the agreeable climate and really beautiful nature on the edge of the Andes Mountains this area is also perfect for outdoor activities - hiking, climbing, rafting and much more.
Argentina can also offer crocodiles, monkeys, exotic birds and all types of wild animals that you may not even have heard of. It is easy to spot animals in the open marshland and for some or other reason it is still not overrun by tourists. Esteros is situated in the northern part of the country and is a true paradise if you want to see wild animals in their natural surroundings.
The museum is situated in Parque Lezama. This museum gives a wide and in-depth representation of Argentina's identity. Excellent examples of Argentinean art can be found here as well as an extensive examination of the country's history. This museum is a must if you are interested in finding out more about the country you are a guest in.
This building houses Argentina's parliament and is created in the same style as the Capitol Building in Washington DC. The huge granite steps symbolise the Andes Mountains. This structure overlooks the Plaza del Congreso, close to San Telmo.
This bohemian quarter glows with life, there is always something to see here - the atmosphere is totally different to other places in Buenos Aires. There is a market on Sundays, complete with tango dancers and a wide collection of precious and interesting objects from the colonization are for sale. This is the perfect opportunity to find an authentic Argentinean souvenir.
The streets around Plaza San Martin hold a treasure chest of architecture from the colonial times as well as other historical buildings. Iglesia de Santa Teresa and Casa del Obispo Mercadilo stand out as being especially beautiful. All the buildings cast a historical dimension on to the streets. The historical quarter is one of Córdoba's main attractions.
This is the picturesque hilly district surrounding Córdoba. This area is the perfect place for trekking in the mountains or wandering around in the undulating terrain. Small lakes are scattered among the rocks and are ideal for taking a quick refreshing dip. Maps of the area and other information can be found at Club Andino de Córdoba, this is a great advantage if you want to really explore the area.
Candonga is situated in the most wonderful countryside just 40 kilometres north of Córdoba. The town's main attraction is the masterly built Jesuit Chapel dating from the 1800's. The atmosphere and nature alone in this isolated valley makes this a worthwhile place to visit.
There are brilliant hiking and rambling possibilities in this part of Argentina. Sierra de Aconquija is just outside of the town, Tucuman and is one of the most popular places for taking part in outdoor activities. The so-called Inca route to Tafí del Valle is a journey where one can admire ancient Indian ruins in unbelievably beautiful natural surroundings. There are guides available who have a thorough knowledge of the area; it is also possible to arrange a tour of your own.
The city lies to the west of Buenos Aires and is the best place to become aquatinted with the cowboy culture that is so prevalent in these parts. The gauchos ride around on their horses or stop for a drink and watch the world go by. Agriculture and cattle breeding are the main forms of income and this is also the place where some of Argentina's finest crafts can be found. Some of the ranches offer accommodation for tourists.
This national park in La Pampa province consists of a varied landscape with small mountain chains and a rich animal life. Granite rocks tower up among dense forest areas, it is possible to see wild cats in these parts, for example pumas as well as guanaco lamas and 'vizcacha' - a wild relative of the domestic 'chinchilla'! This is an optimal place to clamber around in your hiking boots and get close to Argentinean nature.
This is more or less South America's religious set's most meaningful place. Every year more than four million people make a pilgrimage to Luján to honour the Holy Virgin in the impressive neo-Gothic basilica, that together with Museo Colonial e Histórica make this town worth a visit. This museum among other things shows examples of how the buildings looked in the Argentinean colonial times.
The old steam train named 'La Trochita' weaves through the Patagonian landscape with black smoke streaming out of her chimneys. The train's slow pace allows the passengers the time to appreciate the picturesque landscape that streams by. The journey from Esquel to Ingeniero Jacobacci is an excellent way to see Patagonia with the accompanying sound of the locomotive chugging along.
The peninsula of Península Valdés lies on Patagonia's Atlantic Ocean coast. Penguins, nanduer and lamas flock to this area while sea lions and elephant seals lounge on the beaches. Overhead the sea gulls fly around noisily adding to this suburb cocktail of animal life that is accessible in very few places in the world.
San Carlos de Bariloche is the capital of Patagonia. From this town one can take a journey through the Andes Mountains to Chile or admire the architecture that will probably lead to thoughts of a mountain village in Switzerland. The Nahuel Huapi National Park is situated nearby and is a fabulous place for climbing and walking.
Cabo Vingenes is a few hours drive from Rio Gallegos and is home to 30.000 penguins. This expansive colony is the ideal place for one to experience these lovely creatures in untouched nature. It is possible to camp close to the colony. It is not possible to reach this area by public transport, this is not a big problem though, and as many of the local sheep herds will happily give a few tourists the necessary lift.
Mar del Plata is one of Argentina's most important fishing ports and there is a lot to look at along the picturesque wharf. The fisherman work hard on their pretty coloured wooden boats and they are accompanied by roaring sea lions that crave a share of the catch. When you have had enough sea air, there are some charming fish restaurants to visit in the port.
Just 10 kilometres from Mar del Plata's tourist jungle one can find an idyllic beach at the town of Mar Chiquita. This little paradise is the perfect spot for swimming, fishing and windsurfing. In the surrounding area one can explore the exquisite nature that offers both archaeological and botanical treasures. This area is an oasis for those who think that the pace in Mar del Plata is a tad too fast.
The stained glass in this new gothic church that dates from the turn of the century is quite marvellous. The tiles that are used from the floor to the ceiling have been collected from all over Europe. The cherry on the top is the tremendously stunning French chandelier that hangs in the middle of the church.
On the small islands in the south, sea lions, elephant seals and penguins have set up colonies. To get close to these creatures one has to swim out to them in the freezing Arctic water. This outing can be arranged in Ushuaia and can in some instances be arranged completely according to one's wishes.
This massive crystal clear lake is situated 100 kilometres from Ushuaia and is a picturesque sight among the harsh natural surroundings. This area is beautiful and the nearby rivers are crammed with salmon and trout, making this a prized destination for angling. The lake is easily reached from the town of Rio Grande.
This park provides the best way to experience Tierra del Fuego's tough but fascinating nature. This is the only national park in Argentina that is situated on the Atlantic Ocean and its rivers, mountains, forests and glaciers shape this inaccessible and fascinating landscape. Don't forget to take a walk to the gigantic Martial Glacier.