Buenos Aires, the city that never sleeps

After breakfast in your Buenos Aires hotel you should head out to explore this huge city.

For a first time visitor, Buenos Aires can be overwhelming, as the city is packed with hundreds of excellent restaurants, dozens of museums, art galleries, and on-going exhibitions.

You should start by making your way to Plaza Mayo, which is where Casa Rosada and the Central Cathedral is located, and was the famous place where Eva Peron spoke to crowds before her death.

From Plaza Mayo you can head up Av. Diagonal Norte to Plaza de la Republic, which is graced by the grand Obelisk. Av. 9 de Julio, the largest avenue in the world, cuts through the heart of Buenos Aires.

By this time, you’re probably thinking about lunch. Nearly every street corner in Buenos Aires has a gourmet restaurant. If you walk up Av. Honduras towards Palermo Hollywood you will find plenty of terrific restaurants. Plaza Serrano, which is at Av. Serrano and Av. Honduras in Palermo, is a nice place to find somewhere to eat.

The trendy Palermo district is split in two by train tracks. The SoHo side is home to Buenos Aires’s young middle class. In Palermo Hollywood are Argentina’s movie and TV studios, as well as a number of smaller cafes and bars. Venturing over the train tracks is definitely recommended.

After lunch spend some time exploring the streets before you head off to the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires (MALBA)? on Av. Pres. Figueroa Alcorta. The museum houses an interesting collection of modern as well as pre-Columbian art.

Nearby is the Museo Evita (Av. Lafinur 2988) which is dedicated to the life of Eva Peron, who was immortalized in the movie Evita and was played by Madonna. The film shows what Argentina achieved in the post-war period to tackle poverty, fight inequality, and improve education, as well as the horrible story about what happened to the body of Eva after her death.

A short walk up the street with take you to Plaza Italia which is next to the Buenos Aires Zoo, which is open till late, especially in the summer months. You can spend time meandering the expansive park.

If you are looking to spend the night like a typical porteño, going out late and dancing you should head to Av. Cornel Niceto Vega and Av. Humbolt. Vega Avenue is lined with chic clubs open all night long. Av. Humbolt has a number of restaurants, a cinema, and a British/style pub.

If you happen to wake early after a late night out in the city and it is a Sunday morning, you should make your way to the street market in San Telmo (Av. Defensa) where they sell a range of market goods, food, and what San Telmo is famous for, antiques.

The area of San Telmo is very artsy, with the main plaza in San Telmo having tango and dance shows put on by locals every week. The plaza is also a good place to find something to eat and a small bar to listen to some live jazz.

After exploring the streets around San Telmo, you should make your way over to the residential area of Recoleta.

Recoleta is home to the famous Recoleta Cemetery, the resting place of the Argentine high society. Some of the graves are more like monuments and it is worth having a look around.

From the cemetery you can walk to the nearby chapel and then down to the Recoleta Design Center which is more like a mall, selling the very latest in fashions from Argentina and the world.

There are some great lunch spots around here, just see what you can find. But for a quick lunch, you can pick up an Argentine empanada, a meat-filled sandwich available on nearly every street corner for only a few pesos.

You can then walk down to the Museo Nacional de Bella Artes (Av. Libertador), the museum of fine arts in Buenos Aires.

No trip to Buenos Aires would be complete without exploring the stuff that runs through the blood of every Argentine – a passion for soccer.

When the Boca Juniors play in La Bombadero stadium, the city stops and everyone’s attention centers on the game. The stadium, located in the district of La Boca, also has a museum that tells the history of the team and its famous Buenos Aires players.

You can then head down the waterfront in La Boca to see the colorful houses that line the streets. La Boca is a typical ‘working class’ area of Buenos Aires and was home to waves of early immigrants to the city, a very interesting place.

Some final places to make sure you visit if you somehow find the time is the new Puerto Madero development, the newest part of the city, which backs onto the banks of the river and the Buenos Aires ecological reserve.

Also you should visit the area around Retiro station, with the grand clock tower ‘Torre de los Ingleses’ which contrary to recent Argentine British relations, was donated by the British government to commemorate the Argentine May Independence revolution and the closeness between the two nations at the start of the 20^th century.

Buenos Aires is a huge city that even residents have not fully explored. 48 hours is not enough to see it all, but you can always try!

Bariloche, in northern Patagonia, is a Mecca for those heading for a Patagonia destination. The town is most famous as a ski resort due to its proximity to the ski slopes of Cerro Catedral.

Perched on the side of a huge lake and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Bariloche seems more like a Swiss Alpine resort.

Golf and snow capped mountains in Bariloche

Its residents seem European too, as many of Argentina’s citizens are immigrants, and the capital, Buenos Aires, is often nicknamed the Paris of South America.

The local pubs have the feel of an Alpine bar, serving a variety of European and local beers.

Famous Fondue

Just like in many Alpine ski resorts, there is a range of fondue restaurants around Bariloche. You can gather around a pot of bubbling cheese and cook various meats and vegetables, perfect for warming up after a long day of hitting the slopes.

Chocolate & Bariloche

What many visitors to Bariloche are unaware of is that Bariloche is the chocolate capital of Argentina and possibly South America.

Even though the cocoa bean was first discovered in Mexico, it was the Europeans and then later Americans that perfected the process to make it into the chocolate that we know today.

It was also the Swiss and Germans that engineered the technique of mixing fresh milk with the bitter cocoa bean to make the sweet milk chocolate that we know of today.

This made Swiss chocolate some of the most famous and well-known chocolates in the early chocolate market development.

Bariloche, keeping in line with the Alpine feel, developed its own chocolate industry, using fresh sheep as well as cow milk to make the sweet chocolate.

As you walk down the main shopping street of Calle Mitre you are struck by the sweet smells and colorful stores that line the sides of the street.

Feel free to enter the shops and indulge your senses. Ask for some free samples!

Many of the stores feature displays that allow you to see how they hand-craft their luxury chocolates.

Many of the stores also have special chocolate features, such as giant chocolate rabbits during Easter.

Don’t forget to take some time between your Bariloche tours to visit the Bariloche Chocolate Museum!

Now, many of the estancias near El Calafate offer room, board, and activities like horseback riding and sheep shearing demonstrations, giving visitors a taste of the rugged and beautiful way of life in southern Patagonia.

From El Calafate, the trekker’s town accessible by airport or by bus, there are several estancias within a half or full day trip, and all are worthy of inclusion in your next Argentina El Calafate tour. Keep in mind that the best time to travel to Southern Argentina is October through April.

The views of glaciers, lakes, and mountains around El Calafate are breathtaking.

Estancia Cristina, only accessible by boat or a several day trek, is one of the most isolated estancias in the region, but it is also one of the best. From El Calafate, you catch a boat cruise at Puerto Banderas on Lago Argentino, and head north towards the Upsala Glacier, passing icebergs that glow several shades of blue.

Once you arrive at the 85,000 acre ranch, its beauty astounds. Set on a meadow that glows green in the spring and summer, against the backdrop of the looming Upsala Glacier, the green-and-white trimmed lodge will lure you to book another night on the spot.

The ranch, in operation since 1914, once belonged to an Englishman. Now it offers room, board, a full Patagonian lunch to day trippers, plus guided walks or horseback riding to the Upsala Glacier lookout point. After a day of exploring the ranch, you can return in the boat cruise to Puerto Banderas, or tuck into bed in your rustic cabin.

The Galpón del Glaciar estancia is the closest to El Calafate. Only 12 miles from town, it is a working ranch where traditional sheep shearing methods are practiced. If you arrive by lunchtime, you will be treated to delicious homemade scones, puddings, and baked goods.

You can choose to take a walking tour to the Native American camping grounds, go mountain biking or bird watching along Los Pájaros Lagoon, or watch Kelpis shepherding dogs hard at work at the arreo, the sheep round up before the sheep shearing demonstration.

In the evening, you can end your excursion with a delicious Patagonian lamb barbecue and watch a traditional folk dance. If you choose to spend the night here, you can book a room with a terrific view of the Cordillera de los Andes or the Lago Argentino.

Read about our other recommended El Calafate estancias in our El Calafate Tours.

In May 1810, Argentina’s independence movement began, culminating on the 25^th of May with the government of Rio de Plate (what is now Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia) creating its own government, separate to the one of the Spanish king, yet still loyal to the crown.

The center of celebrations for May Revolution Week will be on Avienda 9 de Julio

As news of this spread, similar home rule governments sprouted up. The Spanish king, weakened by the Napoleonic invasion, was unable to quell colonial ambitions. In the spirit of Enlightenment thought, many Spanish colonies successfully asserted their independence.

Cities around the country are preparing to host free live music concerts, parades, and shows. Tonight in Buenos Aires, a parade will kick-off the celebrations at 8pm. The parade will weave through the center of the city, passing the central obelisk and a concert stage on Avienda 9 de Julio. Other events will start at 8pm throughout the city.

On Saturday at 12pm, the military will celebrate the occasion with the “desfilódromo” parade, marching between the obelisk and Avienda Belgrano. Over

3000 soldiers in their historical Argentine military uniforms will accompany the Argentina Air Force and the cavalry.

Along the grand Avienda 9 de Julio will be stalls and markets for people to taste Argentinian cuisine typical of Buenos Aires as well as other regions.

Each day of festivities will have a musical theme. Rock music starts things off today, Saturday will be Latin music, Sunday will be folk and tango, and Monday will have performances from the National Symphony Orchestra. The festivities culminate on Tuesday, the 25^th, with a performance by the famous Argentinean musician Fito Paez.

The key events fall on the final day, with a range of political and religious events to take place in the Casa Rosada in Plaza Mayor, in the heart of the city. While you’re in the city, check out the great Buenos Aires museums, and make sure to tango. If you’re wondering where to stay in town, we’ve got you covered with a list of Buenos Aires hotels.

Whatever you decide to do, do it in typical Argentine style: stay out late and dance!

Visitors enjoying Argentina vacations are often lured to Mendoza for its promises of delicious wines in the lazy atmosphere of the rolling Andean foothills. This Argentina capital of wine rises to the expectations of its guests and leaving Mendoza behind to continue your journey becomes more and more difficult as you adapt to the easy-going pace of this comfy city. With a lively fun population that seems to find ways to enjoy life day and night, some of the best wines in the world produced right there in the region, and the stunning backdrop of the tallest peaks in the Andes looming in the distance, it is easy to understand why.

One of Mendoza's Many Vinyards, Argentina

Mendoza is the gateway to Argentina wine country and host of the world famous Vendimia Wine Festival each March. The fertile land produces more than two-thirds of Argentinean wine, almost one billion liters a year. Whether you are a wine expert, a hobbyist or just enjoy the lovely environment of the wine industry and culture, Mendoza will not disappoint.

There are a wide range of daytime possibilities in the Mendoza Province. Bike tours are a great way to see the surrounding countryside while touring and tasting the rich wines that are produced. Looking out beyond the grape vines at the vineyards the tallest mountain in the western hemisphere will grabs your attention. Snow-capped Aconcagua stands powerfully in the distance at a remarkable height of almost 23,000 ft (6,962 m) and the trekking possibilities are enough to satisfy even the most hard-core mountaineer.

When the sun sets across the arid valley, Mendoza really comes alive with a wide array of delicious restaurant options and a hot nightlife ranging from classy to hippie. The evidence of why people don’t want to leave Mendoza is obvious. It’s the coolest city in Argentina!

Traveling to Mendoza is easy as the city is served by several flights and buses on a daily basis. Aerolineas flies several times daily to Mendoza andLan Chile offers flights to Santiago. From the airport you can take a short taxi or shuttle bus to the city center.

To travel there overland, buses are your best option and being a major hub, you’ll find there is access from almost anywhere in the country. There is also great public transportation to many of the sites in and around the region. If you are interested in hopping the Chilean border, Mendoza is a good jumping off point as many bus companies travel the seven hours to Santiago, Viña del Mar, and Valparaiso each day. International and domestic departures depart from the same main terminal on Av. Gobernador Videla and Av. Acceso Este.

Check out Argentina For Less’ range of Argentina Wine Tours for more travel ideas.

With such attention on some of South America’s most spectacular sights, we thought we’d give a Latin America For Less guide to visiting each place that is in contention for the title of South America’s most important Natural Wonder.

One of many stunning views of Iguazu Falls, on the Brazil-Argentina border

As the ratings currently stand, the mighty Iguazu Falls are in second place as the most significant natural wonder on the continent.

The falls straddle the border between Argentina and Brazil and are an enormously impressive sight. Almost 1.7 miles wide, Iguazu is actually made up of numerous sets of individual falls, the largest of which is known as the Devil’s Throat, on the border itself.

The story goes that when Eleanor Roosevelt first laid eyes on the falls, all she could exclaim was, “poor Niagra!”

Because of the falls’ location on the border between the two countries, they have become a popular destination for both Argentina and Brazil vacations.

Visiting Iguazu

One of the most popular Brazil tours that include Iguazu begins in the buzzing, iconic city of Rio de Janeiro before taking an internal flight to the Iguazu National Park.

On the Brazil side, most Iguazu hotels are concentrated between the town of Iguazu and the falls themselves. There are a good range of accommodations, including top-end choices such as the Mabus Thermas & Resort and Rafain Palace, as well as the budget-friendly Rafain Centro and Best Western Falls Galli Hotel – all of which are recommended by Brazil For Less.

Once travelers are settled in at their hotel, the entire afternoon can be spent exploring the falls. Walkways lead through the river canyon through a tropical rainforest that is rich with life. As you approach the falls, the thundering roar grows louder until you reach the waterfall system itself, hundreds of minor falls that gradually lead up to Iguazu’s centerpiece: the Devil’s Throat.

On the second day, most Iguazu tours visit the Argentine side of the falls, with an opportunity of taking a train ride right up to the Devil’s Throat falls for some breathtaking photo opportunities. There are also several walkways around the falls, each of which offers a different perspective.

Other Attractions

Once you’ve taken in the magnificence of the falls, there are plenty of other activities in the area, especially wildlife watching in the surrounding forest. The trees are alive with a huge number of bird species, and the Macuco Trail is a particularly well-known bird watching route.

Boating on the river with the falls as a spectacular backdrop is another popular activity. It’s even possible to take your “Iguazu Baptism” – a journey behind the falls themselves for a truly thrilling experience as millions of gallons of water thunders before your eyes.

Finally, not far from Iguazu is the Triple Frontier, the place where the Brazilian, Argentine and Paraguayan borders meet, which is marked by a monument from each nation to recognize their shared history.

Visitors from the US, Canada and Australia must pay a new fee before they can enjoy the streets of BA

This is a recent announcement and it remains unclear exactly when the fee will be implemented. However according to the announcement from the Argentine authorities, the fee will be officially phased in from 1 January 2010, can be paid in Argentine pesos, USD$ or credit cards.

For the time being, the fee will only be collected in Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza airport, although this is likely to change to cover all entry points in the future.

The precise amount of the fee varies according to nationality, and what Argentines are currently charged to enter each country. The authorities have already pointed out that the fee is liable to change, depending on modifications to entrance requirements by the other nations.

As it currently stands, the fees are:

Citizens of the United States: USD$131

Citizens of Australia: USD$100

Citizens of Canada: USD$70

It is important to note that this fee is not considered a visa, and citizens of these nations are still eligible to enter Argentina using their passport alone. The fee is not currently payable in your home country, and must be made upon arrival to Argentina.

Further information is available in English from the Argentine immigration department website: http://www.migraciones.gov.ar

La Noche de los Museos, Buenos Aires, Argentina

A growing phenomenon, Museum Night is celebrated around the world, with many hundreds of museums taking part and throwing open their doors for an evening of excitement, with a healthy dose of educational fun thrown in for good measure.

And Argentina is one of the leading participants, where La Noche de los Museos, sees virtually all of Buenos Aires’ museums, cultural centers and other art spaces – well over one hundred in total – taking part in this innovative event.

2009 will be the 6^th annual Museum Night, which will be held on November 14. Buenos Aires’ museums will remain open until the small hours of the morning – around 2am, and will be hosting a number of unique special events, aimed at broadening interest in art and culture to a wider and more inclusive audience.

Activities and performances include film & cinema, theatre, music, dance, art displays, talks, workshops & conferences. Participating museums are spread right across the city, in dozens of neighborhoods, as part of the effort to include as many people as possible.

Some of the many institutions taking part include the Centro Cultural Recoleta (Calle Junin 1790), a museum and gallery of local art located near the city’s famous Recoleta cemetery, the Museo de Bellas Artes (Av del Libertador), the national gallery of fine art from Argentina and beyond, and the Planetario de la Ciudad Buenos Aires (Ave Sarmiento/Figueroa Alcorta), the city’s planetarium.

The full list of participating museums is available at: http://www.lanochedelosmuseos.com.ar

The night has been so successful that many other Argentine cities have started to copy the tradition, holding their own Museum Night on the same day. However, by far the most options will be found in the capital, making it a worthwhile stop during your Argentina vacations.