Beginner's Guide to Argentina

Day 6 of Your Week Long Itinerary - Tierra del Fuego

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 16:48:15 +0000

You will end your vacation in Tierra del Fuego. You will fly directly into Ushuaia, which is the capital of Tierra del Fuego and is the southernmost city of the continent. Your visit will begin with a tour of the city along the Coastal Avenue. Spend some time sightseeing, strolling through the city, and traveling back into time by visiting the Beban House and learning the history of old town. Once you have toured the city it is time to take a journey into the forests of Tierra del Fuego National Park. Here you will explore nature, the spectacular inhabitants of the park, and the amazing vegetation that lies in the forest.

Day 7 of Your Week Long Itinerary - Tierra del Fuego

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 16:48:48 +0000

Your final day in Patagonia will be a more relaxing one. It will consist of an excursion on the “End of the World Train.” Here you will tour, by train, the portion of South America that has been nicknamed “The End of the World”, because it is the southern most region of the continent. The Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino or FAF train is the first train in Latin America to have been built for the sole intention of transporting passengers and is a work of art. On board, you will travel through the national park “Tierra de la Fuego.” At some point in your day, you can enjoy coffee from the train station’s very own coffee shop, indulge in chocolates and local cakes that are readily available, and visit the museum that contains many pictures that capture the area’s history.

Accommodations in the Patagonian Region

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 16:49:26 +0000

It’s not a country, not a continent, not a state, but a region known as Patagonia. Patagonia is a region located in the southern hemisphere, in South America. This particular area includes the southern portion of the Republic of Argentina, as well as the southern part of Chile. Patagonia is a region known for its incredible beauty and brilliance. Whether you are amazed by its magnificent glaciers, snow capped mountains, pristine lakes, beautiful beaches, or massive forests; Patagonia is a splendid area that many enjoy. The region known as Patagonia covers a land area of 787,000 km squared. Its surface area is actually about one third of the total surface of Argentina, which happens to be the eighth largest country in the world. While the area of Patagonia is quite massive, the population remains extremely small. It is considered one of the least populated areas in the world and the entire region is home to an estimated 1.74 million people. What makes the area so magnificent is the fact that the people have preserved some of their most gorgeous areas as national parks and national reserves. Patagonia includes five provinces known as Neuquen, Rio Negro, Santa Cruz, Chubut, and Tierra del Fuego. It offers endless amounts of interesting and exciting things to do and see. After an action-packed day filled with sightseeing, snow skiing, or walking on the beach, you will most likely become extremely tired and be ready to rest. This will be the point when you are glad that you have made arrangements at one of the many fabulous hotels, motels, resorts, or bed and breakfasts located in Patagonia. It has become a popular vacation spot and with so many people visiting the area throughout the year, accommodations must be available, affordable, and welcoming. Patagonia offers a variety of accommodation options which gives vacationers, from every region of the world, the opportunity to enjoy their trip with ease and comfort.

Hotels

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 16:50:46 +0000

The region of South America, known as Patagonia, stretches over one third of the land mass of both Argentina and Chile. It covers five provinces in Argentina; Rio Negro, Neuquen, Tierra del Fuego, and Santa Cruz. It is an extremely diverse region which makes visiting the area a fascinating experience. Patagonia contains varying accommodations such as; motels, hotels, bed and breakfasts, campsites, and resorts. Throughout the area you can find a variety of accommodations from higher priced resorts that offer an array of amenities to more reasonably priced hotels that are quite comfortable. This allows individuals from every walk of life, with different financial backgrounds, the opportunity to enjoy an amazing trip to South America. Patagonia has made it easy for you to select a relaxing and comfortable place to lay your head after an active day of sightseeing, horseback riding, skiing, or. Because Patagonia does cover such a large area, the accommodations will vary in type, price and amenities, depending on the exact location. Each region of Patagonia adds its unique style and individuality to everything from their food to their accommodations. The type of accommodation you select will largely depend on what type of adventures you desire to participate. You might enjoy a ski resort right on the slopes or a house close to the beach and Patagonia has them all. Becoming familiar with the different areas, what all they offer, and knowing your specific intentions ahead of time will enable you to choose the best accommodations for yourself and/or your family and friends. Listed below are some popular areas that tourists enjoy visiting, but certainly not the only vacation destinations available throughout Patagonia.
• Bariloche, Argentina
Bariloche is located in Argentina and is the perfect getaway for tourists all season long. You can enjoy mountain climbing, trekking, cycling, horseback riding, guided tours, as well as many other adventurous activities. When visiting this area you might want to stay overnight at the Dazzler Hotel, which is a two and ½ star establishment. This would be considered a lower priced hotel that offers a complimentary breakfast buffet and an on-site restaurant. Hotel Design Suites is also a charming place to spend the night. Each room offers a magnificent view of Huapi Lake. Residents are allowed access to the indoor/outdoor pool, full service spa, and on site restaurant. All of this is available for a minimum nightly rate of $105.00. If you desire a resort style hotel, you might be interested in the Nido Del Condor Resort and Spa. This is a four star establishment located only four miles away from downtown Bariloche. Each room is comes with a balcony, fireplace, jet tub, and we can’t forget the gorgeous view of Huapi Lake. An average nightly rate will run anywhere from $125.00 to $250.00 depending on the time of year and the particular room chosen.
• Pucon, Chile
Pucon is an extremely popular vacation spot among those native to Argentina and Chile. It is a beautiful city that sits on the shore of Lake Villarrica and at the base of the well known volcano Villarrica. Spending time in Pucon typically consists of many action packed days. You might find your self white water rafting, repelling, hiking, enjoying natural hot springs, visiting national forests, or simply taking time to relax on the beach of Lake Villarrica. The Gran Hotel is a four star hotel that requires a nightly payment starting at $56.00(during the off season) and extends up to $190.00(during peak months). The Gran Hotel offers its guests private parking, an on site restaurant, swimming pool, and access to the beach. For those that are interested in a complete resort, the Hotel Del Lago Resort and Casino is an excellent choice. It is a five star facility that enables its guests to capture nature’s beauty while enjoying a comfortable home away from home. The nightly rates range anywhere from $126.00 to $233.00, depending on the exact room selected and the time of year you travel. Del Lago Resort and Casino is in the perfect location with amazing views of the volcano and offers its guests a variety of bonus amenities such as golf, tennis, swimming, and mountain biking.
• San Martin de Los Andes, Argentina
This is the perfect place for ski lovers. San Martin del Los Andes is a quaint ski town that is located on the shore of Lake Lacar, just north of Bariloche, Argentina. It is peaceful, yet action packed and enjoyed by a variety of individuals that love breathtaking views coupled with fun outdoor activities. While San Martin is well known for its ski slopes, it also contains pristine lakes, flowing rivers, and beautiful national forests. This makes it an enjoyable place to visit every month of the year. Le Village is a two star facility that offers its guests hotel style accommodations as well as cabins that are perfect for large families or groups. There are five, fully equipped, cabins available that can sleep six people comfortably. The exact rates will vary depending on the time of the year and the room selected. If you are interested in a “vacation to remember”, you might consider staying at the Paihuen Resort. Here you will enjoy the brilliance and beauty of the city while being treated like royalty. Paihuen is a five star resort that is spread across eight and ½ acres in the heart of Lanin National Park. It features thirty three spectacular cabins and offers its guest a unique variety of activities in which they can participate in as much or as little as they wish. Paihuen focuses on quality and they are a known by many as a top notch facility. A night’s stay at Paihuen will vary depending on the season.

A Little Bit About Patagonia

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 16:51:59 +0000

Patagonia or the land known as “big foot” is an amazing place to live and visit. If you enjoy being outdoors then you will especially love the Patagonian region in South America. There are a variety of national forests located throughout the region that allows visitors to experience the land’s natural beauty. It is the ultimate vacation spot that offers a variety of exciting activities. Whether you enjoy rafting, sailing, mountain climbing, golf, fishing, or boating, you will certainly find an activity that appeals to you. Of course, you can not forget that between the months of June and September, many areas present excellent conditions for snow skiing. Bariloche is a popular city for those that are devoted to winter sports. The swift rivers are ideal for canoeing and rafting and scuba diving is popular in areas such as Puerto Madryn and Puerto Piramides. Each area of Patagonia offers some type of outdoor activity to meet each and every desire. There are also many tourist centers that allow travelers to take in nature and its beauty with ease. After you have experienced outdoor activities, you might want to try your luck at gambling. Casinos can be found in a variety of areas throughout the region. Patagonia is also rich with history. Names such as Ferdinand Magellan and Charles Darwin resound throughout the region and many tourists find it interesting to go back into time and learn how the early settlers of Patagonia lived.

What Tourists Need to Know When Traveling to Patagonia

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 16:53:45 +0000

Remember the summer months in Patagonia are December to February (warm weather) and the winter months are from June to August (cool weather), which are opposite to the seasons in the United States. Patagonia is a massive region and it is known to have extremely diverse climates (especially between the northern portion and the southern portion) and sudden changes in weather. Being familiar with Patagonia’s weather will help a great deal when packing clothes and shoes for your trip. Also, you can not forget about the strong winds that are common in this area of South America. A characteristic of the climate is the wind which can extend up to 80 miles per hour and greater, generally in the Central and Atlantic areas. A wind breaker or some time of light jacket would be extremely beneficial, no matter what time of year you are visiting the area. There are many other things that those traveling to Patagonia should know, such as the official language spoken is Spanish, Patagonia typically has a two hour time difference between the United States (depends on the exact area and the time of year), the peso is the major form of currency accepted, and distances are expressed in metric units. If you are uncertain about anything or have other questions about Patagonia, be sure to do some additional research, visit with your travel agent, or ask someone familiar with the area.

Vacations in Patagonia

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 16:54:14 +0000

The region known as Patagonia covers a land area of 787,000 km squared. Its surface area is actually about one third of the total surface of Argentina, which happens to be the eighth largest country in the world. Patagonia includes five provinces known as Neuquen, Rio Negro, Santa Cruz, Chubut, and Tierra del Fuego Patagonia is quite massive and is know, by many, as the land of extremes as far as weather and terrain are concerned. These extremes make it a fascinating place to live as well as visit. The entire region is a popular vacation site for many individuals across the globe. Patagonia is considered one of the least populated areas in the world, but it is home to an estimated 1.74 million people. Patagonia has it all. Of course to see and do it all, you need several days or even a few weeks. One way to begin your vacation is to select a few areas of Patagonia that look interesting to you. Once you have decided what parts of the region you would like to visit, you can then spend a few days at each site. Listed below is a sample itinerary for a three day vacation. This would be a great idea for one of the many stops you may have during your extended vacation. This itinerary combines different excursions such as sightseeing, with action packed adventures. Again, this is only a sample and it can be altered to fit you and your traveling group’s individual needs and desires.

Adventurous Itinerary - Tierra del Fuego

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 16:54:46 +0000

If you desire a vacation filled with amazing scenery, fun activities, and memorable excursions, this is the place for you. Ushuaia is located in the very most southern portion of Patagonia. There are many things to do and see in Ushuaia and this particular itinerary has summed up the action into a fun filled three day vacation. You will fly into Tierra del Fuego, which is the capital of Ushuaia. Once you arrive in Ushuaia, you can get ready for an experience of a lifetime.

• Day 1
You will just be arriving in the area, so take this time to observe your surroundings and examine the land known as Patagonia. The first day you will visit Victoria Island which happens to be one of the main attractions in the Nahuel Huapi National Park. You will travel by catamaran from the shore of Llao Llao Peninsula and travel toward Victoria Island. Throughout the journey, you will enjoy the blue waters of Nahuel Huapi, the vibrant colors of the surrounding vegetation, and the remarkable wildlife living in the region. The island encompasses a large area and contains a variety of activities in which tourists are able to participate. Once you reach the island you are free to explore three of the five areas, learn the history of the island, or simply rest and relax. You might even enjoy taking a sailboat cruise to one of the many beautiful beaches in Tierra del Fuego.
• Day 2
Today you will visit Arroyo de la Virgin. Here you will have the opportunity to try something new and different, an activity called canoying. Canoying is an adventurous tour that involves hiking, climbing, swimming, canyons, and rapids. Here you will climb to the top of a 45 m high cascade. Once you reach the top you gradually descend back to the bottom. The descent will involve jumping, sliding, rappelling, rock climbing, and even swimming in gorgeous pools along the way. There is special equipment needed, but don’t worry you can rent all of the necessary pieces from your tour operator. Be prepared for excitement as well as a few surprises, but know you will be surrounded by magnificent scenery and will constantly be amazed by nature’s beauty.

• Day 3
Your final day in Tierra del Fuego will be a more relaxing one. It will consist of an excursion on the “End of the World Train.” Here you will tour, by train, the portion of South American that has been nicknamed “The End of the World”, because it is the southern most region of the continent. The Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino or FAF train is the first train in Latin America to have been built for the sole intention of transporting passengers and it is an absolute masterpiece. On board, you will travel through the national park “Tierra de la Fuego.” During your day, you can enjoy coffee from the train station’s very own coffee shop, indulge in chocolates and local cakes that are readily available, and visit the museum that contains many pictures that capture the area’s history. If you love the outdoors, you might even like to camp out for a night in the national park. Tents and other camping equipment can be rented, if needed.

Traveling To Patagonia

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 16:55:38 +0000

Patagonia or the land known as “big foot” is an amazing place to live and visit. If you enjoy being outdoors then you will especially love the Patagonian region located in South America. There are a variety of national forests located throughout the region that allow visitors to experience the land’s natural beauty. It is the ultimate vacation spot that combines a significant amount of history with a variety of outdoor activities. Many feel the best time to travel to Patagonia is between October and April, but that certainly does not mean that you can’t have a fantastic time during other months of the year. There are many tourist centers located throughout the area that give travelers the opportunity to participate in tours run by knowledgeable staff. This allows them the chance to capture nature and enjoy its beauty with ease. As mentioned before, Patagonia is rich with history. Names such as Ferdinand Magellan and Charles Darwin resound throughout the region and many tourists find it interesting to go back into time and learn how the early settlers of Patagonia lived. But the fun doesn’t stop here. After you have experienced outdoor activities, you might want to try your luck at gambling. Casinos can be found in a variety of areas throughout the region.

• Currency
The currency used in Patagonia is pesos. It is extremely important when traveling internationally that you remember the exchange rate. These rates are typically fixed values but they can change over a period of time. It is good idea to become aware of the monetary value of your dollar as compared to the South American currency. For example, an estimated exchange rate is about $730 pesos per one U.S. dollar.

• Weather
It is extremely important to remember the weather when traveling throughout the region of Patagonia. You should especially keep the strong winds in mind. It is very common for Patagonia to experience swift winds blowing at high speeds. The weather is quite diverse and can drastically change even within one day. Of course, the weather will vary a great deal from region to region and will largely depend on the particular area in which you are visiting. Be sure to pack items that can be worn in layers in case you need to add to or take away from your attire throughout your vacation.

Activities in Patagonia

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 16:57:02 +0000

• Outdoor Activities
Patagonia is rich in natural beauty which creates an exciting place for the “outdoor lovers” to visit. From climbing snow capped mountains to snorkeling in the ocean, Patagonia has it all. Patagonia offers a great deal of diversity in and scenery and terrain. While the region of Patagonia covers one third of the land mass of both Argentina and Chile and is quite massive, the population remains extremely small. The Patagonian region has preserved some of their most gorgeous areas as national parks and national reserves. Whether you enjoy rafting, sailing, mountain climbing, golf, fishing, or boating, you will certainly find an activity that appeals to you. Of course, you can not forget that between the months of June and September, many areas present excellent conditions for snow skiing. Bariloche is a popular city for those that are devoted to winter sports. Swift rivers are ideal for canoeing and rafting and scuba diving is popular in areas such as Puerto Madryn and Puerto Piramides. Each area of Patagonia offers some type of outdoor activity to meet each and every individual’s desires and because the area is so large, you will never run out of things to do or places to visit.
• Monumento Natural Los Pinguinos
Monumento Natural Los Pinguinos, which means The Penguins Natural Monument, is located in the southern portion of Chile on Magdalena Island and its neighboring islet Marta. During the months of October and March, you can expect large colonies of Magellanic penguins to return to this particular location. At this time, the penguins lay their eggs and raise their young. These two islands combined are a habitat for one of the largest concentrations of Magellanic Penguins in Chile. Not only can you study this amazing colony of penguins, but you can also view many other unique birds as well as sea lions that live on the island. This reserve allows tourists to journey along the island while observing the behaviors and magnificence of these spectacular creatures at a close range.
• Snow Skiing
During the winter months, which happen to be summertime in the United States, Patagonia becomes the ultimate vacation destination for those that enjoy snow, skiing, and the gorgeous mountains. Whether you are a beginner learning to ski, or you are a master at the sport, there are a variety of skiing centers to meet each and every need. Most of the ski tracks at San Martin de Los Andes run through a gorgeous forest. Here you can ski into a different world filled with magnificence and natural beauty. This center offers thirty ski runs and the availability of several recognized ski instructors. Caviahue and Villa la Angostura are both exceptional ski centers that are fully equipped with everything you need to enjoy your skiing adventure. Another distinguished ski complex is located in Bariloche. It has over seventy ski runs, thirty ski lifts, on site restaurants, and top notch accommodations. Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world and contains a skiing complex as well as five other winter sports centers. This is a great vacation destination for tourists that might want to try their hand at a variety of winter activities. Remember, these are only a few examples of ski centers located in Patagonia and there are several others from which you are able to select the perfect ski resort for you and your family.

Restaurants

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 16:57:48 +0000

The region of South America, known as Patagonia, stretches over one third of the land mass of both Argentina and Chile. It covers five provinces in Argentina; Rio Negro, Neuquen, Tierra del Fuego, and Santa Cruz. It is difficult to imagine just how massive this region actually is. It is an extremely diverse region which makes visiting the area a fascinating experience. Throughout this area you can find a variety of restaurants offering an array of appetizing cuisine in many different price ranges. This allows individuals from every walk of life the opportunity to enjoy the deliciously prepared food of South America. The type of food available will largely depend on the specific area of Patagonia that you are visiting. For instance, the area known as Ushuaia will offer basic items in addition to more unique dishes that are specific to the area. You might be able to order exquisite seafood items such as centolla fueguina (Fueguian crab) which is a crustacean with a large shell. Or you might want to try abadejo, which is a type of codfish found in southern waters, a grilled fish known as besugo, or a famous plate of Patagonian lamb. San Martin De Los Andes is known for its delicious barbeques, age old recipes for homemade pastas (that have been handed down from generation to generation), wild boar, home grown vegetable salads, and trout. Of course we can’t forget about dessert and this particular area of Patagonia is notorious for a scrumptious after dinner treat. Restaurants in Calafate vary a great deal, from simple dishes to more sophisticated ones. It is common for tourists visiting Calafate to order Patagonian Lamb, trout, and salmon. You will also find a variety of restaurants that serve pastas and pizzas for those of you that enjoy Italian inspired meals. Dessert lovers will be glad to know that restaurants in this area of Patagonia are known for their delicious homemade cakes, jams, and breads.

Argentina: The People and Culture

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 15:53:26 +0000

Argentina: Overview and History

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 15:55:49 +0000

Argentina: Activities and Attractions

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 15:58:19 +0000

Buenos Aires - Week Long Itinerary

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 16:03:13 +0000

Beginner's Guide to Argentina

Day 6 of Your Week Long Itinerary - Tierra del Fuego

Day 7 of Your Week Long Itinerary - Tierra del Fuego

Accommodations in the Patagonian Region

Hotels

A Little Bit About Patagonia

What Tourists Need to Know When Traveling to Patagonia

Vacations in Patagonia

Adventurous Itinerary - Tierra del Fuego

Traveling To Patagonia

Activities in Patagonia

Restaurants

Argentina: The People and Culture

Argentina: The People and Culture Overview

The People of Argentina

The Culture of Argentina

Literature of Argentina

Argentina: Overview and History

Argentina: Overview and History

Geography of Argentina

Climate of Argentina

History of Argentina

Argentina: Activities and Attractions

Argentina: Activities and Attractions Overview

Attractions in Argentina

Activities in Argentina

Final Thoughts

Buenos Aires - Week Long Itinerary

Buenos Aires - Week Long Itinerary Overview

Day One

Day Two

Day Three