Explore Argentina

Explore Argentinahttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/argentinaExplore Argentinahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/argentina/4-reasons-to-discover-entre-rios-argentinaConcordia, in Argentina’s Entre Ríos region, is blessed with hot springs, wildlife, and interesting local history. Nomad Heather shares what to see and do here, and why it’s worth a visit.2022-02-28T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/argentina/4-reasons-to-discover-entre-rios-argentinahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Concordia is full of surprises. Before visiting, all I knew about the city was its hot springs and a connection to the children’s book <em>The Little Prince</em>. I discovered that the area is great for spotting wildlife, has lots of local history, and offers lovely beaches on the giant Salto Grande reservoir.</p> <p>Officially named San Antonio de Padua de la Concordia, the city is easily accessible from Buenos Aires (which is 267mi/430km to the south) by car or bus and is in the region of <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/guide-to-the-northeast">Entre Ríos</a> (meaning <span>“</span>between rivers<span>”</span>), sandwiched between the Paraná and Uruguay Rivers.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#hot-springs">Hot springs for all</a></li> <li><a href="#beaches">Beaches and wildlife in Entre Rios</a></li> <li><a href="#dam">Nature and engineering at Salto Grande dam </a></li> <li><a href="#little-prince"><em>The Little Prince</em>’s Argentine inspiration</a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip notes</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="hot-springs">Hot springs for all</h2> <p>Three hot springs in Concordia caught my attention: Termas Concordia, Termas del Ayuí, and Termas de Punta Viracho, all about half an hour north of town, in a forested area on the banks of Salto Grande.</p> <p>It was a warm day when I went to Termas Concordia, but the thermal waters still felt lovely. There are seven open air pools in varying temperatures, plus two covered pools. I visited the massage spa and the small restaurant, which had weak coffee but good food. There are dozens of cabins to rent, hidden discreetly in the forest a few minutes’ walk from the pools; perfect if you want to retreat from the world.</p> <p>Termas y Parque Acuático del Ayuí is much livelier. The name Ayuí is an indigenous Guaraní word, which means “flowing water”. There is a water park with three main pools – one with a giant water slide – and a lazy river. The day I went it was bustling with happy families. In the nearby forest, there is a great high ropes course in the trees. Enthusiastic kids whizzed along zip lines and concentrated intently on the Z-shaped balance beam. This is the place for a big group, where you can find something for everyone.</p> <p>The hot springs at Punta Viracho are the smallest and the most peaceful. There are two pools here, and spectacular views across Salto Grande to Uruguay. This is the place for a relaxing soak as you watch boats on the lake and birds soaring above the water.</p> <h2 id="beaches">Beaches and wildlife in Entre Rios</h2> <p>Salto Grande also has beaches with lifeguards, where you can play in the water or lounge on the sand. Punta Soler, near Punta Viracho, has the most developed beach and a wonderful outdoor bar run by Juan Martín, who everybody calls Coco. This is also a great place for fishing and it<span>’</span>s famous for sportfishing the freshwater golden dorado.</p> <p>If you’re into birdwatching, in the nearby forests I saw wild parrots, hawks, egrets and other water birds. As a bonus, the park that you drive through on your way to Punta Viracho is often home to grazing capybara, the native South American giant rodent.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/argentina/entre-rios/capybara.jpg" alt="Capybara (giant South American rodents) graze in a park in the Entre Rios region of Argentina." /> <figcaption>Capybara grazing along the road to Punta Viracho. Image credit: Heather Jasper</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="dam">Nature and engineering at Salto Grande dam</h2> <p>The Salto Grande dam has an interesting history and progressive environmental protection programs. It began in 1890, with an imaginative entrepreneur named Gregorio Soler, who saw the set of rapids churning the river and thought that they could be used to create electricity. It took almost a hundred years and a lot of international diplomacy for the dam to become fully operational in 1983.</p> <p>The power is split 50-50 between Argentina and Uruguay and the dam has so far saved the two nations from burning more than 30 million tons of oil. However, there are also environmental concerns about the dam’s impact on wildlife, especially native fish populations.</p> <p>The tour of the dam starts in a giant native species garden and ends with a bus trip across the top of the dam to Uruguay and back. The garden is part of the dam’s mission to restore native trees and plants and bring back <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/best-destinations-for-wildlife-encounters">native birds and other wildlife</a>.</p> <h2 id="little-prince"><em>The Little Prince</em>’s Argentine inspiration</h2> <p>Any fan of The Little Prince must visit the Castillo de San Carlos in Concordia. The author Antoine de St. Exupéry was an aviator and in his quest for postal service air routes in Argentina, he landed near the castle. Upon landing, his wheel strut broke. He was surveying the damage when two girls on horseback appeared and laughed at him, rather than offering to help, which for me is clearly his inspiration for how the Little Prince meets the aviator in the book.</p> <p>Walking around the castle, you’ll notice the Silk Floss trees, with their barrel-like swollen trunks. They look much more like the baobab trees in St. Exupéry’s book than any baobab trees in Africa.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/argentina/entre-rios/silk-floss-tree-castillo-san-carlos.jpg" alt="Silk Floss trees with bulging trunks on the grounds of Castillo de San Carlos, Concordia, Argentina" /> <figcaption>Silk Floss trees on the grounds of Castillo de San Carlos. Image credit: Heather Jasper</figcaption></figure> <p>Besides Antoine de St. Exupéry, Entre Ríos has another fortuitous French connection. In 1872, Augustin Niez emigrated from southern France and worked first in viticulture, growing grapes for <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/argentinas-love-for-wine-and-beer">wine</a>. By 1889 he had also started to grow oranges, which has become one of the main industries in Entre Ríos. Always ask for freshly squeezed orange juice, <em>un exprimido</em>, with your breakfast in Concordia.</p> <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip notes</h2> <h3>Currency in Argentina</h3> <p>Argentina’s currency is volatile, and you should always check the exchange rate when planning your trip. Be aware that there are two different exchange rates in Argentina: the bank rate and the cash rate. In January 2022, if I withdrew Argentine pesos from an ATM or used my credit card, I got about 100 pesos per US dollar. Many touristy places accepted cash USD at the rate of 200 pesos per dollar. I also exchanged USD for pesos in Buenos Aires on Calle Florida for 213 pesos per dollar. This is technically illegal, but very common and quite safe. The official bank rate is what you’ll see on any official exchange website. To know what the cash rate is, search for “Argentina dólar blue” and you’ll get the street rate for USD.</p> <h3>Getting around</h3> <p>I didn’t feel that I needed to rent a car to get around. The bus from Buenos Aires to Concordia costs between 5,000-3,500 pesos, depending on if you want the downstairs super-plush seats or the upstairs seats. Hitchhiking is relatively common, and I found that people frequently offered me rides. The Concordia city bus took me to all three of the hot springs I visited and goes to the most popular beaches.</p> <h3>When to go</h3> <p>One of the best things about the hot springs is that they are great any time of year. During austral summer, the days are long and warm, which is better for spotting wildlife. However, the warmth of the natural thermal waters can be more appealing during the shorter days in May, June, and July. The coldest month is July, though it rarely gets below 60°F (15°C).</p>Heather Jasper 0 People relax at Punta Viracho hot spring on the banks of Salto Grande, Entre Rios, Argentina.

“I Don’t Care” | Argentina Travel Storyhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/transformation/i-dont-care“I Don’t Care” | Argentina Travel StoryWed, 07 Aug 2019 00:21:41 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/transformation/i-dont-careGot Mate? | Argentina Travel Storyhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/connection/got-mateGot Mate? | Argentina Travel StoryFri, 28 Sep 2018 20:55:49 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/connection/got-matehttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/argentina/guide-to-mendozaNomad Claudia shares her favorite experiences from her maiden visit to Argentina's wine capital. 2018-09-20T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/argentina/guide-to-mendozahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Everyone wants to leave with a local’s perspective, but sometimes it’s good to just admit you’re a newcomer and enjoy the experience of visiting a city for the first time. Here's how I learned to love Mendoza.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#tour">City walking tour</a></li> <li><a href="#gastronomy">Sampling Mendoza’s gastronomic delights</a></li> <li><a href="#biking">Biking in Maipú</a></li> <li><a href="#rafting">Rafting the Mendoza River</a></li> <li><a href="#horseback">Sunset horseback ride</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="tour">City walking tour</h2> <p>Walking tours are a (frequently free) way to get familiar with the streets and learn a little about the history and culture of the city I’m visiting – and sometimes they’re a great way to meet other travelers, too. I joined the Tours for Tips walking tour of Mendoza’s five plazas, each designed to reflect the culture or characteristics of its namesake – Plaza España was my favorite. At each stop, our guide Marcelo would share bits of history and culture, from an explanation of Argentina’s 2001 economic crisis, to how to say “I was drunk in the street” in <em>lunfardo</em>, or Pig Latin-esque Argentine slang. (<em>“Era cho-borra en la lle-ca,”</em> if you’re curious.) The walks in between left plenty of room for socializing, extending well into the evening.</p> <br /> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/argentina/mendoza-plaza.jpg" /> <figcaption>Plaza Espa<span>ñ</span>a. Photo credit: Getty Images/A. Garozzo</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="gastronomy">Sampling Mendoza’s gastronomic delights</h2> <p>Mendoza presented plenty of opportunity for one of my favorite things to do in any city – eat! Upscale pastas and regional wine with a college friend at Marie Antonieta’s, rustic tavern fare and <em>pingüinos</em> with fellow backpackers at El Palenque, and a solo date night with a book and some fantastic <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/food-and-drink">Argentine beef</a> at Anna Bistro topped my list of experiences.</p> <br /> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/argentina/mendoza-bottle-horizontal.jpg" /> <figcaption>Claudia and friend in Mendoza. Photo credit: Claudia Crook</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="biking">Biking in Maipú</h2> <p>The leafy sycamores and poplars that line Maipú’s streets shade grapes in transit from the heat of the desert sun, but they also provide stunning scenery for a DIY <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/cycling-travel-insurance">bike tour</a> of the region’s wineries. I grabbed a buddy and a bike ($6 US or $150 AR for the afternoon from Mr. Hugo’s Bikes, with good conversation and fresh glass of pomelo juice included upon return) and set to vineyard-hopping in the beautiful autumn weather. The high density of both well-established and boutique wineries make this a popular route for wine lovers.</p> <br /> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/argentina/mendoza-biking.jpg" /> <figcaption>Biking in Maipú. Photo credit: Claudia Crook</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="rafting">Rafting the Mendoza River</h2> <p>The figurative shadow cast by Mendoza’s wine culture makes it easy to forget the city lies in the literal shadow of another of Argentina’s biggest claims to fame: the Andes Mountains. Having admired them from a distance, it was refreshing to actually be out <em>in</em> them, for the change of pace as well as the bracingly cold water of the Mendoza River (just 48-50°F / 9-10°C in mid-May). Our guide, Gustavo, deftly directed our team of <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/kayaking-or-rafting">intrepid rafters</a> through 7.5mi (12km) of Class II-III rapids (with only one man overboard). Racing our companion rafters was a fun and exciting way to experience the mountains’ natural beauty.</p> <br /> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/argentina/mendoza-rafting.jpg" /> <figcaption>Rafting the Mendoza River. Photo credit: Claudia Crook</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="horseback">Sunset horseback ride</h2> <p>I’m usually a budget backpacker, so semi-private and tourist-centric activities are rarely on my itineraries, but this one was a highlight. Mendoza slowly lit up beneath us as we wound our way through the hilly chaparral of Lujan de Cuyo (my trusty steed, Fernando, was slow and steady, but his meditative gait let my imagination run wild, picturing the two of us protecting the rest of our contingent from lurking banditos!). The eternal bond of Malbec and chorizo broke down language barriers and presented an opportunity to really get to know the other travelers at the post-ride <em>asado</em>. We’d been silent and solitary on <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/horse-riding">horseback</a>, but we were laughing like old friends as our guide drove us home.</p>Getty Images/xeni4ka 0

His Name Is Rafa | Argentina Travel Storyhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/fear/his-name-is-rafa His Name Is Rafa | Argentina Travel StoryThu, 09 Aug 2018 17:53:37 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/fear/his-name-is-rafahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/argentina/the-gaucho-cultureDiscover the unique culture of the Gauchos with World Nomads' Gloria Atanmo as she travels to Salta and Patagonia to meet the cowboys of Argentina, and learn about their proud traditions. 2018-06-28T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/argentina/the-gaucho-culturehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Deeply rooted in Argentina’s history, the Gaucho culture is still very much alive. Join Gloria as she saddles up and rides with the skilled local horsemen on a trip through the countryside, participates in traditional Argentine dances, and samples the nation’s diet staple, beef, in a traditional Gaucho feast.</p> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Full transcript of the video</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner">Gaucho: It was raining hard at the Mojon farm. Everybody looked like they were worshiping the bonfire and out of the blue an old man said I’m going to tell you a story, now that the water and wind have brought back old memories. I will reveal things nobody knew about me while I try to hold myself back from bursting into tears. If God, who gave patience to my heart, comes at this time, he will help the soul of this old man to find relief at the end of his life as he waits on the final line. <br /> <br /> Gloria Atanmo: Gaucho's are very protective people they look after the land, they look after their family, they look after cattle. Their culture and their tradition and their day-to-day life is very much accurate and it's not a show for tourists. It was just great getting to as to why Gaucho lifestyle is incredible, why the north of Argentina is so unique. <br /> <br /> So Agustin is a man who lives in the Estancia that we were at. He is from a family of Gaucho after Gaucho after Gaucho so much history in the house that he lives in. His entire lifestyle was basically built around the Gaucho life and he's gone abroad, he's traveled, he's worked in the city, but the land called him back. <br /> <br /> So this place is beautiful! Can you tell me how old this house is? <br /> <br /> Agustin: My ancestor build it in 1760. I am the ninth generation, my children's tenth. <br /> <br /> Gloria Atanmo: The horses! So much fun! That has definitely been the highlight of this trip. They gave me a poncho, they gave me a hat. The ponchos are so cute, girl! I would rock that everyday. So we're going for a joy ride. These horses are so well mannered, so well trained, so you can have one hand free and then the other hand, this is like your joystick to steer. All those years of playing Mario Kart, knew it would pay off. <br /> <br /> Being in the Gaucho culture, and amongst this gorgeous, mountainous area, everything was just incredible. I was like, "Okay I am basically a Gaucho now, a Gaucha." So I was really excited about it. <br /> <br /> What makes you the most proud to be a Gaucho? <br /> <br /> Agustin: The love for the land. It's the first, because it's the very freedom style. The community for the Gauchos is very nice, drink mate, eat asado, dance and the new generation like. You can see many small children help their fathers with the animals, I don't know, that is a great life. <br /> <br /> Gloria Atanmo: Asado! I don't know how anyone is in shape here. All they eat is meat. When you're in Argentina, get rid of your vegetarianism, your veganism, your pescatarianism, you gotta eat the meat because it is so good! And asado is very much social, you know it's about putting meat on the grill, throwing back a couple beers, talking to family, friends, catching up, and yeah it's cooked with love. You can taste the love inside that meat. It's just so fresh and pure and yeah it's amazing. Oh, still feeling it. <br /> <br /> It was such a pleasant surprise to get the little performance from the kiddos. And they were shimmying their shoulders and the men were very machismo and then they grabbed my hand and we got in a circle and we were doing things that they would do at weddings. Yeah, that was a great experience to have. <br /> <br /> I would've never even imagined that that lifestyle existed. Or that culture or that area or region was a thing. So I think it's so important for travelers, tourists who come here that are looking for like, authentic experiences, to really look at work in estancias and the north region of Argentina and yeah, I 100% recommend it.  <br /> <br /> The estancia in Patagonia was drop dead gorgeous. The fields, and the valleys and the lake in the back, it just looked so scenic and picturesque. Gauchos in the south are much more laid back. They have preserved their tradition, but their fashion and their style is different. They don't have as much sun as they get in the north, obviously it's colder in the south and in Patagonia, so they have this very round, French-looking hat, they don't really wear the collars but they have like the long sleeve working shirts and the pants are different. The shoes are almost like those flats, I think I wore them in high school. But yeah, it's just completely different. <br /> <br /> Gloria Atanmo: Hola Santiago! <br /> <br /> Santiago: Hello, hello Gloria. Welcome to Nibepo Aike. <br /> <br />Gloria Atanmo: Thank you! <br /> <br /> Gloria Atanmo: Santiago is amazing and getting to meet a Gaucho from the south and the Patagonia region, was really cool. <br /> <br /> Santiago: Oh here in the family, all days are different because we have many activities during all the year. We have to go out in the farm and have a look how are the cows and the sheep, and the fences are okay? We have different outposts around and we have to go and visit our Gauchos all around the farm. <br /> <br /> Gloria Atanmo: What would you say is the best and worst part about your job, working and managing? <br /> <br /> Santiago: The worst part? I don't know, maybe the weather? Sometimes rainy or windy. And the best thing is being outside and all the time you are discovering new things, it's great, it's really nice. <br /> <br /> Gloria Atanmo: The sheep shearing for some reason, it was very confrontational for me. They start rounding up the sheep, and the sheep are going in circles, I'm like "Oh my God this is so cute!" So I take out my phone and then all of the suddenly [he] grabs one around the neck and then it's just like choking it more and then obviously the sheep was like getting a little restless and then I see it wrangle it and then they take it to the back. It was just the way he tugged at it and just choking it's neck. These are animals but they have feelings and they can feel pain as well. I had a moment where I actually I'm like "Why am I crying?" You don't even realize what your body is going through but you just, your emotion, your heart is just tugged so strongly. <br /> <br /> Santiago: Maybe it's hard to see this kind of activity but it's like how we used to live. <br /> <br /> Gloria Atanmo: I'm glad that that happened and I'm glad that I saw it because it definitely, was a reality check for me. I travel because I am so curious about cultures around the world and I am genuinely interested in people. At surface level we just all want to be loved and sheltered and have food on the table. And we can connect on that level, like "Oh you know, I just need to eat, "you need to eat. You have a faith, "let me see how you practice your religion. "let me see how you spend time with family." There is no right or wrong and I think, growing up in the States I was taught like, "Okay this is the way we do things. "This is the right way, this is the only way." And then you go to other countries, you're like, "Oh they do it differently." And that's the word, it's different but it's not wrong. And once we get over that mentality that the way that we learned it growing up whatever in our first-world countries wherever, that's not the only or the right way and so traveling to other countries and seeing how they do things, that's why I love traveling.</div> </div> </div>World Nomads 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/argentina/magical-patagoniaWatch World Nomads’ Gloria Atanmo as she travels to the wilderness of Patagonia, at the southern tip of Argentina.2018-06-28T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/argentina/magical-patagoniahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>The region of Patagonia is shared by Argentina and Chile and is well-known for its glaciers, mountains and treacherous hikes. Watch as Gloria and the crew pick up some Spanish hitchhikers, trek across one of Argentina’s most picturesque glaciers, and travel to Punta Tombo to learn about a special local penguin colony.</p>World Nomads 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/argentina/argentinas-love-for-wine-and-beerTravel to Salta and El Chalten with World Nomads’ Gloria Atanmo as she goes behind the scenes and discovers the magic of Argentina’s vineyards and breweries. 2018-06-28T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/argentina/argentinas-love-for-wine-and-beerhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Famous for its wine, Argentina also has a growing craft beer scene that’s adding more choice for the traveling foodie. And while Gloria is admittedly better at drinking the beverages than making them, she tries her hand <g class="gr_ gr_12 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="12" data-gr-id="12">at tending</g> to north Argentinian grapes, known for their distinct flavor thanks to the sunny climate and high altitude.</p>World Nomads 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/argentina/our-pick-of-argentina-s-top-10-experiencesArgentina is tango, the Fitz Roy trek, and thundering Iguazu Falls – but it’s also penguins, Welsh villages, and volcanic deserts. 2018-06-12T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/argentina/our-pick-of-argentina-s-top-10-experienceshttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>1. Hang out with penguins on the Patagonian Coast</h2> <p><a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/guide-to-coastal-patagonia">Punta Tombo</a> is home to one of the largest colonies of Magellanic penguins in South America. During nesting season (September-March) the beach is a-waddle with some 500,000 birds. Keep your eyes open for the other black and white residents of the area – killer whales.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/coast/coastal-patagonia-penguins-2.jpg" /><figcaption>Penguins, Punta Tombo. Photo credit: Sean O'Reilly</figcaption></figure> <h2>2. Indulge in a traditional Argentine barbecue</h2> <p>A trip to Argentina isn’t complete without experiencing the national dish: <em><a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/food-and-drink"><g class="gr_ gr_78 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="78" data-gr-id="78">asado</g></a></em>. The cut of meat determines the price – the region determines whether it’s beef, lamb, pork, or even venison, llama, or goat being grilled up. If you’re a vegetarian, don’t fear – the side dishes are meals all by themselves.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/top-ten/top-10-asado.jpg" /><figcaption>Asado being prepared. Photo credit: iStock/<g class="gr_ gr_86 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="86" data-gr-id="86">Graffisimo</g></figcaption></figure> <h2>3. Keep it surreal in Salta and Mendoza</h2> <p>From the blindingly white flats of the <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/best-road-trips">Salinas <g class="gr_ gr_93 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="93" data-gr-id="93">Grandes</g></a><g class="gr_ gr_93 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="93" data-gr-id="93">,</g> to the strangely shaped, polychromatic rock formations of the <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/exploring-the-northwest"><g class="gr_ gr_87 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="87" data-gr-id="87">Quebradas</g> de Humahuaca</a>, to the lunar expanse of <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/off-the-beaten-track-adventures">La Payunia</a>’s black, volcanic desert, it’s easy to feel you’re on another planet.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/el-norte/northwest-serranias-de-hornocal.jpg" /><figcaption>Quebrada de Humahuaca. Photo credit: iStock/<g class="gr_ gr_88 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="88" data-gr-id="88">daboost</g></figcaption></figure> <h2>4. Get a taste of history at a<em> bodegon</em></h2> <p>Buenos Aires offers all kinds of <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/food-and-drink">modern, gourmet, and international </a>dining, but for a true local’s experience, seek out the <em><g class="gr_ gr_89 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="89" data-gr-id="89">bodegones</g></em>. These are traditional, family-style restaurants that have often been in the same location for decades – places with hand-painted detailing on the windows, old newspaper clippings on the walls, and ceilings hung with legs of ham and quirky chandeliers.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/top-ten/bogedon-2.jpg" /><figcaption>A <g class="gr_ gr_80 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="80" data-gr-id="80">bodegon</g> in Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires. Photo credit: Ellen Hall</figcaption></figure> <h2>5. Hike to a glacial lake</h2> <p>Argentine Patagonia is studded with pristine alpine lakes of every shade, from jade green to icy blue to deep sapphire. Trek to iconic <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/making-the-most-of-southwest-patagonia">Laguna de <g class="gr_ gr_79 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="79" data-gr-id="79">los</g> Tres</a>, with its magnificent views of Mont Fitz Roy, or choose one of the lesser-known trails and discover your own private lagoon.</p> <h2>6. Ski at the world’s southernmost resort</h2> <p><a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/skiing-and-snowboarding">Cerro Castor,</a> in Tierra del Fuego National Park, doesn’t have the fame of Las Leñas or Cerro Catedral – and that’s part of its appeal. With fantastic powder and few crowds, this gem of a resort is worth the journey to (almost) the ends of the earth.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/winter-sports/skiing-tierra-del-fuego.jpg" /><figcaption>Cerro Castor. Photo credit: iStock/Dmitry Saparov</figcaption></figure> <h2>7. Sip Malbec at the world’s highest vineyards</h2> <p>Argentina’s <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/mendoza-and-beyond">Mendoza</a> region is famous for award-winning wineries surrounded by snowy Andean peaks. But if you want to sample wine grown at the highest elevation in the world, head to the <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/best-road-trips">Calchaqui Valley</a> in the Northwest, where you’ll find vineyards at a dizzying 9,842ft (3,000m).</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/road-trips/road-trip-vineyards-cafayate.jpg" /><figcaption>Vineyard near Cafayate. Photo credit: iStock/xeni4ka</figcaption></figure> <h2>8. Discover a slice of Europe</h2> <p>Argentina is a country of immigrants, and there are traces of international influence everywhere. When you’re sipping tea and sampling cakes at a Welsh teahouse in <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/guide-to-coastal-patagonia">Trelew</a>, or drinking German beer in the Bavarian-style hamlet of <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/5-ways-to-explore-central-sierras">La Cumbresita</a>, you might forget you’re in South America for a moment.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/top-ten/top-10-la-cumbrecita.jpg" /><figcaption>La Cumbrecita. Photo credit: Ministerio de Turismo de la Nacion Argentina</figcaption></figure> <h2>9. Try land-sailing at <g class="gr_ gr_82 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="82" data-gr-id="82">Barreal</g> Blanco</h2> <p>This <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/off-the-beaten-track-adventures">dry lakebed</a> in San Juan Province gets winds of more than 75mph (120kph), perfect for the thrilling sport of <em><g class="gr_ gr_83 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="83" data-gr-id="83">carrovelismo</g></em> – like windsurfing, but on land. Once you’ve zipped your way across the plains, go stargazing at the nearby Complejo Astronómico El Leoncito – the skies in this area are clear 300 nights a year.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/top-ten/top-10-land-sailing.jpg" /><figcaption>Land-sailing at <g class="gr_ gr_84 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="84" data-gr-id="84">Barreal</g> Blanco. Photo credit: iStock/<g class="gr_ gr_85 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="85" data-gr-id="85">piccaya</g></figcaption></figure> <h2>10. Dive into folklore culture at a <em>Peña</em></h2> <p>There’s more to Argentine dance than tango. In the <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/exploring-the-northwest">North</a>, gauchos take the floor at boisterous folk music parties that blend Spanish and indigenous traditions. Spectators are highly encouraged to join in.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/top-ten/folk-dancing.jpg" /><figcaption>Traditional folk dancing. Photo credit: Ellen Hall</figcaption></figure> <h4 class="p1"></h4>Milly Brady, wheresmildo.com 0 iStock

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/argentina/the-world-nomads-podcast-episode-18-argentinaListen to episode 18 of The World Nomads Podcast and find out what to see in Argentina, what to drink and how to kiss properly!2018-06-12T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/argentina/the-world-nomads-podcast-episode-18-argentinahttps://www.worldnomads.com<div> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2V9BgOBKU7Mu64Jii8i9DY?si=ucNEpy2dQ_GZeHkenEK_UQ"><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Podcast/spotify%20logo%20green.png" style="width: 46px; height: 46px;" alt="“Listen" on="" spotify="" /></a>   <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=154934&refid=stpr"><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Podcast/stitcher-logo-120x46.jpg" style="width: 120px; height: 46px;" alt="Listen on Stitcher" /></a></div> <h2>Episode 18 Argentina</h2> <p>The World Nomads Podcast investigates Argentina and gets the low down on the places to go from Buenos Aires locals.</p> <h2>What's in the Episode</h2> <p>00:12 - Welcome<br />01:03 – Quiz Question<br />01.20 – Martina Grossi gives us a lesson on Mate tea “… it is like the main thing that kind of unifies all Argentinians as a culture. Mate is the thing that has presents all our values of sharing and how important friends are in our lives.”<br />08.05 - Argentinian Andres Brenner was the 2013 Film Scholarship winner and shares some of his favorite places with World Nomads Ellen Hall.<br />15.48 Catching up with our World Nomads<br />17.00 Travel News<br />21.00 Argentinian marine biologist Dr.Pablo Garcia Borboroglu</p> <p>30.00 Rafa Mayer founder of Say Hueque<br />34.40 Quiz Answer<br />35.30 What's next for the World Nomads Podcast</p> <h2>Who's on the Show?</h2> <p><span>Martina Grossi writes several of our World Nomads articles – and she’s a true nomad. Born in Buenos Aires, where she lived for 26 years before moving to Denmark and backpacking all over Europe, and currently lives in New Zealand. Martina talks about talks about Argentinian culture (what should travelers know/expect/eat/do).</span></p> <p><span>Rafa Mayer is from <a href="https://www.sayhueque.com/">Say Hueque</a>, our partner for the Argentina travel writing scholarship. They’re organizing tours for the winners.</span></p> <div><span><a href="http://globalpenguinsociety.org/">Pablo Garcia Borboroglu</a>, aka Popi the star of a new Footprints film. He works on penguin conservation on the coast of Patagonia and helped develop ecotourism opportunities in the area to raise awareness and make conservation economically viable. </span></div> <div><span>Filmmaker <a href="http://andresbrenner.com/">Andres Brenner</a> the World Nomads 2013 Film Scholarship winner</span></div> <h2>Resources & Links</h2> <p>Read Martina's <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/south-america/argentina/guide-to-buenos-aires">guide to Buenos Aires</a> at World Nomads.</p> <p>See <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/about/contributors/andres-brenner">Andres Brenner's films</a> in our Stories section.</p> <p>Scholarships Newsletter: <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/create"><span>Sign up for scholarships news and see what opportunities are live here</span></a>.</p> <p><span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/worldnomads/">Follow World Nomads on Instagram</a></span> for the latest stories, and #WorldNomads for your chance to be featured.</p> <p>Want more personal, inspiring and engaging narratives that get to the heart of why we travel? Go to <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/stories/">World Nomads' Stories</a> collection.</p> <h2>Share Episodes with Your Audience</h2> <p>Want to share an episode you loved, or you were a guest? Do it with this Player Embed code.<br /><iframe width="100%" height="200" src="https://player.whooshkaa.com/player/episode/id/245095?visual=true&sharing=true" frameborder="0" style="width: 100%; height: 200px"></iframe></p> <h2>Want to Talk to us?</h2> <p>We want to hear from you! If you have any travel insurance questions to <a href="mailto:podcast@worldnomads.com"><span>Ask Phil</span></a>, want to give us feedback on the episode, or have suggestions for topics you'd like us to cover, email us at <span><a href="mailto:podcast@worldnomads.com">podcast@worldnomads.com</a></span></p> <h2>Sign up for Podcast News</h2> <p>Explore your boundaries and discover your next adventure with The World Nomads Podcast. Hosted by Podcast Producer Kim Napier and World Nomads Phil Sylvester, each episode will take you around the world with insights into destinations from travelers and experts. They’ll share the latest in travel news, answer your travel questions and fill you in on what World Nomads is up to, including the latest scholarships and guides. The World Nomads Podcast is not your usual travel Podcast. It’s everything for the adventurous, independent traveler. Don’t miss out. Subscribe today.</p> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Full Transcript of the Episode</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <p>Speaker 1: Welcome to the World Nomads Podcast, delivered by World Nomads, the travel lifestyle, and insurance brand. It's not your usual travel podcast, it's everything for the adventurous, independent traveler.</p> <p>Kim: Hello again and welcome to this episode in which we head to Argentina.</p> <p>Phil: Located nicely in the southern half of South America, it shares what is known as the southern cone with Chile to the west. And its bordered by Bolivia and Paraguay to the north and Brazil to the Northeast. And did you know Kim, it's the eighth largest country in the world?</p> <p>Kim: Well I believe everything you say. You're a font of knowledge. So yes I do believe that. In this episode, we're going to speak with our 2013 travel film scholarship winner Andreas Brenner. He will share his favorite spots. We'll introduce you to the Global Penguins Society, in which, this is pretty cool, microdonations from World Nomads has helped fund. And Rafa Mayer, he's the founder of Say Hueque.</p> <p>Phil: Say Hueque</p> <p>Kim: That is the company hosting tours in Argentina and Chile, but there's plenty to come, we can't get started without your quiz question, Phil.</p> <p>Phil: Well then, in honor of the World Cup which is being held in Russia, around about now. Argentina's one of the most successful futbol teams in the world. But when is the last time that they won the World Cup? The answer at the end of the podcast.</p> <p>Kim: Phil, Martina writes several of our articles for World Nomads, and she's really true, not world nomads, she was born in...do we say Bo-nos or Buenos Aires, how would you pronounce it Tina?</p> <p>Martina: So we say Buenos Aires.</p> <p>Phil: So nothing that you said, Kim.</p> <p>Kim: (Laughter) You lived there, then you moved to Denmark and you currently live in New Zealand. You're a true world nomad. But we want to have a chat to you about Argentina culture, what should travelers know, expect, eat, do and some of those hidden gems in, lemme get it, Buenos Aires?</p> <p>Phil: Still didn't get it.</p> <p>Martina: You're getting there.</p> <p>Phil: You're getting there, yeah whatever[crosstalk 00:01:59]</p> <p>Kim: Oh thank you, us Australians are a bit hopeless when it comes to sort of putting that little sexy twist on things. Go ahead, tell us all you know, spill the beans.</p> <p>Martina: Right now I'm having mate, as I wrote in the article, is like the main thing that kind of unifies all Argentinians as a culture. Mate is the thing that has presents all our values of sharing and how important friends are in our lives. So mate basically is like a tea but instead of putting in a tea bag you put in herbs and then the water and then you sip through this aluminum straw. And foreigners always find it quite disgusting when they realize they need to share the same straw with these 10 Argentinian people. But this is how we do it.</p> <p>Martina: When I wrote about social etiquette in Argentina I figured this was the main thing I wanted to talk about. Not to say that its only Argentinian. It's shared with some other countries in South America.</p> <p>Phil: What other sorts of national characteristics can we expect?</p> <p>Martina: So we are very intense in the way of saying, we're very warm, we're very candid people, we like hugging and kissing. And it's funny because I've been in New Zealand for almost four years and kiwi's here say, 'oh someone's suffering from pda," which is a public demonstration of affections. And that's sort of opposite to us. Whenever you arrive in a room, even if its full of people, you just kiss everyone and so saying hi and bye takes ages. But you have to kiss everyone once you arrive and then before you go, but we only kiss once, which I have so many funny stories.</p> <p>Martina: When I was in Europe and I was trying to kiss my new friends on the cheek because we kiss on the right cheek and they were like "okay so this is unexpected." So they will try to kiss me on the other side because so many countries give two kisses.</p> <p>Phil: Well this is true and I think sometimes there are some countries that have three as well. There's a whole kissing etiquette. We could do a whole episode about how many kisses you get.</p> <p>Kim: And is it okay to kiss on the lips when you first meet someone?</p> <p>Phil: Oh. Eww.</p> <p>Martina: No.</p> <p>Phil: No.</p> <p>Kim: We're not talking about a pesh, just a peck.</p> <p>Martina: Not really. You would do with some close members of your family or your friends, but no, it's not really.</p> <p>Phil: That's just you Kim.</p> <p>Kim: I was just checking.</p> <p>Martina: I would just say that you get a lot of passion back, so you need to decide if you want to go for it or not.</p> <p>Kim: We've spoken a little bit about the culture then. What are some places that we should think about visiting that are off the beaten path destinations?</p> <p>Martina: I guess it depends on what your expectations are. If you're more into cities than culture, there's one city that's usually not the most well-known place to go but I love it. It's like a cultural hub in the country, which is Rosario. Many, many people kid of skip the city because people usually go to the Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires and then by the ocean and the glaciers. They don't venture into the city of Rosario which is a gorgeous city, full of beautiful stunning amazing places. People is very nice and kind.</p> <p>Martina: Then if you're more into more isolated places or you want off the beaten path, very unknown destination, you could for example head to Ushuaia. There are some places that are quite famous there, but in my article, I wrote about this place which is called Yavey or in Argentina we would say Shavey. Which is like this cute very small colonial town that belonged to the golden road, 500 years ago. This is like 350,000 meters high. It's an altitude town. The amazing thing about is, beyond the culture and the colonial constructions is that even though it's in a very arid place there's a river and its full of trees and it's like an oasis really.</p> <p>Martina: So many places I can think of. One of my favorites is called [foreign languageinaudible 00:07:14] It used to be a lagoon a million years ago and now it's just this flat surface with 120 kilometers an hour winds. And people go there with their, it's called [foreign languageinaudible 00:07:30] which is.</p> <p>Phil: Is that like land yachts? You've got a sail but you've got wheels, is it like that?</p> <p>Martina: Yes. Like that.</p> <p>Phil: A land yacht.</p> <p>Martina: Yes that's one of my other favorite isolated places. I have so many. Oh my gosh. (Laughter)</p> <p>Kim: I know you've written a lot of articles, we can share those now</p> <p>Phil: Yep, we'll put some next to the articles. Fantastic Martina, thanks very much for talking to us.</p> <p>Martina: Okay, thank you</p> <p>Phil: Andy Braemer as we call him was the 2013 winner of the World Nomad's Travel Film Scholarship. His travels have taken him far and wide from living with tribes in Sumatra and the Mentawai Islands to hiking up to 5,400 meters in the Na poli Himalayan.</p> <p>Kim: Well World Nomads editorial producer, Ellen Hole has caught up with Andy on her recent visit to Argentina as part of the World's Nomad Writing Scholarship.</p> <p>Ellen: So I am here Andy Brenner and he is our, I'm going to let you introduce yourself. So-</p> <p>Andy: And Hello Ellen, I am Andy Brenner. I'm 33 years old. I'm from Argentina. I'm a filmmaker and traveler. So basically what I do is, I travel around the world and I try to look for interesting stories to share with people. Just travel, find stories, film and then share them with people, mostly through World Nomads.</p> <p>Ellen: Actually you were one of our Film scholarship winners, correct? What year was that?</p> <p>Andy: Yeah, it was in 2013. I applied for the travel filmmaking scholarship. I won, so I went to Mardi Gras, to New Orleans with Brian Rapsidy. It was amazing. It was like a big push for me, the World Nomads, for making scholarship and since then I have been working with World Nomads. Right now I'm shooting [inaudible 00:09:27] about cultures around the world. So basically what I do is, I travel to different countries, I look for stories there. I film these stories and then when I come back to Argentina I edit them and then World Nomads share those stories on line.</p> <p>Ellen: So, you are from Buenos Ares, so you were born here? Is that right?</p> <p>Andy: Yeah, I am from Buenos Ares. I was born here in Palermo where we are right now. It's a nice neighborhood. Actually, when I was born here, long time ago, it was not, it has always like a beautiful neighborhood, but it was not as touristy and fancy as it is right now. So right now I don't live in Palermo anymore. I live more far away. But I do have Palermo in my heart, you know? Like I used to be, what today is Palermo's zoocalo, there used to be nothing here, just houses. So most of the shops and restaurants and bars that we see today in Palermo zoocalo, some years ago when I was a kid, there was nothing, only houses. Actually one of my good friends' house, right now is a restaurant here around the corner. So and I was telling him the other day, that this square here, which is like the main area of Palermo zoocalo is a [inaudible 00:10:58]</p> <p>Ellen: Yeah</p> <p>Andy: [inaudible 00:10:59] square, that one when I was 15 years old, we used to come here and there was nothing. We used to come here with a tire, to play tire and knights, to have a drink. But, it was, everything brought by us. There were no bars, nothing.</p> <p>Ellen: Wow, cause it is really hopping now, totally different.</p> <p>Andy: Now that was the place to be, now if you go out in Buenos Aires at night, you want to have a drink, or you want to eat something, not everything, but many things happen in Palermo zoocalo.</p> <p>Ellen: Yeah, we've been having a great time here. But, there's lots and lots of great neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. Where would you suggest that visitors come if they only have a few days, where can they come and get a really authentic Buenos Aires experience?</p> <p>Andy: I think San Termo is important to go to San Termo. It's very nice, it's where you can find more of the traditional culture of Buenos Aires. Like the [inaudible 00:11:54] Also for food, there are some street markets during the weekends. That's an interesting place to get to know you, it's like a must, you know? And then other neighborhoods of the city of course Palermo. And then if you have one spare day, one extra day, I would really, to recommend to go to Tigra, it's a city like an hour ride in a train. And then there you can take a boat, and you can get to visit the thousands of islands that we have here. It's a, we have a big river coming down from Brazil and there's a big delta. This delta finishes in the Rio de la Plata, between like the delta, the delta is formed by thousands of islands. There is people living there, like locals, it's very interesting. It's like a completely different experience, but still close to the city. So you can do it in a day tour and it's very nice. I think Argentina, it's a very interesting country. It is so big that depending on where you go, you get to see so many different things. For example, when you travel to the North of Argentina, the culture is completely different. It feels like, for people who is not from here, from Argentina, maybe they can feel like a different county, because food is different. The people is very nice, I think people is very nice all around the country, but you see a difference. You see a difference. The north I love the patalone, patalone is amazing. Also, that Patagonia for me, I think it's more about the landscapes. In the north you get landscapes and you get also the culture and the people.</p> <p>Ellen: I don't want to take to much more of your time, but do you have any other, about culturally that you think people should know before they travel here?</p> <p>Andy: I think people is, people here is very open. Buenos Aires is a very cosmopolitan city. There are many people who speak English, so it shouldn't be too difficult to travel to Buenos Aires. I can recommend for people who love food, to go out. There is kind of two different scenes. There is the typical fancy restaurants, especially in Palermo. It's what we call the Palermo Hollywood style of restaurants. And then you have the traditional restaurants, which we call Bolivones. I would definitely recommend travelers to go and try one, two, or three San Bolivones. The Bolivones, they are like old buildings, traditional restaurants, maybe they have been there for 50 years or 60, I don't know. You went to a Bolivone and you will feel like the walls, they speak. Usually, they have pictures, articles from the newspapers, t-shirts from futbol players that are friends of the owners of the restaurants. They will hang the, it's like a living museum, you know?</p> <p>Ellen: Well, awesome, this is wonderful.</p> <p>Kim: Yeah, you certainly painted a wonderful picture. And great work Ellen catching up on the streets in the Palermo Zoocolo neighborhood in Buenos Aires.</p> <p>Phil: Yeah it sounded great.</p> <p>Kim: Yeah, we should be doing more of that too on the road, I reckon.</p> <p>Phil: Well, I doubt that traffic into the [inaudible 00:15:23] studio is. (Laughter)</p> <p>Kim: Yeah something like that. Now Ellen is not the only member of the team on tour. Sebastian, who you would have heard on previous episodes is in South America. He's been catching up with our World Nomads, and this time he is with local Gabrielle in Le Paz, Bolivia where she's just returned from 7 years of traveling. Seven years,</p> <p>Phil: Seven years?</p> <p>Kim: Yup, but where from? (Music)</p> <p>Gabrielle: Well, the last place that I was, it was New York. It's an amazing city. It's so energetic, multi cultural. Next place that I would like to go is Asia. I have to admit, if I can choose any place to go it would be Asia and Viet Nam.</p> <p>Speaker 2: What would you say is the best thing about travel?</p> <p>Gabrielle: For me was that every single time that I went to a new place, you get to be a new person. You get to try to do maybe do something that you didn't do before.</p> <p>Speaker 2: Apart from Viet Nam, where would you like to go?</p> <p>Gabrielle: I think it would be Laos. I like it because I like the innocence of Asia. Has, I absolutely fell in love with Asia, seven years ago.</p> <p>Speaker 2: And what advice would you give to your younger self?</p> <p>Gabrielle: Well, at the moment I would say that I am really lucky of the things that I have experienced so far. So enjoy every day as if it would be the last one.</p> <p>Kim: Thanks [inaudible 00:16:51] pretty sure though that it's time for you to head back to our headquarters here in Sydney. Phil, what do you reckon?</p> <p>Phil: Yeah, that's too much fun to come back by.</p> <p>Kim: Yeah, exactly, alright what's travel news?</p> <p>Phil: Okay, Egypt has passed a law that if implemented, will fine vendors from harassing tourists at historical sites. The government says their harassment has put visitors of from coming to Egypt. I think there might be a few other factors. And therefore it affects national income and the countries image. One tourist interviewed about the law said that "Tourists have the right just to enjoy historical sites, without being obliged to buy something from local sales."</p> <p>Kim: But really do they?</p> <p>Phil: I'm interested to know. What do you think? Is that sort of harassment too much? Should we ask for some e-mails for that one? Podcast@WOrldNomads.com - Do you think banning, you know harassing tourists is a good idea or is that just part of the privilege of where you're going? You should, maybe just help out the local community a bit.</p> <p>Kim: Good question.</p> <p>Phil: The crack down on over tourism continues with a political party hoping to take control of the city council of Amsterdam. And they've announced that they will ban fun rides if elected. Which means no more boozy boat cruises on the canals, or beer bike rides. It getting a bit out of control. Their talking about banning segue tours as well and I know they've already cracked down on [inaudible 00:18:10] pizza parlors and what have you. They coalition of parties wants to halt the Disney fication of Amsterdam and return a balance between tourism and the people who actually do live there.</p> <p>Kim: There has to be a balance.</p> <p>Phil: There has to be, I love Amsterdam. Not for the obvious reasons.</p> <p>Kim What are the obvious reasons?</p> <p>Phil: The coffee shops and the red light district.</p> <p>Kim: (Laughter)</p> <p>Phil: But the whole, the point is, they sort of attract a particular type of person. You go there to have a full on party there.</p> <p>Kim: Yeah</p> <p>Phil: And, I love, if you can get away from that red light district if you get away from the Cannabis shops. I think Amsterdam fantastic. It's a really great place. I really love living there.</p> <p>Kim: My son went there and something happened with a woman and a banana.</p> <p>Phil: (Laughter) Okay! Learning Planet has announced it's Best in Europe for 2018. This is the kind of places, you know speaking of over tourism, are more undiscovered. Places you should go because they're not as overcrowded. Amelia Romana in Italy will be talking about Bologna, home of where Prosciutto comes from.</p> <p>Kim: Nice</p> <p>Phil: Bolognese sauce. Cantabria in Spain, Freeseland in the Netherlands, which is up in the North, I think? Yeah, it's quite, in Dutch terms it's quite remote.</p> <p>Kim: Remote, yeah</p> <p>Phil: Yeah, but it's very nice. Kosovo, I'm not sure about that one. It's a bit difficult as far as crossing the border to get into Kosovo because it's not recognized as being independent by they Soviets. So it's</p> <p>Kim: Okay, political</p> <p>Phil: So we've got something on the World Nomads travel safety about Kosovo. If you're going to go there, look it up. If you're going to go there, look it up and make sure you don't get into trouble with your visas or what have you. Provance in France, or Provance in France, I'm never sure which one it is. (Laughter) Dundee in Scotland, as Glasgow or Edinburgh I suppose. The small Cyclades islands in Greece, Villinis in Lithuania. I haven't been to Villinis. I've wanted to go. I had a friend a while back when I lived in Albany who was a Lithuanian girl. I've seen pictures of it and Villinis looks fantastic.</p> <p>Kim: Beautiful</p> <p>Phil: Slavonia, yeah, one of the undiscovered gems of Eastern Europe and Tirana the capital of Albania. Did we not speak to Kristina Tunner about their trip to Albania on the show?</p> <p>Kim: I think that was very early on</p> <p>Phil: Very early on but we should get her back.</p> <p>Kim: And also</p> <p>Phil: She was ahead of the curve on Learning Planet.</p> <p>Kim: Thanks for that Phil. It was awesome as always.</p> <p>Phil: (Laughter)</p> <p>Kim: Now thanks to micro donations for our Travelers. I do mean that.</p> <p>Phil: (Laughter)</p> <p>Kim: We're proud to be able to support projects like the one that you are about to hear.</p> <p>Phil: The Global Penguin Society was founded to protect and maintain a colony of Metalenic penguins near the popular Patagonia beach town of Puerto Madrid. Well, it's time to speak to founder Argentinian marine biologist Dr. Pablo[inaudible 00:21:13] who's recently been named the winner (Laughter) she's trying to trip me up.</p> <p>Kim: No, you're doing well with the pronunciations.</p> <p>Phil: He's recently been named the winner of the 2018 Gold Award from the Whitley Fund for Nature. An award so prestigious amongst conservationists that they call it the green Oscar.</p> <p>Dr. Pablo: I'm a researcher. I work for the National Research Council here in Argentina, but then like 15 years ago, I realized that there was a need to do something else with the science that was available. SO I founded the Global Penguin Society which is an international organization that promotes basically the conservation about the penguin species and their habitats on land and also in the ocean. So, I kind of have a life as a researcher and another life as a conservationist. What we do basically is we work on science management and education. We gather science that is useful to guide conservation action and also create protected areas on land and in the ocean. Also, we work with the communities and also with kids there locally and also globally.</p> <p>Speaker 3: So what species do you, are you particularly interested in protecting? Or is it species across the globe?</p> <p>Dr. Pablo: Yeah, it's all species, because I mean it depends on the year. Like right now, the second, this very moment we have scientific field work in New Zealand, in the west coast of New Zealand, in Chile, in Argentina. Then we also support actions in South Africa and in Galapagos Islands. But then we talk about policy, international policy, we do things that benefit all of the penguins. Like right now we're going to study the illegal traffic of penguins in all the world. So that is going to benefit all the species, you know. When we deal with international waters, and illegal fishing, fisheries, or fisheries in Antarctica. So we kind of benefit all penguin species.</p> <p>Speaker 4: Hang on a minute. Illegal trading penguins? What? People take them as pets? Or what happens?</p> <p>Dr. Pablo: Yeah, it's crazy, you know like for a while we have been receiving the [inaudible 00:23:35] for different places, and crazy things. Like for example, we received an [inaudible 00:23:43] that they were stealing African penguins from Ni bean Islands with helicopters or like there's a Chinese boat off the coast of Nibevia, capturing penguins. Then in southern Chile also, they were offering 200, they were buying King Penguins for 200 bucks. That happened like 10 years from now.</p> <p>Speaker 4: And what do they do with them? Why are they capturing them?</p> <p>Dr. Pablo: Yeah, you know, most of, it goes to Asia. Most, basically, we know that they go to private collections. It can be private houses, like rich people that they have everything that they can have, but they want something that can be very exclusive. So like a penguin in your swimming pool, they crazy! But at the same time, with the improvement of Asian economies, there are local aquariums that are opening. They are demanding, and they are tempting developing countries with a lot of money to get penguins not always in the correct way. So this is what we want to find out, the magnitude, the nature, what countries are involved? And also, since we created also like a policy arm for our penguin work, we created the IUCM Penguin Specialties group, it belongs to United Nations. So when we identify problems, international problems, they go talk directly with the government of those countries.</p> <p>Speaker 4: Is it something that we can do as travelers? Is it some sort of certification that you might find on an aquarium where we know "Yeah, that the penguins have been responsibly sourced?" How can you tell, or should you go to an aquarium is a big question? But how can we tell and what can do to help stamp this out?</p> <p>Dr. Pablo: Yeah, in the world, there are similar organization, like associations of zoos and aquariums. Some zoos are accredited, so they really fit the standards. But that is basically the United States and Europe, not all over the planet, only there. So when you go to other countries, like here in South America where I am now, that certification process doesn't exist. People don't even know about that, or in Africa, or in Asia. But, it's really important what you say because the critical things that we don't need to [inaudible 00:26:10] or harm an animal. But so far, people don't know yet, and those organizations that don't show exactly where are those animals coming from? I heard that there are problems in the United Arabian Emirates. You say that in English right?</p> <p>Speaker 4 Same, same</p> <p>Dr. Pablo: So I went there, and I couldn't explain the origin of the penguins they have. Because they kind of, for example, to give you an example, the penguins that they breed here where I am now, Magellanic penguins when the winter comes they go to the north. They go Paraguay and Brazil. They go to other countries. So some of them they get sick, or oil and then they go to the coast and they get[inaudible 00:26:58]. So they spend there a couple of months. And Japan and China they have been tempting these rehabilitation centers with money so they can buy those penguins when they are out of rehabilitation. They kind of invent, they say "Oh the penguins can not be released back out in the wild." So they cheat the system. And the more we look for information, the more [inaudible 00:27:22]. Like I met a guy, who was a pilot and he was a pilot of a plane that was taking penguins to Asia. SO, I mean, I want to use the money that I receive with this award to find out how big is the problem.</p> <p>Speaker 3: What if you're touring Argentina, or you're visiting Argentina, is there any way that you can support your project? Visit the penguins?</p> <p>Dr. Pablo: So we work in different, in different colonies here in Argentina, but we film in one location that is very special for us and also for visitors. This is a colony that we discovered in 2008. There were six penguins, six pairs, there were six pairs of penguins. But it was, the place was a mess. There were reckless people, and careless fisherman that they would throw, they were throwing garbage and setting the bushes where the penguins were nesting on fire. They were taking pets that were harming the penguins. And the penguins when they establish a new colony, most of them are really, they're young individuals. So they're prospecting and if they don't like the place they will never come back. So we saw the need to really do something, so we closed the gate because we needed to do something immediately. There were no legal tools to be implemented to protect the colony immediately. So we closed the gate and then we had many issues. The fisherman were coming with glue and they put the glue on the lockers of the gates so we couldn't go in. And they were coming with guns and many other issues, but the good news is that they[inaudible 00:29:07] the penguins started to like the place, and now, remember there were six?</p> <p>Dr. Pablo: And now there are almost 1,800 pairs. And then we also helped the owners to develop an eco-touristic operation, so people can go there. Like visitors that can go there, they can stay because it's a very nice house where you can stay. It's a very small scale operation because there's a small colony. And people go there, they contribute with the tourists, that ecotourist activity gave jobs to almost 10, local people. People are enjoying, local people have jobs and penguins are really happy.</p> <p>Speaker 3: Keep up the great work Poppy!</p> <p>Dr. Pablo: Okay thank you, thank you very much! And I'm really looking forward to continuing collaborating with World Nomads because this is a great partnership.</p> <p>Kim: Thanks to Poppy or Pablo's work in [inaudible 00:30:03] Now Ramayana is the founder of Sahikway. It's a company hosting tours in Argentina and Chile and Ellen from World Nomads caught up with Rafa in Argentina to pick his brains on some of the places to visit, including his favorites.</p> <p>Rafa: My favorite place on earth is Patagonia. My heart is there. I really enjoy Southern Patagonia. Southern Patagonia is basically the glacier area [inaudible 00:30:28] but it's also a place that is like 3 hours north from there that is called [inaudible 00:30:36] and it's a great place for tracking. It's a tracking paradise. It's where they fix royal mounties and it's amazing for tracking. It's one of the places I really recommend for everybody loving outdoors. I also enjoy the Southern most city in the world. It's a really special place which you actually feel that you are at the end of the world. So those are really special places. Patagonia would be my first choice visiting Argentina because when you are in Patagonia you kind of feel like you are in a different place. I mean everything is so huge and so intense and so dramatic. It's a kind of beauty that I enjoy very much.</p> <p>Ellen: Yeah, I was in [inaudible 00:31:22]myself but haven't been to Patagonia yet, or the Calafonte area, gotta go.</p> <p>Rafa: Next time</p> <p>Ellen: Yes, next time, I know. So are there any destinations that are kind of emerging that people may never heard of, that you want to, like to tell people about?</p> <p>Rafa: Yes, the north of Argentina and the northwest of Argentina was kind of not so much explored. It's becoming much more well known now. Now is the Salta area. That is northwest of Argentina in the limit of Chile and south of Bolivia. That's maybe the most Undian area that we have. The Undian culture there is much more, is really, really in every single detail. So the Undian culture is very strong. The landscape is beautiful, great wines, people are the best. It's an [inaudible 00:32:27] to receive tourists and travelers that are waiting for something really authentic. The [inaudible 00:32:34] great quality of small and charming hotels, and beautiful small and charming restaurants as well. SO it's kind of that kind of place which that has a lot of magic.</p> <p>Ellen: How bout wild life? I mean I know that compared to say the Amazon, it is not as much known for wildlife, but where do you recommend that people who want to see wildlife should go?</p> <p>Rafa: So basically I would say that the most, the two most unique places for seeing wildlife would be, on the one hand, if we are talking about water wildlife, we can talk about the Patagonia Atlantic Patagonia. There is a peninsula around his, and where you can find enough whales and sea lions and orcas and penguins, everybody loves penguins, so it's a really</p> <p>Ellen: It's true</p> <p>Rafa: Yeah, they are so cute. There are a lot of water wildlife there, aquatic wildlife, so it's really, really beautiful place to be in touch with the wildlife in their environment.</p> <p>Ellen: I wanted to see if there is anything that you think that people just shouldn't miss when they come here?</p> <p>Rafa: If you are, if you like meat. That's really something that you will enjoy around here. As well if you like wine (laughter)</p> <p>Ellen: Oh yeah</p> <p>Rafa: I think that you can not miss, you can leave Buenos Aires without having a kind of experience, any kind of experience with tango. As much in [inaudible 00:34:08]season, the experience is much better</p> <p>Ellen: Cool</p> <p>Rafa: And of course, talk to people. I think here in Argentina, we are very open and we like speaking with foreigners and people that are visiting us. So don't miss the chance to open to that, because I think it's a good reward.</p> <p>Kim: [inaudible 00:34:29] to Siniquey in ShowNotes and well done Ellen, she's almost our [inaudible 00:34:35]reporter.</p> <p>Phil: That's it, roving reporter.</p> <p>Kim: Phil we've hit the end of our episode on Argentina so let's wrap up with you Quiz Notes answer.</p> <p>Phil: SO let's just remember in honor of the World Cup being held in Russia. Argentina is one of the most successful futbol teams in the world, but when was the last time they won the world cup? 1986, although you may have said 2014, they were runner's up, they were in the final then. They've been runners-up three times. 1930, 1990 and 2014. But they've won it twice, 1978 and 1986.</p> <p>Kim: Argentinians take their futbol very seriously.</p> <p>Phil: Yeah, let's see how they go this time around?</p> <p>Kim: Well thanks for listening to our podcast on Argentina. You can subscribe [inaudible 00:35:16]on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and I Heart Radio. Contact us too by e-mailing podcast@WorldNomad.com. And our next destination in a fortnight will be Finland. But Phil, next week we launch something very special. [inaudible 00:35:30]episodes.</p> <p>Phil: Yes, don't go anywhere, don't go anywhere everybody. I've got to tell you that we love delivering our fortnightly World Nomads destination based podcasts, but while there are so many great destinations in the world, there are equally some amazing people doing amazing things in it. So each fortnight we are going to bring you an extended interview with an amazing World Nomad as part of this episode. So we're kicking off with an Australian, Sarah Davis, and she's preparing to be the first woman to paddle the length of the Nile.</p> <p>Kim: Cool, look out for that next week! Bye!</p> <p>Phil: Bye!</p> <p>Speaker 1: The World Nomads Podcast, explore your boundaries.</p> </div> </div> </div>WorldNomads 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/argentina/buenos-aires-nightlifeFrom speakeasies to tango houses, the porteño capital is heaven for night owls – if you know which door to knock on.2023-06-22T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/argentina/buenos-aires-nightlifehttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#bars">Bars</a></li> <li><a href="#speakeasies">Speakeasies</a></li> <li><a href="#clubs">Palermo nightclubs</a></li> <li><a href="#gay">Gay Buenos Aires</a></li> <li><a href="#milongas">Milongas</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="bars">Bars</h2> <p>Start your night at some of the city’s more laid-back bars, located in Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhood, San Telmo. Doppelganger (locally called Doppel) specializes in classic cocktails like <g class="gr_ gr_46 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="46" data-gr-id="46">negronis</g> and pisco sours. Then check out Napoles Bar, once a massive storage unit for an antique collector. He decided to put his wares on display – from vintage cars and motorbikes to old barbershop chairs – and added a well-stocked bar for good measure.</p> <h2 id="speakeasies">Speakeasies</h2> <p>Buenos Aires has a thriving underground bar scene. Speakeasies with hidden doors are everywhere, such as Florería Atlántico in Retiro, a chic cocktail bar masquerading as a flower shop.</p> <p>In Palermo, the undisputed nightlife epicenter of the city, you’ll find The Harrison Speakeasy. It used to be a completely secretive, upscale affair that’s now widely known to be concealed beneath Nicky NY Sushi. (Ask to “see the wine cellar.”) Getting past the doorman can be a challenge at this members-only joint, but it’s well worth the incredible cocktails and glamorous atmosphere if you manage to get in.</p> <p>Try the Verne Club for its author-inspired menu and absinthe tasting, before vying for your place in line at Uptown. The wait can be frustrating at this hotspot, but once inside you’ll enjoy a full-on homage to the New York subway, complete with trains, turnstiles and urban graffiti.</p> <p>Located on a quiet, tree-lined street in Villa Crespo, Bar 878 may seem out of the way, but it’s easily the most welcoming and laid-back underground bar in the city.</p> <h2 id="clubs">Palermo nightclubs</h2> <p>Niceto Vega is Buenos Aires’ street of nightclubs. Head to legacy favorite Club 69 at the Niceto Club to see and be seen. Try Makena Cantina Club for your live music fix, then head bayside to Terazas del Este, a waterfront bar that becomes Bayside Nightclub on Saturday.</p> <h2 id="gay">Gay Buenos Aires</h2> <p>Buenos Aires is one of the most gay-friendly cities in Latin America, which is well-reflected in the nightlife scene. The early-birds watering hole is Pride Café in San Telmo, but the real party happens late night – catch the LGBTQ party on Wednesdays at Fiesta Jolie or dance to electronic music at Work Bar, both in Palermo.</p> <h2 id="milongas">Milongas</h2> <p>An Argentina night without <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/culture-and-etiquette">tango</a> would be a sin, so be sure to check out a <em>milonga </em>(tango house), designed for dancing the night away.</p> <p>Maldita in San Telmo is a classic, and its live orchestra El Atronfe draws a crowd – Tuesdays are “Tango Queer.” For newbies, your best bet is La Cathedral in barrio Almagro, well known for its relaxed and informal vibe. If you’re not a night owl, hit up El Beso’s matinée <em>milonga</em> near the Callao metro stop, where dancing starts at 2<g class="gr_ gr_52 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Style multiReplace" id="52" data-gr-id="52">pm</g>. Go on Friday nights for an all-night event. Finally, end the night at La Viruta, an<span> after-hours </span><em>milonga</em> in Palermo.</p>Sean O'Reilly 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/argentina/adventures-in-tierra-del-fuego From a formal penal colony to a thriving penguin colony, Tierra del Fuego is steeped in history and rugged natural beauty. Insider Steph reveals her top experiences.2018-06-12T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/argentina/adventures-in-tierra-del-fuegohttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#ushuaia">History Behind Bars in Ushuaia</a></li> <li><a href="#glaciers">Ushuaia’s Doorstep Glaciers and Lakes</a></li> <li><a href="#parque">Hiking in Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego</a></li> <li><a href="#estancia-harberton">Further Afield: Estancia Harberton and Penguins</a></li> <li><a href="#puerto-williams">South to Puerto Williams</a></li> <li><a href="#antarctica">Voyaging to the Actual Ends of the Earth</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="ushuaia">History Behind Bars in Ushuaia</h2> <p>Founded by the British in 1884 on the edges of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia started out as a penal colony housing mass murderers and pirates. Although the prison has long since closed to offenders, its doors remain open to the curious who can visit the Museo Maritimo y del Presidio.</p> <p>Entering the museum isn’t cheap (US $20/$400 ARS), but you can spend hours treading the flagstones of this vast building learning about its infamous inhabitants or stepping into a corridor of untouched former cells still bearing graffiti left by ex-inmates.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/tierra/tierra-del-fuego-ushuaia.jpg" /><figcaption>Ushuaia. Photo credit: iStock/<g class="gr_ gr_49 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="49" data-gr-id="49">Sergdid</g></figcaption></figure> <h2 id="glaciers">Ushuaia’s Doorstep Glaciers and Lakes</h2> <p>Surrounded on three sides by vast mountains, Ushuaia has plenty of <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/best-unknown-hiking-destinations">hiking</a> day trips on offer. Starting 4mi (7km) from the center, a three-hour hike winds up to the base of the Martial Glacier. At the top, expect panoramic views of the Beagle Channel and a lesson in Patagonia’s specialty: four seasons in one day.</p> <p>Equally popular is the two-hour hike to Laguna Esmeralda, a green-tinged glacial lake located 12mi (20km) northeast of Ushuaia. Shuttle buses (<g class="gr_ gr_52 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="52" data-gr-id="52">US</g> $17/$350 ARS) drop you off at the trail, which passes through lenga forests and peat bog to arrive at the shores of this stunning lagoon.</p> <h2 id="parque">Hiking in Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego</h2> <p>Due west from Ushuaia, this is the place for trekking through dramatic, windswept scenery. Its crown jewel is the challenging-but-well-worth-it Cerro Guanaco trail, offering expansive views of the Beagle Channel from the top of the 3,172ft (967m) summit. Rent a car and get to the park early to avoid the onslaught of cruise ship passengers.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/tierra/tierra-del-fuego-beagle-channel.jpg" /><figcaption>Beagle Channel. Photo credit: iStock/Ignacio Leonardi</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="estancia-harberton">Further Afield: Estancia Harberton and Penguins</h2> <p>With a rental car, it’s easy to hit up another of Ushuaia’s historical monuments: Estancia Harberton. Hour-long tours of the oldest farm in Tierra del Fuego covering the history of colonization, missionaries, and indigenous people are held in English and Spanish at <g class="gr_ gr_218 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="218" data-gr-id="218">midday,</g> <g class="gr_ gr_236 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Style multiReplace" id="236" data-gr-id="236">and  are</g> included in the entry cost (<g class="gr_ gr_67 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="67" data-gr-id="67">US</g> $14/$275 ARS).</p> <p>The resident colony of Magellanic, Gentoo and King penguins on Isla Martillo, 37mi (60km) east of Ushuaia, is another top choice for travelers. Avoid the larger ships and <g class="gr_ gr_56 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="56" data-gr-id="56">instead</g> take an eight-person sailboat tour (starting <g class="gr_ gr_55 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="55" data-gr-id="55">US</g> $95/$1,900 ARS) – that way, you won’t be elbowing people out of your <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/guide-to-coastal-patagonia">penguin snaps</a>.</p> <h2 id="puerto-williams">South to Puerto Williams</h2> <p>Cross the Beagle Channel by speedboat to visit the actual southernmost settlement in the world, Chile’s Puerto Williams. Just 9mi (14km) south of Ushuaia, it feels a world away from civilization, a place where horses roam the town’s streets and challenging hikes offer access to pristine wilderness. Don’t be surprised if this ends up being a highlight of your trip to Ushuaia.</p> <h2 id="antarctica">Voyaging to the Actual Ends of the Earth</h2> <p>The ultimate adventure from Ushuaia is to the white continent: Antarctica. For most of us, this is a chilly, expensive pipe dream.<br /> <br />But luckily, last-minute Antarctica cruise deals still exist. The best bargains are to be had in January and February, which have more frequent departures; just be prepared to spend up to two weeks waiting to grab that deal.</p> <p></p> <h4 class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Want to know more about Argentina? Listen to the World Nomads </b><a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/south-america/argentina/the-world-nomads-podcast-episode-18-argentina"><span class="s2"><b>podcast</b></span></a><b>.<span> </span></b></span><span class="s3"><b>How drinking mate defines Argentinians,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>how to kiss properly when you greet<span> </span><g class="gr_ gr_63 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="63" data-gr-id="63">someone,</g><span> </span>and meet Popi, the scientist who's saving penguins.</b></span></h4>iStock/ValerieVS 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/argentina/best-road-tripsCheck out these epic itineraries through some of Argentina’s most spectacular regions: Salta and Jujuy, Mendoza, and the Lake District.2018-06-12T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/argentina/best-road-tripshttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#salta">Salta and Jujuy Itinerary</a></li> <li><a href="#mendoza">Mendoza Itinerary</a></li> <li><a href="#lake-district">Lake District Itinerary</a></li> <li><a href="#packing">Packing for a Road Trip</a></li> </ul> <p><a href="/travel-insurance/activities/road-trip">Having your own wheels</a> is the ultimate in travel freedom, and is the absolute best way to find hidden gems and off-track spots. Unless you plan to do a full loop during your Argentina travels, it’s best to rent and return to the same place you picked up to save the hefty drop-off fee.</p> <h2 id="salta">Salta and Jujuy itinerary: colorful canyons and bright-white salt flats</h2> <p>These two provinces are unlike anywhere else in the country. Located in the <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/exploring-the-northwest">Northwest</a> and bordered by Chile, Paraguay, and Bolivia, everything has a traditional feeling here, including clothing, music, and food. Before the Spanish conquest, this area was inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Quilmes and Humahuacas. <em>Fun facts:</em> Quilmes is the name of a popular beer in Argentina, and Quebradas de Humahuaca is one of the most stunning drives in the area.</p> <p>Suggested route: Salta (a few days), Cafayate (a few days), Cachi (one night), Tilcara (a few days), Salinas Grandes (day trip from Tilcara), Purmamarca (day trip from Tilcara), Salta (finish).</p> <p>Highlights of this area include:</p> <ul> <li>Museums, architecture, parks, plazas, and restaurants in Salta City</li> <li>Quebradas de las Conchas National Park on the drive from Salta to Cafayate</li> <li>The amazing wineries surrounding Cafayate (don’t miss Bad Brothers, El Esteco, and Piattelli Vineyards)</li> <li>Quebrada de las Flechas (jagged rock formations)</li> <li>Old Route 9 with lush green scenery, rivers, and gorges</li> <li>The traditional feel and food in Tilcara (try the llama!)</li> <li>The colorful mountains in Purmamarca (best seen at dawn)</li> <li>The blindingly white Salinas Grandes (salt flats).</li> </ul> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/road-trips/road-trip-vineyards-cafayate.jpg" alt="Vineyards in Cafayate in northwestern Argentina." /><figcaption>Vineyards in Cafayate. Photo credit: iStock/xeni4ka</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="mendoza">Mendoza itinerary: wine, thermal pools, and Aconcagua</h2> <p><a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/mendoza-and-beyond">Mendoza</a> is most famous for its acclaimed wineries surrounded by Andean peaks, but there’s plenty to do in the area that doesn’t involve grapes. The city is actually a university town with lots of lively bars and restaurants attracting a younger crowd.</p> <p>During your trip to Mendoza, we suggest driving out to the famous wineries of Norton, Ruca Malen, and Trapiche for lunch and wine (but just a glass, you’re driving!).<br /> <br />Then, drive to <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/best-unknown-hiking-destinations">Aconcagua</a> (22,840ft/6960m) the tallest mountain outside of Asia, and the highest peak in the southern hemisphere.</p> <p>A 120mi (193km) drive through twisty mountain roads will bring you to the Aconcagua Provincial Park. A park pass gives you access all the way up to the Confluencia Base Camp (a six-hour return hike). Entrance fees depend on the nationality of the visitor ane the activity you're doing. Or for a mere US $1.30 ($400 ARS), you can do a self-guided interpretive trail, which allows you about two hours of hiking. You must <a href="https://turneroanp.mendoza.gov.ar/turneroanppub/servlet/com.turneroanp.solturno002?UkJommtoKYrdI6OUGwCPppWu9aASSCGWHXevTfvdf4mDqfXMu5ID2it0KAgd+ASZ">book your visit and pay the entrance fee</a> before entry to the park, as tickets are not sold at the park entrance. </p> <p>Finally, after you’ve eaten, sipped, and hiked your way around Mendoza, it’s time to relax. Drive out to the Termas Cacheuta, about 90 minutes from town. Enjoy the thermal springs in stone pools with views of the Andes – there’s also a spa and restaurant.</p> <p>Note: if you want to drive your rental car over the border from Argentina into Chile, you’ll need written permission from the rental company and the proper insurance to do so. Speak to the car rental agent before attempting to cross, or you’ll be turned away if you don’t have the correct documents. </p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/road-trips/road-trip-aconcagua.jpg" /><figcaption>Aconcagua. Photo credit: iStock/pawopa3336</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="lake-district">Lake District itinerary: spectacular scenery along Route 40</h2> <p>Patagonia’s <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/exploring-the-lake-district">Lake District</a> is just that – a district of gorgeous lakes. It’s an incredibly scenic area, perfect for exploring by car.</p> <p>There are many routes you can take, but here’s our suggested itinerary, much of it along Route 40, Argentina's famed highway that parallels the Andes: Bariloche (a few days), Circuito Chico (day trip from Bariloche), Limay River (day trip from Bariloche), Villa La Angostura (a few days), San Martin de los Andes (a few days), Lake Lolog (day trip from San Martín de losAndes), Bariloche (finish)</p> <p>Highlights of this road trip include:</p> <ul> <li>Bariloche, offering views of the Andes Mountains, the Circuito Chico drive with hiking and lakes to explore, and great restaurants (try Alto el Fuego)</li> <li>Fly fishing on the Limay River</li> <li>Hiking around Lake Nahuel Huapi and Correntoso Lake in Villa La Angostura</li> <li>Lanin National Park outside of San Martin de los Andes</li> <li>Fly fishing and a picnic at Lake Lolog</li> <li>Wandering the pretty streets of San Martin de los Andes.</li> </ul> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/road-trips/road-trip-san-martin.jpg" alt="Road near San Martin de los Andes in Argentina's Lake District." /><figcaption>Road near San Martin de los Andes. Photo credit: iStock/johannlouren</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="packing">Packing for a road trip</h2> <p>Many areas of Argentina are desert, and you’ll often find yourself in the middle of nowhere – which is a good thing, if you’re <a href="/travel-safety/south-america/argentina/argentine-road-manners">properly prepared</a>. This means having a full tank of gas, first-aid kit, a spare tire, tools, a map, data plan on your phone, a Spanish translation app or phrasebook, plus non-perishable food and plenty of drinking water.</p>iStock/Gassen 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/argentina/where-to-campWhether you prefer private campsites with lots of amenities or like to pitch your tent in the remote wilderness, you’ll find plenty of options.2018-06-12T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/argentina/where-to-camphttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#types"> Private, municipal, wild, and free camping</a></li> <li><a href="#gear">Camping gear</a></li> <li><a href="#northwest"> Salta and the Northwest</a></li> <li><a href="#patagonia"> Patagonia </a></li> <li><a href="#lake-district"> The Lake District </a></li> </ul> <p>Campgrounds are extremely busy during high season (January, February, Easter, and July), when booking ahead is highly recommended. Prices noted here are per person and discounts for longer stays will apply.</p> <h2 id="types">Private, municipal, free, and wild camping</h2> <p>Most of Argentina’s national parks are dotted with campsites of the Camping Libre ilk, which, as the name suggests, are free of charge and facilities – often just a latrine – but your reward is unspoiled scenery and solitude. A lack of running water at rustic sites can be overcome with a portable water filter.</p> <p>Municipal sites also have limited amenities, but they’re generally well maintained and equipped with<em> fogones</em> (open fire grills). Private campsites rival the best in Europe and North America, with lots of amenities. Or for a very rustic experience, you can generally pitch your tent anywhere on public land. Wherever you camp, be sure to remove all trash.</p> <h2 id="gear">Camping gear</h2> <p>Ferocious Patagonian winds are more than just an urban myth – weather in Argentina changes fast, and clever packing is critical. If you don’t have your own camping gear, you can hire what you need from camping stores or outfitters in adventure travel hubs.</p> <h2 id="northwest">Salta and the Northwest</h2> <p>In <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/exploring-the-northwest">Salta</a>, Camping Municipal Carlos Xamena offers easy town access and amenities galore (US $2.25/$600 ARS per person per night, US $3.60/$1,000 ARS per vehicle as of July, 2023). In Cafayate, Camping Luz y Fuerza is a convenient base for day hikes within the Northwest’s polychromatic canyons. In addition to a pool, hot showers, and WiFi, it’s within walking distance of several wineries; pitches US $3.60 ($1,000 ARS) per person, US $1.50 ($400 ARS) per auto <span>– prices have been known to fluctuate somewhat</span>.</p> <h2 id="patagonia">Patagonia</h2> <p>Some 32mi (52km) from El Calafate, within Los Glaciares National Park, the private Lago Roca Campsite raises the bar with excellent camping facilities, well-equipped cabins, hot showers, and a restaurant.</p> <p>Within striking distance of Mount Fitz Roy, the lively town of El Chalten is one of the <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">top trekking centers</a> in Argentina. There are three free campsites within a 90-minute walk (6mi/10km) of town: Campamento Poincenot, Campamento Laguna Capri, and Camping Padre D’Agostini. Of the three, Campamento Laguna Capri boasts a stunning lakeside setting and incredible views of Cerro Fitz Roy.</p> <p>Note that no camping is permitted on <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/guide-to-coastal-patagonia">Peninsula Valdes</a>.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/camping/camping-el-chalten.jpg" /><figcaption>El Chalten. Photo credit: iStock/StockstudioX</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="lake-district">The Lake District</h2> <p>Richly endowed with lakes, forests, rivers, and mountains, the <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/exploring-the-lake-district">Lake District</a> region is a camper’s paradise. With excellent public transportation connecting the main towns and parks, you can easily get off the beaten track.</p> <p>Lago Gutiérrez has unusually warm waters, perfect for swimming, and a well-equipped private campsite right on the lake.</p> <p>Some 11mi (18km) from El Bolson, Kumelen has an enviable riverside location and offers fully equipped cabins with kitchenettes, nice dorms, or camping, all with access to clean bathrooms with hot water and a communal kitchen. Around 4mi (6km) west of El Bolson, Camping Los Alerces is a perennial favorite, featuring a snack bar, <em>fogones </em>(fireplace)<em>,</em> and hot showers; pitches US $4.40 ($1,200 ARS).</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/camping/camping-lakeside.jpg" /><figcaption>Lakeside camping. Photo credit: iStock/Agustina Camilion</figcaption></figure> <p><em>Updated July 2023</em></p>iStock/Agustina Camilion 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/argentina/exploring-the-lake-districtWith vast Nahuel Huapi lake at its center and charming Bariloche as its hub, the Lake District offers endless opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and feasting your eyes on glorious views.2018-06-11T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/argentina/exploring-the-lake-districthttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Blessed with alpine lakes ranging from milky green to eye-popping azure and a backdrop of snow-dusted mountains, Argentina’s Lake District is prime for adventure. Discover hidden beaches filled with mauve and teal stones along Nahuel Huapi, the largest lake in the region. On misty mornings, keep your eyes peeled for the so-called lake monster, Nahuelito.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#nahuel"> Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi</a></li> <li><a href="#traful">Villa Traful</a></li> <li><a href="#bariloche"> Bariloche</a></li> <li><a href="#chico"> Circuito Chico</a></li> <li><a href="#short-hikes"> Short Hikes</a></li> <li><a href="#beaches"> Beaches</a></li> <li><a href="#suiza"> Colonia Suiza</a></li> <li><a href="#overnight"> Overnight Hikes</a></li> <li><a href="#tronador"> Tronador and Mascardi</a></li> <li><a href="#lanin"> Parque Nacional Lanin</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="nahuel">Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi</h2> <p>Argentina’s oldest national park can be divided into north and south, with Lago <span>Nahuel Huapi cutting a swath through its center</span>. The northern section includes the famous <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/best-road-trips">Route of the Seven Lakes</a>, connecting the towns of San Martin de los Andes and Villa La Angostura. Lago Truful is also in the north. The south contains San Carlos de Bariloche and Lago Mascardi.</p> <h2 id="traful">Villa Traful</h2> <p>About 16mi (25km) off Ruta 40 from Confluencia is Villa Traful, with lakeshore campgrounds filled with rowdy backpackers in the summer. Lago Traful is magical and well worth a day trip from one of the larger towns (pack a picnic lunch).</p> <h2 id="bariloche">Bariloche</h2> <p>On the southeast shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi, San Carlos de Bariloche is the gateway city to the southern section of the park and offers year-round activities. Visitors can also arrive from Chile by a <a href="https://www.cruceandino.com/cruce/EN/home/inicio" target="_blank">scenic lake crossing</a> through the Andes via Puerto Blest, the same route taken by Patagonian explorers (one-day trip US $325 / $119,000 ARS, two-day trip starting at US $340 /$124,492 ARS).</p> <p>Unless you’ve come especially for <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/ski-snowboard-travel-insurance">winter sports</a>, consider visiting in spring or fall for low-season prices and more solitary hikes. In March and April, the hillsides turn into a rainbow of orange and magenta lengas trees. November brings fierce Patagonian winds and blooms of golden scotch broom alongside indigo lupines and wild orchids. Rainy days can be spent tasting exquisite local chocolate.</p> <p>Best hamburger in town: Cava Clandestina<br />Best IPA beer: La Cruz<br />Best vegetarian dish: Curry vegetarian at Manush Cerveza<br />Best <g class="gr_ gr_111 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="111" data-gr-id="111">parilla</g>: El Boliche de Alberto</p> <h2 id="chico">Circuito Chico</h2> <p>Don’t miss the view – considered one of the world’s most stunning – from Cerro Campanario, located 20 minutes from downtown Bariloche reached via a public bus route. You can reach the top in less than an hour; non-hikers can take the chairlift to the top. Try the lemon pie and <em>cafe con leche</em> at the <em>confiteria</em>.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/lake-district/lake-district-cerro-campanario.jpg" alt="View from Cerro Campanario in Argentina's Lake District." /><figcaption>View from Cerro Campanario. Photo credit: iStock/DaniloVieira00</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="short-hikes">Short hikes in the Lake District</h2> <p>The Llao Llao Municipal Park in Circuito Chico has many interconnecting trails. Cerrito Llao Llao is a gentle one-hour climb with a stunning view of Brazo Blest, Cerro Capilla, and the Chilean Andes.</p> <p>For a singular view of Brazo Tristeza, try the Bahia Lopez trail, also under an hour to the lookout.</p> <p>Or, starting about a mile past the Llao Llao hotel, a 20-minute walk in the forest will take you to a tiny clearing with native arrayan trees. Continue along this trail to secluded, wind-protected beaches on Lago Moreno.</p> <h2 id="beaches">Beaches</h2> <p>Bahia de Los Troncos and Villa Tacul are best visited on days without wind; otherwise head to the sheltered eastern side of Playa Morenito (near Bahía Pascasio, with excellent local beer and <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/kayaking-or-rafting">kayak rentals</a>).</p> <h2 id="suiza">Colonia Suiza</h2> <p>This quaint three-block settlement is nestled on the shore of Lake Moreno, just a 30-minute bus from downtown Bariloche. Along with a public beach and campgrounds, the village also boasts several restaurants serving <em>curanto,</em> an <em>asado</em> dug into the ground, cooked on hot slabs of stone, and covered by brush.<em> Curanto</em> is based on an ancient technique from the Polynesian Islands that made its way first to Chile (where they used seafood), and finally to Argentina (where sweet potatoes and apples are paired with lamb or venison). For <em>curanto,</em> visit on Wednesday or Sunday; there’s also a small local craft fair on those days.</p> <h2 id="overnight">Overnight hikes</h2> <p>Once the snow melts, you’ll be overwhelmed by the <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/best-unknown-hiking-destinations">hiking possibilities</a>; check with the <a href="https://www.clubandino.org/noticias/refugios/">Club Andino</a> to see which trails and accommodation are open. January-April are the best months. If you didn’t bring gear, you can always splurge with a night at a <em>refugio</em> (around US $50/$20,000 ARS). If you’ve got room in your pack, bring along a bottle of wine to share over dinner – you’ll make lots of friends later when someone breaks out a guitar. Things can get festive at the <em>refugios</em>, so if you’re looking for quiet, camp outside and pay a small fee to use the kitchen.<br /> <br />For an up-to-four-night trek without a guide, start at the base of Cerro Catedral and hike up to Frey, Jacob, Laguna Negra, and Lopez <em>refugios</em>, spending a night at each. The trek can be done in reverse order, or any combination of one- two- or three-day hikes as well.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/lake-district/lake-district-refugio.jpg" alt="A refugio in Argentina's Lake District." /><figcaption>A refugio. Photo credit: iStock/mountlynx</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="tronador">Mount Tronador and Lago Mascardi</h2> <p>Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi extends as far south as the Lago Mascardi recreational area with access to Mount Tronador, an extinct stratovolcano providing some of the <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">best trekking</a> in the region. The three-day trek Pampa Linda-Meiling-Rocca via Glacier Alerce is spectacular if you can swing it (around US $260/$95,200 ARS for guided crossing, gear included).</p> <p>Non-campers can spend the night at Hotel Tronador or Hosteria Pampa Linda. For day access, minibuses leave from the Club Andino in Bariloche around 8:00am and return around 5:00pm (two hours drive, spring and summer only, <a href="https://refugiomeiling.com/en/transporte.html">advance registration required</a>). If you’re in your own vehicle, check for entry/exit times.<br /> <br />Kawén Adventures provides exceptional half- and full-day kayaking tours on Lago Mascardi.<br /> <br />If you’re headed south to the hippie town of El Bolson, veer off Ruta 40 to visit Lago Steffen, the warmest lake in the area for swimmers.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/lake-district/lake-district-mount-tronador.jpg" alt="A horse grazes with the snowy peaks of Mount Tronador in the background." /><figcaption>Mount Tronador. Photo credit: iStock/Adrian Wojcik</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="lanin">Parque Nacional Lanin </h2> <p>The only national park in Argentina to be jointly run by the government and local indigenous communities, Parque Nacional Lanin is unique for its prehistoric-looking monkey-puzzle trees.</p> <p>The Lanin volcano, towering over Lago Huechulafquen at 12,000ft (3,658m), is the only active volcano in the Argentina Lake District. Trained hikers can summit Lanin: a three-day hike on the glacier, ice-walking gear and registration required. Excursions leave from sleepy Junin de los Andes, the closest town, with a border crossing to Pucon, Chile (around four hours by car).</p> <p>You’ll need a car to explore the park, as there is no public transport. There are several campgrounds on the northern coast of Huechulafquen, many offering simple meals and hot water; the southern coast is rugged and although camping is permitted, there are no services.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/lake-district/lake-district-lanin.jpg" alt="Lake Huechulafquen and Volcano Lanin." /><figcaption>Lake Huechulafquen and Volcano Lanin. iStock/Dmitry Saparov</figcaption></figure> <p><em>Prices updated December 2023.</em></p>iStock/Buenaventuramariano 0 A kayaker on a lake in Argentina's Lake District.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/argentina/guide-to-the-northeastWetlands, waterfalls, flamboyant carnivals, and indigenous communities – the Littoral region is like nowhere else in the country.2018-06-12T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/argentina/guide-to-the-northeasthttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#rosario"> Rosario</a></li> <li><a href="#entre-rios"> Among rivers in Entre Rios</a></li> <li><a href="#corrientes"> Corrientes: sport fishing and Esteros del Ibera</a></li> <li><a href="#misiones"> Misiones beyond Iguazu Falls</a></li> </ul> <p>Along the Uruguay and Parana rivers lies Argentina’s Littoral (shoreline region). It’s worth devoting two weeks to exploring the Argentine Mesopotamia and falling into its slow rhythm. Though generally less expensive than Buenos Aires and Patagonia, you may need to rent a vehicle to get to some hidden gems.</p> <p>This region is culturally rich, with indigenous tribes still living here. Make a point of visiting their communities and learning about their history and traditions.</p> <p>If it takes you months to remove the red soil from your clothes, then you can say you’ve truly seen the region!</p> <h2 id="rosario">Rosario</h2> <p>known as the “cradle of the flag”, Rosario is a four-hour drive from <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/guide-to-buenos-aires">Buenos Aires</a> and the typical starting point for an itinerary across the Littoral. One of the country’s main cultural hubs, it’s the birthplace of many Argentinian icons – Che Guevara, Lionel Messi, even the country's flag.</p> <p>Though Rosario is usually overlooked in short itineraries, it’s well worth a visit for its vibrant arts scene – check out the Silos Davis museum – and a riverfront lined with parks and pubs. If you visit during spring/summer, catch the 15-minute ferry from La Fluvial to La Isla, and enjoy a day at one of the many beach bars overlooking the city. Or hire a kayak to explore areas of the delta that not many people have access to.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/northeast/northeast-rosario-kayaking.jpg" /><figcaption>Kayaking near Rosario. Photo credit: Martina Grossi</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="entre-rios">Among rivers in Entre Rios</h2> <p>Entre Rios hosts Argentina’s most important festival: the <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/culture-and-etiquette">Gualeguaychú Carnival </a>celebrated during January and February.</p> <p>But <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/4-reasons-to-discover-entre-rios-argentina">Entre Rios</a> is more than colored feathers and bling – it also offers a wide range of outdoor activities and a well-developed tourism industry. Try your hand at fishing in La Paz, the best fishing spot in Entre Rios. Or visit the Termas de Colon, one of many thermal baths in the province.</p> <p>It’s fairly easy to get around using the long-distance buses network: Flechabus is the main operator in the region. Campsites, hostels, and ecotourism resorts are both numerous and affordable.</p> <p>If you come around Carnival time, you’ll need to book in advance and be prepared for high temperatures and humidity.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/northeast/northeast-gualeguaychu.jpg" /><figcaption>Gualeguaychu Carnival. Photo credit: iStock/Grafissimo</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="corrientes">Corrientes: sport fishing and Esteros del Ibera</h2> <p>Travelers come to Corrientes province for two main reasons: the Esteros del Ibera, and world-class recreational fishing.</p> <p>The <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/5-experiences-in-ibera-and-iguazu">Esteros del Ibera</a> is the second-most important wetland in the continent. Now an official national park (as of December 2018), it’s gaining fame due to its huge variety of flora and fauna. Visit now, while it’s still off the main tourism radar.</p> <p>The Esteros can be accessed in several ways. There are some eco-lodges near the northernmost point, but most visitors arrive via the town of Mercedes, about 68mi (110 km) south of the Esteros, where you can rent a car or take a bus to Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, a small village just outside the park. You’ll find numerous accommodation options here, including eco-lodges and campsites.</p> <p>It’s a good idea to rent a car (ideally an SUV) as there’s not a wide range of public transport. Or, you can arrange a guided visit from Colonia Carlos Pellegrini or Mercedes, or book an all-inclusive package to stay in the park for around three days.</p> <p>If you’re interested in recreational fishing, head to Goya or Paso de la Patria, famed hubs for Dorado and Surubi fish. You can organize your own adventure or hire a guide.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/wildlife/wildlife-capybara.jpg" /><figcaption>Capybara, Isteros del Ibera. Photo credit: iStock/martinffff </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="misiones">Misiones Beyond Iguazu Falls</h2> <p>The magnificent Iguazu Falls are the main draw to this region, and with good reason. But if you take time to venture further, you’ll be well rewarded. Renting a car is recommended if you want to explore the region in depth.</p> <p>If you’re arriving from Corrientes, and want to visit the UNESCO-listed Ruinas de San Ignacio (a Jesuit Mission founded in 1632), consider overnighting at Saltos del Tabay, a huge campsite 29mi (46km) away near the Parana River.</p> <p>From here, the Saltos del Mocona is worth a detour – this unique waterfall runs parallel to its river for 1.8mi (3km). The falls are visible for about 250 days per year when the river’s not at peak fullness. Before going, check the official website as the park closes on occasion due to weather conditions. If you don’t have a car, head to El Soberbio; there, you’ll find the only official transport that operates in the area.</p> <p>Other popular waterfalls can be found in the vicinity of Puerto Iguazu: Salto de Mbocay and Salto del Turista.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/northeast/northeast-ruinas-de-san-ignacio.jpg" /><figcaption>Ruinas de San Ignacio. Photo credit: Martina Grossi</figcaption></figure>iStock/Bkamprath 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/argentina/best-unknown-hiking-destinationsFitz Roy and Perito Moreno aren’t the only epic treks in Argentina. Insider Caroline shares her favorite trails around the country.2018-06-12T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/argentina/best-unknown-hiking-destinationshttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#salta">Hiking near Cafayate in Salta Province</a></li> <li><a href="#jujuy"> Hiking near Purmamarca in Jujuy Province</a></li> <li><a href="#yungas"> Top trails in Calilegua National Park</a></li> <li><a href="#mendoza">Multi-day treks and day hikes in Mendoza Province</a></li> </ul> <p>In the rugged Northwest, trails lead to ancient ruins and cross dazzling salt pans, while <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/guide-to-mendoza">Mendoza</a> draws hard-core trekkers to the world’s highest mountain outside the Himalayas: Mount Aconcagua.</p> <p><a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">Independent hiking</a> in these parts requires planning. Public transportation can be limited, and trails are sometimes unmarked and ill-maintained. It’s often best to hire a car, and wise to check in with park ranger stations and arrange stays at <em>refugios</em> (mountain shelters). Park rangers can supply maps, guides, and updated info.</p> <h2 id="salta">Hiking near Cafayate in Salta Province</h2> <p>Framed by soaring Andean peaks, the Northwest delivers numerous day hikes and multi-day expeditions through fantastically shaped canyons. The colonial city of Salta is the local visitor epicenter. Some 116mi (187km) north, the charming wine-growing region of Cafayate is the hub for Valles Calchaquíes, where traditional villages nestle amid the thrusting rock formations of the Quebrada de las Flechas. From Cafayate, a scenic, 3mi (5km) hike leads southwest to the Rio Colorado, home to ancient pictographs and a picturesque waterfall.</p> <h2 id="jujuy">Hiking near Purmamarca in Jujuy Province</h2> <p>Just north of the city of Jujuy (75mi/120km north of Salta), the Quebrada de Humahuaca is Northwest Argentina’s main calling card. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this long gorge blazes with waves of vividly colored rock, stretching north to the Bolivian border. Most tourist attention centers on the spectacular Cerro de Siete Colores, the stratified Hill of Seven Colors, which you can marvel at on a 90-minute hike (1.8mi/3km) around the perimeter.</p> <p>Nestled beneath the mountain, Purmamarca is a captivating village despite its steady traffic of visitors, and with its rich indigenous traditions and incredible setting, it’s an ideal base for hikes and treks for all levels.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/hiking/hiking-near-purmamarca.jpg" /><figcaption>Hiking near Purmamarca. Photo credit: iStock/estivillml</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="yungas">Top trails in Calilegua National Park</h2> <p>Adventurous trekkers and budding botanists head west to Calilegua National Park, 106mi (170km) northeast of Purmamarca. Home to portions of the Yungas cloud forest that covers swathes of Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina, its lush biodiversity is a far cry from Salta’s arid landscape.</p> <p>Accessed from the town of Libertador General San Martín (6mi/9km away), the park has 14mi (22km) of trails for all abilities, which lead from the Aguas Negras ranger station and allow for close encounters with the park’s prolific wildlife inventory: 300 species of bird, including the majestic Andean condor, and 60 mammals, including puma and jaguar.</p> <p>Novice trails include the short but rewarding Momota and La Herradura trails. If you want to make the heart valves squeak, more arduous hikes include trails to La Lagunita (five hours) and Tataupa (2.5 hours) that descend to the river. Multi-day expeditions can be arranged in Salta and San Salvador de Jujuy and include a three-day trek to Cerro Amarillo (12,205ft/3,720m) or Cerro Hermoso (10,499ft/3,200m).</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/hiking/hiking-yungas.jpg" /><figcaption>The Yungas. Photo credit: iStock/Jujuyoc</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="mendoza">Multi-day treks and day hikes in Mendoza Province</h2> <p>The high Andes to the west of <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/guide-to-mendoza">Mendoza City</a> are dominated by Mount Aconcagua, aka Roof of the Americas, South America’s highest mountain. While Aconcagua is more of a long hike than a mountaineering expedition, it’s definitely a challenge due to elevation (22,840ft/6,960m), severe weather, and duration (18-21 days). Still, with more than 3,500 people taking on the climb each year, it’s a well-traveled trail and very doable if you are in good shape. Bear in mind that most travel insurance policies do not cover climbs over 19,685ft (6,000m).</p> <p>The Normal and Polish Traverse routes to the summit don’t require gear or technical expertise, but they’re essential for the tougher Polish Glacier route, which involves crossing a glacier. For novice hikers who don’t have three weeks to spare, tour operators in Mendoza offer a two-day trek below the snow line to base camps and refugios, including Confluencia (10,826ft/3,300m).</p> <p>If you’re not up for a long commitment, rewarding day hikes are accessible from Mendoza City. Some 7.5mi (12km) west of town, El Challao is a popular, family-friendly hike. The hike to Cerro Arco (three-hour return trip to the summit) provides glorious panoramas of the city.</p> <p>Less than a three-hour drive from Mendoza, Cerro Penitentes (14,272ft/4,350m), named for its jagged rock formations that resemble penitent monks, can be climbed all year round. While the moderately rated two-day hike (16mi/26km, with an overnight camp at the summit) requires no technical expertise, it does require a high level of fitness and hiking experience.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/hiking/hiking-aconcagua.jpg" /><figcaption>Aconcagua expedition. Photo credit: iStock/1111!@SPDJ</figcaption></figure> <p></p>iStoc/Agustina Camilion 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/argentina/culture-and-etiquetteDiverse and demonstrative, Argentinians are passionate about food, music, football, and politics. Our local insider Martina shares her insights.2018-06-10T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/argentina/culture-and-etiquettehttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#mate"> The mate ritual: sharing is caring </a></li> <li><a href="#affection"> Public affection: a society of hugs and kisses </a></li> <li><a href="#football"> Politics, religion, and football</a></li> <li><a href="#flow"> Go with the flow </a></li> <li><a href="#siesta"> Siestas and dining etiquette </a></li> <li><a href="#festivals"> Music and festivals </a></li> <li><a href="#gauchos"> Argentina's people </a></li> <li><a href="#politics"> Political movements </a></li> <li><a href="#must-do"> 8 must-do experieces in Argentina </a></li> </ul> <p>If you tell an Argentinian that you’ll be visiting the country, rest assure that what will come next is: you will be offered a place to stay, invited to a traditional barbeque, asked to go sightseeing with the friend of a friend and, most of all, you will be offered <em>mate</em>. Don’t even think of saying no!</p> <h2 id="mate">The <em>mate</em> ritual: sharing is caring</h2> <p><em>Mate</em> may be the single thing that culturally defines all Argentinians. It’s what we do, all day, while doing anything else. The <em>mate</em> ritual reflects our most deeply rooted values: sharing and friendship.</p> <p>This bitter type of tea, known as Yerba Mate, is served in a small cup with an aluminium straw that everyone shares by turns. (Note: post-COVID, the <em>mate</em> ritual still exists, but it's more likely that everyone brings their own cup and straw rather than sharing.)</p> <h2 id="affection">Public affection: a society of hugs and kisses</h2> <p>Argentinians are quite relaxed about public displays of affection, which can sometimes be shocking for foreigners. When greeting someone, give a kiss – only one – on the right cheek, sometimes even a tight hug. This goes for men and women. Talking loudly and with energetic body language is perfectly okay, think Italians…</p> <h2 id="football">Politics, religion, and football</h2> <p>As a society, Argentinians can be quite polarized by concepts like politics, the military, church, and football. Footballers Maradona and Messi; Malvinas (aka the Falkland Islands); the Pope; Juan and Evita Perón: these are all sensitive topics. A simple conversation can turn into an intense debate quite easily, so don’t take it personally if you find yourself in the middle!</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/culture/culture-football.jpg" /><figcaption>Photo credit: Sean O'Reilly</figcaption></figure> <p>Apart from <em>mate, <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/food-and-drink">asado</a></em> (Argentine BBQ), and tango, football is the quintessence of all things Argentine. You don’t need to visit La Boca to get a sense of this: almost every neighborhood has its own football team. The whole country stops for the Sunday matches, and it’s said that if you want to say you’ve visited, you have to go to a stadium and see a match.</p> <h2 id="flow">Go with the flow</h2> <p>Accept the realities of Argentina. You may encounter strikes, demonstrations, people crossing during red lights, dog poo, crowds everywhere (if you are in major cities) almost daily. This can create a sense of chaos and overwhelm visitors, but don’t let it spoil the fun. Try not to be bothered by people not being on time, concerts starting a few hours late, or buses being tardy. There’s really no reason to rush.</p> <h2 id="siesta">Siestas and dining etiquette</h2> <p>Many regions of the country, especially the hottest ones, follow the custom of <em>siesta</em> – napping in the afternoon. You can expect everything to be shut down from 12:30pm until 4-5 pm. Locals usually eat dinner around 9 or 10pm. That’s why Argentinians eat <em>merienda</em> (afternoon tea) around 6pm. This translates to late mornings, so you won’t find much to do before 10am.</p> <h2 id="festivals">Music and festivals in Argentina</h2> <p>Tango is on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, and it’s deeply embedded in our culture.</p> <p>But the love for music goes beyond tango. There’s also the Cosquín Festival – Argentina’s most important folk music festival – in <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/5-ways-to-explore-central-sierras">Cordoba</a>, during January. The festival lasts nine nights and the artist lineup is always excellent.</p> <p>And there's the Argentine version of rock ‘n’ roll: Rock Nacional. One of the best experiences for a visitor is to go to a rock concert, get in the midst of things and jump like there’s no tomorrow – that’s called pogo.</p> <p>Other major festivals are the<em> Fiesta de la Vendimia</em> (Grape Harvest Festival), held February-March in <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/mendoza-and-beyond">Mendoza</a>, and <em>Carnaval de Gualeguaychu</em>, which takes place in <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/guide-to-the-northeast">Entre Ríos</a> during March, and is the most famous festival in the country.</p> <p>If you choose to go, make sure you plan ahead of time.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/northeast/northeast-gualeguaychu.jpg" /><figcaption>Carnaval de Gualeguaychu. Photo credit: iStock/Grafissimo</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="gauchos">Argentina’s people, from gauchos to<em> Porteños</em></h2> <p>Argentina is quite culturally diverse – in just three blocks you can find a synagogue, a church, an Asian supermarket, and a Lebanese restaurant. Known as the<em> ethnic crisol</em> (crucible), it’s a country of immigrants. You will find Italian<em> porteños</em> in Buenos Aires, <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/the-gaucho-culture">gauchos</a> in Las Pampas, German, Danish, Jewish, Welsh, and indigenous communities spread throughout the country.</p> <h2 id="politics">Political movements in Argentina</h2> <p>Known for iconic public figures like Evita Perón, Argentinians have always been quite active members of society. In 1976, the darkest period of our recent history began. This dictatorship government lasted until 1983, and left an aftermath of 30,000 <em>Desaparecidos</em> (kidnapped/disappeared).</p> <p>A group of mothers whose sons and daughters were kidnapped have started protesting peacefully every Thursday at Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires. They are known as the <em>Madres de la Plaza</em>, and their fight for justice has been recognized worldwide.</p> <p>If interested in learning this chapter of history, visit the <em>Escuela de Mecánica de la Armada</em> (E.S.M.A.), which was the main clandestine torture center. Alternatively, you can march with the Madres de la Plaza every Thursday at 3.30 pm.</p> <h2 id="must-do">8 must-do experiences for travelers in Argentina</h2> <ul> <li>Sit at the park and have <em>mate</em> with new friends: just say <em>“¿Me das un mate?”</em></li> <li>Attend a folklore festival or <em>peña</em></li> <li>Watch a game of <em>pato</em> (the traditional sport of gauchos) at Las Heras in Mendoza</li> <li>Visit indigenous communities and towns to help keep their heritage alive</li> <li><a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/buenos-aires-nightlife">Dance tango</a> at a <em>milonga</em> (tango venue)</li> <li>Eat traditional <em>asado</em> with the gauchos</li> <li>Of course, drink wine. But, remember to try <em>Fernet con Coca.</em> If you ever tell an Argentinian, especially from Cordoba, that you’ve tried this, you’ll make a friend on the spot</li> <li>Listen to <em>Cuarteto</em>, Argentina’s most popular type of Latin music, created in Cordoba</li> </ul> <p></p>iStock/anyaivanova 0

Test Story: Twists in the Road to Cafayatehttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/connection/twists-in-the-road-to-somewhereTest Story: Twists in the Road to CafayateThu, 27 Jul 2017 01:52:47 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/connection/twists-in-the-road-to-somewherehttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/argentina/twists-in-the-road-to-cafayateDisarmed by the kindness of a stranger, Keith takes up the offer to go on a last minute trip, three hours south of Salta.2011-04-14T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/argentina/twists-in-the-road-to-cafayatehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>"Oh, you're young. She thought you were going to be 50," said Yvette, the woman in the front seat, pointing to our guide and driver, Ana.</p> <p>"What, 50? Why would I be 50?"</p> <p>Another woman, Yvette's older sister Jillian, turns to me in the back of the small, red van. "Well, you're married and traveling alone. Who does that?"</p> <p>Who does that? I've been answering that question a lot since I left my job, and it's pretty difficult to explain in <a href="/explore/guides/spanish-travel-phrasebook">broken Spanish</a> to the Argentines I meet. Luckily, I'm riding with two 30-something American women. I cover the usual bases (a dissatisfaction with my job, a desire to follow my passions, a severe dislike of regret) as we weave through traffic on the way south of Salta. The women nod their heads in understanding.</p> <p>Or was it feigned interest? You see, I don't know if they expected me to be a part of their sojourn to Cafayate.</p> <p>The previous night, Ana and I exchanged a flurry of e-mails setting up my inclusion in her day-long tour to Cafayate, a popular town about three hours south of Salta known for its wild scenery and vineyards that are just now gaining worldwide attention. I waffled for awhile, unsure if I wanted to impose on a trip others had planned and accept a complementary tour. Ultimately, I decide to go; if Ana was inviting me to join them then there must have been some discussion with the others on the tour. Right?</p> <p>The jury's still out on whether that was the case, but, as I climbed into the van just after 9am the next morning, I was met with nothing but kindness. Travel has a way of drawing back our layers, of exposing our bones. People are a little quicker to open up, a little easier to see into. It makes us more receptive and less judgmental. But I'm still disarmed by the kindness of strangers, by Ana's offer to squeeze me into her tour for free, by Yvette's and Jillian's willingness to share their day with me.</p> <p align="baseline">The four of us chat companionably, asking questions in an effort to get to know each other as fast as possible. <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/the-long-haul-to-salta" target="_blank">Salta's southern limits </a>abruptly end as we pass into a kind of cloud forest terrain. It is overcast and wisps of clouds mingle with the trees on the hilltops around us. Yvette recently sold all of her possessions and moved to <a href="/travel-safety/south-america/argentina/travel-safely-buenos-aires" target="_blank">Buenos Aires</a> to work full-time as an artist. I smile; selling everything and jetting is a common story among travel bloggers. Jillian is a graphic artist and here visiting her sister. The two of them have been journeying around <a href="/travel-safety/south-america/argentina" target="_blank">Argentina</a> for a couple of weeks. Meanwhile, Ana peppers us with factoids about Salta province that I struggle to scribble down in the bouncing van.</p> <p>On the northern edge of the Quebrada de las Conchas, an enormous gorge that connects Salta with the town of Cafayate, we are stopped at a police checkpoint. Ana produces the requested licenses and documentation, and the two policemen pace around the car periodically stopping to bend over and stare at something. I briefly wonder if there are nondescript brown packages beneath the sun cover behind me. A silver car is parked to the side of the road, every door and window - even the gas tank latch - sealed with official-looking tape.</p> <p>Someone forgot their documentation.</p> <p>Eventually the police end their show and bid us onward. We make a fortifying stop at Posta de las Cabras where I promptly consume a piece of <em>torta de mil hojas,</em><a href="http://travelingsavage.smugmug.com/Travel/CafayateArgentina/IMG0954/1100800485_R3v4L-XL.jpg"></a> undoubtedly crammed with thousands of calories.</p> <p>The road through the Quebrada de las Conchas winds, curls, and loops between looming serrated peaks like the intestines of some great beast. Shades of red, gold, brown, and green flash in the sunlight: the mountains' metallic bones peek through the sandy sediment. Layers of rock reach up from the ground, cocked at acute angles by some cruel force in the guts of the earth. Mind and camera struggle to take in the scope of the landscape. As we wend our way through the valley I picture our little vehicle as a microscopic organism crawling between the scales of a megalithic chameleon. We stop every five minutes to stand before natural grandeur and record our insignificance as the sun pounds the shadows of clouds onto the mountainsides.</p> <p align="baseline">Ana tells us it's believed that the Incans hid treasure in the quebrada after the execution of Atahualpa by the Spanish. To this day, intrepid Argentines comb the mountains looking for this ancient trove. It's one of those forest-for-the-trees moments when the treasure seems so obviously in plain sight to a foreigner like me. Each new hairpin turn yields a vista that further highlights the inadequacy of language. Eventually we stop talking altogether, the whistling of wind through rocks and the micro-beeps of digital cameras the only soundtrack to our prolonged awe.</p> <h3>About the Author</h3> <p>After almost eight years in the corporate world, Keith checked out to follow his dreams of traveling and writing. He is the creator of <a href="http://www.traveling-savage.com/">Traveling Savage</a>, and he now splits his time between his wife and home in Madison, Wisconsin and Scotland’s rills, hills, and valleys.</p> <p></p>Keith Savage 0