For many travelers Argentina’s natural beauties are the main attraction of this country: from the deserts in the North to the magnificent desolation of Patagonia in the South, and from the impressive Iguazú Falls in the North-East to the majesty of the Andes Mountains in the West. In the center of this picture is Buenos Aires, its capital, and a fabulous city, known by its sophistication.
One of the most outstanding characteristics of Argentina is its population, of mainly immigrant origin, that has preserved its European cultural traits during the transposition to the New World.
Argentina is situated at the southern end of South America. Ranked by size, it is the second country in South America and the eighth in the world. Its continental surface is about 2,790,000 km2, and with Malvinas islands (Falkland Islands), other islands of the South Atlantic and an Antarctic sector, its total surface is of 3,761,274 km2.
From North to South its extension is of 3,800 km2, and from East to West, 1,425 km. It borders on Bolivia and Paraguay to the North; Brazil, Uruguay and the Atlantic Ocean to the East; Chile to the West and the Atlantic Ocean and the South Pole to the South.
The Western part of the country is flanked by the Andes Mountains, the great mountain system of South America, including the highest peak in the Americas and one of the highest in the World, the Aconcagua with 6,960 m, is. East of the Andes Mountains, we find several groups of highlands, like the Oriental Mountains and Subandinean Sierras in the North, the Pampas Sierras in the center and the Buenos Aires systems of Tandilia and Ventania. The center of the territory is mainly occupied by a great plain with smooth undulations: the pampas
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DIFFERENT REGIONS OF ARGENTINA
Northwest Region
Northwest is mainly a mountainous region, with spectacular landscapes. In the far west there is a high plateau (about 3,800 m above sea level), crossed by chains of mountains. The center of it is crossed by deep gorges (as the Quebrada of Humahuaca). In the eastern side of this region we can find smaller mountains, of about 2,000 m, as a transition to Chaco plains.
The touristy Railway to the Clouds (one of the highest in the world), allows enjoying this region form an amazing perspective. Snow in the summits contrast with red, violet and green patches in the sides of these mountains. We can find forest areas intermingled, too, with an important variety of fauna, preserved in National Parks. Several picturesque villages are spread in unparalleled natural landscapes. In the eastern limit of this region we can visit Rio Hondo thermal baths, an internationally recognized place by its curative properties.
Northeast Region
It is divided in two sub regions: Chaco and Mesopotamia. The first one is a woody and uniform subtropical plain. Two great and plentiful rivers, Parana and Uruguay, surround Mesopotamia. In Misiones province, rocky formations break the riverbed, creating falls and rapids. A fabulous example of this is the famous Iguazu Falls, which were declared Natural Mankind Patrimony by the UNESCO. In the southern part of this region, the littoral of Entre Rios, Corrientes and Santa Fe provinces can be visited, with numerous beaches, islands and corners for swimming and water sports. Both sub regions are characterized by a rich and varied fauna, especially in the protected subtropical forest in Misiones and in the more temperate woods and parks in Corrientes and Entre Rios
Cuyo Region
This is a contrasting region. In the West, the plentiful rivers that descend by its sides cross the system of the Andes Mountains, with the Aconcagua in Mendoza province. Through irrigation canals, the water changed this arid system in a prosperous zone where excellent grapevines are grown. The wines of this region are worldwide recognized and its wine cellars can be visited (and tasted, too). The Andes rivers have created impressive canyons, as the Atuel's canyon, plenty of colors and natural beauties. Tourist options in this region are varied, especially with trekking, rafting, and mountain climbing, between others. Winter sports are present, too in several ski centers, as in Las Leñas.
Córdoba & Central Mountain Region
This region has medium height mountains, valleys, plains and plateaus (called pampas, of about 1,000 m above sea level) crossed by many rivers and streams, ideal for swimming and water sports, that are practiced in artificial lakes created by numerous dams. It has an important touristy potential and several touristy villages take advantage of its beautiful landscapes. This region has an ideal and healthy climate, temperate and with low humidity.
In this geography we can find the second city of Argentina, the modern and active city of Cordoba.
The Pampas Plain
This is a flat land, only crossed by two ancient mountain systems, Tandil (500 m above sea level) and Ventana (1,200 m above sea level). This region is especially suitable for agricultural and cattle breeding activities. Its touristic potential is mainly reflected in Buenos Aires, the great industrial and commercial metropolis of Argentina, with an intense cultural activity in numerous cinemas, theaters, musical spectacles, pubs, restaurants, shoppings and many other attractions. It has a rich tradition too, that can be seen in several museums and buildings that show different architectonic styles.
Besides, there are important touristic cities located on the Atlantic shore, as populous Mar del Plata, and the more exclusive beaches of Pinamar and Cariló. The picture is completed with a visit to Tandil and Sierra de la Ventana, which offers mountain landscapes and adventure tourism.
Andes Patagonia Region
This is an impressive mountain region, with unique natural lakes, glaciers and woods. This is one of the most spectacular regions in Argentina. Several National Parks that can be visited protect its fauna and picturesque richness, as Lanin, Nahuel Huapi, Los Arrayanes, Los Alerces, Lago Puelo, Francisco P. Moreno, Los Glaciares and Tierra del Fuego National Parks. Worldwide travelers, who can enjoy many famous attractions as, for example one of the most beautiful active glazers, the Perito Moreno Glacier in Santa Cruz province, visit several touristic points. This region is especially suitable for adventure tourism and has numerous possibilities for practicing trekking, rafting, mountain-climbing, mountain bike, cavalcades, etc., added to water sports in its numerous lakes. There are important winter sports centers for skiing, as Chapelco and Cerro Catedral and thermal baths, as Copahue. In the southern end, in Tierra del Fuego, you can travel through intricate channels and accede to the Antarctic.
Atlantic Patagonia Region
A central plateau, crossed by valleys, canyons and low mountains, characterizes this wild region, also known as Patagonia plateau. The climate is arid, windy and cold, and agricultural activities are concentrated in some protected artificial oasis.
Tourist attractions are mainly in the northern part of this region, on the Atlantic shore, where important wild life reserves can be found, with sea elephants and wolves, penguins, birds and the southern whales. The northern beaches, surrounded by beautiful cliffs of about 30 m in height, are ideal for swimming and diving
