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| BROWSE CONTENT |
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BROWSE TRAVEL TITLES |
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| Destinations :: South America :: Argentina :: Introduction :: Introduction and basics |
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Even without the titanic wedge of Antarctica that cartographers include in its national territory, Argentina ranks as the world's eighth largest country. Standing between the tropic of Cancer and the most southerly reaches of the planet's landmass, it encompasses a staggering diversity of climates and landscapes. The mainland points down from the hot and humid jungles of its northeast and the bone-dry highland steppes of its northwest through windswept Patagonia to the end-of-the-world archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, a territory that is shared with Chile.
Argentina is less obviously exotic than its neighbours to the north, and its inhabitants will tell you how great an influence Europe has been on their nation. Yet it's a country with a very special character all of its own, distilled into the national ideal of Argentinidad – an elusive identity the country's Utopian thinkers and practical doers have never quite agreed upon. And while there's some truth to the clichés about Argentinians (their passions are dominated by the national religion of football, politics and living life in the fast lane), not everyone here dances the tango, or is obsessed with Evita, or gallops around on a horse, gaucho style.
| Argentina highlights |
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Buenos Aires
Dynamic yet laid-back, South America's most alluring capital city combines cosmopolitan sophistication with deep-seated neighbourhood traditions.
Tango
The mesmerizing music and staggering steps of this celebrated dance make it one of Argentina's most distinct pastimes.
Parrilladas and asados
Savour crimson steaks reared in the big outdoors of the pampa and grilled on the perfect barbecue.
Iguazu waterfalls
The brute force and natural beauty harnessed by Iguazu put every other falls to shame and make an unforgettably moving (not to mention wet) experience.
Península Valdés
One of the world's top locations for whale-watching, this Patagonian isthmus is also home to sea lions, elephant seals and killer whales.
Glacier Perito Moreno
Even when it's not shedding lumps of ice the size of office blocks, this creaking monster is one of the natural wonders of the continent.
Talampaya and Ischigualasto
These parks offer towering otherworldly red cliffs and wind-crafted moonscapes.
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You are reading content from The Rough Guide to South America, First Edition
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