Argentina

The Argentine Republic

Experience the beautiful country of Argentina located in the south-eastern part of South America. Here you can see jungle and snowy peaks with huge glaciers, snow-white deserts and fertile green valleys, deep rivers, waterfalls and wide shores of the Atlantic Ocean. This South American country has given to the world the tango, one of the most sensual dances, fiery colourful carnivals, and of course, world renowned footballers. Argentines revere their ancient traditions, which for centuries have been formed under the influence of indigenous Indian tribes, immigrants from Spain, Italy and other countries.

Until the early 16th century, the territory of Argentina was inhabited by various Indian tribes, including the martial Incas. In the first half of the 16th century, the first Spanish conquistadors who sought new lands and treasures sailed to the coast of South America. Argentina owes its name to the Spaniards, who called the bay where they landed La Plata (the Silver) due to the Guarani people wearing silver jewellery. Later the country was referred to as a silver one. The Latin term “argentums” means silver. Since then Argentina has survived the ups and downs. Today it is a developed colourful country that has kept its ancient traditions brought from the colonial era. Horse racing is the most famous men's entertainment since the times of gauchos – Argentine cowboys. Cockfight was their favourite pastime. This tradition has been preserved till now, mostly in villages.

The Argentines have gained world fame due to their love for football, which is played everywhere ranging from a small ground to a major sport arena.

Carnival is considered to be one of the most striking traditions of Argentina. Dance performances and great acting energize you and bring joy. Argentine carnivals are usually held from January to March. One of the most famous and the longest carnivals in the world – Carnival of the Country – is traditionally held in the city of Gualeguaychu.

Argentina is the birthplace of the tango. Latin American dances, including the tango, are an African tradition. Since the late 19th-early 20th century it has become popular in all over the world, originating in Argentina. For the Argentines, the tango is not only a dance or music, but more – a style of life. Local people like visiting milonga, dance evenings. Stirring melodies of this dance can be heard almost everywhere – on the radio, in the streets, in cafes, restaurants, bars, cabarets. In 1919, tango songs performed by popular singers became quite popular. Carlos Gardel is considered to be the King of Tango. He has brought worldwide fame to the tango thanks to his soulful voice and charm. On December 11, Buenos Aires, a capital of Argentina, hosts the Day of Tango, a popular world’s festival.

Buenos Aires – meaning the Fair Winds – has been the first Argentine colony. Traditions and innovations imported by Europeans from overseas are reflected in this city. The Palace of the National Congress of Argentina made in the style of Neoclassicism, Cathedral designed in the style of the French palace architecture, and the Town Hall of the Colonial architecture will be noted by you while strolling through the city. In addition, Buenos Aires is the cultural centre of the country. Here you can visit a large number of interesting museums, more than 50 auditoriums, including the Teatro Colón, an opera house, the General San Martin Theatre and the Cervantes National Theatre.

In Argentina, the climate is changing rapidly from hot tropical in the north to cold temperate in the south, thus creating conditions for the diversity of the natural world. The country is geographically divided into six regions, including the Pampas, Mesopotamia, Cuyo and others. The main wealth of this country is its beautiful nature. This is a wonderful land of jungle, national parks, deep rivers and waterfalls.

The most beautiful river landscapes of the Paraná River, the country’s main river, can be seen near Buenos Aires, where it expands and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Iguazú National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on the border with Brazil, is home to Iguazú Falls, one of the world’s natural wonders.

One of the most important archaeological sites in the world is located in Argentina. It is Ischigualasto Natural Park, well known as Moon Valley. The area resembles the surface of the moon – thousands of mysterious creations, round stones and boulders appear before the eyes of tourists. This place is remarkable due to the fact that the remains of dinosaurs have been excavated there.

Argentina is famous for the fact that the highest peaks of the Andes are located on its territory. Mount Aconcagua of 6962 meters high resembling stone guard stands out against the background of the Andes. The mountain weather favours winter sport activities all year round. A great number of conservation areas and parks, as well as pure mountain lakes along with snowy peaks create stunning views in the mountains. That is why hiking in these mountains is quite popular among tourists.

High in the Andes, in Los Glaciares National Park, you can see an unusual natural phenomenon known to the whole world as Perito Moreno Glacier. It is the world’s third largest reserve of fresh water. The glacier is about 5 km wide, reaching up to 60 meters high. Lago Argentino, the biggest freshwater lake in Argentina, is fed by melt water of Perito Moreno, as well as of other large glaciers located in Los Glaciares Park.

It is worthy to mention that Argentina is home to the largest colony of Magellanic penguins. The first penguins come here in September. You are advised to come to the peninsula of Punta Tombo in November in order to see these cute birds and their newborn penguins.

Argentina, an exotic country, welcomes its visitors from all over the world year-around. The most popular resorts are located southwards of Buenos Aires, along the Atlantic coast. The swimming season runs here from November to April, and the temperature ranges from the north to the south from +35˚C to +22˚C. The Archipelago of Tierra del Fuego with its underwater world is an interesting place for diving, where you can see the diversity of flora and fauna. This place has also gained its fame due to the fact that the Ship Monte Cervantes has sunk there.

Unique Argentine climate, wide gap between the night and day temperature, plenty of sunshine and diversity of the landscape has created perfect conditions for growing grapes. Argentina has long been a predominantly agricultural country, and wine-making has been its integral part. Vineyards occupy about 210 000 hectares of the country’s territory. Argentine wine production is concentrated in the provinces of San Juan, Mendoza, and Rio Negro. Such grape varieties as Malbec and Torrontés are considered to be the best in Argentina. Come to Argentina and sample its flavoured wine!

Mate is considered to be the national drink of Argentina. This beverage is drunk at any time of day, as Europeans drink tea for instance. The process of its brewing has long become a special ritual. The National Museum of Decorative Arts, located in Buenos Aires, offers you to learn everything concerning this beverage. During the national holiday dedicated to the mate in the city of Parana, you can learn methods and styles of its preparing, as well as sample this wonderful drink.

Argentina is the only place where you can experience its unrivalled culture, learn the world of the sensual tango, the fiery carnivals and enjoy its beautiful nature.