Land of contrasts

From the eclectic and multicultural attractions of Buenos Aires and a trek through sub-tropical forests in Iguazu, to adventure in the high Andes combined with skiing in Patagonia, Argentina has got them all, writes K S Sreekumar.

Argentina is a land of contrasts, from the vast plains of the east to the Andes in the west where Aconcagua, the highest peak of the Western Hemisphere, towers above the other mountains.

The variety of landscape ranges from the high altiplano of the northwest - with its deserts, valleys, gorges and brightly coloured hills - to the lakes, forests, glaciers, steppe, mountains and cliffs of Patagonia.

From the wetlands, lagoons, waterfalls and subtropical rainforest of the northeast, to the expanse of flat Pampas in Buenos Aires Province and the rolling hills of Cordoba.

The South American country has finally realised its potential as a destination and upgraded tourism to a ministry.

The aim was to find an alternative development sector for the economy, which 'boosts employment and modifies regional economies'.

"Tourism statistics have been incredible and the number of tourists and revenue entering the country since 2003 have more than doubled," said director of promotion, Argentina National Institute of Tourism, Vanina Salerno.

"In 2003, we were 40th in the world ranking, with just 17 conferences held in this country. In 2008, we launched a marketing plan and held 115 events, moving to number 22. In 2009, we held 145 events and climbed to 19th at the international level.

"Tourism related activities in Argentina represent six per cent of the GDP. While global tourism activity declined eight pc last year, the number of Argentines travelling overseas kept increasing steadily," she said.

Among the key attractions, Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina and world capital of Tango, has been consistently voted the top Latin American destination in travel polls.

First-time visitors to Buenos Aires are always seduced by its cultural scene, vibrant nightlife, passion for football, and the quality of its shopping, hotels and restaurants.

The multicultural attractions of Buenos Aires's 48 barrios meet the demands of even the most seasoned travellers.

The must-sees of Buenos Aires include Recoleta with its cemetery (where Eva Per—n's tomb lies); the boutiques, bars and restaurants of fashionable Palermo; the seductive tango shows; the sprawling cafes and charming old fashioned restaurants; San Telmo's antique fair; countless museums and art galleries, and the Hippodrome.

Other highlights include the Avenida de Mayo, with its fine examples of early 20th century porte–a architecture; the port of La Boca; 'La Bombonera' - Boca Juniors' football stadium; and the Puerto Madero docks.

Another major attraction, the Iguazœ Falls, which is one of Argentina's must-see destinations.

There are up to 260 falls to admire, depending on rainfall, the largest of which is known as the Devil's Throat. The falls, an established World Heritage Site, are surrounded by Iguazœ National Park - a 258-square mile protected area of dense subtropical rainforest, home to diverse plant and wildlife.

The park contains a sophisticated network of walkways, tracks and lookout points that can be explored by foot, train or boat.

Some 241km south of Puerto Iguazœ lie the ruins of the Loreto, San Ignaci Min’, Santa Mar’a la Mayor and Santa Ana Jesuit Missions. These Unesco-protected buildings are the legacy of the Jesuit activity that dominated this area in the early 17th century.

Another attraction worth noting is the Saltos del Mocon‡ National Park, a picturesque canyon full of 80-ft waterfalls. The park is located 337 km from Iguazu and 330km from Posadas. This is a great spot for rafting, 4x4 expeditions and jungle safaris.

With the ski season just beginning, South America's elite flock to the pistes of the eight ski resorts in the Argentine Andes. Bariloche«s Cerro Catedral is the biggest in South America and offers a wide range of activities on and off-piste.

One can't get much further away from civilisation than the high Andean provinces of Salta and Jujuy in the northwest of Argentina. One of the best ways to see this region of jagged peaks, sprawling valleys, dramatic gorges, desolate desert and dazzling salt flats is by train.

Argentine polo is widely acknowledged as being the best in the world. Polo was introduced to Argentina by English farmers at the end of the 19th century and was quickly adopted by the locals.

The Palermo Open, the most important polo championship in the world, takes place between November and December in Buenos Aires and the final is one of Argentina's biggest social events.

For those looking to learn to play, or improve their polo, there are a number of companies, estancias and hotels that organise polo holidays and polo clinics for riders of all levels. In the province of Buenos Aires polo can be played in the areas of Estancia Villa Maria, Ca–uelas, Lobos, Open Door and Pilar, to name just a few.