Argentina is a vast land, with an incredibly diverse landscape, from the sub-tropical climes and arid Altiplano of the north to the rolling wine country and open plains of the Pampas, climaxing with the dramatic glacier landscapes of southern Patagonia. Within this spectacular landscape are two of the world’s greatest natural wonders, the magnificent Iguazu Falls and the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world's few growing ice-fields.

The enchanting landscapes provide countless opportunities for adventure and exploration, whether it is honing your horse riding skills on a traditional estancia, trekking through the steaming jungle of the north east, white water rafting on the Mendoza River or trekking the lakes and forests of Patagonia.

Buenos Aires is a magical alluring city with the architecture and cosmopolitan air of a European capital but the energy and spirit of Latin America. Buenos Aires houses many remnants of Argentina’s golden age such as the Teatro Colón and the Palermo Viejo barrio with its late 19th century townhouses and luxuriant gardens, while the lively quarters of San Telmo and La Boca allow you a glimpse of the Argentinean passion for football and fast living.

Although it cannot match the spectacular settings or colonial heritage of other South American cities, Buenos Aires does have an incomparable lifestyle, where the spirit of the tango is alive and well and the gaucho lifestyle still celebrated.

The endless variety of scenery and adventure, history and culture mixed with fine wines, and fantastic cuisine will satisfy even the hardiest of travellers.

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Buenos Aires, the largest city and port in Argentina, is one of the most cosmopolitan and stylish places in South America. Visitors to this enchanting capital will be captivated by its cultural attractions, flamboyant history, eclectic nightlife and its devotion to the passionate music of tango.

Although Buenos Aires has little in the way of recognisable landmarks, it showcases a vibrant and colourful blend of European and Latin American influences. The bulk of the city museums lie in the leafy barrios of Recoleta, Palermo and Retiro alongside attractive gardens and the famous Cementerio de la Recoleta, where generations of Argentina’s elite rest in ornate splendour.

Some of the most intriguing districts are San Telmo and La Boca. San Telmo is primarily known for its bohemian atmosphere, its artistic inhabitants, the famous Sunday flea market and its tango haunts. La Boca is the most colourful neighbourhood in the city where story has it, the residents, predominantly Italian immigrants, used leftover paint from the shipyards to decorate their houses. It is also home to the world class football team, Boca Juniors.

To the north and east of Buenos Aires flows the Río de la Plata, the world’s largest river estuary, while to the south and west extends the Pampas. The vast plains of verdant grasslands are punctuated with sleepy towns and some of Argentina’s most traditional and luxurious estancias. Here the traditional way of life of the Gauchos is a far cry from the cosmopolitan style of Buenos Aires.

The Atlantic beach resorts to the south of Buenos Aires stretch for over 400km from the La Plata to Mar del Plata and provide a welcome break from the summer heat of the city.

To the north east of Buenos Aires lie the provinces of Entre Ríos, Corrientes, Misiones and Santa Fe dominated by two of the continent’s longest rivers. The landscape exudes a subtropical beauty with its rich red earth, dense jungle, Jesuit ruins and warm humid climate. It is also the location for the magnificent Iguazu Falls, arguably the most breathtaking waterfalls in the world.

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The varied and distinctive landscapes of the Central West are marked by deep canyons, huge salt lakes shimmering with pink flamingo, sun-baked prairies and vast plains covered with acres of lush vineyards.

Lying in the wide valleys of the Central Sierras is Argentina’s second city; a bustling university town with an impressive collection of colonial architecture including the ‘Jesuít Block’ declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the lush surroundings, you will find a number of old Estancias, mountains, rivers and waterfalls which makes for relaxing stays and provide opportunities for horse riding and leisurely hikes.

To the north of Cordoba stretching across the provinces of Tucuman, Catamarca and Salta is the Calchaquies Valley, best known for its colourful mountainous desert, subtropical forest and traces of Atacaman Indian culture. It’s a fascinating region for hiking and expeditions and also the gateway to exploring the vast Atacama Desert in bordering Chile.

To the west of Cordoba lie the provinces of Mendoza, San Juan and La Rioja, with its contrasting landscapes of fertile wine producing valleys, rocky desert and sand dunes. Extending across this thinly populated territory are oases of farmland, world famous vineyards and the sophisticated city of Mendoza.

Situated in the Andean foothills, Mendoza is the perfect base for outdoor sports and adventure and has become a popular stopover for climbers on their way to climb Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere. Mountaineering, horse riding and rafting are all possible here, and in winter, skiers arrive for its easy access to the Andes.

Mendoza’s wine route opens onto a sycamore studded landscape with spectacular Andean panoramas. The secluded boutique style wineries that dot the landscape, offer wine tasting, gourmet food and accommodation and make for some memorable, relaxing experiences.

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Patagonia’s vast wilderness of barren plains, glistening lakes and sweeping glaciers make for some awesome scenery. The region is home to several astounding national parks including Los Glaciares National Park which boasts the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, and over the Chilean border lies the Torres del Paine National Park. The wild rugged landscapes of the Cordillera de Los Andes in northern Patagonia are dotted with rustic estancias providing spectacular horseback adventure in traditional gaucho country.

Immense glacial lakes, thick forests, jagged peaks and extinct volcanoes overlooked by the Andes make up the Lake District, Patagonia’s most visited region where outdoor adventures abound. Its biggest town Bariloche is great base to explore the region including the Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi which protects a colossal 710,000 hectares of land. Much of the park is formed by the immense Lago Nahuel Huapi interspersed with peninsulas and islands. A myriad of trails weave through the park providing visitors with some amazing wilderness treks.

In the deep south of Patagonia is Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which encompasses mountains and lakes, sub-Antarctic woodland, evergreen forests and enormous glaciers. The most accessible areas are El Chaltén, gateway to the magnificent Mount Fitz Roy and the awe-inspiring Glacier Perito Moreno in the south.

The remote archipelago of Tierra del Fuego is separated from the rest of South America by the Strait of Magellan, equally divided between Argentina and Chile, and is where the Andean mountain ranges finally meet the sea.

Ushuaia is the gateway to the natural spectacles of the Canal Beagle and the Tierra del Fuego National Park encompassing mountains, glaciated valleys and lakes, a haven for over 100 species of bird and mammals. The southernmost city of the world is also the departure point for Antarctic voyages heading to the Antarctic Peninsular and beyond.

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The climate of Argentina varies from the heat and extensive rains of the subtropical Chaco in the north to the sub-Antarctic cold of Patagonia in the south. The central plains are temperate but can be hot and humid during the summer months of December to February and cool in winter.

Buenos Aires has a year-round mild climate and therefore can be visited at any time of the year. The best months are probably between October-November and February to March when temperatures aren’t at their peak. The best time to head to the beaches and indeed Patagonia and the Andes are between December and February.

The main airport in Argentina is the Ministro Pistarini International Airport located just outside Buenos Aires. Argentina’s flagship airline is Aerolíneas Argentinas.

A number of air passes valid within Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay are available, including the South American Air Pass and the Mercosur Airpass. The passes must be bought in conjunction with an international ticket.

Air travel is a practical way to travel between major cities due to the sheer size of the country. Aerol?nas Argentinas and Southern Winds operate services to many domestic destinations including Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Cordoba, Salta and Iguazu.

Argentina has an efficient comprehensive bus network linking all towns and cities. Long distance buses are an economical way to travel around the country with many providing very comfortable reclining seats (cama).

Although the rail network is one of worlds longest, in practice much of it is made up of local suburban lines and therefore long distance rail travel can prove difficult. There are some interesting routes from Buenos Aires to Bariloche, Cordoba and Mar del Plata.