Audley in ArgentinaArgentina is a huge and varied country with an incredible number of visitorattractions. Our specialists have a detailedand up-to-date knowledge of the country'smany regions and the best ways to combinethem, dependent upon the different seasonsand also the logistical factors you willencounter as you travel from one part toanother. As well as the obvious highlightssuch as Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls and thePerito Moreno Glacier we have visited, andlike to suggest, areas and places to stay whichare perhaps less well-known. Whatever yourmotive for visiting this wonderful country,whether you wish to learn the tango, samplethe wine, marvel at the glaciers, waterfalls ormountains, photograph the wildlife, ride withthe gauchos, or a combination of all thesethings, we can tailor a trip to ensure that youleave the country loving it as much as we do.Argentina is also easily combined with visitsto Chile via one of the many spectacularAndean routes between the two countries,or with Brazil via Iguazú Falls.AccommodationParticular to Argentina is the estancia, orworking ranch, from which you can explorethe surrounding countryside on foot orhorseback, watch the gauchos at work andget to know your hosts over fine meals(please see our feature on page 86). There are many of these estancias dottedthroughout the country, offering awonderfully authentic yet comfortable insight into traditional rural life, and we havesearched out those with the best locationand the friendliest hosts. There are also manyrural retreats, as you would expect from acountry of such vast empty spaces. Argentinahas also been at the forefront of the rise ofboutique properties in South America, andboasts many wonderful and quirky hotels tosuit all tastes and budgets. Find out more For suggested itineraries and practicalinformation about travel in Argentina, pleasesee pages 96-97.www.audleytravel.comInteractive maps and features, further suggested itineraries,accommodation, climate informationand articles written by our specialists.Discuss your plans with our Argentinaspecialists 01993 838 630?Buenos AiresThe cosmopolitan capital ofArgentina is a fascinating placeof culture, cafe society, historyand tango dancing.Iguazú FallsThe impressive waterfalls thatstraddle the Argentinian andBrazilian border are a must-see.Iberá WetlandsA great place for wildlifespotting - float on a canoe with only caiman, capybara andstorks to keep you company.SaltaA city with a traditional colonialcentre, many museums and abase from which to explore thedramatic landscapes nearby.4321Vineyards aroundMendozaThe centre of the wine industryin Argentina and a great placeto test your palate.Lake DistrictA beautiful and verdant region of lakes and hills that can be easily explored by car,bike, foot or horseback.Perito Moreno GlacierOne of the few glaciers in theworld that is still advancing, thehuge Perito Moreno is inchinginto Lake Argentino. Don somecrampons and go walking on it.756Mount FitzroyThe town of El Chaltén in the north of Los GlaciaresNational Park is the base fromwhich to explore somedramatic landscapes, includingthe mesmerising granite peak of Fitzroy.Tierra del FuegoThe 'Land of Fire' sits at thevery bottom of the continent,where the Andes finally crumbleinto the sea.Península ValdésAn area of coast with abundant wildlife includingpenguins and sea lions, andsometimes orcas can be spotted looking for a meal.8109Argentina8112345678910Gauchos

82La Boca, Buenos Airesas throngs of locals and visitors shop for antiquesand tango memorabilia. The trendy boulevards ofPalermo are perfect for people-watching andboutique shopping, while the gentrified docklandarea of Puerto Madero is full of restaurants andbars and provides a friendly counterpoint to thehandsome Plaza de Mayo, dominated by the pinkPresidential building. One of the joys of being inBuenos Aires is to explore these barrios on foot,pausing frequently to sit in a pavement cafe to sipan espresso or beer and watch the city flourisharound you. Ultimately, whether your interests lie in music and theatre, tango lessons and shows,gastronomy and wine, shopping or simplyimmersing yourself in vibrant city life then BuenosAires, however long or short your stay is boundto captivate you. It is truly one of the great citiesof the world.ACCOMMODATIONINBUENOSAIRESBuenos Aires is at the forefront of the concept of boutique accommodation in South America,and so the city has a vast range of characterhotels in renovated historic houses, scatteredacross the different barrios, and to suit all budgets.The city also boasts some of the finestinternational hotels in the world, plus manysimple, good value properties with excellentlocations. Our favourites are mentioned below,separated out into the barrios of the city wherethey are located.DOWNTOWNACCOMMODATIONThe commercial and business centre of the city,the downtown area is lively, bustling and is anideal central location for ease of visiting the main attractions. It is here that the best valueaccommodation lies, with the Hotel Elevage and Eurobuilding being the ideal choices for those who just want somewhere clean andcomfortable and well located. We also like theTanguero Hotel, which has themed itself on the national dance.Buenos Aires The capital of Argentina is one of the world'sgreat urban experiences: a place of stylish peopleand buildings, wide boulevards and leafy parks,poignant history, gastronomic delights, tango inthe streets and extravagant arts and architecture.The city is divided into barrios (neighbourhoods),each different yet all full of character. Thecolourful buildings of the working-class La Bocacontrast with chic and showy Recoleta, bestknown for its lavish cemetery. Bohemian SanTelmo turns into a bustling market on Sundays, Local art, Buenos AiresBuenos Aires rooftops