Must See Monday - Argentina
Argentina, a country in South America that is full of diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, is a must see destination for all adventure travelers. From exploring the wetlands and hiking on top of icebergs to relaxing in a vineyard sipping local wine, Argentina offers a little something for everyone. This week, Tripping highlights the top places to visit while on your trip to Argentina.
Situated between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu National Park is home to a semicircular waterfall, spanning 2,700m in diameter. In November 2011 Igazu Falls was announced to be one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, and it's no wonder why. Twice as tall as Niagara Falls and four times the width, the Falls are a must see for all travelers visiting Argentina. If you're planning your trip, spring and fall are the best times to go.
The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most important tourist attractions in the Argentine Patagonia. Located in Los Glaciares National Park, the Perito Moreno is one of 48 glaciers that are located in this region. This ice field is currently the world's third largest body of freshwater on the planet. There are many buses and tours that will take you to the best sights of this glacier, so make sure to plan your excursion in advance in order to see the glacier from the best views.
This small mountain village in Argentina provides some of the best hiking and horseback riding in the region. From self guided treks to guided tours and ascents, El Chalten offers something for people of all fitness levels. These treks take you alongside of mountains, glaciers, and lakes. However, if you're looking for something even more adventurous, you can also go bouldering, fishing, and mountain biking as well.
The Mendoza Province is one of Argentina's most important wine regions, providing nearly two thirds of the country's entire wine production. With wine tours, tasting rooms, and plenty of wine for sale, you're bound to taste what makes Argentinan wine unique. The region offers far more than just wine: travelers also enjoy taking advantage of a wide variety of outdoor activities including kayaking, boating, horseback riding, rafting, windsurfing, cave exploring, and ice climbing.
Talampaya National Park is unlike the rest of Argentina. The park includes a dry bed of the Talampaya River, where dinosaurs lived millions of years ago. Fossils have been found here and travelers can see the footprints of ancient dinosaurs along a rock wall over 469 feet tall. You can also join fellow tourists in marveling at the traces left by indigenous people, such as petroglyphs created by cave dwellers hundreds of years ago.
The Ibera Wetlands provide travelers with a colorful mixture of marshlands, lagoons, and savannah grasslands. The region is full of diverse wildlife, including otters, monkeys, deer, alligators, and birds. So if you love to watch wildlife and get close to nature, head to the Ibera Wetlands sometime from September through March.
If you're heading to Argentina, staying in vacation homes is the best way to step into local culture. Tripping has the widest selection of home rentals in Argentina - click here to visit Tripping.
This post was written by Miriam Vaught, Tripping blogger.