to a vantage point to see over to neighbouring Brazil and
Paraguay.
Syrahs and spurs
Oenophiles rejoice – Mendoza boasts award-winning
malbecs and syrahs to sip! This sunny city with wide tree-
lined streets is surrounded by snow-capped Andes peaks.
Whilst there are beautiful plazas, a couple of museums,
nearby mountain-climbing and white-water rafting,
Mendoza’s main draw is wine. Stay at an atmospheric
vineyard posada or bodega, sample fine dining in the
high-end restaurants and soak up the café culture. An
easy way to visit a selection of the dozens of wineries
is by tour, many being family-friendly and including
lunch. The huge Parque General San Martin is one of
Argentina’s best parks, with a zoo and museum to occupy
younger travellers.
Budding cowboys (and girls) should set their spurs for the
Pampas. Attractive San Antonio de Areco is a good gaucho
town, relatively close to Buenos Aires. Arguably the best
way to get to grips with gaucho life is by staying at a ranch
(
estancia
), donning a poncho and rounding up cattle whilst
savouring hearty criollo cuisine. Several delightful, colonial
estancias combine luxury accommodation with hands-on
farming experience and horse-riding.
Natural beauty
In Argentina’s far west lies historic Salta. The main
reasons to visit this area are wildlife and scenery, though
Salta has excellent hotels, restaurants, museums and sights.
People-watch whilst adventure planning in Plaza 9 de Julio
(the central square) sampling a famous empanada from
a local café. A must-see is Quebrada del Toro gorge, via
one of the world’s highest railways. The Tren a las Nubes
(train to the clouds) chugs along bridges, tunnels and
viaducts, rising dramatically through a colourful, rocky,
cactus-filled gorge, delighting all aboard. Return by jeep
to visit the pre-Colombian site at Tastil. Another must-see
is Salinas Grandes, an immense salt flat of glistening white
crystals (sunglasses are essential!). Kids will adore spotting
the region’s animals – including llamas, flamingos and
foxes – whilst viewing snow-capped peaks and crazily-
shaped giant cacti.
Deep in south Argentina is the awesome Lake District
(like a mini Switzerland) oozing with pristine lake and
glacial mountain scenery. The best base is Bariloche,
nestled beneath the slopes, on the shores of huge Lago
Nahuel Huapi. The massive Parque Nacional Nahuel
Huapi is the top attraction, together with impressive land-
and water-based activities. The scenery certainly won’t
disappoint (even if viewed from a vehicle or chairlift rather
The Iguazu Falls consist of a staggering 250 waterfalls thundering
down the cliffs into the fast-flowing river far, far below.
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