Buenos Aires

The capital and country’s largest city, Buenos Aires is often referred to as “The Paris of South America”. With a population of around 11.000.000 and spanning some 77 square miles, Buenos Aires is a world class sophisticated city. The heart of the city today, as in colonial days, is the Plaza de Mayo with the Casa Rosada (Pink House – Presidential Palace) and the Cathedral. The Avenida 9 de Julio is the widest avenue in the world and a main artery in the city –the obelisk commemorating the 400th anniversary of the city stands midway. Tree-lined boulevards, parks, and plazas are abundant and the skyline, though punctuated with a few new skyscrapers, resembles that of Paris. Night life is late –dinning begins around 10:0 pm; there are several tango houses ranging from music only, to music and dance. The world famous Colon Opera House spans an entire city block and offers a wide range of cultural presentations from March through December. Sightseeing tours are available to visit the city, nearby haciendas for an authentic Fiesta Gaucha, traditional steak dinner with tango show, but Buenos Aires is very much a city to stroll about, to enjoy sidewalk cafes, chic boutiques, and excellent museums.

North of Buenos Aires

Iguazu Falls: at the border conjunctions of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, the spectacular falls are viewed up close from the Argentine side. Wooden walkways take you along the edge of the falls to Devil’s Throat. With 3 ½ kilometers and 275 falls, Iguazu Falls are higher and wider than Niagara. Throughout the near-jungle like surroundings are gorgeous flora, exotic birds and magnificent butterflys. Hotel Sheraton overlooks the fall and is convenient for the walkways. Several other hotels are located nearby the falls. To visit the Brazilian side of the falls a visa for entry into Brazil is required.

Southwest of Buenos Aires

Bariloche: Located at the foot of the Andes in Lake Nahuel Huapi National Park, Bariloche is a summer and winter resort. Convenient air services links the city with Buenos Aires. Bariloche is spectacularly set overlooking the lake and facing the snowcapped peaks of the Andes. There are many hotels, restaurants, pubs, discos and shops –white chocolate is a popular buy. Excursions include chairlift ride up Cerro Campanario for bird’s-eye overview, boat ride on Lake Nahuel Huapi to visit Victoria Isle and Bosque de Arrayanes with its forest of light-bark trees. Bariloche is also the beginning point for the crossing of the spectacularly scenic Lake District via Peulla into Chile, ending at Puerto Montt.

Lake Crossing: from Bariloche daily departures December/March –can cross in one day or overnight mid-way at Peulla; balance of the year depart overnight in Peulla, nestled away in the Andes, en route to Puerto Montt in Chile. Spectacular scenery abounds –crystalline lakes, snowcapped mountains, green valleys. Crossing is made by regular series of public buses and motor launches.

To the far south: Patagonia

Calafate and the glaciers: in the heart of Patagonia next to the Andes is one of Argentina’s most scenic areas –commonly referred to as Lago Argentino. Flights connect Buenos Aires to Calafate, a growing town in itself only important as the gateway for visits in the area. From Calafate excursions are available to visit Moreno Glacier, one of the few glaciers in the world that is growing larger –today it has 3 mile frontage and a height of 180 feet; Upsala Glacier at the north end of the lake, Glaciares National Park and Cerro Fitz Roy and Torres. Space is limited during prime visitor season October through March; average stay is 3 nights to visit the spectacular surroundings. From Calafate flights connect Ushuaia to the south.

Ushuaia: the world’s most southernmost city, is connected to Buenos Aires by daily flights. The city is situated at the base of Cerro Martial, overlooking the green waters of the Beagle Channel. The area has impressive views of snowclad peaks, rivers, waterfalls, and dense woods. From Ushuaia excursions can be made to Lapataia, Lake Fagnano, Lake Escondido, and Islas de los Lobos. From December to February each year many ships makes special cruise to the Antarctic.

WHY SHOULD I SELL ARGENTINA?

Argentina, is sophisticated, European style country. The capital, Buenos Aires, is often called the “Paris of the Americas” and its skyline and tree-lined avenues, parks & boulevards are reminiscent of Paris. Shopping is for furs & leather, night life is late and sophisticated and the overall atmosphere is elegance.

WHO CAN I SELL ARGENTINA TO?

Argentina is very often sold in conjunction with Brazil, Uruguay, Chile and also Peru and Ecuador. It has excellent special interest opportunities for, wildlife and scenery amidst the glaciers and lakes of the Patagonia area. Buenos Aires is a must for shoppers and culturalists.

HOW DO I GET THERE? HOW DO YOU GET AROUND?

Daily non-stop flights connect Buenos Aires with USA and also the majority of the capital cities in Europe, as well as South Africa. Once there, the country is so large that flights are normally used to travel between the main points of interest; a good frequent flight connect Buenos Aires with all the capitals in South America. From India: South African Airways connect Buenos Aires with Mumbai twice per week.

CITY CODES:

BUE = Buenos Aires (two airports: AEP is domestic, EZE is international)

BRC = Bariloche

FTE = El Calafate

IGR = Iguazu Falls

USH = Ushuaia

HOW TO OVERCOME POSSIBLE SALES OBSTACLES?

There are no common objections to Argentina. While there is great European influence, it is blended nicely with tradition to form a very unique country within South America –with a very special feeling of sophistication and culture.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Official web site: www.turismo.gov.ar