TRICIA STEVENS
PERSPECTIVES
ARGENTINA
Known for its soccer, wine, juicy steaks, and Tango, there is something here for every type of traveller. Home of one of the most famous Latin American dances, the Tango originated in the capital Buenos Aires during the 19th century. From the bustling city of Buenos Aires to the stunning scenery in the far south of Patagonia, Argentina is a country of many landscapes.
ABSOLUTE MUSTS
Visit the
End of the World
At the far southern tip of South America, sits the southernmost city in the world, known as Ushuaia (also known as the ‘End of the World’ or ‘Fin de Monde’). It is the point of departure for those travelling to Antarctica by boat. Surrounded by the Beagle Channel, snow-peaked mountains, and lush forests, the city is a wonderful escape for those looking for a slower pace. Due to the influx of cruise tourists to Antarctica, the city’s popularity is however steadily increasing, and so are the tourist prices.
Recoleta Cemetery
Built in 1822, Recoleta Cemetery is five hectares of majestic pantheons and mausoleums holding the remains of some of the most important figures in Argentinian history. The mausoleum of Eva Peron (Evita) is one of the most popular figures buried here. The structures are built with marble and decorated with sculptures and more than 90 pantheons have been declared as National Historical Monuments.
Tierra Del Fuego National Park
If you’re looking for spectacular scenery complete with rugged coastlines, forests, glaciers, mountains, and lakes, Tierra del Fuego has it. The park is Argentina’s southernmost national park and covers over 150,000 acres of land. You cannot visit this location without planning some spectacular hikes. There are exciting trekking routes for all abilities. The city of Ushuaia (known as the ‘End of the World’) is your starting point and only approximately 20min outside of the Park. Inside the park the road (Ruta 3) literally ends. Amazingly this road runs all the way to Alaska (17,848km away), and ends as the land runs out.
Hike to Laguna Esmerelda
Of all the hikes to complete in Southern Argentina, THIS one was my favourite. This beautiful day hike takes you through the Lasifashaj Valley and along the Esmerelda River to a stunning emerald green lake and rocky mountain back-drop. The trail is not a strenuous hike but, like most hikes in this area, you do need to be prepared for some inclines and declines. Hiking boots/shoes are highly recommended. Bring along a lunch to enjoy when you arrive at this incredible spot. You will not want to leave!
End of the World Post Office
Located in Tierra del Fuego National Park is the southernmost post office in the world (or the farthest one in the Americas, since there is a post office located in Port Lockroy, Antarctica as well). Perched up on stilts, extending out from the shores of Lapataia Bay, this is a great place to send letters and postcards. You can access the post office at the start of the Sendera de la Costa trail.
Eat Empanada's!
Found all over South America, these hand-sized savoury pies are a great treat. Each area serves its own recipe but they all follow the same basic ingredients inside a soft pocket of dough. Empanada means ‘bread-wrapped’. It is said that the Empanada may have first appeared in Argentina from immigrants that came from northern Spain. Today, you will find empanada’s filled with ingredients such as ground or minced beef, chicken, or ham and cheese (and many other options). Visit El Hornero in the San Telmo Mercado for one of the best!
Buenos Aires
Neighbourhoods
Like many major cities, each one has its own unique neighbourhoods to explore. From the modern waterfront area of Puerto Madero, filled with restaurants and patios, to San Telmo which is the oldest neighborhood in the city (dating back to the 17th century), these neighbourhoods are all unique in their own way. San Nicholas is the business district known as El Centro where you will find the government buildings and the busiest road in Buenos Aires, Avenida 9 de Julio (and the widest boulevard in the world with 14 lanes!). The Recoleta area is northeast of the central area and it’s filled with high-end homes and luxury hotels. Montserrat is in an area known as the microcentro and is home to the historical heart of the city including the Playa de Mayo (the main city square), and Casa Rosada (the Presidential Palace). The largest and trendiest neighbourhood in the city is Palermo, filled with boutique shops, bars, and restaurants. San Telmo is an eclectic neighborhood and has some of the best tango show locations in the city.
El Caminito, La Boca
Famous for its colorful houses and tango, the La Boca neighbourhood is not to be missed while in Buenos Aires. El Caminito (meaning ‘little path’), is a 100m cobblestone walkway showcasing art stalls, tango dancers, and bright-coloured buildings. When new immigrants first established themselves in Buenos Aires, this is the area they settled in. Around 6 million immigrants moved into Argentina between 1880-1930 turning Buenos Aires into a large city. Many of these immigrants were Italian (from the port city region of Genoa), and one of their old traditions was to paint the outside of their homes with leftover paint from the shipyard. In La Boca they built the houses almost completely from materials found in the shipyard (scrap metal and wood from old ships). They were then painted their traditional bright colours.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid Bookstore
El Ateneo Grand Splendid has been declared as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Located in the Recoleta neighbourhood, the bookstore was once a theatre which opened in 1919 and hosted ballets and operas. The building was later converted into a bookstore in the year 2000 and it still reflects the elegance, and original decor it once had (including the original frescoed-painted domed ceiling). There are over 120,000 books available in this incredible bookstore. The interior offers a café to purchase beverages where the theatre stage once stood, and many of the theatre boxes offer comfortable chairs to read.
