In the coming posts, I will be highlighting some popular destinations, which may be part of your “vacations of choice”, or perhaps may spark the “What is Your Imagine” question within yourself!! 

Pack your bags, fasten your seatbelts, we’re headed to South America’s beautiful Argentina.   A country where one finds vibrant city life as well as remote, breathtaking landscapes.    This can be observed with  starting in the eastern-central area where one can go from faded European grandeur of Buenos Aires then head northward to the thunderous sub-tropical Iguazu Falls located in the Misiones Province or for the beach lovers head south to some of the country’s finest beaches.

Buenos Aires, a beautiful city boosting grand French and Italian style palaces.   Walk to the famed Plaza de Mayo, where on the east side you will find the Casa Rosada which houses the Argentine President’s Offices and one can see the balcony where Eva Peron, (First Lady of Argentina from 1946 until her death in 1952), wife of President Juan Peron gave her impassioned speech to supporters whom filled the square.    She is most remembered for her role in getting women the right to vote.  Eva Peron, whom was very well known amongst the Argentinians and the world as Evita has had movies and TV shows made about her.   On a walk around Buenos Aires you will find many galleries, museums, cafes and be a must visit is the oldest Pizza Parlour, which has been in business for almost 80 years, Café Tortoni.

Ah, and then there is The Tango, Buenos Aires famous dance – which some consider to be the city’s greatest contribution to the outside world.    Known for its “steamy strut”, the Tango is often described as making love in the vertical position.     It is said to have begun in the long ago era of bordellos in Buenos Aires when men waiting for their “ladies” passed time dancing among themselves.   Today, visitors can experience tango shows that are supremely entertaining, sensuous and sure to leave you thinking that this is a beautiful art form that all must see.     There are many shows & venues to choose from, and a number of Dinner and Tango Shows in Buenos Aires, where with your reservation, you can be picked up and dropped off at your hotel.   Leaving you only to enjoy a delicious meal, accompanied with wine prior to the entertainment, show casing some of Buenos Aires’ talented dancers.

 

This city also offers a serious Nightlife…it is recommended that you take a “disco nap ” and down some coffee to prepare to stay up all night – this city doesn’t sleep.    Restaurants open at 9 p.m., bars are midnight and clubs 2 a.m. at the earliest – although the serious clubbers don’t show up until 4 a.m.   Some would think this is for the younger generation only – but Buenos Aires has a very diverse range of bars, clubs, and live-music venues offering something for everyone with DJs spinning everything from electronica to live jazz sets.     One needs to remember – you’ll be doing it all very late!

History, architecture, culture does not disappoint!    For the traveller who is interested in any of these areas, you will find lots to see and fulfill your thirst for knowledge.   As well, photo opportunities throughout Buenos Aires and Argentina will definitely have you filling up memory cards.

One reason many people visit Argentina is for the beaches.   There are a variety of beaches within the city of Buenos Aires, but if you wish to explore a little further (250 miles) southeast along the coastline to Mar de Plata you will find some of the best beaches in Argentina!    Boasting white sandy shores, and the reputation of the finest and most gorgeous beaches in all of South America.   Here you will find beach resorts, restaurants, clubs, bars, cafes, colonial architecture and much more.     A combo city/beach vacation can enjoyed with a little domestic travel between these two areas.  This breathtaking area, Mar de Plata can be reached from Buenos Aires by ferry or plane.   The ferry ride from Buenos Aires is approximately 3 hours or one could travel by air using a domestic airline.

Leaving city life behind,  taking a short flight north to the province of Misiones, you will find yourself visiting one of the 7 wonders of the world – the Iguazu Falls, located in Puerto Iquazu, which is a bustling port city bordering Brazil and Paraguay.  With more than 270 falls in an area where the cliffs and islets are scattered in a half moon,  visitors can walk or opt to take in a picturesque trains.   There are two basic circuits – one an upper and one a lower path to view these magnificent falls.   One can sign up for many wonderful tours which some include a full day tour of both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of the falls which is a full day tour.   Both of these countries have separate National Parks, in Argentina it is the Parque Nacional Iquazu (Iquazu National Park).   Both boast hiking trails, attractions and viewpoints of falls such as “Devil’s Throat”.  Here is where the largest amount of water from the Iquazu River cascades at a rate of 3,434,000 million gallons (1.5 million litres) per second.    For those not faint of heart, you can view this breathtaking view of nature’s power from a catwalk that is built near the top of the 350 foot (107 meter) waterfall.

Also, while in Puerto Iquazu you can visit the the “Triple Frontier” where you will stand at the border of three countries – Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay!  This border is naturally formed by two rivers, the Parana and the Iquazu.
Do You Have Fernweh? …..the “longing for far-off places”

Your Travel & Itinerary Specialist

Kathy M. Blois, Owner/Principal Travel Designer

info@wanderlustexcursions.ca

www.wanderlustexcursions.ca

(902)798-6354 (Call or message via phone or WhatsApp)