Argentina and Uruguay
Nature has favored Argentina with some of the most legendary scenery on the South American continent; from the thunderous Iguassu Falls, to the stunning alpine scenery of the Lake District, to the jagged mountains of Patagonia that stretch south to Tierra del Fuego. And, its neighbor, Uruguay, is an often overlooked gem with much to offer from historic vineyards, to enchanting towns, to white sand beaches.
Argentina’s northern regions are blessed with an abundance of stellar attributes: established vineyards, the Amazon’s pristine Yacutinga Reserve, and the dramatic Andean deserts dotted with Indian villages. The great central plains of the Pampas hold safe the traditions of South America’s cowboys, as the famed Argentinian gauchos continue to practice a way of life that has all but vanished elsewhere. Argentina is also known for its extraordinary horses that score high marks on the international polo scene. The Peninsula Valdes embraces vital habitats for penguins, sea elephants, guanacos, rheas and whales.
Few cities can outdo Buenos Aires for style and sophistication with architecture reminiscent of Paris. City lovers appreciate its nightlife and the wealth of museums, cultural venues, elegant boutiques and cafes. It is also the birthplace of the passionate tango dance. Even beyond Argentina’s sophisticated city life, however, a new trend is emerging. Family run, historic estancias are taking center stage for many travelers seeking a deeper understanding of the country and its ranching and rural past. These estancias also offer the benefit of introducing guests to local communities as well as contributing to those towns and villages through employment and educational opportunities. Argentina shares a border with Uruguay.
While Argentina is the second largest country in South America, Uruguay is the second smallest. Yet, it is ranked first in Latin America in democracy, peace, lack of corruption, quality of living, press freedom, size of the middle class, prosperity and security. It is an important global exporter of combed wool, rice, soybeans, frozen beef, malt and milk. It is also a welcoming destination with beaches, dunes, drowsy fishing villages, penguins, sea lions and whales to discover, colonial towns, classic working haciendas, and historic vineyards.
From Big Five Tours