Argentina

Argentina is vast, stretching from the tropics to Antarctica, you are limited only by time and imagination. Argentina is located in the southern 'cone' of South America, between the Southern Atlantic to the east and the Andes to the west. One day you can be watching the most impressive waterfalls in the world, the next you could be hiking over a glacier. Towards the border with Chile sits Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Western hemisphere.

Buenos Aires remains the most sophisticated city of Latin America, with its tango nightspots, yacht club and renovated docklands. It feels more like Europe. From there you can soon be riding with the gauchos in the pampas or trekking in the Andes.

Probably the best known sight is Iguazú Falls. Shared with Brazil a sub-tropical national park, in which huge falls thunder down throwing up clouds of spray. Tropical wildlife can be observed in the surrounding jungle. Less well known are the deserts of the Chaco to the north between Paraguay and Bolivia. Further west are colonial gems like Salta, where you can take train to the clouds. Another train puffs its way through Patagonia.

Wildlife enthusiasts should make for the Valdés Peninsula where killer whales chase seal pups up the beach, or the far south where penguins can be seen nesting. Bird-watching can be rewarding throughout the wilder regions. The tropical forests are home to myriad butterflies and hummingbirds. Giant storks and anacondas dwell in the Iberá marshes.

The family-run estancias take in guests and let you help round up cattle or sheep with traditional horsemen. The adventure is there for the making. The fishing is excellent and so is the wine to wash it down.