Iguazú
The Iguazú Falls are one of the most impressive natural wonders of the Americas. The waters originate in Brazil, then fan out over a rocky plateau into the 4km wide Iguazú river, and then plunge over a 74m precipice in countless cascades. The largest is known as the ‘Garganta del Diablo’ (Devil's Throat) where the vapour cloud shimmers with rainbows. Declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO, the National Park is shared with Brazil. The surrounding subtropical vegetation has 2,000 plant species, huge trees, ferns, lianas, orchids, over 400 bird species including parrots, hummingbirds, toucans plus rare sightings of jaguars and caimans.

On both sides there are walkways to the edge of the falls. The walks are more extensive on the Argentine side, where you get much closer, but the Brazilian side has better panoramic views. The adventurous can approach the falls by inflatable dinghy or take a helicopter ride. Ideally you should see both sides and allow two days to see them comfortably.

Misiones
The province is named after the Jesuit Missions of the 17^th and 18^th centuries. The ruins of the once-powerful religious communities are one of the most outstanding legacies of Christianity. They remain a slice of history frozen in time.

Iberá Marshes
The wetlands of the Mesopotamian region between the Paraná and Uruguay rivers are a haven for wildlife. These swamps known as the Iberá Marshes are home to caiman, anaconda, river otter, deer, capybara nearly four hundred bird species including ibis, flamingos, spoonbills and the jabiru, the largest stork in the Americas, not to mention the piranhas.

Chaco
To the far north, the Chaco is a dry forest area which follows the meandering rivers Bermejo, Salado and Pilcomayo. One of the least visited areas, lacking in tourist facilities but contains several national parks and a rich diversity of wildlife and one of the few places where indigenous people are still found. The nearest cities are Formosa and Resistencia.

The Northwest — terracotta canyons and colonial gems

In the foothills of the Andes lie striking landscapes and colonial cities such as Salta. From where excursions can be made into the contrasting hinterland: northwards to terracotta tinted canyons, such as the Quebrada de Humahuaca, west on the ‘Train to the Clouds’ to the high Andes, to the south into a region of pretty vineyards around Cafayate. For relaxing walking try around Cachi. Beyond Jujuy, near the Bolivian border are seen poncho clad Indians who weave and spin like their Inca forefathers.

Central Argentina — city, pampas, and gauchos

Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the most European of South American cities: Parisian boulevards and architecture, neat squares and parks, fine museums, fashionable shops and gourmet restaurants. Huge steaks are a local touch and the passionate tango nightlife particularly Argentine. Worth a visit are the bohemian quarter of San Telmo, the old colourful port area of La Boca (where tango was born), and the smart area of Recoleta, where the renowned Hotel Alvear Palace is situated and the tomb of Evita Peron. Nearby is the Costanera Sur Wildlife Park. Like London the docklands are being transformed into a modern café based attraction.

The Pampas
The grassy plains of central Argentina are known as La Pampa. Vast herds of cattle graze here. The landscape is broken to the south by the small mountains of Tandil and La Ventana and to the west by the Córdoba mountain ranges. But the Pampas is more than cows and grass, there is much wildlife that inspired W.H. Hudson: owls, hawks, rheas (an ostrich like birds), vultures, caracaras, black-necked swans, ducks, armadillos, guanacos and puma. For accommodation there are a number of comfortable ranches (estancias), such as El Ombú de Areco, where you can sample the gaucho lifestyle on horseback. This is not a place for vegetarians, their idea of supper is half a cow cooked over a wood fire.

Cuyo — snow and wine
The name Cuyo is given to the vast arid plains covering the provinces of Mendoza and San Juan. The rivers fed by the perennial Andean snows have provided an oasis that has become of the world's largest wine producing areas.

The pleasant city of Mendoza is the perfect base for visiting the many surrounding vineyards or for reaching the ski centres of Los Penitentes and Las Leñas which combine good snow with first-rate facilities.

Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Americas. Found in the western province of Mendoza, and its summit rises up to 6,959m above sea level. It is the goal of mountain climbers from all over the world. Reaching its summit is challenging but technically straightforward, requiring good training and careful planning. It is located within the Aconcagua Provincial Park and non-mountaineers can find other adventurous activities.

Patagonia — pristine wilderness

In Patagonia there is a sense of being far away from everyone and everything. Writers from Hudson, Chatwin and Theroux were attracted to this wilderness. Few places give such a sense of limitless wide open space. These windy and treeless the lands below the Rio Colorado have a unique stark beauty.

The Lake District
Argentina’s region of mountains and lakes is South America’s version of Switzerland. The dramatic lake Nahuel Huapi is the biggest and most famous National Park in the country. The luxurious hotel Llao Llao is located here. The main town is Bariloche, which even has chalet-style chocolate shops and fondue restaurants. The trekking is good and one can escape the crowds far easier than Europe. Dinosaurs left their footprints at Neuquén. San Martin de Los Andes makes a good base for hiking, biking or water sports on Lake Lacar. Intrepid travellers can follow the Butch and Sundance trail to Cholila.

Valdés Peninsula
For wildlife the Valdés Peninsula is unmissable, with its unique colonies of seals, sea lions, penguins and whales that can be seen from the shore. The Southern right whales breed between September to November. At less accessible Punta Norte, Killer whales come to feed on sea lion pups in March and April. The best place for Elephant seals is Punta Delgada. The peninsula is accessed from Puerto Madryn, the place where welsh migrants first landed to colonize this inhospitable region. In nearby Trelew one can still have tea with a Welsh family.

Los Glacieres Park
Definitely not to be missed is the Los Glacieres National Park. At the western end of Lago Argentino is the famous Perito Moreno glacier, one of the few ice masses thought to be advancing. Occasionally the spectacular glacier cuts off the Brazo Rico river until the water pressure is sufficient to rupture through. This happened recently (the previous time was 1988). The sight of this majestic wall of ice will remain with you a long time. It is part of the Patagonian Ice-cap.

Andean Patagonia is popular with trekkers, where the mountains, lakes and rivers beckon and never crowded. El Calafate is the centre of tourism of the region, whilst the smaller El Chalten is the climbing and hiking base for Mount Fitzroy and Cerro Torre.

Tierra del Fuego and Beagle Channel — Uttermost part of the World
Ushuaia is the southernmost city of the world. The setting is spectacular between snow capped mountains and the Beagle channel. You can take day trips to estancia Harberton and the boat tours into the Beagle Channel where penguins and sea lions congregate. The nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park can be visited in a day or longer with camping. Ushuaia also is one of the main gateways for cruise ships to Antarctica, or cruises around Cape Horn.