Adventure World

Argentina & Uruguay

Gaucho cowboys, the tango, and the romance of Evita may characterise Argentina, but the country has so much more to offer. It is a country rich in contrasts that offers the visitor a wide variety of cultural attractions and an array of natural wonders including impressive mountain peaks, rare geological formations, pampean plains, tropical jungles and the largest variety of fauna in the world.

Uruguay is an intriguing country with a mix of spectacular beaches, fertile ranch lands and colonial architecture.

Top Highlights – Argentina

Buenos Aires: Known as the ‘Paris of the Americas’ the gateway city to Argentina. Main shopping area is the Florida and Lavalle pedestrian malls.

Must sees: Plaza San Martin; Casa Rosada (presidential palace); Teatro Colon (theatre); Cementerio de la Recoleta (the resting place of Argentine’s elite and Eva Peron).

The area around Recoleta has an abundance of cafes; a great to place to watch the world go by and don’t miss the famous Sunday market at San Telmo. The colourful artisans neighbourhood of La Boca is where the famed Tango was born.

Iguazu Falls: At least 5000 cubic metres of water per second plunge 70m into the terrain below. Before reaching the edge, the river divides into many channels to form several cataratas. Devil’s Throat, a deafening and dampening part of the Iguazu experience is approached by launch via a system of catwalks. The 55,000 hectare park is a natural wonderland of subtropical rain forest with over 2000 identified plant species, countless insects, 400 bird species and many mammals and reptiles.

Lake District: San Carlos de Bariloche, a Swiss-like town set amongst majestic mountains and lakes. Bariloche is the starting point for the spectacular Lake Crossing to Chile.

Moreno Glacier: One of the world’s few advancing glaciers, it is a conjunction of ice, rock and water. This 60m high river of ice periodically but erratically dams the Brazo Rico of Lago Argentino, so that the ice can no longer support the weight of the rising water and the dam virtually explodes.

The Andean Northwest: Argentina’s most traditional region, an area of scenic desert canyons with large Indian populations, archaeological sites, and colonial churches. The colonial city of Salta is the centre for excursions to the subtropical forest of Parque Nacional Finca El Rey, and the desert canyons of El Toro and Cafayate.

More Highlights

• Mendoza
• the Pampas
• Peninsula Valdez (Patagonia Coast)
• Tierra del Fuego National Park
• Ushuaia (gateway to Antarctica)

Fact Sheet – Argentina

• Country Dialling Code: + 54
• When to Go: Buenos Aires year round. Patagonia destinations are best in summer and Iguazu is best in the southern winter or spring, when heat and humidity are less oppressive.
• Capital: Buenos Aires
• Population: Over a third of Argentina’s 36.1 million people reside in Buenos Aires.
• Official Language: Spanish
• Currency: Peso ($). US dollars can be used, however it is recommended to change to Peso’s at the airport or banks. You can also change currency at hotels.
• Electricity: 220V, 50Hz.
• Tipping: Is a way of life in Argentina and it is customary to tip about 10% of the bill in restaurants.
• Bargaining: Is not a way of life, but it is customary in the Andean Northwest and in artisan markets throughout the country.
• Geography: Land area of about 2.8 million sq km, make Argentina the world’s eighth largest country. Four Major Provinces: the Andes, the lowland North, the Pampas and Patagonia.
• Gateway Airport: Buenos Aires (EZE)
• Food: Argentines traditionally consider carne (meat) essential to any meal. The parrillada, a mixed grill of steak, other beef cuts and offal is a favourite. Empanada is a pie or turnover with vegetables, hard-boiled egg, olive, beef, chicken, ham & cheese

Top Highlights – Uruguary

Colonia de Sacramento: A ‘must’ place to visit either as a day trip ex Buenos Aires, or we recommend an overnight if you have the time. Only one hour by hydrofoil from Buenos Aires.

Colonia is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires, as everything runs at a more relaxed and slower pace. A great way to see the old town is on a walking tour, as you wander the cobblestoned streets past century old buildings. Points of interest include the Country Gate, Museum, Street of Sighs, the Lighthouse and Church. Another highlight is seeing the numerous old fashioned cars still used today.

Montevideo: The main square (old Montevideo) is surrounded on all sides by hotels and buildings, with a statue in the middle. Even though the old area has beautiful cobbled streets and buildings, it is much neglected. The beach road which runs along the Rio Plata is full of high-rises, and the beach does look nice but wouldn’t recommend swimming in its muddy brown water. Still on the coast, at Punta Carretas you will find the Sheraton which is connected to a shopping mall which is open late. Uruguay's capital is mainly visited by business people.

Punta del Este: This can be done as a day trip from Montevideo, alternative overnight. It is a beautiful drive through the beach suburbs, small villages, along the highway via toll roads. Scenery is very similar to Australia and South Africa.Tours may stop at Carlos Paez Vilaro's house, a well known artist whose son was on the plane that crashed into Andes and who survived. This unusual house overlooks Porte Zuelo and you drive along Punta Ballena to reach it.

Punta del Este is a resort town, so if you are wanting to spend time on the beach, then this is the place. The town is very spread out, with the more exclusive areas away from the beach, like Beverly Hills. A number of hotels are in and around the main restaurant/shopping area and only a block or two from the beach. On the Rio Plata coast you find high rises and a long sandy beach, which features a number of unusual sculptures, like a "hand" sticking out of the sand.

San Pedro del Timote (Estancia): The Estancia is north of Montevideo and is a very long day if travelling between Montevideo and Colonia, so we recommend an overnight to appreciate this World Heritage Site. The accommodation’s furnishings are from a bygone era and the lounge areas and rooms feature fireplaces and beautiful antique furniture, a unique place to stay surrounded by history. The property has over 100 horses, sheep and cows; and is spread over 40ha, with stone stock yards dating back 100 years.

Fact Sheet – Uruguay

• Country Dialling Code: + 598
• When to Go: December to March are the summer months and good time to visit, especially the beaches. From April to November winds, rain and cooler temperatures are the norm.
• Capital: Montevideo
• Population: Over 3.3 million people
• Official Language: Spanish
• Currency: Peso Uruguayo (Ur$). US dollars can be used, however it is recommended to change to Pesos at a local money exchange (Cambio).
• Electricity: 220V, 50Hz.
• Tipping: Is a way of life in Uruguay and it is customary to tip about 10% of the bill in restaurants.
• Geography: One of South America's smallest countries, at 187,000 sq km with the main asset its agricultural land.
• Gateway Airport: Montevideo's Aeropuerto Carrasco
• River: High-speed hydrofoil services operate regularly between Buenos AIres and/or Montevideo and Colonia, across the Rio de la Plata.