House of travel South and Central America Brochure 2017 | Page 18
Experience
Argentina
A feast for all of the senses, Argentina keeps travellers entranced for weeks. From
Fast Facts
Country name: Republic of Argentina
Population: 43.9 Million
Capital: Buenos Aires
Languages: Spanish, English
Currency: Argentine Peso
Time zone: 15 hours behind New Zealand (16
hours with daylight saving)
Electricity: Current is 220V/230V, 50HZ
Plug is a 2 point round-pin adaptor
Festivals and Events 2017
14
02 Jan Dakar Challenge, Buenos Aires
01 Mar Tilcara Earth Carnival, Tilcara
02 Apr Malvinas Rememberence Day
17 Jul La Rural Festival, Buenos Aires
12 Aug World Tango Championships,
Buenos Aires
the aroma of sizzling beef steaks and the icy sensation of trekking a glacier, to feeling
the passion of a street tango or the spray from one of the world’s most magnificent
waterfalls, Argentina delivers it all.
The abundance of sights and sensations is partly due to Argentina’s sheer size,
stretching from the tropics in the north to the frozen wilderness of Patagonia. While
exotic butterflies and birds grace the rainforests, penguins and whales star in the
far south. Both regions are distinctively different from the rolling Pampas where
gauchos (cowboys) roam.
Argentina’s history is as varied and colourful as its landscape. The Spanish arrived
in the 16th century, putting their indelible cultural stamp on the land. Then last
century it was the charismatic, tragic figure of Eva Peron (Evita) who became
Argentina’s most famous figure.
She lies buried in the capital, Buenos Aires – a visit to her grave in the Recoleta
Cemetery is an essential pilgrimage. But there’s nothing sorrowful about Buenos
Aires. This city pulsates with life; with tango dancing in historic San Telmo plazas,
the historic football rivalry between La Boca and River Plate, and a sense of wealth
and power around Plaza de Mayo.
Beyond the vibrancy of Buenos Aires lies the Iguazu Falls, one of South America’s
most spectacular sights with more than 20km of plummeting, thunderous water.
The fascination doesn't just stop at these famous falls, the Iguazu Falls also feeds
the surrounding lush rainforest which is definitely worth spending quality time in.