TORONTO — Argentina is a land of remarkable beauty and stunning contrasts. It’s also a place where cows outnumber people (55 million v 40 million); where you can enjoy an ice cream made with the country’s famous Malbec wine; or visit a town where all the streets are named after women!
Novelty is one of three good reasons to visit Argentina, explained Helena Salico, tour guide/speaker, Argentinean Experience, at a breakfast presentation for travel agents in Toronto this week.
The South American country is also home to a museum devoted to Argentinean doctor and revolutionary Che Guevara, and the Iguazu Falls, which is made up of 275 waterfalls spread out over three kilometres.
The sheer variety of things to do and numerous stunning landscapes is another reason to visit, said Salico. Argentina’s 23 provinces contain everything from blooming jacaranda trees (in spring), to colonial cities and salt flats in the north, and tango dancing and café culture in the capital Buenos Aires.
Visitors can also go horseback riding with the gauchos in the pampas, trek on top of a glacier in the Patagonia region, or take the famous and scenic Train to the Clouds – “the highest train in the world” from Salta north towards Chile.
Salico said Argentina’s good infrastructure is another reason to visit. For example air service within the country has improved over the years, allowing travellers to get to many more destinations without having to first go through Buenos Aires.
Agents wanting to learn more should watch for the soon-to-be launched Argentina Tourism e-Academy designed to educate the travel industry through six modules with a test at the end of each and a certificate upon successful completion.
Worth knowing:
- Argentina has six main tourist regions: Buenos Aires, Litoral, North Argentina, Cuyo, Patagonia and Cordoba
- There is just one time zone
- Spanish is the main language, but English is also widely spoken
- Canadians must pay a reciprocity fee to enter the country and should hang on to their receipt which is valid for 10 years
- Air Canada flies from Toronto to Buenos Aires
- Most of the country is ideal for MICE.
