FLORA AND FAUNA

Argentine Northwest:

This part of Argentina is famous for the striking mountain ranges and deep canyons of the Andes. There are other natural features of interest with thermal baths located in Rio Hondo. A large plateau, or the Altiplano (3,500m high), is located in the north and extends to the frontier with Bolivia. There are several famous multi-coloured valleys and canyons with unusual rock structures; particularly accessible are those around the towns of Humahuaca and Cafayate, as well as the city of Salta.

Northeast region:

Has two notable sub-regions. The first sub-region of Chaco is largely flat and has an excessive climate which results in a desert-like topography in some areas. The second sub-region of Mesopotamia hosts two rivers: the Paraná, which is the second-longest river in South America, and the Uruguay. The province of Misiones in the far northeast of the region is perhaps most famous for the world-renowned Iguazu Falls, which borders with Brazil and is very close to Paraguay. The waterfalls attract thousands of tourists each year and can be visited from the Argentine and Brazilian sides. In the south of the region are the provinces of Entre Rios and Corrientes. There is a wealth of fauna in this part of Argentina due to the humid conditions, particularly in the subtropical forests in the province of Misiones.

Cuyo:

This region, in the centre-west of the country, is characterised by large mountain ranges and has the tallest peak in the Andes within its boundaries: Mount Aconcagua. The region has a dry climate making it ideal for the production of wine. There are numerous vineyards or bodegas around the cities of Mendoza and San Juan and these make some of finest wines in the world. As one might expect, there are lots of natural attractions waiting to be explored here. For example, the snow melts have created large gorges such as the Atuel Canyon which are popular among tourists and there are many trekking/hiking routes. There are also excellent skiing opportunities in the region as well as a host of other winter/outdoor sports.

Central Sierras:

Dominated by the Sierras de Córdoba this region is situated in the centre of Argentina and has impressive valleys and salt lakes. The area is one of the most important tourist destinations in Argentina with almost three million people visiting annually to spend time amongst the jagged ridges and peaks of the Sierras. Many also visit to participate in extreme sports of one kind or another and there are various sites throughout the region perfect for wind sports - most of these sites are accessible from the large provincial capital city of Córdoba.

The Pampas:

This region is uniformly flat with little topographical variation, although there are some notable hills around the town of Tandil in the south of the province of Buenos Aires. Tandil itself is a popular weekend getaway for people from the city of Buenos Aires especially during long weekends. The region is dominated by various forms of agriculture - cattle grazing is extremely widespread in this part of Argentina given the relatively flat and featureless geography. There are kilometres of expansive beaches along the coast of this region; the most popular destination during the summer months is Mar del Plata in Buenos Aires Province, although there are quieter spots if you want to do your sunbathing in a more peaceful setting (the town of Carilo is especially pleasant with its dense forests situated very near the coastline).

Patagonia:

The region of Patagonia is located in the southern portion of Argentina and boasts some unique and stunning scenery. It has mystical mountain ranges, particularly along the western frontier with Chile, with snow-capped peaks, lakes and most noteworthy of all, glaciers (most famous of which is the Glacier Perito Moreno). The region is relatively deserted and can be quite accurately defined as a natural wilderness. Adventure sports are widespread in this natural playground and it's possible to take to the snow, air, water or keep your feet firmly on terra firma, whilst enjoying the thrilling scenery. In the far south of the region is the province of Tierra del Fuego with the world's most southerly city, Ushuaia. There is an abundance of marine-based wildlife to be viewed in this region with whales, seals, sea lions and penguins especially common.