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Pampas – The sheer size of the plains, called the Pampas, is overwhelming –
but precisely because it is so vast, it becomes not a little tedious. It
is said that this is the one place on earth where distances are so great
and so flat you can see the curvature of planet Earth. After that –
endless fields broken by rows of trees planted to break the fierce winds.
The "estancias" (ranches) are enormous, and the homes of some
are grand – but unless you have a private entree into one of these
old Argentine families, this can be the ultimate nightmare drive if you're
traveling with small kids. |
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Horseback riding – Argentines
love their horses – from their world-class polo ponies to the gaucho's
working cutting horses. No matter what kind of riding you like, you can
find a place to suit. Take English riding lessons, go off on an all-day
expedition to explore the land with the guachos. |
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The Lake district – A magical
place filled with Andean glacial lakes, it has alpine highlands at upper
elevations and temperate rain forests lower down. Parks are open all year
long, but winters are rainy. The summer (December through March) is best
for most outdoors plans except, of course the skiing and snowboarding at
Bariloche! You can choose anything from luxury hotels to camping. |
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 Nahuel
Huapí – Almost two million acres of parkland on the Chilean
border, there's a lot to do here no matter what time of year you turn up.
Ski, snowboard, hike, fish, climb, canoe, take a cruise. |
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Boat
or fish on Lake Nauel Huapi – The rivers and lakes were
stocked with salmon and trout a 100 years ago and they're thriving! Get
a fishing license at Bariloche and expect to help little ones pull in the
catch: they grow 'em big here. |
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Snowboard
or ski at San Carlos de Bariloche – On the south coast of
the Nahuel Huapi Lake, this is a favorite haunt for European and North American
ski teams with 1,600 acres of skiing and an Alpine resort that is quite
beautiful, a little unexpected– very much like what you'll
find in Colorado, British Columbia, Europe. |
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Hike
everywhere – Lots of well-maintained trails in four very
distinct areas suited to different kinds of hiking. Go for a dip in the
thermal pools tucked under lowland forests. |
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Visit a ranch (finca) – But don't expect
a rough-hewn kind of place, some double as hotels. |
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Finca Los
Alamos – Go horseback riding take a walk through the vineyards
and wine cellars or go rafting or fishing nearby. This ranch dates back
to 1830 and is well known for its restaurant and cellar – so
look forward to a beautiful ride followed by a great meal. |
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Puente del Inca – Puente del Inca is a natural rock formation, a limestone bridge over the river. Nearby are hot springs, and the rocks are bright yellow and green, like melted ice cream. These formations are quite stunning, and visitor's have come from far and wide to see them – Charles Darwin sketched the formations on his voyage in the 19th century. |
