Birthplace of tango music and the new Pope, Argentina is a land of startling variety in attractions and landscapes.
Fittingly for the birthplace of Pope Francis, Buenos Aires even boasts the world’s first religious theme park
The most visited country in South America is known for its thriving cultural and sporting scene.
Buenos Aires, the cosmopolitan capital of this vast land, is bursting with must-see sights.
Pay homage to Argentina’s legendary first lady Eva ‘Evita’ Perón at the Casa Rosada, where you can see the balcony from which the Peróns spoke to the people.
Then head to the Museo Evita (www.museoevita.org), housed in an aristocratic residence that Evita had converted into a shelter for destitute women and children.
You can even visit her grave at the Cementerio de la Recoleta, which houses the famously good, bad and ugly characters that have called Buenos Aires home over the years.
Fittingly for the birthplace of Pope Francis, Buenos Aires even boasts the world’s first religious theme park – Tierra Santa (www.tierrasanta-bsas.com.ar). Here, you can watch a 20-metre plastic Jesus rise from the earth every half hour... a surreal spectacle even non-believers can enjoy.
Don’t miss the colourful La Boca neighbourhood, famous for its brightly painted houses and the influence of generations of Italian immigrants.
Here you will find La Bombonera, the world famous home of Boca Juniors football club. If there is a match on while you are in town don’t miss it!
ROCS Travel tour operators and hostel owners will be able to facilitate a safe trip to the stadium on match days, including tickets away from the hardcore supporters known for breathtaking displays of passion and pageantry.
For an introduction to tango visit the Museo Casa Carlos Gardel, which celebrates the titular tango legend’s years in Buenos Aires.
If you want to give tango a whirl, head to the Centro Cultural Torquato Tasso (www.torquatotasso.com.ar), where respected artists perform regularly. Or for a more relaxed introduction to the art form, check out old the school tango bars of the San Telmo neighbourhood.
Outside of Buenos Aires you’ll find landscapes of fertile plains, tropical forests and shimmering glaciers.
Other highlights
Tour Mendoza in the eastern foothills of the Andes, the gateway to world famous vineyards, before exploring Salta with its fine colonial architecture and fabulous museums.
Discover Argentina’s Lake District with its glacial lakes, thundering rivers and snow-capped volcanoes. Often dubbed the Switzerland of America, Bariloche lies in the shadow of Andean peaks.
Spot Baleen wales, sea lions, seals and Egellanic penguins along Peninsula Valdés coastline and explore the remarkable Los Glaciares National Park from the small town of El Calafate on the southern shores of icy Lake Argentino before reaching the ‘End of the World’ – the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego on South America’s southernmost tip.
Iguazú Falls boasts over 250 beautiful waterfalls which link Argentina and Brazil in an incredible tropical setting.
Argentina is home to the some delicious culinary delights, the beef being the most popular food. Make sure you don’t miss the chance to try a traditional Asado where the excellent quality meat is grilled to perfection and the natural flavours are unforgettable.
What are you waiting for?
ROCS Travel will once again lead an unforgettable trip to South America in December.
Join ROCS Travel’s Maurice Gruppetta for a 17-day holiday of a lifetime. From December 1-17, Gruppetta will be escorting a group on a superb Taste of South America Tour.
Combine colossal glaciers, mighty waterfalls and wide-open plains with sensuous tango, tantalising wine-tasting and a dash of European flair in Argentina.
Travel to Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, a modern metropolis buzzing with energy and European panache.
Discover first-hand the beauty and grandeur of the Perito Moreno Glacier, an impressive natural wonder famous for its easy access, continuous advance and the loud loosening of huge icebergs.
The tour then heads to Brazil, where guests will experience many of the highlights mentioned, including Rio de Janeiro and the breathtaking Iguazu Falls.
Prices for the full 17-day tour, inclusive of flights, four-star accommodation throughout, transfers, excursions as per brochure and passenger taxes, start from €3,699 per person.
For more information, call ROCS Travel on 2015 1515, visit www.rocsholidays.com or e-mail travel@rocsgrp.com.