Argentina

Encompassing more than one million square miles, Argentina boasts twice the area of Alaska and has about 38 million residents primarily of Spanish and European descent. The Andes run the length the country beginning at the southern extension of the Altiplano and ending in the sea at Tierra del Fuego.

The arid northwest starts at the thinly populated high altitude plain on the Bolivian border. Punctuated by volcanic peaks, deep canyons, salt lakes, multi-hued deserts, hundreds of archaeological sites and traditional villages, this region marks the transition from the Andean countries of Peru and Bolivia to the pampas. The cities of Salta and Jujuy showcase the region's pre-Columbian and colonial influences and are ideal bases for explorations into the startling and dramatic landscapes beyond. Trekking, walking, overland drives and train rides are all great activities, and further south near Tucumán, dozens of Argentina's lovely vineyards are open for tours. The Andes reach their apex outside of Mendoza at a peak called Cerro Aconcagua. This 22,834 foot wind-lashed summit is the highest mountain in the western hemisphere. It beckons mountaineers from around the world who arrive to test their mettle during the summer climbing season (late December through February). Mendoza itself is a delightful mid-sized city offering great day hikes, vineyard visits, mountain biking and jeeping.

The land known as Patagonia begins south of the Colorado River although its northern reaches bear little resemblance to the wind-swept plains image most hold in their mind. Referred to as the Lake District, Argentina's northern Patagonian region boasts charming resort towns like Bariloche, San Martín de Los Andes and Villa la Angostura, immense glacier-fed lakes such as Nahuel Huapi and Buenos Aires, lovely deciduous forests and towering mountains like Catedral, Tronador and Lanín. Nahuel Huapi, Lanín and Los Alerces national parks showcase the region's beauty and offer year-round activities: skiing in the winter; hiking, biking, trout fishing and sightseeing in the summer. Further south, Patagonia lives up to its reputation - barren steppes dotted with hardy bunches of grass inhabited by herds of rheas and guanaco. Near the mountains, glacier-fed lakes and streams sustain lovely wildflower-dotted forests and the glaciers and peaks themselves are worth a visit. Perito Moreno, Upsala and Viedma are just three of thirteen massive ice flows dredging their way down from the Continental Ice Cap in Glaciers National Park. Trekking is at its best outside of El Calafate or El Chaltén where hikers have access to Argentina's impressive granite spires, Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy. Several ranches, or estancias, have opened their doors to guests desiring to stay in the area. The dry Atlantic Coast features some of South America's best marine wildlife viewing. From the reserves on Península Valdés and Punta Tombo, nature enthusiasts can observe sea elephants, sea lions, southern right whales and thousands of Magellanic penguins. Flights arrive to Trelew, and neighboring Gaiman with its distinct Welsh ancestry or Puerto Madryn on the coast at Golfo Nuevo are both worth a visit.

Tierra del Fuego, land of fire, is South America's largest island surrounded by the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and the Straits of Magellan. The entire archipelago encompasses about 29,350 square miles or roughly the size of the state of South Carolina. The plains on the island's north end are unappealing with relentless winds and oil derricks. On the south shore, the maritime climate is surprisingly mild and the mountainous terrain offers scenic glaciers, lakes, rivers, seacoast and forests. Ushuaia, the southern most city, overlooks the Beagle Channel. Walking in Tierra del Fuego National Park, hiking to the Marshall Glacier and catamaran cruises through the channel are ideal pursuits for active travelers.

The northeast features diverse ecosystems from the palm savannahs, marshlands and scrub of the Gran Chaco to the subtropical forests of Mesopotamia, but spectacular Iguazú Falls, situated on the border with Brazil, are the region's best known destination. One of South America's most spectacular natural wonders, the series of 275 cascades span a width of nearly two miles. The ruins of extensive Jesuit missions are of historical note in Mesopotamia, and Parque Nacional Chaco and Pilcomayo are the seldom-visited main natural attractions of the Chaco region.

Argentina's celebrated pampas, extensive plains and grasslands at the heart of the country, are the legendary birthplace of the gaucho. They run eastward to the coast and the resort towns of Mar del Plata and Bahía Blanca as well as to the capital city Buenos Aires. Estancia stays are a great way to get a glimpse of country life, while BA is worth a few days to explore its European flavored neighborhoods, avenues and parks. Although Recoleta Cemetery is on most visitors' list as is La Boca, the city boasts some excellent museums and the street fairs in San Thelmo is a great way to spend a Sunday morning.