Family vacations- by region
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Family vacations- by region You are here: About > Travel > Travel with Kids > Lots More Destinations > Family vacations- by region Travel Travel with Kids Essentials Family Vacation Ideas Winter and Spring Break All-Inclusive Resorts Ten Latest Family Travel Deals Family Resorts: top places; photos Articles & Resources Family Travel: What's Hot Top Vacation Spots VT, ME, NH, CT, MA, NY, PA Mexico Family Vacations Caribbean Vacations More Beach Vacations Florida Family Vacations Resorts with Water Park More Family Resorts Fun Places for Kids Disney Vacations Family Cruises Babies;Teens;Single Parents Lots More Destinations Family Travel TIPS, GAMES Buyer's Guide TAKE ALONG: Christmas books Christmas flicks Activity Kits more CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Travel with Kids newsletter! See Online Courses Search Travel with Kids Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page See also: Spring Break Ideas Summer Vacations Fall Vacation Ideas more... Winter Vacations Christmas Vacation Ideas Family Travel Deals Most Popular Charades -How To Play Charades Family Vacation Spots The Atlantis Resort Great Places to See Santa Disney Christmas Magic Kingdom What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Related Topics Florida for Visitors New England for Visitors Theme Parks Hotels / Resorts / Inns Parenting of K-6 Children Family Vacations: ideas by region Trip Planner From Teresa Plowright , Your Guide to Travel with Kids . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Family Vacations: Northeast & Mid-Atlantic Photo courtesy of Tyler Place. Previous | Next >> Find many ideas, starting with the Northeast US; scroll down for more regions. See also Fall and Winter Vacations Ideas. Family Vacations: Northeast & Mid-Atlantic New York, New York : Top Ten Things to do with Teens New York Winter Vacations : for fun in the snow New England Pow-wows Moose Tours - May -June, Sept.-October, NH and Maine K-9: Family Vacations with Pooch CT: Lake Compounce, Connecticut: theme park with Garfield Boston With Kids - use Go Boston Card for attractions MA: Cape Cod's Red Jacket Beach Resort MA: Cape Codder Resort MA: Six Flags New England - theme park + water park NH: Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods - century-old Hotel, now part of ski resort Vermont: Tyler Place - all-inclusive; many kids' programs NY: Otesaga Resort Hotel - grand old hotel in historic Cooperstown NY: Rocking Horse Ranch Resort - all-inclusive, many activities NY: Mohonk Mountain House -Victorian castle in the great outdoors NY: The Lodge at Catskills Corner : bring the family dog too Catskills Family Resorts - 100 miles from NYC more New England family resorts PA: Hershey : "Chocolate Town" with theme park, family-friendly grand hotel, lodge PA: Poconos Great Wolf Lodge : rustic chic, and indoor waterpark more Poconos Resorts for families - easy drive from NYC, Phillie, DC VA: Colonial Williamsburg : history comes alive with real-life characters WV: White-water Rafting Family Vacations: Northeast & Mid-Atlantic Family Vacation Ideas: Caribbean Mexico (& Central America) Hawaii Florida Southeast Heartland & Southwest California; Pacific Northwest: North Canada Europe Previous | Next >> Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa
France Travel in September
France in September - Monthly Calendar and French Travel and Vacation Planner You are here: About > Travel > France for Visitors > Things to Do in France > France Monthly Calendar > France in September - Monthly Calendar and French Travel and Vacation Planner Travel Go France Essentials New Year's Eve in Paris and France Worst of France 2005 Paris Travel Guide Top French Ski Resorts Best New Year's Eve Champagne Articles & Resources Destinations Trip Planning Transportation Interests & Situations Money, Safety & Issues Things to Do in France Where to Stay in France Staying Connected Blogs Picture Galleries Culture, Language & People Fun, Freebies & Quizes Relocating to France Nudism, Sex & Gay Travel D-Day & Historic Travel Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Sites Selling French Products Before You Buy the Gift of Travel Gifts for the France Fanatic Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the France for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses Search France for Visitors Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Suggested Reading France in July France in August Holidays and Events in France Related Blogs Dispatches from France Blog Paris Blog French Word-a-Day Blog La Coquette Blog Chroniques dune Fraise Nice Blog Rsidence Les Marronniers Provence Blog L'Oiseau Blog Chocolate and Zucchini Blog Forty Days in Paris Blog Most Popular "Naked City" Christmas in Paris Photo Tour Paris Sex District Top Paris Attractions Christmas in France What's Hot New Year's Eve in France Paris Gay Pride Parade Host A France-Themed Party Nice, France Photo Gallery Camping in France Related Topics Europe for Visitors French Language French Cuisine Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways Wine France Travel in September From Kelby Carr , Your Guide to France for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Slower Tourist Season, Cooler Temperatures and Lower Rates are High Points September is a simply divine month to visit France. The tourist season is winding down, but you still get most of the positive aspects of summertime like warm weather and extended hours at attractions. The prices at hotels and for airfare start to dip a little. The evenings, especially in the north, begin to have that cool, crisp touch to the air. There are numerous events, the highlight of which is the ferias, or bullfighting festivals, of the South of France. Anyone who loves Paris in the springtime would have to adore it as fall starts to tinge the tips of the French leaves. Weather The weather can range from hot summertime temperatures to characteristically cool fall nights. Mostly, the weather is pleasantly moderate. There are major variations in climate depending on where you are in France, but here are weather averages for some major cities: Paris : Average high temperature is 21 degrees celsius/70 degrees farenheit, and the average low is 13 celcius, 55 farenheit. Average rainfall is 53 millimeters, or 2.1 inches. Nice : Average high temperature is 24 degrees celsius/75 degrees farenheit, with the average low at 17 degrees celcius/62 degrees farenheit. Average precipitation is 66 millimeters, or 2.6 inches. Bordeaux : Average high temperature is 23 degrees celsius, 73 degrees farenheit, and the average low is 12 celcius/53 farenheit. Average precipitation is 84 millimeters, or 3.3 inches. Strasbourg : Average high temperature is 21 degrees celsius, or 69 degrees farenheit, and the average low is 11 celcius/51 farenheit. Average precipitation is 61 millimeters, or 2.4 inches. What to pack It can be challenging to pack for France, particularly if you will visit multiple cities. For the most part, this is a moderate time of year. Be prepared for extremes, as you could encounter hot days or cool nights. Your packing list should include: A hot weather outfit A sweater or light jacket Good walking shoes Get more ideas with my Packing Tips . Why to go in September Enjoy the quiet as most European (and American) tourists return to work and school The weather is usually warm and mild All museums and attractions are open, usually still with extended summertime hours Rates start to go down on lodging and airfare Why not to visit France in September You may encounter some cool weather, or even downright chilly temperatures Weather is less predictable Events and festivals Basque Country Music Festival , (August 28-September 10 in Saint-Jean-de-Luz ) is one of France's premier music festivals and is situated in one of the country's prettiest small cities. Piano aux Jacobins (September 6-29 in Toulouse ), a festival devoted to classical piano music featuring numerous concerts at the Jacobins cloister. Feria du Riz or Rice Feria, (September 9-11 in Arles) is a showcase of bullfighting traditions in Southern France. Well after fans leave the arena, the party continues into the night in this lively Provence city. Here, you not only find running of the bulls, but they are also guarded by the lovely Camargue horses. Paris Techno Parade , (September 10 in Paris) is France's second most popular music festival and an ode to techno music. It is part of the Rendez-Vous Electroniques Festival (from September 8-18). Jazz a Beaune , (September 14-18 in Beaune), a wonderful indulgence on the local Burgundy wines and jazz music. There are also classes offered, both on wine tasting and the jazz masters. Feria des Vendanges or Grape Harvest Feria, (September 16 to 18, Nimes) is another festive bullfighting festival in a city jam-packed with historic attractions. Sauerkraut Festival , (September 16-17 in Brienne-le-Chateau) is a splendid homage to the Aube region, which produces much of France's sauerkraut annually. Heralding the Harvest , (September 18 in Saint-Emilion) marks the start of the harvest in one of France's key wine-producing areas. The highlights include a mass and a torchlight evening tour of the town. Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot New Year's Eve in France Paris Gay Pride Parade Host A France-Themed Party Nice, France Photo Gallery Camping in France
Italy travel Amalfi -
Amalfi guide - Sorrento travel guide - Amalfi - guide to Sorrento - Italy travel Amalfi - Italy Amalfi guide - Sorrento travel guide - Amalfi - guide to Sorrento - Italy travel Amalfi - Italy - travel links Wednesday, 28 December 05 - 11:43 pm Top destinations Art Cities Beaches Lakes Mountains Spa Resorts Regions guides Abruzzo & Molise Alto Adige Apulia Basilicata & Calabria Campania Emilia Romagna Friuli Venezia Giulia Lazio Liguria Lombardy Marche Piedmont Sardinia Sicily Tuscany Trentino Umbria Valle d'Aosta Veneto Cities guides Aosta Asiago & 7 comuni Asolo Assisi Belluno & Dolomiti Venete Bologna Bolzano Brescia Bressanone Caorle & Bibione Capri Catania Cervia & Cesenatico's Beaches Chianti, Valdelsa, Valdarno Comacchio's Beaches Cortina d'Ampezzo Courmayeur M.Bianco Elba & Capraia Florence Garda Lake - Eastern Side Grosseto & Maremma Ischia Jesolo & Eraclea Como Lake & Lecco Lucca & Garfagnana Madonna di Campiglio Merano Milan Monte Cervino Montecatini Terme Naples Padua Palermo Pisa Portofino & Tigullio Gulf Ragusa Ravenna's Beaches Ravenna City Rimini, Riccione, Cattolica Riviera dei Fiori: Sanremo & Imperia Riviera del Brenta Rome Rovereto Rovigo e Delta del Po San Martino di Castrozza, Primiero, Val Venoi Siena Siracusa Sorrento & Amalfi Taormina Terme e Colli Euganei Turin Trento Treviso Val di Fassa Val di Fiemme Venice Verona Versilia & Viareggio Vicenza Sorrento & Amalfi Hotels Reserve Sorrento & Amalfi Hotels: save up 70% on rooms! Compare offers & book on line at hotel's web sites. About Campania Pompei: in search of a lost civilization The city of Pompeii was established in the XII century B.C. and enjoyed great prosperity from the point of view of culture, economy and city planning until 79 A.D. when the terrible eruption of Vesuvius covered everything in lava and small stones... The Cilento, discover its charm and beauty The Cilento is the southernmost part of Campania, before Basilicata, between the plains of the river Sele to the north... The Sorrento Peninsula, between the mythical sea and romantic land. The setting of a scene from the Odyssey and a land crossed by Grand Tour poets and scholars, the Sorrento Peninsula is a magical place... Teatro San Carlo - Napoli In this site you will find the complete schedule of the famous Neapolitan Opera House ... Sorrento & Amalfi Guide Italy THINGS TO KNOW Getting there History and culture THINGS TO SEE Churches, Palaces and Monuments THINGS TO TRY Eating and Drinking Shopping Hotels and lodgings THINGS TO EXPERIENCE Events La Dolce Vita ITINERARIES Beaches, marinas and nature reserves Positano, Ravello, Vietri and other places not to be missed Directories of Web Sites Sorrento & Amalfi Italy Sorrento & Amalfi Hotels Downloads Sorrento & Amalfi Guide in PDF format Land of colors and fragrances, birthplace of Torquato Tasso, retreat for such artists and writers as Caruso and Wagner, who found inspiration in this splendid corner of Campania. The Sorrento Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast host an enticing pageant of blue seas, jagged coastlines, lush hills and delightful towns: Sorrento , Amalfi , Positano , Ravello , Vietri ... Getting there The Sorrento Peninsula is easily reached thanks to its proximity to cities like Naples and Salerno and thanks to highways... >>> History and culture The glorious Maritime Republic of Amalfi, sea battles off the Sorrento coast against pirates and invaders... >>> Churches, Palaces and Monuments All the places you need to see, to get a full picture of the history and culture of Sorrento and Amalfi... >>> Eating and Drinking Fresh fish and other local delicacies, not to mention the sublime Limoncello... >>> Shopping Inlaid wooden ornaments, ceramic ware, cameos and embroidery... >>> Hotels and lodgings Tips for organizing your vacation: Sorrento hotels , Amalfi hotels , Positano hotels ... >>> Events Sorrento Summer of Music, Ravello Wagner Festival and all the highlights of the area... >>> La Dolce Vita A coffee in Sorrento's Piazza Tasso, a cocktail in a wine bar in Positano or a stroll along the beach to gaze at the stars... >>> Beaches, marinas and nature reserves Sandy beaches, crystal-clear seawater, rocky coastlines and charming little marinas... >>> Positano, Ravello, Vietri and other places not to be missed A glimpse into the magic of the Sorrento Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast... >>> More guides on: Region: Campania Campania Cities: Capri Ischia Naples Click to view the map Servizi per le aziende Acquista la tua visibilità su Travel Plan Netplan Travel Network Travel Guides ItalyTravel Guides | VeniceTravel Guide | FlorenceTravel Guide | RomeTravel Guide | MilanTravel Guide | NaplesTravel Guide | Palermo Travel Guide | Taormina Travel Guide | SicilyTravel Guide | Cortina Travel Guide | VeronaTravel Guide | JesoloTravel Guide | Lucca & Garfagnana Travel Guide | Treviso Travel Guide | Ischia Travel Guide | Capri Travel Guide | Sorrento Travel Guide | Amalfi Travel Guide | More Italy Travel guides ... 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Venice Hotels | Cortina Hotels | Asolo Hotels | Hotel Golden Rome | Hotel San Niccolò - Chianti | Hotel Il Granduca Florence | Venice Travel Guide | Venice Booking Center | Venice Hotels Servizi per le aziende - Netplan Travel Network Links A1 A2 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1 H2 I1 I2 J1 K1 L1 M1 N1 O1 P1 Q1 R1 S1 T1 U1 V1 W1 X1 Y1 Z1 AA1 AB1 AC1 AD1 AE1 AF1 AG1 AH1 AI1 AJ1 AK1 AL1 AM1 AN1 AN2 AO1 AP1 AQ1 AR1 AS1 AT1 AU1 AV1 AW1 AX1 AY1 AZ1 BA1 BB1 Italy Travel Guide © 2004 Fatto da: Netplan
Travel Guides Community Special
Adventure Travel & World Travel | iExplore FORBES' #1 ADVENTURE TRAVEL SITE 5 YEARS IN A ROW — TIME MAGAZINE TOP 50 Keyword Search: -- Home Trip Finder Travel Guides Community Special Offers Store My iExplore About Us | Testimonials | Corporate Travel | Advertise | Contact Us -- All Regions Africa Antarctica Australia and the South Pacific Caribbean Central and South America Europe Far East Middle East North America South and Southeast Asia All Countries All Activities Bicycle Touring Canal and River Cruising Canoeing Culinary Cultural Exploration Expedition Cruises Field Research / Volunteering Fishing Hiking / Trekking / Walking Horseback Riding Miscellaneous Mountain Biking Mountaineering Multi-Sport Once-in-a-Lifetime Rainforests and Ecotours Safari Sailing and Yachting Scuba Diving Sea Kayaking Snow Sports Whitewater -- -- Featured Destination The people, the place, the unhurried pace... Come discover the enchantment of Ireland. Check out Ireland's great cycling, hiking and horseback riding trips! Partner Offer -- Tour Spotlight iExplore Cape to Cairo Adventure Africa's ultimate journey... Trip Overview Trip Itinerary Departure Dates Egypt Photos Egypt Travel Guide Destination Of The Day Portugal Portugal is a country of astonishing beauty and diversity, not to mention clear blue skies and friendly, courteous people. Pick any destination and the view from your window might be a rugged stretch... Overview Where To Go Travel Tips Portugal Tours Portugal Photos Travel Photos Browse over 225,000 user-submitted travel photos. Journals & Reviews Read and write travel journals & reviews. Find a Travel Buddy Post a listing to find a like-minded travel buddy. Get Answers Find answers for all of your travel-related questions. Top Selling iExplore Tours 1. Machu Picchu Peru 2. Adventure in Argentina 3. Cultural Tour in Thailand 4. Safari in South Africa 5. The Pyramids of Egypt 6. Safari in Gabon 7. Cruise the Galapagos 8. Cultural Tour in Greece 9. Culinary Tour in Italy 10. Cultural Tour in Tunisia Client Testimonials " I had an absolutely wonderful time!! The staff treated the guests like family. Overall it was one of the best trips I have ever taken. Thank you so much! " Penny, 12/01/2005, Argentina " I wanted to let you know that my trip was beyond my wild dreams. I loved it!! Thanks for helping me. " Mary Lou , 11/16/2005, Vietnam & Cambodia Click here to view more testimonials Sponsored Listings ( Add your listing ) Europe and Russia Africa Central and South America South and Southeast Asia North America England France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Russia Spain Botswana Egypt Kenya Morocco Namibia South Africa Tanzania Argentina Belize Brazil Chile Costa Rica Ecuador Galapagos Islands Guatemala Peru Venezuela India Nepal Philippines Thailand Vietnam Indonesia Alaska Canada Greenland Mexico United States Australia and South Pacific Far East Caribbean Middle East Antarctica Australia Fiji French Polynesia New Zealand Papua New Guinea China Hong Kong Japan Mongolia South Korea Tibet Bahamas Barbados Cuba Dominican Republic Jamaica Puerto Rico U.S. Virgin Islands Iran Israel Jordan Syria Turkey Advertisement -- advertisement Why iExplore? About Us Advertise Site Map Privacy Policy Travel Agents Contact Us © 2005 Adventure Travel with iExplore --
Argentina Travel Guide Overview
Argentina Tourist Attractions & Argentina Tourism | iExplore.com FORBES' #1 ADVENTURE TRAVEL SITE 5 YEARS IN A ROW — TIME MAGAZINE TOP 50 Keyword Search: -- Home Trip Finder Travel Guides Community Special Offers Store My iExplore advertisement -- Home Travel Guides Central and South America Argentina Where to Go Argentina Travel Guide Overview Tours Where to Go Activities General Info History Weather Travel Tips Dining Shopping Visa & Health View Trips to Argentina Central and South America Overview Browse Argentina Photos Argentina Questions and Answers Read Argentina Journals Find a Argentina Travel Buddy Argentina Tourist Attractions Buenos Aires Argentina’s capital city is located within the Capital Federal District and forms one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas. Buenos Aires is an elegant shoppers’ paradise and cosmopolitan center that takes pride in its cultural establishments. There are now few reminders of the city’s glorious past, although the immense Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral), which contains the remains of San Martín, Argentina’s liberator, is a notable exception. So is the famous Teatro Colón, the world’s largest opera house (with a capacity of 2500 seats), which occupies an entire block on the massive Avenida 9 de Julio, the city’s major thoroughfare with its Obelisco (obelisk) at the intersection with Avenida Corrientes (the traditional theater, cinema and nightlife district). Also worth a visit are the Isaac Fernández Blanco Museum of Spanish-American Art, which houses an important silverware collection and is located in a beautiful neo-colonial mansion; the Ambrosetti Museum and the Museum of Colonial History. The old artists’ quarter of La Boca, home of the tango, is located along a narrow waterway lined by meat-packing plants and warehouses. Visitors can see a tango show at one of several tango bars for approximately US$40-60. The San Telmo borough, one of the oldest parts of the city and particularly known for the Manzana de las Luces (Block of Enlightenment), has also preserved its artistic spirit. The city’s oldest church, the Jesuit Iglesia San Ignacio, is located here. San Telmo has many cafes, antique shops, tango night spots and a Sunday flea market on Plaza Dorrego. Buenos Aires’ open spaces are particularly notable in the northern part, where a succession of parks stretch for miles along the River Plate. The Palermo neighborhood contains the Jardín Botánico Carlos Thays (Botanical Gardens), the Jardín Zoológico (zoo), the Campo de Polo (polo grounds), the Hipódromo (racetrack) and the Planetarium. The city’s main shopping districts are located around the microcentro (north of Avenida de Mayo), which icludes popular tourist areas like the Florida and Lavalle pedestrian malls, the Plaza San Martín, and the commercial and entertainment areas of Corrientes, Córdoba and the fashionable Santa Fe. North of the microcentro is the chic and upper-class Recoleta borough, famous for its Cementerio de la Recoleta (where many members of Argentina’s élite are buried) and the renowned Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts), which has works by Renoir, Rodin, Monet, Van Gogh and numerous Argentine artists. Near the presidential palace, the neighborhood known as Puerto Madero is now in serious competition with Recoleta to become the city’s most chic quarter. Many of the port’s 19th-century warehouses and docks have been transformed into Manhattan-style lofts, expensive restaurants, trendy nightclubs, new office blocks and a university campus. Further southeast is the Costanera Sur National Park, a nature reserve close to the banking district. Excursions Argentina’s most important devotional site (attracting millions of pilgrims every year), is the neo-gothic Basílica Nuestra Señora de Luján (whose day is May 8), which is located 70km (43 miles) west of Buenos Aires. Around 113km (71 miles) west of the capital lies the village of San Antonio de Areco, the center of Argentina’s gaucho tradition and host to the Día de la Tradición, the country’s biggest gaucho celebration held annually in November. The village is also known for its artisans, who specialise in mate (paraphernalia), rastras (silver-studded belts) and facones (knives). The country town of Capilla del Señor can be visited on a day trip with an old historic steam train (tickets should be purchased a week in advance). The Atlantic Coast Mar del Plata Located approximately 400km (250 miles) from Buenos Aires, this is the main tourist resort on the Atlantic coast. Often referred to as ’Mardel’, Mar del Plata’s sandy beaches attract thousands of visitors during the December to March season. The many grandiose mansions testify to the city’s upper-class origins. Interesting sites include the Villa Normandy (which has a distinctive French style), the Iglesia Stella Maris (a church with an impressive marble altar), the Torre Tanque (an 88m/289ft tower offering good views) and the Villa Victoria (once a literary salon). The Banquina de Pescadores is a picturesque wharf near the port with many restaurants and cafeterias. Mar del Plata is also the site of the largest gambling casino in Argentina. Elsewhere Other well-known resorts on the Atlantic coast include Villa Gezell, Pinamar, Miramar and Necochea, the latter being well known for the Parque Miguel Lillo, a large green space beside the beach, whose pine woods are popular for cycling and riding. New resorts are constantly springing up along this stretch of coastline. Most can offer deep-sea fishing and watersports. Further south, some 650km (407 miles) from Buenos Aires, lies Bahía Blanca, the largest southern city, whose massive port makes it one of the country’s major commercial centers. The Pampas The area known as the Pampas consists mostly of flat agricultural land and contains the provinces of Buenos Aires and La Pampa as well as parts of Santa Fe and Córdoba. The area is well known for its horse-breeding tradition and cattle ranches. La Plata Located 56km (35 miles) southeast of Buenos Aires, La Plata is the capital of the Buenos Aires Province and an important administrative, commercial and cultural center. It has one of the country’s best universities. South of La Plata lies the Sierra de la Ventana, whose scenic peaks attract many hikers and climbers. One of the most popular peaks for climbing excursions is the Cerro de la Ventana (1136m/3408ft), which is located within the Ernesto Tornquist Provincial Park. Santa Fe The capital of the Santa Fe Province is linked to Paraná, capital of the Entre Ríos Province, via a tunnel beneath the River Paraná (see below). Mainly important as an agricultural and industrial center, Santa Fe’s colonial past is still visible in its streets and squares, though there are also many modern buildings. The nearby city of Rosario, on the west bank of the River Paraná, was where the Argentinian flag was first raised and its biggest attraction is the impressive, boat-shaped Monumento Nacional a la Bandera (Monument to the Flag). La Semana de la Bandera (Flag Week) is celebrated annually in June. Nearby is the town of Rufino, an important center for cattle raising. Walking and trekking are popular in the Lihue Calel National Park, an area consisting mostly of desert, located some 226km (142 miles) southwest of the city of Santa Rosa, and known for its pink granite rock formations (reaching up to 600m/1968ft). Misiones, El Chaco & Mesopotamia The Misiones Province has a subtropical climate and is nearly surrounded by Paraguay and Brazil. It is most famous for its Jesuit missions and the spectacular Iguazú Falls. El Chaco is a sparsely populated area of nature reserves and parks. Mesopotamia usually refers to the area between the Paraná and Uruguay rivers and comprises the provinces of Entre Ríos and Corrientes. Posadas The capital of the Misiones Province is joined to Paraguay by a modern bridge. The province is well known for its old Jesuit missions, and the most impressive Jesuit ruins can be visited at San Ignacio Miní, some 50km (32 miles) east of Posada. Jesuit carvings and art are on display at Posada’s Museo Regional. The gigantic Yacyreta Dam lies 200km (125 miles) upstream from Posada. Iguazú Falls Puerto Iguazú is the gateway to the majestic Iguazú Falls (parts of which are located in neighboring Brazil). The falls are located within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Iguazú National Park, whose subtropical rainforest provides a habitat for over 2000 identified plant species and 400 bird species (for details of hiking trails, see the Activities section). The Iguazú Falls are formed by the River Paraná which, before reaching the edge, divides into many channels. The most impressive of these is the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), which can be approached via a system of catwalks (some of which may occasionally be closed owing to flooding). At their highest point, the falls have a vertical drop more than one and a half times the full length of Niagara Falls. Visitors can catch a good view of the falls from a tower near the visitor center, which also organizes free trips to the Isla San Martín, another good lookout point from which to catch an extensive and crowd-free view. El Chaco The capital of the Chaco Province is Resistencia, which prides itself on being a ’city of sculptures’ (there are over 200 of them), and is a major crossroads for Paraguay and excursions through the Chaco to the northwest. The Chaco National Park is a large expanse of swamps, grasslands, palm savannahs and forest, which is rarely visited as camping is the only available accommodation. Interesting nature reserves within the area include Estricta Colonia Benitez (in eastern Chaco) and the Pampa del Indio Provincial Park. Campo del Cielo is an area famous for its meteorite fragments dating back some 6000 years. Formosa The capital of Formosa Province is a good starting point for excursions to the northern Chaco. Interesting buildings in the city include the Casa de Gobierno, which has been declared a national monument. Apart from Formosa’s annual week-long Fiesta del Río (a nocturnal religious procession), one of the main regional attractions is the massive Río Pilcomayo National Park, an area of swamps, marshland and savannah on the Paraguayan border, whose Laguna Blanca is an ideal spot for birdwatching. Corrientes Corrientes, the capital of its namesake province, is one of Argentina’s oldest cities. The General Belgrano Bridge over the Paraná River joins the city to Resistencia, the capital of the Chaco Province (see above). Among Corrientes’ oldest churches, the Santísima Cruz de los Milagros and the Convento de San Francisco are worth a visit. In the north of the province lies the Esteros del Iberá, an area of marshland, lagoons and lakes providing a refuge for hundreds of bird species, reptiles and mammals such as swamp deer and capibara (the world’s largest rodent). There are numerous remains of Jesuit settlements in the vicinity, notably at Yapeyú, the birthplace of José de San Martín. Cattle ranches ( estancia ) can be visited at San Gará, Atalaya and San Juan Poriahú. Well known for its fiestas and carnivals, the Corrientes is also the land of the chamamé , a characteristic type of rhythmic music derived from the polka, celebrated in the annual National Chamamé Festival . Paraná The capital of the Entre Ríos Province can be reached from Santa Fe via the Hernandarias Tunnel under the River Paraná. East of Paraná, near the border with Uruguay, Concepción del Uruguay has numerous spas and river beaches (on the River Uruguay), notably at Banco Pelay and Itapo. The nearby city of Gualeguaychu is famous for its carnival, which rivals those of Rio and Bahía in Brazil. Further north, some 360km (225 miles) from Buenos Aires, lies the El Palmar National Park, whose main attractions are the old yatay palms, some of which are nearly 800 years old. Córdoba, Mendoza & the Andes Córdoba Located on the bank of the River Primero, Córdoba has preserved much of its colonial past and character. Some of the most interesting colonial buildings include El Cabildo (the Town Hall) and the Casa del Obispo Mercadillo. One of the best streets in which to see colonial buildings is the Calle Obispo Trejos. Also worth seeing are the churches of the Compañía de Jésus, San Francisco and San Roque. Argentina’s first university, the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba was founded here. The scenic mountain hinterland known as the Sierras de Córdoba is dotted with colonial hermitages and tourist towns: Cosquín hosts an annual folklore festival and la Falda is a popular resort for excursions to the Sierra Chica. Around Córdoba, numerous Jesuit churches can be visited: Alta Gracia, 35km (22 miles) southwest of the city, is one of the best known. Also of interest is the town of Jesús María, which hosts the Fiesta Nacional de Doma y Folklore , an annual celebration of gaucho horsemanship and customs. Mendoza The Mendoza Province is Argentina’s main wine-producing region and the annual grape harvest festival, the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia , is held in the provincial capital, Mendoza, at the end of February and the beginning of March. Founded in 1521, Mendoza is characterized by tree-lined streets and a large network (some 500km/32 miles) of irrigation channels. The Andes mountain ranges can be seen in the distance from many parts of the city, whose universities, museums, theaters and art galleries testify to a lively cultural life. Interesting museums include the Museo Sanmartiniano (for history) and the Museo Popular Callejero (architecture). Most wineries near Mendoza offer tours and tasting. Some of the province’s main wine cellars are located in San Rafael. Near the border with Chile lies the famous Mount Aconcagua (6995m/22,944ft), the highest mountain in the Western hemisphere, located within the Aconcagua National Park. A good starting point for exploring the area is Uspallata, located in a serene valley surrounded by mountains. Some of the best ski resorts can be found at las Leñas (one of Argentina’s most prestigious winter sports resorts, open from June to October), the Valles del Plata and los Penitentes. Also worth visiting is the striking Puente del Inca, a natural stone bridge over the River Mendoza; and Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer), a famous monument in the high Andes, nearly 4000m (13,120ft) above sea level, offering magnificent views. San Juan San Juan, capital of the San Juan Province was rebuilt after an earthquake in 1944. Today, the city is characterized by wide, tree-lined streets and fairly modern buildings. Around 60km (38 miles) southeast from here, the small town of Vallecita attracts large numbers of pilgrims who come to visit the famous Difunta Correa shrine (with the busiest times being around Easter and Christmas). The city of Agustín del Valle Fértil is a good base for excursions to the Ischigualasto National Park, a desert valley also referred to as ’the valley of the moon’, owing to its distinctive rock formations and fossils dating back some 180 million years. The Andean Northwest Jujuy The capital of Jujuy Province, San Salvador de Jujuy, was once a stopover for colonial mule traders. It has an interesting Indian market, the Mercado del Sur and, at Termas de Reyes, thermal baths overlooking the scenic canyon of the River Reyes. North of the city lie the colorful dry landscapes of the Quebrada de Humahuaca and its isolated peasant villages. The indigenous village of Purmamarca is surrounded by the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors), whose layers show different geological periods. Further up stands the Paleta del Pintor (Painter’s Pallet), named after its view of the multi-colored surrounding mountains. The Calilegua National Park lies on the province’s eastern border. It has abundant birdlife, some dense subtropical cloud forest and offers good views of the Gran Chaco from Mount Hermoso (3600m/11,808ft). Salta The city of Salta, capital of Salta Province, is reputed to have the best preserved colonial architecture in Argentina. The most significant buildings are grouped around the central square, including the Cathedral, the Cabildo (Town Hall) – which houses the Museo Histórico del Norte, the Museo Colonial and the Museo de Bellas Artes – and the Iglesia San Francisco. The province is well known for its spectacular train journey, el Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds), which ascends the Quebrada del Toro and climbs up to the puna (plateau). The climax of the trip is the crossing of the la Polvorilla viaduct (4182m/13,716ft above sea level). Around 100km (63 miles) south of Salta, the Quebrada de Cafayete is a landscape of barren sandstone known for its distinctive formations, such as the Garganta de Diablo (Devil’s Throat). Surrounding Cafayete are many vineyards, which flourish in the warm, dry and sunny climate. Los Cardones National Park is known for its large cacti (cardó), reaching heights of up to 6m (20ft). Tucumán Another Andean province offering green valleys with subtropical vegetation surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Within the Tafí Valley lies the Parque de los Menhires, named after its interesting collection of stones decorated by Tafí Indians. Also worth a visit are the ruins at Quilmes, an ancient fortified citadel built by Quilme Indians. Catamarca This province is flanked by the Sierra del Colorado in the west and the Sierra Graciana in the east, with San Fernando del Valle del Catamarca being the provincial capital. The region is popular for hiking, trekking and horseback riding tours to the surrounding mountains. Santiago del Estero The provincial capital of Santiago del Estero Province, named after the province, is the country’s oldest city, with numerous churches and old colonial buildings. The province is renowned for its spas and warm thermal pools, the most popular being at Río Hondo and las Aguas del Sol. La Rioja This province has a large variety of mountains, canyons, gorges and red-earthed plains. The Talampaya Canyon is one of its most famous natural attractions, owing mostly to its peculiar rock formations. The town of Nonogasta has many vineyards and wine cellars open to visitors. La Puerta de Talampaya is well known for its petroglyphs. Patagonia Comprising the provinces of Río Negro, Neuquén, Chubut and Santa Cruz, Patagonia – the southernmost portion of South America (located in both Argentina and Chile) – is a vast region with numerous parks and nature reserves. The Patagonian coast is home to large herds of seals, sea lions, blue whales and thousands of penguins. Río Negro One of the best-known resorts in the southern Lake District is San Carlos de Bariloche, which is surrounded by lakes, glaciers and forested mountains and which has both modern tourist amenities such as shopping areas and casinos, as well as hiking, mountaineering and picnic sites. Skiing is possible in Gran Catedral, a well-known resort with modern facilities. The nearby Nahuel Huapi National Park contains the massive Nahuel Huapi Lake, stretching over 100km (63 miles) to the border with Chile. Within the lake area lies the Isla Victoria, a natural sanctuary, which can be reached by private or organized boat trips. Traveling south, a road through spectacular scenery, passing the shores of three lakes, leads to El Bolsón, 130km (82 miles) from Bariloche, known for its hops and fruit orchards. The Feria Artesanal , a market held in El Bolsón on Saturday (and on Thursday during summer), provides a good opportunity to sample local dishes. Possible excursions within the area include the trail to the Cabeza del Indio, a rock formation resembling the ’noble savage’, with good views of the Río Azul and Lago Puelo en route. Nequén The town of Junín de los Andes is well known for trout fishing and offers good access to the Lanín National Park (see below). Nearby San Martín de los Andes, located on Lake Lácar, is close to one of Argentina’s main winter sports destinations in Cerro Chapelco. San Martín is connected to Bariloche by a scenic road (also called ’the route of the seven lakes’), leading past spectacular lakes and through a landscape of snow-capped mountains, waterfalls and gigantic trees. The region’s principal attraction is the Lanín National Park, a fairly untouched area dominated by the extinct, snow-capped Volcán Lanín (3776m/12,386ft), and characterized by rare plant and animal species (including raulí , a type of beech, and pehuén , the monkey puzzle tree). On the northern shore of Nahuel Huapi National Park (see above) lies Villa la Angostura, a resort whose main interest is the nearby Los Arrayanes National Park. Located on the Quetrihué peninsula (connected to Angostura by an isthmus), this park is best known for the El Bosque de Arrayanes, a forest of arrayán (cinnamon-barked) trees, many of which are over 100 years old. The Siete Lagos scenic road connects the park to San Martín de los Andes (see above). Chubut Puerto Madryn, founded by Welsh settlers, is a popular base for excursions to the nearby wildlife sanctuary at the Península Valdes nature reserve in Chubut Province, where large numbers of sea lions, elephant seals and penguins frequent the beaches. Further north, the Isla de los Pájaros bird sanctuary is home to cormorants, flamingos and egrets. A number of trails and spots in the area provide opportunities for observing colonies of sea lions and elephant seals, notably at Punta Delgada, in the sheltered bay of Caleta Valdés, below the cliffs of Punta Loma and the nature reserves of Punta Norte and Punta Pirámide – the latter also being the main base for whale-sighting trips to the Gulf of San José; the best time to see whales is from August to December. The Punta Tombo reserve is known for its vast colonies of Magellanic penguins (around half a million of which use the reserve as a breeding ground from September to April). Further south, near the sunny town of Esquel, is los Alerces National Park, which protects vast stretches of the tall and long-lived (400 years) alerce conifer trees. Santa Cruz One of the province’s main attractions is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed los Glaciares National Park, an area of great natural beauty, with rugged mountains and numerous glacial lakes, including Lake Argentino. Accessible from the busy tourist town of El Calafate, the park’s centerpiece is the Moreno Glacier, one of the earth’s few advancing glaciers. Huge icebergs calve and topple into Lake Argentino at the so-called Canal de los Témpanos (Iceberg Channel), and there are nearby catwalks and platforms from which to observe this event. It is also possible to visit the Upsala Glacier via a boat trip from Puerto Bandera along Lake Onelli and past floating icebergs. Tierra del Fuego Over half of this remote southern province belongs to Chile. Tierra del Fuego is the gateway to the Antarctic. Ushuaia The provincial capital is the world’s most southernmost city, located in a dramatic setting, with jagged glacial peaks rising from sea level to nearly 1500m (4920ft). The Museo del Fin del Mundo (Museum of the End of the World) has exhibits dedicated to the Indians, nature, local history and the many shipwrecks that happened in the area. The nearby Martial is within walking distance and yields spectacular views of the city and the Beagle Channel. The city of Río Grande is mostly a petroleum service center facing the South Atlantic and, though of no particular interest, the surrounding countryside offers good hiking opportunities (particularly around the Garibaldi Pass, where lenga tree forests show striking displays of red leaves during autumn). Some 18km (12 miles) west of Ushuaia, the Tierra del Fuego National Park, Argentina’s only coastal national park, comprises rivers, lakes, forests and glaciers. Ushuaia is also a major port for cruises departing to the Antarctic. Day-trips to Antartica, costing US$630 including return flights, lunch, and a tour, are possible from Malvinas Argentina International Airport. Sponsored Listings ( Add your listing ) advertisement Advertisement -- advertisement Why iExplore? About Us Advertise Site Map Privacy Policy Travel Agents Contact Us © 2005 Adventure Travel with iExplore --