ALCHEMY | ARGENTINA

Argentina

Located at the bottom of South America, Argentina is the second largest country in South America and the eighth largest in the world. It is the home of the tango, the pampas, some of the world’s best beef, and wildlife. Its’ capital city of Buenos Aires is known as one of the world’s most exciting cities.

Argentina’s main characteristic is the enormous contrast between the immense eastern plains and the impressive Andes mountain range to the west. There is a wide variety of landscapes, climates, cultures and communities.

From Jujuy to Tierra del Fuego, The Andes present outstanding sceneries such as Mendoza, with some of the world’s finest wineries, where our guests can visit vineyards of different sizes, architecture styles, ambiance, gardens and history; each of them unique in their own way.

In the Northwest Plateaus, the color contrast and the sculptural shapes that cover the surrounding mountainsides will create breathtaking views. In this beautiful setting, our travelers can visit and share activities with its warm rural communities.

The Lake Region with Bariloche and the forests and glaciers in Patagonia, is the land of virgin rivers and sharp peaks, which invites to a wide variety of experiences: from adventurous kayaking to the finest culinary journeys, from multi-level hikes to private comfortable lodges in remote places…

Between the Paraná and Uruguay rivers lies the Argentine Mesopotamia, a land nearly floating on water. It is formed by low hills, where pools and marshlands are evidence of the ancient courses of these great rivers. The Rio Iguazu tumbles through a series of gorges creating the incomparable spectacle of Iguazu Falls. Visitors can choose their favorite way to explore them: an amusing jet boat excursion, an exclusive helicopter ride or an enlightening jungle safari, where they can observe different aspects of the rainforest ecosystem.

The Pampas, in the center of Argentina, is the largest and best-known area of plains. Agriculture and cattle are cultivated in this region. This is a perfect destination for a relaxing stay in an ancient estancia, combined with horseback riding and farm activities guided by local gauchos.

The extensive metropolis of Buenos Aires offers a renowned cuisine, exciting nightlife, lively markets and gorgeous architecture. Of course, a trip to Buenos Aires just is not complete without a little taste of the tango. The sprawling cultural proposal has exclusive venues hosting tango shows with live orchestras and dancers and the traditional Milongas, dance halls where local people gather and dance.

Toward the south, from the Andes to the sea, the sterile and stony plateaus of Patagonia appear, swept by the wind during most of the year. The Atlantic coast, lined with high cliffs, form massive indentations like the Peninsula Valdes, considered one of the most valuable wildlife habitats in the world. It is home to some of the most exotic marine creatures, along with penguins, sea lions, seals, and whales.

In one word, Argentina offers a distinct and beautiful geography, interesting history and culture, thriving nightlife, unique local flavors, endless shopping opportunities, and much more. Our ALCHEMISTS will be delighted to begin planning a unique and personalized high-end experience in Argentina.

Buenos Aires

The City of Buenos Aires is one of the 10 most populated urban & cosmopolitan centres in the world, which probably explains it’s magical enchant. Deeply influenced and self-consciously modelled after its European heritage, Buenos Aires has a huge architectural value, site of numerous theatres & museums related to history, fine arts and modern arts as well as the preserved homes of a number of art collectors, writers, composers and artists. Known as the birthplace of Tango music, Buenos Aires is also well known as “the city that never sleeps”, offering a variety of nightlife options that include incredible restaurants, bars and discos that go from the most exotic to the most typical. Some of the most iconic and best-known barrios include La Boca, San Telmo, Recoleta, Palermo and Puerto Madero, each one with it’s own charm and historical attraction. Innumerable cafés, shops and boutiques can be found in every corner. But that’s not all. The outskirts of the city also have daylife activities to offer: sailing along the Río de la Plata; playing polo in a beautiful estancia; go kayaking, rowing and canoeing at the Paraná River Delta; or surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing on the Atlantic coast. And why not sun bathing.

The Pampas

The Argentinean Pampas (from Quechua, meaning "plain") are the fertile South American lowlands, home of the Gauchos, which include the Argentine provinces of Buenos Aires, La Pampa, Santa Fe, Entre Rios and Cordoba. The area is still the nation’s economic powerhouse, producing most of Argentina’s famous beef and soy. Some of the popular tourist attractions of the region are the Parque National Lihue Calel, which boasts of animals like puma and many guanaco, and the cities of La Plata, Lujan, Rosario and Santa Fe, all of which are famous for their colonial legacy and historical landmarks. A visit to lovely San Antonio de Areco offers a taste of living gaucho culture, while the picturesque hills around Tandil and Sierra de la Ventana offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. In the immensity of the Pampas, more than 300 one-of-a-kind estancias (farmhouses) that are now over a hundred years old have been refurbished into comfortable lodgings where warmhearted country people perform the art of being your host. There is no dearth of tourist attractions in the region and from beaches or farms to modern cities; you will find it all here.

Iguazu Watefalls

Iguazu Waterfalls are made of 275 breathtaking jumps up to 80 m high in the middle of the jungle. Beautiful rainbows, subtropical wild animals and the sound of 14 millones litres of water roaring has made of this spectacular attraction one of the new seven natural wonders of the world that must be visited once in a lifetime. The majesty of the waterfalls can also be experienced from a luxury boat ride right underneath the jumps, and even get inside the Garganta del Diablo, the biggest train of water of this unbelievable natural show. And for the more audacious, planes and helicopters are available for sightseeing the waterfalls from the sky, where clouds and mist cannot be differentiated.

Esteros del Ibera

In the heart of Corrientes province you will find Esteros del Ibera (from Guarani y bera: "bright water"), the great marshlands of Argentina, a wonderland of sky, water, grass, and birdsong. The Ibera Lake and marshlands are among the last paradises on earth where visitors can get face to face with caimans, capybaras, swamp deer, howler monkeys and hundreds of birds. Over 350 species of birds live in this virgin landscape. Boat safaris, birds watching, hikes, treks, walks, horseback riding, fly fishing…every activity that has to do with nature is possible here. If you’ve dreamt of escaping civilization, getting in contact with untouched nature and being face to face with wild animals, Ibera will make your dreams come true.

Northwest

The Argentinean Northwest is a region of high mountains, impressive volcanoes and blue skies. It includes Jujuy, Salta, Catamarca and Tucuman Provinces, being Salta the usual starting point to explore the area given its proximity to Buenos Aires. The region offers landscapes full of contrast for tourists to enjoy, from the high peaks to the plains, the salt pans, and the subtropical rain forests, where pre-columbian culture took root. The excellent wine and cuisine is balanced with active opportunities to bike through vineyards, hike with llamas along the surreal Salinas Grandes, trek to remote archeological sites, dance to lively folk music and ride horses through stunning canyon country at authentic estancias. Its most beautiful places are La Quebrada de Humahuaca, The Calchaquies Valleys, Salta city and El Tren a las Nubes (Railway to the Clouds). Moreover, tourists from all over the world come to appreciate the technicolour madness of the Hill of Seven Colours in Purmamarca, though Tilcara is a livelier place to spend the night, with a good selection of accommodation and restaurants.

Mendoza

Mendoza is the capital city of Mendoza Province. It is located in the northern-central part of the province, in a region of foothills and high plains with an extensive artificial irrigation system perfect for winegrowing, what makes of it the largest wine producing area in Latin America and one of the nine cities in the network of Great Capitals of Wine. Between February and March, Mendoza is worldwide chosen as the top wine tourism destination and base for exploring the hundreds of wineries in the region that are part of the famous Argentina Wine Route. But it’s not all about wine. The city is also a frequent stopover for climbers on their way to Aconcagua (the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere) and for adventure travellers interested in mountaineering, hiking, horseback riding, rafting, and other sports. Lively during the day, the city really comes into it’s own at night, when the bars, restaurants and cafes fill up and overflow onto the sidewalks.

San Carlos de Bariloche

San Carlos de Bariloche, usually known as Bariloche, is a city in the province of Rio Negro, on the shores of the Nahuel Huapi lake. The city stands out for its architectural features and for being located in a privileged region due to the beauty of its landscapes made up of mountains, woods, lakes, glaciers, and an exuberant flora. Although Bariloche is one of the largest cities in Northern Patagonia, it has a small town feel It is famous for skiing but also known for sight-seeing, water sports, trekking and climbing. The city can be enjoyed all year long, but winter makes of most of the fun. Cerro Catedral is one of the most important ski centers in South America. During the summer, beautiful beaches such as Playa Bonita and Villa Tacul welcome sun-bathers and some brave frozen water lake swimmers. The fishing season is another great attraction. The main waters around Bariloche are the Manso River, Limay River and Pichi Leufu River plus Fonck, Moscas and Hess Lakes. Gastronomy in Bariloche is something you’ll definitely enjoy. The cuisine has managed to blend the most representative of European cooking with the best of regional dishes. Bariloche also offers the tourist a number of pubs, snack bars, pasta and pizza, as well as international and regional cuisine restaurants. The regional chocolates, in any of its numberless varieties, are the mostly appreciated souvenirs for all tourists.

Puerto Madryn

Puerto Madryn (in Welsh, Porth Madryn) is a city in the province of Chubut in the Argentine Patagonia. It is bathed by the blue waters of the Nuevo Gulf and it lies on the cliffs shaped by a small plateau that features an impressive perspective of the Atlantic Ocean. Founded in 1865 with the arrival of 150 Welsh immigrants, Puerto Madryn was named after Sir Love Jones Parry, Baronet of Madryn and one of the best-known dwellers of this city in the Welsh country. The whale season is one of the attractions that have made this city famous worldwide. From June to December, various populations of southern right whales reach these shores. Visitors may watch them both on board the boats leaving from Puerto Piramides and from some natural viewpoints and almost all the beaches bordering the city. Due to the great deal of SCUBA divers from all round the world that choose this city, Puerto Madryn has projected countless artificial reefs in the last few years to be used in the traditional first-time diving experiences. No wonder this city is known all throughout the country as the Diving Capital of Argentina.

Los Alerces National Park

Located at the west of the province of Chubut, the main attractions of this park are its incomparable beauty and the hundreds years old larches. Futalaufquen Lake, in the park, is one of the best places for sportive fishing in Patagonia. This park has a beautiful and complex lacustrine system, where many rivers and streams are born or flow into. With a surface of 263,000 acres, and was originated in 1937 to preserve the last refuge for one of the most long-lived trees in the world: the larch or lahuan. The Park preserves a number of lakes, rivers and streams of crystal-clear water, besides the ancient forests of bamboo, cypress and myrtle trees. Many birds and mammals of diverse species such as cormorants, owls, chucaos, kaikens, foxes, southern pudus and southern Andean deer find shelter and food in this land. Lago Verde, one of the most beautiful places in the country, is located at the heart of this virgin forest: a unique ecosystem, where the imposing nature is right there so guests can enjoy it at its full.

El Calafate

El Calafate is a small beautiful town in Patagonia. Its name is derived from a little bush with yellow flowers and dark blue berries that is very common in the area: the calafate (Berberis buxifolia); which is Spanish for "caulk". Located on a steppe landscape, visitors are admired because of the size of its views, the turquoise colour of the Argentino Lake, and its vegetation, typical of a desert region. It’s also known for being an important tourist destination as the hub to visit Los Glaciares National Park, home of the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most visited glaciers in the world. Activities such as trekking, horseback riding and 4x4 excursions are ones of the favorites, but nothing beats kayaking in between the ice-blue icebergs.

El Chalten

El Chalten is a small mountain village in Santa Cruz Province, surrounded by matchless natural beauty. It’s name comes for Cerro Fitz Roy’s Tehuelche name, meaning ‘peak of fire’ or ‘smoking mountain’ – an apt description of the cloud-enshrouded summit. This colourfull village overlooks the stunnig northern sector of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. It is located at the base of Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy mountains, both popular for climbing. For this reason this village is well-visited by trekkers and climbers from all over the world. Every summer thousands of trekkers come to explore the several trails that lead to marvelous and unexpected landscapes, where camping is allowed. Other activities include ascents to the ice-fields, rafting, canoeing, horseback ridings, archeological expeditions, overland excursions, and photography safaris. And for fishing lovers, Santa Cruz’s many lakes and rivers offer a full range of fishing choices.

Ushuaia

Originally used as a penal colony from 1902-1947, Ushuaia is commonly regarded as the southernmost city in the planet. Due to its location near the South Pole, it welcomes thousands of international visitors that reach Ushuaia lured by the slogan “reach the end of the world”. Situated on the Beagle Channel and surrounded by the Martial Mountains, this city offers a unique landscape of mountains, sea, glaciers and woods. Colorful man-made structures are picturesque against the silhouette of the Andes. Its gastronomic and accommodation infrastructure meets all expectations, combined with outdoor activities such as hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, sport fishing and the most spectacular voyages along Tierra del Fuego National Park. The prison at end of the world is another fascinating tourist attraction, along with the Harberton Settlement and the Maritime Museum. In the winter, visitors may enjoy skiing, snowboarding and riding on sleds pulled by dogs at Mount Castor, one of the best ski centers in the country. And for fishing enthusiasts, lots of salmonids can be found in the different rivers and lakes of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. And when tired bodies need to replenish energies, nothing compares to the delicious spider crabs, shelfish, and grilled Fuegian lamb.