When we are visiting foreign countries, we usually choose the classic tourist mode: Following the marked routes and visiting all the monuments that show us the guidebooks. This way of “classic” tourism is fine for cities or countries with tourist circuits that are programmed to the millimeter, but in countries like Argentina, tourism is not only forphotographing impressive monuments, both natural and man-made, Argentina is idealfor living every second, every experience. For this reason, the best way to visit Argentina is living it as an Argentinian.
Tango, Mate and Asado: Better on a Ranch
Buenos Aires is a must, but it’s better to experienceits cultural wealth away from the shows that are created especially for tourists. This is the case of flamenco or other signs of “racial” art. The kind of tango offered at big shows and scenarios of Buenos Aires is a “sweetened” tango, made for masses. If you want to experience the real Argentinian tango you should leave it to the “thoroughbred” Argentinians.
You can see the best tango, the same as football, in the suburbs of Buenos Aires, butthis option is not recommendable. The best option is to, after the mandatory visitsto the main architectural beauties of Buenos Aires, (La Casa Rosada, the obelisk of 9 de Julio Avenue, Caminito street, La Recoleta cemetery, Puerto Madero and so on) go to one of the ranches we can find in the Pampa Gaucha and let ourselvesbe entertainedwith the enormous hospitality of Argentinians.
Not only tango, a good mate at any time (literally, all the time) and a spectacular “asado” (barbecue grill) like nowherewill also accompany you.
Salta and Jujuy: Roots and Monumentality
Argentina has a strong bond with Mother Earth. The villages in the north that border the Andes area are famous for the noble ancestral traditions, which still continue nowadays.
Among all these villagesthere are two in particular that collect all this essence: Salta and Jujuy. Traveling to these regions to live in our own skin the authentic indigenous Argentinianculture is highly recommended.
Unfortunately, these two cities have grown too much (although they remain beautiful) but they still offer the charm of the colonial era. Once here you should also explore Lerma and Cachalquíes valleys.
There are some companies in the area such as Ampascachi, horse riding holidays in Argentina, which offer a horseback ride for those who want to connect with the natural roots or the region.
A Cottage in Ushuaia: the End of the World
There’s nothing like ending our trip with the greatest sense of disconnectionthat exists on earth, and this can only be achieved in Ushuaia: a village that considered the end of the world.
Who goes to Ushuaia can enjoy its outstanding scenery, the surrounding Tierra del Fuego National Park, and the charm of being in the closest city to Antarctica. But it’s in silence, in its calm and in its daily traditions where we will find the real charm.
Therefore, there’s nothing better than renting a cottage as far away as possible from the tourist resorts. We can also complement the experience with a boat ride on the icy Atlantic waters that border the Antarctic area.