Argentina is located on the south east of South America. The country is the second largest on the continent with an area exceeding 2.60 million Sq Km or about one-third the size of the United States. It has a long coastline along the Atlantic stretching all the way to the very southern tip of South America. There are several very high mountains including Cerro Aconcagua at 6,960m, deserts, wetlands, salt flats and impressive forests.
Argentina derives from Argentum, the Latin word for silver. When Spanish explorers first reached South America in the early part of the sixteenth century, silver is what they were looking for. Argentina achieved independence from Spain in 1816 and has had some highs and lows since then. Political conflict has been evident in the country, however democracy has been in place since 1983. Argentina suffered a major economic collapse at the dawn of this century, however the political and economic enviroments have stabalised since 2006 and an economic recovery is underway.
For travellers Argentina offers a mix of the culture and cosmopolitan feel of the amazing Buenos Aires and the stunning array of natural attractions throughout the country.
Buenos Aires is the Capital city and cultural heart of Argentina, it pulses with a wild and off centre version of european culture. The city is a ramshackle combination of architecture, shopping and cultural attractions with many fine resaturants and always plenty to do. The people are passionate and love to talk, argue, dance and eat, they are an attraction in themselves.
The natural beauty of Argentina is hard to overstate. The Iberia Wetlands is a nature reserve with an area of 13,000 Square Km. Another must is to visit El Calafate in the Glaciers National park, The Perito Moreno Glacier and The Iguazu Falls, that some claim is the most spectacular waterfall in the world. The Andes in this part of the world has the highest peaks in South America.
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