SnapHappyRoss

From tropical rainforest to desert plains, vast grasslands, winelands and giant icy peaks, Argentina is a nation of huge natural variety, spanning over two thousand miles down the southern cone of South America. It is also a melting pot of nationalities and cultures, following a century of immigration predominantly from Italy and Spain, but also from many other countries worldwide. Political troubles and dictatorships in the mid-20th century were followed by economic woes into the 21st century, but Argentina powers on with famous exports of wines and steaks, plus abundant mineral wealth.

I barely scratched the surface of Argentina as part of our 2005 South American trip, arriving first by bus from Brazil in the northern jungles of Puerto Iguazu, then by boat from Uruguay having spent an interlude in that neighbouring land. Three nights in Buenos Aires marked the end of our trip before flying home via Paris, and although the weather was decidedly driech (it being the depths of the Argentine winter in June) we had a tremendous time taking in tango shows, nightlife and world class steak.