Argentina

Ancient recollections, magical landscapes

Salta (which means "the most beautiful"), offers a variety of landscapes of singular beauty: the desert of the Puna, with its typical flora and fauna; the jungles, with their aboriginal settlements; the high Andean peaks, and the colorful valleys, are but a portion of this vast province. The viticultural area is to be found in the Calchaqui Valleys, a privileged area thanks to its natural beauty and the cultural richness inherited from its Diaguita-Calchaqui past, part of the Inca empire. Wineries offering stop-overs, boutique hotels, inns and a wine spa provide a wide choice of lodgings. The cordiality of its people, the genuiness of its cuisine, the ancient settlements with their artisans, all complete a most attractive tourist package.

Between the sun, adobe and silence

This is formed by the provinces of Jujuy, Salta, Catamarca, Tucuman and Santiago del Estero. Wine tourism is concentrated in Salta. And to a lesser degree Catamarca, but it should be noted that in both Jujuy and Tucuman small patches of vineyards are to be found.

The Calchaqui valleys, situated at some 1,700m above sea level, represent the main wine producing areas, especially Cafayate. In the midst of mountains and valleys full of colour, small patches of vineyards produce wines of incredible strength and character, unique in their style.

Like its neighbours Salta and La Rioja, Catamarca possesses a rugged mountain landscape, with ancient and impressive volcanoes and valleys which concentrate the population and their cultivations. The valley of Fiambala, situated 300 km to the east of the capital, is the main grape producer. The other productive oases is also in the east, in the Calchaqui Valley. Wineries are largely concerned with making fine wines. The climate, almost desertic, is a great ally in the production of produce of fine flavour and excellent health, almost ecological.

Pre-colombian ruins

The north of Argentina is where most of its ancient cultures are to be found. This is reflected in its music, religious festivities, food and popular mythology. The aboriginal inhabitants have left innumerable traces throughout the territory of Salta. It is thus that constantly, and in almost all parts, (including vineyards), traces of ancient pottery, flint arrow tips, mortars and ancient cultivation terraces are found.

The riches of the valley people

In addition to making wine, the Calchaqui valleys concentrate the oldest indigenous villages of the province, founded in the XVII and XVIII centuries, and still preserving a great part of their original structures, notable for their adobe construction and low roofs, the picturesque churches with their belfries and furniture made with cardon, (a local cactus). Cachi, Molinos, Seclantas, San Antonio, Tolombon are a few of these valley towns situated in full mountain terrain, and of great tourist interest.

Tango and entertainment

Argentina has always been famous for the many kinds of entertainment it can offer. Tango, the melancholic feeling that was bom in the poor areas of the town, attracts everybody whether to shows, concerts or even dance classes. However, Buenos Aires is much more than that: The entertainment on offer is practically limitless; it includes remarkable international theaters such as Colon, Cervantes or Avenida. The neighbourhoods of La Boca, Recoleta, San Telmo and Palermo Viejo constantly offer concerts, classical and modem plays, popular dance and experimental ballet... The Provinces also have a lot to offer the visitor with their own colourful and exciting celebrations. In the north, the carnival and the celebration of Easter in Quebrada de Humahuaca intertwine with ancient rites, such as Pachamama. Folklore festivities such as the Poncho’s in Catamarca, the Bombo’s (drums) in Santiago del Estero and Grape Harvest and Wine Festivals, in Mendoza and San Juan complement the bright carnivals held in Gualeguaychu and Corrientes.
And there is also football... the most pagan celebration of all, a truly popular pastime, as inexplicable as it is mysterious. $

Conferences; exhibitions and incentives

Top of the range venues and an excellent infrastructure have contributed to Agentinas success as a host for meetings, conferences, festivals, and exhibitions. Thoughout the year, Argentina welcomes thousands of travelers who come to participate in these events, ranging from incentive trips to international fairs or congresses. Equipped with the latest technology, and specifically designed to cater for large groups, these venues abound in the main cities and resorts. Hotel capacity in the various provincial locations such as Rosario, Mendoza, Cordoba, San Miguel de Tucuman, Salta, Mar del Plata, Puerto Iguazu, San Carlos de Bariloche, Villa La Angostura, and of course, Buenos Aires city has increased remarkably in recent years to meet these new demands and is especially suited to, medical, industrial, political, economic, and entertainment conferences. The public’s response is another sign of Argentina’s capability to host these kind of meetings which aim at cultural exchange, commercial relations, business and the spreading of ideas.