Argentina Travel: Let's Tango

The CIA World Factbook is a great resource for learning the basics of any country. Its Web site is not the best resource to use for planning a trip, but it's useful to learn the basics about Argentina's government, population, and general facts.

The Ministry of Tourism is the most comprehensive site for visitors to Argentina. On the homepage, you'll find a selection of rotating images: the first set displays activities and types of tourism, and the second portrays Argentina's regions. Select an image, or use the toolbar above to learn about tourist services, specific attractions, or travel agencies.

On the Road Travel is an online travel guide written by locals rather than writers or tourists. If you're interested in getting a true local flavor, this is the best site to visit. In addition to suggested itineraries, you can find important information about visas, health advisories, and transportation. For a crash-course in slang terms, check out the "cultural cheatsheet".

Moon Travel Guides are known for providing detailed maps of cities and regions and suggesting sites that are often off the beaten track. You can explore Argentina by region by using the site's maps and lengthy descriptions, or click "Explore Argentina" to find suggested itineraries for a quick 10-day trip, wine tours, and 21-day excursions "from tip to top" and for "nature lovers."

All About Argentina provides general information about Argentina including safety, transportation information, and a special section for featured destinations. Be sure to check out the "Emergency Guide"; it has the numbers you will need if you lose your passport, get in an accident, or need medical care.

UNESCO World Heritage showcases the natural wonders and landmarks of Argentina. Argentina has eight World Heritage sites and several more up for consideration. Be sure to consult the list and visit pages of individual sites for thumbnail pictures, essential statistics, and resources for further exploration. 

Rock Climbing.com has information on Argentina's walls and peaks categorized by region. It's a site for climbing buffs, and once you've selected the climb you're interested in, you'll find a description of routes, photos, comments from others, and avenues for further exploration.

National Geographic has a feature on Cerro Torre, one of Argentina's most impressive and dangerous peaks. The article covers the journey of three climbers who set out to prove, or disprove, a 1959 climber's claims that he had completed the ascent via the peak's most challenging route. You'll also find a photo gallery of Cerro Torre at the bottom of the page. 

Aconcagua.com provides information about this peak, the tallest mountain in South America, which sits on the border of Argentina and Chile. Here, you'll find pictures, insight into routes and base camps, photos, and of course, information about how to book a guided climb through the company.

Easy Buenos Aires is a comprehensive guide to Argentina's capital city. Especially useful are the guides to Buenos Aires transportation, which include information on standard bus and taxi fares as well as the best ways to get to or between the city's two major airports. There's also an extensive section on visiting Buenos Aires on a budget, providing a few insiders tips that don't make most guidebooks. 

The New York Times Travel section highlights the increasingly bohemian Buenos Aires. The article explains how a growing group of ex-patriot artists and writers from Europe and the U.S. are changing the face of the city, opening hotels, restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. Learn how this free spirited city with "cheap prices and Paris-like elegance" thrives on creativity, drawing comparisons to Prague in the 1990s.

The Vines of Mendoza , an American-owned Mendoza winery, includes a travel guide on its site. You'll get advice on when to go, how to get there, where to stay, and what to do while you're there. If you're inclined, explore the Vine's of Mendoza vineyard, which gets high rating in travel guides, as well.

Bariloche is the official site of Patagonia's north and provides links to restaurants, ski areas, and mountain excursions. Note that you'll need to sift through numerous Google ads before you'll access the valuable information. 

Inter-Patagonia.com originated as a tourism company but through rigorous research and years of experience developed into a full-fledged travel guide to Patagonia. You'll find features on various tourism activities, photos, statistical data, and even some travel deals. Also take advantage of the festival and events calendar.

Seabirds is your source for information on the Magellenic penguins which come to Patagonia's shore every summer to lay eggs and raise their chicks. On the site, you'll find pictures, and information about study sites that are open to the public.