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Viva Argentina!

Buenos Aires
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Argentina, the second-largest country in South America, is a beautiful mix of cultures. From the indigenous populations to the European colonizers and immigrants over the centuries, the country is an exciting blend of new and old world. What's more, you can go from mountain vistas to stunning waterfalls in just a few hours. You could easily spend a year exploring all that Argentina has to offer, but before you take off, here are five highlights that can't be missed.

Buenos Aires: The Tango Capital of the World

Sometimes called "the Paris of South America," Argentina's capital is the perfect starting spot for your trip. A sprawling metropolis staked on the banks of the Rio de La Plata, Buenos Aires has something for everyone — and then some. Start your visit off with a bang by hitting up the main attractions right away, such as the striking obelisk in the middle of 9 de Julio, the city's main artery and one of the widest streets in the world. Puerto Madero, a revitalized area that used to be an old port, is a great place for a stroll along the water, and the Puente de La Mujer, an iconic bridge that symbolizes a woman dancing tango, is the perfect photo stop.

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Nab a room at the Hotel Gascon in Palermo and start the night off with a pre-dance asado at Don Julio. And speaking of tango, Buenos Aires is the birthplace of the sensual dance, and the number one place to see a tango show. But don't go in for the advertised shows. Instead, find a milonga — an Argentine dance hall. They open late (think 12 a.m., but things don't really get going until 2 or 3) and are where true Porteños — the local name for Buenos Aires residents -- go to show off their moves.

Mar Del Plata: Argentina's City By The Sea

Buenos Aires is beautiful, but the massive city can be overwhelming, which is why Argentines flock to Mar Del Plata in the summer for beach getaways. The coastal city is only a few hours away from the capital and easily accessible by bus (Argentine buses are very comfortable, by the way). During the summer, the beach gets so crowded you can barely walk between all the towels. Crash near the beach with a room at the Hotel Club del Golf, with great views of the Atlantic. It's also a great place for — surprise — nightlife. Start your night off with dinner and drinks at Antares, a local brewpub that became a national obsession. Like most of Argentina, the local clubs, known as boliches, stay open late for all-night parties you won't want to miss.

Iguazu Falls: Walk into the Devil's Throat

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Returning to Buenos Aires from the coast, it's time to take a short flight north to the border of Brazil and Argentina, where the Iguazu River cascades over the edge of a plateau, forming a massive system of roaring waterfalls, including the biggest of them all: La Garganta Del Diablo, the Devil's Throat. Since the falls sit between the two countries, try to see them from both sides. Local wisdom holds that the best waterfalls are on the Argentine side, but the best views are on the Brazilian side. For an amazing view, stay at the Sheraton Iguazu Resort and Spa, with rooms overlooking the falls and a wonderful restaurant in the aptly named Garganta Del Diablo.

Salta: The Beautiful City

From Iguazu, you can take another short flight west to the city of Salta. Nicknamed "La Linda" — Spanish for "beautiful" — Salta is a city unlike anything else in the country. Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, Salta alternates between lush forests and striking mountain views. The city is infused with a strong indigenous presence, having previously sat on the edge of the massive Incan civilization, so the food in Salta is unique — check out La Criollita, you won't have empanadas like these anywhere else in the world. Book a room at the Hotel Salta so you can be in the middle of all the action. Salta is also the gateway to the rest of northwest Argentina, and renting a car here can open up even more travel opportunities, including the striking, colorful hills of Jujuy.

Mendoza: The Valley of Wine

For your final stop, take a short flight south to the foothills of the Andes. Here you'll find Mendoza, the capital of Argentina's now internationally famous wine-producing region. If you thought the mountains in Salta were impressive, prepare to be blown away by the huge, snow-capped glory of the Andes. The obvious highlights here are the wineries. There's no shortage of those, as Mendoza has hundreds of wineries scattered through the three nearby wine valleys (Maipu, Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley) all of which are worth a visit. Mendoza itself is not to be overlooked either — the city's beautiful, distinctly styled downtown squares (five in all) are perfect spots to spend an afternoon, as is Parque de General San Martín, the city's massive natural park on the western side of the city. You can stay right in the main square with a room at the Park Hyatt, and cap it all off with dinner at the world class 1884 restaurant, a true gem.

Protect Your Trip With Travel Insurance

While you're planning your South American getaway, don't forget to think about travel insurance. While Argentina is a beautiful country, it's not like the United States, which means sometimes things might not go as planned — and when you're on the other side of the world, it's nice to have a back-up plan. Allianz Travel Insurance can give you peace of mind, no matter what happens — trip cancellation, trip interruption, unforeseen illness. Relax and enjoy your trip!

Of course, Argentina is more than just these five locations. We haven't even mentioned the otherworldly sights of Patagonia, the unique culture of Puerto Madryn or the quickly developing wine country of San Luis. You can even combine your Argentine vacation with stops in Montevideo, Rio de Janeiro or Santiago de Chile — South America has treasures at almost every turn. Start planning your Argentine vacation today!

What Do I Need to Travel to Argentina?

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Jan 05, 2017