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Argentina Travel Net - Foro/Forum
http://www.argentinatravelnet.com/cgi-bin/foro/YaBB.pl Relatos de viajes / Travel Stories >> Relatos - Comentarios / Stories - Comments >> PLACES WORTHWHILE VISITING IN ARGENTINA http://www.argentinatravelnet.com/cgi-bin/foro/YaBB.pl?num=1113253379 Mensaje iniciado por Roberto_Ingledew el 11.04.05 a las 20:02:59 |
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Título: PLACES WORTHWHILE VISITING IN ARGENTINA Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 11.04.05 a las 20:02:59 BARILOCHE, THE SOUTH AMERICAN SWITZERLAND To see the photos included in this article, please go to: http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw? and click on "Places Worthwhile visiting in Argentina" PHOTO OF PUERTO BLEST I have been in Switzerland (specifically in Zermatt), but I prefer Bariloche. Why? Because in Bariloche there are places where you can see nature in a nearly primitive state. For example, you cannot drive a car to Puerto Blest: there is no road. You can only get there navigating the Nahuel Huapi lake, which is beautiful. And once you get there, you will only find a small hotel in the middle of the woods, a camping, the national park ranger´s house and the coast guard offices. Nothing else. PHOTO: PUERTO BLEST HOTEL: A FANTASTIC SCENERY, AND A COST OF SOME 25 DOLLARS PER NIGHT, INCLUDING DINNER AND BREAKFAST. To walk along the Nahuel Huapí lake, you only have trails in the middle of the woods. Sometimes you will have to go over or under a fallen tree. Nature in its primitive condition. PHOTO: NAHUEL HUAPÍ LAKE AT PUERTO BLEST Bariloche has many beautiful places. Surprisingly, the most beautiful ones are not included in the standard tours, and are offered as optional packages: Puerto Blest, Tronador, San Martín de los Andes and El Bolson are four of these. A tour to Cerro Catedral will cost you 5 Dollars, and you will have to pay another 10 dollars for the ski lift: PHOTO: CERRO CATEDRAL IN SEPTEMBER. You can generally buy a package of 3 full-day tours for 85 pesos (less than 30 Dollars, including Tronador, El Bolson and San Martín de los Andes). PHOTO: CERRO TRONADOR (THE THUNDERING MOUNTAIN). It makes that noise when pieces of ice fall off the glaciers. PHOTO: El Bolsón, a nice place to fish ranbow trout in a beautiful scenery I would definitely recommend a stay at Puerto Blest. The hotel is small, the view is beautiful, there is good trout fishing (although trolling is expensive, about 25 Dollars the hour). A stay at the hotel there costs 24 Dollars per night, including dinner and breakfast. And if you want to stay downtown, a room at the hotel Quillen, near the Crown Plaza Panamericano, costs 13 Dollars per night, including continental breakfast. These prices increase slightly in January and February, and go up to nearly double the price during the ski season (July-August). Here are some really nice views of Bariloche on the internet. (previous photos are all mine and may be copied and used for any purpose) Just click on the photos to enlarge them: http://www.interpatagonia.com/bariloche/fotos_i.html This link has beautiful photos. But you must click on "photos" http://www.argentinaturistica.com/2scbiresenia.htm http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/South_America/Argentina/South/Rio_Negro/Bariloche/ http://www.interhabit.com/interhabit/indexnotes.asp?id=61 http://www.bariloche.com/english/fotos.asp http://www.hvra.com.ar/eninfoct.htm An all-inclusive tour to Bariloche by bus (8 days) including the bus fare from Buenos Aires (one thousand miles each way), 5 nights of hotel, dinner and breakfast costs some 180 Dollars. Buses are very comfortable. Vía Bariloche, Crucero del Norte and Andesmar are the best, and resemble the first class service of international flights, including hot meals on board. Check their sites, where you can also book your reservations and buy your tickets with credit card: http://www.viabariloche.com.ar http://www.crucerodelnorte.com.ar http://www.andesmar.com.ar A bus ticket from Buenos Aires to Bariloche will cost you 110 pesos on Andesmar (semi-sleeping) or some 160 to 180 pesos on the luxury services of Vía Bariloche or Crucero del Norte. The exchange rate to the Dollar is 2,90 pesos per US Dollar. The other alternative is an all-inclusive tour by plane, which in any case costs some 300 US Dollars. Check www.alojargentina.com.ar or www.ativiajes.com.ar Enjoy it. Robert Ingledew |
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Título: BUENOS AIRES, A BEAUTIFUL EUROPEAN STYLE CAPITAL Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 11.04.05 a las 20:08:16 BUENOS AIRES, A BEAUTIFUL EUROPEAN STYLE CAPITAL To see the photos included in this article, please go to: http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw? and click on "Places Worthwhile visiting in Argentina" PHOTO: NUEVE DE JULIO (NINTH OF JULY) AVENUE. Buenos Aires is a beautiful city, and it has large green spaces, such as the Palermo Woods, interesting stops like the Planetarium, and the widest avenue of the whole world: the Nueve de Julio Avenue. The Puerto Madero area is also very interesting. PHOTO: PUERTO MADERO Sightseeing in Buenos Aires requires the same care you would have in any large city: do not change money on the street, do not show your cameras or camcorders while you are not using them, avoid solitary areas and do not be on the street late at night. Also avoiding the marginally poor areas, which in any case are far away from the downtown, and staying away from the railway station areas. But if you take these minimum precautions, you should not have any problem. Here you have some more nice views of the city. Sorry, none of these photos are mine; I have been authorized to use them, but that is all. In the first place the Colon Theater, a place that is wortwhile visiting to see the opera, classical music concerts, and even to admire the building: PHOTO: THE LUXURY OF THE COLON THEATER Here is the Buenos Aires fishing club, and behind it you may admire the Palermo forest, the largest green space in the city of Buenos Aires, PHOTO: BUENOS AIRES FISHING CLUB AND THE FORESTS IN PALERMO Here are some more links of photos for Buenos Aires: http://www.ompersonal.com.ar/argentina/bapalermo.htm http://www.argentinaturistica.com/informa/basifotos.htm Enjoy it. Robert Ingledew |
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Título: THE ACONCAGUA, THE HIGHEST PEAK OF ARGENTINA Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 12.04.05 a las 10:31:01 THE ACONCAGUA, THE HIGHEST PEAK OF THE AMERICAN CONTINENT To see the photos that illustrate this note, please go to: http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw? and then click on "Places worthwhile visiting in Argentina". PHOTO: Mount Aconcagua (Mendoza). Photo taken from the path to the Horcones Lagoon With nearly 23,000 feet, the Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the American Continent and in the Western Hemisphere. It is some 4 hours away by bus from the city of Mendoza, although the buses only leave you at the nearest town (Las Cuevas) and continue to Chile. By the way, Mendoza is a beautiful city with about one million inhabitants, where you can choose amongst many options: a symphonic concert, or a quiet walk in the San Martín park. It is the main wine producing area in all Argentina, and its Vintage Cellebration in Easter each year is well known throughout the whole country. It is an irrigation area, and all the streets have their irrigation ditches and trees. About 70 miles away from the city you can fish two-pound rainbow trout at the "Manzano Histórico de Tunuyán". If you want larger ones, you will have to go to the Atuel River at El Sosneado (6 hours away by bus towards Malargue). On a one day tour from the city of Mendoza to the Cristo Redentor (limit with Chile at an altitude of 14,000 feet, you will have a glimpse of the mountain, but to really enjoy it you would have to go on an expedition with mountain climbers. Here it is: http://www.fieldtouring.com/images/aconcagua/gallery.html http://www.aconcaguaspirit.com.ar/ingles/fotos.htm http://willerup.com/aconcagua/photos.html http://people.ucsc.edu/~otte/a.3.61.html http://www.alessio.com.ar/alessio/index.asp?DocumentID=473 The Andes in Mendoza do not have vegetation, which you will only find in the valleys. In other words, it is quite similar to the area of Denver in the USA and to some areas in Switzerland. The mountains become far more beautiful further south in the San Martín de los Andes - Bariloche - El Bolsón - Esquel area. However, here in Mendoza you have the highest mountains of the continent. So if you are a mountain climber, this may be your next challenge... You may also see the Andes very clearly travelling by plane from Santiago de Chile to Mendoza, Córdoba or Buenos Aires. Have a nice day. Robert Ingledew |
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Título: THE OLD PATAGONIAN EXPRESS Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 12.04.05 a las 10:31:24 THE OLD PATAGONIAN EXPRESS I used to travel on that train when I was eleven years old, travelling to Esquel to go fishing for rainbow trout at the ranch of some friends I had. At that time it took some 14 hours to travel the 200 miles that separated Jacobacci from Esquel. It stopped everywhere, and ran on the narrowest railway track of the world, with its steam engine and four or five wagons. Now it is one of the important tourist attractions of Argentina. Just have a look at it. I am sure you will want to enjoy this trip in the Patagonian Andes. http://www.latrochita.com.ar/trochai.htm http://www.patagonia-argentina.com/i/andina/esquel/trochita.htm http://www.interpatagonia.com/paseos/viaje_por_los_rieles_del_pasado/index_i.html http://www.amigosdelatrochita.com.ar/enovngrs.htm http://www.trainsunltdtours.com/patagonian-express.html I have seen ten-day tours in Argentina including Puerto Madryn (whales and penguins), Esquel and Bariloche, including this train for some 300 Dollars. If you buy the tour abroad, it might be more expensive. Just in case... Enjoy it. Robert Ingledew |
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Título: THE IBERÁ MARSHES IN ARGENTINA Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 12.04.05 a las 18:49:40 THE IBERA MARSHES IN ARGENTINA, THE SECOND WILDLIFE RESERVE IN SOUTH AMERICA I became aware of the importance of these wetlands many years ago, but became more acquainted with them when I translated into English tne Environmental Impact Evaluation of a power transmission line that was to cross the area. It is practically an untouched area, with yacarés (the South American crocodile), dorados (a member of the salmon family, also called the tiger of the rivers) , birds of all sorts, and much more. I would call it the Pantanal of Argentina. It is located some 200 miles away from the cities of Corrientes and Posadas. Here it is: http://www.naturephotography.net/ibera.html http://www.lastfrontiers.com/argentina/sangara.htm http://www.birdquest.co.uk/frameset.cfm?tripReports=0 Being a protected area, it might be difficult to get a place where to stay in the area, but taxis are very cheap in Argentina (I recently paid less than 20 Dollars for a 100 mile round trip; of course, that was during the low season), so you might want to go and see it for yourself... In any case, there are hotels, hostels and ranches in Carlos Pelligrini, near the marshes. A friend of mine who went recently found lodging at very reasonable prices. Some of the prices published in the Internet are rather scaring... Enjoy it. Robert Ingledew |
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Título: THE IGUAZÚ FALLS, ONE OF THE WONDERS OF NATURE Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 12.04.05 a las 18:50:35 THE IGUAZÚ WATERFALLS. ONE OF THE WONDERS OF NATURE. To see the photos that illustrate this note, please go to this link: http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw?action=get_message&ID_Message=891&ShowDelete=0&CDir=-2 If the link does not work, copy only the first line, and then click on "Places Wortwhile visiting in Argentina". PHOTO: VIEW OF THE DEVIL'S THROAT Just on the border of Brazil and Argentina, and very near Paraguay, as if there were too much beauty for only one country, this magnificent wonder of nature attracts people from all parts of the world. PHOTO: IGUAZÚ RIVER UPSTREAM FROM THE FALLS Surprisingly, Iguazú is one of the most economical destinations of Argentina, provided you buy an all-inclusive package, or that you negotiate the price of the hotel before travelling. During Winter (July and August) and in Easter prices increase considerably, and it is very difficult to find an hotel room. PHOTO: ONE OF THE 275 FALLS PHOTO: PARTIAL VIEW OF THE FALLS PHOTO: SAN MARTÍN FALL PHOTO: DOS HERMANAS (TWO SISTERS) FALLS Here are the waterfalls: http://www.argentour.com/iguazu.html I suggest you have a look at the map in this first link and clic on the different places to see how the scenery changes from one angle to another. http://www.argentinaturistica.com/informa/igzifotos.htm http://www.welcomeargentina.com/puertoiguazu/fotografias.html http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/South_America/Argentina/North/Misiones/Iguazu/ http://www.worldisround.com/articles/112806/ http://www.etravelphotos.com/argentina/iguazu.html http://www.interhabit.com/interhabit/indexnotes.asp?id=146 http://www.argentinaturistica.com/2igziresenia.htm http://www.curitiba-brazil.com/iguacu-falls.htm http://www.mongabay.com/brazil_iguazu.htm There are excellent hotels on both sides of the river: The Sheraton in Argentina and the Hotel Das Cataratas in Brazil offer you an excellent panorama of the waterfalls from your hotel room. But keep this in mind: Five-star hotels charge international rates, while a four-star hotel will cost 3 to 4 times less money. For example, the hotel Libertador (3 stars) costs 22 US Dollars per night (the price during April 2004 went up to 42 Dollars including dinner and breakfst, but fell again in May and increased again in July), and dinner at this hotel, including wine, costs some 4 US Dollars. I doubt very much if you will find an hotel as good as this one in any other part of the world for 22 US Dollars per night. I understand that the Sheraton, just in front of the falls, costs 170 Dollars a night, and the other 5-star hotels have similar prices. That is why I recommend a stay at the hotel Libertador. Here it is: http://www.ellibertadoriguazu.com.ar/ If this link does not work (the site was recently in construction), make a search in Google for "Hotel Libertador Iguazu" I am sure you will enjoy this forum. Keep on reading... Regards from Mar del Plata. Robert Ingledew |
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Título: TREVELIN, AND THE WELSH HERITAGE IN ARGENTINA Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 13.04.05 a las 10:10:06 TREVELIN, AND THE WELSH HERITAGE IN ARGENTINA. To see the beautiful photos that illustrate this note, please go to: http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw? and then click on Places Wortwhile visiting in Argentina PHOTO: ARRIVING AT TREVELIN. ON THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE, A BEAUTIFUL VIEW OF THE ANDES I visited Trevelin seven summers in a row from 1951 to 1957. Of course, at that time I was not so interested in history as now, I was a teenager at that time, but I was aware that everybody in the town spoke in Welsh. Today Trevelin has a Welsh museum, where you can enjoy many aspects of the Welsh history in the Valley 16 de Octubre. Although the first disembarked in Puerto Madryn, and then moved first to Rawson and then to Gaiman, many came over the patagonian desert up to the Andes and settled down here. In 1951, Trevelin had some 3,000 inhabitants, practically all Welsh. Trevelin is some 250 miles south of Bariloche. Trevelin means the "town of the mill", it has always been a wheat producing area, even though it is so far south and next to the Andes, specially to the Los Alerces National Park. Welsh colonization started in Patagonia in 1865, and probably some years later in Trevelin. PHOTO OF THE COUNTRYSIDE I wanted to film tulip plantations, Trevelin is famous for its tulips, but I was told that I will have to go back in September if I want to enjoy this scenery. ANOTHER PHOTO OF THE COUNTRYSIDE A visit to the Welsh museum of Trevelin is something you should not miss. I have only pasted a few photos here, but you will be aware that it is extremely interesting. You can see organs two centuries old, an ancient typewriter, a phone switchboard you will only find in museums... and many other things. THREE PHOTOS OF THE WELSH MUSEUM The museum occupies the three floors of the old flour mill, which has moved to another location. You will find practically anything from old kitchens to tractors... , sulkys... whatever you could imagine. ANOTHER TWO PHOTOS OF THE WELSH MUSEUM It is a virtual trip to the past... And, of course, you can even have a trip on the Old Patagonian Express, which leaves from the Esquel Station, 15 miles away... Tea houses are also famous due to the welsh cakes they prepare. And some 13 miles away is the beautiful provincial reserve of the Nanty Fall waterfalls, but I will cover that in another note. Here is one photo of this beautiful spot: PHOTO OF THE NANTY FALLS (ONE OF THE 3 FALLS) Most streets have not yet been paved, and occasionally you find some ancient corner that brings us rememberances of last century. PHOTO: AN ANCIENT STREET CORNER IN TREVELIN I visited this beautiful town for the first time in 1951... The Los Alerces National Park is only 22 miles away, and has some of the most beautiful sceneries of Argentina. Regards from Mar del Plata, Argentina. Robert Ingledew |
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Título: VALLEY OF THE MOON (SAN JUAN): ALL THE TRIASSIC Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 14.04.05 a las 18:02:27 THE VALLEY OF THE MOON, SAN JUAN (ARGENTINA), THE COMPLETE TRIASSIC AGE AT A GLANCE To see the photos that illustrate this note, please go to: http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw?action=get_message&mview=1&ID_Message=1123 PHOTO During many years I wanted to go here, and I postponed it due to the high costs involved (by local standards) A tour for one person was costing some 300 Dollars, more than double what a tour to Bariloche or Iguazú is costing. The tour from Mar del Plata was costing more than 200 Dollars for double occupancy (300 if I travelled alone). To go from La Rioja was expensive and the tour from San Juan (one sole day) was costing 100 Dollars if I went alone, and it meant travelling from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. PHOTO Fortunately, a person that listened to my conversation in a restaurant in San Juan gave me valuable advise: Travel to Valle Fértil by bus (4 hours each way, 8 Dollars for the round trip from San Juan), stay overnight there, and you will find people willing to take you there for a far lower cost. It was true. The trip from San Juan was costing 100 Dollars and from Valle Fertil it cost me less than 14 Dollars... PHOTO As soon as I arrived at the small bus station at Valle Fértil I found A FEW different agencies that offered me the tour as I got off the bus. Departure was at 7.30 a.m. and we would return during the afternoon. This option standed far more to reason... PHOTO We could travel in a minibus and pay 45 pesos (15 Dollars) for BOTH Valle de la Luna and Talampaya, but the minibus was returning too late to take the last bus back to San Juan at 5 p.m. If I had known this, it would have planned my trip with two nights at Valle Fértil. The second option was also good, spend 40 Dollars in a taxi divided by the number of passengers, and arrive back on time for the bus. We would not visit Talampaya, but instead we would visit a similar smaller and nearer park in the Province of La Rioja, some 37 miles south of Talampaya. PHOTO I was fortunate enough to find a Dutch couple at the hotel wishing to do the same trip, and we agreed to travel together. So the cost was less than 14 Dollars for each one of us. With one advantage: the minibus only stopped at five pre-determined stations (of course, all had a beautiful scenery), but we were able to stop also at other places on the road for photos. PHOTO: Valley of the moon: all these are natural stones. Also, the taxi or cab driver, Sergio, phone (54-264).156702739 / 156738072 took us at no additional cost to visit the new Provincial Park "El Chiflón" in La Rioja, where we saw some (small) petrified pieces of wood, rests of indian civilizations, and the impressive banks of the park. PHOTO To stay at San Agustín de Valle Fértil there is a comfortable hotel (3 stars, 25 Dollars for a single room and 35 Dollars for a double room), and a number of unexpensive bed-and breakfasts, where a single room costs some 5 Dollars a night, although I was not very impressed by the one I saw. The hotel had a beautiful panoramic view and was very comfortable. The name of the hotel where I stayed is HOSTERÍA DE VALLE FÉRTIL. PHOTO The Valle de la Luna (valley of the moon) has a unique scenery, and is the most complete representation of the Triasic age in all Argentina. The first dinosaurs lived here. There is a small museum (you will only see 4 dinosaurs and listen to some explanations). The most complete museum on Antropology in the countryside is the one located at Trelew, near Puerto Madryn, in Southern Argentina. And we saw natural landscapes beyond our imagination. PHOTO I am sure you will enjoy all these photos. PHOTO Regards from Mar del Plata. Robert Ingledew |
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Título: Re: PLACES WORTHWHILE VISITING IN ARGENTINA Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 18.04.05 a las 10:20:34 BELIEVE IT OR NOT: A CRUISE IN THE SEA FOR TWO DOLLARS To see the photo, go to: http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw?action=get_message&ID_Message=891&ShowDelete=0&CDir=-2 PHOTO: Travelling on the Fortuna II Yatcht: this is the tour I am talking about. Last summer I took a cruise on the Fortuna II yacht from the Port of Mar del Plata, navigating one hour in front of the city, which gives one an excellent opportunity of taking very nice photos and of filming the coastline. To my surprise, the cost was only six pesos, which would be about two US Dollars- Although hotels in Mar del Plata are cheap even in the high season (a single room in a budget hotel can cost now 15 Dollars and about half that price in winter, and you can have a good lunch or dinner for four or five Dollars, including wine), this low price for the cruise even surprised me, a resident of this beautiful city. Please keep in mind that you will find low prices in Mar del Plata, Cordoba, Villa Carlos Paz, Bariloche, Iguazu and Salta, but not in the Austral part of Argentina, where prices are generally three times higher (Puerto Madryn, El Calafate and Ushuaia), but still quite affordable for foreigners. Regards from Mar del Plata. Robert Ingledew |
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Título: RAFTING IN MENDOZA: THE MOST POPULAR ALTERNATIVES Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 20.04.05 a las 21:54:31 RAFTING IN MENDOZA (ARGENTINA) To see the photos that illustrate this note, please go to: http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw?action=get_message&mview=0&ID_Message=891&all_topics=0 If this link does not work, copy ONLY the first line http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw? and then click on Places Wortwhile visiting in Argentina There are a number of rivers in Mendoza where you can practice rafting, but the most known ones are the Mendoza and the Atuel rivers. The Mendoza river offers grade 3 and 4 rafting, while the Atuel river is ideal for begginers, since it offers grade 2 rafting. PHOTO OF THE ATUEL RIVER Valle Grande is a very nice place on the Atuel river within the Atuel canyon and downstream from the Valle Grande dam and lake. In the next photo you may see "the submarine", that receives this name because when the lake is full it disappears under the water. PHOTO: "The Submarine", Valle Grande lake Upstream from this dam there is a beautiful canyon, the banks of which are some 1000 feet tall, to which I will refer in another note. PHOTO: The Atuel Canyon Although the Mendoza river offers more difficult rafting, this area is really beautiful, with crystalline water... it has better hotels and more operators that offer the rafting adventure. Apart from that, is is quite near the city of San Rafael (Mendoza) that is only some 10 to 15 miles away. PHOTO: In the first half mile downstream from the dam I saw at least half a dozen of rafting operators offering their services. A 5 mile rafting tour downstream (45 minutes) costs some 7 US Dollars. I also saw what were apparently local buses to San Rafael. PHOTO: Rafting is very popular at Valle Grande There is a 3-star hotel in the area (Valle Grande Hotel and Resort) where a double room costs some 37 Dollars, and that is on the river banks. Eating in its restaurant is not expensive. PHOTO: Even if you have no rafting experience, this river is quite safe for begginers... You can also try out a kayak, but in this case you may end upside down... PHOTO In few words, it is a very nice place that you might want to consider for your next vacations, combining it with a visit to the Andes in Mendoza and the Valley of the Moon in San Juan. There are also direct bus services from Mendoza to Chile, Buenos Aires and most important cities in Argentina. All these photos are mine and may be copied and used for any purpose. Regards from Mar del Plata. Robert Ingledew |
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Título: INFORMATION FOR FIRST TIME TRAVELLERS TO ARGENTINA Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 26.04.05 a las 10:26:39 VISITING ARGENTINA HAS NEVER BEEN SUCH A BARGAIN. You can buy a studio by the seaside for 15,000 Dollars, or even less, a 2 bedroom apartment for double that price, travel 900 miles in a luxury bus for 50 Dollars (hot dinner on board included, with wine, whisky and champagne), stay at an hotel near the seaside for 9 Dollars per person... If you want to know more, read on... True, while an hotel in Bariloche (the South American Switzerland) can cost as little as 15 Dollars per night, if you go to the glaciers area, you may have to pay 30 Dollars for a single room in an hostel, but if you cross over to Chile, a luxury hotel in the glaciers area can cost you as much as 500 Dollars per night (these are the rates of the Salto Chico Hotel in Torres del Paine). And here comes the information you need to know. For a couple of months or so, I have been writing in the Spanish Forum on the beauties of Argentina, and of the incredible opportunity of staying at good hotels for 15 to 25 Dollars per night (even less than that at Mar del Plata). However, not all of you understand Spanish, so I have decided to share with you in this Forum valuable information on the travel bargain that Argentina is today for foreign tourists. Argentina has everything you could ever wish to see. From the train to the clouds in the Northwest, to the Iguazú waterfalls in the Northeast, a European style metropolis like Buenos Aires, which in some aspects resembles Paris, Bariloche (the South American Switzerland), Península Valdez in the Southeast with its whales, penguins and sea lions, Ushuaia, the southernmost city of the world, the Iberá Marshes, the second wildlife protected area of South America and, of course, the magnificent glaciers at El Calafate (the South American Alaska). Without ignoring some beautiful beaches like Cariló, Pinamar, Villa Gesell and even Mar del Plata. All this for a fraction of what you would have to spend in other parts of the world. In this forum you have already seen the Iguazú Falls, one of the wonders of the world, the Perito Moreno Glacier (the South American Alaska), Bariloche (the South American Switzerland). the Train to the Clouds in Salta, Ushuaia (the Southernmost city of the world) and more. If you are concerned about safety, Argentina and Uruguay are still the safest countries in South America. True, some problems do exist, but if you take the minimum safety steps you should not experience them during your stay. Be careful in the largest cities (Buenos Aires, Rosario, Córdoba), avoid the suburban areas, do now show off your valuables, and only take our your camera or camcorder when you are going to use them. Do not change money on the street (they could even give you false currency, or maybe steal you), and avoid the railway stations and bus stations except if you have to travel. Keep an eye on your baggage...and do not carry large sums of money with you. That should be enough. I have lived in this country for sixty three years, and have only been stolen twice, so that should give you the right picture. Never forget to check the weather forecast. Two days ago we had a reel-feel temperature of 2 Celsius degrees in Mar del Plata and the same day the temperature at Iguazú (reel-feel) was 35 degrees Celsius (36 to 90 Farenheit the same day in different parts of the country). Argentina has 3000 miles from North to South and a large variety of climates... So if you are going to travel from North to South, bring Summer clothes and also sweaters... Please feel free to ask any questions you may wish that may help you to plan your trip. Welcome to Argentina. Robert Ingledew |
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Título: SPRING IN PUERTO MADRYN, THE BEST TIME FOR... Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 11.05.05 a las 15:11:49 SPRING IN PUERTO MADRYN, THE BEST SEASON FOR WATCHING WHALES AND PENGUINS PHOTO: TWO BABY PENGUINS WITH THEIR MOTHER To see the photos that ilustrate this note, please click here, and then go to the first page: http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw?action=get_message&ID_Message=891&ShowDelete=0&CDir=-2 PHOTO: Penguins at Punta Tombo. The penguin population reaches one million two hundred thousand during Summer. Whales arrive in June and leave in December (every year some six hundred whales arrive to procreate in the quiet waters of the Gulf). PHOTO: Watching whales from a boat. This trip costs some 14 Dollars, to which you must add another 30 Dollars for the full-day tour to Península Valdez. Penguins start arriving in September and leave in March, reaching their maximum population during Summer (1,200,000). PHOTO: I was about 3 feet away from these penguins. They are pacific, but you are warned to not stand in their way, or they could consider that an agression. You can see guanacos (similar to llamas) when you visit the penguin reserve. Sometimes guanacos, sheep and penguins may be seen in the same area. PHOTO: Sea elephants at Caleta Valdez, you can get pretty near to them (some 20 feet away). Some of them weigh as much as five tons. So Spring is the best season to visit this area. Although in Summer you can see dolphins playing in the sea and in March the orcas arrive looking for their food (seals). Seals and sea elephants are here most of the year. It is not necessary to take a cruise to see the whales, there are two ideal spots quite near Puerto Madryn (El Doradillo and Las Canteras, less than 10 miles away). The half day tour there will cost you ten dollars. Whales are generally some 150 feet away from the shore. Of course, the complete tour to Península Valdez (that includes a stop here also) is really wortwhile. It costs 30 Dollars (excluding meals). The tour to Punta Tombo also costs 30 Dollars. Don't miss this tour. PHOTO OF A PENGUIN Península Valdez has been declared patrimony of humanity by the United Nations. Don't miss a visit to this area. And don't miss the sunrise in Puerto Madryn, it is of an incredible beauty. All photos ae mine; I authorize their copy and use for any purpose. Here are some photos taken from internet: http://www.argentinaturistica.com/informa/pmdifotos.htm http://www.interhabit.com/interhabit/indexnotes.asp?id=205 http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/South_America/Argentina/South/Chubut/Puerto_Madryn/ http://www.interpatagonia.com/puertomadryn/fotos_i.html http://stonek.com/_main2_es.php In this last site, click first on Galería Fotográfica, and then on the menu of the left click on Península Valdez, Puerto Pirámides, Punta Tombo and Puerto Madryn, to see the photos of the whole area. http://www.aonikenk.com.ar/DESTINOS/Puerto%20Madryn/fotos%20INGLES.htm http://www.argentinaturistica.com/2pmdiresenia.htm Have a nice day. Roberto Ingledew |
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Título: SALTA: THE TRAIN TO THE CLOUDS, CACHI, CAFAYATE... Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 06.06.05 a las 11:39:33 SALTA: THE TRAIN TO THE CLOUDS, CACHI, CAFAYATE AND MUCH MORE To see the photos included in this article, please go to this link: http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw?action=get_message&ID_Message=891&ShowDelete=0&CDir=-2 2 PHOTOS: Bridge of the train to the clouds, constructed a century ago by the British railways. Its construction took fourteen years. Salta is in Northwestern Argentina, and it boasts of having one of the highest railways in the world (it climbs up to some 14,000 feet in the Andes). It was built for the British railways under the direction of an American Engineer, has many incredible bridges, tunnels and ducts. Here you have a nice view of the most impressive bridge: http://geo.ya.com/ramalc14/ For a more complete description in English, have a look at this site: http://www.argentrip.com/e/nubes/eabajonubes.htm http://www.lavelozturismo.com.ar/la%20veloz%20ingles/Menu_la_Veloz.htm This last site has a description of different tours that can be taken from the city of Salta. Personally I recommend 1) Tren a las nubes (top priority). On the road you will see llamas, vicuñas, guanacos, and even condors flying. PHOTO 2) Cachi. A beautiful tour through tropical forests, then climbing in 6 miles some 5500 feet into a desert area with cactus and the Andes with snow in the background. PHOTO: Another view of the road to Cachi. The road climbs up to 11,000 feet. PHOTO PHOTO: Cachi, Salta, a colonial church constructed in 1684 by the Spaniards. 3) Humahuaca: All the tradition of Northwestern Argentina. PHOTO: On the road to Humahuaca: Purmamarca, the seven colour mount. Sorry, the day was cloudy. Colours are far more intense. 4) Cafayate: one of the best wine producing areas of the country. PHOTO: The Castles (Los Castillos), Cafayate. The bus driver kindly stopped so that I could take some photos... Can you imagine a regular bus driver stopping for this in any other part of the world? And don´t be afraid of asking the driver to stop for a photo. Salta has the most beautiful people of Argentina. The first time I went to Salta some 30 years ago, when I asked for a stop on the tour to Cachi, the driver said: "No problem sir, we have calculated ninety minutes for the stops that the passengers may request". I could hardly believe it... PHOTO: Pre-Columbian ruins (year 1400) on the way to San Antonio de los Cobres, Salta Enjoy it. Robert Ingledew |
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Título: MONTE HERMOSO, A BEAUTIFUL BEACH SOUTH OF ... Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 09.06.05 a las 20:53:08 MONTE HERMOSO, AN ATLANTIC RESORT SOUTH OF MAR DEL PLATA To see the photos that illustrate this note, please go to this link: http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw?action=get_message&mview=0&ID_Message=891&all_topics=0 PHOTO: PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE BEACH. Monte Hermoso has one of the widest beaches in Argentina. There are sand dunes everywhere... and the bulldozer is constantly levelling the sand on the beach. I visited this nice Atlantic summer resort over thirty years ago, and returned 3 months ago. The first time I visited it, it was a very small village, but already beautiful. Sand dunes are frequent in this area, and therefore the beach is very wide, probably a quarter of a mile wide. Today it is a small town with a population of 5,000 inhabitants, which increases to 55,000 during the high season. PHOTO It even has two walking commercial streets. PHOTO PHOTO It is located some 60 miles north of Bahia Blanca and some 350 miles south of Buenos Aires. The weather at this resort is normally warmer than in Mar del Plata, and the water also, due to the Humboldt current. PHOTO Let the pictures speak for themselves. Some links (at least Welcome Argentina) have an English version, just click on English. Enjoy them. The photos that are pasted to this posting are all mine and may be copied and used freely. Those in the links require the authorization of the link owner. PHOTO: The fishing pIer, presently not open since it requires repairs. PHOTO: The nearby Sauce Grande Lagoon (4 miles away) is a good place for fishing PHOTO: The "downtown" Here are some internet links. Welcome Argentina does have an English version (click on it). The other ones are in Spanish. http://www.ruta0.com/img.asp?i=573 http://monteweb.com.ar/galeria/ http://www.detour.com.ar/mhermoso.htm http://www.welcomeargentina.com/montehermoso/index_i.html http://www.welcomeargentina.com/montehermoso/fotografias.ht ml http://montehermoso.porinternet.com.ar/galeria/ Regards from Mar del Plata, Argentina Robert Ingledew |
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Título: CARILÒ, AN ELEGANT SEASIDE RESORT IN ARGENTINA Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 17.06.05 a las 12:07:29 CARILO, THE MOST ELEGANT SEASIDE RESORT IN ARGENTINA To see the beautiful photos that illustrate this note, please go to: http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw?action=get_message&mview=1&ID_Message=1218 I would dare to call it the Beverly Hills of Argentina. Of course, it is only a small village with 2,000 inhabitants. PHOTO OF A BEAUTIFUL RESIDENCE But the rich vacation here; it even has its own golf course, and it is within a beautiful forest by the seaside. PHOTO OF THE GOLF COURSE It even has a five-acre shopping center... PHOTO OF THE SHOPPING CENTER AND THE FOREST THAT SURROUNDS IT It would seem as if there is no crisis here: commercial centers full of people, as well as the restaurants and pubs, and the beautiful forest full of 4 x 4 vehicles... It really impressed me. I knew the place, but it has progressed a lot. Although it is still a small village with a permanent population of two thousand inhabitants. PHOTO OF THE WOODS Don´t look for two or three-star hotels here, only luxury resorts exist... PHOTO OF SOME OF THE LUXURY HOTELS IN THE AREA But it is a paradise. Just have a look at these photos. FOUR PHOTOS OF THE BEACH AND THE FOREST Here you will find other very nice photos of Carilò. http://www.parquecarilo.com/ Click on "galería de fotos" and explore each link. Here are some more photos of this beautiful place (some pages have an English version; sorry, I have a lot of work today and cannot go into the details, just click on English version, when available): http://www.argentinaturistica.com/informa/carifotos.htm http://www.welcomeargentina.com/carilo/fotografias.html http://www.carilo.com/links/galeria_fotos/galeria.asp http://www.ruta0.com/img.asp?i=255 As I said, only four and five star hotels exist here. Here you have an example. http://www.torrecillascarilo.com.ar/Serv_360.html Enjoy it. Robert Ingledew |
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Título: MOUNT FITZ ROY, A CHALLENGE FOR MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 04.07.05 a las 21:33:43 EL CHALTEN / FITZ ROY: A CHALLENGE FOR MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS I have been said that it is one of the 3 most difficult mountains in the world for climbing, and it seems to be true, although I have no way of knowing this. El Chaltén is some 150 miles north of Calafate, a 4 hour ride on the bus. But the scenery is beautiful. The village is small: it was founded 22 years ago, and has a permanent population of 140 inhabitants; there is only one bus per day from and to El Calafate. This town was created when there was a serious difference with Chile regarding the international limits, which could have ended in a war, but this problem belongs to the past and relations with Chile are now excellent. The Fitz Roy mountain is at a walking distance from the town. However, if you want to climb the Fitz Roy or the Torre mountain, one day may not be enough. Only one warning: climate changes very rapidly in this area and a storm, or strong winds, may come up at any time. So keep your eyes open and go with adequate clothing and equipment. Protect your camcorders with a case or something. I ruined my camcorder over there. A strong wind came up suddenly (75 miles per hour) and filled my camcorder with sand and small stones. Hostelling International has hotels here at reasonable rates (in general, in this part of Argentina hotels tend to be more expensive than in other areas). For some 30 to 40 dollars you should be able to find a room with private bathroom. El Chaltén is some 200 miles North of El Calafate. On the road you will also see some glaciers (specially the Viedma glacier, that is larger than the Perito Moreno glacier). I would also recommend the tour from El Chaltén to Laguna del Desierto. Here it is: http://www.interpatagonia.com/elchalten/fotos_i.html http://www.patagonia-travel.com/galeria/chalten.html http://www.ruta0.com/img.asp?i=167 http://www.elchalten.com/i.html http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/South_America/Argentina/South/Santa_Cruz/El_Chalten/ http://www.patagonias.net/Cities/ElChalten.htm http://www.welcomeargentina.com/elchalten/outings.html http://www.ripioturismo.com.ar/eftechalexc.htm Enjoy it. Robert Ingledew |
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Título: THE QUEQUÉN RIVER, NECOCHEA, A WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 13.07.05 a las 21:17:25 This article consists mostly of photos taken by me last week-end. To view them, please click here: http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw?action=ge t_message&mview=0&ID_Message=891&LastModified=46755306182269 49127 Over the years I have learnt that Argentinians do not protect wildlife as well as USA citizens and Europeans, although an environment and wildlife protection conscience is slowly developing in the population. Having said this, it was a lovely experience to find wildlife in abundance only 4 or 5 miles away from the downtown of Necochea, a 90,000 inhabitant Atlantic summer resort, on the banks of the Quequén river. I was going to a small waterfall some 8 miles away from the city to take some photos, never expected to see this, and I really enjoyed it. Just have a look at the photos. PHOTO: There are many black neck and white neck swans, coots, herons, seagulls and many other species in the Quequén river and surrounding area. In this photo you may see literally dozens of black neck and white neck swans. PHOTO: Seals very near the Quequén river, in the port area. PHOTO: There are also many swans in the park of Necochea. PHOTO: Coots in the Quequén river. PHOTO: There are nice Eucalyptus woods in the area. PHOTO: Black neck swans and seagulls in the river PHOTO: There are a couple of very small waterfalls in the area PHOTO: Black neck swans (right) and coots (left) swimming in the Quequén river. Some eight miles up the river there is a Municipal rainbow trout hatchery, that also has a small acquarium. There you will the the underground vegetation of the river, the different fish that live in the river. including fresh water shrimp, and a few tropical and cold water fish from other parts of the world. 3 PHOTOS In the photo above, you may see a rainbow trout. Some 300 are released every 3 months into the river. That is not a lot, specially considering the predation done by herons, but it is a Municipal facility with limited resources. In any case, quite a number of captures of 4-pound rainbow trout have been reported in the area. At the fish culture station (or trout hatchery) you will also see the different stages of development of the trout, starting by the eggs and just-born trout. I am sure you will enjoy it. Just have a look at the photos. PHOTO: Rainbow trout egg hatching PHOTO: At the back of the photo you may see many small rainbow trout. PHOTO: Part of the facilities. PHOTO: A very small fall next to the trout hatchery or fish culture station. The admission to the Municipal trout hatchery costs only one peso, about 35 cents of a Dollar. The trip in taxi to the facility (some 9 miles each way and over one hour taking photos) costs only 8 US Dollars. If they want to charge you more, just bargain the price. If you ever go to Necochea, don't miss this tour. You will have to hire a taxi, and ask him to drive along the river, or you will not see all the wildlife (birds) in the river. I am sure you will enjoy it. Robert Ingledew |
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Título: MONTE HERMOSO, A BEAUTIFUL ATLANTIC SUMMER RESORT Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 17.07.05 a las 17:50:02 MONTE HERMOSO, AN ATLANTIC SUMMER RESORT SOUTH OF MAR DEL PLATA To see the photos that illustrate this note, please click here: http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw?action=get_message&mview=0&ID_Message=891&LastModified=4675531156828860206 PHOTO Monte Hermoso has one of the widest beaches in Argentina. There are sand dunes everywhere... and the bulldozer is constantly levelling the sand on the beach. I visited this nice Atlantic summer resort over thirty years ago, and returned 3 months ago. The first time I visited it, it was a very small village, but already beautiful. Sand dunes are frequent in this area, and therefore the beach is very wide, probably a quarter of a mile wide. Today it is a small town with a population of 5,000 inhabitants, which increases to 55,000 during the high season. It even has two walking commercial streets. PHOTO It is located some 60 miles north of Bahia Blanca and some 350 miles south of Buenos Aires. PHOTOS Let the pictures speak for themselves. Some links (at least Welcome Argentina) have an English version, just click on English. Enjoy them. The photos that are pasted to this posting are all mine and may be copied and used freely. Those in the links require the authorization of the link owner. PHOTO: The fishing pier, presently not open since it requires repairs. PHOTO: Another view of the main walking street Monte Hermoso only has some 5000 inhabitants, but very nice week-end homes are being constructed in the area: PHOTO PHOTO: The nearby Sauce Grande Lagoon (4 miles away) is a good place for fishing PHOTO Here are some internet links. Welcome Argentina does have an English version (click on it). The other ones are in Spanish. http://www.ruta0.com/img.asp?i=573 http://monteweb.com.ar/galeria/ http://www.detour.com.ar/mhermoso.htm http://www.welcomeargentina.com/montehermoso/index_i.html http://www.welcomeargentina.com/montehermoso/fotografias.ht ml http://montehermoso.porinternet.com.ar/galeria/ Regards from Mar del Plata, Argentina Roberto |
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Título: ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES IN NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 06.08.05 a las 19:51:29 MY PHOTOS OF "LOS MENHIRES" (THE MENHIRS) PARK IN TAFI DEL VALLE, TUCUMAN To see the photos that illustrate this note, go to: http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw?action=get_message&mview=0&ID_Message=891&all_topics=0 PHOTO This park is in Northwestern Argentina, in the Province of Tucumán, specifically at El Mollar, very near Tafi del Valle. I had visited Tafi del Valle twice previously and had no idea of the archeological wealth that there was in this area. PHOTO These menhirs belong to the Tafi culture, that existed from year 400 before Christ up to year 600 A.D. There are some 225 menhirs, some of which are 14 feet tall. PHOTO: I did not want to seem like Gulliver in the country of the giants, so I chose the smallest menhir for the photo... Their original location was in an area that was later flooded by a reservoir, and they were transported to this park, that is in a dry area where they should remain well conserved. PHOTO Now just have a look at the photos. Although Argentina does not have the archeological wealth of Mexico, Guatemala or Peru, there is still a lot to be seen in Northwestern Argentina. Another very interesting place to visit is the ruins of Quilmes, also in Tucuman, where there was originally a settlement of 7,000 Indians. I will refer to it in another note, but here is a preview of this important archeological site, that was prior to the Inca Empire in Argentina: PHOTO Regards from Mar del Plata, Argentina Robert Ingledew |
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Título: THE TALAMPAYA CANYON, PATRIMONY OF HUMANITY Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 07.08.05 a las 20:13:45 TALAMPAYA NATIONAL PARK (ARGENTINA), PATRIMONY OF HUMANITY To see the photos that illustrate this note (all taken by me), please click here: http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw?action=get_message&mview=0&ID_Message=891&LastModified=4675534057867701746 PHOTO: Talampaya National Park, Argentina. The sphinx There are a few places in Argentina that have been declared Patrimony of Humanity by the United Nations: and Talampaya is one of these. Together with the Valley of the Moon (San Juan) the Las Quijadas Park (San Luis) and the El Chiflòn State Park in La Rioja, it is the area of the Triassic Age where the first dinosaurs lived. PHOTO: The "chimney" There are hardly fifty miles from the Valley of the Moon to Talampaya, so if you get up early you can visit both parks in one day. The nearest cities are San Agustin de Valle Fertil (San Juan) and Patquía (La Rioja). The first town has better hotel accomodation (Hostería de Valle Fértil, a 3 star hotel) where you can get a very nice room for 25 Dollars per night (there are cheaper hotels in the town for as little as 5 Dollars a night, but I do not recommend them). PHOTO: The totem Unlike the Valley of the Moon, that has no vegetation, the Canyon of Talampaya runs along the bed of a dry river, where occasionally a trickle of water appears, only to dissappear again after a few feet downstream. It is unwise the visit the site on your own, because when it does rain (very rarely) you can have seven feet of water in the canyon in a matter of minutes. PHOTO: The "gulleys" The effects of wind and water erosion are really breathtaking. 500 feet banks that seem polished with a grinding machine... and curious forms from the Cathedral to the Chimney or the Totem... impact us with their beauty. PHOTO: The Cathedral Let the photos speak for themselves. All of them were taken by me, and you may copy and use them for any purpose. PHOTOS Regards from Mar del Plata, Argentina Robert Ingledew |
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Título: THE ROAD FROM TUCUMAN TO TAFI DEL VALLE Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 15.08.05 a las 10:26:10 THE ROAD FROM TUCUMÀN TO TAFI DEL VALLE To see the photos that illustrate this note, please go to: http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw?action=ge t_message&mview=1&ID_Message=1279 One of the most beautiful roads in Northwestern Argentina is the one that goes from Tucumàn to Tafi del Valle, bordering a river between mountains and a beautiful forest, passes through El Mollar where the menhirs are, continues through Tafi del Valle to Amaicha del Valle, the Indian ruins of Quilmes, then Cafayate, Cachi, San Antonio de los Cobres, Humahuaca, Iruya and Salta. PHOTO: Vegetation is abundant in the whole area, and the mountains are beautiful. Let`s have a look at the first section, the "Quebrada de los Sosa", on the road from Tucumàn toTafi del Valle. All photos are mine and may be copied and used for any purpose. PHOTO: The Sosa river borders the road during a very long section and offers the possibility of fishing rainbow trout in a beautiful environment. Since this is a tropical area, if you go fishing use boots, because you could come accross a snake... PHOTO: The scenery is very similar to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee If you are fond of taking photos or filming the scenery, I suggest you stop at Tafi del Valle and take a taxi (cab) drive to the Monumento al indio (Monument to the Indian) and Parque Los Menhires (The Menhirs park). It will cost you some 15 to 20 dollars, and you will certainly enjoy the ride. PHOTO: Monument to the Indian, Quebrada de los Sosa. PHOTO: The Menhirs park (Parque Los Menhires), near Tafi del Valle. Some of these statues are 2600 years old... and belong to the Tafi culture. Enjoy it. Robert Ingledew |
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Título: REAL HOTEL BARGAINS IN MAR DEL PLATA, ARGENTINA Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 25.08.05 a las 09:53:58 SOME REAL DEALS IN THE ATLANTIC COAST OF ARGENTINA: AN HOTEL ROOM FOR 24 DOLLARS PER WEEK To see the photos that illustrate this note, please go to: http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw?action=get_message&mview=0&ID_Message=891&LastModified=4675535100267118027 PHOTO: Panoramic view of "La Perla" beach. The Wilton Palace Hotel in Mar del Plata, (Las Heras 2526, Mar del Plata, Argentina) has just launched a low season promotion: 70 pesos (24 Dollars) per person for a room with private bathroom and color TV, PER WEEK... Hopefuly, these rates will be valid until the end of December, except probably during the Meeting of the American Presidents in November, when Mar del Plata hopefuly will be cramed. PHOTO: Fishermens harbor, Mar del Plata True, it is a very basic hotel, but conveniently located, half a block away from the bus station and 4 blocks away from the sea. PHOTO: The "Playa Grande" area. Although this is not a time for sunbathing (lows are in the thirties and highs in the fifties), Mar del Plata is a beautiful city to visit. Just have a look at some of these photos I have taken in my city (I live in Mar del Plata). PHOTO: Coastal Avenue in Playa Grande. If you want something more comfortable, the Prince Hotel and Convention Center (3 stars, in front of the central Post Office, half a block away from the walking street and 3 blocks from the beach) is charging 35 pesos (12 dollars) for a single room, continental breakfast included. Here are some views of the Prince Hotel: http://mardelplata.idoneos.com/index.php/260666 You might want to take advantage of these deals. Argentina continues to be a paradise for bargain-seekers... PHOTOS: 2 panoramic views of Mar del Plata. I am sure you will enjoy these photos. Regards from Mar del Plata, Argentina. Robert Ingledew |
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Título: MINA CLAVERO (CÓRDOBA), OVER THE MOUNTAIN RANGE Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 10.09.05 a las 10:06:27 MINA CLAVERO AND LOS TÚNELES (CORDOBA) OVER THE MOUNTAIN RANGE To see the photos that illustrate this note, go to: http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=messages&tsn=164&tid=512&webtag=ab-gosoamerica As you may know already, Villa Carlos Paz and Mar del Plata are by far the cheapest tourists resorts in all Argentina. Maybe Cordoba is not the most beautiful area in the country (I prefer Bariloche, Iguazu, the glaciers down south at Calafate, Puerto Madryn and Mendoza, but all these areas are more expensive, except maybe Bariloche where prices are also quite low.) PHOTO The tour to Mina Clavero and Los Túneles is in my opinion the most attractive and varied tour in Cordoba. We start off at Villa Carlos Paz and in a few minutes we have gone up to seven thousand feet. The landscape is nearly desertic and sometimes we see condors flying, specially in the El Condor area. I was able to film one flying in this trip, but by the time I prepared my photo camera, the condor was too far away. PHOTO: A condor in the horizon In the midst of this desertic landscape we see very small valleys irrigated by the water trickles and streams than come down from the mountain. PHOTO The previous time I took this tour, we were lucky. In order to please us, the driver left the main road and followed a track full rocks that seemed like large rock balls. This time we requested the same treatment, but the driver was not willing. The trip is very long (some 300 miles in total), so we were only able to see part of the rocky area. In any case, we really enjoyed the view. PHOTO This is a good place to buy souvenirs made by the artisans that descend from the Comechingones Indians, both of goat leather and clay, as you may see in the two photos that follow. In the first photo you will also appreciate the rocky formation. PHOTOS PHOTO: Once in the Traslasierra ("beyond the mountains") valley, Mina Clavero impresses us with its beauty. There are many bathing resorts on the river, some with beaches, others where the work of men is more evidente, and we took this photo while crossing the river. The tour from here onwards is the most beautiful part: the travel through the Pampa de Pocho, where we can see extinguished volcanos, the caranday palm trees, and then the old road to La Rioja, from where we see the border of three provinces: San Luis, La Rioja and Córdoba, bordered by precipices, and where we can usually see condors, although this time I was not able to watch any, although last year I was able to film one flying for 3 or 4 minutes. Just have a look at the scenery: PHOTO: There are historical reliques in the road, as this 18th century Jesuit chapel. PHOTO: Caranday palm treest PHOTO: The typical Cordoba mountain landscape PHOTO: The precipice is quite deep. PHOTO: The old road to La Rioja. Although both Cordoba and La Rioja are mostly arid in the mountainous area, there are forests below. The road goes through five tunnels, that is why the area is called Los Túneles (the tunnels). This is the area where you normally can watch condors flying. With their wings extended, they are ten feet wide. Whether they are there or not depends on the time of the day and the atmospheric pressure. PHOTO: Another view of the old road to La Rioja On the way back me made a stop by the riverside at Mina Clavero In the first place, a British couple on honeymoon. Europeans are also discovering Cordoba, and not only Iguazú, Lago Argentino, Salta and Ushuaia. PHOTO. Europeans are discovering Cordoba. In this case, a British couple on honeymoon. I trust you have enjoyed this trip as much as I did. Robert Ingledew |
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Título: LA CUMBRECITA AND VILLA GENERAL BELGRANO, CORDOBA Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 12.09.05 a las 09:47:17 LA CUMBRECITA AND VILLA GENERAL BELGRANO, TWO GERMAN SETTLEMENTS IN CENTRAL ARGENTINA. Córdoba is very similar to the Highlands. It does not have many lakes, all of which are artificial, but it is a very nice mountainous area. There are many pleasant areas to visit, like Villa Carlos Paz, La Falda, Capilla del Monte, Villa General Belgrano, Embalse Río Tercero and Mina Clavero. But today I want to talk about one of the most exclusive places in the province. It is a very small town (some 2,000 inhabitants, full of trees, at the foot of the mountains), where you can fish rainbow trout, go for a walk, or just relax. Although the town was founded by Germans some 70 years ago, even today most of the population is of German extraction. Some 25 miles away is Villa General Belgrano, where the annual beer celebration of Argentina takes place Vehicle traffic is prohibited in the town, except for bringing in your luggage to the hotel, then you must park your car and go out on a bycicle or on horseback. It is very quiet, and an ideal place for resting. Being on one of the main highways of the Province, Villa General Belgrano has lost part of its German heritage, since it has grown more rapidly. The National Beer Cellebration takes place here during the month of September. It is also a nice place to visit, and is located between Los Molinos and Río Tercero, two of the most important artificial lakes in the Province. First we will see La Cumbrecita: http://www.ruta0.com/locs.asp?loc=83&ore=6&cat=all http://www.lacumbrecita.info/fotos/e-index.html http://www.cordobaglobal.com.ar/calamuchita/cumbrecita/fotos%20cumbrecita.htm And here are photos of both places: http://www.welcomeargentina.com/villageneralbelgrano/fotografias.html http://www.argentinaturistica.com/informa/vgbifotos.htm This is one of the hotels in the area; it is certainly rather expensive (it is a 3-star hotel) starting at 55 Dollars a night including dinner. http://lacumbrecita.idoneos.com/index.php/260873 Enjoy it Robert Ingledew |
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Título: MUNDO MARINO, THE SEAWORLD OF ARGENTINA Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 12.09.05 a las 09:57:50 MUNDO MARINO, THE SEAWORLD OF ARGENTINA (120 MILES NORTH OF MAR DEL PLATA) To see the photos that illustrate this note, please go to: http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw?action=get_message&ID_Message=891&ShowDelete=0&CDir=-2 PHOTO: Submarine encounter, a dolphin next to us. It is the only SeaWorld of Argentina, some 180 miles southeast of Buenos Aires and some 120 miles north of Mar del Plata. It is a full-day tour from Mar del Plata, that costs only 15 US Dollars, including the admission to the acquarium and to the shows. PHOTO: Theater representation: The Pirate's island. The premises are very complete and large, but the main attractions are the orca and dolphins show, and the sea lions show, plus the theater representation on the banks of the lake. Also "submarine encounter" where you can nearly touch the dolphins, if it were not for the glass... PHOTO: Orca dancing. Of course, there are many other attractions. Let the photos talk by themselves. PHOTO: Dolphin Show PHOTO: Enchanted castle PHOTO: Flamingos PHOTO: Mundo Marino also has its small train to take the children for a ride through the park. The tours from Mar del Plata, return trip plus admission, cost 15 US Dollars. To have an average meal at the place, you will spend anything about 5 US Dollars. A coke costs less than one dollar. PHOTO: Sea lions show. Sorry, I was also filming and missed a good part of the show with my photo camera. All photos posted in this note are mine and may be copied and used for any purpose. Regards from Mar del Plata. Robert Ingledew |
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Título: CAVIAHUE, A BEAUTIFUL NON-TRADITIONAL AREA Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 13.09.05 a las 19:33:02 CAVIAHUE, A NON-TRADITIONAL BUT BEAUTIFUL AREA To see the photos, either click on the links, or go to: http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw?action=get_message&mview=0&ID_Message=891&all_topics=0 Photo copied from this link: http://www.ruta0.com/img.asp?i=804 This area became known thanks to the thermal springs of Copahue, that are within this area, and then people started to discover the beauties in the whole area, including the Copahue volcano and the lakes and waterfalls in the area. This photo and next one copied from this link: http://hotellagocaviahue.com/galeriadefotos.html The Caviahue area is in the northern part of the Province of Neuquén, Argentina, some 300 miles north of Bariloche. You have probably never heard anything about Caviahue, and yet it is a beatiful area. You can practice ski, enjoy its thermal waters and the beauty of the Andes. Just have a look at these photos: http://www.argentinaturistica.com/2caviresenia.htm http://www.argentinaturistica.com/informa/cavifotos.htm These two links might not work, because Argentina Turística seems to be temporarily off the web. http://www.interpatagonia.com/caviahue/fotos_i.html http://www.travelsur.net/ski/Caviahue.htm http://www.welcomeargentina.com/paseos/elespiritu_decaviahue/index_i.html http://www.hotellagocaviahue.com.ar/ingles/Eng_galeriadefot os.html http://www.southamericaskiguide.com/Argentina/caviahue.htm And if you are fond of ski, here is a map of the area: http://www.interpatagonia.com/skicaviahue/pistas.html Enjoy it. Robert Ingledew |
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Título: WHERE TO GO IN ARGENTINA: SOME IDEAS Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 22.09.05 a las 12:22:16 To see the beautiful photos that illustrate this note, please go to: http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?msg=512.1&nav=messages&webtag=ab-gosoamerica PHOTO: Iguazú Falls. They are a mile and a half wide. These of course, are not the only places you can visit in Argentina. Salta, with the train to the clouds is another unfortetable experience. You will read about this area in another note in this forum. But Iguazú, Puerto Madryn, El Calafate, Mendoza and the Atlantic Coast are some of the priorities you should consider when you visit Argentina. PHOTO: Punta Tombo, Puerto Madryn (above and below) PHOTO. Penguins arrive in September and leave in April PHOTO: Whale watching in Puerto Madryn. Whales arrive in June and leave in December. And the cost of staying there is a fraction of what you would spend in any other part of the world, due to the recent devaluation. In most cities you can stay at a good 3-star hotel for 25 to 40 Dollars, and you can get hotel rooms with private bathroom and TV for far less than that (in Mar del Plata, for as little as 7 Dollars per person and per night). PHOTO: Bariloche, the South American Switzerland Just check the above-mentioned discussion. I am sure you will enjoy it. Check the links, they have beautiful photos. And write your comments or questions in either English or Spanish. PHOTO: Glacier Perito Moreno at El Calafate PHOTO: Talampaya National Park, Patrimony of Humanity (UN) PHOTO: Indian ruins at Quilmes, an archaeological treasure PHOTO: Aconcagua mount, the highest in the American Continent PHOTO: Pinamar, a beautiful seaside resort You might want to see my photo album on Argentina (786 photos) at this site: http://groups.msn.com/argentinapaismaravilloso/fotosderobertoingledew2arg.msnw?Page=1 Keep on reading. I am sure you will be visiting us soon... If you need information on hotels or other destinations, check these pages: www.alojargentina.com www.welcomeargentina.com www.argentinaturistica.com All three pages have also an English version. Just click on the British flag, or on "English". Regards. Robert Raymond Ingledew Moore |
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Título: USHUAIA, THE SOUTHERNMOST CITY IN THE WORLD Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 28.09.05 a las 12:09:14 USHUAIA, THE SOUTHERNMOST CITY OF THE WORLD To see the photos that this note refers to, please go to: http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=display&tsn=2&tid=540&webtag=ab-gosoamerica PHOTO: CITY OF USHUAIA The larger photos pasted here have been copied from the official site of the Municipality of Ushuaia, where you will find many other beautiful photos: http://www.ushuaia.gov.ar/fotos/HTML_Index/index.html PHOTO: CORMORANS PHOTO: CERRO ALVEAR I have visited Ushuaia only twice in my lifetime, and I enjoyed every day of both visits in a very special way. A Mexican friend who visited Ushuaia last year says that the scenery seems taken from a fairy tale, and I agree completely with him. PHOTO: CERRO CASTROR SKI RESORT The five following photos have been copied from www.argentinaturistica.com, an excellent site for tourist information on Argentina, that you will probably want to visit. Ushuaia is expensive by local parameters, but not by international standards. Hotels apply one rate to nationals and another higher rate to foreigners. This only happens in Ushuaia and El Calafate and to some extent at Puerto Madryn. Don´t ask me why, but Bariloche, Iguazú, Salta, Córdoba and Mar del Plata are far cheaper... In any case, you also have the option of Hostelling International if you wish to go there, and their rates are low. http://www.hostelling-aaaj.org.ar/ Never travel without hotel reservations to Ushuaia or Calafate. They have a very high demmand and you might have to sleep on the street... You might want to use the services of www.welcomeargentina.com, that also has an English page, to make hotel reservations by E-mail without the need of using the services of a Travel Agent. Ushuaia requires at least 3 or 4 days to visit the most important spots: the navigation of the Beagle channel (half a day), the Martial Glacier (a 4 to 5 mile walk, or a half day tour), the ski center (if you go in winter) and the Tierra del Fuego National Park and Lapataia (very nice). Then you have the Tren del Fin del Mundo (Train of the End of the World) and some other attractions. But these are the most important ones. Of course, if you are fond of ski and of trekking, you will have to spend far more time and you will enjoy every minute you spend. Flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia are expensive, and I have been told that the flights to Río Gallegos (ten hours away by bus from Ushuaia) cost half the price. You can also do the complete trip by bus, if you want, but it is too long for my taste, unless if you make a stopover at Puerto Madryn, to see the penguins and whales, which certainly you will enjoy. By the way, Río Gallegos is only 5 hours away from Calafate, the South American Alaska with its incredible glaciers and icebergs... The bus from Rio Gallegos to Ushuaia goes through Chile, and you could have to comply with the immigration requirements of both Chile and Argentina. www.glaciar.com There are also direct flights from Ushuaia to El Calafate. If you are fond of fishing, Rio Grande is the place to go, it boasts world records in sea trout of up to 40 pounds... and it is some 3 to 4 hours away from Ushuaia by bus. http://www.safariexperts.com/country_argentina_rio_grande.asp (By the way, the photo on the top of this page is of the Iguazú falls, in Northeastern Argentina, some 2500 miles away...) And if you don´t mind taking an expensive cruise, the Mare Australis will offer you and incredible 4 or 5 day tour to Punta Arenas for a cost of 490 to 2200 US Dollars, depending on the season and the type of cabin you wish. http://www.australis.com/ Let the photos speak for themselves. The photos of Ushuaia I have pasted here have all been copied from www.argentinaturistica.com, a very complete page on Argentina that also has an English version (just click on the British flag). You should not miss it. And slightly to the north, an unforgetable experience for fishing large brown trout in the Río Grande. http://www.worldwidefishing.com/argentina/b2433a/?page_type=fly&stat e_page=argentina&company=Angling+Club+Lax-a+Argentina Here are some views of this beautiful spot of Argentina. http://www.interpatagonia.com/ushuaia/index_i.html http://www.argentinaturistica.com/informa/ushifotos.htm http://www.cabosandiego.com.ar/Galeria%20de%20fotos.htm Enjoy them. Robert Ingledew |
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Título: VILLA LA ANGOSTURA, VERY NEAR BARILOCHE Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 11.10.05 a las 20:44:09 VILLA LA ANGOSTURA, A BEAUTIFUL PLACE NEAR BARILOCHE To see the photos that illustrate this note, please go to: http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?msg=512.166&nav=messages&webtag=ab-gosoamerica All photos pasted in this note have been copied from www.argentinaturística.com, an excellent source of information on Argentina. Villa la Angostura is the entrance gate to the 7-lakes road. It is near the following lakes: Nahuel Huapí, Espejo, Correntoso, Machònico, Falkner, Hermoso, Escondido and Villarino. The emerald green waters of the Escondido Lake are really magnificent. Also the view of Port Manzano on the lake is very attractive. There are many beautiful spots. If we add to this the excellent manner in which the area has been developed, the evident care of the city, the beautiful residences and hotels, all this forms one of the nicest towns in southern Argentina. And we must aksi add the ski slopes of Cerro Bayo. Villa La Angostura is very near Bariloche, and not too far away from San Martín de los Andes. It is the obliged route for those wanting to go to Chile through Puyehue, another place that is worthwhile visiting. And it is very near of the Los Arrayanes National Park, where some people say that Walt Disney filmed Bambi. If it is not the precise place, it is very similar. Prices are somewhat higher than in Bariloche, but it is a beautiful spot for a real relax. The population of the town is somewhere between 15 and 20 thousand inhabitants. Another beautiful page on this city is www.villalaangostura.gov.ar, that is the official site of the city of Villa La Angostura. I hope you are able to open it. I has 33 beautiful photos of the area. Here are some views. Enjoy them. http://www.argentinaturistica.com/informa/vlaifotos.htm http://www.interhabit.com/interhabit/indexnotes.asp?id=67 http://www.interpatagonia.com/villalaangostura/fotos_i.html http://www.villalaangostura.net.ar/index.php http://www.patagoniainfocus.com.ar/selvana/village.htm And here you have some photos of the whole area between Bariloche and San Martin de los Andes: http://www.sendasybosques.com.ar/galeriadefotos/index2.htm Enjoy it. Robert Ingledew |
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Título: LUXURY BUS SERVICES IN ARGENTINA Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 13.10.05 a las 11:54:40 LUXURY BUS SERVICES IN ARGENTINA To see the photos that feature the different bus services, please go to: http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw?action=get_message&mview=1&ID_Message=1371 Car rental is expensive in Argentina, and gasoline is also expensive. Distances from one place to another are large, and it is better to relax and sleep on a latest generation bus than get tired driving. A one thousand mile drive (from Buenos Aires to Bariloche) costs some 40 Dollars on a semi-bed service, and some 65 Dollars on a luxury service with seats that lean back completely flat, including hot dinner on board, wine, whisky and champagne, travel rug, movies, DVD, MP3 and more... Different bus companies give this service different names. These are some of them: Plusmar has two types: Cama Suite (Suite Bus) and Plus Suite. Empresa Argentina and Flehabus have the Suite Bus Here they are: PHOTOS Via Bariloche (Buenos Aires to Bariloche and Buenos Aires to Iguazú) calls it Tutto Leto: PHOTO Crucero del Norte (Buenos Aires to Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Iguazú, Córdoba and Bariloche) calls it Cama Premium (It is the same as the services of Plusmar). http://www.crucerodelnorte.com.ar/bienvenidos.htm Expreso Singer calls it Cama Total Andesmar calls it "Servicio de Primera Clase" (First Class Service) (the one in the middle). This picture also gives you an idea of what the semi-cama service is like, if money is a primary consideration. PHOTO Sendas (Buenos Aires - Mendoza) calls it Salón Real" (Royal Saloon) http://www.e-mountain.com.ar/0BUS/Sendasserv.htm Here are the web pages of the main bus companies: www.crucerodelnorte.com.ar (Brazil, Paraguay, Chile, Iguazú and Bariloche) www.viabariloche.com.ar (Iguazú and Bariloche) www.plusmar.com.ar (Atlantic Coast) www.andesmar.com.ar (Puerto Madryn, Río Gallegos (200 miles away from the glaciers) Mendoza, Iguazú, Bariloche and many other destinations from Buenos Aires, from Salta, from Córdoba, and from Mendoza). Andesmar sells tickets with credit card over the internet. There are also similar quality services in Chile (TurBus), and Brazil (Pluma). Both these companies offer different types of service, so make sure that you are booking the most comfortable one. I am sure that you will really enjoy travelling by bus in Argentina Robert Ingledew |
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Título: THE ANDES IN MENDOZA: THE HIGHEST MOUNTAINS IN ... Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 19.11.05 a las 20:01:06 THE ANDES IN MENDOZA: THE HIGHEST MOUNTAINS IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE To see the photos that illustrate this note, please click here: http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=messages&tsn=119&tid=512&webtag=ab-gosoamerica Although tours in Mendoza are more expensive than in other parts of Argentina (a full-day tour costs here 18 dollars, while in Bariloche, Còrdoba or Mar del Plata you would spend 10 to 12 dollars for the same tour), the highest mountains of the American continent are here. For example, the Aconcagua is higher than the Mc Kinley, and its height is about 23,000 feet. The tour starts in the city of Mendoza, goes through vineyards, and then through Chacras de Coria, a beautiful residential area; the next photo shows the Catholic chapel of this area: PHOTO: Chacras de Coria Roman Catholic chapel After passing in front of the Lujan de Cuyo oil refinery (Mendoza is an important oil and gas producing province) we pass by the Potrerillos reservoir. PHOTO At this point and looking towards the mountainside, we can see some agriculture terraces of the Inca empire (yes, the Incas came as south as Mendoza in Argentina!; actually, the main irrigation channel Cacique Guaymallen was built by them, and is still in use) PHOTO; Terraces of the Inca Empire. The road goes through many tunnels, and we border the Mendoza river for many miles, while we remember that this was the area where two important movies were filmed: Seven years in Tibet and Taras Bulba. PHOTO: Mendoza River After having travelled some sixty miles from the city of Mendoza, we reach the valley of Uspallata, an oasis in the middle of the desert. The village has five thousand inhabitants and is some 6,600 feet above sea level. Hotels are not quite so expensive here, and it is a very nice place to relax. PHOTO: Valley of Uspallata Some twelve miles after Uspallata we reach the historial bridge of Picheuta, which has to do with the history of the Independence of Chile and Peru, since one of the divisions of the army of General San Martin went though here. PHOTO: Historical bridge of Picheuta. It is really a reconstruction of the original bridge, constructed by the army of General San Martin on its way to Chile. In all this high mountain area it is posible to fish rainbow trout, although in this area they are not large. Larger trout are caught in Southern Mendoza in rivers Atuel and Grande. PHOTO Our next destination is Puente del Inca, a natural bridge over the De las Vacas River. Here we prefer to show to wonderful variety of colors in the mountain, although the bridge is also interesting. PHOTO: At Puente del Inca there is an artisans fare: you can see a partial view of it in the next photo. PHOTO: Then we arrive at Punta de Vacas, where there is an interesting mini-museum, the owner seems to be a blend of a hermit and a hippie... but has an excellent knowledge of the subjects he refers to. Of course, he explains everything in Spanish, from the origin of the Andes, the Army of the Andes, energy, the history of the Huarpes indians, etc. Below are the tracks of the former Transandean railway, that no longer operates... PHOTO: Punta de Vacas. The railway to Chile came through here. We are leaving the Penitentes ski center and the Aconcagua provincial park for our next note. Enjoy it. Regards from Mar del Plata. Robert Ingledew |
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Título: THE ANDES IN MENDOZA (2): UP TO THE ACONCAGUA Publicado por Roberto_Ingledew el 23.11.05 a las 11:22:28 THE ANDES IN MENDOZA: FROM PUNTA DE VACAS UP TO THE ACONCAGUA To see the photos that illustrate this note, please click here: http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=messages&tsn=119&tid=512&webtag=ab-gosoamerica I will speak for a moment of the "mini-musem" or "show" (I do not know what name to give it, but it was very interesting). The person in charge seemed a hermit or a hippie (I could not say exactly what) dressed up in a very original style, but he was well acquainted with the subjects he explained in Spanish. The "mini-museum" was a series of five small canvas tents, very well prepared for each subject. In the first room he spoke of the Army of the Andes and the strategy used by San Martin for taking the Spaniards by surprise in Chile. He divided the army in six divisions to distract the Spaniards, and then sent most of the soldiers through San Juan commanded by himself, general O´Higgins and general Las Heras. Here is a small representation of a meeting of San Martin with a messenger, which was accompanied by a recorded explanation: PHOTO There is also a very detailed graph explaining, how, how many and where the different divisions crossed the Andes, but I do not want to put too many photos in this posting. Then we went over to another room where we were explained the history of the Huarpes indians, who were pacific and did not fight against the domination of the Incas first and then the Spaniards. They were sent to work in the gold mines, where they died. Today there are no Huarpes indians left, except some mixed blood descendants, and the following picture, very well set up shows us the history, also with a recording: PHOTO Representation of a descendant of the Huarpes indians. In the following room this man explained the Seismic origin of the Andes, and the influence of the different seismic plates (African plate, Nazca plate) that originated the American continent. PHOTO The following rooms refer to prehistoric history and the future, including the energy released by minerals, with a practical demonstration. The admission only costed a dollar and a half and was money well invested. It was very interesting. We were allowed to film and take photos. Then we continued towards the Penitentes ski center, the second in importance of the Province of Mendoza. At this time of the year it was no longer operating, except for the chair lift, but the wind was strong. We would stop here on the way back to have our lunch (five dollars) To get there we crossed a number fo tunnels. From Mendoza up to the Chilean border there are some twenty tunnels. Here is one of them: PHOTO On the way to the hightest mountains, we can already see the Tolosa mount. PHOTO After reaching Las Cuevas a small abandoned town, since Custsoms and Immigration have moved to Punta de Vacas, we returned a mile and a half and visited the Aconcagua Provincial Park. Since tours are not allowed to reach the Chilean border due to ice on the road, we were granted a complimentary visit to the Horcones Lagoon, from where there is a beautiful view of the Aconcagua. We had to walk less than half a mile, but we were 12,000 feet above sea level, and walking was rather tiring... So I only went half the way, but was able to take some beautiful photos of the Aconcagua: PHOTO On the way back, we visited the Penitentes ski center, also on the mountainside. PHOTO: Los Penitentes ski center On the way back we enjoyed seeing many different colours in the mountainside. Our visit to Mendoza was really wortwhile. This one day tour cost only 18 Dollars (of course, there was no bilingual guide, if you request this tour with an English guide, the price will be higher). PHOTO: The colours in the mountainside Regards from Mar del Plata, the most important seaside vacation resort in Argentina. Robert Ingledew |
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