Fire land
The “Tierra del Fuego”, as Tierra del Fuego is called in Spanish, is located in the extreme south of South America and belongs to two countries: the western half belongs to Chile, the eastern half to Argentina. The country is very sparsely populated. In the south there are beautiful lakes, forests and mountains. Part of the country is a nature reserve and offers a diverse wildlife. The regional capital of Ushuaia is the departure point for cruises to Antarctica.
Buenos Aires
Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires (“good air”) is not only the country’s commercial and cultural center, but also an elegant shopping paradise. The National Art Museum, the Historical Museum and the magnificent opera house Teatro Colón are particularly worth seeing.
- Andyeducation: Introduction to education system in Argentina, including compulsory schooling and higher education.
The city underwent major modernization in the 20th century, so few significant historic buildings remain. The huge cathedral is one of the few exceptions, it was built in the 18th century . San Martín, the liberator of Argentina, is buried here.
However, the old town with its alleys and the Plaza de Mayo is preserved. The Plaza de Mayo gained sad worldwide fame thanks to the mothers who still keep silent vigil here every Thursday to commemorate their children who disappeared during the military rule . Behind the Plaza de Mayo are the Casa Rosada, the President’s pink palace, and the 18C former City Hall. North of the Plaza de Mayo is the shopping and theater district. La Boca, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, is predominantly home to descendants of Italian immigrants. One of the most interesting sights is the Museo de Bellas Artes de la Boca (Art Museum). In San Telmo, the bohemian quarter of Buenos Aires, many colonial buildings have been preserved. Cafes and a friendly atmosphere are just as much a part of the street scene here as the antiques market at the weekend. Everywhere in the city there are beautiful parks that invite you to take long walks; the botanical garden and the zoo are well worth seeing. Cicerones (Internet: www.cicerones.org.ar ) offers free city tours, also in German.
The Andes
In the Andes region, with its incomparable beauty, there are numerous national parks and a diverse animal world. Monte Cerro Chapelco Tronador and San Martín de los Andes with the Lanín National Park offer good ski slopes. A very popular place for tourists is San Carlos de Bariloche, not far from St. Martín de los Andes. Bariloche, a small, clean, European-looking town, is picturesquely situated in the mountains on a large deep blue lake. Hiking trips are worthwhile from here, e.g. B. to the 2135 m high mountain Cerro Colorado. Monte Aconcagua is not far from Mendoza, it is the highest mountain in America at almost 7000 m. The province of Mendoza is the largest wine-growing region in Argentina, 40% of the 15 million hectares are used for wine production.
The North
Córdoba is the second largest city in Argentina and the capital of the province of the same name. Construction of the cathedral began in 1697, but it was only completed in the mid-18th century. Also worth seeing is the Carmelite Convent built in the 16th century with the chapel of Saint Teresa, which also houses the Museo de Arte Religiosa (Museum of Religious Art). Salta is one of the most charming cities in the country. From Mount San Bernardo (1458 m), which can be climbed by cable car or on foot, there is a wonderful view of the city and the surrounding area. The Cathedral with its golden altar is well worth seeing. The Convent of San Bernardo has a famous wooden portal (1762). The Iglesia San Francisco is particularly beautiful, with its red, yellow and gray tower, said to be the tallest in South America, and the city’s landmark. Tucuman, “the garden of Argentina,” is set in beautiful countryside. The
city’s plazas are adorned with palm and orange trees. In the center of town stands a beautiful colonial church with a blue and white tiled dome. Excursions are worthwhile from here, e.g. B. to Cafayate. In the northeast of Argentina, on the border with Brazil in the Parque Nacional Iguazú, is home to the spectacular Iguazú Falls, best visited between August and November, when the heat and humidity are less oppressive.
