The most incredible landscapes you can see in Argentina
Argentina is probably one of the Latin American countries that most resembles Europe in terms of culture and architecture; however, in words of landscapes, they differ a lot. The expanse of Argentina’s nature is filled with the most incredible natural wonders of gigantic proportions, from the north to the south of the country.
Argentina receives millions of tourists annually, although most visit the most iconic places, such as the City of Buenos Aires, the Perito Moreno Glacier, the Iguazu Falls, etc. However, Argentina is so vast that there are many other equally fascinating places to see. One of the main reasons why most international students who wish to learn Spanish at schools like Expanish decide to come to Argentina.
Traveling through the country that is located at the end of the world, you can cross deserts of all shades of red, eternal snow on the Andean peaks, lakes of different intense colors, salt flats, forests, arid steppes, and so much more. The variety of ecosystems is impressive, as well as the fauna that inhabits each region.
It is a true paradise, especially for nature lovers and those who love intense experiences. Therefore, if you live in Argentina and you have never spent time touring its territory, if you are a foreigner, and you are on vacation in the country, or if you have traveled to take Spanish lessons Buenos Aires, in this article, we will recommend some of the most incredible places that the country hides so you can visit them as soon as you have the opportunity.
Esteros del IberĆ” (IberĆ” Wetlands)
The Esteros Del IberĆ” is not very popular among foreign tourists since, as we have mentioned, they tend to prioritize the most iconic sites. However, we recommend you visit it, and here is why.
It is a reserve home to more than 18,000 hectares of swamps in a relatively pristine state, where many animals and birds live. An ideal destination to interact with nature and observe its fauna.
The marshes and lakes of the park are fed by rainwater, so they are shallow; the thick vegetation that grows there forms floating islands that serve as home to many animals, such as capybaras and caimans, among others. The biological diversity is vibrant.
Other exciting mammals that can be found are howler monkeys (the noisiest primates in the world), the coypu, the marsh deer, the giant otter, many species of macaws, and the otter. As for the birds… there are a lot of them! There are about 400 species to be seen; among some of them, we can mention the hummingbird, the kite, the kingfisher, the parrot, the vulture, the spoonbill, the chajĆ”, and the cormorant.
One of the most common and highly populated species of bird is the Argentina dove. In fact, there are so many doves in the region that they have actually become somewhat of an issue for locals, spurring an increase in Argentina dove hunting and other population control efforts to keep their exploding populations at bay. The dove populations are now terrorizing crops, local fauna, and even other species resources!
The Andes and Aconcagua Mountains
Although the Andes Mountain Range crosses the entire country, in this case, we refer to the northern part, where the Aconcagua Provincial Park is located. 710 square kilometers of pure nature surround Mount Aconcagua, which is located 9,962 meters above sea level, making it the highest mountain in the western hemisphere.
Anyone can climb Mount Aconcagua, although it is essential to note that it requires excellent physical condition, and also, you can only climb the marked and organized circuit. The only ones who can rise to the summit freely are experienced climbers with a lot of training and preparation. They must also have a permit granted by the Ministry of Tourism of Mendoza.
Reaching the summit can be tricky, and most people do not make it and decide to turn back due to fatigue; however, the experience and the scenery you see during the hike are worth the effort.
Just a walk through the park is more than beautiful enough. You can also visit the Puente del Inca, located over the Cuevas River, one of the country’s many natural wonders. This bridge, formerly used by the Incas, has an intense orange color due to the sediments left by the sulfurous waters of the river. Currently, it is not allowed to cross the bridge because it is not known how stable its structure is; however, there is a viewpoint that will enable you to observe it from above and walk around the surrounding area.
Peninsula ValdƩs
It was declared World Heritage because it is home to many faunas, such as elephant seals and sea lions, rheas, guanacos, Magellanic penguins, and many seabirds, among others.
It is 400 kilometers of coastline in the Argentine Patagonia, which form an incredible natural sanctuary where you can observe an impressive and exceptional fauna, of which stands out the southern right whale. This species is in danger of extinction.
Between February and April, the orcas (killer whales) come to hunt their favorite prey, the sea lions. The whales travel to the peninsula (specifically to the gulfs of San JosƩ and Nuevo and to the coast of Caleta ValdƩs, where the waters are warmer) to give birth to their calves between June and December. In September, you can observe the birth of elephant seals, and you can also see the larger males fighting among themselves to protect their harem. You can also watch many colonies of penguins, which you can actually see from very close. When the whales come ashore, the penguins also nest in small caves in the rocky soil of the coast.
Away from the coast, you can visit one of the most significant continental depressions that exist in the world: La Salina Grande and La Salina Chica, which are located an astonishing 42 meters below sea level. Puerto PirƔmides is located there, a town that used to trade the salt extracted from the salt mines.
Pisces Balcony in Catamarca
A landscape characterized by its ochre colors (from the dunes and adobe), green (from the valleys), and pink (from the rhodochrosite stones). To get to the āBalcĆ³n de Piscisā, you must travel mountain roads that reach up to 4700 meters above sea level between the Andes Mountains.
You can see Laguna Celeste, Laguna Verde, Laguna Negra, and the salt flat. It really looks like a landscape from another planet.
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