About Argentina

Argentina is the second largest country in South America, containing over 1 million square miles. Culturally and ecologically speaking, it is a country of enormous diversity. Originally it was home to many indigenous people that adapted to life in vastly differing environments. Major groups included the Guaraní of the northeastern jungles, the Quechua speaking groups of the Andean northwest, the Tehuelche of the pampa and Patagonian south and the Ona of Tierra del Fuego. The Incan Empire came as far south as what is now central Argentina and integrated local people into its huge community. However, with the arrival of a second wave of strangers, the European immigrants (mainly Italian, Spanish, English, Welsh, and Ukrainian), most natives were completely displaced. Today, most Argentines live in urban areas throughout the country.

Geographers acknowledge four major physiographic provinces: the Pampas, a fertile grassland; the Andes running along the western border with Chile; the lowland north comprising both the dry Chaco area and the humid, swampy Mesopotamia; and Patagonia. Within each of these geographic provinces there is considerable variety, however. One can visit everything from the Iguazú Falls of the northeastern jungle to the glaciers and woodlands of the southwest.

Native fauna includes the puma, jaguar, Huemul deer, guanacos and vicuña, elephant seals and Right Whales. Anyone interested in bird watching will enjoy the possibilities Argentina presents where one can see toucans, flamingos, the ostrich-like rheas, penguins, and condors.

For more information on Argentina, the Lonely Planet guide is a good bet. If you prefer visuals, rent films such as The Mission or Seven Years in Tibet which were both filmed here. If you don't mind all the singing, Evita exposes a bit of history and life in Buenos Aires fairly accurately.