It was only when we arrived with 3 weeks to see this land of Evita, football, parrilladas and gauchos that we realized we faced the impossible. Argentina’s attractions range from the elegant, European-style boulevards and cafes of Buenos Aires to the sub-Arctic glaciers and Andean mountains of Patagonia in the south. Distances are just enormous.

After Buenos Aires, the principal destination is Patagonia where vast national parks shelter some of the most stunning and extreme scenery in the continent, including the unimaginable glaciers of Perito Moreno, awesome Andean peaks, the marine paradise of Peninsula Valdes, and the end-of-the-world Tierra del Fuego. Bariloche, in the Patagonian Lake District, is a busy holiday resort with wooden alpine-style buildings, a beautiful lakeside location and great skiing.

One of the world's great natural wonders, the Iguazu Falls, is set within the northeast of the country, where marshes attract hundreds of bird species. The northwest is a fascinating mix of cloudforests, high Andean plateaus and deserts roamed by llamas. To the south are the verdant hills of Argentina's wine region. Most of central Argentina is pampa or cowboy country. Following the 2001 economic crisis, Argentina has become a much cheaper destination.

Buenos Aires One of the most attractive cities in Latin America. Paris-style tree-lined avenues, cafes and architecture, and the distinctive districts of gaily painted La Boca, bohemian San Telmo, home to the best tango shows in town, and upscale Recoleta where Eva Peron is buried.
.
Iguazu Falls This wonder of the world, with 275 falls plunging over a drop 80m high and 3km wide, straddles the border between Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. Its subtropical reserve has a well-designed trail system and plenty of wildlife. The most breathtaking spot is the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat). Here 14 falls combine to form the world's most powerful single waterfall.

Peninsula Valdes One of the world's most important marine reserves, in northern Patagonia. Colonies of penguins, elephant seals, sea lions, dolphins and killer whales are joined between May and December by southern right whales seeking shelter during their breeding season. Visitors can get as close as a couple of metres to a whale at this time.

Los Glaciares National Park Home to some of the most stunning scenery in South America. Perito Moreno, one of the last advancing glaciers in the world, offers an entrancing experience as massive chunks of ice calf in front of one and crash noisily into the lake. The Fitz Roy range of mountain peaks has sheer needles of rock thrusting thousands of feet into the Patagonian sky. The region is laced with lakes, hiking trails and spectacular lookout points.

The Lake District  The "Switzerland of Argentina" has magnificent lakes and densely-wooded forests in a mountainous setting with a network of accessible national parks along the western Andes. Bariloche is the region's main holiday centre and starting point for the Ruta de los Siete Lagos, one of the continent’s most scenic drives, offering superb fishing en route.

Salta Colonial capital of the beauti­ful northwest region, Salta has well-preserved architectural churchs and is starting point for visits to the nearby Quebrada del Toro, an amazing gorge cut into multicoloured rock, and the surrounding area.

Tierra del Fuego The islands at the southernmost tip of South America have long fascinated travellers. Ushuaia, marvellously situated between mountains and the sea, is the base for boat trips along the Beagle Channel and visits to historic Estancias and to nature reserves.

Mendoza  Argentina’s wine center, close to the Andes and to Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the continent, offers visits to vineyards and bodegas, and some fine restaurants.