Things to do in Argentina
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WildWings Travel
UK-based company that focuses on bird-watching and wildlife in Antarctica.
reviewed
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Walks
There are some good short walks from the village, including a popular day trek that goes up past the Cascada Escondida waterfall to Laguna Escondida. Another walk to the four waterfalls known as Cascadas Agrio starts from across the bridge at the entrance to town. The tourist office has an excellent map showing these and other walks around the area.
reviewed
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Volcán Batea Mahuida
From the top of here (2010m) you can see eight volcanoes (from Lanín to the south to Copahue to the north) in both Argentina and Chile. Inside Batea Mahuida is a small crater lake. You drive nearly to the top (summer only) and then it’s an easy two-hour walk to the summit.
reviewed
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Vía Cristi
Situated about 2km from the center of town, near the end of Av Antardida Argentina, Vía Cristi contains a collection of 22 sculptures, bas reliefs and mosaics winding its way up Cerro de la Cruz and vividly depicting the Conquest of the Desert, Mapuche Legends, Christian themes and indigenous history.
reviewed
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Vernardino Club de Mar
With unbeatable beachfront atmosphere, Vernadino is a hot spot for drinks and wok dishes. Take a seat on the patio in the early morning and you’ll feel like you’re having breakfast on the sand.
reviewed
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Vela Aventura
Offers sailboat rides around the lake. A three-hour trip costs about AR$580 for up to four people.
reviewed
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Uspallata Aventura
Uspallata Aventura offers a range of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, mountain-bike tours, rock climbing, trekking and 4WD off-roading. Prices generally run at AR$80/150 for half-/full-day trips, depending on group size. It also rents mountain bikes for AR$8 per hour.
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Trout Fishing
The area around Junín is prime country for trout-fishing, and the Río Aluminé, north of Junín, is an especially choice area. Catch-and-release is obligatory. Fishing permits are available through the tourist office.
reviewed
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Triasico Turismo
Specializes in Ischigualasto tours (AR$420, minimum two people) – come here if you’re struggling to get a group together.
reviewed
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Traditional Communities
The nearby Mapuche communities of Aigo and Salazar, on the 26km dirt road to Lago Ruca Choroi (in Parque Nacional Lanín), sell traditional weavings, araucaria pine nuts and, in summer, comidas tipicas (traditional dishes). Salazar is an easy, signposted 12km walk or bike ride out of town – just follow the river. Aigo is another 14km along.
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Touring Club
Old lore exudes from the pores of this historic confitería, from the Butch Cassidy ‘Wanted’ poster to the embossed tile ceiling and antique bar back. Even the tuxedoed waitstaff appear to be plucked from another era. Service is weak and the sandwiches are only so-so, but the ambience is one of a kind.
reviewed
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Toti López
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Tono
Specializing in regional foods and using lots of local ingredients, this place is a good bet anytime, but Thursday to Saturday nights feature live trova (folk) bands, making it even better.
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Tom Wesley Viajes de Aventura
Offers horseback riding and mountain biking. This operator has been long in the business and has an excellent reputation.
reviewed
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Tante Sara
An upscale chain in Tierra del Fuego, this nonetheless cozy spot hosts both ladies having tea and cake, and boys at the varnished bar downing beer and burgers. Salads (such as romaine, egg, blue cheese and bacon) are surprisingly good, although the service can be quite sluggish.
reviewed
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Tango y Che
With two 12-passenger boats, this owner-run tour includes a trek on Bridges Island and Beagle (what else?) beer on tap served for the cruise back to the harbor—very popular with the hostel crowd.
reviewed
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Solo Patagonia S.A.
Offers the All Glacier tour (AR$450) from Punta Bandera, visiting Glaciar Upsala, Glaciar Spegazzini and Glaciar Moreno. If icebergs are cooperating, boats may allow passengers to disembark at Bahía Onelli to walk 500m to iceberg-choked Lago Onelli, where the Onelli and Agassiz glaciers merge. Their other all-day tour, Rivers of Ice, takes in glaciers Upsala and Spegazzini (AR$295). Meals are expensive, but you can bring your own.
reviewed
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Siete Cocinas
Promising a gastronomical tour of Argentina’s seven regional cuisines, this place delivers handsomely with delicacies such as goat cheese ravioli, slow-cooked pork and Patagonian lamb-and-mushroom pie.
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Sholken
After a day in the wind and sun, this snug brewpub is a godsend. Beer is brewed onsite and the tiny kitchen churns out heaping trays of meats and cheeses and spicy beef empanadas. For vegetarians, the endive salad with walnuts, blue cheese and passionfruit dressing is excellent.
reviewed
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Ruta de los Siete Lagos
From San Martín, RN 234 follows an eminently scenic but rough, narrow and dusty route past numerous alpine lakes to Villa la Angostura. It’s known as the Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route) and its spectacular scenery has made the drive famous. Sections of the 110km route close every year due to heavy snowfalls – December to May is the best time to schedule this trip, but ask around for current conditions. Full-day tours from San Martín, Villa la Angostura and Bariloche regularly do this route, but there’s also a scheduled bus service and, with a little forward planning, it’s possible to drive/cycle it yourself.
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RoCo
On the main thoroughfare, this upscale eatery pleases with swift service and a varied menu. Start with lamb empanadas, main dishes include pasta, king crab and Patagonian lamb with fresh peas.
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Restaurante Isidro
Offers a fairly standard range of meats and pastas and some delicious meat empanadas. Also a good selection of wines from the San Juan region.
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Restaurante Costanera Hotel
Slightly formal but a good value, this crisp hotel restaurant overcomes a bland setting with good wines and satisfying dishes like grandmother’s potatoes, laced with cream and bacon.
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Resort
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