Travel guide – the north
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Overview
Founded in 1573, Córdoba is Argentina's second largest city and although there has been massive development in recent years, much of the old colonial vestiges remain. A fine collection of churches and colonial buildings survive from this period including the 17th century Town Hall (El Cabildo), the Romanesque Iglesia Cathedral and the Jesuit Iglesia de la Compañía, the oldest surviving church in Argentina, dating from 1622. The Museo Histórico Provincial Marqués de Sobremonte is one of the most important historical museums in the country. The Jesuit influence is clear within the scenic mountain interior, which is scattered with colonial churches, hermitages and interesting towns. Many are well prepared for tourists, with hotels, restaurants and festivals keeping alive the Jesuit and gaucho traditions.
The Iguazú National Park is a huge subtropical rainforest covering 135,000 acres and is home to thousands of different species of flora and birds, including parrots and hummingbirds. It is most famous for the Iguazú Falls, declared a national Heritage site by UNESCO. The deep flowing waters of the river tumble down 275 falls, the most famous of which is Devil's Throat. On the border with Brazil, it drops 230ft (70m), almost twice the height of Niagara Falls. As well as enjoying the stunning views from the series of platforms, visitors can enjoy kayaking and other watersports on the river. The Iguazú Falls were one of the locations used for the film The Mission and, appropriately, Jesuit Mission ruins remain nearby.
The Mendoza Province rests at the foot of the Andes and is Argentina's main wine-producing region, peppered here and there with wine farms offering tours and tastings. The city of Mendoza, a low-rise city since 1861 when it was almost destroyed by an earthquake, is characterised by wide, leafy boulevards and a massive network of canals. Well worth seeing is the Enoteca Giol wine museum and if one is visiting in late February, one must not miss the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia, an annual grape-harvest festival accompanied by concerts and local celebrations. Near the border with Chile lies Mount Aconcagua. At 23,000 feet (6,900m) it is the highest mountain in the Western hemisphere.
The vast flat plains of the Pampas are Argentina's agricultural heartland and the home of the gaucho (cowboy). Lying southwest of Buenos Aires is the location of Argentina's famous beef and grain industry, the source of the country's wealth. The area is festooned with small agricultural towns, which are home to the majority of Argentina's population, but hold little to interest the tourist. There are however excursions available to different ranches during which one can enjoy a day's horseriding and feasting on 'asado'.
Climate
Argentina’s elongated geography ensures that the country has a diverse climate. The north is subtropical with rain throughout the year and is best visited between May and September when the heat and humidity is less oppressive. The south has a sub-arctic climate and is best visited in the summer (December to February). The central area is temperate, but can be hot and humid during summer and cool in winter.
Health
There is a low risk of yellow fever, cholera and malaria in some northern provinces, so it is wise to seek your doctor's advice when travelling to these areas. Water is safe to drink in major towns and cities. Medical facilities are good in the major cities. Treatment is expensive, however, and medical insurance is advised. Asthma, sinus and bronchial ailments can be aggravated by pollution in Buenos Aires. Those with specific conditions should bring a sufficient quantity of medical supplies and medicines for the trip.
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