Argentina

At Chapelco Ski Resort, near the town of San Martín de los Andes, the stunning scenery nearly outshines the thrills of the slopes. Mount Chapelco looms 6,496 feet above cerulean Lake Lácar, and many of its twenty groomed ski and snowboard trails run through tall forests of lenga (pictured above), a type of beech tree native to the southern Andes. READ MORE

Just a few miles east of the Chilean border lies the northernmost ski resort in Argentina, Penitentes. The resort encompasses 740 acres of skiable terrain, with 20 groomed trails for beginner to expert skiers. Snowboarders are welcomed at the resort, as well. From the Penitentes slopes, you will be surrounded by the High Andes—you can even spot Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere. READ MORE

Argentina is a great place to immerse yourself in Spanish and practice your language skills. There are good, affordable schools in Buenos Aires, Bariloche, and many other popular destinations where you can pick up a few basics or perfect the skills you already have in just a few classes or month-long sessions. In fact, many travelers come to Argentina for the sole purpose of learning Spanish—and why not? The cost of living is lower than in the U.S., and the immersion forces students to practice on a day-to-day basis. READ MORE

From late June to October, you can ski the southernmost resort in the entire world on Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego island, near the city of Ushuaia. Cerro Castor is the newest ski resort in Argentina. It opened six years ago, after a $10 million USD investment, and now boasts three modern ski lifts leading up to 26 groomed downhill trails. There is an onsite skiing and snowboarding school, and a network of low-level trails through the lenga forest for snowshoeing and hiking. READ MORE

Close to the city of Esquel, in Argentine Patagonia, La Hoya ski resort is famed as one of the most challenging ski destinations in all of South America. La Hoya’s advanced, off-piste runs and bowls make the perfect challenge for experienced skiers. It’s no wonder the Argentine national ski team chooses to train here. READ MORE

When most people think of Argentine wine, rich red Malbecs from the Mendoza region usually come to mind first. And rightfully so. The fertile valleys around Mendoza city, which lie in the shadow of the Andes Mountains, make for a scenic trip and produce world-renowned wines. READ MORE

The prestigious U.S. magazine Wine Spectator recently recognized more than a dozen Argentine reds for their incredible value. Nine Malbecs were selected, along with a Syrah, a Cabernet Franc, a Pinot Noir, a Bonarda, and a Tempranillo, for the publication’s list of “14 Appealing Reds for $25 or Less“. All of the wines sell for $25 USD or less per bottle and are available for purchase in the United States. READ MORE

Since the 1550′s, when Spanish colonists brought vine cuttings over to South America and began cultivation, Argentina has become the fifth largest wine producer in the world. And perhaps no two varietals have become as popular here as Malbec and Tempranillo, two bold reds that grow particularly well in Argentina’s most productive wine-growing region, Mendoza. READ MORE

Set in the eastern foothills of the Andes, with the tallest peak on the continent, Mount Aconcagua, looming on the horizon, the vineyards surrounding Mendoza are a spectacular sight, even for those who don’t care for wine.

The wine-growing regions around Mendoza city are clumped into three areas, the Uco Valley, the Luján region, and the Maipú region. Both the Uco and Luján areas are gorgeous and filled with wonderful vineyards, but since they are closest to the Andes and farthest away from Mendoza city, the best way to tour each of them is to hire a car service or take a bus tour. READ MORE

What coffee is to the U.S. and tea is to Britain, mate is to Argentina. Throughout southern South America—but especially in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay—the bitter beverage is consumed around the clock. It’s prepared by steeping the dried leaves of the yerba mate plant in a cup, usually made from a hollowed calabash gourd. Then the strong tea-like drink is sipped through a silver straw, which in Argentina is called a bombilla. Sugar or honey is sometimes added to cut down on the bitterness. READ MORE