The next big destination in Argentina: Salta and environs

What do trains, rafts, and cars have in common? They can be enjoyed from the beautiful Northern Argentine city of Salta. Located in the Lerma Valley at the foothills of the Andes, the city has been nicknamed Salta la Linda (Salta the Pretty) and features numerous attractions including the Cathedral of Salta and the departure point for the Tren de las Nubes (Train of the Clouds).

The colonial architecture and natural beauty of the surrounding landscape will immediately catch the visitors’ eye. Many churches and historical buildings exist with two of the most renowned being the Cathedral of Salta and the Church of San Francisco. They tower over adjacent buildings with their spectacular designs and display a Spanish colonial architecture (COS) with a more recent French/Italian influence (CSF).

Due to the Juramento River’s proximity, rafting tours are offered, presenting some of the magnificent scenery including fossil algae formations, the condores, and the marvelous Seven-color Hill. For those who would rather experience the desert landscape, 4x4 adventures can be taken, with one or numerous day expeditions. However, if relaxing and riding in comfort while enjoying Northern Argentina sounds better, visitors may take the Tren de las Nubes that runs 269m (434km) roundtrip, allowing visitors to take-in the landscape including the picturesque mountains and a number of tunnels and bridges. A preview at www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZW5PYC_9kw&feature=related.

Northern Argentina provides travelers with a multitude of activities and attractions that is a perfect addition to any trip to Argentina and perhaps even Chile, due to the area’s proximity to the border. If you would like to visit Salta and its surroundings, contact us contact us by email (info@latitudeworldtours.com) or call our Argentina desk (866.949.9940 x701). –Raul L.

Special pricing for small groups in Patagonia

One of my very favorite tours is our 7-day Nature's Wonders tour which focuses on the most spell-binding landscapes in Argentina's Patagonia. It's a convenient tour for many travelers, since we can run it just about any day between October - March/April and we can accommodate virtually any sized group, from one traveler to 40.

Adding to the allure of this itinerary, we now have pricing for an even more affordable version of this 7 day Patagonia adventure, starting and ending in El Calafate, which is easily reached by plane from Buenos Aires. The savings are only compounded if you have a small group, say 4 or more friends or family, traveling together. We now have special pricing for groups up to 12.

Details of the trip are right here: http://www.latitudetours.com/pages/la-7-day-natures-wonders and if you would like a quote, just drop me a line at dan@latitudeworldtours.com or better yet, call me toll-free at 866.949.9940 x701. There are never any obligations - call or email me and I'm happy to help with any questions or requests.

Mexico City Tours

We're about to launch some exciting new tour options in Mexico and in Mexico City proper - and possibly setting up a new blog on Mexico touring - but in the mean time, this article gives everyone who loves food one more reason to visit this fantastic, under-estimated destination:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123215425094092359.html

Argentine Estancias

For many of our travelers, a trip to Argentina would not be complete without a visit to an Estancia. Whether you want to just stop by for a day or relax for an entire week, an Argentinean Estancia is just the thing.

Estancias are generally 19th Century ranches that have been modernized and renovated to provide a contemporary yet traditional experience. In some instances, the ranches are styled in an English or French motif with luxuriously furnished rooms and amenities of a five star hotel; other ranches maintain a rustic design with an old-world charm.

Enticing Estancias exist throughout Argentina, including ones around Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires, Patagonia, and the Andes. The milieus of Estancias are just as varied as their locations with some having contemporary designs and others embodying an outback, cowboy feel. Visitors are encouraged to join in daily ranch activities including cattle herding and animal branding; horseback riding, excursions to view the wildlife and flora and fauna, and croquet or bocce ball are just a few of the activities offered. Each Estancia has its own unique spirit, cuisine, and entertainment, usually depending on its location (fishing near rivers, sea creature watching near the ocean, etc.).

For those who are interested in the culture and people of Argentina, or would like to visit the natural beauty of the countryside, or just want to lounge and experience Argentinean food, a visit to an Estancia makes a wonderful addition to your experience. For information abour recommended estancias, contact us by email (info@latitudeworldtours.com) or call our Argentina desk (866.949.9940 x701). –Raul L.

More on Iguazu

One of our staff also had this to share about Iguazu: the awesome views of this fall certainly rival South Africa’s Victoria Falls; every minute over 400,000 gallons of water tumble off 275 waterfalls spanning a distance of nearly two miles!Ancient Argentinean legends rumor the creation of these collective waterfalls to be derived from scandalous love triangle. The mortal fiancé of an Argentinean god chose to run away with her mortal lover and in anger the god sliced the river in two. Today the falls have kept popularity by playing key roles several movies, including the adventures of James Bond and Indiana Jones. -Jenni S.

Iguazu Primer

A great excursion to combine with whatever else you do (an extended stay in Buenos Aires, wine touring in Mendoza, trekking in Patagonia, etc. etc.), is a short 2 night jaunt up to specatcular, "wonder of the world" Iguazu Falls.

Since its European discovery in 1542, Iguazu Falls has been explored again and again and became a protected area on 1 January 1935. The Falls derive their name from the native people of the area with Iguazu literally meaning water (“I”) and big (“guazu”).

There are hundreds of falls and they extend a length of about 23km (14.26mi) from inception at the outlet of the Iguazu River on the Parana to culmination at Garganta Del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), one of the most impressive of the group with a height of 80m. Iguazu National Park and the Falls are easily visited and observed from the numerous catwalks and trails that traverse the area; the lower circuit allows for a more intimate exploration of the Falls while the upper gives the visitor a panoramic view. A beautiful catwalk at the culmination of the Falls allows for an unforgettable view of Devil’s Throat.

All of the beauty of Iguazu National Park and the Falls is just a quick one hour and fifteen minutes flight from Buenos Aires and provides for a memorable extension to a trip to Argentina. It is best to plan for a 2-night/3-day visit in order to be able to enjoy the Falls and the numerous activities throughout the park; the areas’ great hotels (St. George, 3-star; Cataratas and the Panoramic, 4-star; and the Sheraton, 5-star) make for a comfortable stay.

After visiting the Falls during the morning and early afternoon, travelers can take a one and a half hour 4X4 vehicle ride through the Jungle that gives them a view of the magnificent vegetation and wildlife with a boat ride on the Iguazu River up towards the Falls to finish off the day. If visitors would rather spend more time seeing the Jungle, they can take the Green Trail (600m) into the forest, where they will see numerous birds and wildlife and varying species of plant-life. Visitors may also ride the Train of the Jungle that runs through the forest, and due to its open wagons, allows for an interactive adventure.

Travelers leave this marvel of Argentina with memories and experiences to last a lifetime. For our help in experiencing it, contact us by email (info@latitudeworldtours.com) or call our Argentina desk (866.949.9940 x701). Online visit our Iguazu page at http://www.latitudetours.com/pages/la-3-day-iguazu-falls-extension. - Raul L.

Argentina reciprocity tax update

So far, so good. Local partners are finding that airport personnel are not asking for the tax yet, and travelers are reporting that they are not having to pay the tax, at least at the main airport in BA, Ezeiza.