Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HIKING AND CLIMBING
Argentina offers some truly marvellous
hiking possibilities, and it is still possible
to find areas where you can trek for days
without seeing a soul. Most of the best
treks are found in the national parks
- especially the ones in Patagonia - but
you can also find less-known but equally
superb options in the lands bordering the
parks. Most people head for the savage
granite spires of the Fitz Roy region
around El Chaltén, an area whose fame
has spread so rapidly over recent years
that it now holds a similar status to
Chile's renowned Torres del Paine, not far
away, and is packed in the high season
(late Dec to Feb). The other principal
trekking destination is the mountainous
area of Nahuel Huapi National Park,
which lies to the south of Bariloche,
centring on the Cerro Catedral massif
and Cerro Tronador.
For climbers , the Andes offer incredible
variety - from volcanoes to shale
summits, from the continent's loftiest
giants to some of its fiercest technical
walls. You do not have to be a technical
expert to reach the summit of some of
these and, though you must always take
preparations seriously, you can often
arrange your climb close to the date
through local agencies - though it's best
to bring as much high-quality gear with
you as you can. The climbing season is
fairly short - generally November to
March, though December to February
is the best time. The best-known, if not
the most technical, challenge is South
America's highest peak, Aconcagua
(6962m), accessed from the city of
Mendoza. In the far south are the
Fitz Roy massif and Cerro Torre,
which have few equals on the planet in
terms of sheer technical difficulty and
grandeur of scenery. On all of these
climbs, but especially those over 4000m,
you must acclimatize thoroughly, and be
fully aware of the dangers of altitude
sickness (see p.35).
1
SKIING
The main skiing months are July
and August (late July is peak season),
although in some resorts it is possible
to ski from late May to early October.
Snow conditions vary wildly from year
to year, but you can often find excellent
powder. The most prestigious resort for
downhill skiing is modern Las Leñas,
which offers the most challenging
slopes and once hosted the World Cup;
followed by the Bariloche resorts of
Cerro Catedral and Cerro Otto. These
are the longest-established in the
country and are still perhaps the classic
Patagonian ski centres, with their
wonderful panoramas of the Nahuel
Huapi region. It is also possible to ski
in Ushuaia, where you can combine the
sport with other kinds of sightseeing.
Ski gear is widely available to rent. For
updates on conditions and resorts,
check out the Andesweb website
( W andesweb.com).
COMMUNICATIONS
There are Correo Argentino post o ces
throughout the country, and you will
also come across locutorios offering postal
services and phone booths. International
post is relatively expensive and not always
reliable; use registered post if possible and
try to avoid sending items of value.
ARGENTINA ON THE NET
W turismo.gov.ar The o cial tourist website for Argentina.
W welcomeargentina.com Well-presented website about Argentina, containing information
about accommodation and activities, and detailed transport advice.
W buenosaires.gov.ar City government site for Buenos Aires, with up-to-date details on
cultural events.
W livinginargentina.com Online magazine with articles in English about Argentine culture
and travel.
W buenosairesherald.com Buenos Aires' English-language newspaper, with national and
international news updated daily.
 
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