Argentina

Argentina is the second largest country in South America. It is considered one of the most popular leisure destinations in the world. If Brazil attracts the lovers of sunshine, beaches and water madness, then Argentina is the paradise for fans of climbing, walking and canyoning. Tourism provides Argentina with half of the country's annual income. Argentina's biggest attractions are: La Plata Valley, monumental Iguazu waterfalls in Litoral province, active vulcanos (Ojos Del Salado, Llullaillaco, Cerro de Bonere), salt marsh (Salar de hombre Muerto, Salar del Arizaro), Uspallata- the biggest saddle in Andes and famous peaks such as Aconcagua. Argentina is also well known for its fascinating and unique architecture: Hispanic sacred buildings and Incan public utility houses. In 1981, UNESCO has placed several Incan buildings on Word Heritage List.

Scheduled program

Our first destination is Parque Nacional Torres del Paine. This mountain range is known for beautiful yet dangerous summits. Steep rocks tower over Patagonian wastelands. The area is also a home to various lakes, streams, glaciers and forests. During the five days of trekking around the massif we encounter wild animals like guanaco or pumas in their natural habitat. Then we go straight to El Calafate and then slowly move toward the entrance of Glacier National Park- Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. The trekking will last for couple of days and we will try to reach the famous peaks of Cerro Fitz Roy (3441 AMSL) and Cerro Torre (3128 AMSL) featured in the Werner Herzog's film "Cerro Torre: Schrei aus Stein"("Scream of a stone"). Afterwards we continue deep into the Los Glaciers where, in-between two major lakes Argentino and Wiedma, world's highest glacier Perito Moreno (60-70 meters) is situated. Majestic mountain gives birth to the largest river of the region- Santa Cruz. Next stop on our journey is Iguazú National Park. Iguazu waterfalls are regarded as the most beautiful in the world. They appeared in Roland Joffe`s movie "The mission" starring Robert de Niro. The waterfalls are located at the boarders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, just 18 km outside of the little town of Puerto Iguazú. Deep waters cascade down from the height of 70 meters making 275 little streams on they way. Iguazú is filled with exotic plants (over 2000 species) that include ferns, vines, orchids, palms, banana trees, bamboo and papayas. Among plants animals like jaguars, caimans, tapirs, iguanas, giant butterflies -koati, mambas, monkeys and birds (over 400 species) find shelter.

Date: January 2006
Deadline for participation: 30.11.2005
Length of the program: 3 weeks
Cost: