Remnants of a prehistoric lake found in the wild northwest province of Jujuy, boasts one of Argentina's many natural wonders. The desert-like expanse of snow-white salt plains await you at the Salinas Grandes (the Great Salt Flats).
The Salinas Grandes are located at an altitude of 11,320 feet (3,450 meters) above sea level and cover 132 square miles (212 square kilometers). They are the third-largest salt flats in the world and among Argentina’s most impressive natural landscapes.
Besides the strikingly beautiful and bright salt plains, Salinas Grandes' most unique feature has to be the turquoise blue pools that provide lots of opportunities for creative photography. Be sure to bring your sunglasses to visit this breathtaking natural wonder.
This region is also considered home to the indigenous Kolla and Atacama peoples’ ancestral territory. They have built their lives around the region’s arid climate, harvesting salt, herding cattle and growing crops.
The salt flat’s mineral-rich fossil water, or brine, sustains the life of microorganisms whose role in the broader ecosystem is still not fully understood. It also contains lithium, a highly sought-after component of lithium-ion batteries used primarily in electric vehicles.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
January to March is the best time to see Salinas Grandes when it is flooded. During this time you can witness the mirror effect of the turquoise pools.
May to December present dry conditions, which are perfect for perspective photography.
All year around, weather conditions are best between noon and 4pm. After 4pm, it gets cold and windy in the salt flats.
Explore the breathtaking paradise of Salinas Grandes on your next visit to Argentina.
Please share your favorite destinations in Argentina by posting a comment below.
]]>Chamame Correntina from Gaucha Chica on Vimeo.
Tango aside, Argentine music is rooted in the rural dance traditions of its expansive countryside. Although chamamé is wildly different to tango in spirit, it is equally evocative and beautiful. Chamamé originates from the indigenous culture of the northeast Argentine province of Corrientes (where my gaucho grandfather and mom grew up), an area that attracted numerous Spanish and Central European settlers. These immigrants brought with them European music that merged with local music and African rhythms to create chamamé.
Chamamé is traditionally associated with village weddings and fiestas. Chamame's "countryside" origins led to snobbery about chamamé music. The music enjoyed by farm labourers, village people and migrant workers was disdained by the Argentine middle classes and Buenos Aires intellectuals, and what doesn't get heard in Buenos Aires, doesn't have much chance in getting heard either in the rest of Argentina, or abroad. So for many years, chamamé stayed a local music.
Share your favorite world music experience with us in the comments section below.
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We finally arrive after our 12 hour journey, tired from the long trip, yet excited to be in Buenos Aires again. As is customary - for as long as I can remember - there is always a welcoming mix of family and friends in the international arrivals exit at Ezeiza (Buenos Aires' International Airport) anxiously waiting to greet us. We move through customs as quickly as we can knowing everyone is on the other side of the glass doors. This trip involved ten (yes, "10") pieces of luggage (plus carry ons!) which was not much different compared to the trips we took when I was little - only today we were 6 people traveling and back then it was mostly just my mom and me with piles of luggage. Much more than we could realistically manage alone, but the baggage handlers always took care of us - and maybe even remembered us each time. Most of what we packed back then was hand me down clothing and shoes for my countless cousins and other family members who live in a very small, remote and underdeveloped pueblo in Northern Argentina called Curuzu Cuatia. This is where my gaucho grandfather is from (read more about him here) and where my mom was born as well.
On this stay, we have rented an apartment in Palermo Soho. A trendy neighborhood in Buenos Aires where we tend to like spending time because of the great mix of unique shopping, great restaurants and beautiful parks - which are all within walking distance from our apartment. One of those unique shops in Palermo belongs to Sandra Rudelir, founder and owner of Humawaca (read more about Humawaca here) - one of the great Argentine brands that I import. A visit to the Humawaca store is surely on my to do list on this trip to pick up some more inventory and check out what's new and different in the store for our upcoming spring/summer seasons back home.
Please share your Buenos Aires adventure in our comments section below.
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The town of El Calafate is comprised of a humble population of just over 25,000 residents and has a main street that stretches a mere 8 blocks. Aside from being the "base" town for dozens of extreme nature explorations in the area, the town boasts a lively rustic Patagonian atmosphere that still seems to remain somewhat under the radar. Each block filled with small local artisan stores, proud food crafters, fragrant chocolate shops and no Argentine town would be complete without its heladerias (ice cream shops!).
Since our flight got in later in the afternoon, we decided to have a traditional El Calafate dinner to top off the day, and planned to save the big glacier adventure for the next day. Our trusty 'food guide' (my husband, again!) booked us a dinner reservation at a funky local restaurant called, La Zaina which was a delicious start to our visit in El Calafate. Much like Colorado, Patagonia has a proud reputation of breeding some of the best lambs in the country that are enjoyed mainly in native stews (truco and casuelas) served on almost every menu. Each with its slight variation and twist on the traditional recipe.
La Zaina comedor in El Calafate
As a perfect ending to our first day in El Calafate, we returned to our hotel to a breathtaking sunset over the Lago Argentino. This was the best invitation to our next adventure that would take us along the Lago Argentino on our journey to Perrito Moreno the next day. Good night, El Calafate. Can't wait to see what you have in store for us tomorrow!
El Calafate sunset (view from the Hotel Esplendor above town)
Day 3 destination, Perrito Moreno!
Thanks for reading our Gaucha Travel blog! Please leave a comment or share your El Calafate experience with us below.
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A truly magnificent display of nature, Iguazu will not disappoint. The view from above the aptly named Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) pretty much sums up the immense power and magnitude of these waterfalls reaching more than 80 meters (263 feet) in height. The constant pounding of the falls creates a milky abyss shrouded with a permanent cloud of mist. Be prepared to feel the spray!
Once you've taken in the awesome views, you can hop in a chartered river boat to get up close and personal with the falls. There are boat tours for the more adventurous that will take you as close as you can get to the mesmerizing Devil's Throat...if you dare. For those looking for a tamer experience, you can navigate the warm rainforest waters while passing under some of the smaller falls and getting a refreshing splash.
It's not just about the water here, Iguazu is also an amazing rainforest preserve. The subtropical climate is home to more than 2,000 plant species, 400 bird species, 80 types of mammals and countless insects and invertebrate species. Unlike its more globally known rivals, Iguazu is set apart by its unspoiled pure nature experience. Truly worth a visit!
Please share your Iguazu adventure in our comments section below.
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The avant garde art ranges from 19th to 20th century works and also features both temporary exhibits and private collections with iconic pieces by artists such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Antonio Berni. The museum is not limited to the art within, but also throughout its surroundings. This includes the trendy cafe - Restaurante Ninina - within the glass walls (pictured above) and a bookstore worth a visit as well.
Mendoza, the heart of Argentina's wine country, boasts not only amazing landscapes, but some of the best Malbec in the world. Located on the eastern side of Mount Aconcagua [ah-con-ka-gwa] - the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, Mendoza is a oenophile's paradise with over 1,200 wineries to explore. The "land of sunshine and wine" lays claim to 70% of Argentina's wine output.
This magical destination lures international adventure travelers of all types - from hikers, to climbers, to skiers, to rafters, there is something for every taste. Head to the cosmopolitan downtown and find yourself surrounded by tree-lined streets, quaint cafes, historic plazas and world-class restaurants and spas.
If adventurous days are not on your preferred itinerary, just let yourself be embraced by all the natural wonder that surrounds this magical city.
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]]>Boasting not only the most gorgeous settings surrounded by the Andes Mountains, this lake district gem is recognized for a wealth of both winter and summer activities as well as producing Argentina's best chocolates. Now that's reason enough to visit.
Bariloche rests on the shores of the glacial lake, Lago Nahuel Huapi, with its beautiful Alpine architecture filling this destination Patagonia city. A world renowned ski destination, Bariloche is set in a landscape that offers all the natural wonders of Argentina
For many, Bariloche is synonymous with winter, snow and skiing. But, there is so much more to this quintessential Patagonian city. Each season brings with it amazing natural wonders. One must do activity is a hike or tour through Isla Victoria and El Bosque de Arrayanes (the Myrtle wood forest). This magnificent forest - said to have inspired the movie Bambi - is home to towering centuries old Myrtle trees. Their vibrant cinnamon colored bark ripples through this magical unmatched scenery.
Please share your Bariloche adventures below.
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]]>If you happen to encounter intense booming sounds and loud cheering during your visit, you have likely arrived during a "partido de futbol" at estadio La Bombonera - one of the most famous soccer stadiums in South America. This is where the famed Boca Juniors soccer team plays their home games. Warning, if you plan to attend a game, be prepared for a wild and rambunxious experience.
Just as in the many diverse neighborhoods within Buenos Aires, La Boca offers a mix of cafes, restaurants and artsy shopping for visitors to enjoy. Don't be surprised to see an impromptu tango dance on the streets where locals enjoy playing their traditional music on accordions and string instruments. The infectious energy will make you want to dance too.
You can't leave La Boca without visiting the famed centerpiece El Caminito - little walkway. A cobblestone pedestrian strip which was once a railway route. Today it is somewhat of a street museum flanked with the vibrant colors and Italian flavors originating from its strong immigrant population.
Be sure to add La Boca to your next Buenos Aires visit. However, do stay alert as you take in all that La Boca has to offer. Just as in many busy tourist destinations, it has a reputation of thieves preying on tourists who are distracted by all the stimulation surrounding them.
Please share your visit with us by leaving a comment below. Enjoy!
]]>Cordoba, the second largest city in Argentina, is the capital city of the province of Cordoba situated in the center of the country and lying on the Primero River. Recognized for its Spanish colonial architecture, it is also a city where the old truly meets the new. As home to the Manzana Jesuitica (Jesuit Block) - a 17th century complex with active cloisters, churches and the original campus of the oldest university in the country, Cordoba also boasts a large student population which gives it a very youthful vibe.
Not surprising, when the sun sets the bustling city is filled with a vibrant nightlife, theaters and museums. Dating back to the 1940's, the traditional Cuarteto music - a distinct blend of violin, piano, accordion and bass - can be heard flowing into the streets from trendy bars and clubs. Cordoba is also known for its rich leather, textile, automotive, glass and food-processing factories.
Just outside this dynamic metropolitan city, the foothills of the Cordoba Mountains meet the plains of the Pampas. Here you will find the picturesque sierras providing a calming respite ideal for hiking and horseback riding.
Cordoba is also the origin of Gaucha Chica's newest collection of home goods, Calma Cordoba Home. Sourcing and designing unique items for your home that represent the beautiful organic resources from this under-recognized Argentine region. Explore the Calma Cordoba Home collection.
Please share your Cordoba stories with us by posting a comment below.
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The Argentine gaucho way of life has existed for over three centuries. Although the authentic country life of the gaucho has changed and evolved over time, much remains the same and the gaucho is still revered as a folk hero of the endless Argentine Pampas (grasslands). Mostly of Spaniard or Spaniard/native mixed decent, the gaucho believes that solitude is the truest way of preserving the gaucho life - one of adaptation to the changing climate and landscape.
The term 'gaucho' comes from the indigenous Quechua word, "huachu," meaning orphan or homeless. It primarily aims to describe the solitary, nomadic nature of gaucho life. One thing that most gauchos will have in common is, their costume and vices. Their attire consists of leather boots with spurs, baggy trousers (bombachas) that are tucked into their boots, a wide shirt, and an ornamental woolen belt usually with an intricate clasp - to which a hand carved work knife is attached. A short vest and jacket is also worn with a neckerchief or headscarf. This is accompanied by a wide brim hat or beret, a whip, a lasso and a woolen poncho in the winter. And, when not on a horse, you can always find him with a maté in his hand sitting next to an asado.
My abuelo (grandfather) was an authentic gaucho in Corrientes, Argentina. Learn more about him in the About page of the site. Please share your gaucho stories and comments below.
]]>Vicuñas yield an intensely soft, delicate wool used for fine clothing and blankets. It has a very unique hand which is often regarded as the softest fiber in the world - vastly surpassing cashmere.
Coming close to extinction in the early 1970's, aggressive conservation efforts have helped revive the vicuña population with about 350,000 in the wild. They are, however, carefully protected by laws that restrict how and when they are sheared, and restricted from poaching.
For more information on the vicuñas and conservation efforts to help protect their existence, visit http://www.vicam.org.ar/index.html.
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Palermo is known as one of the largest barrios in the capital city that proudly spills into surrounding neighborhoods sharing its sophisticated style and contemporary mystique.
Each exclusive "sub-neighborhood" within Palermo boasts its innate style and expressive spirit. Whether in Palermo SoHo, Hollywood, Chico or Viejo, you will be dazzled by trendy shopping experiences, culinary adventures, and a historic pulse.
A must visit on your next trip to Buenos Aires, Palermo will not let you down.
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