The motherland of tango

Argentina is the second biggest country on the continent and one of the most powerful. Argentina is considered to be the most European country in Latin America. It has attracted a lot of emigrants during the XXth century, which changed country a lot.
European influence is strongly felt in its culture, architecture and life style, but the Argentineans managed to keep its unique identity. It’s especially obvious in Argentine’s literature. The names of Jorge Luis Borges, Julio Cortazar and other Argentinean authors have become the symbols of Latin America “magic realism”.
Argentina has less ancient Indian attractions than, for example, Peru or Bolivia, but there is still a lot to see.
The capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan city, having always been the gates to the country. The citizens call themselves рortenos and are very proud of their European background. It was on the streets of Buenos Aires, tango was invented. With the population of about 11 millions, Buenos Aires is one of the largest metropolises on the earth.
Buenos Aires is relatively old city. It was founded in XIV century, but only in XIX century became the capital of Argentina.
The central street of Buenos Aires - Avenida 9 de Julio - is one of the widest streets in the world, having 18 lanes of traffic! The street received its name in honor of the date of Argentina’s independence. In the heart of the street there stands a 67-meter obelisk, which marks the centre of the city. From the observation windows on the top you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of Buenos Aires.
The Colon Theatre in Buenos Aires is one of the most important lyrical theatres in the world.
Argentina has some popular resorts – the most famous one is Mar del Plata. The resort lies on the Atlantic Coast at approximately 400 km south of Buenos Aires. Mar del Plata disposes the best beaches in South America. The nature is really beautiful there – the combination of dunes and cliffs make an unusual dramatic impression.
One of the most outstanding natural attractions in Argentina is Iguazu Falls. The waterfall is situated in two countries – Argentina and Brazil and not far from Paraguay border. This waterfall is the result of a volcanic eruption and is taller than the famous Niagara Falls and twice as wide. The water falls from the cliff about 2.5 miles long and makes some 275 individual cascades and waterfalls. The surrounding jungle is also popular place among tourists. In Iguazu National Park one can enjoy a variety of animals and birds, and the beautiful greenery.
Another natural wonder in Argentina is Patagonia, occupying the significant part of the south of the country. It’s a big region and the nature differs a lot from east to west and from north to south. The lakes and glaciers, huge penguin colony - it’s all Patagonia. The largest city and the most popular tourist destination in the region is Bariloche.
Argentina is world famous for its wines. They are produced in Mendoza province on the northwest of Argentina. This place is the gateway to the high Andes and the Chilean border. One of the biggest mountains in Argentina - Las Lenas - offers skiing and other sport activities.