Argentina: South America's Garden of Sights

Featuring stunning landscapes, some of the world's best (and most!) cosmopolitan cities, and a culture that speaks volumes for itself, Argentina is just not an unknown South American paradise any more. Going close to 3500 kms from Bolivia to the lower tip of South America, the country is almost the size of India, and has varied terrain and climates. Those who love nature can visit the Patagonian steppe, take a walk amidst thousands of penguins, climb South America's highest peak and see what can be easily referred to as the world most amazing waterfalls. The Lake District can be witnessed like none other by hiking, as the fantastic lakes and mountains covered with snow give way to nature's abode. Pantagonia's glacier-filled landscapes and the Andean deserts complete the charm of unity in diversity! However, it's not only for those who wish to go a bit offbeat in their path, as even the hardcore city lovers can get more than they asked for at Buenos Aires. One can watch fútbol (football) and be part of intriguing trivia from the land of Diego Maradona, dance the tango, or simply talk to the porteños (slang for locals). For the shopaholics, designer clothes are available at extremely affordable prices, and the night-life is rocking to the T!

Compared to the US or Europe, the country is extremely safe, as well as friendly. It recently celebrated its bicentennial in 2010, marking 200 years of independence from Spain, reflected in the renovated buildings like the Teatro Colón, which did not feature its most popular tours for two years while the renovation was taking place.

Esteros del Iberá: The wetland reserve has a multitude of bird and animal life. In fact, it is one of the best places to witness wildlife in all its fervour in the whole of South America, and despite the fact that the number of tourists have been increasing exponentially, Esteros del Iberá is relatively less populated. The village of Colonia Pellegrini, located 120 kms north-east of Mercedes, is the main base for visiting the park, and offers fantastic accommodation and trip options. The lakes are dependant on rainwater, and the reserve has more than 350 species of birds, along with thick vegetation. Coming back to the birds, there are kingfishers, hummingbirds, spoonbills, kites, parrots, vultures, different types of egret and heron (including the tiger-heron), cormorants, ducks and cardinals. A note of caution goes that the ecosystem here is very delicate, and so the environmentalists are very sensitive about the activities here.

El Chaltén: Among the more popular tourist spots of Patagonia, this small village that is soon becoming a booming place-to-be with the passage of time is located in a river valley. The main reason why there are so many tourists flocking down here are the snow-covered towers of the Fitz Roy range, that have numerous world-class camping and hiking arrangements, besides great mountain scenery.

Matrix international sim cards allow users to get up to 80% discounts on international calls to destinations around the world, and are thus the perfect communication partner in countries like Argentina.