Travel around South America is a land of endless fascination and exquisite beauty. Southern Explorations, a specialist in travel to South America, believes that now is the ideal time to explore this diverse continent.

Here are 10 good reasons to make 2010 the year you travel South America:

1. It’s Still Affordable: It used to cost much more to fly to South America than to EEUU but not anymore. Airfares from many Australia cities are comparable, and after you arrive, you’ll find hotel and meal prices mostly lower. Favorable exchange rates make 2010 the perfect time to go.
2. Safety: The last decade has seen a rising popularity of travel within the Western Hemisphere. Travelers to South America get to visit exotic lands but stay closer to home. Some of the continent’s top sights require a guide, adding an extra measure of safety as well as eliminating some of the hassles of international travel.
3. No Crazy Time Change: Traveling north and south instead of east and west means you’ll spend less of the vacation adjusting to new time zones and more time feeling like yourself.
4. Shorter Flight Times: Travelers who think they’ll only visit South America once will be pleasantly surprised to learn how close some of the continent’s top sights are to one another. Because of short distances and flight times, you can combine Machu Picchu with the Amazon or the Galapagos Islands all in one vacation.
5. Cultural Immersion: Here visitors may travel back in time to observe indigenous populations practicing the same cultural traditions as centuries ago. Ancient ruins and the well-preserved architecture of colonial cities make South America a paradise for history buffs. For those who wish to experience the continent’s emblematic dance rhythms from Bahia to Buenos Aires, it’s a festival.
6. Culinary Travel: South American cuisine is all the rage. Foodies rave about Peru’s fusion style prepared by indigenous cooking methods, the European, African and Caribbean influences in Brazilian dishes, and the French and Italian slant to Argentine cooking, not to mention the world’s most perfectly grilled steak. Divine meals paired with some of the world’s top wines from Argentina and Chile make South America a unique gastronomic adventure.
7. Something for Everyone: So vast a continent offers destinations to suit almost every traveler. From tropical beaches and rainforests to glaciers and the magnificent Andes, you’ll find a bountiful array of ways to vacation in South America.
8. “Bucket List” Sights: South America is filled with bucket list opportunities—a journey down the Amazon, observing Galapagos wildlife at close range, traveling the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, walking among the penguins of Patagonia. South America offers many once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
9. Experiential Travel: The adventure travel options are plentiful. Ride the pampas like the gauchos, sea kayak with marine wildlife, hike scenic trails, drift-snorkel, whitewater raft and surf in warm waters. With seasons opposite those of North America, you can ski in July or sunbathe in December.
10. It’s Still Off The Beaten Path: Unlike the much-traveled destinations of Western Europe, most of South America remains relatively undiscovered by tourists, making it easy to go “off the beaten path.”

GAY TRAVEL EXPO HITS SYDNEY

More than 20 travel exhibitors from places as exotic destination as South America through to Asia will bring the best travel deals to town on February 26.

The Out Gay and Lesbian Travel Expo, at the Marriott Hotel from 5.30pm, will bring together the best in gay and lesbian travel opportunities.

The man behind the expo, Out Travel’s Reece Farmilo, said it was a chance for the community to talk to supportive travel and tourism operators from around the globe.

“Out Travel has been up and running for three years, and over that period we have build strong relations with airlines, wholesalers, tour operators and hotels who are very supportive of us as a specialised gay travel company,” he said.

“We felt hosting a travel expo was a great opportunity to bring these all together in one location. ”

Farmilo said the competitive nature of the travel market made it an ideal time to plan a trip overseas.

“We have 23 exhibitors that cover most of the planet, ranging from the Americas, Asia, the Pacific and Europe, from budget to deluxe, adventure through to luxury — whatever you want,” he said.

“Now is perfect to start planning as there are so many great deals out at the moment, and with the excellent exchange rate, Europe, the UK and America are very affordable.

“On the evening we have some amazing specials for anyone attending and some fantastic prizes.”

Farmilo said most countries were open to gay and lesbian travellers and the expo would prove a good place to ask questions.

“In all my years travelling I have rarely felt uncomfortable being an openly gay man.

Obviously kissing in the middle of Tiananmen Square is probably not a great idea, but I wouldn’t pash in the middle of Martin Place either,” he said.

“Most countries are very safe for the gay traveller, and we have all the current information for our clients regarding destinations, and heaps of feedback from clients with their experiences.”

info: The Out Gay and Lesbian Travel Expo will be held at the Marriott Hotel on Friday, February 26, 5.30pm-9.30pm.

Travel to South America can neither be explained in 1 sentence nor portrayed in one traveler. Its landscapes are excitedly striking and the fauna&flora are amazingly varied. So South America is more than just a natural continent.

Travelers from Australia has increasingly become a significant source of income for many South American countries. Historical relics, architectural and natural wonders, a diverse range of foods and culture, vibrant and colorful cities, and stunning landscapes attract millions of tourists every year to South America. Some of the most visited places in the region are Machu Picchu, the Amazon Rainforest, Rio Carnivals , Salvador de Bahia, Isla Margarita, Natal, Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Angel Falls, Cuzco,  Patagonia, Cartagena and the Galápagos islands.

Galapagos Islands:

The Galapagos is a cluster of islands located to the west of Ecuador. These volcanic islands embraced the world’s most varied species of plants and animals. It has been affirmed as a World Heritage Site and it presents an astonishing marine journey. You can go underwater to find sea lions, morays, and more. As the Garden of Eden of evolution, the Galapagos Islands are glorious. The underwater volcanic configurations surface is a segregated heaven of flora and fauna. It is a one of the world’s most unique and captivating ecosystems island. Isolated from the mainland for centuries, the island is home to many exceptional species of plants and animals. Entry to the region is strongly controlled, but most visits combine a mixture of glide and walking around the islands. If you are captivated by animals, the Galapagos Islands are best to fulfill your dream.

Argentina:

Argentina is well known as the land of the immigrants. With its gorgeous landscapes, cosmopolitan cities and lively culture, Argentina is a traveler’s paradise. It stretches almost 3500 km from Bolivia to the tip of South America, covers a wide range of geography and climates, and is almost the size of India. Nature-lovers would like to climb on the Patagonia, South America’s highest peak, walk among thousands of penguins and admire the world’s most amazing waterfalls.

Its six major regions are as follows:

• Cuyo & the Andean Northwest
• Mesopotamia & the Northeast
• The Chaco
• The Pampas
• Patagonia and the Lake District
• Tierra del Fuego

Lake Titicaca:

Lake Titicaca is located on the border of Peru and Bolivia. It is 3,812 m (12,500 ft) above from sea level and volume of water making it one of the highest navigable lakes in the South America. Because of 3,200 square miles in size and up to 1,000 feet in depth, Titicaca is one of the largest, highest, and deepest lakes in the world. The lake turns on a kind of grey color in cloudy environment and when the sun sets its soft blue tone makes it truly beautiful surroundings. Lake Titicaca is well-known for its full of meaning blue beauty. Recently, a large temple was exposed inundated in the lake, adding to its secrecy and charm. The water in Lake Titicaca comes from a combination of rainfall and melts water. There are stone ruins more ancient than the stone land bridge leading out of Lake Titicaca. These shells are buried under six feet of residue on the slight foundation of Lake Titicaca. The residue contains pre-historic that is more ancient than 12, OOO B.C. sea shell vestiges. There was not sufficient loam on the peaks surrounding Lake Titicaca to have windswept down and sheltered these ancient ruins with six feet of residue.

Bolivia:

Everything in this country is the uppermost in the world. The Plurinational State of Bolivia is a landlocked country in central South America. It is bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay and Argentina to the south, and Chile and Peru to the west. Bolivia is one of the most stunning countries of South America. It will triumph over your soul and touch your heart. It’s such a travel gracious country. The thing you love will the breathtaking combination of customary and contemporary life. This gracious mountain leads from the Altiplano down to the Amazon Basin, exposing visitors to almost every kind of ecosystem, from high mountain fastnesses to deep jungle. Bolivia is the world’s highest capital, highest international airport, and highest lake, the incomparable Lake Titicaca. Whether you want to roam in the markets of La Paz, hike the ancient temples of the sacred city of Tiahuanaco, or participate in a tour to the underground lake, Bolivia travel will satisfy your nomadic recommends and place you under a perplexing spell, fascinating your mind’s eye. Bolivia will always welcome you with open arms.

Machu Picchu:

The strange Inca castle concealed deep in the green Urubamba Valley’s jungle, high on a mountain top is the most well conserved city of the great Inca Empire. A train, or the famous Inca Trail, takes you through twisting and stunning Andean scenery, following the river, and ultimately arrives at the quite contemporary town of Machu Picchu lying in a deep steep-sided valley. Buses take you up through until you reach that famous vision. You can feel the ambience marvel at the Sun Gate and awesome sight at the location and how it was built, and looks out for the legendary Condor after entering here. Most renowned architectural sites in the world, ‘The Lost City of the Incas’ has extensive been one of the foremost magnetisms for South America tramping holidays, and it definitely lives up to the excitement. Hanging on the top of an isolated mountainside, this outstandingly conserved set of ruins lay undiscovered until the beginning of the 20th century, and is perhaps the finest set of antique Inca site on the continent. When you are there, don’t forget to climb up the close proximity mountain of Huayna Picchu for some stunning views of the ruins from the top.

FESTIVAL OF WINE – Argentina & Chile

15 Day Tour – from $8999AUD (includes airfares from Sydney)
Monday 1st March: Buenos Aires
Fly Qantas Sydney to Buenos Aires. Meet & Greet at Buenos Aires Airport and transfer to Esplendor Boutique Hotel.

Tuesday 2nd March: Buenos Aires
After breakfast we have a Buenos Aires City Tour. You then have the afternoon free to explore Buenos Aires.

Wednesday 3rd March: Buenos Aires
A free day to explore Buenos Aires and then at night we have a Tango Show & Dinner at La Ventana.

Thursday 4th March: Mendoza Wine Festival
After breakfast a transfer to Santiago Airport for your flight to Mendoza. A Meet & Greet at the airport, then a transfer to Executive Park Suites.

Friday 5th March: Wine Tour – Lújan de Cuyo & La Vía Blanca
Your host picks you up from you hotel at 830am for the 90 minute drive to this relatively new and very exciting wine, nut and fruit producing valley. The views, along with the architectural splendour of some of the wineries makes the extra travel time well worth the effort.
Our first visit will be to Salentein, a concept winery famous for producing Argentina´s first high-altitude Pinot Noir.
Here you visit both the winery and their nationally acclaimed “Kilka Art Gallery”, containing permanent exhibitions of Argentine works of art from the second half of the 20th Century and an ever-changing exhibit of up-and-coming artists and their work.
Following this we visit Benvenutio De La Serna, a boutique Argentine-owned winery producing single estate wines.
Their excellent Sangiovese portrays their Italian roots and they also produce a delicious Viognier. Here we enjoy a
tasting in their garden under a canopy of trees surrounded by vineyards.
Next we travel just 3 miles further on and arrive at O.Fournier, a brand new Spanish owned winery, with sister operations in both Spain and Chile. From a distance this incredible building has been described as looking like a “NASA facility”, whilst inside it could be mistaken for a space-age movie set. A huge barrel cellar, unique conical fermentation tanks, a roof that looks like a launch pad, high point scoring Tempranillo blends and a true gravity operation make this a visit not to be missed. Here we will have a five course Spanish theme lunch, accompanied by
their wines including the A Cruz.
In the evening we will watch La Via Blanca from the Plaza Independencia. It is an extremely colourful parade of all the floats, each one carrying one of the Queens. Lots of music, fresh fruits, ingenious decor and tremendous partisan enthusiasm for ones favourite beauty. Your host will be on-hand to explain and translate. Transfer back to your  hotel.

Saturday 6th March: El Carousel & Central Act Your host meets you in the hotel after breakfast to watch “The Carousel”, where a procession of very decorative horse drawn carriages, regional bands playing very traditional music, dancers and the famous “Gauchos” (cowboys)
pass by within easy reach.
Back to your hotel for a “siesta” before your host picks you up again at 8.30pm for the short ride up into the park  and the 25,000 seat Greek style amphitheatre, where in reserved seats we will watch the spectacular “ Central Act”, an extravaganza of dance, music, folklore, awesome choreography, clever visual effects and the crowning of “The Queen”. The show is enhanced by laser lights bouncing off the surrounding hills, great special effects and fireworks in abundance. Your host will bring light snacks, wine and water. We will get you back to your hotel by 3am.
Sunday 7th March: Winery Tour – Lùjan de Cuyo
Your host picks you up from your hotel at 11.30am to visit one of our best wineries in the country. This region is considered to be the very home of Malbec, particularly the sub-regions of Agrelo and Perdriel, where the cost of land equates to the quality of the grapes. These two sub-regions epitomise “Terroir” made for the Malbec grape.
Winery Hacienda Del Plata continues to play an important role in Mendoza´s wine history. Founded in the 18th Century the then estancia was known as La Estancia San Ignacio de la Familia González. It has taken generations of hard and intensive labor on the barren desert land that surrounds the estancia to cultivate it and produce outstanding Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. The visit includes a fabulous tasting from barrels and bottles, and a very informative stroll through the vineyard. Before sitting down to enjoy an Asado (traditional Argentine BBQ) in
the gardens. We conclude the day with a visit to ALTA VISTA , a one hundred year old winery started by Spaniards,
but now owned by a very progressive French family. They specialize in “Terroir Expressión” whereby they produce
several single vineyard Malbecs, all scoring very high points. Here we will taste three wines, starting with their
Torrontés and finishing with their Grand Reserve, both gold medal winning wines.

Monday 8th March: Santiago
After breakfast a transfer from Executive Park Suites to Mendoza Airport for your flight to Santiago. A Meet & Greet
at the Airport and then a transfer to Hotel Kennedy.

Tuesday 9th March: Vina del Mar
After breakfast a transfer from Hotel Kennedy Santiago to Sheraton Miramar Vina del Mar
Wednesday 10th March: Vina del Mar

Free Day to explore Vina del Mar.
Thursday 11th March: Santiago
After breakfast you have the morning free before a transfer from Sheraton Miramar to Hotel Kennedy Santiago.
Friday 12th March: Maipo Valley & Concha Y Toro Winery
The Maipo valley is known worldwide as the best valley for Cabernet Sauvignons. Concha y Toro vineyard is located in this valley. In this tour you’ll taste its wines and explore its warehouses. This tour starts from your hotel in Santiago towards Maipo valley, located 45 minutes south of the city. The visit begins in Don Melchor plaza where the guests will be received sincerely by a bilingual guide, whom will invite you to enjoy a panoramic visit of the vineyard, accompanied by a white wine, so that you can be appreciate the aromas and flavours that arise step by step in this centennial warehouse. With the cup in hand, the visitor participates in a long walk by the old park appreciating the large house of Pirque, residence of Concha y Toro family. This great wine company began more than 100 years ago.
In the vineyards of Pirque you will be able to learn about how the grapevines development, the cultural and
technological handling that is responsible for a yield of first quality wine. Once in the warehouse we’ll be able to
taste an excellent merlot stock wine, Casillero del Diablo, while the guide shows and explains the methodology and
materials used in the production of the wine. After this tour we return to Hotel Kennedy.
Saturday 13th March: Wine Train to Santa Cruz
The tour starts with a transfer 815am from Santiago to San Fernando (140kms to the south). Once there, we will board the Tren del Vino (130am) on a 20 minute ride to the Paniahue Station in Santa Cruz along the main vineyards of the Colchagua valley. During the ride, we will enjoy an exquisite wine tasting of red and white wines accompanied by a selection of assorted cheeses while listening to a typical Chilean folk musician. There will also be bilingual
Spanish /English narration of the trip. From Santa Cruz station – where guests are welcomed by a young folk music group – we will go directly on a visit to a vineyard in the valley where we will go deeper in the fascinating world of wine, learning about its making and some tasting techniques at the very source. A typical chilean lunch will then be served at the same place. After lunch we will go to a vineyard at Cachapoal Valley with wine tasting. At approximately 8pm we return to the Santa Cruz Hotel for an included dinner.

Sunday 14th March: Buenos Aires
After breakfast we visit the Colchagua Museum. We then have a prívate transfer back to Santiago Airport where you will catch your flight to Buneos Aires. On arrival a transfer Esplendor Boutique Hotel.

Monday 15th March: End of Tour
After breakfast a transfer to Buenos Aires Airport for your flight back to Sydney.
Inclusions:
Qantas International Airfares from Sydney inc taxes
South American Airfares inc taxes
14 nights accommodation at 4 & 5 star hotels
Private Airport Transfers
English Speaking Local Guides
Winery Tours as per itinerary
Mendoza Wine Festival Program
Wine Train to Santa Cruz
Breakfast Daily
3 Lunches
2 Dinners
24hr contact with Real South America office in Buenos Aires & Sydne

Eco Travel or Ecotourism in South America and around the world has become an important part of the tourism industry. Some people choose to take part in eco tours due to their environmental consciousness and love of nature and / or to be immersed in another countries culture. South America is home to 12 independent countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.

There are countless ‘must see’ adventures and activities to experience and enjoy, we have endeavoured to list a mere few of these ‘must see’ places and highly recommend you purchase a travel guide book or spend time reading travel reviews online and talking to people who have been to South America, to help give you a general guide of where to go and what to do. Alternatively, you may be booking through a travel company who offer specialist eco tours and have a set itinerary of popular tourist ‘must see’ places.

The Amazon Rainforest

The world’s biggest rainforest known as the Amazon Rainforest or Amazonia resides in South America with the majority of the forest contained within Brazil. This amazing region includes territory belonging to nine nations and represents over half of our planets remaining rainforests. The Amazon is the most species-rich tract of tropical rainforest in the world, a feature truly appreciated by nature enthusiasts. There are numerous tour and expedition operators’ available offering adventure travelers unique experiences that take them deep into the Amazon jungle, far from civilization. Cruise the Amazon River, take part in piranha fishing and bird watching, go on unforgettable jungle treks and explore flooded jungle.

The Andes Mountain Ranges

Situated along the west coast of the continent, these outstanding ranges stretch 4,500 miles from north to south, making them the longest and one of the highest mountain ranges in the world. The Andres are made up of three natural regions, each with differing climates. Outdoor adventure lovers will adore this natural playground. Take part in guided treks or horseback tours that encounter forests, canyons, archaeological sites, waterfalls and lagoons.

The Icy Landscapes and Wildlife of Patagonia

Patagonia is located in the southernmost portion of South America. Beautiful glaciers, lakes, National Parks and Reserves make up the Patagonia landscape. Wildlife lovers will appreciate the infinite number of sea birds, seals, sea lions, whales and last but not least, the natural observatory at Port Madryn which has the largest colony of penguins in the region.

The Angel Falls, Venezuela

This astounding work of nature is the world’s tallest waterfall measuring 979m in height. The Angel Falls can be found in the Canaima National Park in the Gran Sabana region of Bolivar State, Venezuela. Take in the magnificence of the falls with either a canoe or motorized boat tour or alternatively by helicopter or plane trip. If travelling during the rainy season of June – October you will see the Angel Falls in all its grandeur. The effect is simply not the same during the dry season of January to April.

This remarkable continent offers a diverse range of breathtaking natural geographic & wildlife eco travel adventure tours and attractions. Deciding which countries and regions to explore will require a lot of thought as each has something unique and wonderful to offer.

The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes os Santiago de Chile (MNBA) enhanced its museum experience for visitors this week with the use of six different audioguides.  Unlike typical museum audioguides, which narrate works on display, the MNBA guides do not relate to specific exhibitions.

Bellas Artes Chile

The six distinct musical recordings and narrations add another dimension to the museum experience, allowing visitors to “interact with the space and the museum itself,” said lead museum curator Leonor Castaneda. “The idea is to involve different senses for the audience that go beyond just the visual experience.”

The Sebastiana in Valparaiso — a Pablo Neruda home-turned-museum — also offers audioguides to visitors in a variety of languages.  These guides, available in English and other languages, walk visitors through each floor, explaining the origins and significance of Neruda’s collected treasures.

The public can download MP3s of all six new MNBA audio mp3 recordings, which last no longer than 20 minutes each, online at www.exponauta.cl.

SOURCES: LA TERCERA

As you know, Flickr is the best way to the seek pictures. The collection of Travel Brazil contains 61 albums with photos of the country.

1. transparent waters in Boipeba, Salvador de Bahia

2. Sancho beach in Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

3. Bainema beach in Boipeba, Bahia

4. Church of St Francis of Assisi in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais

5. turtle seen snorkeling in Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

6. Christ Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro (this is an old shot I only processed in 2009)

7. Sunset at the Praia do Forte, Bahia

8. Meeting of the waters, near Manaus, Amazon

9. National Congress, Brasilia

10. Mercado Central, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais

From safaris through Amazonas to boat rides down the Rio Bio Bio in Chile, Australian travellers are more intrepid than ever, trading traditional holiday destinations for adventures in the far reaches of South America.

According to figures released by online travel agency Real South America, the top south america holiday spots for 2010 are Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Machu Pichu in Peru. The figures are based on the website’s bookings in 2009 and inquiries for 2010 and reveal a gravitation to destinations off the beaten track.

Tours a Machu Picchu Peru

There has been increased interest in Argentina (25 per cent) and Brazil (18 per cent), Peru (15 per cent) and a 15 per cent increase in interest in Chile.

In 2008/09, 63,000 people had visited Mexico and Central and Travel South America, up from 32,000 in 2000/01.

Visiting South America is an exciting prospect with it’s vibrant, unique culture, the music, dancing and great beaches. The continent has some of the worlds most exciting cities, rainforests, jungles and mountains.

Rio de Janeiro

Every day feels like a carnival in Rio de Janeiro, you are never far from the pulse of the samba. Situated between glorious beaches and lush mountains it’s a perfect place for a lively holiday.

Weather

The weather never gets cold in Rio, the rainy season is from October to January and temperatures can drop to 23C. The humid climate reaches 28C in the summer.

Transport: how to get there and around

The airport in Rio serves flights from all of Latin America, Brazil, and beyond. Long distance buses depart from Novo Rio Rodoviaria.

Getting around the city can be a little uncomfortable on the often crowded buses. For a cooler option try the air-conditioned subway which covers part of the city.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Rio de Janeiro.

Attractions & Events

*Unforgettable Costumes, dancing and body painting are paraded through the streets for the famous 5 day Carnaval. This event starts on the Friday before Ash Wednesday.

* Throughout June is the Fiestas Junina, which takes place in public squares in the city.

*Festa de NS da Gloria do Outeiro is celebrated with street parades and stalls on 15 August.

*Each Sunday in October the religious festival Festa da Penha takes place.

São Paulo

São Paulo is Brazils largest and most cosmopolitan city. There are many attractions for the visitor to enjoy including the art and culture, fine restaurants and pulsating nightlife.

Transport: how to get there and around

There are three airports in São Paulo. Congonhas for domestic and Sao Paulo/ Guarulhos both for domestic and international flights.

To avoid the congested streets the subway is a great option. There is a bus service but this can be crowded and uncomfortable.

Weather

The city receives most rain during the summer months, although generally the weather is sunny and warm all year.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Sao Paulo.

ttractions & Events

*In June the hot fashions are on show during São Paulo’s Fashion Week, the same month brings the huge gay celebration Gay Pride.

*In October sports fan can enjoy the Brazilian F1 Grand Prix

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires has an old style European feel with its boulevards, café’s and architecture. But you’ll quickly find it also has a trendy chic side and a population that makes flair into an art form. And as home of the tango, the city has an irresistible allure.

Transport: how to get there and around

The city’s two airports known as Ezeiza & Aeroparque serve as an important hub for the southern region of South America. There is a bus service which connects the city with both airports.

The efficient underground called Subte makes traveling around the city easy. You can also use the bus service 24 hours a day. Most of the tourist attractions are situated close to one another so walking is also an option.

Weather

The best time to visit is during Spring and Autumn as the summer can be scorching up to 40C and the winters are cold. You will see some rain although its not generally heavy.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Buenos Aires.

Attractions & Events

*Dancing is a popular celebration, the Buenos Aires Tango festival is held during February and March.

* To celebrate Latin American literature the book fair The Feria del Libro takes place every April.

*

The nearly 420 vehicles competing in the 2th annual Argentina and Chile round of the famous Dakar rally, considered to be the world’s most dangerous. The race moved from its traditional location in West Africa in due to political instability in 2008.