Argentina owes its name to the silver (latin: Argentum) which Indians donated to Spanish settlers in the early sixteenth century. In 1816, when Spanish troops were forced out, Argentina became an independent state, but has been repeatedly plagued by rebellions, crises and coups. In 1826 Buenos Aires became the nation’s capital. Argentinan landscape is very diverse – 45% of the area is lowlands, such as the extremely fertile Pampas, which is one of the best natural farmlands in the world. The capital of the state – Buenos Aires – is situated on the Plain of La Plata, the largest estuary on Earth, connecting the river Parana and Uruguay into one giant estuary, defining the border between Argentina and Uruguay. Further south it is housed by the wild Patagonian Plateau, and further remote and harsh Tierra del Fuego. Along the western border stretch the majestic Andes, with its highest peak – Aconcagua (6,962 m.), which is also the highest peak in the Americas.

Argentina’s main natural resources are natural gas, crude oil, coal and the ore of many metals. Numerous crops, including cotton and oil-seeds, as well as livestock including cattle and sheep, which are a very important branch of the economy. Poles living in Argentina are estimated at more than 150 thousand people, of which the largest group is settled in the capital of the country; Buenos Aires, and have there lived for many years, among others Witold Gombrowicz. The capital of Argentina is the third largest city in South America – with the exceptions of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. There is one of the busiest streets in the world, with 16 lanes wide Avenida 9 Julio, crowned with the famous 67 meter obelisk. Visiting Buenos Aires usually begins with the oldest and most famous square, the Plaza de Mayo, the home of the Casa Rosada or Pink House, home of the president. The Municipal Museum and the National Museum of Fine Arts are worth seeing, with works by Renoir, Gauguin, Monet, and the Van Gogh Museum, Cathedral, La Recoleta cemetery or the picturesque districts featuring the incredibly colorful La Boca and San Telmo art from the eighteenth century, and the oldest church of St.. Ignatius.

A visit to Buenos Aires is the perfect greeting of Argentina, whose hidden beauty is to be sought in the far south of the continent. The unusual Patagonia invariably attracts visitors looking to reach the end of the world. With its captivating, rugged landscape, this solitary land, very close to the Antarctic region is a goal of expeditions during which you can meet ocean animals such as seals, penguins or awe-inspiring whales. Argentina is also inhabited by various species of other animals – llamas, jaguars, piranhas, toucans and hummingbirds, and the country abounds in numerous national parks. When you get to Patagonia one adventure remains: continue longer just to Tierra del Fuego, the same end of the world – literally, because here lies the southernmost city of the globe, Ushuaia Bay at the end.

Currency: Peso (ARS)