Where In The World Is Argentina?

First things first – let’s learn about Argentina’s location! Argentina is a vast country located in the southern part of South America. It is the eighth-largest country in the world and the second-largest country in South America after Brazil. The Andes Mountains and Chile border Argentina to the west, while the Atlantic Ocean borders it to the east. The interior of the country is made up of flat grasslands called the Pampas, where gauchos (or cowboys) roam.

Argentina – The Paris Of South America

There are many things Argentina is known for – its beautiful landscapes, impressive mountains, and warm-hearted people. Argentina is also famous for its delicious foods, famous wines, rich history, and unique cultural heritage. The country has a great diversity of climates and landscapes, from jungles in the north, great grass plains in the center, and frozen mountains in the south. Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, is located in Argentina!

One of the things about Argentina that makes it unique is that it is divided into four distinct regions – The Andes, the North, the Pampas, and Patagonia. The Pampas is the agricultural heartland of this great country and is home to gauchos and ranchers. Half of the country’s population lives in the area around Buenos Aires, the capital city. Buenos Aires is known as the “Paris of South America” because of the European influences that impacted its building.

To learn more about the things that Argentina is known for, keep reading!

What Makes Argentina So Unique?

Argentina’s location next to Brazil influenced its history. Spain, who was interested in colonizing the country, fought to keep the Portuguese from drifting into its boundaries. Spain’s presence in the country influenced everything from dance to farming to winemaking. Keep reading to learn five fun things about Argentina!  

• Tango – this sensuous dance originated in Buenos Aires. It is characterized by an intense, dramatized sound and performance, complex footwork, and passionate flair. The dance was forbidden in Argentina for many years, but still managed to carve out a place in Argentinian culture while winning over audiences all over the world. Tango evolved in working-class neighborhoods and with immigrants, but eventually won over even the highest classes – becoming the phenomenon we know today.
• Steak – home to Las Pampas, Argentina is a mecca for meat lovers. Ranchers in Las Pampas pride themselves on grass-fed, happy cows that in turn provide unique beef cuts cooked slowly over wood or charcoal for hours on end in a special Asado cooking technique. Argentinian steak is often served with fries on the side and is the national dish. You can find it in restaurants worldwide because it has won the hearts (and stomachs!) of so many people. Argentinian steak is often served with fries on the side and is the national dish. Pair it with an Argentinian wine, and your palate will be in heaven!
• South American Literature – One of the most unusual things about Argentina is that it has a unique and vibrant place in the world’s literature and has been central to the development of South American literature as a distinct genre. Argentina has produced famous authors such as Jorge Luis Borges, Julio Cortazar, and Ernesto Sabato. The country prides itself on its numerous bookstores. Buenos Aires has more bookstores per person than any other city in the world – some tally the count as 25 shops for every 100,000 people. One of the most famous bookstores, El Ateneo Grand Splendid, was built inside an abandoned theater!
• Wine – Argentina’s location in the foothill of the Andes mountains has made it the fifth-largest wine producer in the world today – and the largest in all of South America. Since 1990, Argentina has been a force in the wine exportation business and its wines have grown in popularity internationally. Mendoza is the largest and most successful region for viticulture in Argentina. Located east of the Andes, it accounts for 70 percent of the country’s wine production and is the sixth-largest producer of grapes in the entire world. The other three wine regions include Luján de Cuyo, the Uco Valley, and Maipu.
• Patagonia – this is the southernmost region of Argentina (and Chile). It features frozen lakes, snowy mountains, glaciers, and Antarctic evergreen trees for visitors to explore. It’s home to Tierra del Fuego, or “the end of the world;” Los Glaciares National Park, and gauchos! Visiting Patagonia means spotting penguins on Magdalena Island, visiting a cattle ranch, walking over a glacier, or hiking in the Andes Mountains! And, if you visit the coast of Patagonia, you can see elephant seals, fur seals, and even sea lions.

Don’t Cry For Me Argentina!

Argentina is one of the most interesting countries in South America to visit. Argentina’s location influences its cultural heritage and history, making it fascinating to explore. In the North, cities like Buenos Aires provide an exciting, cosmopolitan escape for visitors, while the grasslands of Patagonia host outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife viewers, and visitors interested in the region’s rural past. One of the most unique things about Argentina is how easily you can move from the bright lights of the big city to the sweeping grasslands of the Pampas – all in one unforgettable vacation!