054-055_Argentina Comp_SO
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WIN
atripto
Argentina Argentina: vast landscapes, super-sized steaks and galloping gauchos aplenty. We’re offering you the chance to head there for the ride of your life
S
tretching from the sweltering tropics almost to the icy polar caps, it’s tricky to choose your favourite bit of this heavyweight of the southern hemisphere. From the jungle and thundering falls of Iguazú, across the eye-popping Andes to the fertile plains of the pampas, Argentina boasts an astonishing range of climates and landscapes. At the southern end of the country glacial peaks slice through Patagonia, down to the windswept island of Tierra del Fuego, where wildlife wobbles across the beaches at the end of the world. Tempted? Don’t forget the steaks that melt on your tongue, an incredible selection of wines, the foot-tapping, chest-heaving rhythms of the tango bars of Buenos Aires, and the passionate, proud locals who make a trip to Argentina so much more than just another holiday. With so much choice, where do you start? If you want to experience all this firsthand, an overland trip is the way to go – which is why Dragoman Overland has teamed up with Iberia Airlines and Destino Argentina to give one reader and their companion the chance to sample the goods. Experts in the region, they’ve picked out the best bits to create a fabulous four-week overland journey – The Gaucho Adventure (trip code TGA). But don’t panic if you can’t spare a whole month – this trip can easily be shortened to two weeks. Or extended…
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Either way, there is one special adventure that you shouldn’t miss. Learn what the gaucho lifestyle is all about on Estancia Los Potreros, a traditional ranch where the same family has farmed Aberdeen Angus cattle for four generations. Stock up on hearty food, swing your lasso and make like a gaucho as you gallop through astounding scenery on a purebred horse. Excellent teachers will show you the ropes, but there is plenty of hiking and huddling round the campfire for non-riders and saddle-sore behinds.
GALLOP INTO THE HEART OF ARGENTINA ON A GAUCHO ADVENTURE Days 1-5 Kick off in the city of Santiago then head south to sample a vintage drop or two in Chile’s fine vineyards. Sober up on a lung-pumping hike through Pucón, in the heart of the Chilean Lake District. Days 6-11 Crossing into Argentina, stock up on chocolate and leatherwear in Bariloche then head into Patagonia proper, wild camping in the dramatic glacial scenery of Los Alerces National Park. Reaching the Atlantic Coast, check out the penguin colonies at Punta Tombo Reserve then head north to watch elephant seals and sea lions loitering on the Valdéz Peninsula. Days 12-15 Head overland across the pampas to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital – packed with art, opera, architecture and invitations to tango with the colourful locals.
Days 16-22 Mingle with the gauchos of the Sierra de Córdoba, then stay on an authentic estancia to learn the ropes – riding by day and feasting by night on huge hunks of juicy steak. There is also time for hikes and bike rides, a visit to the local community project – a school for rural children – and the Jesuit ruins of San Ignacio Miní’s mission. Days 23-30 Onwards to Brazil to marvel at the mighty Iguazú Falls as you hike along the edge, from the Seven Sisters to the Devil’s Throat. Make the final journey up the Emerald Coast to Parati, where laid-back boat trips allow you to chill out before the non-stop party of Rio.
WANTTO GO? Dragoman Overland, Iberia Airlines and Destino Argentina are offering one lucky reader and their companion the chance to win this amazing trip. To enter, simply answer this question:
What type of animal is farmed on the Estancia Los Potreros?
HOWTO ENTER Log on to www.wanderlust.co.uk/argentina or send your answer on a postcard or sealed envelope to: Wanderlust (Argentina), PO Box 1832, Windsor SL4 1YT by 29 December 2006. Please remember to include your name, address, daytime telephone number and email address.
054-055_Argentina Comp_SO
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COMPETITION
Dragoman Overland
TERMS & CONDITIONS The prize consists of two places on Dragoman Overland’s The Gaucho Adventure (TGA), including international flights with Iberia Airlines and an overland tour with two Western crew across Argentina, Brazil and Chile. Airport transfers and taxes, visas and services charges, pre/post tour accommodation, immunisations and travel insurance are not included. The winners must contribute US$520 each to the group kitty (correct at time of printing). The prize must be taken before 31 December 2007 and is non-transferable (there is no cash alternative). Places on the trip are subject to availability. The winners must be over 18 and adhere to the operator’s booking conditions.
For more information on travel in Argentina, contact Destino Argentina on +54 11 4313 1900 or visit www.destinoargentina.info Dragoman Overland offers overland journeys of two to 52 weeks across Africa, Asia and Latin America. Call 01728 861133 or visit www.dragotravel.co.uk
Iberia Airlines flies twice daily between London Heathrow and Buenos Aires. For more information call 0870 609 0500 or visit www.iberiaairlines.co.uk
Please state ‘No offers’ if you would prefer not to receive info from Dragoman, Iberia Airlines and Destino Argentina by post or email.
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