On the occasion of celebrating the 15th time that Argentina became champion of the Copa América, from Visit Argentina they have listed some of the 15 places that cannot be missed to meet both the travelers who come to the country and the Argentines who know little about the national sports history.
Although Argentina is a country that lives football with its heart in hand, being an inevitable passion whatever the sport, there are plenty of reasons to choose this destination as a key place to live the best adventures. In this post I will tell you what are some of the most important places in Argentina to visit if you are a sports lover.
The flavor of the barbecue, the quality of its wines and the enviable nature are just some of the impressions that appear in the traveling mind when talking about Argentina. But there is & nbsp; one & nbsp; characteristic that tops the board: the love of football. We could say that how football is lived in Argentina is not experienced anywhere else in the world.
In this country, one party defines the mood of the entire country. If you lose you cry and if you win too, but with joy. It is the home of Maradona, of Messi, of the National Team. A team that still plays with blood on its heels. He who with a ball, unites the people to the cry of a goal. The one that in 90 minutes teaches what all that is about persevere and you will succeed.
The truth is that it is not the only sport that mobilizes the country. Basketball, tennis, polo, hockey, swimming, fishing and even the Olympic Games give an account of the joy that sport provokes among Argentines. It makes sense, then, that its tourist alternatives excite the adventurer on duty. Argentina has it all: from its passionate culture to coordinates that enable extreme disciplines. The concept is simple, whoever is looking for adrenaline will find it.
15 places in Argentina for sports lovers
Boca-River Superclassic
We may not be able to classify it as a place, but it is an unmissable experience to live while passing through Argentina. Real Madrid vs Barcelona, Flamengo vs Fluminense, Liverpool vs Manchester United. Soccer crossovers are expected across the globe. Duels that stress entire countries. That divide them into teams and unite them in passion. And of course the superclassic knows all that and more. Because it is already part of national (and international) folklore. Because, even if you decide not to see it, you listen to it from whatever neighborhood. Because for a second, a goal is shouted and lamented at the very level.
A Boca-River is not compared to any other match. Even the English newspaper The Observer classified it as the most intense sporting experience in the world and one of the 50 shows you have to see before you die . In the Bombonera, in the Monumental or in Madrid, it is a meeting that infects even at least a football fan.
Rosario, the city where Messi was born
If Barcelona is proud to have signed the player with the most golden balls in history, what is left of the country that saw him born? Exactly. That is why in the Province of Santa Fe there is a 10-stop circuit that goes through the earliest years of the soccer prodigy . More precisely in Rosario, his hometown and the place where Messi is today a neighborhood kid again.
The route includes corners of all kinds: El Campito court, where he played when he was a boy; the Club Abanderado Grandoli, who was the one who discovered him when he was five years old and with an unsurpassed talent; His school and home also have a stop on the circuit. As if that were not enough, even the La Bajada neighborhood appears that, in addition to being an unmissable point of Rosario, it is where Messi lived with his family and has countless murals in his honor.
La Paternal, cradle of Maradonian love
It is the headquarters of the Argentinos Juniors football stadium, neither more nor less than the team where Diego Armando Maradona made his football debut, popularly known as “el Diez”. A temple that, incidentally, today bears his name. Is that the icon of football is the pride of the neighbors. And of course the streets of the neighborhood are flooded with street art in honor of his God. In addition, on 2257 Lascano Street is the first house he acquired when he was very young, when he left his humble home in Villa Fiorito. Today it is a museum and a tunnel in time that recalls the most important moments of the eternal idol.
Maradona needs no introduction. It is the first word a tourist says when he meets an Argentine in a foreign town. For the nation he is a God and for the rest of the world, too. Because what El Diego generates was never generated by anyone. And, although all of Buenos Aires (and the country) remembers it with nostalgia, La Paternal, in the City of Buenos Aires, has a quota of extra sentimentality.
La Bombonera in La Boca
As we mentioned before, Boca is one of the most influential teams in the country. With more than 100 years of history, it is a clear synonym of triumphs and celebrations. For this reason, the Xeneize stadium has a strong imprint on the national culture and, from now on, it is classified as a Buenos Aires classic. La Bombonera, named for its structural resemblance to a box of chocolates , is just one of the greatest symbols of the colorful La Boca neighborhood of the Argentine capital.
Visiting it is quite an experience and even more so if it is to watch a game. There is the real adrenaline. Now, if you are not lucky enough, you can always visit the Museum of the Boquense Passion, which happens to be inside the stadium.
Diving in Puerto Madryn
Patagonia is often associated with the natural beauties at the foot of the Andes Mountains. However, on the opposite side, on the immense coastline that borders the Argentine sea, there is much to see and enjoy.
It is in this area where one can come across Puerto Madryn , the National Capital of Diving in Argentina . Located in the province of Chubut, a few minutes from the incredible Valdés Peninsula (Unesco World Heritage Site), it is a thriving city, in permanent growth, with beautiful beaches and famous for being ideal for watching the southern right whale.
Once in Madryn – that’s how it is popularly known – the diving plan – and also snorkeling! – is pure fantasy come true. With the wetsuit on, the adventure plunges into blue waters, the sea lions become friends, the pirouettes come and go and the whole aquatic world becomes familiar. 100% premium experience and, of course, very Patagonian.
Trekking in El Chaltén
Walking long distances or certain areas, generally high mountains. This is how the RAE defines hiking. But, in Argentina it is not just about trekking. Well, the national formula exceeds the norm with completely amazing postcards. And it is that the magic of Patagonia, a mythical region that is home to unforgettable towns like El Chaltén, cannot be found anywhere. For this reason, fans of the world, year after year, arrive here in search of dream adventures.
The National Trekking Capital of the country has trails for all tastes and difficulties. So, if adventure tourism is a pending, El Chaltén will undoubtedly make it onto the traveling lists. The reward of choosing it is to see Mount Fitz Roy surrounded by landscapes that seem to escape fantastic canvases and paint a natural picture difficult to forget.
Recommended circuits: Laguna de los Tres, Loma del Pldamientos Tumbado and Laguna Torre . And, although this small town in Santa Cruz is already enough to move the compass of more than one tourist, only 200 km away is El Calafate, owner and headquarters of Perito Moreno, one of the largest glaciers in the world.
Golf in Termas de Río Hondo
Unique in South America and a source of pride for the entire North region. Definitely, the Termas de Río Hondo Golf Club golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II, son of the legendary American architect, has become a marvel of Sports Tourism in Argentina since its inauguration in 2018.
This remarkable site is the scene of one of the dates of the PGA Tour Latin America. And in relation to this point, it is worth mentioning the historic alliance that Argentina, through the National Institute for Tourism Promotion (INPROTUR), achieved together with the PGA Tour LA in order to promote the national tourism offer in one of the most important sports competitions. of the region.
Together with the Autodromo and the Automobile Museum, the Termas field completes a trinomial that raises the offer of the aforementioned tourist segment of the country and positions the Province of Santiago del Estero as an excellent option for travelers and international travelers who wish to visit the northernmost area of the country.
“ The sun never sets on a Robert Trent Jones golf course ” used to say the father of the creator of this fantastic Termas course. In Santiago, the energy does not go out either and it turns on at all hours.
Fishing at the End of the World
More than ten rivers, four lakes and three lagoons transform Tierra del Fuego into a great fishing destination. It is that the southernmost location in Argentina is home to the famous -and coveted- sea trout . Fish that, incidentally, can weigh up to 18 kg. What are the species around here? Brown trout, rainbow, sea run, brook and steelhead, among others. Such is its fish wealth that Fuegian water is easily postulated as one of the best areas in Latin America for the world of fishing.
The most important strategic point is to the north, in Rio Grande, which, as its name indicates, is a water mirror where the largest fish live. In addition, it is an area with a wide range of hotels and exquisite cuisine. And of course the trout is not the only maritime protagonist. Ushuaia is also known throughout the world for the quality and freshness of its spider crab. Eating it is a culinary experience straight from the ocean to the plate.
Horseback riding in Córdoba
Every equestrian follower knows that Córdoba, in the geographic heart of Argentina, has to be on his itinerary. It is that the formula of the mountain territory is infallible: inexhaustible roads, local history, fauna and the unmistakable local energy. Not to mention the roasts, the Fernets -typical elixir of these lands- and the melody of the quartet. When nothing is left out, adventure on horseback is the closest thing to perfection .
The premise of riding with the wind in the face wrapped in film landscapes is maintained throughout the territory. But what coordinates shouldn’t they skip? Pampa de Olaén, La Cumbrecita, Alta Gracia, La Cumbre and Santa Rosa de Calamuchita.
Kayak in Nahuel Huapi Lake
The color of its waves, the islands that surround it, the Andean forest, the imposing mountains. Excuses to know the Nahuel Huapi are left over and doing it on top of a pot redoubles any traveling bet . Because nothing is more beautiful than enjoying the Patagonian landscape -which in itself is a spectacle- from the inside.
We are talking about 557 km² that extend from the south of the Province of Neuquén to Bariloche in Río Negro. A curiosity? It is one of the deepest lakes in the world and the fourth largest in Argentina. Or, in other words, the aquatic paradise that adventure fans were looking for. Kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, windsurfing and even diving are some of the thousands of nautical alternatives. As for kayaking, you can rent equipment for a few hours and for the bravest, you can undertake full-day group or private trips, crossing waterfalls and hidden beaches. Of course, all tours include more than necessary pauses to admire such postcards.
Cycle down the Cuesta del Obispo in Salta
If adrenaline runs through your veins, the answer is here. It is a 40 km passage that allows tourists to discover some of the most wonderful views of the province of Salta on two wheels . Because, although it sounds incredible, it crosses simultaneously the arid plateaus of the Puna and the lush green of the Yungas jungle. Photos? In excess.
No, it does not require any physical preparation, just a great desire to admire the Argentine mountains covered with reddish vegetation at times, green and even yellow. A priceless trio. It is 10 hours of a succession of natural delusions that will make the hearts of all travelers beat. The path joins the valleys of Lerma and Calchaquí, and runs along the Escoipe River to the foot of the Cuesta del Obispo . In addition, between curve and curve, it passes through Los Cardones National Park, owner of the emblematic and homonymous landscape of Salta. It is an alternative experience that allows us to understand in first person the reason why this province is nicknamed La Linda.
Climbing on Mount Aconcagua
At 6961 meters it is the highest mountain in America and one of the most famous in the world. Enough statistics to visit the country, right? It remains in Mendoza and the truth is that its climbing is not of enormous difficulty compared to other mountain ranges but, like any adventure, it requires prior physical preparation. How demanding? It is a process similar to training to run a marathon. Progressive and, in the best of cases, having climbed lower hills previously.
There are several routes, 33 to be exact. There are simpler ones -for people without much experience- and there are exclusive ones for the true experts. In approximately 15 days, you will reach the top . The key is to undertake the journey with a specialized guide, although everything here depends on the weather. Of course, the low temperatures make the circuit more complex.
The experience is completely unique and nothing compares to seeing the orange hues of sunrise or sunset from the mountain. Another great panoramic is to admire the sky of a completely starry Mendoza. But be careful, because Aconcagua is only the tip of the iceberg. Well, the Malbec province also rejoices hearts and palates 24/7 and is the owner of the best winery in the world according to The World’s Best Vineyards: Zuccardi Valle de Uco.
Skiing in the Andes Mountains
At almost half the price of world alternatives, the Argentine hills receive amateur and experienced travelers from all over the world. Because the Albiceleste territory is much more accessible than its international partners, but not for that reason of lower quality. Furthermore, it is home to the largest ski center in South America: Cerro Catedral in Bariloche , an excellent tourist destination in Patagonia. And not everything is reduced to skiing: snowboarding, trekking, sleigh rides and climbing are more than tempting proposals for those who are passionate about adrenaline.
When it comes to snow, the season stretches from June to October. There are ski centers with between 20 and 30 slopes each, with options for all tastes and levels. Coordinates to consider: Tierra del Fuego, Mendoza, Río Negro, Neuquén, Santa Cruz and Chubut.
Sand yachting in San Juan
Sand yachting, for those who do not know it, is an exclusive sport in some landscapes because it depends 100% on weather conditions. Basically they are small cars with a sail and without an engine, since the momentum is taken from the wind in question. They can reach up to 120 km / h, not bad for raising your adrenaline pulses!
In the Province of San Juan, 25km from the town of Barreal, is Pampa del Leoncito , an Argentine legacy of millions of years with the wind as its main ally . It is a desert landscape, with eroded surfaces ideal for born adventurers. The schedule to enjoy the plan is from five in the afternoon when the windy currents rise. And the best thing is that this coordinate is on the outskirts of the homonymous National Park where, at night, you can enjoy one of the clearest and most starry skies in the country.
Polo classes in Buenos Aires
Although it is a sport that is related to the traditional Buenos Aires elite, the game was actually imported by the English who arrived in the country in the mid-19th century. The rules: coordination and horsemanship. For horse lovers, seeing it lends itself to a completely mesmerizing spectacle. In fact , in Buenos Aires the Palermo Open is organized every year, the highest inter-club competition in the world . Safety pin? Of course. And if the show is not enough, you can always take classes to improve the skills above the equines!
