How To Explore Places Like Never Before: ARGENTINA

On Board the Train to the Clouds at Salta

WHAT: Originally built for economic and social reasons, the train service called Tren a Las Nubes (Train to the clouds) is now primarily of tourism value as a heritage railway.

WHERE: The train service starts at the provincial capital of Salta.

WHY: It is known as the Tren a Las Nubes because clouds can often be seen around and under the bridges and slopes of the landscape through which the railway passes. The train terminates at the giant iron viaduct La Polvorilla, which is 4200 metres above sea level – the third highest railway in the world.

HOW: Contact an Argentina Specialist at tours@compacttravels.com

VISIT: www.namasteargentina.com – Your Indian Connection to Argentina

 

All Year at the Capital of the Andean Patagonia

WHAT: San Carlos de Bariloche and the Lake Region is known as the Capital of the Andean Patagonia. The region is renowned for skiing but is also known for water sports, trekking and climbing.

WHERE: Province of Río Negro.

WHY: Truly a year-round destination, during the summer, the region is a gorgeous destination for walking, trekking and fishing and during the winter, it is home to one of the most popular ski centres in South America.

HOW: Contact an Argentina Specialist at tours@compacttravels.com

VISIT: www.namasteargentina.com – Your Indian Connection to Argentina

 

Exploring the End of the World at Ushuaia

WHAT: Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world.

WHERE: It is located on the shores of the Beagle Channel.

WHY: A visit to Ushuaia will not be complete without experiencing the Maritime Museum where you can find collections ranging from naval models to the history of Antarctic exploration – all housed in a former prison building. Ushuaia is also the gateway to Tierra del Fuego National Park and to Antarctica!

HOW: Contact an Argentina Specialist at tours@compacttravels.com

VISIT: www.namasteargentina.com – Your Indian Connection to Argentina

 

Crossing Argentina on Route 40

WHAT: The famed Route 40 is the longest and most spectacular road in Argentina.

WHERE: Running parallel to the Andes mountain range, the magical route runs along over 4900 kilometres from Cabo Virgenes in the southern Santa Cruz Province to La Quiaca in Jujuy Province in the north.

WHY: With an elevation ranging from sea level to 5000 metres, Route 40 crosses and gives access to 11 provinces, 236 bridges, 18 main rivers, 20 National Parks and Reserves, 27 Andean passes and showcases the vast palette of Argentina’s natural landscape.

HOW: Contact an Argentina Specialist at tours@compacttravels.com

VISIT: www.namasteargentina.com – Your Indian Connection to Argentina

Bella Argentina

What makes Argentina beautiful? How do you describe beauty? Bella Argentina is a visual feast inspired by the diverse cultural and natural landscapes of Argentina. From the unbridled force of the Iguazú Falls to the magnificent precision of the Tango, the beauty of Argentina awaits you in Mumbai from 26th Nov. to 2nd Dec. 2010. Email info@opportunitiestoday.co.in for venue and timings. Prize giveaways include Diesel T-shirts, cases of Malbec wine and a return ticket to Buenos Aires too!

San Telmo Market

ENERGY

The San Telmo Street Market in Buenos Aires is characterized by stall after stall of antiques, jewellry, glassware, linens, handmade crafts along the cobblestone streets – all highlighted with lively musicians and dancers.

Mate

TRADITION

Mate is prepared from infusing dried leaves of yerba mate in hot water and is served with a metal straw from a shared hollow calabash gourd. Those who share the mate are believed to be brought together by a bond of acceptance and friendship.

The Perito Moreno Glacier

MAJESTY

The Perito Moreno Glacier is located in the Los Glaciares National Park of the Argentine Patagonia. The terminus of the glacier is 5 kilometres wide, with an average height of 74 metres above the surface of the water of Lake Argentino. It is one of only a few ice fields worldwide that have withstood rising global temperatures and has continued to advance.

The tango is a social dance

PASSION

The tango is a social dance and musical genre that originated in the lower-class districts of Buenos Aires in the 1890s. Relying heavily on improvisation, the tango accentuates communication, coordination and the passion of its dancers. It is recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Treasure.

La Boca is the colourful and artistic heart of Buenos Aires.

ARTISTRY

La Boca is the colourful and artistic heart of Buenos Aires. The main pedestrian street, the Caminito, is lined with ornate houses, multi-coloured buildings, statues, fountains, street performers, dancers, musicians and art galleries.

Asado

CULTURE

Beef is a key component of Argentine cuisine. The beef is traditionally grilled on an open fire pit called an asado and is a staple of family and community gatherings.

Email info@opportunitiestoday.co.in for venue and timings of Bella Argentina in Mumbai.

Prize giveaways include Diesel T-shirts, cases of Malbec wine and a return ticket to Buenos Aires!

How To Explore Places Like Never Before: NEW ZEALAND

Experience the Bright Lights of Waitomo

Waitomo – Glowworm Caves

WHAT: Take a boat ride along the unique underground limestone formations of the Waitomo region which stand as one of New Zealand’s most inspiring natural wonders.

WHERE: The southern Waikato region of the North Island, 12 kilometres northwest of Te Kuiti.

WHY: The Waitomo glowworm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is unique to New Zealand. The spectacle of thousands of these creatures radiating their unmistakable luminescent light across a vast array of limestone which is over 30 million years old is unforgettable.

HOW: Contact a Kiwi Specialist at info@compacttravels.com

VISIT: www.namastenewzealand.com – Your Indian Connection to New Zealand

 

Walk on an Active Volcano

White Island

 

WHAT: Explore the inner crater of New Zealand’s only active marine volcano – White Island.

WHERE: 49 kilometres off the coast of Whakatane.

WHY: White Island is one of the most fascinating and accessible volcanoes on Earth. As New Zealand’s only active marine volcano, scientists worldwide are attracted by its unique features. Walking on White Island is like walking on another planet – virtually no vegetation survives the harsh acidic environment inside the crater walls. Instead, lush beds of yellow and white sulphur crystals grow amongst the hissing, steaming, bubbling landscape.

HOW: Contact a Kiwi Specialist at info@compacttravels.com

VISIT: www.namastenewzealand.com – Your Indian Connection to New Zealand

 

Watch the Sea Come to Life at Kaikoura

Humpback Whale at Kaikoura

 

WHAT: The seaside settlement of Kaikoura offers year-round viewing of magnificent creatures of the sea. Because of the abundance of plankton, the local marine habitat is popular with an array of animals, including seabirds, seals, dolphins and whales.

WHERE: Midway between Christchurch and Picton on the rugged east coast of New Zealand’s South Island.

WHY: When a mighty Sperm Whale flaps its tail at you, you will not forget it in a hurry. Also, Kaikoura’s unique combination of ocean and mountain landscapes offers stunning coastal alpine scenery and a host of eco-tourism oriented activities such as whale watching, dolphin swimming, nature walks and much more!

HOW: Contact a Kiwi Specialist at info@compacttravels.com

VISIT: www.namastenewzealand.com – Your Indian Connection to New Zealand

 

Immerse Yourself in the Heritage of a Māori Marae

Heritage of a Māori Marae

 

WHAT: In Māori society, the marae is a place where culture can be celebrated, the language can be spoken, tribal obligations can be met, customs can be debated and important ceremonies can be performed.

WHERE: In Rotorua as part of an organized tour experience.

WHY: Experiencing the hongi (formal nose-to-nose Māori greeting), seeing the deeply moving song and dance performances and eating from a traditional underground hāngi (oven) will bring you closer to New Zealand and its people.

HOW: Contact a Kiwi Specialist at info@compacttravels.com

VISIT: www.namastenewzealand.com – Your Indian Connection to New Zealand