20 Reasons To Hop On A Plane To Argentina Right Now

As if the food isn't reason enough.

1. Iguazú Falls

Via en.wikipedia.org

It borders with Brazil and contains about 275 water falls with the longest drop being 269 feet.

2. Chimichurri Sauce

Via Flickr: johnnystiletto

It's a mix of parsley, olive oil and other spices and it's slathered on meat, sandwiches or just eaten with a fresh baguette.

3. Choripan

Via en.wikipedia.org

It's chorizo (sausage) with chimichurri sauce. Simple and delicious.

4. Learn the real tango in its birthplace.

Via argentinanow.com.ar

There are several milongas (places where people can dance the tango) in Buenos Aires and even if you don't dance you can sit back and enjoy the show.

5. The wine is exceptional.

Via Twitter: @winesofarg

Malbec grapes are planted throughout Argentina but mainly in Mendoza.

6. Aconagua is the highest mountain peak in the Americas.

Via en.wikipedia.org

It's one of the Seven Summits and the second highest mountain after Mt. Everest.

7. Dulce de Leche

Via Flickr: skatzenell

It's like caramel but made with sweetened milk, commonly found in desserts including alfajores (shortbread cookies).

8. Mar de Plata

Via en.wikipedia.org

Known for its seaside beauty, Mar de Plata is the biggest beach resort in Argentina and commonly called "the happy city" for obvious reasons.

9. Meet and Greets with Wildlife at Zoo Luján in Buenos Aires

Via grindtv.com

The 37-acre zoo stirred up some controversy after videos and photos showed visitors interacting with wildlife creatures but it's without a doubt a once in a lifetime experience to get that up close and personal.

10. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Buenos Aires

Via Facebook: MNBAArgentina

It is the largest public collection of art in Latin America with more than 12,000 works.

11. Los Glaciares National Park

Via Flickr: riggott

The World Heritage Site is in the province of Santa Cruz and home to the Perito Moreno Glacier which is 19 miles in length and three miles wide. It is one of three Patagonian glaciers that is still growing.

12. Argentine Asado

Via Flickr: jesusdehesa

It's all about the beef.

13. Nahuel Huapi National Park

Via Flickr: zallio

It is the oldest and largest national park in the region with nearly 2 million acres. The neighboring town of Bariloche is considered the "Honeymoon Capital of Argentina."

14. Milanesa

Via Flickr: whereisyourtoothbrush

It's breaded meat and commonly slathered in cheese. 'Nuff said.

15. Teatro Colón

Via en.wikipedia.org

The opera house located in Buenos Aires is considered one of the best opera houses in the world with truly amazing acoustics.

16. Empanadas

Via Flickr: aok

They're stuffed with beef, chicken, cheese and ham and either fried or baked.

17. Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña

Via es.wikipedia.org

The museum focuses on Inca culture with one of the most popular exhibits being the mummified body of a child used as a sacrifice. Disturbing? Yes. Educational? Yes. The bodies were found at the peak of the volcano Llullaillaco in Salta. The museum houses about 140 artifacts found with the bodies.

18. The architecture.

Via Flickr: puroticorico

Like the Palacio Barolo inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy. There are 22 floors divided into sections representing heaven, hell, and purgatory.

19. El Ateneo bookstore

Via Flickr: 99255685@N00

It was originally a theatre and still retains the ornate design and theatre boxes. It's considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.

20. Buenos Aires Japanese Gardens

Via en.wikipedia.org

It is one of the largest Japanese botanical gardens outside of Japan.