Argentina combines the urban excitement of Buenos Aires with natural wonders

The number of visitors from the United States to Argentina has risen by 35 percent. The demand for flights between the United States and Argentina is so high that new direct flights are being added by several carriers. American Airlines added a direct route in December of last year from Chicago O'Hare to Buenos Aires and it has been travelling at capacity for almost every flight.

What makes Argentina such a tourist draw? Argentina combines the urban excitement of Buenos Aires with the chance to go skiing, fishing, and take cruises. There is adventure tourism, too, and the exchange rate ensures that people can afford such adventures. They can also afford to eat at the best restaurants and stay in very nice Buenos Aires apartments fully furnished at half of the prices of top hotels in Recoleta. Buenos Aires is a big draw because it is a European-style city that combines Spanish, French, and Italian influences in its cosmopolitan milieu.

Skiing is one of the biggest attractions for tourists. High season, June to October, coincides with North American summer. Located in the Andes mountain range, the ski resorts have modern infrastructure and professional caliber slops; they vary from very large to more personal and small. Popular ski resorts include Los Penitentes, Cerro Bayo, Cerro Catedral, and Las Lenas, to name only a few of the many.

Fishing is also extremely popular. Salmonidae can be caught in Patagonia, Dorado in more northern regions, and at least forty other species can be found across Argentina's broad geography. In many areas, catch and release fishing is mandatory, helping to sustain this kind of tourism.

Argentina was named one of the best places to golf in Latin America and the Caribbean for 2008 by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators. There are over 280 courses, many designed by famous course architects. Styles vary from English to American to Scottish and location varies too, from Buenos Aires to mountains to jungle, giving golfers a wide range of choices.

Of course, there are also Argentina's natural wonders, like Iguassu Falls and Glacier National Park. There is delicious meat that is the envy of the word, great wines, shopping centers, and activities for children as well as adults. With so many different options, it isn't surprising that Argentina has become as popular a tourist destination as it is today.