Copa America 2024: 16 sporting reasons to visit Argentina

15 July 2024

Why 16? Because 16 were the times that the National Team lifted the Copa America and, thus, became the most winning team of the tournament. Argentina is a country that lives football with its heart on its sleeve. For its 47 million inhabitants, passion is inevitable whatever the sporting subject and, therefore, we invite you to experience that feeling.

The taste of its barbecue, the quality of its wines and the enviable nature are just some of the impressions that appear in the traveler's mind when they hear about Argentina. But there is one characteristic that tops the board: the love for football. Because in the sky blue-and-white-flag territory you don't live like anywhere else. Here, one match sets the mood of the entire country. If we lose, we cry and if we win too. This is the home of Maradona, Messi, and the National Team. A team that still plays with blood on its heels. The one who unites the people with a ball, to scream altogether a goal. The one that in ninety minutes teaches what ‘persevere and you will succeed’ is all about.

And although national football is in the news around the world, it is not the only exercise that mobilizes the country. Basketball, tennis, polo, hockey, swimming, fishing and even the Olympic Games account for the joy that sports cause among Argentines. It makes sense, then, that its tourist alternatives excite the adventurer of the day. 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 here and this note is to prove it:

1- Experience the Boca-River superclassic

Real Madrid vs Barcelona, Flamengo vs Fluminense, Liverpool vs Manchester United. There are soccer encounters that are expected all over the globe. Duels that stress entire countries. That divide people into teams and unite them in passion. And of course the superclassic knows all that and more. Because it is already part of the national (and international) folklore. Because, even if you decide not to see it, you hear it from any neighborhood. Because for a second, you shout goals and moan with the same intensity.

A Boca-River match is not compared to any other match. Even the English newspaper The Observer listed it as the most powerful sporting experience in the world and one of the 50 shows you have to see before you die. At the Bombonera, at the Monumental or in Madrid, it is a match that affects even the least football fan.

2- Rosario, the city of Messi and Di María

If Barcelona is proud to have enrolled the player with the most Ballon d'Or awards in history, what is left for the country where he was born? Exactly. That is why in the Province of Santa Fe there is a circuit of ten stops that goes through the earliest years of the soccer prodigy. More precisely in Rosario, his hometown and the place where Messi today is once again a neighborhood kid.

There are corners of all kinds. El Campito field, where he played when he was a child. El Abanderado Grandoli Club, which was the one who discovered him at the age of five as an unsurpassed talent. His school and home. To La Bajada neighborhood which, in addition to being a must-see in Rosario, is where he lived with his family and has an endless number of murals in his honor.

And what about Fideo? Messi's great partner, although on the opposite side in Rosario, because the Benfica star is a fan of Rosario Central, the archrival of Newell's, the club of Leo's love. Di María was born in Rosario and started at Central, where after a handful of outstanding games he was transferred to Europe to develop his enormous professional career. His legacy in the National Team was so important as in world football, that’s why Rosario set up a Di María Circuit to tell his story.

3- A tour of its large stadiums

The Bombonera (Boca), with its mystique and unique structure, and the Monumental (River), due to its history and huge capacity, are the big stars and the most typical when visiting football stadiums in Argentina. However, there are many more!

In Córdoba, the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium is one of the largest venues in the country, with almost sixty thousand places available. Exciting duels were held in the Malvinas Argentinas field, in Mendoza, and, like the Kempes, hosted the 1978 World Cup. In Santiago del Estero, the Único Madre de Ciudades is the most modern in the country. Salta is home to Padre Martearena, another of the great venues in the north. La Pedrera, in Villa Mercedes, San Luis, also shines for its innovative structure. And that's not all: only three hundred meters away! The stadiums of Racing and Independiente are located in the city of Avellaneda, a town next to the City of Buenos Aires. Both clubs were world champions.

4- La Paternal, cradle of Maradona's love

Maradona needs no introduction. It is the first word a tourist says when he crosses paths with an Argentinian in a foreign town. For the nation he is a God and for the rest of the world, too. Because what El Diego awakens, no one else has ever awakened. And, although all of Buenos Aires (and the country) remembers him with nostalgia, La Paternal, in the City of Buenos Aires, has an extra bit of sentimentality.

It is the headquarters of the Argentinos Juniors soccer stadium, no more and no less than the team where the Diez made his debut. A temple that, by the way, today bears his name. The fact is that the icon of soccer is the pride of the neighbors. And of course, the streets of the neighborhood are flooded with street art in honor of their God. In addition, at 2257 Lascano Street there is the first house he acquired at a very young age, 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.

**5- The Bombonera in Boca neighborhood**

Boca is one of the most influential teams in the country. With more than one hundred years of history, it is a clear synonym of victories and celebrations. For this reason, the Xeneize stadium has a strong imprint on the national culture, and it is classified as a Buenos Aires classic, of course. The 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 an experience and even more so if it is to watch a game. That's where the real adrenaline is. However, if you are not lucky, you can always visit the Museum of the Passion for Boca that coincidentally is inside the stadium.

6- 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 bordering 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 the sighting of the southern right whale.

Once in Madryn, as it is popularly known, the diving plan –and also snorkeling!– is pure fantasy come true. With the wetsuit on, the adventure begins with a plunge into bluish waters, where the sea lions become friends, the pirouettes come and go and the whole aquatic world becomes familiar. A totally premium experience and, of course, very Patagonian.

7- Trekking in El Chaltén

To walk long distances or certain areas, generally high mountains. This is how the Spanish Royal Academy defines hiking. But, in Argentina it is not just about trekking. Well, the national formula exceeds the norm with completely amazing views. The magic of Patagonia, a mythical region that is home to unforgettable towns such as El Chaltén, is not found anywhere. That's why fans of the world, year after year, come here in search of dream adventures.

The country's National Trekking Capital has trails for all tastes and levels of difficulty. So, if adventure tourism happens to be a pending issue, El Chaltén will undoubtedly sneak into the travel 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 that will be etched in your mind.

Recommended circuits: the Laguna de los Tres, the Loma del Pliegue Tumbado and the Laguna Torre. And, although this small Santa Cruz village is already enough to move the compass of more than one tourist, only 200 km away is El Calafate, the home and headquarters of the Perito Moreno, one of the largest glaciers in the world.

8- Golf in Río Hondo hot springs or in Patagonia Argentina

Unique in South America and a source of pride for the entire North region. Definitely, the golf course of the Río Hondo hot springs Golf Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones II, son of the legendary American architect, became 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. Together with the race tracks and the Automobile Museum, the hot springs 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 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 doesn’t diminish either, it is turned on at all hours.

But Santiago del Estero is not the only destination: Argentina has more than 300 golf courses and Patagonia Argentina has some emblematic clubs such as the Chapelco Golf Club in Neuquén, the Llao Llao Golf in Bariloche or the Ushuaia Golf club in the city of the same name in Tierra del Fuego.

9- 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. The southernmost location in Argentina is home to the famous -and coveted- sea trout. Some fish can weigh up to 18 kg, by the way. What are the species around here? Brown trout, rainbow, sea run, brook and steelhead, among others. Such is its fish richness that the Fuegian water is easily considered as one of the best areas in Latin America for the world of fishing.

The most important strategic point is in the north, in Río Grande, where, as its name indicates, there is an aquatic mirror with the largest fish living there. In addition, it is an area with a wide range of hotels and exquisite gastronomy. And of course, trout is not the only maritime star. 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.

10- Horseback riding in Córdoba

Every equestrian follower knows that Córdoba, in the geographical heart of Argentina, has to be part of their itinerary. The formula of the mountain territory is infallible: endless roads, local history, fauna and the unmistakable local energy. Not to mention the barbecues, the Fernets -typical elixir of these lands- and the melody of the quartet. When nothing is left out, horseback riding adventure is the closest thing to perfection.

The premise of riding with the wind in your face wrapped in movie landscapes is sustained throughout the territory. But which coordinates should not be skipped? Pampa de Olaén, La Cumbrecita, Alta Gracia, La Cumbre and Santa Rosa de Calamuchita.

11- Kayaking on Lake Nahuel Huapi

The color of its waves, the islands that surround it, the Andean forest, the imposing mountains. There are plenty of excuses to visit the Nahuel Huapi and doing it on a boat doubles any travel bet. Because there is nothing 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. An interesting fact? It is one of the deepest lakes in the world and the fourth largest in Argentina. Or, in other words, it is the aquatic paradise that adventure fans are looking for. Kayaking, stand up paddle, windsurfing and even diving are some of the thousands of nautical options. As for kayaking, you can rent equipment for a few hours, while the bravest can undertake group or private full-day crossings, which pass through waterfalls and hidden beaches. Of course, all the tours include more than necessary breaks to admire the breathtaking sceneries.

**12- Bike descent 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 get to know on two wheels some of the most wonderful views of the province of Salta. Because, although it sounds incredible, it simultaneously crosses the arid plateaus of the Puna and the lush greens of the Yungas jungle. Photos? Excessively.

No, it does not require any physical preparation, just a strong wish 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 heart of all travelers beat faster. The road joins the valleys of Lerma and Calchaquí, and runs along the Escoipe River to the foot of the Cuesta del Obispo. In addition, between curves, it passes through Los Cardones National Park, owner of the emblematic and homonymous landscape of Salta. It is an alternative experience that allows you to understand first-hand the reason why this province is nicknamed La Linda.

13- Climbing on Mount Aconcagua

With 6,961 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 is in Mendoza and the truth is that climbing it is not terribly difficult compared to other mountain ranges but, like any adventure, it requires prior physical preparation. How demanding is it? It's a process similar to training to run a marathon. Progressive exercise and having climbed lower hills previously, at best, will make you fit enough to reach the top.

There are several routes, thirty-three to be precise. There are simpler ones -for people without much experience- and there are exclusive ones for true experts. In approximately fifteen days, you reach the top. The key is to undertake the journey with a specialized guide, although here everything 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 view 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 cheers hearts and palates 24/7 and owns the best winery in the world according to The World's Best Vineyards: Zuccardi Valle de Uco.

14- Skiing in the Andes Mountains

For almost half the price of the world's alternatives, the Argentine hills welcome amateur and experienced travelers from all over the world. Because this sky blue-and-white-flag territory is much more accessible than its international teammates, but not of lesser quality. On the contrary. What's more, it is home to the largest center in South America: Cerro Catedral in Bariloche, a tourist destination of excellence in Patagonia. And it's not all about skiing: snowboarding, trekking, sledding and climbing are more than tempting proposals for adrenaline enthusiasts.

As far as snow is concerned, the season stretches from June to October. There are ski centers of between twenty and thirty slopes each, with options for all tastes and levels. Coordinates to consider: Tierra del Fuego, Mendoza, Río Negro, Neuquén, Santa Cruz and Chubut.

15- Yachting in San Juan

Yachting, for those who do not know it, is a sport exclusive to some landscapes because it depends 100% on weather conditions. They are basically small cars with a sail and no engine, since the impulse is taken from the wind in question. They can reach up to 120 km/h, not bad for accelerating adrenaline pulses!

In the Province of San Juan, 25 km from the town of Barreal, there 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 time 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.

16- Polo lessons in Buenos Aires

Even though 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-nineteenth century. The rules: coordination and horsemanship. For horse lovers, seeing it lends itself to a completely mesmerizing spectacle. In fact, the Palermo Open, the highest interclub competition in the world, is organized every year in Buenos Aires. Is it unmissable? Of course. And if the show is not enough, you can always take classes to improve the skills on the equines!

Crédito foto portada: Reuters