Out-of-this-world Experiences in Argentina: Gastronomy, Destinations, and Martians

Moon-like surfaces, bright skies imposing in the depth of the night, volcanic fields, and natural wonders with spatial touches unfold across Argentina, tracing the perfect route to connect with the cosmos. The country with the End of the World already hides a mystique around its nickname. Travel to the ends of the Earth to find flashes similar to those seen through telescopes.

1) Visit Extra-terrestrial Destinations

The Royal Academy of Spanish defines extra-terrestrial as “of or from outside the Earth or its atmosphere”, but in Argentina the word takes on another meaning. What can be found outside the Earth also has its hidden counterpart in Argentinian territory. The north and south keep small glimpses of those galactic atmospheres, inaccessible to the human eye, pieces of the cosmos that are in this Latin American country. These are some of the destinations where you can have the immersive experience:

Talampaya National Park, La Rioja

Red slopes up to 150 metres high welcome curious travellers who long to discover ancient treasures in one of the most fascinating National Parks in the country. Our red desert has nothing to envy to Mars, as it has canyons, stone giants, and amazing formations shaped by the wind. Its 220,000 hectares house millions of years of anthropological history: walking through Talampaya is stepping on the same ground dinosaurs inhabited. The reddish dust stuck to the shoe soles is the reward, indicating that you have visited a unique place in the universe.

Campo de Piedra Pómez, Catamarca

A canopy of talcum powder embellished by mountains surrounding it: this could be a true description of the white spectacle that colours the province of Catamarca. At more than 3,000 metres above sea level, the Campo de Piedra Pómez is the result of a volcanic explosion that ended up sculpting rock formations in the area. Visiting it is entering a thrilling snowy labyrinth.

Los Glaciares National Park, Santa Cruz

The portrait is painted in hues of light blue that dazzle with the reflection of the sun. In fact, the whole landscape dazzles visitors with or without the help of the sun’s rays: the Patagonian contrasts also belong to another planet. The ice masses are part of the largest National Park in the country (and the world’s third-largest ice layer after the poles), with 30% of the territory covered by glaciers. The main figure of this work of art is the Perito Moreno Glacier, the area’s biggest attraction. The walkways are perfectly built and located to admire its 5-kilometre front and a phenomenon sought-after by worldwide photographers: the ice calving and its thunderous sound as ice pieces fall into Lago Argentino.

La Payunia Natural Reserve, Mendoza

Black is the main colour in this massive volcanic desert. Thousands of years ago, the eruption of volcanoes left fragmented lava, colouring Mendoza soil black and making it a must if you want to dig deep into Argentina’s extra-terrestrial side. The total number of volcanoes surrounding the area is more than 800. It is not surprising, then, that it is one of the regions of the planet with the highest density of craters. The trained eye will notice the contrast between the black of the earth, the yellow of the native flora, and the impressive blue of the sky: an extraordinary colour palette.

Salinas Grandes, Jujuy

Infinite white shades invade sights in the north. Salinas Grandes salt flat offers a pause for 525 sq. km., a pause that will live on in everyone’s memory. This is the third-largest salt flat in the world and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Argentina. The white salt depicts an endless horizon, only interrupted by paths of turquoise water, and the intense blue of the sky merging with the view.

2) Taste Local Delights

Not only the landscapes look like something from a science fiction film: gastronomy here also has its own otherworldly magic because the country with the End of the World flies the flag for its flavours. Salty, sweet, or both, the Argentinian culinary art has earned its place in worldwide tourists’ lists, and there are plenty of reasons. Now, what are the dishes worth tasting on this land?

Mate

The classic drink that is part of national folklore. It is a companion for meetings with friends and family, all-nighter study sessions, and creating new work friendships. Mate is absolutely everywhere because it means union for us. The yerba mate, its main raw material, goes inside a hollowed-out container and hot water is slowly poured, which is then sipped with a metal straw. This liquid is the most Argentinian thing ever.

Asado

Mate is the king of drinks, and asado reigns in the world of food. The ultimate goal of this Argentinian icon is very similar to that of mate: bring loved ones together to celebrate bonds and have the longest after-meal conversation in the world with anecdotes, laughter, secrets, and even tears. Everything is valid in an asado. But what is it exactly? The idea is simple: different meat cuts (mainly beef) on the grill and paired with vegetables and salads. Flank steak, skirt steak, short ribs, and loin are some of the favourites —without neglecting the previous offal stage where the choripán (a chorizo sandwich) is the main star. Yet, the heart of asado goes far beyond food itself (which, it must be said, is delicious): An asado in Argentina means sheer connection with the invited guests; it is an initiation ritual that leaves a deep mark; it is, without a doubt, the most beautiful excuse to fall in love with locals’ charms.

Empanadas

The favourite stuffing is meat, of course, but this savoury turnover has many variants, all equally delicious. Each province makes its own version, but the result is always the same. The half-moon shaped delight is a national symbol and the perfect combination of crispy pastry and native flavours.

Alfajor

It's time for a sweet treat and the winner is… El alfajor. Two dough cookies, a good amount of dulce de leche in between, and chocolate coating. It doesn't take much more to make tourists fall in love with it. There are more alternatives (fillings of mousse, jams, etc.), but the classic version can’t ever go wrong.

3) Marvel at the Martians Born in Argentinian Territory

They are Martians because their talent exceeds any human capacity; because they have marked a milestone in history; because they are references and an every-day inspiration; because Argentinians are proud of them. Our Martians know how to make a ball move on a football pitch, they have great aim when shooting baskets, they take us to parallel universes with their words, and they even lead religions that move mountains. They are unique, we take care of them, and today we’ll introduce them to you:

Leo Messi

The world’s best football player has Argentinian roots. La Pulga, as he is lovingly called, is one of the most important sport figures on the planet. His ability on the pitch calls everyone’s attention, and even though we are mere spectators who admire him from abroad, our hearts are linked. Seven Ballon d'Ors, the South American with the highest number of goals scored in a national team, and endless titles earned with the clubs that were lucky enough to have him. Messi, who works magic with his feet, but keeps being modest over the years: one of the greatest Argentinian aliens.

Manu Ginóbili

A key piece in the Argentinian Golden Generation of basketball; the generation that brought joy to thousands of Argentinians for more than 15 years, as it was one of the best teams in local sport history. The soul of the team? Manu Ginóbili, an NBA legend born in Bahía Blanca. His time in the San Antonio Spurs put him at the top of his sport career, with 1,057 games played in the NBA and a spirit distinguishing him since he was a child.

Jorge Luis Borges

The father of the Latin American novel; the writer who invites us to discover a universe that he only knows, leaving enough clues for readers to go into that non-existent space created in his stories. Mazes, games, mirrors… Borgesian literature is full of symbols and meanings that turned him into one of the most important writers of the 20th century.

Diego Armando Maradona

A legend; a particular Argentinian God; a controversial character who cheered Argentinians up countless times; a person with an unprecedented skill: Maradona is and always will be one of the most beloved and revered Argentinian. Diego’s career began in Villa Fiorito, and Argentinos Juniors football club was the first to see him work magic with the ball. Then, Boca Juniors was honoured to have him, and later, Europe saw him succeed with Barcelona FC, his adored Nápoli, and Sevilla. The mystique behind Maradona continues to be in the air in every corner of Argentina. His life on this planet has left indelible marks on our memory.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio

On March 13th, 2013, the Catholic Church appointed the first South American pope. Francis, as he chose to be called, is the first pope who doesn’t come from Europe. Argentinians’ hearts beat fast when another icon was added to the long list of locals. Modesty, commitment to dialogue, and his concern for poverty make him one of the dearest characters within the institution. His true origin? Flores neighbourhood, in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.