In this edition of ‘Notes from the field’, our Latin-America expert Will went on an inspiring trip through Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay and shares his experience with us. Visits to these regions are often combined as they are all close together with Argentina to the west, Brazil to the north east and Uruguay to the south. The boundary between Argentina and Brazil is formed by the famous Iguazu river, which features the breathtaking Iguazu falls, a natural phenomen that you can’t miss!
Details of your favourite property and why?
My favourite accommodation was the 5 star Llao Llao Hotel in Bariloche (Argentina). This landmark hotel opened in 1940 and they added a new luxury ‘Moreno’ wing in 2007. The hotel has excellent facilities and views over two lakes – Nahuel Huapi and Moreno. I stayed in a Studio Lake Moreno Deluxe room which has amazing views of Lake Moreno (and the mountains behind) from the balcony and also from the jacuzzi. Did you know that Barack Obama and his family visited the Llao LLao Hotel in March 2016?
Llao Llao Hotel in Bariloche (Argentina)
View from balcony at Llao Llao Hotel, Barilioche
Favourite activity and why?
Taking a boat trip on Laguna Ibera in the Esteros del Ibera wetlands (Northeast Argentina). As well as being a very relaxing experience my guide was able to punt our boat through the reed beds and get us close to the wildlife, in particular the large speckled caiman.
Caiman
The scarlet headed blackbird
Favourite beach and why?
I didn’t spend much time by the coast during my trip but I liked the Praia Vermelha ‘Red Beach’ in Rio de Janeiro. Tucked away in the quiet neighborhood of Urca (below Sugarloaf Mountain), Praia Vermelha is a great place to unwind and escape the crowds.
Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio
Where you ate your best meal. What did you have?
My best meal was at the El Casco Art Hotel in Bariloche (Argentina). It was a 2 course meal that included freshly baked breads with herb butter, roast suckling pork with crackling (cut into squares), placed on a bed of couscous and served with dauphinoise potatoes (also cut into squares) and shallots. The dessert was a rich raspberry sorbet served on top of a light raspberry mousse and served with fresh blueberries. This was washed down with a nice glass of Argentinian Malbec wine. The meal was a fantastic blend of flavours which came to approximately £30.00 per person.
What was the highlight of your trip?
Iguazu Falls (Brazil & Argentina) – This is an amazing natural wonder that I would happily visit time and time again. There are many vantage points to view the falls (that are 2.7 km in length), but the view and noise of ‘La Garganta del Diablo’ the Devil’s Throat from the boardwalk on the Argentinian side will certainly take your breath away.
Iguazu Falls (Brazil & Argentina)
General feel of the areas
This trip has really opened up my eyes to the delights of Argentina – it is a wonderful country to visit. There are many beautiful places of interest to see with easy access to neighbouring countries for an extended trip.
Feeling inspired to plan your own adventure? Click here for more ideas.