CRUISING BETWEEN BUENOS AIRES AND VALPARAISO: A Traveler's Companion Edition Revised 2016 (Traveler's Companion Series 2)

This is a revised edition of one of my most popular travel companion books. One of the most spectacular locations in which to cruise is around the lower portion of South America. Cruises begin in either Buenos Aires, Argentina westbound or Valparaiso, Chile eastbound and last around two weeks to 16 days. The spectacular scenery of snow covered mountains, many of them steep volcanic cones, rich forests of southern beech and crystal blue waters makes this one of the world's last unspoiled wilderness regions. Towns are few and far apart, but those that are visited exude an atmosphere that is a mix of frontier spirit with Old World charm. Although the countries are of Spanish origin, many settlers in these far southern reaches came from Germany, Wales, Ireland and other central European countries. They found a land that although harsh and remote it reminded them of home and thus they set down roots. At one end of the cruise is Buenos Aires, the Paris of the Americas. This is a vibrant city that looks and feels more like Europe than the Western Hemisphere. It was here that tango was born. And it is here that the delicious flavor of freshly grilled meat is almost a daily staple. On the Pacific side of the high Andes Mountains is Valparaiso, the somewhat ramshackle port city reminiscent of San Francisco that is the gateway to the central valleys of Chile where vineyards and fruit orchards stretch to the horizon. And on that eastern horizon is the towering wall of the Andes, second highest mountains on earth. The capital city of Santiago exudes a different charm than Buenos Aires. Here colonial Spanish architecture is being overshadowed by the high-rises of the 21st century, yet the city bustles with a mix of tradition and modernity. And like all of these southern lands, a mix of peoples settled, thus giving the culture a cosmopolitan aura. From Santiago you can take day trips into the depths of the Andes where ski resorts sit perched precariously on dizzying slopes. A cruise through the waters that surround southern South America is a memorable experience that can begin on the pages of this travel companion. The book will introduce you to the landscapes and cultures of Argentina, Uruguay and Chile, the three countries visited. In my revision, I have added pertinent information regarding hotel accommodation in both Buenos Aires and Santiago. I have also added shopping and dining recommendations for all of the ports of call. This revised edition contains many new photographs and improved maps. I hope you find it helpful.