Getting Ready

The first signs of human habitation in Argentina date back to 11,000 BC. Northwestern Argentina was conquered by the Incas in 1480; nomadic tribes dominated the southern and central regions. In 1580, the first Spanish colony was established, ushering in a long period of Spanish rule. Argentina was finally liberated from the Spanish in 1817, but political upheavals continued. Europeans flocked to the country in the late 19th century, turning the Pampas into rangeland and making their fortunes on exports of beef, leather and wheat. By the 1930's, Argentina was the 8th richest country in the world; however, this prosperity wasn't shared by the rural populations. A rancher's son named Juan Peron took up the cause of the laborers and rose to the presidency. He and his wife Evita instituted a number of labor reforms, but economic troubles led to Peron's overthrow in 1955. Military juntas rose to power, leading to a regime of ruthless violence that ended with their 1982 invasion of the British-held Falkland Islands, and subsequent defeat. Democracy was restored in 1983, but the 1990s were a period of fiscal instability, culminating in an economic crisis in 2001. Currently, Argentina is in a period of growth.

Far Away and Long Ago, A Childhood in Argentina

Written when the author was 80 years old, this memoir of boyhood in the pampas of Argentina is rich with descriptions of landscapes, birds and nature. Hudson's enthralling recollections are enhanced by his own lively curiosity and deep insights. Buy now

In Patagonia

This award-winning book captures the spirit of the land, history, wildlife and people of Patagonia. Weaving together remarkable anecdotes, adventures and historic details, Chatwin has been credited with redefining the travel genre. Buy now

Night Flight

A gripping novel about the men who piloted night mail planes over South America in the early years of aviation. Saint Exupery captures the thrill and mystery of those perilous days in this tale of a pilot alone in a storm over the Andes. Buy now

The Angry Aztecs and the Incredible Incas

These books make history fun and memorable for kids by leaving in the gross and gory parts. This volume discusses such fun facts as the tearing out of human hearts, and how smallpox wiped out a great civilization. Buy now

Incredible Incas Activities Book

Foul facts and cartoons combine to bring the temples and conquistadors to life. Includes quizzes, games, mazes and more. Buy now

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

Beautifully filmed biopic about famous revolutionary Ernesto “Che” Guevara, who at the age of 23 took a motorcycle journey across South America. It was this journey, from his native Argentina through Chile, Peru, Columbia and Venezuela, that inspired the young medical student to take up his future cause. Buy now

The Greatest Places (IMAX, 1998)

Originally created for Imax theaters, this film takes the viewer to some of the most exotic and scenic locations in the world, including the lush wildlife of the Amazon and dramatic Iguazu Falls.
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Evita (1996)

The film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical depicting the infamous real-life story of Eva "Evita" Duarte de Peron, the wife of President Juan Peron, who rose from poverty to become the most famous Argentine woman in history. Buy now

The Mission (1986)

Nominated for 7 Oscars, it’s the story of Father Gabriel, an 18th century Jesuit priest who travels to South America to convert the natives. Mendoza, a slave trader, joins the priest on his mission, but his conversion is tested when Spain cedes the territory to pro-slavery Portugal. Buy now

In Buenos Aires, everything is trendy, chic, and casual, but out in the country, you need practical clothing: sturdy shoes for hiking, long pants and long-sleeved shirts for the jungle, layers for high elevations.

We took one duffle with six sleeping bags, another duffle with all our riding gear, boots, hats and chaps, and a duffle apiece for our clothing. We generally seem to have to have 8-10 duffles when we travel, but this time we packed more than usual because we knew we were going to camp. My biggest recommendation is to buy outdoor clothing from Patagonia – the fleeces and rain gear dry very quickly, and in the country, you don't need anything dressier.

For New Year's Eve in Buenos Aires, I needed a black-tie dress, so I brought a little jersey item that just rolled up in the bottom of the bag, and one pair of earrings.