Argentina is a beautiful but befuddled country still trying to come to terms with its identity. Even my Argentine tour guide told me that the way to describe an Argentine is someone who speaks Spanish, looks like an Italian, acts like a Frenchman but secretly wishes himself British. Hardly a surprise though, considering the influences within its 400+ years of history. But despite their multicultural upbringing, Argentines have coped, adjusted, and managed to become really good at a myriad of things. From football to wine making, here are the five best of Argentina that put Argentines on worldly stages.
Caminito HousesFootball
There is much discussion about Brazil as a football powerhouse, especially with the country hosting this year’s World Cup, but Argentina also produces some of the most talented football players in the world. Lionel Messi has been dubbed many times over as the best footballer still playing today. The legendary Diego Maradona is a controversial figure, but his skills on the pitch were said to be extraordinary. Argentina’s national team is decorated with trophies, winning every major international tournament from the World Cup to the Olympics at least once. They are also a dominant presence in Copa America, having won it a total of fourteen times, just one shy from the record of fifteen held by Uruguay.
Boca Juniors StadiumBest of Argentina Beef
There is no doubt that best of Argentine beef is just as legendary as its football players. As someone who’s lived in Texas for quite some time, I am no stranger to a good piece of meat and even I must admit that steak in Argentina is slightly preferable (at least for me) than those we have here in my home state. Cows are mostly grass fed in Argentina as opposed to corn fed here in the US, which gives it a more natural taste. Beef is also a huge part of Argentine culture. Parillas are authentic charcoal grills that are common to every household and families and friends often get together over an asado, a smorgasbord of grilled meat items that often include steaks, sausages, ribs, and chicken.
Argentinean AsadoPolo
Polo is a game similar to field hockey but played on a horse. It is often referred to as the sport of kings and it is considered the second most popular sport in the Argentina after football. In the country’s capital Buenos Aires, highly regarded polo tournaments are common especially during the season, with players from all over the world coming to the city to compete. Argentina is also considered as the world’s leading polo country because nine of the ten best of Argentina players in the world are Argentines. The sport is growing in popularity among tourists so amateur players have started to offer polo days to introduce them to the game. It will often include a match and a lesson. It is definitely a worthwhile experience for any tourists to partake.
Tango
The Viennese have the waltz, the Spaniards have flamenco, but in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s lively capital, tango is what fills the streets and bars. It is almost unimaginable not to associate tango with the best of Argentina. What started as a simple dance from the slums and brothels of Buenos Aires has become one of the most sophisticated dances in the world. The allure of the tango is tied to its seductive music and its subtle, yet highly symmetric dance moves and learning it in Buenos Aires is a quintessential must do for anyone visiting Buenos Aires.
Street Tango in San TelmoWine
Argentinean wine has certainly developed a positive reputation. So good in fact, the best of Argentina wine is good that they are now the fifth largest wine producer and exporter in the world. But unlike its European cousins, wine remains relatively inexpensive here for the quality you get. The country is still in its early stages of perfecting their processes but premier growers have started pouring in with their investments and expertise. Argentina’s wine region is in Mendoza, some 750 miles west of Buenos Aires. Most of the wines produced there are the red variety, and among them, Malbec is king.