The Best of Iguazu Falls

Parque Nacional Iguazu is a subtropical rainforest that's split between Argentina and Brazil, though you'll want to make sure you're on the Argentinian side for the grandest of all waterfalls - Garganta del Diablo (Throat of the Devil). This one dwarfs them all in density and power and is an awesome sight to see, especially when there are butterflies fluttering all around like party confetti and landing on every surface, including your hands. Iguazu Falls comprises of over 250 individual waterfalls stretching across 2 miles and is absolutely teeming with wildlife. The moment that really stuck in my head though was turning a bend to a clearing in the park and being completely dumbfounded by the sheer beauty of this rainforest. I couldn't imagine there was a place more gorgeous in the world. 

Salta - Argentina's Most Beautiful City

If ever you feel the urge to look into the face of a 500 year old Inca girl, then make sure you travel to Salta, Argentina. I mentioned Salta in my last post as a jumping off point for my trip to Humahuaca but is an interesting enough place to while away a day or two as I did. The town, founded in 1852 by the Spaniards, is lined with gorgeous 19th century colonial buildings, one of which happens to house MAAM - The Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montana where you'll find those 500 year old kids frozen in such perfect state, they might as well just be sleeping. 

Stay at the Hotel Salta, equipped with a spa and pool, and then hit up the Iglesia de San Francisco (above), Convento San Bernardo with its gorgeous backdrop of Cerro de San Bernardo (cerro means hill or small mountain) and the pink Catedral of Salta in the town square. 

This city quickly became one of my favorites in all of Argentina and could easily be one of its most beautiful.

Rainbow Valley : La Quebrada de Humahuaca

While traveling through Argentina, I took a fantastic day trip from Salta to la Quebrada de Humahuaca up in the northwest.  La Quebrada (meaning a deep crack or ravine) should really be called the Canyon of a Million Colors — mountains 2000+ meters above sea level striated in vivid hues of purples, pinks, greens and oranges... an absolutely gorgeous yet harsh landscape. The valley winds its way up to the border of Bolivia so don't expect anything 'typically Argentinian', think more indigenous towns lining the historic Inca trail. I made stops at Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of 7 Colors) in Pumamarca, the town square and historic white adobe cathedral in Humahuaca, the Inca site of Pucará in Tilcara, the colorful town of Uquia, and Painter's Palette mountains in Maimara. I made sure to begin early in the morning when the colors are at their brightest and just before the sun set made the ever-cool crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn, the most southerly latitude on earth.

Faena Hotel + Universe : Buenos Aires

If my personality could be designed into a hotel, the Faena Hotel + Universe in the art district of Puerto Madero would be it. Every. Single. Detail. was beyond – The food and atmosphere at El Mercado –  Even more perfect. The Poolbar scene – just the place for a red halter swimsuit and large black sunhat and El Cabaret, without question, showcases the best tango in Argentina. All designed by none other than genius interior designer /product designer Philippe Starck.

(Images via website)

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I Heart Street Art : Buenos Aires

I found this block in San Telmo, Buenos Aires by accident, just walking around exploring. A turn here, a turn there and there it was. A whole strip of brightly colored art covering the walls. And there was this perfect blue door waiting for me to jump in and take a picture with. I walked away with no recollection of how to get back to this spot but luckily there was a lot more of it around every other corner. I love this town :-)    

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