Despite Argentina's recent economic woes, its pleasures - stunning natural wonders, an elegant capital with a European-flavoured sophistication, and a passionate culture - are still as tempting as ever.

The silver lining to the financial cloud is that it's now one of the best travel bargains going around. This is one Latin American country where Europeans and North Americans can feel at ease and travel relatively inconspicuously.

An interest in soccer and some nimble foot skills may be all you need to feel like a local.

 BUENOS AIRES (TOP)

More European than South American in flavour, Buenos Aires' heart boasts bustling streets, grand avenues, old-time cafes and stylish restaurants. The locals are renowned for their flair and cockiness, even in times of adversity. It's a city of tragedy and elation; a vibrant, cosmopolitan capital. For the tourist, Buenos Aires delivers. Wander cobbled streets, marvelling at faded architectural glories and colourfully painted metal houses.

Talk world politics and fútbol in atmospheric old cafes. Tuck into one of the famous Argentinian steaks to power a long night's partying. Buenos Aires' air of sophistication and pride may have taken a serious reality check in light of the country's ongoing economic and political turmoil, but its people are no strangers to drama of this magnitude and the city remains a safe, vibrant, cosmopolitan capital.

More European than South American in flavor, Buenos Aires' Microcentro (downtown) heart boasts bustling streets, grand avenues, old-time cafes and stylish restaurants. The porteños (locals), renowned for their flair and cockiness, even in times of adversity, are suffering a collective bruised ego these days. However, it is all just another part of the complex and extreme Buenos Aires character, a history full of tragedy and elation, an ongoing drama that the city's people are inextricably bound to.

 MAR DEL PLATA (TOP)

 CATARATAS DEL IGUAZU (TOP)

 CUYO (TOP)

 NOROESTE ARGENTINO (TOP)

 PATAGONIA (TOP)