The idea of cultural relativism can be beneficial when traveling to a new country. Especially when you go with the goal of learning the Spanish language and be immersed in the local culture, being flexible is a helpful skill. If you are on a Cultural Spanish Language immersion program in Peru, you want to do so with an open mind.

However, in spite of our best intentions to appreciate a different way of doing things, our natural inclination can sometimes be to get annoyed by certain things or at least laugh at what we are experiencing. Without a doubt, this happens to Spanish students in Peru too; just, because some things are too funny.

Peru has a rich history which has produced many beautiful things that need not one iota of cultural relativism to be able to appreciate. There are, on the other hand, several things which I, and many �۶���Ƶstudents learning Spanish in Cusco with me, have had to stop and scratch their head about.

Below is a list of eight aspects of Peruvian society that Spanish students in Peru often find a bit strange, funny and have a hard time reconciling. So keep on reading the observations from our Spanish Students and check out those

8 Weird and Funny Things Seen in Peru

1. In a sea of traffic lights, the police still direct traffic

Yes, that is right. You may ask: why bother with the traffic lights? Well.. No one is really sure! But it seems that the two work together to provide some semblance of order on the streets.

Since traffic lights have not been around very long in Peru, some think the police presence has helped people adjust with the eventual goal of the traffic lights doing all of the work. As power outages also occur more frequently compared to some other places, police directing traffic also acts an excellent safeguard to avoid major traffic jams and accidents when an outage occurs.

2. It is crucial to NOT throw toilet paper in the toilet

One of the first things pointed out to any traveler In Peru, whether verbally or in the form of one of the thousand signs I have seen depicting the same action, is to NOT throw toilet paper in the toilet. The sewage pipes are not designed to process the toilet paper along with the waste which can lead to an unsettling and altogether embarrassing situation!

3. Liquids in bags rather than bottles

While you will commonly see Peruvian people sipping liquids from a bottle, it is almost as common to see it being done from a bag. Plastic bags are cheaper to sell for just one-time use, and it probably proves to be more environmentally-friendly due to the lack of recycling plants in the area.

Everything from chocolate milk to “quinoa con manzana” to “emoliente” (a favorite warm drink amongst locals in Cusco offered on the street), is sold in these little bags. You see this especially during the morning hours.

4. Dish soap in paste form

I hate washing dishes, so it makes little difference to me whether the soap comes in paste or liquid form. But many travelers to Peru and students here at �۶���Ƶ Peru find the soap paste strange.

However, it’s better for washing dishes. Hot water is not readily available in sinks in Cusco so the paste does a better job to loosen up the grease and food that can be tough to clean.

5. Unfinished Buildings

Funding is often precarious in Peru which can pose somewhat of an issue when deciding to create new buildings. As a result, the foundations for a future floor or floors, including the rebar that sticks out the top of the building, are put in place well beforehand during the initial stages of construction when there is funding to do so. It may not be very aesthetically pleasing, but it is economically much more sustainable.

6. Money collectors on buses are…intense!

Riding the bus in Peru can be kind of a thrill at first, and much of this feeling comes down to the intensity and fast-paced nature of this experience. Spanish students who are living with local host families, know what I am talking about.

Competition among bus companies is fierce, and there is no time to slow down……sometimes even for the elderly! It is essential to get a competent cobrador, or money collector, preferably one with a loud voice who can sell the route and can count……quickly. It eventually becomes white noise, but the cacophonous phrases uttered by these lovely hard-working people will add to the jarring sense of culture shock that many students and volunteers here seem to sense here in Cusco at times….. “Sube sube sube…baja baja baja…..…nadie? Lleva!! ”

7. Streets named after specific historical dates

While maybe not so funny, or even weird, it is interesting that some major streets in Peru are named after important dates in Peruvian history. This can be confusing at first and sometimes makes it hard to remember the street names; but also provides you with an excellent history lesson if so inclined to learn.

In Cusco, for example, one of the major streets is 28 de Julio or Peru´s Independence Day.

8. No beer, belts, or beverages are allowed the football stadium. Wait, no belts??

The first time I went to a football match in Cusco I really hoped that I was going to be able to find a seat. On my way in, a lady came up to me with a bag of belts. While I appreciated the offer, I kindly told her that I was not interested in buying any of her belts.

She then explained to me that I was not allowed to bring my belt inside the stadium and offered to hold on to it for me in exchange for a small fee. This is apparently for two reasons: it prevents people from throwing their belt on the field, and it stops people from beating each other with their belts. I happily handed the lovely lady my belt and proceeded to hold up my pants for the rest of the match.

Do you want to read more funny stories and student experiences in Cusco?
Read: Seven Questions I continue to ask my self since Arriving in Cusco.

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If you have some time to travel in Argentina after your , one of your options out of many, is to travel to northern Argentina. It’s an option I can certainly recommend.

In the first place because here, in the province of Salta, you can experience one of the most idyllic train rides in the world. The ride takes you up to 4,200 meters and you will literally ride through the clouds. The trip departs from the city of Salta and takes 217 km (135 miles). Travelling through the Andes at 35 km an hour you will slowly see the impressive scenery change.

The one minute you see rock formations the other minute snow-capped mountains. The horizon seems endlessly far away and the train will often be the only moving thing around.

The journey lasts a good 16 hours and passes through many tunnels, bridges and viaducts. The railway overpasses itself to make up for the terrain’s unevenness. The views are amazing and you will often find fellow passenger pressing their noses against the window to gaze outside.

The train stops twice. The first time at San Antonio de los Cobres and the second time at La Polvorilla viaduct. At the first station you will be welcomed by many locals selling snacks, clothes or handicrafts. The second stop at the viaduct is where you will learn why this train got its name ‘Tren a las Nubes’ (train to the clouds). The train has a bar and restaurant on board. Also there are medical assistants to help out in case of altitude sickness. There is even entertainment; guides that provide karaoke.

Salta La Linda

Coming back to Salta city, it is time to explore a bit. Salta – nicknamed Salta La Linda (beautiful Salta) was established in 1852 and attracts many travelers in Argentina nowadays because of its location in the Andes and its colonial architecture. The city is surrounded by mountains, vineyards and deserts and you can eat an endless amount of empanadas accompanied by regional wines. The vineyards around Salta city are one of the main attractions for tourists. Salta is known for its relaxed attitude; the city runs at a slower pace than Buenos Aires. It is not a boring city however; Salta is also a good for a bit more action. There is plenty of trekking through the mountains and water rafting to do.

Cafayate and Cachi: on your to-do list!

Being in the North of Argentina heading to Cafayate – a small town at only 165 kilometer from Salta – should definitely be on your to-do-list. The Cafayate region is a big producer of wine. Most vineyards offer free tours and tastings. In the area you will find some beautiful colored mountains, truck loads full of peppers and random lama’s crossing the streets. Most people know the area because of its award winning Torrontés wines, but for Argentine people Cafayate is all famous for a big folkloric festival every year in February. Worth a visit is the wine museum but also the wine tasting at bodegas. Another highlight of northern Argentina are the desserts around Cachi, which makes for an amazing four hour drive with excellent scenery. A day trip to Cachi leads you through high altitude dessert with big cactuses and amazing colored rock formations.

If you are interested in travel options in Argentina after your , feel free to our Spanish Course counselors.

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We all know Buenos Aires is not one of the cheapest destinations in South America to learn Spanish. So once you have registered for your – or, even before you do -, you might worry about your budget and your opportunities to fully explore the Argentine Capital!

Don’t let a limited budget hold you back!! Buenos Aires is for everyone! As a student on a budget, you will have the same experiences (or even better!) in this beautiful city as travelers or students wth a higher budget than you. The capital of Argentina offers you tons of opportunities to enjoy and discover the city on a low-budget.

Tip 1 – How much does food cost in Buenos Aires
 
First things first, food! You probably are aware of the fact that Buenos Aires is also the capital of MEAT. In Europe and other Western countries, a tenderloin steak is not for those living on a low budget. Thankfully, Argentine steaks are sold and prepared for much cheaper. At many upscale restaurants, you can find good, quality food for a relatively low price.

The prices also vary by neighborhood; if you try to find a cheap spot in the fancy Recoleta barrio, you will be disappointed. However, by visiting other neighborhoods like the authentic San Telmo, the trendy Palermo or other less upscale areas, you can find cheap places quickly.

Here are some examples of cheap dining in Buenos Aires:

• Las Cabras: Fitz Roy 1795, C1414CHY CABA, Argentinië
• Don Niceto: Av. Cnel. Niceto Vega 5255
• Chan Chan: Av. Hipólito Yrigoyen 1390
• La Poesia: Chile 502, C1098AAL CABA
• Casa Munay: C1425DBO, Av. Raúl Scalabrini Ortiz 2018
• Güerrin Pizza: Av. Corrientes 1368, C1043ABN CABA

Tip 2 – is Argentina expensive to visit? We’d say: NO
 
Although Buenos Aires is a big city, many of the prettiest things in Buenos Aires can be seen by just walking (a lot!), and �۶���Ƶ in Buenos Aires is located very close to many famous sites! On top of that, many of them are either free or discounted for students! Remember you are not the only backpacker/student/traveler without many pesos, so there are plenty of cheap places enjoy. As a result, you are certainly able to have the full Buenos Aires experience without the high prices!

If you need to take transport, it’s good to know that Buenos Aires has a good public transportation (underground and buses).
 

Tip 3 – Cost of Living in Buenos Aires
 
Next up, accommodation! Living in Buenos Aires can be a bit expensive. If you have chosen to live with an Argentine host family, to fully experience your Spanish immersion adventure, you don’t have to worry about your accommodation.

But if you just registered for a without accommodation, you need to take care of your own lodging. With websites such as Airbnb, Couchsurfing, and Hostelworld, cheap accommodation in Buenos Aires is pretty accessible. Throughout the city, there are plenty of low budget hostels and hotels.

Here are some examples of cheap accommodation in Buenos Aires:

• Play Hostel: Guatemala 4636, Palermo, 1425 Buenos Aires, Argentinië
• Hostel de Granados: Chile 374, 1098AAH CABA
• Milhouse: Av. Hipólito Yrigoyen 959, 1086 Buenos Aires
• Hostel Art Factory: Piedras 545, C1070AAK CABA
• Hostel Mantenegase: Carlos Calvo 651
• Hostel sol: Lima 1169

Tip 4 – Things to do for free in Buenos Aires
 
And last but not least: how to have full Buenos Aires experience, (as in sightseeing and excursions) without spending too much? You are lucky because Buenos Aires offers many free walking tours! The goal of these tours is to show foreigners how beautiful their city is, for free! However, the guide will likely ask you to give them the money you think they deserve for giving this tour, but that amount is totally up to you! Many guides are very young, enthusiastic and happy to show you around while telling you all the ins and outs of the city, as well as some fun facts.

Look up these websites for the practical information about tours in Buenos Aires:


 

Tip 5 – Museum Visit in Buenos Aires
 
If you want to visit a museum in the Argentine Capital, do not forget to bring your student ID card to get the discount that many museums provide. Luckily, many museums are also free to students or the general public.

Here are some free museums in Buenos Aires:

• Museum of Fine Arts
• Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires
• Museo Casa Carlos Garde: FREE only on Wednesdays!!!

Tip 6 – Fun Things to Do in Buenos Aires for free
 
Other beautiful FREE sites in Buenos Aires that you can visit without paying a peso are:

• The Cemetery of Recoleta,
• Teatro Colon (on Sunday morning, see their website),
• The San Telmo market,
• Chinatown in Belgrano,
• El Obelisco,
• The Ecological Reserve,
• The Botanical Gardens,
• The Parks of Palermo,
• El Ateneo bookstore, and
• Avenida Corrientes & Calle Florida
• Puerto Madero
• El Caminito and the famous La Boca neighborhood

Besides, even though the architecture is beautiful, the magic of Buenos Aires lies in the streets! The whole city lights up at night, providing a beautiful (and cheap!) sight. Take a stroll in one of the pretty, traditional neighborhoods! There are many great neighborhoods to explore, each with their own unique atmosphere. The best ones are La Boca, San Telmo, Recoleta, Palermo, Belgrano, and Retiro!

The post How to Explore Buenos Aires on a Low-Budget: 6 Best Tips appeared first on �۶���Ƶ Blog.

Mendoza holds over 1000 vineyards and is responsible for 2/3 of Argentina’s wine production. Have you ever heard of a wine label called Malbec? This is the main export of Mendoza and is produced in 3 main regions within the province: �Ѳ�����ú, Lujan de Cuyo and Valle de Uco. A trip to Mendoza will allow you to enjoy wine tastings in various bodegas, go horseback riding or bike riding during the sunset or hike one of the beautiful trails of the Andes Mountains. What are you waiting for? Check out here the Best Things to do in Mendoza.

 

Mendoza City
 
Everyone starts their Mendoza journey in the capital of the province, also called Mendoza. This city is not only perfectly situated for visiting all of the surrounding area, but also has a great variety of things to see and do in the city as well. The main sights are:

• The Museo Fundacional,
• Anna Bistro (the best restaurant in town),
• The many beautiful parks in the centre,
• General San Martín Park and, of course,
• The nightlife in the middle of town.

�Ѳ�����ú
 
This is the closest place to go for wine tasting! From Mendoza city, you can take a 40 minute bus to this little village. This place can tend to look like an empty town due to siestas between 1 and 5, but don´t worry about this affecting your wine tasting, as the bodegas are open all day!

The most famous one in this area is Bodega Lopéz, which makes sense as they offer a free factory tour and two free wine tastings. It is particularly famous among students! In �Ѳ�����ú, you can also visit the olive factory, where they explain the process of making olive oil and even offer a free tasting of their olive products.

Valle de Uco
 
Considered to be one of the best wine regions in Mendoza, this spectacular area is definitely worth a visit. It offers beautiful scenery and amazing vineyards. Valle de Uco is known for its quality wine and LOVE for production.
 

Lujan de Cuyo
 
This is similar to Valle de Uco, a beautiful region within Mendoza. It is a great place to take pictures, as it is located right at the foot of the Pre-Cordillera, which is the foot the Andes. Lujan de Cuyo has a similar ambiance to Tuscany, Italy with its surrounding vineyards and quaint houses.

Hike the Aconcagua
 
Don´t forget to take a little side trip to do a hike in the Andes Mountains. The most famous hike is by Aconcagua, which is the highest mountain peak in all of South America. Temperatures decrease up to negative 5 degrees, so bring warm jackets. Even though it is quite brisk, the drive through the beautiful valley of Uspullata and the hike into the mountains are magnificent!

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It is best to start in San Miguel de Tucuman and make your way up the Tafi del Valle to Cafayate. The Tafi del Valle is a beautiful road that provides lots of opportunities for good pictures.
 

The Ruinas de los Quilmes is a must-see attraction along this route, so don´t forget to stop to take a look. Once you arrive in Calafate, a fun activity to do is drive for a few kilometers on route 68. There are tons of colorful mountains that will take your breath away!

 
Cachi
 
The next day, continue your trip up north to Cachi on route 40. This road is quite unique because it gives the sensation of being on the moon; the road and the mountains are the same color! This also brings you to the end of the paved road, so adventure awaits you the next day.

After spending the night in Cachi, you will continue on route 40 to San Antonio de Los Cobres. There is a beautiful hike along this road called Puente del Diablo if you feel the need to stretch your legs. You will find an amazing view at the top!

 
San Antonio
 
This road from La Poma to San Antonio de los Cobres is more beautiful than you could ever imagine. But be warned: it is not an easy one! The road contains many sharp stones and rivers that must be crossed. It is small and narrow…you will be riding right along the edge! Because of this, it is highly recommended to drive this road with a heavy duty car such as a jeep. However, don´t let this scare you away, because the trip is totally worth it.

After San Antonio de Los Cobres, you will travel to the amazing Salinas Grandes. There isn´t a paved road, but, nevertheless, the Salinas are worth seeing. It´s the perfect place to take some fun pictures!

 
Pumamarca
 
After you´ve taken all the photos, you can continue to Purmamarca. This is a very small but cute village nestled between different colored mountains. There is a hike that has an amazing view at the top, and you also have the option to go up to the viewpoint by car.

From here, you can decide to continue on further up north, or to go back to the south. There are various roads that will take you back home!
This is an amazing trip with breathtaking views. If you are interested, don´t hesitate to jump in your car and go. It is 100% worth it!

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Taxi

The easiest way to get around the city is by taxi. Taking a taxi in Buenos Aires is very cheap compared to taking a taxi in Western Europe. A 5 minute drive will cost a maximum of 50 pesos (3 euros). However, be sure to take a radio taxi as this is the offical and safe option. Radio taxis can be tracked through the city and for this reason it is a smart idea to take these taxis, especially during the night. Also, always agree on a price before getting into a taxi as it is not uncommon for taxi drivers to scam tourists by asking for more money than is normal.

The bus

In Buenos Aires you will see a lot of buses driving Around. Buses are a good option if you don´t want to spend too much on transportation.

Be aware though, that some bus stops are hard to find, as they do not always have a big sign. Sometimes a little sign attached to a tree is all you will find. If you want to find out more information about the routes of the buses in Buenos Aires, it is a good idea to buy a so-called “Guia T” at one of the many kiosks in the city. This guide contains all necessary information about the buses and is perfect for finding your way around the city without using the internet.

The metro

In Buenos Aires there is a huge underground network of metros. On the streets you will recognize a metro station by a big sign with the word “subte” on it. There are different lines available, mostly referred to in colours (red, green, blue etc). You can easily buy your ticket at the ticket counter at the station. A return ticket will only cost you 10 pesos (0.65 Euro)! The cheap price resembles the fairly poor facilities of the metros: some are very old and it can get really hot in the summer since most metros do not have air conditioning. Moreover, try to avoid travelling during peak hours (8.00-9.00 and 17.00-19.00) as the metros will be very crowded.

Regardless of what type of transport you decide to take, be sure to always keep an eye on your personal belongings because pickpockets are always ready to strike.

Buenos Aires is a great city and with these travel tips you will definitely be prepared for finding your way around the city. Enjoy!

Buenos Aires Feb 2016, Elise de Gier

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The seven thoughts and questions below came to my mind, during my first weeks as a student taking . I am curious to know: what were your first impressing of this big, stunning metropole in Argentina? How did you feel during the first days?

I can’t understand anyone. I thought they spoke Spanish in Argentina?!

Argentine Spanish or castellano is unlike any other Spanish dialects in South America. It has a very heavy Italian influence, because of the many Italians immigrants that arrived to Buenos Aires in the 19th and 20th centuries. For instance, the double l is pronounced differently. While in other countries they pronounce double l as “Y”, in Buenos Aires they pronounce that as “SJ”. Furthermore there are a number of slang words. Argentina slang is called Lunfardo. They don’t say autobus, but collective or ‘bondi. They don’t say vale, but dale. They don’t say aqui, but acá. And Argentina people don’t talk about the ‘piscina’, but about the ’pileata’. And there are many, many more examples like this. Here you can find more examples of typical .

Does beer come in litres in Buenos Aires?

Yes, beer comes in litres in Buenos Aires . It is also very cheap. A litre of beer can come for as low as 20 pesos a bottle. You are able to buy smaller bottles too (which they call porron), but big bottles are more cost effective. The idea behind the big bottles is that you can share them with your friends, rather than everyone drinking from their own bottle.

Why is everyone here walking so slowly?

Life in South America is very relaxed and Argentina is no exception. Nobody is in a hurry to get anywhere and this might be a big culture shock for Americans or Europeans, who are used to hurry from one place to another. Other than in other cultures, in South America the focus is more about enjoying the moment.

Do I really need to stay in a club until the sun rises?

No, you don’t. But if you don’t want to be considered a loser, you better get used to this new Argentina lifestyle and nightlife etiquette. Most bars and boliches (clubs) will not open before 12 or 1am and nobody will show up until 2 or 3am. Most Argentines organise a previa (a pre-drink) starting around 11pm right after dinner (that takes place between 9 and 11 pm). Around 2 or 3am, they will go to bar or club to spend the rest of the night. The party goes on all night, often till 7 or 8am. After, you will take a colectivo (a bus) home, sitting next to a businessman who is on his way to work.

How big is this city? I thought I saw all of it!

No, you did not and you probably never will. Buenos Aires has 13 million inhabitants, and although you might be able to visit all the famous neighbourhoods, you will never see the entire city.

What is the Washington monument doing on the middle of that 14-lane road?

That 14-lane road is called Avenida 9 de Julio and it actually is the Widest Avenue of the World. And that is not that Washington monument, that is the Obelisco, an icon of the modernity of the city of Buenos Aires. It was built to commemorate the fourth centenary of the first foundation of the city of Buenos Aires.

Malvinas? Are they talking about the Falkland Islands?

When in Buenos Aires, never talk about the Falklands Islands. The Argentine people are still a bit salty about their war with the British in 1980. The Malvinas (or Falkland Islands) were a British colony, when Argentina decided to invade it in the 1980s. The British minister at that time, Margaret Thatcher, immediately sent warships to stop this invasion. An alarming number of people were killed on both sides. Each year on 2 April, Día de Malvinas, the Argentines commemorate the soldiers involved and the social and political problems that still remain from this event.

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On day 1, I woke up early, packed my stuff and took a cab to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, from where my plane would leave. Boarding started at 13.00 and within two hours we were in Iguazu. Upon arrival at the hostal I felt there was a good vibe going on. There was music playing and people were sitting next to the pool; I immediately decided to put on my swimsuit and go for a swim.

Later on that evening I decided to go to the three-border point with Brazil and Paraguay. There are a few shops there and you have an amazing view over the river. But the best thing about the three-border point was the water and light show, starting at 20.00. The show and the music reflect the different cultures of the three countries: Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil.

On day 2 of my trip, went to the Brazilian side of the Iguazu falls. I took a taxi from the hostel to the Brazilian park. That was easy; but upon arrival in the park, there was a massive line for buying tickets and we had to wait 1,5 in line; and shortly after, another 1,5 to get into the park! So after 3 hours, we finally got into a bus that would bring us further into the park. When you are planning on going, go early to avoid the lines. We booked a boat trip, which was amazing. The boat takes you all the way to under the waterfalls. We got to sit in the front of the boat, which was really cool, but also meant we came out really, really wet.

After the boat trip, we took the bus to the next stop: the start of a hike along the Brazilian side, which has quite a good view on the waterfalls.

On Day 3 I (finally) went to the Argentinian side of the Iguazu Park. No lines here. We took the green path through the jungle, where we encountered a group of curious coatis. I was carrying a plastic bag with food and water, when all of a sudden there was a coati hanging on the bag. They can be quite aggressive, but luckily these ones were not. The green path was amazing. You see monkeys, coatis, butterflies, and more. Afterwards we took the train to the famous Devil’s Throat. I definitely recommend taking the train here; otherwise you lose a lot of time walking. The walk from the train station to the Devil’s Throat is quite long as well, but totally worth it. It is such a spectacle, that you can’t keep your eyes from it.

The Argentine and the Brazilian parks are very different. If you ask me which side I liked best, for me it was clearly the Argentine side. On the Brazilian side we had to wait a long time to get in, got driven around by tour busses and the view was not that amazing. Mostly, it felt really touristic.

On the Argentine side though, we got into the park immediately, could walk around freely and had amazing views. In my opinion, the best point of view was from the lower circuit on the Argentinian side.

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Here are �۶���Ƶ in Cusco, the whole team is a-buzz with preparations. Christmas is coming!

First on the agenda is getting into the Christmas spirit: getting together as a school – professors, students, staff, and administration – to cook, eat, and enjoy each other’s company.

Second on the agenda is decorating: every day a new decoration appears in the school, seemingly out of nowhere… We have Santa’s, reindeer headbands, a count-down to Christmas, a donation Santa for our chocolatada, a tree with decorations and lights, and every other cheery notion reminding us that the happiest time of the year is upon us.

Third on the agenda is preparing the yearly �۶���Ƶchocolatada. A chocolatada is typically organized in the days before Christmas by businesses, churches, and stores in the Cusco region, and it is meant to collect donations that will be given along with hot chocolate and biscocho bread or the typical panettone to the children of one of the poorer neighborhoods in Cusco. It is a fun tradition that seeks to take some of the generosity and general good-will that we all seek during the Christmas holiday, and spread it to those less fortunate in Peru.

Fourth on our agenda was the celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th. The holiday commemorates the Catholic and Christian tradition of the miraculous conception of the baby who would become Jesus Christ by the Virgin Mary. The students at the school celebrated by learning about the holiday, taking a trip to the beautiful Cathedral of Cusco, and having the rest of the day free to enjoy the festivities or just relax.

Fifth on the agenda is soaking up the magic of Christmas in Cusco. The Plaza de Armas – and several other plazas – is decorated with lights, a lighted nativity scene, and any number of other traditional decorations: Lights, tinsel, evergreen boughs, and ribbon. You can see evidences of an international celebration in all the hotels and restaurants of the center, and these are mixed with the local and strongly Catholic-influenced traditions of the Cusqueñans. Soon the typical nacimiento – a big representation of the birth of Jezus – will show up on the Plaza.

Cusco is a great place to be during the month of December, and independent if you are living in our school residence or with a local Peruvian host family, it is one big Peruvian Christmas Event.

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As so many beautiful cities and locations in Argentina, Mar del Plata is a great weekend get-away for the Spanish students at �۶���Ƶ, especially in spring and summer.

You can find Mar del Plata in the southeast area of the province of Buenos Aires, located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the major fishing ports of Argentina. It’s also Argentina’s biggest seaside beach resort. Besides the beaches, Mar del Plata is the home to many good restaurants and bars.

How to get to Mar del Plata?

There are several ways to get to Mar del Plata. I recommend you go by train or bus. The connection between Buenos Aires is relatively good and there is not much to see on the way there.

If you would like to go by bus, have a look on “Omnilineas”. A ticket will cost you roughly AR$ 400 and the trip takes about 5 hours.

If you would like to go by train, train tickets are a bit cheaper: about AR$ 240. You can get your ticket at the stations in Constitucion, Mar del Plata, Retiro Mitre, Once or online. A trip by train will take about 7 hours – a bit longer.

Another option is to rent a car in Buenos Aires and drive there. Really nice, but this is also the most expensive option.

What to see and do in Mar del Plata?

Mar del Plata is a beautiful city with lots to see. Here is an overview of the best things to do and see in Mar del Plata.

• Go to the Cultural Centre Villa Victoria Ocampo. It was the summer villa of famous Argentine writer Victoria Ocampo, today it is a UNESCO museum;
• Head over to Torre Tanque, a water tower. You can get a tour through the tower; at the top of the tower you are able to enjoy a panoramic view of Mar del Plata;
• Visit the Puerto de Mar del Plata. It is the work place of many locals. You will also be able to see wild sea lions here. And if you are looking for souvenirs, this it the place to go.
• Walk around Parque Gral San Martin;
• Visit Mar del Plata Cathedral;
• Walk over one of the many beaches (I recommend Playa del Sur);
• Visit the centre of Mar del Plata.

Where to eat in Mar del Plata?

Mar del Plata is home to many good restaurants. Here is an overview of the best restaurants.

• Manolo – Famous for it’s churros and a good place to have breakfast;
• Antares – Good food and artisanal beers;
• El Anticuario – seafood;
• Oceanside – seafood;
• Piazza Ristorante (La Normandina) –seafood;
• La Lucila – Argentine food;
• La Mulita – Argentina food;
• Mandinga – Argentina food;

Where to go out in Mar del Plata?

Head over to Avenida Constitucion and Avenida Martinez de Hoz. Here you will find some of the best bars in Mar del Plata. If you are more into gib clubs and discos, head over to Avenida Costanera. It is a bit further, but still easy to get there with a taxi.

And of course, in the summer you can also find many nice beach parties in Mar del Plata.

Where to stay?

I stayed in Playa Grande during my stay in Plata del Mar and I would definitely recommend it. There are lots of other hostels in the city though. Just have a look on Google or Tripadvisor.

Buenos Aires, November 2015, Davey Emmers

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