Frion its tropical north to its glacial south, Argentina more diversity and beauty than its fair share, and it takes time to grasp the multitude of environments and experiences on offer. Despite the country’s tumultuous political heritage, the people of Argentina remain friendly, open and willing to share a laugh with a new amigo. Do as the Argentines do – accept of time as fluid, and draw in all that life brings to greet you.

March to May ( spring ) – or before 1516 when Spanish Juan Diaz de Solis first probed the region

Being enchanted by street tango the Sunday antique market in San Telmo

Listening to the deafening roar of the spectacular lguazu Falls lndulging your chocolate cravings in Bariloche

Taking the dizzy heights of Cristo Redentor in the Central Andes Getting friendly with a Magellanic penguin at the Peninsula Valdes wildlife sanctuary

Staying at a gaucho ranch in Las Pampas

Read Patricia Sagastizabal’s A Secret for Julia, which won Argentina’s equivalent to the Pulitzer Prize in 2000. For a humorous accunt of Buenos Aires life, pick up

Miranda France’s Bad Times in Buenos Aires

Listen to the legendary tangos of Carlos and the contemporary folk music of Mercedes of Tucuman

Watch the magic realism of Luis Cesar D’Angiolillo’s Killng Grandpa

Eat empanadas ( turnovers stuffed with savoury fillings), alfajores ( a popular sweet ) and facturas ( sweet pastries )

Drink mate ( pronounced mah – tay ), licuados ( milk – blended fruit drinks ) and chopp ( lager )

Que tal? ( how are things? )

Tango;mate -drinking rituals; Spanish colonial architecture; the Perons; glaciers; the Andes; gauchos; charmingly inflated egos; hearty steaks; wine; music

Delicious helado (ice cream ); locals enjoying mate on the (and just about everywhere!); gauchos still in traditional dress

Because of their country to produce enormous quantities of beef, Argentines tend to eat a lot of the stuff. The average intake is around 60kg per person per year,or almost 133lbs, though in the past they ate even more. Most of the consuming takes place at the family asado, often held on Sundays in the backyards all over the country. ( lt you are enough to be invited to one, make sure you attend.