ROSARIO

A lot has been said about Buenos Aires not allowing travelers to experience “the real argentina”.
As a “porteña” (Buenos aires born) I think that is funny that travelers get disappointed when they find out that BUenos Aires is such a cosmopolitan and vibrant city. I guess that they expect the small dusty poor town with the local cowboy wearing his sombrero  and riding his horse portrayed in mexican movies…and BA it’s just not the same.
So travelers move south…They explore the Glaziars in Patagonia, or drink wine in Mendoza.
But there’s another city that not may travelers know.
It’s not the huge and crazy Buenos Aires and It’s not the desolation of the southern glaziars…It’s the exciting, cultural and fun Rosario, only 300 km northwest of the city of Buenos Aires.
This vast and fertile land of opportunity near the port was a strong magnet that galvanized several waves of emigrants into sweeping up river from Buenos Aires to Rosario in the late 1800s and early 1900s. These mostly Spanish and Italian immigrants came in search of new lives for themselves and their offspring. Today, thanks to them, Rosario is a vibrant city built on a strong agricultural, industrial and commercial base. Education of the new generations is important: it has six universities with around 80,000 students, 18 scientific investigation establishments and two technology transfer institutes.
Rosario allows a life closer to nature with it’s Upper Delta with and it’s magic islands covered by lush vegetation.
Hop on a leisurely cruise or paddle a kayak across  the Paraná River and thread your way through a maze of vegetation-rich islands.
Ride bicycles or horses around the parks. Or just sit in the park and watch the dancing multicolored water-fountains.
It’s not hard to find a place to camp surrounded by nature on the islands.
You will also find museums of modern art, a curious blend of Spanish and Italian architecture, lovely parks harboring beautiful statues and monuments, beaches along the river front, restaurants with international cuisine and steakhouses or taste the local gourmet specialty: fresh river fish.
There are plenty of things to do in Rosario: Learn to dance to Argentina’s most famous music: the tango; immerse yourself in the local culture by studying spanish; go to one of the popular theaters such as La Comedia and see great shows. Check out the Museum of Contemporary Art .
Night life is exciting with lots of good discos, bars, sidewalk cafes and restaurants in a friendly, balmy, romantic atmosphere.
And don’t forget to check out the house where “Che” Guevara, whose icon is displayed on T-shirts and tattoos of rebellious youth the world over, spent his childhood.

HIGHLIGHTS

* The Juan B. Castagnino Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most important museums in the country
* Kayaking along the high delta of the Paraná River
* The “Paseo del Caminante” and the pier “Costa Alta”, offer a magnificient view of the Rosario Victoria bridge and the City center
* The Independence park, is the most popular in the city