Ancient Paintings in the ‘Cave of Hands’ in Argentinean Patagonia. Photo Credit: Ksenia Ragozina, shutterstock.
History of Argentina – Ancient to Modern day
The history of Argentina dates back thousands of years, with the first human settlements beginning on the southern tip of Patagonia 13,000 years ago. The indigenous people here and in the Pampas were advanced hunters and gatherers and included the Yamana and the Tehuelches. The country’s history has been tumultuous over the years with political instability, military coups, exiled presidents, territorial disputes and dictatorships.
Spanish Settlers in Argentina. Photo credit: en.wikipedia.org
Europeans first arrived in 1502
Europeans first arrived in 1502, with the Spanish arriving in 1516 and discovering Rio de la Plata
In 1536 a small settlement was established at the present day location of Buenos Aires by Pedro de Mendoza. This was later abandoned in 1541
Buenos Aires was settled by the Spanish in 1580 and was part of the Viceroyalty of Peru
The Spanish established the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata in 1776 that included parts of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia
British invasion of the Río de la Plata. Photo credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina
British tried to invade in 1806
The British tried to invade Buenos Aires in 1806 and 1807 but were defeated both times
25 May 1810 saw the First Independent Government in Buenos Aires following the May Revolution
Independence declared on 9 July 1816
Independence from Spain was declared on 9 July 1816
Argentine independence was not recognized by the United Kingdom until 1825
The Argentine Constitution of1853 is still in force to this day, with some amendments
Between the 1870’s and 1920’s, Argentina prospered as a result of the booming cattle, sheep and agricultural industries, construction of the railway and the industrial revolution
In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, Argentina temporarily resolved its border disputes with Chile
1900s – Military Coups and Exiled Presidents
The Radicals under Hipólito Yrigoyen, won control of the government through the first national elections under universal male suffrage
1928 saw the start of the Great Depression
A military coup in 1930 resulted in a period in Argentine history known as the Infamous Decade
After 1930, political instability, economic difficulties and a series of military coups ensued
The 1930s was also the time when Argentina supposedly became a safe haven for Nazis, yet there is no solid evidence to prove this
The country returned to civilian rule in 1946, with Colonel Juan Domingo Peron being elected president and promising higher wages and social security
In 1955 Peron went into exile, returning and becoming president briefly again in 1973
Argentinian army soldiers read newspapers in Port Stanley, during the Falkland War. Photo Credit: https://www.reuters.com/news/picture/falklands-war-the-argentine-side
The Dirty War in 1976 and the Falklands War in 1982
In 1976, a military coup led to the beginning of the most oppressive regime in Argentina’s history and the start of the “Dirty War”
The territorial dispute between Argentina and Britain over the Falkland Islands led to the Falklands War of 1982
Argentina’s defeat by Britain resulted in the fall of the dictatorship and the end of the 7 year “Dirty War”, during which time thousands of Argentinians were killed or “disappeared”
Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner became Argentina’s First Female President in 2007. Photo credit: https://firstladies.international.com
First Female President in 2007
2007 saw the election of the first female President of Argentina, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.
Argentina travel offers not only the opportunity to discover the incredible diverse and stunning landscapes but also introduces you to the country’s cosmopolitan cities, fascinating culture, architecture and history. Take a look at our extensive collection of Argentina tours and come over to discover South America. Click here for more information about Chimu.
Both Stepen and Lisa have been very helpful in making this bucket list trip happen..
Aberdare, Australia, 1 day ago
Barbara H
Verified Customer
Antarctica
You cannot actually describe the breathtakingly beauty, the wildlife, the icebergs,and the weather.
It was incredible
I recommend this product
Perth, Australia, 2 days ago
Susan B
Verified Customer
Antarctica
This was the best trip I've ever done. It was absolutely incredible. The abundance of wildlife were amazing as was the landscape and was like bring on another planet. The ship was luxurious. The crew fantastic as was the expedition team who gave very informative lectures on everything about Antartica, South Georgia and Sir Ernest Shackelton.
I recommend this product
Perth, Australia, 2 days ago
Graham P
Verified Customer
Antarctica
Great service and everything worked perfectly. We could not be happier
I recommend this product
Sydney, Australia, 3 days ago
Anonymous
Verified Customer
Antarctica
It was a wonderful adventure. The only negative was at the beginning of the trip when a water pipe burst and I had to be relocated on the ship to another room for most of the remainder of the trip. I was relocated to an interior cabin and lost the ocean view and large room I had paid for. The staff was wonderful except for the man in charge who seemed to bear no responsibility and seemed to think I should be grateful that a room was available for me. He did not seem to think a conversation was warranted and I should be happy with the fact that the matter would be settled by him upon deemarquent. What I was forced to settle for was a pittence for what I lost in terms of the room that I paid for. The expedition leaders were excellent. I was particularly pleased with my photography venture which is why I chose this cruise. Jay Evans was an excellent leader who worked closely with our team of photographers at all points in our journey beginning months in advance. He put together a group of strangers and I feel like I now have a group of lifelong friends. If it weren’t for Jay and his leadership as well as the other expedition leaders- this cruise would have been an absolute disaster for me due to how the burst pipe incident was handled with the lack of compassion and minuscule compensation.
I recommend this product
Eden Prairie, United States, 3 days ago
Jonathan B
Verified Customer
Antarctica
Antarctica is a truly breathtaking experience and the expedition with Chimu was very well planned, organised, and communicated. Our tour guide Jay Evans, was exceptional! He kept us well informed prior to departure and hosted a very friendly and informative experience for our group.
I recommend this product
Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Mexico, 3 days ago
Helena Z
Verified Customer
Antarctica
Incredible, majestic and serene!
I recommend this product
United States, 3 days ago
Garry W
Verified Customer
Antarctica
GREAT FANTASTIC
I recommend this product
Australia, 3 days ago
Grant P
Verified Customer
South America
Scenery, and the culture and the beautiful landscape.
I recommend this product
United States, 5 days ago
Lianne B
Verified Customer
Antarctica
Hard to put into words was amazing from start to finish.
Service was great staff lovely.
Well looked after nothing to much trouble.
Thank you Lee
I recommend this product
Mascot, Australia, 6 days ago
Warren S
Verified Customer
South America
We spent a few days in Ushuaia before the trip to Antarctica as well as a few days in Buenos Aires on our way home. Ushuaia is a fascinating, quirky, eclectic and beautiful little city more than worth a day or two. Buenos Aires bathes in its history .. and the variety is marvellous. We also spent a day on a guacho horse/beef ranch on the Pampas outside Buenos Aires. This was brilliant ... just brilliant.
I recommend this product
1 week ago
Janice M
Verified Customer
Antarctica
What an incredible experience - so much to take in and enjoy - the awe-inspiring scenery - all of 'the up-close' encounters with the abundant wildlife in the area. The staff on the ship were caring and the many onboard activities / lectures were well worth attending. The zodiac expeditions with such knowledgeable people were well worth the effort of clambering on board.
I recommend this product
Australia, 1 week ago
Sarah W
Verified Customer
South America
A review of South America seems a bit too grand. A review of my South American - Antarctica trip - I can do - in summary - amazing. I had need to Antarctica before but wanted to bring my mom and this experience I couldn’t have asked for more. Fantastic sights, fantastic people and a boat and excursions I trusted. We loved it and mum was so well looked after… I’m forever thankful
I recommend this product
Hamilton, Australia, 1 week ago
Sandra H
Verified Customer
Early days for my trip but for the initial contact I am more than happy.
Australia, 1 week ago
Rosemary M
Verified Customer
Erica has been excellent!
Toowoomba, Australia, 1 week ago
Eric H
Verified Customer
Excellent Experience!!
Calgary, Canada, 1 week ago
Simon B
Verified Customer
Antarctica
A wonderful once-in-a-lifetime experience - amazing scenery & wildlife & an overwhelming feeling of peace & solitude. Chimu Adventures & Polar Latitudes make a great partnership to ensure maximum value & management of the time allowed to the customer. Despite being a day late reaching the continent, due to weather in Drake Passage, the expedition management crammed the time we had left with activities & education opportunities enough to satisfy the most demanding guest - all with friendly efficiency & commitment to safety
I recommend this product
Ryde, Australia, 1 week ago
Brian R
Verified Customer
South America
The southern tip of South America in Patagonia is wild and rugged. A luxury hotel at the base of the Andes mountain range and a boat trip through the fjords and glaciers were highlights
I recommend this product
Clyde, Australia, 1 week ago
Cleo A
Verified Customer
South America
Hotel quite far from city center and though was advertized to have transpostation that was not the case. Thank goodness for UBER, but did app for payment did not work so beware and keep a credit card or better yet cash on hand. All drivers were happy to accept US currency.
I recommend this product
Redmond, United States, 1 week ago
David C
Verified Customer
South America
You need to be careful in Chile. I was the victim of a credit card scam
I recommend this product
Hamilton, New Zealand, 1 week ago
Scroll to Top
Christine P
Verified Customer
Both Stepen and Lisa have been very helpful in making this bucket list trip happen..
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Aberdare, Australia, 1 day ago
Barbara H
Verified Customer
Antarctica
You cannot actually describe the breathtakingly beauty, the wildlife, the icebergs,and the weather.
It was incredible
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Perth, Australia, 2 days ago
Susan B
Verified Customer
Antarctica
This was the best trip I've ever done. It was absolutely incredible. The abundance of wildlife were amazing as was the landscape and was like bring on another planet. The ship was luxurious. The crew fantastic as was the expedition team who gave very informative lectures on everything about Antartica, South Georgia and Sir Ernest Shackelton.
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Perth, Australia, 2 days ago
Graham P
Verified Customer
Antarctica
Great service and everything worked perfectly. We could not be happier
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Sydney, Australia, 3 days ago
Anonymous
Verified Customer
Antarctica
It was a wonderful adventure. The only negative was at the beginning of the trip when a water pipe burst and I had to be relocated on the ship to another room for most of the remainder of the trip. I was relocated to an interior cabin and lost the ocean view and large room I had paid for. The staff was wonderful except for the man in charge who seemed to bear no responsibility and seemed to think I should be grateful that a room was available for me. He did not seem to think a conversation was warranted and I should be happy with the fact that the matter would be settled by him upon deemarquent. What I was forced to settle for was a pittence for what I lost in terms of the room that I paid for. The expedition leaders were excellent. I was particularly pleased with my photography venture which is why I chose this cruise. Jay Evans was an excellent leader who worked closely with our team of photographers at all points in our journey beginning months in advance. He put together a group of strangers and I feel like I now have a group of lifelong friends. If it weren’t for Jay and his leadership as well as the other expedition leaders- this cruise would have been an absolute disaster for me due to how the burst pipe incident was handled with the lack of compassion and minuscule compensation.
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Eden Prairie, United States, 3 days ago
Jonathan B
Verified Customer
Antarctica
Antarctica is a truly breathtaking experience and the expedition with Chimu was very well planned, organised, and communicated. Our tour guide Jay Evans, was exceptional! He kept us well informed prior to departure and hosted a very friendly and informative experience for our group.
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Mexico, 3 days ago
Helena Z
Verified Customer
Antarctica
Incredible, majestic and serene!
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
United States, 3 days ago
Garry W
Verified Customer
Antarctica
GREAT FANTASTIC
I recommend this product
1 person found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Australia, 3 days ago
Grant P
Verified Customer
South America
Scenery, and the culture and the beautiful landscape.
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
United States, 5 days ago
Lianne B
Verified Customer
Antarctica
Hard to put into words was amazing from start to finish.
Service was great staff lovely.
Well looked after nothing to much trouble.
Thank you Lee
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Mascot, Australia, 6 days ago
Warren S
Verified Customer
South America
We spent a few days in Ushuaia before the trip to Antarctica as well as a few days in Buenos Aires on our way home. Ushuaia is a fascinating, quirky, eclectic and beautiful little city more than worth a day or two. Buenos Aires bathes in its history .. and the variety is marvellous. We also spent a day on a guacho horse/beef ranch on the Pampas outside Buenos Aires. This was brilliant ... just brilliant.
I recommend this product
1 person found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
1 week ago
Janice M
Verified Customer
Antarctica
What an incredible experience - so much to take in and enjoy - the awe-inspiring scenery - all of 'the up-close' encounters with the abundant wildlife in the area. The staff on the ship were caring and the many onboard activities / lectures were well worth attending. The zodiac expeditions with such knowledgeable people were well worth the effort of clambering on board.
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Australia, 1 week ago
Sarah W
Verified Customer
South America
A review of South America seems a bit too grand. A review of my South American - Antarctica trip - I can do - in summary - amazing. I had need to Antarctica before but wanted to bring my mom and this experience I couldn’t have asked for more. Fantastic sights, fantastic people and a boat and excursions I trusted. We loved it and mum was so well looked after… I’m forever thankful
I recommend this product
1 person found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Hamilton, Australia, 1 week ago
Sandra H
Verified Customer
Early days for my trip but for the initial contact I am more than happy.
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Australia, 1 week ago
Rosemary M
Verified Customer
Erica has been excellent!
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Toowoomba, Australia, 1 week ago
Eric H
Verified Customer
Excellent Experience!!
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Calgary, Canada, 1 week ago
Simon B
Verified Customer
Antarctica
A wonderful once-in-a-lifetime experience - amazing scenery & wildlife & an overwhelming feeling of peace & solitude. Chimu Adventures & Polar Latitudes make a great partnership to ensure maximum value & management of the time allowed to the customer. Despite being a day late reaching the continent, due to weather in Drake Passage, the expedition management crammed the time we had left with activities & education opportunities enough to satisfy the most demanding guest - all with friendly efficiency & commitment to safety
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Ryde, Australia, 1 week ago
Brian R
Verified Customer
South America
The southern tip of South America in Patagonia is wild and rugged. A luxury hotel at the base of the Andes mountain range and a boat trip through the fjords and glaciers were highlights
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Clyde, Australia, 1 week ago
Cleo A
Verified Customer
South America
Hotel quite far from city center and though was advertized to have transpostation that was not the case. Thank goodness for UBER, but did app for payment did not work so beware and keep a credit card or better yet cash on hand. All drivers were happy to accept US currency.
I recommend this product
Was this review helpful?
Yes
No
Redmond, United States, 1 week ago
David C
Verified Customer
South America
You need to be careful in Chile. I was the victim of a credit card scam