Inca Sites, Indian Markets, and Homes for $25,000 in Argentina’s Colonial Northwest

Everybody at International Living loves Argentina. The people from our Central and South American offices jump at any chance to let you know about its European-style exuberance...its flea markets…vineyard tours…tango-dancing…and other great travel experiences.

Our colleagues at Global Real Estate Investor (www.globalrealestateinvestor.com) and our local contact, Paul Reynolds, are continually uncovering investment opportunities in Buenos Aires. Right now, for example, you could buy a studio apartment in the capital’s posh Recoleta district for $43,000...or a loft apartment in a neo-colonial building with central patio, in the antiques quarter of San Telmo, for $69,000.

Although I couldn’t imagine dancing the tango (or communing with penguins in icy Patagonia), everything about Argentina seemed wonderfully appealing. But with all International Living’s expertise already in place, there was scant chance of me ever landing an assignment.

Then, last April, I got the chance to teach at AWAI’s Travel Writer’s Workshop (www.thetravelwriterslife.com) in Buenos Aires. I grabbed it--and also took the opportunity to explore the Inca sites, colonial towns, and highland villages of Argentina’s northwest.

What I found didn’t disappoint me--and I don’t think it will disappoint you either. In the shadow of the Andes, colonial towns are rooted in the cross-and-sword days of the 16th-century Spanish conquistadores. If your idea of heaven is cobbled streets, dusky-pink churches, and grassy plazas shaded by mauve-blossomed jacaranda trees, you’re in for a treat. What’s more, you can find attractive homes for less than $50,000.

I ate bife de lomo (filet mignon steak) for less than $2.50. Drank bottles of excellent Malbec wine for less than $6. (You’ll find cheaper wine, but Malbec really is bottled bliss.) The price of leather goods is ludicrous--quality shoes cost $20 or less…

Steenie Harvey
For International Living

Subscribers to International Living in print can read the rest of this article in the August 2005 issue, available online now. If you’re not a subscriber to the print edition, become one here.

* "Life’s too short"...so Murray moved to Mexico. Fed up with 12-hour days working as a family physician in the States, Murray Friedman uprooted and left the rat-race behind. He considered Panama, before finally opting for Mexico, where he now runs a B&B in San Miguel de Allende with his partner. "Life’s too short" is Murray’s mantra. You may think so, too. This month, we continue our New Life in 2005 series...with Murray’s story.

* Made in Germany"--Is it time to place more faith in Germany’s legendary reliability and quality?

* The best job in the world--how to get started as a travel writer

* The (relatively) smooth process of building a home in Nicaragua

International Living's Summer Conference Calendar

You are invited to join the International Living team at these special events:

* Live and Invest in Honduras, August 18-20, 2005, La Ceiba

If you thought the days of affordable Caribbean living--and profitable investing--had passed you by, you need to let us prove you wrong this August. Quite simply, this still-secret paradise is ripe for discovery and investment.

* Thailand Tour, September 9-16, 2005, Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Phuket

See Thailand with International Living! Along the way, you’ll be introduced to real estate agents...lawyers...relocation experts...investment gurus…and you’ll have access to all the knowledgeable people who can help you decide if Thailand is right for you too.

* Live and Invest in Panama, September 15-17, Panama City

We've been telling you about the benefits, beauties, and advantages of Panama for more than a decade - a country that we feel should be at the top of the list of every would-be overseas retiree, resident, investor, and entrepreneur. Now, we'd like to share it with you firsthand.