Module 3A Travel and Tourism There is a great variety of terrains in Argentina, ranging from plains to high mountains that are ideal for the practice of adventure tourism Each region of the country offers spectacular scenery which invites tourists to explore them while engaging in sporting activities There are some activities that can be practised in any type of relief Trekking, for instance, does not require special equipment and is a good choice to know places and be in contact with magnificent landscapes Another alternative to cover long distances and at a higher speed is mountain biking But if the idea is just to relax and enjoy nature, horseback riding presents itself as a distinct possibility Tourists may explore mountainous regions in numerous ways Mountaineering and abseiling or rappelling are two thrilling sports that both experts and amateurs can practise in the Andean Mountain Range or in the hills in Córdoba or Tandil Also in the mountains, there are ski centres for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding Those adventurers who prefer water sports have the opportunity of going rafting surrounded by majestic scenery in provinces like Santa Cruz, Mendoza, Río Negro and Misiones In this province, as well as in places with forests and jungles, it is possible to go on a canopy tour too Argentina’s diversity is also evident in its bodies of water Lakes, streams, rivers, waterfalls, the sea and the Atlantic Ocean are suitable places for different water sports Many tourists opt for canoes and kayaks for sailing and discovering marine life Those who choose to learn about underwater life can go snorkeling or practise scuba diving in Puerto Madryn Beaches in the Atlantic coast are also suitable for the practice of windsurfing, surfing and water skiing Adventure tourism also enables daredevils to have a different perspective of the landscape Parachuting and hang-gliding give tourists the chance of having great views as they fly down from mountains, hills or cliffs Anyone looking for adventure and a place to enjoy being in contact with nature cannot miss the opportunity to discover Argentina! Activities 1 Read the text and answer a Why is Argentina ideal for adventure tourism? b What adventure sports are mentioned in the text? c Have you ever engaged in any of these adventure sports? Which one(s)? English Toolkit - Sports Photocopiable © Ediciones Santillana S.A / Richmond 2011 Adventure Tourism in Argentina Module 3A 2 Match the sentence halves a Trekking consists in going down a steep slope by holding on to a rope b Rafting is a sport that allows someone to cover long distances, usually c Hang-gliding uneven paths, on foot d Abseiling involves swimming underwater with a diving mask and e Snorkeling flippers, with no need for oxygen tubes means going down a river on a raft is an air sport in which a pilot harnessed to a small aircraft flies by floating on current airs 3 A tourist guide describes his work experience Use the Present I started working when I graduated from university Since then, I (do) this work (be) in contact with nature and adventure sports I these During day first the did I as it for more than ten years and I still enjoy (engage) in many dangerous activities Fortunately, I years, I (never suffer) any injury My favourite extreme sport is rafting and I train every day when I travel with tourists down the current of the (receive) medals in competitions on many occasions river I 4 Imagine you are a travel agent Suggest activities to these people according to their interests Which province of Argentina is ideal for each activity? a Marine biologists who want to investigate the behaviour of crustaceans like lobsters and crabs Activity: Province: b Old people who have problems with their circulatory system and want to relax in thermal waters in winter Activity: Province: c Backpackers who want to cover the Seven Lakes Route, while in contact with nature Activity: Province: d Young people who love sports and want to explore the jungle surrounding the falls Activity: Province: e Teenagers who want to practise water sports at the beach Activity: Province: 5 Group work: the Secretariat of Tourism has asked you to promote adventure tourism in Argentina Choose a province and design a leaflet that gives information about the sports visitors can practise in relation to the landscape Include a map of the province with pictures of the sports! English Toolkit - Sports Photocopiable © Ediciones Santillana S.A / Richmond 2011 Perfect tense to complete the sentences