If there is one thing that you really must do before you die, you must visit South America, and in particular, Argentina. Words cannot describe the different layers of beauty that can be found when travelling this vast nation, but I am going to attempt to give you at least a hint of an impression with this colourful prose.

Firstly, if like me you're English don't be put off Argentina holidays because you envisage receiving a frosty reception from the natives. The Falklands War is still a sore point with many Argentines but that doesn't mean to say you will be treated with any disrespect, I have been on many Argentina holidays and tours and have only experienced one situation where I was frowned upon but I'm still not certain if that was because I am English or due to his bad manners, or even from the gentleman in question just being a miserable so and so!

If you're fortunate enough to afford to travel to South America you have to visit Argentina for the following reasons: the culture - the laissez faire way of life, the seduction of the Tango (simply poetry in motion), the barbecued beef like you have never tasted before, the smooth fruity delights of the Mendoza wine, the fervour of a Boca vs. River Plate derby - but best of all, the natural splendour of the place.

Take Buenos Aires for instance - a vibrant and bustling city like no other - quite un-South American in essence, as it was built by Europeans. This place will blow you away, with its culturally diverse influences feeding through to the local markets, to the colonial architecture and rustic cafes. A fusion of the old world - simple, modest and charming - and contemporary ideologies, with an abundance of passion for the arts, for football and unrivalled pride of their nation make this seductive city like no other.

The south of Argentina is another must-see part of South America, in particular Patagonia. 'Picturesque' doesn't do it justice! Think lush greens, mountain peaks, ocean blue skies and an almost mirror image reflecting back at you in the form of crystal lakes. The perfect place to admire the world's natural beauty, collect your thoughts and thank the lord for giving you life! And then there are the ice fields! It's best for you to source images of these rather than have me pitifully attempt to describe them.

If you like your wine then you must head to Mendoza - another bustling city but life seems much slower here than in Buenos Aires. If you're lucky enough to be in Mendoza in March, you must catch the festival of the Vedimia - to celebrate the harvest of the grape where a beauty pageant takes place.

If you're an active person then Mendoza is the place for you, a fantastic place to ski in winter but also for mountaineering, rafting, hiking and riding horses. And of course Mendoza is set to the east of the Andes and boast stunning views of these awe inspiring mountain ranges - the biggest in the world.

I have but mentioned just three glorious parts of Argentina that you must visit, but there are many, many other cities, towns and regions bursting with culture and natural beauty, take it from me, once you visit Argentina, you'll be desperate to return as I continue to do so - there is no place like it on the planet.

Shaun Parker is a travel writer with many years of experience travelling South America, and in particular Argentina. Find out more about Argentina holidays at http://www.jacadatravel.com