Argentina’s growing appeal to Americans goes well beyond the generally temperate climate. “More and more Americans are becoming aware of the ‘new world wines,’” said Mollie Fitzgerald, co-owner of Frontiers International Travel in Wexford, which offers hunting and fishing expeditions to the country, as well as “elegant journeys” for the non-sportsmen. “For sure, the wines in Argentina have come to the forefront.”

As a result, Fitzgerald said, the past five to seven years have seen an increase in “boutique hotel properties” that have upgraded the quality of accommodations.

Michael Cobb, CEO of ECI Development Ltd., agreed, noting the climate in Argentina is perfect for soil and growing grapes, leading to the Mendoza region in the west becoming a highly-popular destination.

The country now offers more than wine tasting tours. Frontiers, which sends about 3,000 people a year to the country, according to Fitzgerald, is a popular destination for fly fishing and hunting.

And “for the non-sporting traveler, certainly Buenos Aires offers a wealth of opportunities,” Fitzgerald said, including whale watching and hiking. “I think Buenos Aires has a really cosmopolitan atmosphere. It’s not like other South American cities. It has a very European feel to it.”