Franco Cingolani
I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Growing up in a massive city, I always yearned for the peace of the countryside and strived to get in touch with nature. From a young age, I often found myself drawing animals and landscapes, which eventually led to numerous adventures as an adult.
However, the city I live in always felt special to me, leading me to become a concierge and local expert for anything related to it and the country among friends and family.
Hey, Franco! Where is your favourite place in Latin America?
In Argentina, I would always choose Iguazú Falls. Having been there many times, I can say with certainty that each time is as breathtaking as the first. Aside from the sheer scale that the falls demonstrate, you get the chance of exploring them and the surrounding jungle in multiple ways, including going under them via boat!
In Latin America, my favourite place is definitely Chocó, in Colombia. It is a magnificent, almost completely untouched piece of nature with some of the widest biodiversity in the world, with animal sightings being much more common than people sightings. Your only method of travel there is by speedboat, and traversing that part of the Pacific Ocean while being surrounded by zero civilization and all manner of animals is a stunning experience that will never leave me.
Tell us about a recent adventure of yours. What did a typical day look like?
My most recent trip was to Salta, located two hours away by plane from Buenos Aires. An area of the country with endless desert and imposing mountains, days were spent in long road trips through its varied biomes, stopping frequently for photos when passing by active fauna or an impressive view.
What were meant to be long days transformed into journeys that went by surprisingly swiftly, as the passage of time was quickly lost among such a massive, charmingly desolate region.
Favourite haunts in Buenos Aires?
Palermo is the city’s heart in every way, and is as vast as it is diverse. Palermo Soho and its contiguous area, Villa Crespo, have cultivated a distinctly bohemian and artistic vibe, shown through their street art, boutiques of all kinds, and flea markets. The contrast between the calm and vibey afternoons and the extremely busy and active nights makes them worth visiting twice in a day.
Among my favourite spots are Chui and La Alacena for a pleasant lunch with outside seating or a weekend brunch, and Boticario and Cochinchina for evening drinks in a fun venue with plenty of personality.
What is your favourite thing about Argentine culture?
Definitely the outgoing and inviting nature of its people. No matter where you are in the country, you will always find others who will try to connect with you and make you one of their own, offering a truly authentic view of the country’s many regions and their traditions. Whether it’s through sharing a mate, exchanging stories near an asado’s fire, or experiencing their day-to-day life, you’ll find yourself right at home!
And your top tip for travellers?
My number one tip is to come prepared for many different types of weather when travelling to Latin America, as even areas that are close by can have noticeably different climates. Argentina, for example, spans a large amount of territory, from the cool desert in Patagonia to the warm jungle in Iguazú.
Another thing I recommend is bringing cash when travelling to Latin America. While credit cards are now widely accepted, there are still several creative and interesting vendors everywhere, specially in the many open markets that you will find. Tipping is also done in cash in most places.
And lastly, be sure to try out the local delicacies! Empanadas, ceviche, coxinhas and many others.
Considering a journey to Latin America or Antarctica? Get in touch with the Plan South America team.
