May 28, 1997 Outdoor Argentina
A revived Buenos Aires river delta is just one of the nation's attractions for nature lovers
Web posted at: 7:18 p.m. EDT (2318 GMT)
(CNN) -- In a world where industrial and urban sprawl seem to claim more and more of nature, Argentina is reclaiming nature from the rubbish heap. Its capital, Buenos Aires, has turned a polluted, forgotten outland into a new tourist attraction and a haven for urbanites.
The city has created an oasis -- an amusement park, water sports and a resort atmosphere in the El Tigre delta. Once a bustling port, the area had fallen into disrepair as pollution crept in, port workers went broke and boats were abandoned. To some locals, the fertile area where ducks used to be plentiful for hunting became known as "no man's land."
Two years ago, a new highway and a train line to the delta gave new life and hope to this area. More than $100 million was invested in El Tigre -- from building resort hotels to creating the amusement park known as "Parque de la Costa." Yachts now cruise the waterways, and $250,000 vacation homes stand on the shore.
Argentina Facts Population: 34,292,742
Official language: Spanish
Second largest country in South America (following Brazil)
Monetary unit: peso
Source: 1996 World Almanac Despite the luxury accommodations, El Tigre is not the exclusive domain of the rich. The public is welcome to the rejuvenated delta area free of charge. Kayaking, fishing and picnicking are popular activities.
It's anticipated that 70,000 people will visit the area every weekend. Once again, the El Tigre is flowing -- this time, with tourists.
Snapshots of outdoor Argentina:
Patagonia|The Andes|Iguaçu Falls
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