07 05 sports u3a

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
1Read the text and answer.
aWhy is Argentina ideal for adventure tourism?

bWhat adventure sports are mentioned in the text?

c Have you ever engaged in any of these adventure sports? Which one(s)?

English Toolkit 1 - Sports

Photocopiable © Ediciones Santillana S.A. / Richmond 2011

Adventure Tourism in Argentina


Module

3A
2Match the sentence halves.
aTrekking...

1...consists in going down a steep slope by holding on to a rope.

bRafting...

2...is a sport that allows someone to cover long distances, usually

c Hang-gliding...

uneven paths, on foot.

dAbseiling...

3...involves swimming underwater with a diving mask and

eSnorkeling...

flippers, with no need for oxygen tubes.
4...means going down a river on a raft.
5...is an air sport in which a pilot harnessed to a small aircraft
flies by floating on current airs.

3A 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

4Imagine you are a travel agent. Suggest activities to these people according to
their interests. Which province of Argentina is ideal for each activity?
aMarine biologists who want to investigate the behaviour of crustaceans like
lobsters and crabs. Activity:

Province:

bOld 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:
dYoung people who love sports and want to explore the jungle surrounding the
falls. Activity:
Province:
eTeenagers who want to practise water sports at the beach.
Activity:

Province:

5Group 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 1 - Sports

Photocopiable © Ediciones Santillana S.A. / Richmond 2011

Perfect tense to complete the sentences.