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Merlo, San Luis
Merlo is an important tourist centre located in the northwest extreme of the province of San Luis, on the western hillside of the Sierras of Comechingones, a natural border with the province of Córdoba. Merlo is a beautiful city of mountains and crystal water streams. This city has something for everybody: from just relaxing surrounded by astounding landscapes to adventure tourism: trekking, horseback riding, rappel, mountaineering and parachuting.
Merlo is a wonderful tourist spot and a favorite with Argentinian nationals but is virtually undiscovered by Europeans and Americans although it has a small thriving expat community.
Landscapes and nature: Merlo is a city of stunning scenery placed in the middle of the mountains that invites visitors to explore it.
A great way to do it is either to trek or be more adventurous and go for a “tirolesa” (handgliding) across Mirador del Sol or try your balance at some of Merlo’s amazing “Puentes colgantes” (hanging bridges) –specially Puente Unos.
Eating & nightlife: Merlo is famous for its “Chivito” (goat meat) which is either “al asador” (grilled/bbqed) or “al disco” (literally cooked on an iron plow disc). However, to try this delicacy you will have to wait till the evening when Merlo really becomes alive and “as adores” start slowly cooking their meat for a late dinner.
Extreme sports and sightseeing: Adventure travel is one of the great protagonists in Merlo: paragliding, hand-gliding, hiking, mountain biking and 4WD tours are just a sample of the many activities you can experience. It is also a place of great beauty for photographers.
Famous for its particular inviting micro climate that makes this area attractive at all seasons, Merlo has dry climate with an annual average temperature of 20º C. In the summer, temperatures vary from 18º to 33º C, whereas in the winter, temperatures range between 4º and 17º C.
Merlo is 758kms away from Buenos Aires, it can be easily accessed by many long-distance buses from all around the country.
-Nature and breath-taking landscapes: stunning scenery that makes it clear that nature is majestic in every aspect of it. Feel this intensity in El Mirador del Sol, Reserva Natural del Rincón, Pasos Malos and all around.
-Food: Try the unique taste of “chivito al disco” and witnessed the magic of food cooked on a powl disc!
-Sports: Merlo is perfect for adventure-lovers! Hiking, paragliding, climbing, hand-gliding and any adrenaline-filled sport you may want to experience, Merlo surely has it!
TESTIMONIALS
''The main things that drew me to the program were the fact that our teaching placements would be organised for us in local schools, that we’d have an orientation week in Buenos Aires with intensive Spanish lessons and that once in Mar del Plata we would get to live with local Argentinian host families. Other programs appeared far less organised, offered far less and were often much more expensive...'' Teaching English. Ceri Wills, UK
''The teaching experience has improved my confidence in my presentation skills and has been a useful first insight into the teaching career, which I may choose to take up in the future. However, I have also had insights into the daily family and working life in Argentina through this program which does differ from England significantly in its routine and approach, and I think by experiencing this I have developed new values which has opened my mind to new ideas about my future plans.'' Teaching English. Ben Tollington, UK
''I have been doing an internship in a Travel Agency and I have an unforgettable experience! My advice to have a wonderful and enriching experience is: Just try to mingle up with the locals, don’t stay in your comfort zone, don’t call home every single day, don’t judge, don’t compare things with your country and do not criticize. Accept things as they are, or join associations, NGO’s or create a group to make the things change.'' Internship. Magdalena Michalack, Poland
''An international experience is very rewarding, as one discovers a new culture, another way of life, new habits. Every day is a discovery. We learn a lot about others, and in particular about ourselves. Connecting Worlds has been the way for me to achieve all this and reach Argentina, and without its help, I couldn't organize my exchange. In particular, Connecting Worlds is the best way to obtain a complete coordination with all included, good advices and good prices. Nowadays I am very happy to have chosen Connecting Worlds and very thankful!'' Internship. Soukaina L, France
