Argentina

Argentina is a country in the southern half of South America. It is a massive territory, with 3,650km, from north to south, giving a huge variety of landscapes and attractions. Knowing as “The country with the End of the World”, with a diverse geography encompasses everything from harsh deserts to humid jungles, and long ocean beaches to the soaring Andes. Stretching from the subtropical north to the subantarctic regions of beautiful Patagonia in the south. This land has some of the most spectacular nature reserves and national parks unlike anywhere else in South America; Patagonia, the Ibera Wetlands, the Valdes Peninsula, and the Iguazu Falls are all stunning and unique places to visit. The country is a potential gold mine for day trips, excursions, and sightseeing.

Highlights

National Parks

“Bobří kaskády, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina” by Petr Meissner is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Hiking

Glaciers

Gorkaazk, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Wine regions

Landscapes

“Bariloche” by Miradas.com.br is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Wildlife

“160301-Peninsula Valdes-17 copy” by Erik Anestad is licensed under CC BY 2.0

“Cayman, Esteros Del Ibera, Corrientes, Argentina, 3rd. Jan. 2011” by In Memoriam: PhillipC is licensed under CC BY 2.0

When to go

Argentina is a large country, with a wide range of climate types, is not the same visiting the capital as it is to go to Patagonia; each place has different climatic characteristics. For this reason, if you want to know when to travel, you will first have to know what part of the country you are going to visit. The recommendation is during Argentina´s springtime (October to mid-December) and autumn (April to end-May), avoiding the tourist crowds and peak season prices.

The northers and Iguazu Falls: northern Argentina, from November to December are of the greener months to visit the often-arid landscape of Salta and surroundings, this zone, offers the best chance of warm, clear weather. The Iguazu Falls area is a destination that you can visit all year round, but from April through to October, blue skies prevail, the weather is much milder and the humidity will be far more bearable. However, during this time the dwindling water flow might detract from the magnificence of the falls. On the other hand, the rainy season (from December to March), sees higher temperatures, a lot of humidity, and high-water levels, making the falls more impressive with a greater volume of water.

Central Argentina (Buenos Aires and Mendoza wine zone): in Buenos Aires during October and November are the best months, the weather is comfortable, the colors abound, and it beats the crowds of the summer. Mendoza has a Mediterranean climate, perfect for travel all year round. If you are a wine-lover, we recommend there in February or March when the grapes are harvested.

South Argentina (Patagonia): is snowed during the midwinter, from June to August. The long and sunny days of November to February are the best time to venture south. Also, the late spring and early autumn bringing fewer visitors.

Bariloche and Lake district: the best time to visit are summer (from December through March), the melting of snow brings spring, and the landscapes return to an abundance of green mountains and crystal-clear lakes. As a result, tour facilities are in full operation, and trails are open, including some of the region’s most exciting trails in Nahuel Huapi National Park.

Hiking: the best time to hike in Patagonia is between October to April, although December through February is the high season for travel, so you will find trails busy and prices high. During this time, in Patagonia have the warmest temperatures, which are around 15˚C, and the days are long. Generally, the best time to travel to Tierra del Fuego (and Ushuaia) is between November to March when the temperatures are higher, and trails are free of snow.

Birdwatching: springtime and summer, between October and January is probably the best, but all the other months are fine for the northern half of the country.

Wildlife: penguins start to arrive along the Patagonian coast in September, when they come to breed, and stay until about mid-March. The best time to see is December-January, when fuzzy little chicks are still feeding in the nests. Valdes Peninsula is one of the best places in the world to observe marine life. It is famous for whales and other marine mammals, such as the southern elephant seals and eared seals, and orcas or ‘killer whales. These, only come that close to the beach from February to the middle of May, when the seal pups are still mostly on the beach. If you continue from the Argentinean Atlantic coast to the Chilean Pacific coast, you can even meet blue whales. From December to April. The southern elephant seals that reside on the island belong to the family of true seals and are the largest among all pinnipeds, from August to March.

Practical information

Currency

The Argentine peso is the official currency. Typically, 25 to 203 per Euro and 15 to 190 per US Dollar.

The Argentine peso, is very unstable. When the Argentine peso is depreciating. Currently, there are two operating exchange rates; the official and the black-market rate (also called the blue rate). At the present, the lowest rate is on the official market. The alternative are: Western Union, Azimo, and Xoom, local exchange bureaus, or black market. This last option, is, if you prefer to exchange your money physically when you arrive in Argentina. When you walk down the street you will hear people saying “cambio, cambio.” These persons exchanging dollars and euros. Also, Cuevas (or caves) are the name for unofficial currency exchange houses. You will find them all over Argentina. Calle Florida is in downtown Buenos Aires. This pedestrian street is always busy, lined with shops and cafes. It is also bustling with unofficial currency exchange representatives called “Arbolitos,” or little trees. Exchanging money in Buenos Aires or any city in Argentina with these “arbolitos” is very common and many travellers doing this with no trouble at all.

Language

Spanish is the official language of Argentina. English is widely spoken with some French and German. Guarani and Quechua are other important languages in Argentina

Visa

US nationals, UK, most Western European countries, Canadians, Australians, New Zealand, South African, require a passport for travel to Argentina, but no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. Countries from south America such as Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela, they can enter in Argentina with just your ID for up to 90 days. For more information about visa and enter criteria you can check this website.

ATM & credit card

ATMs are widely available, you will not have any issues finding them in any of the cities, at both banks and non-bank. However, if you are planning to do a road trip, not all gas stations outside of the cities may have ATMs that accept foreign bank cards, so if you are going to drive around in Patagonia it is better to prepare enough cash beforehand.

ATMs are outrageously expensive to use in Argentina for travellers between the various fees and the terrible exchange rates. My suggestion is to avoid using it, and instead, bring foreign currencies to exchange (USD and Euros are the best ones to bring). So just on the ATM fees itself you are looking at paying 5-10%. On top of that, there is also the additional flat international withdrawal fees that your own bank back home will charge you, though not all banks will charge this.

Credit cards are also widely accepted so I recommend using those for major or expensive purchases. Now four weeks ago they launched the idea that tourist can pay with their credit and debit card at the MEP rate. Would be easy, but the Argentine government said that it is the responsibility of the card issuer to process the payment at that rate. In most of the cases it is Mastercard or Visa. But, from their side they say that it is the Argentine government responsibility. Currently, Visa and Mastercard are processing refunds after a period. But you will get charged first at the official rate.

Opening times

Most shops open 9am – 8pm Monday to Friday and at least 9am – 1pm on Saturdays, but many stores on the main avenues and in the main commercial areas also open all Saturday afternoon. Shopping malls usually open until 10pm, including on Sundays and public holidays. Bars and restaurants times may vary, but in general breakfast is between 7am and 10pm, lunch between 12.30pm and 3pm and dinner between 8pm and 11pm.

Time: GMT – 3 hours.

Main airports

Aeropuerto Internacional Ministro Pistarini (the international airport of the country’s capital, is located southwest of Buenos Aires. The distance from the airport to the centre of Buenos Aires is 32 kilometres. By car, it takes 45 minutes)

Córdoba Ambrosio L.V. Taravella Airport (is the international airport of the second largest city in the country, the airport is located north of the city. The distance from the airport to the centre of Córdoba is 13 kilometres. By car, it takes 30 minutes)

Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (is a modern airport on the outskirts of the Mendoza city, the distance from the airport to the centre of Mendoza is 10 kilometres. By car, it takes 20 minutes)

Malvinas Argentinas Ushuaia International Airport (is an airport close to the southernmost city in the world, the distance from the airport to the centre of Ushuaia is 6 kilometres. By car, it takes 12 minutes).

Public transport

Argentina is a largest country, so expect to cover large distances during your trip. The northern city to the southern are 4,000 km. Given its size, most itineraries in Argentina include domestic flights that take several hours. Public transport in large cities, especially Buenos Aires, is highly effective. Some areas, such as Patagonia, are slightly more limited in terms of public transport, renting a car and setting off on a road trip is also a great way to explore.

The SUBE card is a system to pay for all types of public transportation (bus, metrobus [a faster bus service], train and subway) in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan area and many urban locations around the country. You can get the card at subway or train stations, candy stores and even at lottery retailers. And in those same places you can recharge your card. It is very accessible and easy to use.

By train: railways are the cheapest form of transport in the country, and it also offers some of the best views of varied landscapes. Argentina’s rail network might not be as extensive but still connects a few cities and location in and around Buenos Aires such as Tucuman, Cordoba, Rosario, Bahia Blanca and Mar del Plata. However, the destinations are limited, and the train journey is time taking when compared to intercity buses. There are few fantastic tourist trains such as “La Trochita” in Patagonia, the Southern Fuegian Railway in Tierra del Fuego National Park and “Tren a las nubes” in Salta, operating at an enormous altitude of 4220 meters. However, this train is unreliable and often suspended, sometimes for weather conditions, sometimes for strikes and sometimes for seemingly no reason at all.

For more information about trains, you can check this website

By Bus: Argentina is served by dozens of bus companies offering inexpensive and relatively comfortable travel, especially on long-distance routes. Overnight options for many routes include semi-cama, or partly reclinable seats, and cama, which are fully reclinable.

Urban buses are known as “colectivos” and cover an extensive route around major cities. Buses are run by a number of different companies, so fares can vary. In some cities, bus fares are fixed to the entire city. Tickets and coupons are also available at kiosks around the cities. A color-coded system determines what regions of the country are served by which bus lines. Red, indicates the centre of the country (including Buenos Aires province), dark blue, the south, orange the north, green the northeast, light blue, the central Atlantic coast, and grey international destinations.

You must plan if travelling in the high season (mid-Dec to Feb) or around long weekends, especially if you are taking a long-distance bus from Buenos Aires or any other major city to a particularly popular holiday destination. In these cases, you should buy your ticket two to three days beforehand. For more information about routes, destinations and departures you can check these websites . For overnight routes check here. Normally when you use this kind of webs there are no commissions or extra fees. These two sites will allow you to compare prices and routes from different companies in Spanish and in English. Most individual bus company websites are only in Spanish.

By boat: many international cruise companies make Argentina, often combining it with itineraries that include Brazil, Uruguay, and Chile. Buenos Aires is the main destination. Your cruise line will likely organize shore excursions, but if you are traveling independently, be aware that the zone just outside the port of Buenos Aires is very dangerous and the site of many robberies of unsuspecting foreigners.

If you are traveling between Argentina and Uruguay, you will most likely be taking a boat. From Puerto Madero in Buenos Aires. This company offers boat connections from Puerto Madero to the Tigre islands. This is a stunning way to see the islands and the Rio de la Plata coastline of Buenos Aires. In Patagonia, most boat trips are designed purely for their scenic value, including ones that give access to the polar scenery of the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares and the alpine Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi.

By road: renting a car is pretty simple as long as you are at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license, credit card and passport. Before you drive off, check that you have been given insurance, tax, and ownership papers, check carefully for dents and paintwork damage and get hold of a 24hr emergency telephone number.

You will not need a car if you are staying in Buenos Aires, but it can be a useful option for side trips and seeing remote areas of the country surrounding major cities. A car is particularly helpful if you are going to visit estancias, or gaucho resorts; staying in wineries near Mendoza; or traveling to certain areas of Patagonia. In many of these cases, 4 x 4 or more rugged vehicles might be recommended, as some roads in these areas are gravel or unpaved.

Things to avoid

Talking about the Falklands islands, taking part in protests, these can turn violent, walking in these areas such as: The La Boca and Villa 31 neighborhoods are known to be more dangerous. Additionally, due to drug-related activities, Bajo Flores, Villa 31, and Caminito, beware of this, especially at night., wearing expensive jewelry out in public, standing by the bus stops or taking the subway when there is no one else around, as you could be putting yourself at risk, exercising a high degree of caution in the city of Rosario due to higher levels of crime and violence.

Food

Argentina is home to world-class beef and some of the tastiest dishes in South America. The food has been heavily influenced by Spanish and Italian cuisines. This can be attributed to its colonial past and history of immigration. Argentine cuisine uses locally-grown cereals, grains, oil seeds, fruits and vegetables, as well as meat. The country is regarded as a major beef, pork and poultry producing and consuming.

“Matambre” (it typically includes mixed veggies, hard-boiled eggs, red peppers, and olives. Seasoned with garlic, cilantro, and olive oil. The ingredients are wrapped into the beef and cooked together asado-style),“Em panadas” (stuffed dough pockets, deep-fried or baked, then filled with sweet or savory stuffing, depending on the province. Common savory fillings include chicken, goat, cheese, ham, blue cheese, and stewed and spiced ground beef), “Carbonada” (is a stew made from lots of vegetables, including potatoes and sweet potatoes, sweetcorn, carrots, peppers, as well as bacon or other meat, topped with fruits ranging from dried apricots and raisins to peaches, pears, and green grapes. It is hearty and appetizing and is usually served in a pumpkin that has been hollowed out and baked), “Alfajores” (shortbread-like sandwich cookies filled with jam, mousse, or dulce de leche), “Dulce de leche” (this thick and sugary caramel-like sauce is made by slowly heating and reducing condensed milk until sweetened and sticky. It is found in cakes, truffles, and cookies, and used as a topping for ice cream, dessert empanadas, or crepes).

Electricity and plug types

Electric current in Argentina is AC 220-380 volts. Electric plug configurations used have 2 or 3 flat pins with the top two pins diagonally angled.

Health and insurance

Health services in Argentina are considered among the best in Latin America. In Buenos Aires and other major cities like Córdoba or Mendoza, hospitals and clinics are of an excellent standard with competent medical staff. The public medical system is fair and free for all citizens, including foreigners. Tourists who can afford to purchase private travel insurance or international health insurance is recommended. There are no mandatory immunizations for travelers to Argentina though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio, and Hepatitis A. Malaria is low risk throughout the year in all areas, if you are visiting Iguazu or the Esteros del Iberá, take insect repellent, and take advice about whether malaria is currently a danger.

There are no major health risks in Argentina, except potential mosquito-borne viruses in the northern regions of the country. But the risks are still fairly minimal and common safety precautions should provide enough protection. Medical facilities are good in the major cities. There have been reports of mosquitos carrying the Yellow Fever virus and Dengue. So, to protect yourself, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor in advance to receive those vaccinations.

Make sure you drink plenty of liquids and especially water. Use bottled water and make sure that the seal on the bottle has not been broken. Tap water is drinkable in Buenos Aires, but you might prefer to protect yourself on short trips by using bottled water.

Other

Tipping restaurants in Argentinian is never mandatory, but certainly desired. If you receive good service and locals will tell you 10% – 15% (or less) is standard and tourists will normally tip more.