Argentina could offer superb red wine and Tango dancing with the stylish inhabitants of Buenos Aires. This is just the start for the welcomed guests of a nation rich in heritage and an equally vibrant contemporary life.
República Argentina
Buenos Aires
2.766.890 km2
Spanish
Catholicism
36.100.000
Republic
Argentina is roughly dividable into four geographical regions. The first area is the Andes Mountains - the snow-topped range that separates Argentina from neighbouring Chile. The second area is Patagonia, which along with the so-called Lake District makes up the southern part of the country. Oil and coal are mined in these parts, and impressive glaciers grace the landscape. The third area is called Pampas, so named after its flat, open stretches of land north of Patagonia - it reaches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Andes Mountains. This land is used mainly for agriculture and for exploiting cattle. The fourth area is the lavaland - with a very warm northern climate.
Argentina is a huge country and the optimal time to visit depends on where you are planning to travel. The big cities can be visited all year around,. For Patagonia's outdoor attractions it is advantageous to visit in summer (November to February). In the subtropical areas around the Iguacu waterfall, on the border with Brazil, the climate is most agreeable during winter (May, June and July). It is also during the winter period that ski enthusiasts will get the most out of a visit to the Andes Mountains.
LonelyPlanet Argentina, Uruguay & Paraguay
Fodor's Argentina
1 Peso = 100 centavos
Net Cafés can be found in most Argentinean cities. In some of the smaller towns the data connection can be a bit slow.
To call for emergency help in Argentina ring the following numbers:
Police: (101)
Ambulance: (107)
Casualty/Emergency Room: (344 001), (344 104)
Fire Services: (100)
It is customary to leave a 10% tip when in a restaurant. This also applies in the more expense hotels. As a rule, taxi drivers who have been especially helpful should receive a tip too.
When it is 12:00 in Great Britain (GMT)(summertime), it is 8.00 in Argentina.
When it is 12:00 in Great Britain (GMT)(wintertime). It is 9.00 in Argentina.
The following weights and measures are used in Argentina:
Weight: Kilo
Length: Metre
Some Argentineans, especially older people in the rural areas still measure distances in leagues.
The unbelievable panoramic views in Patagonia and throughout the rest of the Andes Mountains often encourage people to become rather 'camera happy'. You need to have very good photography equipment to capture this fantastic scenery - and many are disappointed when they see the results. Many Argentineans - with their colourful clothes and stylish attitude - shriek with joy at the prospect of being photographed. It is advisable to ask permission though before photographing people as they go about their daily business. It is quite acceptable to photograph tango dancers as they perform in the streets.
You should not drink tap water, use it for brushing teeth or even for making ice cubes in Argentina.
Use bottled water instead.
The following current is used in Argentina:
220V/ 50Hz
Argentineans often dress formally, and in the cities it is especially recommended to dress smartly. On the other hand time management is rather loose and people are often late for meetings or dates - do not be offended by this. This is just the way it is. The following greetings are used: 'buenos dias', 'beunas tardes' and 'buenas noches' depending on whether it is morning, afternoon or evening. It is good manners to say: 'permisso' when entering a room. When invited to have a drink it is considered rude to refuse.
Banks are open from 10:00 to 15:00 (Monday to Friday).
Shops are open from 9:00 to 19:00 (Monday to Friday); some shops have a few hours siesta in the middle of the day.
Offices are open from 8:00 to 18.00 (Monday to Friday), a number of offices have a siesta in the middle of the day.
Public Offices are open from 8:00 to 17:00 (Monday to Friday)
Meat, meat and more meat! This is not comprehensively true, but meat is an important part of the Argentinean kitchen. Argentina's meat dishes are world famous and meat eaters usually try 'asado' or 'parillada' while in the country. At Grill Restaurants beef, sausages and other types of meat are grilled over wood-coal fires and served with salad and chips. Not to be overlooked is the exquisite selection of Argentinean red wine. Another speciality is herb tea, a relaxing drink enjoyed by all Argentineans. It is sipped through a metal straw and should be tried at least once during your stay.
Like most of the other South American countries, Argentina is not especially thoughtful when catering for the needs of the disabled. Wheelchair users will especially have problems in Buenos Aires, where there are holes in the pavements and the cars drive wildly with absolutely no regard for pedestrians trying to cross the street.
New Years Day 1 January
Free Day 1 May
Remembrance Day for the May Revolution 25 May
Independence Day 9 July
General San Martin's Remembrance Day 17 August
Columbus Day 12 October
Christmas Day 25 December
Flexible Public Holidays
Easter March or April
Malvinas Day The closest Monday to 10 June
Flag Day The closest Monday to 20 June
The best camping facilities in South America. It is the cheapest form of accommodation in one of the continent's most expensive countries.
Hotel
Argentina's hotels don't always live up to their star grading; it is advisable to ask to see the room before checking in. As a rule, hotel rooms provide a private bathroom. The reason why many of the rooms are empty often has something to do with price. Breakfast is generally included in the price.
The options in this category are called: 'hospedajes', 'pensiones' and 'residenciales'. These are often sparsely furnished rooms with a shared bathroom out in the hallway; cheap and simple, with a light breakfast included in the price.
There are many youth hostels in Argentina. If you don't have an International Youth Hostel card the bed will cost a little extra. Be aware that the more remote youth hostels are only open during the summer.
Many of the big ranches ('espancias' in Spanish) rent rooms out to tourists/travellers. Another cheap option is to rent a room from a family. Renting a house or apartment is a good idea if travelling in a group.
Aerolíneas Argentinas covers domestic and international flights, AUSTRAL only flies within the country's borders. There are also a lot of smaller companies that are in some cases cheaper than the two previously mentioned companies.
The regular buses serve the community but do not reach their particular destination as quickly as the 'expreso' buses do. The 'expreso' buses are comfortable, they have toilets, plane seats, snacks are served and video films are shown regularly.
Argentina has one of the world's longest railway tracks but many routes have been abolished because the buses are so effective. A few routes do still operate, taking the train is an outstanding way to admire the
beautiful scenery.
Taxis are recognisable by their yellow roofs. The taxi drivers do use a meter and there are very few drivers who would even consider cheating a tourist. In the more remote areas one can hire a taxi for the whole day
to explore the surrounding areas.
You have to be over 25 years old in order to hire a car, have a valid driving license, and to be able to leave a deposit with the car rental firm. At the smaller rental firms it is possible to reduce the price a little if you pay in
cash.
In Patagonia, and especially in the area around Bariloche, cycling is a realistic alternative to car or bus. Shops renting out bicycles can be found all over the place - hiring a bike is a fantastic way of exploring this area. It is no more dangerous to hitchhike in Argentina than it is in Europe.
Even though people in Buenos Aires complain about the soaring crime rate in the country, you seldom hear of violent assaults. Risks can be eliminated if you avoid isolated areas within the cities, and travel in groups at night. Keep an eye out for thieves, they often try and distract you and then dash off with your bag. You should be particularly vigilant on the bus and at train stations. There is definitely no need for panic. Argentina is actually one of the safest countries in South America.