Argentina Travel Guide
Argentina spans a massive 2,263 miles (3,650km) from north to south, giving the narrow country a huge variety of landscapes and attractions ranging from the desert cattle ranges of the Pampas in the north to the glaciers and penguin colonies of Tierra del Fuego in the south.
In between those extremes lies the sultry heart of Argentina, Buenos Aires. The birthplace of the tango, Buenos Aires is a fascinating city of history and culture and is overflowing with amazing restaurants, theatres, nightclubs and dance halls. Two hundred and thirty miles (400km) south of Buenos Aires lies Argentina's most popular beach resort, Mar del Plata, which attracts around three million local tourists every summer.
Many of Argentina's most popular attractions are not in the cities however, but spread across its verdant landscape. The famous Iguazu Falls, voted one of the natural wonders of the world in 2011, draw tourists from all over the globe, as do the excellent vineyards of the wine region in Mendoza, and the popular ski resorts Bariloche and Las Lenas.
Argentina is a patchwork made up of colourful panoramas and even more colourful people. A hugely popular tourist destination in South America, a holiday in Argentina is an adventure likely never to be forgotten.
Best time to visit Argentina
The weather in Argentina varies widely from north to south, so deciding the best time to visit Argentina depends on where you're going. The best time to visit Patagonia and the southern region is in summer (December to February) when temperatures are moderate; while the northern region and Iguazu Falls are best visited in winter (June to August) for the same reason. The best time to go to Buenos Aires is in the spring and autumn (September to November and March to May) to avoid extreme temperatures and large crowds. The ski season in Argentina runs from June to October.
What to see in Argentina
-Visit Iguazú National Park and the only remaining Guarani settlements in Argentina.
-See the grand Casa Rosada, the bright pink home of Juan and Eva Peron.
-Hike on the spectacular ice formations of Los Glaciares National Park.
-Visit the penguin colonies in southern Patagonia.
What to do in Argentina
-Learn to tango in the nightclubs of Buenos Aires.
-Go skiing at Argentinean ski resorts like Cerro Catedral and Los Penitentes.
-Sample local wines in the vineyards of Mendoza.
-Go white-water rafting down the Rio Manso in the Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi.
Getting to Argentina
Getting to Argentina is a long process, as flights to Argentina from London take between 11 and 16 hours. There are direct flights to Argentina from a few major US cities, as well as London. Most flights to Argentina land in Buenos Aires at Ministro Pistarini International Airport.
Read
On Heroes and Tombs by Ernesto Sabato, and Evita: In My Own Words by Eva Peron.
Listen
La Revancha del Tango (Gotan Project)
Watch
Evita (1996) and Naked Tango (1991).
Drink
Mate and Argentinean wine.
Eat
Hot empanadas and Dulce de Leche.
Buy in Argentina
Argentinean wine, tango albums and leather goods like handbags and jackets.
Pack for Argentina
Bring some nice clothes for evenings in Buenos Aires; restaurants and bars lean toward chic dress codes and casual establishments can be hard to find.
What's on in Argentina
See the twirling dancers at the Buenos Aires Tango Festival in autumn. The world's best polo players show off their talents at the Argentine Open every summer. Listen to traditional flamenco guitar at the International Guitar Festival, held each October.
Did you know?
-The official national sport of Argentina is pato, a combination of polo and basketball.
-Thirty percent of Argentina's population lives in Buenos Aires.
-The largest dinosaur to ever walk the Earth was discovered by a Patagonian shepherd in 2014.
A final word
The sultry lure of the tango and colourful culture of Argentina makes it an exotic and romantic holiday destination.
Language
Spanish is the official language of Argentina but English is generally understood in the tourist areas.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Argentinean Peso (ARS). Currency can be exchanged at banks and cambios (bureaux de change) but it is easier to use ATMs, available in most towns, which reflect the current exchange rate. Major credit and debit cards are generally accepted, and US Dollars can be used in many tourist establishments.
Electricity
Electrical current in Argentina is 220 volts, 50Hz. Most hotels and offices use the three-pin flat plug, however most older buildings use the two-pin round plug.
Tipping
A 10 percent tip is expected at restaurants in Argentina. Porters expect some small change per bag.
Safety
There is no specific threat to foreigners and travellers should not be discouraged from travelling throughout the country. But be aware of bag-snatchers, pickpockets and con men, particularly in crowded areas in Buenos Aires, on public transport and in popular tourist haunts, such as San Telmo.
Communications
The international access code for Argentina is +54. Mobile roaming charges can be expensive, prepaid local SIM cards are available for purchase on arrival and are a good alternative. Free wifi is offered at most restaurants, cafes and hotels in tourist centred areas of the country.
Health
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. Treatment is expensive, however, and medical insurance is advised. Asthma, sinus and bronchial ailments can be aggravated by pollution in Buenos Aires. Those with specific conditions should bring a sufficient quantity of medical supplies and medication for the trip.
Passport & Visa
Valid passports are required for travel to Argentina. Visas are not generally required for stays of less than three months, with the possibility of an extension of stay. Visas are valid for several entries within the period of validity stated in the visa. It is recommended that all visitors have sufficient funds, as well as onward or return tickets and documents required for next destination. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Customs
Argentineans are warm and unreserved people. Both men and women greet each other by kissing on the cheek, and will often touch each other when speaking and maintain little physical distance between speakers. With its origins in the working-class neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires, tango lives on today as a cultural pillar of Argentinean society. Likewise, football in the country is almost like a religion and is a hugely significant part of its cultural identity.
Duty Free
Travellers to Argentina over the age of 18 years can bring in the following items to the value of US$300 without incurring customs duty: two litres of alcohol, 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars, and 5kg of food items. Restrictions apply to fresh foodstuffs such as meat and dairy products. Prohibited items include explosives, flammable items, narcotics and pornographic material. Firearms and ammunition for sporting purposes are allowed if accompanied by a license/certificate.
Contacts
National Secretariat of Tourism, Buenos Aires: +54 (0)11 4316 1600 or www.turismo.gov.ar
Emergencies: 101 (police), 107 (medical emergencies), 100 (fire)
Entry Requirements
US nationals require a passport for travel to Argentina, but no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
UK nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days for British Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens and British Overseas Citizens; and 30 days for British Nationals (Overseas).
Canadians require a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
South African nationals must hold a valid passport, but no visa is required for a maximum stay of up to 90 days.
Irish nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
New Zealand nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
Embassy Consulates
United States Embassy, Buenos Aires: +54 (0)11 5777 4533.
British Embassy, Buenos Aires: +54 (0)11 4808 2200.
Canadian Embassy, Buenos Aires: +54 (0)11 4808 1000.
Embassy of South Africa, Buenos Aires: +54 (0)11 4317 2900.
Embassy of Ireland, Buenos Aires: +54 (0)11 5787 0801.
New Zealand Embassy, Buenos Aires: +54 11 5070 0700.
Embassy Consulates
Embassy of Argentina, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 238 6400.
Embassy of Argentina, London, United Kingdom: +44 207 318 1300.
Embassy of Argentina, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 2351.
Embassy of Argentina, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 430 3524/7.
Embassy of Argentina, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 269 1546.
Embassy of Argentina, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 472 8330.
Attractions
From the colourful and bustling barrios of Buenos Aires to the breathtaking Andes Mountain Range in north, Argentina has no shortage of sightseeing opportunities. Boasting a plethora of different habitats and environments to explore, it would take visitors a good few months to see everything this South American gem has to offer.
The northern regions of the country offer an exciting blend of colonial heritage, natural beauty and an indigenous flavour, while the spectacular Iguazu Falls, surrounded by the lush forest of the Iguazu National Park, are a must see. Enjoy a day of wine tasting in Mendoza, or head west towards the Chilean border and marvel at the Andes Mountain Range. The curious mix of desert, snow-capped mountains, sandy beaches and majestic glaciers in the Patagonia region is extraordinary, and the world's southern-most city, Ushuaia, nestled on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, is a departure point for those keen on a trip to Antarctica and also offers some of the best brown trout fishing in the world.
The sights and sounds of Buenos Aires are a major draw for many. Stroll along the tree-lined parks and boulevards, visit Evita Peron's grave at La Recoleta Cemetery, explore La Boca, the city's most popular barrio, and take in the Latin American flair by enjoying a romantic night of tango.
Buses are the most cost effective way to navigate the country and for longer journeys domestic flights are available at affordable prices. The best time of year to visit Argentina is during the autumn months from March to June when the weather is a little cooler.
With so much to see and so little time, there will never be a better choice than packing up and heading off to Argentina for the adventure of a lifetime.
Climate
Argentina's elongated geography ensures that the country has a diverse climate. The north is subtropical with rain throughout the year and is best visited between May and September when the heat and humidity is less oppressive. The south has a sub-arctic climate and is best visited in the summer (December to February). The central area is temperate, but can be hot and humid during summer and cool in winter.