The Pampas, in the center of Argentina, is the largest and best-known area of plains. Agricultural and livestock activities are performed in this area, which includes the province of Buenos Aires, the northeast of La Pampa, the south of Córdoba and south of Santa Fe. To the south, the plains give way to small hills in Tandil and de la Ventana, and to the west, to the Córdoba hills.Towards the south, from the Andes to the sea, there appear the sterile and stony plateaus of Patagonia, swept by the wind during most of the year. The Atlantic coast, lined with high cliffs, forms massive indentations like the Peninsula Valdés, with its spectacular and unique colonies of sea animals.
Climate:
Argentina is so big that each region has its own climate. This means that there is always somewhere to go, whatever the time of year. Summer is from December to March, Spring from September to November, Autumn from March to May and Winter from June to August.
Generally speaking, the best time to visit Patagonia is from October to April, or between June and September for skiing. Córdoba, San Luis, Mendoza, Iguazú and the Northeast are year-round destinations. The Northeastern region around Salta has a pleasant, sunny climate all year round but the rainy season, from January to March can put some of the roads out of action.
The country’s territory offers a wide variety of climates: subtropical in the North, sub-Antarctic in the southern Patagonia, and mild and humid in the Pampas plains. Media temperature from November to March is 23° C, and 12° C from June to September.
Population:
Argentina’s current population is more than 38 million inhabitants, almost half of which live in the city and the province of Buenos Aires. Population density calculated on a national basis is 14 inhabitants per square kilometer
Aires and the Pampas are great whatever the season but it is worth noting that at the height of summer, temperatures soar above 40°C. Where possible, avoid January when Argentines take their yearly holidays en masse and the main tourist destinations can get very crowded.
Getting to Argentina:
All airlines flying to Argentina arrive mainly at Ezeiza (“Ministro Pistarini”) International Airport, which is 37 Km away from the City of Buenos Aires. You can reach the city by Teniente General Ricchieri freeway (Information: Tel. 5480-6111). Company Manuel Tienda León (Av. Madero and San Martín, Tel. 4315-5115) offers a bus service from 5.00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. This service costs $ 45 (Argentine pesos), and the trip takes approximately 40 minutes. There are also taxis and chauffeur-driven rented cars (from $ 98 to $ 145).
Language:
The official language of Argentina is Spanish. In Buenos Aires you will hear “lunfardo”, a local slang. English is widely spoken and to a lesser extent, Portuguese, French, German and Italian. Needless to say, you will get a lot more out of your trip if you learn some basic Spanish.
The official currency is the Argentine Peso ($). Credit and debit cards are accepted by the vast majority of hotels, shops and tourism establishments. In small restaurants, taxis and on public transport, however, only cash is accepted. There are ATM cash machines and bureaux de change (“casas de cambio”) all over the cities and larger towns.
Tipping:
It is customary to leave a 10% tip in restaurants, bars with table service, hotels, hairdressers, spas, and for tour guides. In cinemas and theatres you generally give a few coins to the steward who shows you to your seat. At service stations, people tend to leave the attendant a couple of pesos for cleaning their windscreen or checking the oil. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers.
Time and opening hours:
Argentina’s time zone is GMT -3. Banks are open from 10am to 3pm (Monday to Friday); post offices from 9am to a 5pm (Monday to Friday); most shops from 10am to 7pm (Monday to Friday) and until 1pm on Saturday. Shopping centres are open from 10am to 10pm (Monday to Sunday).
Visas:
Citizens of Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay can enter Argentina with their relevant national identity card. They do not need a passport or a visa. Citizens of the following countries, as long as they have a valid passport, do not require a visa to visit Argentina: United States of America, Canada, countries belonging to the European Union, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Barbados, Jamaica, Malaysia, Israel, Turkey, Croatia, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Japan. Visitors from these countries will automatically be given a three month tourist visa (a stamp in your passport) on arrival. Visitors from other countries will require a visa and should consult their nearest Argentine embassy or consulate.
Vaccinations:
It is advisable to consult your doctor six weeks prior to your visit so they can recommend which vaccinations they advise you to get. In general, vaccinations against Hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis and, if you are visiting Iguazú, yellow fever are advised.
Safety:
Argentina is one of the safest countries in Latin America. In Buenos Aires and the larger cities you have to watch out for petty theft and take basic precautions such as not wearing expensive looking jewellery or watches; always keeping bags -well attached and closed shut- where you can see them; and wearing cameras on a strap, preferably out of site. There are areas of Buenos Aires to be avoided, as in any big city, but on the whole, you will feel safe. The rest of the country is very safe.
Family holidays:
Travelling with children in Argentina is viable, safe and fun. There are many hotels and tourism companies that offer facilities and activities for children. For more information, visit “Family Holidays” in the Experiences section.
Gay travellers:
Buenos Aires is the most openly gay-friendly city in Latin America. There are gay hotels, gay football championships, gay tango, a Gay Pride march (November) and an active gay nightlife and social scene. Elsewhere in Argentina, although there is a more conservative attitude towards homosexuality, gay travellers are warmly welcomed.
Disabled travellers:
Some parts of Argentina (Buenos Aires and Iguazú, for example) are well prepared for disabled travellers. Other areas still lack infrastructure but, with the increased tourism of the last few years, the facilities are improving all the time. The luxury hotels and airlines mentioned on this website all offer facilities for disabled guests and travellers, making any travel itinerary within Argentina possible. It is advisable to specify your requirements before making any airline or hotel booking. |
