Argentina extends from its remote northern deserts to the furthest reaches of Patagonia, with wine regions, mountain ranges, and the big city of Buenos Aires in between. With so many options of where to go and what to see, you can design any kind of trip that suits your fancy. Here are some answers to common questions to help you do just that.
## Discovering the Vast Wonders of Argentina: An In-Depth Guide
Argentina, a land of dramatic contrasts and breathtaking beauty, beckons travelers with its sprawling landscapes and vibrant culture. As the second-largest country in South America, surpassed only by Brazil, Argentina offers an unparalleled range of experiences, from the bustling metropolis of Buenos Aires to the serene glaciers of Patagonia. While not as densely populated as some of its neighbors, with approximately 45 million inhabitants, Argentina’s vastness ensures a sense of untamed wilderness and limitless adventure.
The heart of Argentina beats in Buenos Aires, home to a significant portion of the population. Beyond the capital, however, lies a tapestry of diverse regions, each with its own unique charm and allure. A little over 20 million people are spread throughout the other cities and towns. This distribution leaves much of the country sparsely populated, a testament to its raw, untouched beauty.
This very emptiness is what makes Argentina so special. It’s a canvas upon which nature has painted some of its most spectacular masterpieces. Imagine yourself traversing the high-altitude deserts and marveling at the painted hills of northern Salta Province, a region where the earth itself seems to come alive with color. Or perhaps you’d prefer to wander through the verdant vineyards of the fertile Maipu Valley in the west, sampling world-class wines amidst stunning scenery.
Further north, the Misiones Region beckons with its lush tropical jungles and the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls, a cascading spectacle of nature’s power. In the south, the glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field shimmer with an ethereal blue glow, a sight that will leave you breathless. And finally, there’s Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost tip of Patagonia, a land of rugged beauty and untamed wilderness. To delve deeper into the myriad wonders that await, explore the diverse regions of Argentina and discover the perfect itinerary for your adventure.
## Journeying to Argentina: Your Gateway to South America
Argentina’s strategic location makes it a major transportation hub for South America. The bustling capital, Buenos Aires, rivals Lima, Peru, and Sao Paolo, Brazil, as a primary point of entry. Unless you’re embarking on an epic overland adventure, your journey will likely begin with a flight into Buenos Aires, landing at Ezeiza International Airport, conveniently located just 13 miles (22 kilometers) southwest of the city center.
From North America, several major airlines, including United, Delta, and Aerolineas Argentinas (Argentina’s national carrier), offer direct flights from major cities such as Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. Air Canada also provides direct service from Toronto, making Argentina easily accessible from across the continent.
Travelers from the U.K. and Europe have even more options, with non-stop flights to Buenos Aires available from major hubs like London, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Madrid, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, and Rome. A variety of carriers cater to these routes, ensuring a convenient and comfortable journey. For those venturing from even further afield, Qantas operates flights from Sydney to Buenos Aires, with layovers in Auckland, New Zealand, or Santiago, Chile, offering a seamless connection to this South American gem.
Beyond air travel, many South American cruise ships include Argentina on their itineraries, often as part of multi-day tours to Patagonia or even extending south to the icy landscapes of Antarctica. For those seeking a combined adventure through Argentina and Chile, crossing the border overland offers a unique and rewarding experience. Explore the various options for crossing the border and discover the perfect route for your cross-continental journey.
## Navigating Argentina: Exploring a Land of Immense Scale
Once you’ve arrived in Argentina, the question becomes: how best to explore this vast and diverse land? Several modes of transportation cater to different budgets and travel styles, each offering its own unique perspective on the country’s beauty.
### Soaring Through the Skies: Air Travel in Argentina
For many travelers, air travel is the most convenient and time-efficient way to navigate Argentina. Given the country’s sheer size, multi-day road trips can quickly become monotonous, with long stretches of highway cutting through seemingly endless flatlands. Flying allows you to maximize your time and reach remote destinations with ease.
However, it’s important to note that Argentina’s domestic air travel landscape differs from that of other South American countries like Chile and Colombia. Budget carriers are not as prevalent, and Aerolineas Argentinas, the national airline, often charges higher fares for foreigners compared to citizens. This can result in significant costs, even for popular routes such as Buenos Aires to Mendoza or Buenos Aires to Iguazú. Nevertheless, if you plan to venture to the far north or south, particularly Patagonia, air travel becomes the most practical and sensible option. An overland journey from Buenos Aires to Tierra del Fuego, for example, can take over three days, making flying a far more appealing alternative.
### Riding the Rails: Bus Travel in Argentina
For budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind longer journeys, bus travel offers a comfortable and affordable way to explore Argentina. Long-distance buses in Argentina are generally of high quality, equipped with air conditioning, meal service, and attentive bus attendants serving drinks and snacks. Modern amenities, such as flat-screen TVs in every seat, further enhance the travel experience.
You can also choose from different classes of seating, with the most common being semi-cama (seats that recline to a 40-degree angle) and cama-ejuctivo/cama full (seats that fully recline). Full-cama seats offer exceptional comfort, making them an excellent choice for overnight bus trips, allowing you to sleep soundly throughout the journey.
### Embracing the Romance of Rail: Train Travel in Argentina
While Argentina once boasted a thriving long-distance rail system, much of it has fallen into disuse, with limited routes remaining. However, trains still offer a charming way to explore the provinces near Buenos Aires, or even venture out to the coastal city of Mar del Plata. For longer distances, such as journeys north to Cordoba and further to Salta, trains are generally not the most efficient option. Moreover, the trains are typically poorly maintained, resulting in an uncomfortable travel experience.
Despite the limitations of long-distance rail travel, Argentina offers a few popular tourist trains that traverse scenic routes for short distances. One such train is the Tren a Las Nubes, which winds its way for 20 kilometers (12 miles) through the breathtaking high-altitude desert scenery of Salta Province, showcasing canyons and painted mountains. Another gem is The End of the World Train (or the Southern Fuegian Railway), located in the far south Patagonian city of Ushuaia, in Tierra del Fuego. This train travels eight kilometers (five miles) from the city to the entrance of Tierra del Fuego National Park and back, offering a glimpse into the region’s stunning natural beauty.
## Essential Travel Information: Visas, Restrictions, and Packing Tips
Before embarking on your Argentine adventure, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with essential travel information, including visa requirements, travel restrictions, and packing tips.
### Visa Requirements: Entry into Argentina
Argentina has previously experimented with “reciprocity” fees, requiring a one-time payment of 100 dollars or more for the issuance of a travel visa. However, as of 2019, this is no longer the case. U.S. citizens, as well as Canadian, Australian, and UK passport holders, do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
### Travel Restrictions: Exploring Argentina Freely
Once you’re within Argentina’s borders, the country is generally wide open for exploration. Whether you wish to visit the salt flats of the far north near the Bolivian border or the remote outposts of Tierra del Fuego just before Antarctica, you should encounter no significant obstacles. Keep in mind that entrance fees are required for national parks, but these are often negligible, even for foreign visitors.
One notable exception is the Falkland Islands (or Las Malvinas, as they’re known in Spanish), located off the country’s southern Atlantic coast. Due to Argentina’s war with England and the lingering tensions that persist, direct flights from mainland Argentina to the Falklands are not readily available. Travelers wishing to visit these islands may find it easier to book a flight from neighboring Chile.
### Packing Essentials: Preparing for Argentina’s Diverse Climate
Your packing list will largely depend on the regions you intend to visit. If you’re primarily staying in the capital, Buenos Aires, seasonal attire similar to what you’d wear in the U.S. or U.K. is appropriate. Bear in mind that while it doesn’t snow in Buenos Aires, winter temperatures can be quite cold, while summers are often oppressively hot. If you’re planning a visit during Argentina’s summer months (December to March), consider following the locals’ lead and heading south to the Lake District and Patagonia to escape the heat, at least for a portion of your trip.
For those venturing into the national parks of Patagonia in southern Argentina, wind and rain-resistant clothing are essential. Hiking and camping gear, along with sturdy hiking boots, are necessary if you plan to embark on any excursions into the parks. If you’re traveling during the winter months, pack plenty of layers, as temperatures can often dip to 32°F (0°C) at night.
If your itinerary includes the deserts and mountains of the north and west, light layers are ideal for daytime activities, with heavier layers for nighttime wear. If you’re visiting Misiones Province and Iguazú Falls, pack light layers and mosquito repellent. Regardless of your destination within Argentina, sunscreen is a must-have item.
## Delving into Argentine Culture: Food, Tipping, and Language
Immersing yourself in Argentine culture is an integral part of the travel experience. Understanding the local customs, culinary traditions, and language nuances will enhance your appreciation for this vibrant country.
### Culinary Delights: A Taste of Argentina
For many years, Argentine cuisine was recognized for its quality but perceived as somewhat limited in scope. However, the dishes it has always been renowned for are executed with exceptional skill. These include steak, empanadas, *choripan* (a sausage sandwich), pizza, and certain pasta dishes like gnocchi.
The rumors are indeed true: Argentina serves some of the world’s finest steak. This culinary tradition has its roots in Argentina’s *gaucho* (cowboy) culture. It has endured throughout the years, and even today, it’s typical for Argentines to host a Sunday *asado* (barbecue), where family and friends gather to enjoy copious amounts of grilled meats and wine. Further south, particularly in Patagonia, lamb becomes more prominent on the menu. Naturally, these dishes are best enjoyed with a glass of Argentina’s famous Malbec wine.
While grilled meats will always be fundamental staples of the nation’s cuisine, Argentina has expanded its culinary horizons in recent decades. You can now find a wide variety of international restaurants in major cities. Sushi is particularly prevalent, and American-style burger joints and burrito establishments seem to be popping up everywhere. Most cities and towns now even offer at least a few vegetarian/healthy restaurant options.
### Tipping Etiquette: Showing Appreciation in Argentina
While tipping is not mandatory in Argentina, a 10% gratuity in sit-down, non-counter-service restaurants is generally appreciated. Some higher-end restaurants may automatically add a 10% service charge to the bill, so it’s always a good idea to check. Tipping taxi drivers is not customary.
### Currency Matters: Navigating the Argentine Peso
The official currency of Argentina is the Argentine peso. At the time of this writing, the peso was trading at approximately 38.19 to the US dollar.
### Financial Considerations: Is Argentina Expensive?
Compared to other South American nations, Argentina is currently considered to be relatively expensive. Argentina’s economy has experienced considerable volatility, particularly since the economic crises of 1998-2002. In the years immediately following the peso devaluation, Argentina was one of the most affordable countries to visit in Latin America. However, as the economy gradually recovered, prices stabilized, although currency controls led to runaway inflation and a black-market exchange rate for dollars.
Further economic shifts occurred in 2015 when the new President, Mauricio Macri, lifted currency controls in an effort to counteract inflation, resulting in another significant devaluation of the peso. 2018 witnessed yet another economic downturn. As a result, visitors to Argentina can expect to pay inflated prices for the foreseeable future. Prices for goods and services are also subject to frequent changes, often fluctuating from week to week.
## Practical Considerations: Safety, Language, and Travel with Children
Before you finalize your travel plans, consider these practical aspects of traveling in Argentina:
### Family-Friendly Travel: Bringing Children to Argentina
Argentina is an excellent destination for family travel. Argentines are family-oriented, thriving in large groups and showering affection on children. The country boasts numerous natural wonders that make perfect spots for a family vacation, including the majestic Iguazú Falls, the stunning glaciers in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, and the various skiing destinations in Patagonia, from the city of Bariloche down to Tierra del Fuego.
A word of caution: in Buenos Aires, it’s common for families to dine late, often at 11 pm on weekends. While local children are accustomed to this, it might be too much for younger travelers. Consider seeking out a local babysitter if your hotel offers one.
### Staying Safe: Addressing Safety Concerns in Argentina
Argentina is generally considered to be a safe country. However, like any other destination, it’s important to exercise caution. The economic challenges mentioned earlier have led to an increase in petty crime, particularly in larger cities like Buenos Aires. Incidents include pickpocketing and snatching bags and cameras. Thieves have been known to ride by on motorcycles or bicycles and snatch phones from unsuspecting pedestrians. To avoid such incidents, use common sense: keep an eye on your valuables, avoid walking in dark areas alone at night, and always use licensed taxis.
### Language Essentials: Do You Need to Speak Spanish?
If you plan to spend most of your time in major cities like Buenos Aires, speaking Spanish is not essential. A reasonable amount of English is spoken in the capital, and locals who speak even a little English are often eager to practice their language skills. You’ll find a good amount of English spoken in the towns and cities of Patagonia as well, owing to the region’s tourism-based economy.
However, if you venture into more remote areas, English becomes much less common. It’s a good idea to brush up on some basic Spanish phrases before your arrival. Be aware that Argentines speak a unique dialect called Castellano, which is almost identical to Spanish with a few minor differences. If you’re using audio lessons or classes to learn Spanish, be sure to specify that you’re interested in Argentine Spanish.
### Credit Card Acceptance: Paying Your Way in Argentina
Credit cards are widely accepted in Argentina. Most establishments in tourist destinations, from the capital city to southern Patagonia and the northern deserts, readily accept credit cards. EMV (Europay, Mastercard and Visa) chip technology makes paying with cards quick, easy, and secure. You may encounter difficulties using cards only in the most rural and remote areas of the country.
### Health Precautions: Inoculations for Argentina
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations, including Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Zika has been reported, so the CDC advises pregnant women to avoid visiting Argentina. Those traveling to northern Corrientes and Misiones provinces, particularly infants, should receive a yellow fever vaccine. Travelers who may be at risk for animal bites, such as those participating in adventure sports or caving excursions, or who will be in remote areas for extended periods, should get a rabies vaccine.
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