Argentina
ABOUT ARGENTINA
It’s easy to fall in love with Argentina. Magical, picture perfect Argentina will have you head over heels and ready for adventure. And adventures there will be!
Your first stop: Buenos Aires. The city looks a lot like Europe due to its Parsian, Spanish, and Italian influences. It’s fondly nicknamed ‘Paris of South America’. Think cobblestone streets filled with colorful cafes, trendy shops, and museums. By day, you can explore the stunning Recoleta Cemetery (it’s way cooler than it sounds, promise!), La Boca neighborhood (where Tango was born), or El Ateneo bookstore (the world’s most beautiful bookstore). And by night, catch a tango show—or better yet, take a class and learn to strut your stuff like a true porteño (that’s the local lingo for Buenos Aires residents).
Next up: Patagonia. Pictures online can’t do justice to its surreal beauty. Towering mountains, giant glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes paint a landscape so magnificent it leaves one in awe. Here, in this remote wilderness, the raw power of nature takes center stage.
Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, is your jumping-off point for adventures in Antarctica, like penguin spotting. Tierra del Fuego is perfect for hiking, with raw, untamed beauty that’ll leave you feeling like you’ve stepped onto another planet.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM ARGENTINA
Nature at it’s Finest
Are you looking to channel your inner David Attenborough? Argentina is home to penguins, elephant seals, pumas and many other exotic animals. Spot playful dolphins and orcas off the Atlantic coast, or cruise by colonies of penguins in Punta Tombo. The north is home to jaguars, cougars, and the elusive ocelot.
Patagonia is where you take those stunning postcard pictures against a backdrop so beautiful, it’ll have your contacts green with envy.
The awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls, shared with Brazil, will have you reaching for your superlatives (think massive, powerful, breathtaking – you get the idea).
You can have four seasons of fun in Bariloche. Summer brings warm days, perfect for hiking and soaking up the sunshine. Autumn explodes with fiery foliage, while winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland ideal for skiers and snowboarders. Spring paints the mountains with a fresh palette of greens and wildflowers.
A Rich and Vibrant Culture
Tango! This sultry dance was born in the late 19th century slums of Buenos Aires. It emerged from a mixture of African and European influences on the streets of Argentina.
The dance was initially considered scandalous because of its close embrace, but it gradually climbed the social ladder, and became more accepted. You can catch a world-class show in the Argentine capital. Or better yet, take a lesson from the masters, and let them show you how it’s done.
For a taste of Argentina’s architectural prowess, visit the Casa Rosada, Argentina’s iconic pink presidential palace. Or step back in time and wander the cobbled streets of Salta and Cordoba, charming colonial cities. See the grand cathedrals and colorful houses that line the streets of these cities.
And for those who appreciate the finer things, a visit to the Teatro Colon (one of the world’s finest opera houses) will impress you. Its horseshoe-shaped auditorium has one of the best acoustics and theater interiors in the world.
Get swept up in the beautiful madness that is Argentine football (or fútbol as they call it here). Here, football is practically a religion. Maradona and Messi are national heroes with their own fan clubs and odes written in their honor. Everywhere you turn, you’ll see the passion reflected in graffiti art, kids kicking a ball (sometimes just a sock!) on every street corner, and entire families glued to the TV during matches. Buenos Aires even holds the title of the city with the most football stadiums in the world – that’s some serious dedication!
Best Time To Visit
High Season in Argentina is between November and March. This is the best time to visit Iguazu Falls and for beautiful weather in Patagonia. However, it can get hot and crowded, especially in Buenos Aires and northern Argentina. Be prepared for higher prices and booked accommodations.
Low Season is between June to August. It is the least crowded and most affordable time to visit, but some attractions in northern Argentina might be closed due to winter.
Shoulder Seasons (September-October, April-May) have moderate weather and fewer crowds. Expect pleasant temperatures in Buenos Aires and Patagonia.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN BRAZIL
TYPICAL COSTS WHEN TRAVELLING
Accommodation – From cozy tango-themed hostels to luxurious mountain lodges, Argentina’s accommodations dance to every traveler’s tune.
- On a Budget: Hostels are the best option for people on a budget. You can rent a dorm bed for as low as $5-10 a night.
- Mid-Range: Mid-range hotels offer comfort and amenities for $10-15 a night. Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Bariloche, and Cordoba all have great options in this range.
- Luxury: Argentina has luxury digs starting at $20-30 a night. Think posh amenities, stunning settings, and service fit for royalty.
Food – Argentina: where every meal is a tango of flavors!
On a Budget:
- Street Food: Hit the streets and enjoy local favorites like empanadas (savory pastries), and locro (hearty stews) – all for a steal at $2-5.
- Local Restaurants: For a sit-down meal on a budget, head to a local restaurant. Expect delicious food for around $7-11.
Mid-Range:
- Mid-range Restaurants: Treat yourself to a meal at a mid-range restaurant, for $10-20.
Luxury:
- Fine Dining: Be prepared to spend anywhere from $30 to over $100 for luxury dining experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
No trip to Argentina is complete without enjoying some of their culinary classics:
- Empanadas: These savory pastries come in endless varieties, filled with everything from meat and cheese to vegetables.
- Locro: A hearty and comforting stew made with corn, beans, and meat – perfect for chilly Patagonian evenings.
- Milanesa: Another Argentine staple, milanesa is a thin, breaded cutlet of beef or chicken, fried until golden brown.
- Dulce de Leche: For a sweet ending, don’t miss dulce de leche, a rich caramel spread used in countless Argentine desserts like alfajores (shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche).
- Mate: While not technically food, mate is a bitter herbal tea enjoyed throughout Argentina. Sipping mate is a social experience, a chance to connect with locals and embrace the Argentine way of life.
Transportation –
- Fly fast between major cities for $200-$450.
- Buses are a budget-friendly option for long journeys, though slower (Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls: 17 hours, $110).
- Taxis are convenient for short trips in major cities (around $0.50 per kilometer).
- Trains are affordable but have limited reach. They can range from $1-10.
- Explore cities like Buenos Aires at your own pace with a bike rental ($10-20 per day).
Suggested daily budget – If on a budget, you should plan to spend between $20-25 a day on your vacation in Argentina.
Those who want a more deluxe experience (such as private rooms, eating in nicer establishments) can budget for around $25-35 a day.
MONEY SAVING TIPS
THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT ARGENTINA
- Spanish is the main language spoken in Argentina, but English is widely understood in tourist areas. You may also find people that speak German, Latin, Italian, and other European languages
- Argentina’s a popular destination, so book tours, shows, and hotels in advance, especially during peak season (December-February, July-August)
- Argentina has high inflation and credit cards aren’t always accepted. ATMs have low withdrawal limits, high fees, and can run out of cash, so come prepared with Argentine Pesos.
- Pack for All Seasons. Argentina holds the record for both the hottest and coldest temperatures ever recorded in South America. Be ready for anything weather throws your way.
- The major highways are generally good, but don’t be too surprised to encounter dirt roads and potholes in remote areas.
June 12, 2024
