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Argentina Featured Articles travel guide

Why 2016 is THE Year to Visit Argentina

Thanks to a precipitous drop in the Argentinian currency, mid December 2015, it became an instant Top Value Destination for Canadian Travelers. Of course that means it’s also an excellent value for those carrying USD, EUR or AUD.

Argentina is a beautiful and diverse country. It’s the jumping off point for expeditions to Antarctica and has one of the longest stretches of Atlantic coast in the Southern Hemisphere. This is a great year to go.

What to do in Argentina

If you’re interested in Wine Tasting in South America, then Argentina is where you want to start. It’s a country with a thriving winery scene.

Looking for 8 Reasons to Add Argentina to Your Big Trip? We’ve got ’em.

You’ll likely fly into Buenos Aires. Here are 6 Off the Beaten Path Destinations within the city.

There is no flavor that more represents the culture of Argentina than Mate. Get to know it.

Up on the border with Brazil is the mighty, and stunning Igazu Falls. You want to visit this place. Take your camera, and your sense of awe.

Explore all of the ways in which Tango is Not Just a Dance.

Are you a golfer? Did you know that Buenos Aires has over 50 venues? Yep.

Argentina. This is your year.

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Argentina travel guide

10 Days in Argentina: Itinerary Ideas

Argentina is a vast country, offering a lot of interesting things to do and places to visit. No visit to Argentina is complete without experiencing the vibe of tango on Buenos Aires’ streets, the beauty of Patagonia and the wines of Mendoza. Ten days in Argentina can be romantic or adventurous, depending on your priorities.

Itinerary assumptions

Day 1-3 Buenos Aires

Choose one of the best areas to stay in the city: Palermo Viejo – the trendiest part of Buenos Aires – , Monserrat – easily accessible via subway- or San Telmo – the most romantic area in the city. Each offers a lot of budget hotels and hostels to choose from.

Start your stay with a free walking tour of the city , then go to Avenue 9 de Julio. Explore Plaza de Mayo with its landmarks and stop for a bite to eat . Take a photo of the Obelisco and then catch the subway to Montserrat (line A) and ride in one of the original wooden carriages.

Start the second day with a pastry and coffee, then go to Calle Caminito in La Boca. See tango being danced on the street and maybe even take some lessons. In the afternoon you can visit La Recoleta Cemetery and see Eva Perón’s mausoleum.

Spend the last day shopping in Palermo Viejo. Or spend a day in nature at Parque Tres de Febrero.

>>read more about 3 days in Buenos Aires and about the Things to do in Buenos Aires

Day 4-7 Patagonia : Bariloche , Ushuaia

While not cheap, there are daily flights from Buenos Aires into Ushuaia ($331 one way in late Oct 2012) and San Carlos De Bariloche (same price). If you have time on your hands then you can catch a bus from Buenos Aires to Bariloche (21 h, $140 one way) or Ushuaia (much harder and longer trip, though).

>>read more about Getting from Buenos Aires to Bariloche and book a cheap hotel in Bariloche

Travel to El Calafate and see the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the glaciers which are not yet retreating. There are footbridges and viewpoints so you can see the glacier in its splendor. There’s also minitrek trail on the glacier, but you’ll need to do that with a guide.

Should you fancy a bit of mountain biking or paragliding, go to Nahuel Huapi National Park, near Bariloche. You can also try rafting and kayaking here.

The entire Patagonia area is known for being a place to experience nature. In Ushuaia, you can hike on Glacier Martial and see lovely views of the area , while Tierra del Fuego National Park offers excellent hiking trails, ranging from easy to hard. Pack appropriate gear and opt for a guide if needed.

>>read more about Getting from Buenos Aires to Patagonia

Day 8-10 Mendoza

Catch a plane from Bariloche into Mendoza ($240 one way in late October 2012).

Many wineries offer wine tours . The best time for such tours is in March or April. Of course, you get to taste the wine. When you get tired of the food and wine, take a walk in Parque San Martín or do some people watching in Plaza Independencia.

Hike up to Cerro Alco for some lovely views of the city. The hike takes half a day and can be done independently. If you prefer a more challenging option, climb Alta Montaña. It can only be done as part of a group.

Those looking for an active holiday, can try horse riding. Or, if you are into more extreme options, there’s always white water rafting and paragliding.

>>read more about the Things to do in Mendoza and book a cheap hotel in Mendoza


Photo credits
:Buenos Aires , Bariloche , Mendoza

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Argentina travel guide

3 Days in Buenos Aires: Itinerary Ideas

Buenos Aires is the most European city in South America. Sometimes you might feel you are in Spain or even France … but rest assured you didn’t board the wrong plane. Buenos Aires is famous for tango, good food and historical sights.

Itinerary assumptions

  • You will fly in and out of Buenos Aires
  • You will stay in a budget hotel or hostel in Palermo Viejo – the trendiest part of Buenos Aires – , Monserrat – easily accessible via subway- or San Telmo – the most romantic area in the city.
  • You’ll mostly use the public transportation but you should also consider using taxis

>>read about the Things to do in Buenos Aires

Day 1

After you check in and grab a bite to eat – or at least a strong coffee – you’d probably want to start getting to know the city via a free walking tour . It leaves at 11 a.m. from the corner of Rivadavia Ave and Rodriguez Peña st. (in Plaza del Congreso).

After the tour, come back to the city center and head to Avenue 9 de Julio, which is the widest avenue in the world with 10 traffic lanes. In this area, you’ll also find Plaza de Mayo, with the original Cabildo (Town Hall), Metropolitan Cathedral and Casa Rosada, or Pink House. The latter will remind you of Eva Peron (or Madonna playing Eva).

On the same Avenue, you’ll also find Plaza de la Republica, with its Obelisco, standing 67 m high.

Catch the subway to Montserrat (line A) and ride in one of the original wooden carriages. Get off at Sáenz Peña station to see Palacio Barolo , an homage to Dante’s Divine Comedy. The tower offer fantastic panoramic views of the city.

You’d probably want to sample some of the famous Argentinean food . The steak and pasta are to die for (and the pasta comes in varieties for vegetarians, too).

Day 2

Start your day with a pastry and coffee – Portenos don’t exactly do breakfast (much like the Italians, actually). Then make your way to Calle Caminito in La Boca . The street is the cultural center of the neighborhood and is the true cradle of tango . And yes, this is where you’ll see tango being danced on the streets. You can even book some lessons!

La Bombonera – the large football (soccer) stadium – dominates the area and is the home stadium for Boca Juniors. The museum presents the club’s history (and can be an interesting choice for those passionate about football).

During the afternoon make your way to La Recoleta Cemetery, where you’ll see Eva Perón’s mausoleum, among others. A walk in this cemetery pretty much looks like a stroll in a very interesting street. Avenida Alvear, also in the area, makes you feel like you’ve probably landed in Paris.

Day 3

If it’s a Sunday, go to San Telmo and visit the artists fair in Plaza Dorrego. Then you can plan a day in nature.

Pick up some food for a picnic and make your way to Parque Tres de Febrero (also known as Palermo Woods). Walk until your reach the Jardín Japonés and continue until you see El Rosedal (Rose garden).

You’ll probably want to spend the afternoon doing a bit of shopping in Palermo Viejo. Or relaxing with a mojito.

Photo credits: Casa Rosada , Tango , La Recoleta Cemetery , El Rosedal

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Argentina travel guide

Top Ski Destinations in Argentina

If you’re looking for unforgettable ski packages as part of a vacation, the slopes of Europe are among the best in the world, but you also shouldn’t overlook Argentina.  Here are the top ski destinations:

Bariloche, Argentina—most people don’t think of the Southern Hemisphere as a skiing hotspot, but the Andes mountains are the second-highest range in the world!  The actual skiing is at nearby Cerro Catedral, but the town of Bariloche is where you’ll settle between hitting the slopes.

Photo by Andre Charland

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Argentina travel guide

Argentina in December

December falls during the summer but the high season hasn’t kicked in yet. However , do expect more crowds and higher prices, especially around Christmas. You can plan to visit the beaches now, but they tend to be quite packed. Buenos Aires can be quite hot , but at least it’s not overrun by tourists. Patagonia is excellent for spending time in the nature.

Weather in December

With the variety of climates in Argentina, the summer takes various forms here. It’s definitely hot in Buenos Aires and the weather is excellent for sunbathing. If you want to cool down a bit, head to Patagonia. It’s hot and humid in the North , so Iguazu can be quite steamy now.

Sample temperatures

Buenos Aires avg high 27C / avg low 18C
Cordoba avg high 28C / avg low 17C
Iguazu avg high 30C /avg low 20C
Mendoza avg high 18C / avg low 9C
Ushuaia avg high 13C / avg low 3C

>>read more about Weather in Argentina

Flights and accommodation in December

December does fall during summer but the high season hasn’t started yet. Still , expect crowds and expect prices to be higher. Book your flight to Argentina at least 4-8 weeks in advance , especially if you plan to hit one of the beach reasons.

As for accommodation , of course, plan in advance if you want to go to the beach or travel before Christmas. Even if you just plan to visit large cities, it’s still best to plan in advance.

What to do

If you plan to see Iguazu Falls then you should know it’s steamy right now but no one stops you from going. However do prepare for the heat and humidity. You can try different activities, but you might want to stick to train or boat ride, rather than hiking.

The capital of Buenos Aires is also quite hot in December, but, on the plus side, it’s not extremely crowded, as everyone starts to head to the beaches. Some of the things to do in Buenos Aires : walking through the neighborhoods, taking photos of the Obelisk, watching people dance tango on the streets and walking through the famous Recoleta Cemetery. Make sure to plan for the heat and avoid staying in the sun during the hottest part of the day. You can always try the food or do some shopping meantime.

For a cooler alternative, head to Mendoza . You can visit the parks, try the local wine or try your skills at horseback riding, paragliding or climbing.

>>read about the Things to do in Mendoza

For an even cooler area, Patagonia is waiting for those into adventure. It’s summer but the temperatures aren’t very high so make sure to pack accordingly. You can try hiking, climbing glaciers and even taking a cruise to the arctic region. Ushuaia is a good base for your explorations in the area.

>>read about Getting from Buenos Aires to Patagonia

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Argentina travel guide

Argentina in August

Argentina is a large country and therefore it also has quite a lot of climates. August – which still falls during winter – is best for visiting the North and Northwest, so if you have Iguazu Falls on your mind, now it’s the time to go. For snow lovers, Patagonia is the place to be, while Buenos Aires can be visited any time of the year.

Weather in August

Just like in July, in the North and Northwest, the rains and heat have subsided, and the weather starts to feel more and more like spring. Not so much in the South , where it’s still winter with cold days and nights. If you have the capital in mind, expect the temperatures to start going up a bit , warming as the spring approaches.

Sample temperatures

Buenos Aires avg high 16C / avg low 5C
Cordoba avg high 19C / avg low 6C
Iguazu avg high 22C /avg low 12C
Mendoza avg high 17C / avg low 4C
Ushuaia avg high 5C / avg low -2C

>>read more about Weather in Argentina

Flights and accommodation in August

The crowds have pretty much moved away from Iguazu Falls by now, so you can plan the vacation a bit easier. Still, it’s a good idea to book the flight to Argentina at least 4-8 weeks in advance , especially if you have Patagonia in mind. Make sure to keep your eyes on the special deals, too.

As for accommodation , the same rule about booking in advance should be used. You can usually find cheaper rooms if you do the homework in advance.

What to do

Iguazu Falls can be on your list for August because the crowds are gone by now and you can enjoy the falls and the park at a more relaxed pace. You can even plan to spend several days in the area. You can try rock climbing, or maybe you prefer to take a train or a boat ride and or hike.

If you are into visiting cities, then the capital of Buenos Aires shouldn’t be forgotten. It is starting to warm up so you can easily plan to try some of the things to do in Buenos Aires such as: walking through the colorful neighborhoods, taking photos of the Obelisk, watching people dance tango on the streets or even learn yourself and walk through the famous Recoleta Cemetery. Llet’s not forget the food , either.

Or you can visit Mendoza and plan to explore its parks, squares and try the local wine.

>>read about the Things to do in Mendoza

Patagonia , however, is the place to visit for those seeking the snow and the adventure. August still falls during winter so, between hiking on glaciers and exploring beautiful cities, you can also try sleigh rides, skiing, trekking in the snow or snowshoeing.

>>read about Getting from Buenos Aires to Patagonia

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Argentina travel guide

Argentina in July

Argentina is a large country with a huge number of climates. Winter time – and July falls during winter – is best for visiting the North and Northwest, but you can also plan to spend some time in Patagonia. You can visit the capital any time of the year. Plus, July is high season and the locals tend to travel quite a lot now.

Weather in July

In the North and Northwest, the rains and heat have subsided, so the weather allows for sightseeing. Head south but prepare for (very) cold days and nights. Some areas might even be closed because you are so close to the arctic, the cold can be very bitter. If you have Buenos Aires in mind, expect colder temperatures but don’t worry about the snow.

Sample temperatures

Buenos Aires avg high 14C / avg low 5C
Cordoba avg high 16C / avg low 5C
Iguazu avg high 21C /avg low 12C
Mendoza avg high 14C / avg low 2C
Ushuaia avg high 3C / avg low -3C

>>read more about Weather in Argentina

Flights and accommodation in July

July is a popular month to travel for those heading to the Iguazu Falls or Patagonia (for winter sports), so expect to find quite a bit of demand for the flights to Argentina during this time of the year.

It’s always best to book the flight to Argentina at least 4-8 weeks in advance. Make sure to keep your eyes on the special offers available.

As for accommodation , make sure to look for a hotel room or a hostel bed in advance. If you plan to save some money , then a private room in a hostel will cost less than a room in a budget hotel.

And don’t forget that July is high season because of the winter holiday, so the locals travel quite a lot, making the prices higher than the rest of the year.

What to do

Iguazu Falls is definitely one the most popular places to visit during winter in Argentina. There are plenty of things to do once you get to the park, such as: rock climbing, taking a train or a boat ride and , of course, hike.

If you are into visiting cities, then Buenos Aires can be on your list now. It can be cold – sometimes dipping below freezing – but you don’t need to worry about the snow. Some of the things to do in Buenos Aires : walking through the colorful neighborhoods, see the Obelisk, watch people dance tango on the streets and even walk through the famous Recoleta Cemetery. And let’s not forget the food , generally catering for meat lovers, but vegetarians can find some good dishes.

But for those wanting adventure, Patagonia is the place to visit. Yes, it’s winter and that means cold…sometimes very cold. However, between hiking on glaciers and exploring beautiful cities, you can also add some winter sports to the mix, such as: sleigh rides, skiing, trekking in the snow or snowshoeing.

>>read about Getting from Buenos Aires to Patagonia

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Argentina travel guide

Getting from Santiago de Chile to Mendoza

Santiago de Chile is the capital of Chile and also an important travel hub in South America. The city offers a lot of interesting places to visit and things to do. It is also a very good base for exploring the near-by cities and countries.

Quick summary

The cheapest option for traveling between Santiago and Mendoza is the bus. Although it’s a 6 hrs ride crossing mountains – which can be a problem for those with motion sickness – the scenery is amazing. Catch a bus in the morning to enjoy the views.

Flights from Santiago (airport code: SCL) to Mendoza

Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL), also known as Santiago International Airport is located 15 km from the capital of Santiago. There is no local public transport option to get into the city , but there are two airport buses which you can use. The airport is hub for LAN Airlines, Sky Airline and PAL Airlines. It is the 7th busiest airport in Latin America and handles direct flights from Europe, the Americas and Oceania.

Mendoza is served by a small airport, Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (MDZ) , also known as El Plumerillo International Airport. It is located 8 km from the city center and is not hub for any airline.

There are direct flights between Santiago and Mendoza operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas and LAN Chile. The flight time is 40 min. In late May 2012 expect to pay from US$401 one way on Aerolíneas Argentinas. Slightly cheaper are the connecting flights via Buenos Aires (fares starting at US$378 one way).

>>book a flight to Mendoza

Buses from Santiago to Mendoza

There are many bus companies operating direct buses between the two cities:

  • Andesmar Bus Company : single fares start at AR$150 / US$34 and all buses leave in the morning (8 a.m,. 8:30 a.m. , 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m.)
  • CATA Internacional : single fares start at AR $190 / US$43.10 and all buses leave in the morning (7:30 am. , 9 a.m. , 10:30 a.m.)
  • El Rapido International : single fares start at AR$150 / US$34 and there are three buses leaving in the morning (8 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m.) and three more in the afternoon/evening (1 p.m. , 10:30 p.m.)

You can purchase the tickets online but make sure to do that a week or so before departure.

The travel time between Santiago and Mendoza is about 6-7 hours (but it does depend on how long you’ll stay at the border crossing). However, you’ll be rewarded with lovely views along the way. And if you want to enjoy these views, choose a bus which leaves in the morning.

The buses drop you at the bus station in Mendoza, which is 20-30 min walk from the main plaza. Buses depart from Santiago’s Terminal Alameda.

Driving from Santiago to Mendoza

If you plan to rent a car and drive the 365 km between the two cities, make sure to ask the rental company if you are allowed to take the car across the border. The scenery along the way is fantastic but be prepared for many curves and challenging road conditions. The drive time is about 5 ½ h but you also need to consider the time spent at the border crossing.

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American Embassy in Buenos Aires

In general, when an American citizen needs the help of the American Embassy, something went terribly wrong. The American Embassy in Buenos Aires is meant to offer assistance to the US citizens living in Argentina and those traveling to Argentina.

The emergency services offered by the American Embassy include:

  • assistance to US citizens arrested in Argentina
  • making inquires with local authorities if a US citizen is missing
  • assistance to US citizens victims of crimes in Argentina
  • if a US citizen dies while in Argentina
  • access to list of lawyers
  • replacement of lost or stolen passport
  • emergency transfer of funds

Other special consular services are provided, such as reporting birth abroad and notary services.


Emergency contact

All US citizens living in Argentina or traveling to Argentina are encouraged to register with the Embassy.

American citizens can call these numbers 5777-4354 (during the office hours) or 5777-4873 (after hours) .

US Embassy in Buenos Aires

Address:
U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires
American Citizen Services
Av. Colombia 4300
C1425GMN Buenos Aires

E-mail: BuenosAires-ACS@state.gov
Web site

Office hours : Monday-Friday: from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

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Argentina travel guide

Getting from Buenos Aires to Uruguay

Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America. It is bordered by Argentina to the west and Brazil to the west. It has an Atlantic Ocean coastline and has a subtropical climate.

Montevideo is the capital of the country and home to the largest airport in Uruguay, while Punta del Este is a very popular beach destination in the country.

Quick summary

Buses and ferries are the cheapest options to get between Buenos Aires and Uruguay. If you want to travel to other cities than the capital of Montevideo, you’ll need to connect through the capital anyway (to catch a bus).

Flights from Buenos Aires to Uruguay

Buenos Aires to Montevideo

Montevideo is served by Aeropuerto Internacional de Carrasco (MVD), the largest airport in Uruguay. It is hub for Pluna. The following airlines offer flights to/from Buenos Aires: Aerolíneas Argentinas (Aeroparque, Ezeiza) , BQB Líneas Aéreas (Ezeiza), PLUNA (Aeroparque, Ezeiza) and Sol Líneas Aéreas (Aeroparque).

In mid-May 2012 expect to pay from US$82 one way on PLUNA (from EZE) , while a return flight starts at US$134. The flight time is 1 h (one way). It’s actually cheaper to fly from EZE and back into AEP (on PLUNA and Aerolineas Argentinas).

Buenos Aires to Punta del Este

Capitan Corbeta CA Curbelo International Airport (PDP) serves Punta del Este and offers direct connections to Buenos Aires – Aeroparque. There are direct year-round flights operated by BQB Líneas Aéreas and PLUNA, while Aerolíneas Argentinas operated only seasonal flights.

In mid-May 2012, expect to pay from US$103 one way on PLUNA with a connection in Montevideo, while in mid-September 2012, expect to pay the same fare. Direct flights start at US$108, regardless of the time of the year.

>>book a cheap flight to Buenos Aires

Ferries from Buenos Aires to Uruguay

Buenos Aires to Montevideo

Buquebus operates a high-speed ferry between the two capitals and the single fare starts at $178.42 UYU / US$41 (promo web). The travel time is about 3 h 15 min and there are several departures per day.

Buenos Aires to Colonia

The main connections to Argentina from Colonia are two ferries linking to Buenos Aires. Buquebus operates the fast ferry (1h) and the single fare starts at AR$ 157.26 / US$35.80. There is also a slower boat which takes 3 hours and the single fare starts at AR$ 102 / US$23.22.

Buses from Buenos Aires to Uruguay

Buenos Aires to Montevideo

There are three bus companies operating between the two cities. The single fare starts at AR$ 160 / US$38 and the travel time is 8 h.

To get to other cities in Uruguay, you need to connect via the capital of Montevideo. Once you get there, just ask for a ticket at the bus terminal (unless you travel during the weekends or holidays, it’s hardly likely to worry about not finding a seat).

Read more about:
>>Getting from Buenos Aires to Montevideo
>>Getting from Buenos Aires to Punta del Este

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