Argentina Travel: Let's Tango
Argentina, the "Europe of South America," is rife with places to visit and things to do. It's over a million square miles large, so a visit to this beautiful country requires much planning, whether you intend to visit one specific place or several regions at once. In this guide you'll find the online resources that bolster your knowledge of the country and aid in your vacation planning.
Expand All Guide SectionsArgentina Travel Basics
In this section you will find famous tourist sites or unique aspects of Argentina to guide your ... read more »
Travel Requirements for Argentina
Before you visit Argentina, you'll want to get acquainted with its history and cultural practices. In this section you can find links to Web sites with general information about Argentina and a few useful tools for planning your trip. Our Picks include links to information about history, customs, and travel. There's also a discussion of things women should know before visiting Argentina.
Dulcinea's Insight
- If you visit Southern Argentina, be prepared to see lots of military bases left over from the Malvinas War in the '80s with Britain over the islands off the coast of Tierra Del Fuego. It is still a very touchy subject for Argentineans and you should be careful to refer to the Falklands as the Malvinas and to avoid overt anglophilia.
- When planning your trip, remember that Argentina is in the Southern Hemisphere and has opposite seasons to the United States. The peak season runs from November through February.
- Like Europe's Mediterranean cultures, Argentines eat dinner late-around nine or ten at night-and although the siesta is in practice, the whole country does not screech to a halt.
- The BBC Language Pages can introduce you to Spanish, the official language of Argentina. There are some areas where German, Portuguese, and Italian are spoken thanks to the large ethnic communities. Many people also speak English and Argentineans are known for their patience and friendliness. Any attempts at Spanish are greatly appreciated, so brush up on a few key phrases before you go. The BBC offers a quick crash course in Spanish.
- Argentina is one of the most stable countries in South America and is generally very safe for travel. While machismo is still a big part of the culture it is much less aggressive than some other Latin American and European countries. Women are advised to ignore any catcalls or to be polite, smile, and say thank you.
- The safest place for women traveling alone is Buenos Aires, which has a heavy police presence and is busy any time of the day or night. Women can also travel safely through the rest of the country although hitchhiking is advised against and it is best to dress conservatively and wear little jewelry.
Dulcinea's Picks
For history and general information ...
History World
will give you a basic overview of Argentina history, which is long and turbulent, and important to understand before visiting the country. Be sure to read the more recent history, as the Dirty War, the coup which ended Peron's presidency, and the Malvinas War are fresh in the minds of every Argentine and are still considered controversial.
The U.S. Department of State
has an up-to-date cheat sheet on Argentina with all the basic information you need about its people and government. It's not an essential travel resource, but it's worth a look. It also has a list of embassy officials and a very brief history of the country.
Frommer's
also has a useful fact sheet that you should print out before you head off to Argentina. It has essential information about driving laws, hours of operation for banks and other businesses, and the phone numbers and addresses for a few foreign embassies.
For local customs and traditions ...
The World Events Guide
is helpful if you're interested in soaking up some local flavor. The site lists the festivals, holidays, and events that occur throughout the year in Argentina. Browse the calendar to see what's going on when you're planning your trip.
TimeOut Buenos Aires
provides weekly listings for the city. Make sure to review this Web site before you travel to the capital city or pick up a copy at any local newsstand when you arrive. It's the best way to find interesting cultural opportunities off the beaten track.
eDiplomat
will give you tips on social interaction while in Argentina. As the most European country in South America, Argentinean etiquette is similar to other Western countries. A typical greeting involves a peck on each cheek, but note that while a thumbs-up is a good sign in America it's considered rude in Argentina.
For important travel information ...
The U.S. Embassy in Argentina
updates its site frequently with information for U.S. citizens living in Argentina. You'll also find emergency and visa information.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Web site will let you know of any health advisories in Argentina and South America, though Argentina has had no health advisories in the past few years and requires no inoculations. Still, it's a good idea to visit the CDC just in case.
Go to Latin America
provides the essential health information for visiting Argentina including vaccines, general health concerns, and the phone numbers of several hospitals in Buenos Aires.
World Weather
provides temperature information for all of Argentina's major cities. You can also visit "All About Argentina" to get a quick rundown of the weather in each major region.
Airwise
is an online currency tool. Enter in an amount in U.S. dollars and Airwise will convert the amount to pesos.
Getting to Argentina
If you're coming from the United States, the best way is to fly to Argentina. You'll have to fly ... read more »
Argentina Hotels
In this section you can find a number of sites that provide hotel reviews and reservation ... read more »
Getting Around in Argentina
As we mentioned in the beginning of the guide, Argentina is an expansive country with lots to see ... read more »
Argentina Travel Blogs and Forums
You can read travel guides and tourism sites until you're blue in the face, but sometimes what you ... read more »
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