Argentina Travel: Let's Tango

The CIA World Factbook is a great resource for learning the basics of any country. Its Web site is not the best resource to use for planning a trip, but it's useful to learn the basics about Argentina's government, population, and general facts.

The Ministry of Tourism is the most comprehensive site for visitors to Argentina. On the homepage, you'll find a selection of rotating images: the first set displays activities and types of tourism, and the second portrays Argentina's regions. Select an image, or use the toolbar above to learn about tourist services, specific attractions, or travel agencies.

On the Road Travel is an online travel guide written by locals rather than writers or tourists. If you're interested in getting a true local flavor, this is the best site to visit. In addition to suggested itineraries, you can find important information about visas, health advisories, and transportation. For a crash-course in slang terms, check out the "cultural cheatsheet".

Moon Travel Guides are known for providing detailed maps of cities and regions and suggesting sites that are often off the beaten track. You can explore Argentina by region by using the site's maps and lengthy descriptions, or click "Explore Argentina" to find suggested itineraries for a quick 10-day trip, wine tours, and 21-day excursions "from tip to top" and for "nature lovers."

All About Argentina provides general information about Argentina including safety, transportation information, and a special section for featured destinations. Be sure to check out the "Emergency Guide"; it has the numbers you will need if you lose your passport, get in an accident, or need medical care.

UNESCO World Heritage showcases the natural wonders and landmarks of Argentina. Argentina has eight World Heritage sites and several more up for consideration. Be sure to consult the list and visit pages of individual sites for thumbnail pictures, essential statistics, and resources for further exploration. 

Rock Climbing.com has information on Argentina's walls and peaks categorized by region. It's a site for climbing buffs, and once you've selected the climb you're interested in, you'll find a description of routes, photos, comments from others, and avenues for further exploration.

National Geographic has a feature on Cerro Torre, one of Argentina's most impressive and dangerous peaks. The article covers the journey of three climbers who set out to prove, or disprove, a 1959 climber's claims that he had completed the ascent via the peak's most challenging route. You'll also find a photo gallery of Cerro Torre at the bottom of the page. 

Aconcagua.com provides information about this peak, the tallest mountain in South America, which sits on the border of Argentina and Chile. Here, you'll find pictures, insight into routes and base camps, photos, and of course, information about how to book a guided climb through the company.

Easy Buenos Aires is a comprehensive guide to Argentina's capital city. Especially useful are the guides to Buenos Aires transportation, which include information on standard bus and taxi fares as well as the best ways to get to or between the city's two major airports. There's also an extensive section on visiting Buenos Aires on a budget, providing a few insiders tips that don't make most guidebooks. 

The New York Times Travel section highlights the increasingly bohemian Buenos Aires. The article explains how a growing group of ex-patriot artists and writers from Europe and the U.S. are changing the face of the city, opening hotels, restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. Learn how this free spirited city with "cheap prices and Paris-like elegance" thrives on creativity, drawing comparisons to Prague in the 1990s.

The Vines of Mendoza , an American-owned Mendoza winery, includes a travel guide on its site. You'll get advice on when to go, how to get there, where to stay, and what to do while you're there. If you're inclined, explore the Vine's of Mendoza vineyard, which gets high rating in travel guides, as well.

Bariloche is the official site of Patagonia's north and provides links to restaurants, ski areas, and mountain excursions. Note that you'll need to sift through numerous Google ads before you'll access the valuable information. 

Inter-Patagonia.com originated as a tourism company but through rigorous research and years of experience developed into a full-fledged travel guide to Patagonia. You'll find features on various tourism activities, photos, statistical data, and even some travel deals. Also take advantage of the festival and events calendar.

Seabirds is your source for information on the Magellenic penguins which come to Patagonia's shore every summer to lay eggs and raise their chicks. On the site, you'll find pictures, and information about study sites that are open to the public.

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. 

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. 

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.

Aerolineas is Argentina's national airline, which partners with another airline called Austral. It is the most efficient and economical way to travel long distances. You can buy tickets directly through its Web site.

Aircraft Charter World has a full list of Argentina's airports.

Polar Cruises is the Web site for two well-respected companies that charter cruises to Antarctica, around Cape Horn, and to the Malvinas/Falklands. You can visit their Web sites to get price quotes and itineraries.

Australis will also help you book an expedition cruise. It includes Tierra Del Fuego among its destinations.

Luxury Travel pinpoints some fine hotels in Buenos Aires. If luxury is what you're after, visit this site and you can score a good deal for a fancy room. You'll also find other hotels in the country if you're staying outside the capital city.

All Hotels has an extensive listing of hotels in Argentina, and on this site you'll find specific sections for many of the country's regions, starred ratings, images, and lists of amenities, as well as introductory information on the hotel. You can book through this site, too. 

Hostels.com is a major online portal for hostel search around the world, and has a good selection of affordable accommodation options in Argentina, organized by region. View pictures, read about the hostel, its location, and amenities on offer. If you find something you like, book online.

Go To Latin America provides the basics on getting around in Argentina by various modes of transportation. You'll find short but helpful descriptions about driving, buses, taxis, trains, and ferries.

All About Argentina 's travel page is worth checking out before you book your trip. It provides rough estimates of fares and important information about traveling by any mode through Argentina.

Kayak is a cheap flight finder that has expanded to include rental cars and provides a list of price comparisons for agencies based out of Buenos Aires. All the major rental agencies are available in many of Argentina's major cities and reservations are available online.

In-Out is a useful local rental service to know about if you're planning on staying in Bariloche or Northern Patagonia. Visit their Web site to view car types and prices.

Aerolineas , Argentina's primary airline, offers special deals to Americans traveling between cities in Argentina. Here, you'll find information about the "Visit Argentina" program, and a price list.

Urban Rail has a map of the subway system of Buenos Aires, which has been in place since 1913 and today has five different lines that converge at the city's center. Trains run from 5:00 AM to 12:30 AM and are fairly safe. You can buy metrocards at most stations and the entire metro is wireless.

Stanfords is one of the best providers of topographical hiking maps that are wind- and waterproof for any conditions. You can view and purchase their Argentina series online. If you're planning on doing some hiking these maps are essential resources.