Wine, of course, is produced in the regions of Mendoza, Cordoba and the northwest. Also worth trying is the national drink, yerba mate, an infusion (or mate) of bitter herb drunk from a calabash with a metal pipette (or bombilla).

There is a wealth of leather goods throughout the country. In Buenos Aires and in the Pampa, especially in San Antonio de Areco, silver objects inspired by the gaucho culture. In the northwest, there is a wealth of handicrafts made by the indigenous communities who live there: woolen textiles, ceramics and decorative objects.

VISA or MASTERCARD are accepted in hotels and restaurants. It is possible to withdraw pesos from secure ATMs, especially in Buenos Aires.

Argentina operates on 220 volts, nevertheless an international plug adapter is recommended even if most of the plugs are hybrid.

• 1 January: New Year’s Day
• 20 and 21 February: Carnival
• 24 March: Memorial Day
• 3 April: Falklands War Commemoration
• 6 April: Maundy Thursday
• 7 April: Good Friday
• 17 April: Easter
• 1 May : Labour Day
• 25 May : May Revolution 1810
• 17 June : Day of the death of General Güemes
• 20 June: Flag Day
• 9 July: Independence Day
• 15 August: San Martin
• 10 October: Cultural Diversity Day
• 28 November: National Sovereignty Day
• 8 December: Immaculate Conception Day
• 25 December: Christmas

Grilled beef or lamb (asado patagonico) is a delight for all travellers. Served with raw vegetables and sometimes sausages (chorizo) and giblets (achurras), they can be found in many specialised restaurants. Seafood, such as spider crab, can be enjoyed in the Valdes region and in Ushuaia. In the northwest, the cuisine is based on criollo flavours, stews and cassoulets. For dessert, cakes made with “dolce de leche” (milk jam) are omnipresent.

No vaccination is required to enter the country, however we advise you to drink mineral water and avoid tap water.

Using and showing respect to the local manners, it is pretty safe to travel in Argentina. However it is advised to be careful in bigger cities such as Buenos Aires and Salta.

Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and sometimes French too.

Argentina is very spread out over 2 800 000 km2, transportation widely used is by plane. For your information the flight time from Buenos Aires to Calafate (Patagonia) is 4 hours. It is possible to visit the Andean region (NOA) by car if you like to drive on mountain roads. In Buenos Aires, the city’s public-transportation system is efficient to get around, especially the Metro Line 1. Taxis are available, not too costly and have a taximeter.

In the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are reversed. Ideal conditions for Patagonia are between October and March. For the northwest, March to November. The Iguazu region can be visited all year round.

Best periods:

• NOA (Northern region) – April to November
• Northeast (Iguazu) – all year round
• Buenos Aires and centre – all year round
• South (Patagonia) – October to March