ARGENTINA
Capital: | Buenos Aires |
Area: | 2.78 million km² |
Population: | 42m |
Currency: | Argentine peso |
Language: | Spanish |
Buenos Aires
San Antonio de Areco
Lujan
Posadas
Iguazu
San Ignacio Mini
Santa Ana et Loreto
La péninsule de Valdès
Ushuaïa
Punta Tombo
Glacier Perito Moreno
Calafate
Tucuman
Salta
San Antonio de los Cobres
Parc National "Los Cardones"
Cachi
Molinos
Quebrada de las Flechas
Pumamarca
Tilcara
Humahuaca
Cordoba
Mendoza
San Carlos de Bariloche

ALTITUDE
Only in the north of Argentina, a region dominated by the Andes Mountains, are some towns and sites above 2,200m.

BEVERAGES
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).

CRAFTS
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.

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

CURRENCY & EXCHANGE
The Argentine currency is the Peso, which is subject to significant variations.
The Euro and US Dollars are changed in all cities and regions. It is not advisable to carry travellers cheques.

CURRENT TIME
-4h on French winter time and -5h on summer time. When it is 11h00 AM in Paris, it is 7h00 AM in Buenos Aires in winter but in summer is 6h00 AM.

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

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2023
- 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

GASTRONOMY
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.

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

HOW TO DRESS?
Bring basics such as light warm clothes even if the trip is during summer season. Windproof and parka are highly recommended if you travel to the Andes and the Patagonia. For Iguazu Falls, light clothes and a raincoat. Wise to wear closed-toe athletic and comfortable shoes.

EMBASSIES

SAFETY
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.

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

TIPS
It is not indicated that tips are included or not in the services, however it is customary to tip about 10% of the bill for decent services.

TRANSPORTS
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.

WEATHER
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

WEB ACCESS
WIFI connections works well in Argentina and it is free in most of the hotels.