Argentina is a country located in the extreme south of South America. It limits with Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Brazil to the northeast, Uruguay and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Chile to the west and to the south with Chile and the Atlantic waters of the Drake Passage.
The country has an area of 2,780,400 km². Its territory has a great diversity of climates, caused by a latitudinal amplitude that exceeds 30 ° —including several geoastronomical zones— , a difference in altitude that ranges from 107 m below sea level (Laguna del Carbón) to almost 7000 meters above sea level
In the pre-Columbian period, it was inhabited by numerous indigenous peoples, some of whom still inhabit the country; among them guaycurúes, guaraníes, mapuches, tehuelches and diaguitas, the latter were part of the Inca Empire.
Tourism
According to the World Tourism Organization, Argentina recieves more than 6,7 MM of tourists per year which makes it the most visited country in South America
In recent years, the implementation of wine tourism has been important, a thematic tourism based on viticulture with the initiative of the so-called “Wine Routes” in the provinces of San Juan and Mendoza as well as in the Calchaquí Valleys of Salta, which attracts tourist to taste Argentine wines.
Being such a big country, trasnportation within the country is done mostly by plane. Our tours combine the following routes:
– South Patagonia (Ushuaia), where we will have the opportunity to experience being at the southest far point of the world
– El Calafate area, where we will visit rivers of ice and stand up in front of stunning glaciars
– Iguazu falls, which is one of the wonders of the world
– Buenos Aires city, which by itself requires more than a week to visit and discover
– North area of Salta and Corrientes with authentic unique activities to do
Things to know
The economy in Argentina is based in oil extraction, a strong agriculture sector (soybean production), manufacture, industry, construction and tourism. It is part of the G-20 nations.
Local currency is the “peso argentino”, which exchange rate with US$ dollar is 68 pesos for 1 dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted particularly Visa, MasterCard, American Express.
As in any country in the world, take the usual precautions with your money and personal possessions. Carry them safely with you at all times. Divide your money into different locations. Do not display large amounts of cash in public.
Communications
For calls to Argentina, dial: 00 54+ city code + phone number
To make an international call, dial 00 + country code + city code + telephone number.
Electricity
220 volts. Most hotels of 4* and 5* provide 110 or 220 volt power. Adapters needed as type I is the common plug type.
Tipping
Although tips are voluntary and at your discretion, it’s always recommended to recognize good service. The standard is 10% for your restaurant waiter or waitress. Some restaurants may already include the 10% gratuity; in this case, you may wish to leave a modest, additional tip.
Regarding the guides, a tip at the end of the tour is the best way to reward an excellent service
Insurance
It is highly recommended that travelers contract travel insurance to cover events such as trip cancellations, medical expenses, repatriation and loss of belongings.
Make sure you read your policy carefully to ensure that you are covered for all instances and up to an amount you feel appropriate.
Shopping
Shopping is always fun when there’s variety, safety and choices: from trendy shopping malls in the cities to handicraft fairs in small towns. Most shopping malls and stores are open 7 days a week, including holidays, from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
At Buenos Aires is where you will find most of the shopping opportunities.
Night life
Argentinian nightlife is most vibrant in the big cities. Every day there are shows, concerts and various artistic presentations at discos, pubs, night clubs, folk and salsa clubs, theater cafés and other venues specialized in regional music for tourists.
Packing list idea
– Good, comfortable and strong walking shoes & comfortable walking trousers.
– Warm tops for the cool evenings
– Small umbrella and / or waterproof jacket or poncho
– Bathing suite
– Comfortable clothes for the evening.
– Copy of your passport and insurance policy.
– Sunglasses
– Toiletries & wet wipes.
– Binoculars if you are interested in the local wildlife – especially birds.
– Insect repellent & antihistamines.
– Sunblock cream
** Bring any medication you are taking.
