Argentina essential info
Tango in Buenos Aires, hike the Andes, spot penguins on the Atlantic coast and ride horses in Patagonia and the Argentine pampas – Argentina, on the move
Travel in Argentina: vital statistics
Capital of Argentina: Buenos Aires
Population of Argentina: 40 million
Languages in Argentina: Spanish
Time in Argentina: GMT-3
International dialing code in Argentina: +54
Voltage in Argentina: 220/240V, 50Hz AC
Visas for Argentina: Argentina visas
Money in Argentina: Argentinean peso (P$). ATMs are pretty widespread.
Travel advice for Argentina: Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Argentinian Tourist Board: Sectur Official Argentine state tourist board
When to go to Argentina
Argentina is long, full of complex topography and subject to a range of weather systems. Broadly speaking, the centre – including Buenos Aires – is most pleasant in the Austral spring (September-November) and early autumn (March-April).
The south, including Patagonia, is windiest in summer (December-February) and coldest in winter (June-August); heavy snowfalls can cut off towns in the Andean regions of Patagonia. At this time of year ski resorts come to life in Mendoza province, the Lake District near Bariloche and Tierra del Fuego.
The north-west is pleasant during the day year round, but receives heavy rainfall in summer, while the north-east has a lowland subtropical climate – hot, humid and generally sunny.
International airport
Ministro Pistarini International (EZE) is 22km from Buenos Aires
Getting around in Argentina
Buses in Argentina are excellent. There are long-distance services from Buenos Aires to all the provincial capitals, though some journeys are extremely long (Buenos Aires to Río Gallegos: 38 hours).
Buenos Aires’ domestic airport, Jorge Newbery, is a ten-minute taxi ride from downtown or Palermo, and has frequent connections to all points of the country; some domestic flights depart from Ezeiza, so double check when booking – you’ll need to allow an hour to get from the city centre to the international airport.
For Uruguay, fast, frequent jetfoils serve Colonia del Sacramento (one hour) and Montevideo (2.5 hours) from Buenos Aires.
Argentina accommodation
Accommodation is plentiful in Argentina with everything from 5-star opulence to tiny hospedajes in family houses. In Buenos Aires, you’ll be spoilt for choice with boutique hotels, chic townhouses converted into B&Bs and some excellent hostels.
Camping is popular in Argentina. For a dash of elegance, quaff your red wine from the porch of an estancia (ranch) in the pampas.
Argentina food & drink
Beef, beef and more beef is the order of the day in Argentina: great news for steak lovers if not for cows or vegetarians. Nothing is more Argentinean than a leisurely asado (barbecue) or a visit to the local parrillada (grilled meat restaurant) with family or friends.
Aside from the meat, the Italian influence is strong here, which means plenty of fresh pasta, gigantic pizzas and heavenly ice-cream. Take home some alfajores, a biscuity treat filled with a moreish caramel goo known as dulce de leche.
Vegetarians shouldn’t struggle too much in the cities but you’re likely to be laughed at elsewhere. Look for empanadas (pastries) or stuffed pasta with vegetarian fillings.
Health & safety in Argentina
Argentina has no malaria and minimal yellow-fever issues; consult your GP for suggested vaccinations. Medical insurance is essential – private health services can be very expensive for those without cover. Visitors to remote regions of the north-west should be alert for Chagas disease.
While guns and knives are not as common as in some neighbouring countries, use ATMs only during the day and keep a close eye on belongings in public places. Most crime is of the opportunistic kind.