Argentina: Practical Information.

Argentina, a country of intense contrasts.

 

Iguazu waterfalls

 

 

From one of the highest mountain ranges in the world, the Andes, to mythical glaciers like Perito Moreno, huge extensions of land like the pampas in Patagonia or impressive waterfalls like Iguazu.

Argentina offers everything you want and more, the proximity of its people, the food, its wines, the climate, ethnic and multicultural diversity, overwhelming nature, fishing, climbing, hiking, trips to Antarctica, offers so many possibilities that it is impossible to cover them all.

 

Perito Moreno Glacier

 

 

However, any itinerary you choose will surely not disappoint you, this time we visit Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia, Lake District, Salta, Iguazu and Buenos Aires.

 

Les Éclaireurs lighthouse

 

 

Visa

Spanish citizens do not need a visa to visit Argentina. It is valid for 90 days.

 

 

Money

The official currency is the Argentinean peso (ARS). There is a maximum of $115 limit in the ATMs, so it is advisable to bring cash and change.

Almost all the payments in lodgings and excursions must be made in cash, in very few places they admit card or they charge you a surcharge of 7% +/-. ATMs only allow you to withdraw a maximum of 500 pesos (+/- 100 euros) per day.

 

Upsala Glacier

 

 

Language

The official language is Spanish or Castilian.

 

 

Transport

Argentina is a huge country and although buses are the most economical means of transport it is impossible to cover certain distances if not by plane.

If the reservations with certain advance are not expensive, the most expensive one we took was of 100 euros by person, coincided Carnival and it was impossible to cheapen it. We booked the flights two months in advance, for internal flights are operated by the following companies LAN, Aerolineas Argentinas, Austral and Andes.

 

Views of Argentina Lake

 

 

We took with Lan almost everything because they are cheaper and have better service, Aerolineas and Austral are cheaper if you are Argentine but they are always with cancellations and delays. From Andes they spoke to us very well but we didn't fly with them.

Taxis are not expensive but it's a good idea to ask them to put the meter on to avoid problems. In general taxi drivers are quite nice and always have stories to tell you.

 

Lakes District

 

 

Accommodation

The medium priced accommodation is good value for money (around 20 euros per night double room with bathroom), although in some areas we had to increase the budget as in the Salta region, as almost all are backpackers with shared rooms.

We book the accommodation from Spain before the trip. All accommodations with breakfast included.

We booked the excursions in each destination from one day to another, except for the Train to the Clouds that we booked online from Spain months before.

 

Llama

 

 

Health

Before starting your trip contact the international disease service. Mosquito repellent is best for tropical areas, as well as sunscreen.

Don't forget a first aid kit with the essentials: medicine, betadine, antibiotic ointment, syringes, flint, bandages, band-aids, scissors, water purification tablets, mosquito net, sunscreen, forehead.

 

 

Safety

Before travelling it is convenient to have a travel insurance, not only health but also civil responsibility.

 

Fuegian Lamb

 

 

Gastronomy

Argentinean food is delicious, from the fuegian lamb and black hake in Ushuaia, to the roasts, empanadillas, croissants, pizzas, pasta (the Italian influence is noticeable).

It is impossible to say no to the most famous dessert, the alfajor, there are an infinite number of flavors. Argentinean wines are delicious and usually not expensive. We used to love Malbec grape wine.

Restaurants offer menus at affordable prices (about 5 euros per person), but for a little more you can have dinner with wine (about 10 euros per person).

The local beers are good, especially Salta beer. All over the country you can see people with their light bulbs drinking mate all day long regardless of the temperature. The ice creams are worth it too.

If you like meat, at the Ezeiza Airport in Buenos Aires you can buy at the dutty free meat that they prepare in small fridges to take away, we did it and it was a success, it was delicious.

 

Mafalda

 

 

Society

The Argentine people have suffered several economic crises throughout their history, corrupt governments, dictatorships, massacres, corralitos. Nevertheless, they are a kind and hospitable people.

They enjoy life in the streets and their appreciated mate, you can enjoy their tangos, milongas and different types of folklore.

 

Dancing tango