Plan an amazing trip to Argentina
Argentina, is a multi-ethnic country, as a result, it has all the ingredients to allow its visitors to admire the many different facets of Latin America. It is hard to imagine a trip to Argentina without mentioning the Gauchos, the horsemen who are in charge of guarding the herds in the Pampa, the talented Tango dancers, a particularly popular seduction dance and Ushuaia which is a portal to the Southern tip of the earth. Argentina is fascinating not only because of its generous but its also extremely varied nature. From the glaciers of Antarctica to the Deserts of the Andes, via the Pampa and the steppes of Tierra del Fuego, a colourful spectacle will guarantee you a total change of scenery.
Max's tips, Argentina local guide
Best time to go to Argentina
If you plan to travel to both the far North and the far South during the same journey, don't look for the ideal period: it doesn't exist. Prefer the months of October to March, which is the summer period in Argentina. The months of May to September are not recommended. My favourite month: October, the temperatures are very pleasant and you will be able to visit every part of the country.
What to see and what to do in Argentina
Max answers your most frequently asked questions
Argentina is a very large country, which extends over 3700 km. Start with 2 days in Buenos Aires and its province (San Antonio de Areco for a day in the Pampa) don't miss out on the Tango shows. Then fly to El Calafate for 3 days to admire the fabulous glaciers and sail on the Argentino lagoon among thousands of icebergs and glaciers. Go up to Salta to discover the fabulous region of northwestern Argentina for a 6-day tour. And finally, finish off with the spectacular Iguazu Falls on the Argentina-Brazil border.
Argentina is not a destination of choice for beaches. Nevertheless, there are seaside resorts in Mar del Plata, which are very popular in the Summer and attract thousands of Argentinians each year. Prefer Pinamar, Mar chuiqita or Miramar, which have fewer tourists.
No vaccination is mandatory but it is strongly recommended to be vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A and B. The yellow fever vaccine is recommended if you want to travel to the North-East. In recent years, there have been major Dengue fever epidemics in many large cities in the North-East and Central parts of the country, including Buenos Aires. It is therefore highly recommended to use adequate mosquito repellent in these affected areas.
Argentina has an excellent road system and a very good bus network which connects almost all areas in the country. The buses are very comfortable and most of them are equipped with berths. The 5000 km long Route 40 stretches all across the country and offers breathtaking scenery to those willing to take it!
Sail on the Beagle channel to the lighthouse at the End of the world. Have a fabulous trek in the Tierra del Fuego National Park or a hike on the magnificent Perito Moreno glacier. Go to Monte Fitz Roy via El Chalten, discover the 7 Lakes Route in San Carlos de Bariloche. Observe the exuberant fauna of the Valdes Peninsula, including sea lions, elephant seals, penguins, cormorants, southern and killer whales.
Meet with the Argentinian gauchos, go horse-riding in the Pampa and visit their Estancias. Sail on the Parana Delta and visit the beautiful city of El Tigre just 30 km away from Buenos Aires.
Mate is the national beverage, it’s both a pleasant and popular drink. The package including a glass, grass and a steel straw is one of the best souvenirs to buy. Why not Messi's jersey for football fans. The country has one of the best quality and most beautiful leather in the world, leather-made handicrafts and clothing are perfect souvenir gifts. Handicraft products are authentic and typically Argentinian. From leather masks to ponchos, ceramics, small leather goods and silver jewellery, visitors are spoilt for choice. The best places to find quality-made products with the best value for money are weekly or bi-weekly craft fairs such as those in El Bolson or Salta. If you're into shopping, big stores are located in Northern Buenos Aires on Avenida Alvear. The Patio Bullrich and Calle Florida shopping centre are also very popular. Don't miss out on the large Sunday markets from San Telmo to Buenos Aires.
Argentina is one of the safest countries in Latin America. In the capital Buenos Aires, it is recommended to be vigilant in some areas (La Boca or Retiro for example) and to avoid any external signs of wealth such as jewellery, smartphones etc.
Argentina is not necessarily a gastronomic destination, but their meat is certainly one of the best in the world! The famous Assado is a must-try, it is a large Argentine-style barbecue with several very tasty types of meat such as beef ribs, ribs, beef sausage called chorizo and lemon flavoured chicken. In Patagonia, sheep and lamb are becoming more and more popular on the menus, they are eaten either roasted or simply barbecued. For meat lovers, it is also recommended to taste the chorizo bife (a succulent faux filet) and the lomo bife (thick and incredibly tender fillet). Finally, don't forget the famous Empanadas, which are delicious pastries that are stuffed with meat, chicken, ham or vegetables. In terms of drinks, Maté, the famous Gauchos tea and local wines always bring warmth and friendliness to every meal.
The vastness of the Argentine territory is a disadvantage for tourists who are sometimes forced to travel by plane in order to save time, but travelling costs can be quite high...
While the diversity of its landscapes remains the key attraction for tourists, culture enthusiasts won't be disappointed by Latin dances and folklore. Buenos Aires' architectural heritage is a real treasure. Here, colonial buildings stand side by side with Art Deco style houses and contemporary buildings.