This huge country contains climates ranging from tropical jungle thru desert and snow-capped Andes to barren Patagonia and the end of the world, containing some of the world’s most stunning natural wonders and a wide selection of activities during which to enjoy them. Argentina has a down-at-heel but relatively sophisticated, energetic capital buzzing with people of south European stock, excellent soccer and rugby and fine dining - which you can afford thanks to incredibly low prices.
Argentina’s pleasures - stunning natural wonders, an elegant capital with a European-flavored sophistication, and a passionate culture - are as tempting as ever. The silver lining to the financial cloud is that it’s now one of the best travel bargains around.
Due to an increase in cases of yellow fever in early 2008, travelers to the northeast and north of Argentina, including Puerto Iguazu and all areas bordering Paraguay and Brazil, are advised to get a vaccination before you travel to Argentina.
Argentina’s climate ranges from subtropical in the north to humid and steamy in the center, and cold in the south. The upper Andes region has erratic rainfall, flash floods (in summer), searing heat, snow at higher elevations, and the Zonda - a hot, dry wind. The lowlands receive sufficient rainfall to support swampy forests and upland savanna, but rainfall decreases towards the west; shallow summer flooding is common in the east.
The Argentine peso is the national currency and is accepted everywhere. Only higher-end hotels accept US dollars, and most restaurants do not. In Buenos Aires, US dollars are more commonly accepted at both, but you should always carry pesos. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards.
ast year, Argentina’s charm, natural beauty and diversity attracted more than 400,000 American citizen visitors, and this year’s total is expected to be even higher. Buenos Aires and other large cities have well-developed tourist facilities and services, including many four- and five-star hotels. The quality of tourist facilities in smaller towns outside the capital varies. The country suffered a major financial crisis in 2001-2002. While it has made a dramatic recovery, continued economic hardship has been linked to a rise in street crime.
Traffic accidents are the primary threat to life and limb in Argentina. Pedestrians and drivers should exercise caution. Drivers frequently ignore traffic laws and vehicles often travel at excessive speeds. The rate and toll of traffic accidents has been a topic of much media attention over the past year.
The seasons in Argentina are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. Buenos Aires is mild in the fall (March-May) and spring (September-November), and relatively hot in the summer (December-February).
Foreign tourists coming from bordering countries only need an identity card to enter the country. People from abroad must show their passports. Tourists from abroad can stay in the country up to 90 days at most.
There are disparities between the rich and poor, with many people living in near slum conditions in the outskirts of Buenos Aires. Since 1992 the economy has teetered near collapse due to corruption and government mismanagement, prompting regular and sometimes violent demonstrations. However it is business-as-usual as far as tourism is concerned; in fact, the resultant devaluation of the peso has made the country much more affordable for travelers.
The people of Argentina are warm, friendly and open to visitors. Despite a dark period of military dictatorship and a series of economic crises, the Argentines have a tenacious spirit and lust for life that is infectious. This passion shines through in the nation’s great loves of football, food and partying. Visitors to this country will find it easy to get into the swing of things, bringing back long-lasting memories of fine local wines and enormous steaks, along with those of the unforgettable and extraordinary landscapes.
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