Planning Your Trip to the Argentina - Information About the Argentina Group Travel

Argentina Cuisine

Argentinean cuisine is one of the most rich and unique in the world. As a result of the extensive pasturelands, many of the national dishes have as their base the internationally famous Argentinean meat, a main staple in the diet in the Pampas region.

Also very common in the country are the meat pies which consist of light dough filled with pieces of chicken, ham, or cheese, onion, eggs, olives, and spices. The Parrilladas also are very well known and very popular, made from almost every part of the cow.

For dessert, you will want to try the delicious alfajor – sweet, traditional, and very popular in Argentina. It has a double filling of dulche de leche and is covered with sugar and chocolate. You will feel like you are in heaven! The wonderful jellies and jams of Bariloche and San Martina are capable of taking your breath away at the first bite, and the home-made chocolate will make you go back several times before you are satisfied. Argentinean ice-cream also deserves attention; also hand-made, it has a distinct texture and taste.

Wines from Argentina are usually very well accepted due to their characteristic taste. Another popular drink is the mate, made by infusion like tea.

Argentina History

The development of the country of Argentina took a slightly different course than the other South American nations. The La Plata region took a long time to become established. The area began to develop with the foundation of the city of Buenos Aires. Unlike other countries that were colonized, Buenos Aires had its development interrupted by the Spanish abandonment of the city. Years later, in 1580, the city was officially instituted as a success.

The major growth of the city occurred due to its port and thus trading. Its independence occurred on July 9, 1916, when a fight began between the civilians; one side wanted provincial autonomy while the other side defended a centralized government. After a few conflicts, the central government dominated, and with this, the economy began to develop.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, the country was vulnerable and the democracy, unstable. External taxes and the constant change in the international economy left a significant segment of the Argentinean population unemployed. After two coups, João Domingo Perón emerged as President and his government was characterized as being extremely corrupt. In 1955, the government suffered another coup and Perón was exiled. During the next 30 years, Argentina found itself in an extremely unstable political scene, frequently moving from democracy to military despotism. After 1973, when Perón returned and was once more elected president, he governed for a brief period of time until his death.

As a result of Peróns death, once more, military forces took over power in Argentina. After six years, democracy returned with the election of Raúl Alfonsin. He was later substituted by Carlos Menem who governed the country for most of the 1990s. In 1999, Fernando de La Rua was elected president, followed by Eduardo Duhalde who came in through a provisional mandate. In 2003, Argentinas government began to return to a level it hadn’t seen in many years. Nestor Kirchner’s government re-elevated the development of the economy.

Argentina Culture

Argentinean art, architecture, literature and way of life is based mostly on European culture. Because of this, Buenos Aires, the capital, has many museums, art galleries and theaters – the most famous, Colon Opera House. This beautiful city is a characterized by great contrasts between the old and the new. Those who like big attractions should visit the restaurant, La Boca, to see the wonderful Tango show.

Practically half of the population of Argentina lives in the capital city of Buenos Aires which has a festive spirit and pulls you in, making you feel very much at home. In every district, you can learn something different about the history and mysteries of this lovely country; folklore, music, myths, and costumes are there to be viewed and marvelled.

Argentina Weather

Because of its extension with various regions, the climate in Argentina is extremely diverse. In contrast to North America, the hottest days of summer are between the months of December and February, while the coldest, between June and August.

The northern area of the country has a very hot and humid summer with an average temperature of 25oC; in the winter the average is 13oC. The precipitation in this region is between 1,000 and 1,500 mm.

The central region of Argentina has a milder climate with an average temperature of 23 oC during the summer and 9o C in the winter. The annual precipitation varies from 510 to 760 mm.

The Patagonia is a little warmer in the winter, yet, because of the winds that blow in from the Atlantic Ocean, is very cold during the summer. In winter, the average temperature is 2o C. The annual rainfall is 410 mm in the Andes and approximately 80 to 280 mm along the Atlantic coast.

Argentina Travel Tips

• Consular Travel Visas – Most tourists do not need a visa to enter the country (The tourist visa maximum is 90 days).
• The national currency of Argentina is the peso. The American dollar is easily accepted in all cities in the country. The most widely accepted credit cards are Visa and Mastercard.
• Water: in general, the water is safe; however it would be wise to drink only bottled mineral water. When you leave the large cities and go to smaller towns, be careful. For your own safety, we recommend that you only drink bottled water. As in all countries, the hygiene and cleaning of food depends on the establishment you are in. In general, serious problems do not exist.
• The buses are very comfortable and some offer food service as well. However, the tickets are expensive and the prices vary.
• In Argentina, the tip varies from 10 to 15% of the total consumed.
• The official language is Spanish.
• Your clothes and shoes should be comfortable. We recommend that you take jackets especially if you are traveling to Patagonia.
  Electricity is 220 volts, 50 Hz.
• Regulations may be changed without prior notice, thus, it is a wise idea to visit a doctor before your trip. It is prudent, while in the Andes region, to periodically check your blood pressure.
• Check with the Argentinean consulate closest to your area for visa and vaccination requirements.
  It is not necessary to take any vaccinations or medical certificates to get into the country. However, if you plan on staying in the tropical forest or you will be staying for an extended period of time, it is recommended that you take medication to protect yourself against Malaria.
• The great variety of climate allows you to visit Argentina at any time of the year. If you are interested in skiing, you should go during the winter season (June-August); if you would like to visit Patagonia, the best time of year would be in the summer (October – March).
• Unfortunately, just as every modern city, Buenos Aires also has thieves looking out for unwary tourists. Be always on the alert, especially in the area of La Recoleta. In general, the city is safe however you should not take unnecessary risks.
• Argentina has excellent flight connections from its international airport in Buenos Aires to many destinations around the world.

Argentina Natural Aspects

Pure natural wonders, a blend of different colors and contrasts and an amazing friendliness of the people will make your trip to Argentina a unique experience in your life.

Reaching from the middle of South America to the southern tip of the continent, Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world. Within South America it is the second biggest country after Brazil in size (2.8 million square km) and population (37.81 million people). Its size is nearly as great as the size of India or comparable to one third of the United States.

To the north and east it borders Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia. With Chile it is not just only linked on the western frontier but also shares the territory of “Tierra del Fuego” and Patagonia. Argentina rises from the Atlantic to the Chilean border and the enormous Andes mountain peaks. “Aconcagua” (6,960 m, 22,834 ft.) is the highest Argentinean peak as well as the highest peak in the world outside Asia.

The country can be divided into four major geographic sections:

• in the North the fertile lowland “Gran Chaco” with subtropical rainforests,
• in the Center of the country the central Pampas which are rich in cultivation and sheep- and cattle-grazing sustaining the majority of the population
• in the West the Andes with the Lake District, grape-filled foothills and glacial mountains,
• in the South the famous cool region of Patagonia combining pastoral steppes, wooded and fertile sections and glacial regions.

Thanks to this wide extension it possesses a great variety of diverse landscape. The differences in the landscape include one of the worlds highest mountain areas, vast deserts and imposing waterfalls. As the countryside changes, so does the people and the character of Argentinas life-style. Traveling through Argentina means passing through subtropical rainforests and fertile lowlands, the cosmopolitan bustle of Buenos Aires, and the desolate, loneliest place in Patagonia with pastoral steppes, thunderous falls of Iguaçu, glacial mountains and grape-filled foothills. Argentina is famous for its twenty national parks because of its consciousness to care for the environment and its interest in sustainable development of theses areas.

Even with Argentinas recent economic problems, its attractions – the passionate culture for soccer and tango, the elegant capital with the most European-flavored style in South America and the unique natural wonders – are still as appealing as ever. The actual challenges do not have any negative influence on the traveling experience, because Argentinean people are glad to receive tourists. In South America it is one of the countries were traveling is really relaxing and easy. You will find Argentinean people usually very open-minded, well educated, helpful and with an astonishing interest for Europe and other countries. Tourism facilities exist in all destinations.