Everything you need to know before visiting Argentina.

Argentina is a country where vibrant cities, renowned wine regions, and stunning natural beauty are all close together. Buenos Aires is famous for its tango shows, sophisticated cafes, historic architecture, and bustling markets. Mendoza offers more tranquil days spent in vineyards and the Andes Mountains, ideal for wine tastings, horseback riding, and fine dining.

Iguazu Falls boasts tranquil resorts and stunning landscapes teeming with wildlife. Beyond these attractions, Salta enchants with its colonial history, Patagonia offers mountainous scenery, and Ushuaia serves as a gateway to Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica.

Adventurers seeking a combination of culture, food, and spectacular landscapes should plan a trip here. Keep reading to discover where to stay and what to do to make the most of a visit to Argentina.

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Image courtesy of Awasi Mendoza

Immerse yourself in the rhythm of the country, from vibrant Buenos Aires to tranquil Andean villages. Argentinians enjoy coffee and conversation in cozy cafes, and meals often stretch late into the night. Argentina is generally a safe and friendly country, although it's advisable to be vigilant in crowded areas and use taxis or ride-sharing apps at night. Tap water is potable in major cities, bottled water is preferable elsewhere, and smoking is prohibited in most public spaces.

• Currency: Argentina uses the Argentine Peso (ARS). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, although smaller shops, street vendors, and markets generally prefer cash. ATMs are common, especially in larger cities. Tipping of around 10% is good practice.

  
  

• Languages: Spanish is the official language throughout the country, with regional accents and local slang adding personality to everyday conversations. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas, but learning basic phrases in Spanish shows cultural respect.

  
  

• Key phrases: hola (hello), gracias (thank you), por favor (please), perdón (excuse me/sorry), ¿cómo estás? (how are you?), sí/no (yes/no), no hablo español (I don't speak Spanish), ¿hablas inglés? (do you speak English?)

  
  

• Airports: Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires is the country's main international airport. Flights connect to major air hubs in North America, such as Miami, New York, Houston, Atlanta, and Mexico City. Domestic connections to Foz do Iguaçu (IGR), Mendoza (MDZ), and other locations may depart from or arrive at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), so please check and plan accordingly.

  
  

• Transportation: Private transfers and taxis are convenient for getting around the cities. Buenos Aires neighborhoods like Palermo and Recoleta are very pleasant for walking.

  
  

• Best time to visit: Argentina can be visited year-round, with each season offering different experiences. Summer (December to February) is festive and warm, great for beaches, wineries, and cultural events. Winter (June to August) features cool, dry days, ideal for Patagonia, the Andes, and skiing in the south. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) have mild temperatures, clear skies, and vibrant landscapes throughout the country.

  
  

• Ideal length of stay: Despite the long overnight flight, jet lag shouldn't be a major concern. One week is the ideal minimum to visit Argentina's main tourist attractions, from Buenos Aires to Mendoza or Iguazu Falls. Longer trips, from 10 to 14 days, allow for a more in-depth exploration of various regions, neighboring countries like Chile or Brazil, or even a cruise to Antarctica.

Typical dishes and drinks of Argentina:

• Asado: The famous Argentinian barbecue with beef, ribs, and sausages.

  
  

• Empanadas: Savory pastries filled with meat, chicken, or cheese.

  
  

• Provoleta: Melted provolone cheese with oregano and pepper.

  
  

• Dulce de leche: Sweet caramel used in desserts such as alfajores.

  
  

• Choripán: Grilled chorizo with chimichurri sauce in a bun.

  
  

• Fresh river fish: Trout or sea bream, grilled or fried.

  
  

• Malbec and Torrontés wines: Typical red and white wines from Mendoza and Salta. Fernet: A popular bitter liqueur mixed with cola.

  
  

• Yerba mate: A traditional herbal tea that contains caffeine.

What to wear in Argentina:

The weather in Argentina varies depending on the region. Pack layered clothing, such as lightweight jackets, breathable shirts, and a waterproof item. Cities like Buenos Aires and Mendoza have a more smart casual style. Patagonia and wine regions call for practical clothing and good walking shoes.

Travel tips:

• Alcoholic beverages: The legal drinking age is 18. Consumption of alcoholic beverages in public is restricted.

  
  

• Driving: Drive on the right. Traffic in cities can be heavy and sometimes chaotic, while rural roads may be dirt or mountainous.

  
  

• Medications: Bring your prescription medications in their original packaging. Pharmacies are easy to find in cities, but some over-the-counter medications in the U.S. may require a prescription.

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