ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Getting There

Several airlines offer regularly scheduled fights from Europe, the USA, and Canada. Flights from Asia and Africa are limited and often require a change in Europe, the USA, or in Central America (such as Copa Airlines based in Panama). A north-south journey is best started in La Paz, Bolivia, via the incredible Uyuni Salt Flats to Villazon on the border.

When to Go

Argentina is an all-year destination. It’s best to decide what you want to see and where you want to go. Avoid the December and January holidays. Generally, springtime (October to mid-December) and autumn (April to mid-June) are the best times to visit Argentina.

Dining Out

Dining is the most important reason for many people to visit Argentina, in particular if you are a serious carnivore and a wine drinker. The BBQ asados are among the best in the world. These people are serious meat connoisseurs. Wines from the Mendosa region are excellent.

Getting Around Photography

While an Aerolineas Argentinas “Visit Argentina Pass” will save you money, it is more fun to take the long road. Popular long-distance bus routes are served by several bus companies, some of which are super luxury and come at a reasonable fare. The bus routes are extensive and a highly recommended way to travel. Longdistance passenger trains are limited.

Argentina is a photographer’s playground. While the cities, Buenos Aires in particular, have many neighbourhoods of interest to urban living photographers, the country is packed with beautiful landscapes, in particular the mountains, ski resorts, national parks, waterfalls, Patagonia’s glaciers and lakes, wildlife hotspots such as Península Valdés, etc.

Where to Stay Safety

The tourist infrastructure is well developed and accommodation is available in all price ranges, except for the smaller villages. Guesthouses and quality hostels are widely available. If you visit the Pampas lowlands, stay at a cattle and sheep ranch (estancias) and hang out with a cowboy.

Packing

This is a laidback country so dress casually for most of the time. Your activities and the time of the year will determine the clothes you pack. Winters in the south can be quite cold and summers in Buenos Aires and the north are very hot. The coldest months are June and July.

Argentina is a modern country but has experienced a depressed economy in recent years. Petty theft is common in cities and muggings do happen. Argentina has a problem with drugs, which can make people unpredictable, so be careful. Nature should be your biggest safety concern.

Cost of Travel

While the Argentina Peso has been depreciating against the USD in recent years, it lost half of its value since early 2018. Now is a great time to visit, though infation hit 48% in 2018 but is expected to cool down in 2019. Go soon to get great value for your foreign currency.