When people visit Argentina, they are naturally drawn to its capital city, Buenos Aires and its romantic gauchos, haunting tangos, rolling pampas, towering mountains, and shimmering lakes. However, most people don’t know that due to the size of Argentina, it offers the best of both worlds, from the Antarctic-like glaciers in Patagonia to its tropical rainforest in the north. To make the most of your trip to Argentina, here are some planning tips, as well as some do’s and don’ts.
Choose a manageable itinerary that works within your time frame.
It takes 9 hours by plane to get to Argentina. Plan to spend some time traveling around the country because an internal flight takes 1 ½ It usually takes 2 hours to reach the best destinations. If you’re also planning to explore Chile or Brazil, you’ll need to limit the number of regions you’ll visit outside of Buenos Aires because most regions are worth visiting for at least three nights. Your budget, not to mention your time, will be blown if you spend a significant amount of time on planes and money on domestic airfare.
Keep seasonality in mind.
Remember that in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed. You should visit Argentina between the end of October and the beginning of April. During these months, the temperatures are more moderate and the rain is less abundant due to the fact that they are spring and summer months. However, you can feel free to visit the northern part of the country, which features Buenos Aires and Iguazú Falls, all year round.
Opportunities for cultural immersion abound.
If you like to dance, you can choose to attend a tango show, take a private class, or visit a milonga, a dance hall where natives dance tango during work lunch. You can also watch a soccer game or a polo match, if you are more into sports. The Teatro Colón, ranked by National Geographic as the third best Opera House in the world, also presents the best opera, ballet and classical music concerts throughout the year. While you’re in Buenos Aires, consider taking a cooking workshop. Not only does it immerse you deeper into the culture, but it also gives you a skill you can take home with you.
Where to go and how long to stay?
• Buenos Aires, the “Paris of the South”, is worth at least two nights, three for lovers of the city. Free time here is not wasted, but beware of thieves.
• Los Glaciares National Park (Calafate) is the best place to see and walk on glaciers in Argentina. The incomparably beautiful Perito Moreno Glacier may be the most beautiful glacier outside of Antarctica. I recommend three nights.
• The Lake District (Bariloche, Villa La Angostura) is rightly called “Little Switzerland” for its mountains, lakes, rivers, exuberant vegetation and many adventure options: hiking, rafting, horseback riding and kayaking. Three nights.
• Iguazu Falls is widely considered one of the two most impressive waterfalls in the world, MUCH more impressive than Niagara or Angel Falls. We recommend spending a night or two to see both the Argentine and Brazilian sides, which offer completely different views.
• The Valdez Peninsula region is the best place to observe wildlife in Argentina. You can visit a huge colony of penguins in Punta Tombo and watch whales, sea lions, elephant seals, guanacos and countless sea birds. Four hours of driving per day are required. The accommodation is not exclusive. I recommend two nights.
• Mount Fitz Roy (El Chalten) is one of the two most impressive sites within the South Patagonia region of Argentina (the other is the Perito Moreno Glacier). A 3 1/2 hour drive from Calafate, this is a truly exceptional location for scenery and hiking. Ideal for photographers. We recommend spending two nights at Fitzroy.
• Ushuaia is a nice city with a nice national park nearby (Tierra del Fuego) but the landscape in this region is not as outstanding as the places mentioned above. If you go, stay two nights.
Do’s and Don’ts in Argentina
NOT TO DO
1. DO NOT dress too casually. Shorts and flip flops will stand out in a country that is very concerned with fashion and proper clothing.
2. DO NOT yawn or eat in public (on the street) – it is considered very rude.
3. DO NOT make the “OK” or thumbs up gesture – both are considered vulgar.
4. DO NOT expect social occasions to start on time; actually, it’s considered rude to be on time for a party.
5. DO NOT say you are “American”; instead say that you are from the “United States”, the “USA.” or “North America”. (Spanish speakers may say they are from “Los Estados Unidos”.
6. Please DO NOT worry about the change when the quantity is small. Small value coins and bills are rare in circulation and no one cares much for amounts less than 50 cents.
7. DO NOT talk about sensitive issues such as Argentina’s relationship with Brazil, Great Britain or the Falkland Islands, which could provoke strong reactions. He also avoids talking about politics and religion.
BACK
1. You MUST leave a 10% tip in restaurants and 1 peso per bag for hotel porters.
2. SHARE some mate (tea) with your fellow travelers, or with strangers. The national drink is passed around clockwise and shared as a sign of friendship and acceptance. Tea packs a big “hit” of caffeine.
3. EXPECT to be kissed on the cheek when meeting or leaving acquaintances.
4. Sleep in – Argentina and especially Buenos Aires have a thriving nightlife tradition, and things rarely start until close to midnight!
5. TRY TO LEARN THE TANGO. Tango is a way of life in Argentina, and being able to dance will make your time there more fun and exciting.
6. Check out a polo match. Argentines love polo and it is quite a beautiful sport to watch.
7. Have a coffee at the famous Café Tortoni in Buenos Aires. Coffee has been popular with artists, intellectuals, and others since 1858.
