In southern Latin America, right against Chile and along the Atlantic Ocean, this country offers all the climates, landscapes, attractions and many unforgettable adventures: whale watching, trekking in Patagonia, galloping in the pampas... The only regret is the long distances from one point of interest to another. In Argentina, you will discover sites classified by UNESCO that are quite breathtaking, from the wild beauty of the natural parks to the prestigious architecture of the Jesuit missions, including the immense one of Córdoba. A favorite for Los Glaciares, the diamond of Patagonia and its glacial lakes. The atmosphere and assets differ so much from one region to another that it is difficult to choose! But you can't miss the bustling Buenos Aires where you will certainly land. And you haven't seen anything yet! To the north, head for the Andes, its peaks and llamas on the borders of Bolivia. Here live the last Indians. In the plain it is the pampa and its horse farms. Also unavoidable are the chutes d'Iguaçuspectacular attractions of the Misiones region, which is home to the most beautiful Jesuit missions. There is still so much to see and do: take the lake route, taste wine tourism in the Mendoza region, discover Tierra del Fuego, not to mention the mythical Ushuaïa, the southernmost city in the world from where you can see the Andes diving into the ocean. So it's no wonder that everyone who has travelled to Argentina wants to go back!
Argentina is located in the southern hemisphere where spring extends from late September to late December, then summer to late March, autumn to late June and winter to late September. The high tourist season is in July. Be careful at certain times of the year, such as during Semana Santa, Holy Week, which precedes Easter, Argentines are on holiday and hotels are under attack. January is the Argentinean summer holiday, remember to make your accommodation reservations.
In Mesopotamia and Misiones, rainfall is constant, even higher from December to March, and the summer is particularly hot. July is the best time to visit the Iguazú Falls whether you are in Argentina or Brazil. But it is the high tourist season and prices are rising. In the northwest, temperatures rise to over 40°C in summer. To avoid! The wet season is between November and March, it is the Andean winter. Buenos Aires and the pampas are sheltered from heavy rains and enjoy a moderate, although more humid climate in the capital and on the coast. While temperatures remain pleasant, January and February are sometimes very humid. In Patagonia, you will not suffer from the heat! The ideal time to visit is in summer when temperatures are the mildest (sometimes 15°C) and days are long, but bring warm clothes as the weather changes quickly and winds are strong. In Atlantic Patagonia, the whales of Puerto Madryn are observed from July to mid-December. The Patagonia winter is not as harsh as one can imagine from Europe and can be an opportunity to ski in the lake region.
In the northeast, warm in the valleys: humid and warm from December to February, cooler but sunny from April to October. Subtropical for the Grand Chaco and its forest. In Mesopotamia, subtropical in the north, more temperate in the south. For the Cuyo, along the Chilean border, dry and temperate. For the central Sierras (Córdoba), temperate and dry. Oceanic type temperate for the Pampa húmeda, a large region of Buenos Aires. In Patagonia, colder, especially in the south, and permanently windy.
The official currency of Argentina is the Argentine peso. Be careful, counterfeit 50 or 100 AR$ notes are circulating. You change your euros at the exchange offices (original of the required passport). The peso is experiencing high inflation. Argentina is a cheap destination. It is customary to leave a tip of 10% of the bill. Credit cards are generally accepted in department stores, hotels, restaurants, but if you pay in cash you will get a discount of 10 to 20%
To enter Argentine territory, European Community nationals do not need a visa. A valid passport (at least, still valid for six months, on the date of travel) is sufficient. A three-month residence permit will then be stamped on your passport (it is free of charge). To renew your residence permit, the easiest way is to leave the country to return again and obtain a new stamp for three months. The most common is to make a return trip to Colonia de Sacramento (Uruguay) from Buenos Aires. By visiting the Mendoza region, Patagonia or the Iguazú Falls, you will also have the opportunity to switch to the Chilean or Brazilian side. There is no limit to the number of entries and exits from the country.
Protect yourself against mosquitoes (malaria, dengue fever, West Nile virus). The Hanta virus exists in Patagonia, particularly in the southern part of the San Carlos de Bariloche region. It is transmitted by rodents through the respiratory tract and causes haemorrhagic fever with sometimes fatal consequences. Stay away from dead animals, animals and their droppings. Do not pet the animals you meet (risk of rabies with dogs). Ensure your road safety (wearing a seat belt, wearing a two-wheeled helmet). Road accidents are a significant risk. Never use medicines purchased on the street. Wash your hands regularly. Pay attention to the quality and proper cooking of food.
The formula frees you from many worries but you lose in freedom, necessarily! A large number of professionals offer you this destination from France, all exclusive, for two or three weeks, itinerary, accommodation and meals included. On site, you will find many turnkey tourist offers, for a multi-day horseback ride, whale watching, high mountain trekking, etc.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationIf you prepare your stay well in advance, there is no reason why you cannot travel alone to Argentina. Be sure to plan routes from one point to another when you move to another region. Book your accommodation in advance during Argentina's school holidays (January) and during Holy Week, when the country is in turmoil. You can rent a car to drive freely through a region (the roads are good). Plan a small week per region.
With often a thousand km to travel from one region to another, flying remains the most efficient way to get around. The road network is generally well developed and maintained. Buses serve the whole country. They are comfortable and we sleep very well there. Travel at night to save one night in a hotel, except along the mountain range where it would be a shame to miss the scenery. The railway network is practically non-existent. In the city, taxis are legion.
One week around Buenos Aires
Discovery of Patagonia
Argentina is located in the southern hemisphere where spring extends from late September to late December, then summe...
Read more about it
In the northeast, warm in the valleys: humid and warm from December to February, cooler but sunny from April to Octob...
Read more about it
The official currency of Argentina is the Argentine peso. Be careful, counterfeit 50 or 100 AR$ notes are circulating...
Read more about it
To enter Argentine territory, European Community nationals do not need a visa. A valid passport (at least, still vali...
Read more about it
Protect yourself against mosquitoes (malaria, dengue fever, West Nile virus). The Hanta virus exists in Patagonia, pa...
Read more about it
If you prepare your stay well in advance, there is no reason why you cannot travel alone to Argentina. Be sure to pla...
Read more about it
The formula frees you from many worries but you lose in freedom, necessarily! A large number of professionals offer y...
Read more about it
With often a thousand km to travel from one region to another, flying remains the most efficient way to get around....
Read more about it
One thing's for sure, a good book is a perfect prelude to escape. An ideal travel companion is also, when you can't leave right away, a very good escape while waiting for the next escapade! Here is a selection of 10 books to travel with. Your suggestions to enrich it are welcome! Gustave Flaubert's Salammbô, exoticism in space and timeIt's time to revise our classics! This historical novel published in 1862 takes us to the 3rd century BC, ...
Some songs have the power to make you travel far, far away... Close your eyes, you are in Cuba, Buenos Aires or on the road 66! Here is a playlist of escape, waiting to pack your suitcases and jump on the next plane. Of course, this list is not exhaustive! Don't hesitate to make us your suggestions to enrich it! Gotan Project - Tango Santa Maria This Franco-Swiss-Argentinean group had the brilliant idea of mixing electronic music and tango. ...
For some countries, the capital is of major importance in terms of tourism (Paris, London...), for others however, it is just an airport that you leave as soon as you arrive! Of course, to discover a country and its traditions, you should not be satisfied with just visiting its capital. However, as the seat of major political authorities, but also of an intense cultural life, it is often worth the detour and its visit can prove to be... ...
Discovering a country by motorcycle offers extraordinary sensations. For two-wheeler enthusiasts, taking winding roads and crossing diverse landscapes is a special experience. The motorcycle allows us to take roads that are sometimes inaccessible to cars and offers a field of vision that allows us to make the most of the different elements that surround us. Between stopovers in towns and villages and escapades in the midst of surprising ...
