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Oficial name: Argentine Republic
Location: South of South America
Boundries: Bolivia and Paraguay (N); Brasil (NE); Uruguay (E); Atlantic Ocean (E and SE); Chile (W y SW)
Total territory : 3.761.274 km2
Coasts: 4.986 km
Population: 36.223.947 (2001)
Population Density: 9,63/km2
Ethnic Groups: White (85%); mestizo (10%); indigenous and others (5%)
Capital City: Buenos Aires (2.776.138 hab)
Language: Spanish
Currency: Peso
Government: Republic
Getting to Argentina
All airlines flying to Argentina arrive mainly at Ezeiza (“Ministro Pistarini”) International Airport, which is 37 Kilometres away from the City of Buenos Aires. You can reach the city by Teniente General Ricchieri freeway (Information: Tel. 5480-6111). When leaving the country, a US$ 18 tax must be paid. Company Manuel Tienda León (Av. Madero and San Martín, Tel. 4315-5115) offers a bus service from 5.00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. This service costs between $ 25 and $ 27 (Argentine pesos), and the trip takes approximately 40 minutes. There are also taxis and chauffeur-driven rented cars (from $ 53 to $ 72).
When to travel
Remember that in the southern hemisphere seasons are the opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. In general, the summer is the best time to visit Patagonia and the Southern Andes because of the mild temperatures and long days. Wintertime is recommended for travelling to the North and Northwest as rains are less frequent and tropical temperatures drop a few degrees. Autumn and spring are marvelous in Buenos Aires, Cuyo and the pre-mountain range areas of La Rioja and Catamarca.
Getting around Argentina
By Plane
Due to the large size of country, planes are best to travel long distances, and then take overland transportation to get to your final destination. Buying Airpass Visit Argentina in your own country, you’ll obtain lower prices for flights within Argentina. Aerolíneas Argentinas / Austral, LADE and LAN Argentina operate domestic flights. Domestic flights and flights to Uruguay depart from Jorge Newbery Airport, located to the north of the city beside the Río de la Plata. Airport taxes range from $ 7.05 to U$S 8.
Domestic flights schedule from Buenos Aires to:
San Salvador de Jujuy 2 hrs 10 mins
Salta 2 hrs
San Miguel de Tucumán 1 hr 50 mins
Puerto Iguazú 1 hr 45 mins
Posadas 1 hr 30 mins
Rosario 52 mins
Mendoza 1 hr 50 mins
Córdoba 1 hr 15 mins
Mar del Plata 45 mins
San Carlos de Bariloche 2 hrs 20 mins
Trelew 2 hrs
Río Gallegos 2 hrs 55 mins
El Calafate 3 hrs 15 mins
Ushuaia 3 hrs 20 mins
Airpass Visit Argentina
Valid for:
- Foreign visitors or Argentines residing abroad.
- Foreign tourists holding Aerolíneas Argentinas international air tickets or another international airline (published fares), on domestic flight connections served by Aerolíneas Argentinas and Austral (AR/AU).
-Valid through: All year.
Fares
From Buenos Aires:
- Economy Class: U$S 62 to U$S 209 each coupon. International flight by Aerolíneas Argentinas.
- Economy Class: U$S 80 to U$S 271 each coupon. International flight by other airlines.
From Córdoba:
- Economy Class: U$S 74 to U$S 162 each coupon. International flight by Aerolíneas Argentinas.
- Economy Class: U$S 96 to U$S 211 each coupon. International flight by other airlines.
From Puerto Iguazú:
- Economy Class: U$S 153 to U$S 162 each coupon. International flight by Aerolíneas Argentinas.
- Economy Class: U$S 199 to U$S 211 each coupon. International flight by other airlines.
From Salta and San Salvador de Jujuy:
- Economy Class: U$S 186 to U$S 189 each coupon. International flight by Aerolíneas Argentinas.
- Economy Class: U$S 23 to U$S 246 each coupon. International flight by other airlines.
From Mendoza:
- Economy Class: U$S 63 to U$S 162 each coupon. International flight by Aerolíneas Argentinas.
- Economy Class: U$S 82 to U$S 211 each coupon. International flight by other airlines.
From San Carlos de Bariloche:
- Economy Class: U$S 26 to U$S 341 each coupon. International flight by Aerolíneas Argentinas.
- Economy Class: U$S 33 to U$S 443 each coupon. International flight by other airlines.
Child and Infant fares:
- Accompanied children between 2 and 11 years old and infants under 2 years old with seat assigned: 100% of Adult Fare.
Infants under 2 years old without seat assigned: 10% of Adult Fare.
Maximum stay
- The whole trip must be completed before expiration date of international ticket.
- Ticket validity must not be postponed.
Reservations and issuance:
- Reservations for the first flight coupon, the total payment and issuance of all the itinerary must be completed at the same time and before flight departure from the first international sector.
- The remaining flight coupons must be booked any time.
- Reservation change: permitted.
- Stopovers: None allowed.
- Routing: When a city is used as connecting point, the segment flown will be computed for coupon calculation.
- Routing changes: Not allowed.
Advertising and sales
- Outside Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay.
- Only one Airpass Visit Argentina will be allowed per each paid international ticket bound for Argentina.
- No PTAs allowed.
Cancellation and refund
- There is no reimbursement for cancellation, refund or no show.
By Bus
Buenos Aires bus station is located at Av. Ramos Mejia 1680 close to Retiro Station (Tel. 4310-0700). Long-distance buses are equipped with toilets, air conditioning and bar.
Distances from Buenos Aires:
Bahia Blanca 660 Km Río Grande 2.850 Km
Cafayate 1.703 Km Rosario 306 Km
Córdoba 710 Km Salta 1.605 Km
Corrientes 1.074 Km San Antonio de Areco 114 Km
El Calafate 2.681 Km San Carlos de Bariloche 1.627 Km
Esquel 2.050 Km San Juan 1.119 Km
Formosa 1.181 Km San Luis 820 Km
Humahuaca 1.782 Km San Martín de los Andes 1.607 Km
La Plata 52 Km San Miguel de Tucumán 1.310 Km
La Rioja 1.168 Km San Rafael 999 Km
Luján 64 Km San Salvador de Jujuy 1.654 Km
Mar del Plata 410 Km Santa Fe 476 Km
Mendoza 1.037 Km Santa Rosa 607 Km
Neuquén 1.156 Km Santiago del Estero 1.150 Km
Paraná 495 Km Termas de Río Hondo 1.150 Km
Pinamar 401 Km Tigre 33 Km
Posadas 1.060 Km Trelew 1.436 Km
Puerto Iguazú 1.346 Km Ushuaia 3.171 Km
Puerto Madryn1.382 Km Viedma 970 Km
Rawson 1.441 Km Valle de Las Leñas 1.218 Km
Resistencia 1.019 Km Villa Gesell 416 Km
Río Gallegos 2.630 Km Villa La Angostura 1.695 Km
By Train
Ferrobaires (Constitución Station, Tel. 4304-0028/31/38); TBA (Retiro Station, Tel. 4317-4407/45); Ferrocentral (Retiro Station, Tel. 4312-2989); Trenes del Litoral (Federico Lacroze Station, Tel. 4554-8018).
By Car (Car rental)
All international car rental companies operate in Argentina. The following companies have offices in Buenos Aires: Ai Rent a Car International (Maipú 965, Tel. 4311-1000), Alamo Rent a Car - National (Carlos Pellegrini 1175, 1st Floor “C”, Tel. 4322-3320), Avis Rent a Car (Cerrito 1527, Tel. 4326-5542), Budget Rent a Car ((Marcelo T. de Alvear 590, 10th Floor, Tel. 4311-4555), Dollar Rent a Car (M.T. de Alvear 449, Tel. 4315-8800), Hertz - Annie Millet Rent a Car (Paraguay 1138, Tel. 4816-8001), Localiza Rent a Car (Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 1180, 2nd Floor, Off. 205 “C”, Tel. 4121-5600), Thrifty Car Rental (Carlos Pellegrini 1576, Loc.24, Tel. 4326-0418).
Shopping in Argentina
VAT return
At the airport you may obtain a VAT reimbursement corresponding to any purchases made within the country for an amount over $70 (per invoice) and in shops operating with the “Global Refund” system.
Payment methods
Although US Dollars and Euros are generally taken everywhere, foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks and authorized bureaus. American Express, VISA, Diners and Master Card are widely accepted. There may be difficulties in changing traveler's check outside Buenos Aires.
Opening hours
Banks and Exchange Bureaus: Mondays to Fridays from 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.
Business Offices: generally from 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and from 2.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.
Stores: in the big cities from 9.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m., although in the outskirts and the provinces they generally close at midday. Saturdays, from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
Cafés, cake shops and pizzerias: open most of the time except between 2.00 and 6.00 a.m.
Restaurants: lunch is served as from 12.30 p.m. and dinner as from 8.30 hours. Fast-food menus are served in many restaurants at all times.
Tips
10% of the amount of the check is usually left in cafeterias and restaurants. Doormen, porters, and ushers in cinemas and theatres are also generally tipped.
General Information
Documents and formalities
Valid passport with or without visa depending on your nationality. Inquire at the closest Embassy or Consulate. Visitors coming from countries not bordering Argentina are exempt from all taxes on travelling articles and new articles up to US$ 300 and an additional US$ 300, if purchased at duty free shops within the national territory. No vaccination certificate is required to enter the country.
Telephone
Pay phones work with cards that may be purchased in kiosks and telephone companies’ offices, or with legal tender coins. There are also stores with pay phones (open 24 hours a day) where you can pay in cash.
Calling to Argentina from abroad, dial the country code (54) and then the area code of the place you want to call. For domestic calls, dial 0 before the area code. For international calls, dial 00, the country code and city code. Calls are cheaper from 10.00 p.m. to 8.00 a.m.
Maps
Maps may be purchased at the offices of the Automóvil Club Argentino (Av. del Libertador 1850, Tel. 4808-4000, Buenos Aires, cartogra@aca.org.ar).
Tourist information
National Secretariat of Tourism, Tourist Information Centers: Av. Santa Fe 883, (C1059ABC) Buenos Aires, Tel. 4312-2232 or 0800-555-0016; Ezeiza International Airport and Jorge Newbery Airport; info@turismo.gov.ar.
Buenos Aires Information Centres: Av. Pte. Quintana 596 (Recoleta), Retiro Bus Station (Local 83), Florida 100. Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 200 (Dock 4, Puerto Madero), Defensa 1250 (San Telmo); infobue@buenosaires.gov.ar.
Security Prevention and Tourist Assistance:
Comisaría del Turista: Av. Corrientes 436, (C1043AAR) Buenos Aires. Tel. 4346-5748, 4328-2135 ó 0800-999-5000, e-mail: turista@policiafederal.gov.ar.
Defensoría del Turista: Av. Pedro de Mendoza 1835 (Museo de Bellas Artes de La Boca "Don Benito Quinquela Martín"), (C1169AAC) Buenos Aires. Tel. 4302-7816, Fax: 4302-7816, e-mail: turista@defensoria.org.ar.
Interesting facts
The name Argentina
It comes from the Latin term “argentum”, which means silver. The origin of this name goes back to the first voyages made by the Spanish conquerors to the Río de la Plata. The survivors of the shipwrecked expedition mounted by Juan Díaz de Solís found indigenous people in the region who gave them silver objects as presents. The news about the legendary Sierra del Plata - a mountain rich in silver - reached Spain around 1524. As from this date, the Portuguese named the river of Solís, Río de la Plata (River of Silver). Two years later the Spanish used the same name. The National Constitution adopted in 1853 included the name “República Argentina” (Argentine Republic) among the official names to designate the government and the country’s territory.
Location, area and frontiers
Located in South America, and thus, in the southern hemisphere, Argentina has an area of almost 3.8 million square kilometers, 2.8 on the continent – approximately 54% are plains (grasslands and savannahs), 23%, plateaus, and the other 23%, mountains - and the remainder in the Antarctic. It is 3,800 kilometres long and is located between latitude 22º and 55º. Its border with Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Chile has a perimeter of 9,376 kilometres, while the territory bordered by the Atlantic Ocean is 4,725 Kilometres long.
Geography
Argentina’s most distinctive feature is its enormous difference between the immense eastern plains and the impressive Andes mountain range to the west. This is the frontier with Chile and boasts the highest peak in the Western hemisphere: the 6,959 m high Aconcagua.
From Jujuy to Tierra del Fuego, the Andes present marvelous contrasts: the Northwest plateaus, the lake region, the forests and glaciers in the Patagonia.
To the north, Chaco is a forested area linked to rivers Bermejo, Salado and Pilcomayo.
Between the Paraná and Uruguay rivers, the Argentine Mesopotamia (provinces of Entre Ríos, Corrientes and Misiones) is formed by low hills, where pools and marshlands show the ancient courses of these great rivers. In some places within the subtropical rain forest, there are fissures which provide such spectacular phenomena as the Iguazú Falls.
The Pampas, in the center of Argentina, is the largest and best-known area of plains. Agricultural and livestock activities are performed in this area, which includes the province of Buenos Aires, the northeast of La Pampa, the south of Córdoba and south of Santa Fe. To the south, the plains give way to small hills in Tandil and de la Ventana, and to the west, to the Córdoba hills.
Towards the south, from the Andes to the sea, there are sterile and stony plateaus of Patagonia, swept by the wind during most of the year. The Atlantic coast, lined with high cliffs, forms massive indentations like the Peninsula Valdés, with its spectacular and unique colonies of sea animals.
Climate
The territory of the country has a wide variety of climates: subtropical in the North, sub-Antarctic in the southern Patagonia, and mild and humid in the Pampas plains. Media temperature from November to March is 23° C, and 12° C from June to September.
Population
The current population of Argentina is 36 million inhabitants, almost half of which live in the city and the province of Buenos Aires. Population density calculated on a national basis is 13 inhabitants per square kilometer.
95% of the population is white and most are descendants of Italians and Spaniards. As a result of the massive European immigration, the white and indigenous half-castes diminished and at the present they amount only to 4.5% of the population. The pure indigenous population -Mapuches, Collas, Tobas, Matacos and Chiriguanos- amount to 0.5% of the population.
Language
Spanish is the official language of the Argentine Republic. In Buenos Aires, some “lunfardo” expressions -city slang - are used.
Religion
There is complete religious freedom in Argentina, although the official religion is Roman Catholic. Other religions practiced in the country are Protestant, Jewish, Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox and others.
Currency
The official Argentine currency is the Peso. There are bills of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 pesos, and coins of 1 peso and 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents.
Constitution and Government
Argentina consists of 23 provinces plus a federal district, the City of Buenos Aires. The Argentine Constitution establishes a Republic under a representative and federal system, and three separate branches of government: executive, legislative and judicial.
The executive branch is exercised by the President and Vice-president of the Nation, elected for a 4-year term. The legislative branch is bicameral: the Senate (composed of three senators from each province and from the City of Buenos Aires) and the House of Representatives (composed of representatives elected directly and in proportion to each district’s population). The judicial branch “is vested in the Supreme Court and lower courts of justice”.
Each province has adopted its own Constitution in accordance with the National Constitution to rule its administration.
The current National Constitution dates from 1853. Nevertheless, it was amended in 1860, 1898, 1957 and 1994. The last amendment made in August 1994, allows the President’s reelection for an additional term.
Two historical dates
May 25, 1810. The first "Gobierno Patrio" or National Government Assembly was constituted.
July 9, 1816. Proclamation of Independence by the “Provincias Unidas del Río de la Plata”.
Argentine national holidays:
January 1st New Year
March 24 National Day of Memory for Truth and Justice
March/April * Easter - Good Friday
April 2** Veterans’ Day and tribute to the fallen in the Falklands War
May 1St Labor Day
May 25 Anniversary of the First Independent Argentine Government
June 20*** National Flag Day
July 9 National Independence Day
August 17*** Anniversary of the death of General José de San Martín
October 12** Columbus Day
December 8 Immaculate Conception Day
December 25 Christmas Day
* Floating Holiday.
** If the date falls on a Tuesday or Wednesday, the holiday will be effective on the preceding Monday; if it falls on Thursday or Friday, the holiday will be effective the following Monday.
*** Holiday effective the third Monday of the month.
The South: Patagonia
The Andes mountain range shows its beauty in the Patagonian provinces. Millennial silent forests with native vegetable species are extended along the shores of glistening waters. On top of the mountains, nature overflows with granite peaks and ice fields spreading their glacier tongues into lakes of unsurpassable beauty.
Strange sea mammals and birds, half-way between real life and legend, spend certain seasons on the rough coasts of Patagonia where they complete part of their life cycle. Seals play on the islets and sandbanks. The world’s most important southern elephant seal continental colony is located in Peninsula Valdés. Every year, Southern Right whales come to Nuevo and San José gulfs to breed. Patagonian hares, “ñandúes” (South American ostrich) and “guanacos” run about the steppes, and the largest colony of Magellanic penguins in the world is located in Punta Tombo. This life cycle, repeated for ages, unfolds itself in front of the astonished eyes of the visitors.
In the south, Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, are the gateway towards the vast and mysterious Antarctica.
The Centre: The Pampas and the Sierras
The Pampas plains are amongst the wealthiest areas in Argentina. They have the magic of wide-open spaces with an unlimited horizon, and they are the land of the gauchos, traditional Argentine country men.
The estancias (ranches) in the Argentine Pampas are remarkable because of their varied architecture. They were built in widely differing styles such as colonial Hispanic-American, English Tudor, and classic French. Many of them have been transformed into tourist accommodations.
Towards the Northwest of these plains are the Sierras of Córdoba. The highest peak, Mount Champaquí, towers some 2,790 meters above its surroundings. Its fertile valleys contrast with deserts and salt pans, a particularly appealing landscape. Towards the North, scattered chapels and “estancias” begin to appear. These constructions date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, and many of them are a Jesuit legacy.
The West: Cuyo
Cuyo - “desert country” in the Indian language - is the region of the high peaks, the snow-covered volcanoes, and the large wilderness spreading from the Andes mountain range and foothills to the steppe.
The visit to Ischigualasto - Talampaya Natural Parks, is a true journey to the dinosaur’s era. Ischigualasto, also known as “Valle de la Luna” (Moon Valley) because of the amazing diversity of forms and colours of its landscape shaped by erosion, is one of the world’s most important paleontology digging sites. The Talampaya River Canyon reveals amazing multi-shaped layers in its high red walls.
Pink flamingos, Andean ducks, “vicuñas” and “guanacos” cohabit freely in parks and natural reserves, while condors fly over the area.
The region displays the full splendour of the Central Andean Range. The Aconcagua (6.959 m) is the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, and its steep slopes are famous amongst mountain climbers from all over the world.
In the valleys of La Rioja, Mendoza and San Juan, among leaves of grapevines, farms and wineries, visitors can go along the Wine Road, an internationally renowned attraction.
The Northwest
Northern provinces feature traces of pre-Columbian cultures, mingled with ruins of villages, as well as forts and constructions dating back to the time of the Conquest and Colonization.
Time seems to stand still in the high plateau of the Puna, a land full of mountain ranges, steep mountain paths, and gorges. Villages have been built in the small valleys. Multi-coloured and monochromatic hills covered with huge cactuses on the slopes surround the village.
This region offers landscapes full of contrast for tourists to enjoy, from the high peaks to the plains, the salt pans, and the subtropical rain forests, where Latin American culture roots.
The East: Litoral
This is a region of large rivers, humid tropics, red earth, magnificent forest, a virgin forest full of huge trees and extraordinary flora and fauna. Great Waters –“Iguazú” in the Guaraní language– flow into one of the world’s wonders: the Iguazú Falls.
A scenery of exuberant beauty spreading along the Iguazú National Park, Saltos del Moconá (Moconá Falls), Río Pilcomayo National Park, El Palmar National Park, Esteros del Iberá (Iberá Swamps) or the plains of Chaco.
An apotheosis of nature, where the Jesuit ruins, declared World Heritage by the UNESCO, are a vivid testimony of the Society of Jesus’ fruitful work.
Argentine Republic Foreign Office : http://www.mrecic.gov.ar/
Argentine Republic Secretariat of Tourism : http://www.turismo.gov.ar/
Argentine Republic Ministry of Interior. Migrations : http://www.mininterior.gov.ar/migraciones/
Buenos Aires City Hall: http://www.buenosaires.gov.ar/
Main Newspapers
Buenos Aires Herald: http://www.buenosairesherald.com/ English Language Newspaper
Argentinisches Tageblatt: http://www.tageblatt.com.ar/ German Language Newspaper
Clarín: http://www.clarin.com.ar/
Página/12: http://www.pagina12.com.ar/
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