Argentina

Argentina – General Info

 

What can you expect from a vacation in Argentina? Think travelling in Europe, but with Latin American prices. The snowy mountains, the shiny lakes, the steaks, the wine, the beautiful people, the music, the culture, the colors, the football, the nightclubs, the cities… Argentina truly has it all. Travelling in Argentina offers something to everyone, whether you are a city person, or prefer to go hiking for days in the mountains. Whichever type of traveler you are, you won't be disappointed. Travelling in Argentina will be an experience you won't forget.

 

 

Capital: Buenos Aires

 

Borders: Bolivia and Paraguay in the north, Brazil and Uruguay in the northeast, and Chile in the west and south.

 

Land: 2,780,403 square kilometers.

 

Population: Approximately 40.6 million.

 

Currency: Argentinean Peso (ARS). In August 2008 approximately 3 Argentinean pesos were worth 1 USD. Most tourist sites accept US Dollars also.

 

Language: Spanish. The two biggest differences between Spanish spoken in Argentina and Spanish spoken in other Latin American countries is:

1. Argentineans use "vos" instead of "tú" (the familiar form of "you").
2. Argentineans pronounce the consonants "Y" and "Ll" like the English "J" or "Sh", for instance, the words "yo" ("I"), and "ayer" (street).

Argentinean Spanish is also full of slang words (called "Lunfardo"). Most famous is their tendency to call everyone "Che" (girls too). In cities and touristy areas you will find people who speak English too, and in the south many people speak German.

 

Weather: Summer is December to February and is probably the best time to travel (especially if you want to hike), Winter is June to September. It gets pretty cold, and it snows in the mountains.

 

Transportation to the country: Aeropuerto Internacional Ezeiza (35 km outside Buenos Aires) is the main international airport.

 

 

General Tips:

• Argentina has a big shortage in coins. That is why you should always have some with you for buses (who work only with coins) and other places you might need them.
  
• Traveling in Argentina is an amazing culinary experience. To make you get the real deal, do not miss: a bottle of fine Argentinean wine, a piece of Argentinean steak, Alfajores Havanna (the best brand around) (Alfajores can be described as a type of pastry). Their stores are everywhere in Buenos Aires (you'll recognize them by the yellow sign).