Peru Tours
Brazil Tours  
Argentina Tours
Chile Tours
Ecuador/Galapagos Tours
Venezuela Tours
Bolivia Tours
Costa Rica Tours
Panama Tours
Guatemala Tours
Uruguay Tours
Africa Tours
Australia Tours
New Zealand Tours
Activities in Other Countries

Phone: 800-232-5658 or
1-512-443-5393
email

Blog - Jim's Thoughts

Argentina Tours and Travel

Best of Patagonia / Hiking the Patagonia Classics / More Patagonia Treks / More Patagonia / Firecrowns & Penguins
Buenos Aires / Calafate / Iguazu Falls / Bariloche / Ushuaia / Salta / Mendoza / Ibera / Valdes Peninsula / Hidden Argentina
Antarctic Cruises / Expedition Cruises / Best of Northwest / Bike Tours / Wine Tours / Uruguay Escapes / Tango, Candombe & Samba

With the Andes in the distance, the Patagonian desert is much more than what it seems. The land is swept by the strongest and dry winds in summer from the Andes to the Atlantic Ocean where its shores, full of cliffs and wide gulfs, shaped for ages by ocean intrusions, by faulting or by tilting, offer the best shelter for a very rich sea fauna. Southern right whales can be fondled on their back, meanwhile groups of dolphins swim surrounding the boat. Colonies of 2 million magellanic penguins can be visited. Walking among these charming and funny birds which sometime run away from the long legs of guanacos that come from the open plains. Cormorants, terns, petrels and albatrosses cross the air seeing this deep blue and yellow paradise. If we go towards the Andes, into the middle of the Patagonian desert we find superb shapes of sedimentary clay mixed with huge outcrops of petrified forest that existed before the Andes formation when the wind was humid. Seeking the guanaco herds as the nomadic Indian hunters did 10,000 years ago we discover dramatic red sandstone canyons, little whitish lagoons and valleys patched with violet, ocher, red, yellow minerals that Indians used to produce beautiful rock paintings on the walls of deep caverns. Exploring this desert we find the men of today in the hills struggling against the wind with his house, poplars and ships. Travelling northwards on these lonely flat lands we arrive to the flat grassland of the traditional Pampas: the wild home of our Gauchos. Heading to the Pampas is Argentina's largest city of Buenos Aires, an ambitious metropolis who finds its limits in the widest river in the world: the River Plate. Following it upstream several hundred kilometres, we'll find a treasure of pure Nature in its full and dramatic creative stage: infinite swamps, plenty of floating ferns and water lilies and the most unexpected fauna. This will be a travel through the ages, from the Jurassic to the present, from the yellow desert to the deep green wilderness... these are the hidden sights that can be found in this marvellous region.
In the middle of nowhere, in a region discovered in 1522 there were nomadic Indians trying to understand -like us- the sense of life. Their answer to this eternal question was wise: life is full of feebleness. So, with their scarce means of subsistence and expression they could leave beautiful reproductions of themselves in hidden rock walls in the Patagonian desert. After having explored the mysterious flatlands with plateaus full of guanacos and rheas, and thousand colours from uncovered minerals, we suddenly discover an unbelievable and huge canyon of 100 metres high and 8 kilometres long. Its red walls hide a deep cave that was inhabited by several tribes along several periods. 9,000 years ago the first group arrived, leaving their answers: a thousand painted hands and guanacos in several dark colours. The next groups collaborated with their answers enriching the site by painting hands, men, rheas and other animals. Today it is an unavoidable place to visit & explore in this mysterious land of which its spirit Darwin could not describe.

The Ibera swamps is an area in the centre of Corrientes province of approximately 9,000 Km2 that was flooded almost 10,000 years ago by the present and famous Parana River. Ages away from the influx of man and his industries this huge area has offered the perfect habitat for birds, mammals and amphibians. There are very few comfortable Estancias in the surroundings of this vast flooded area which receives people keen on wildlife and exploring the swamps, detecting the threatening eyes of the black caimans or the smooth crawling of the huge boa constrictor. The fine shape of a heron in leafless trees, the peaceful flight of the American stork and the plumbeous ibis are also present in this area. Exploring the savannahs we see the redwinged tinamous, tropical screech-owls and the famous rheas. Among the tall grasses of the marshes, silently, the "Carpincho", the biggest rodent of the world is feeding patiently. Unique species in the world wait for us in the North-east Argentina. And nearby there is the renowned Iguazu Falls - 70 m high and 275 falls along a 3 km stretch. More than 400 species of birds and 2000 species of plants and trees are in the area.

Best Times to Visit Different Areas

"I thought I'd drop you a quick note to let you know that my trip to Argentina was superb! Amazing and fantastic. They did a great job organizing everything. The tour guides in each city were especially friendly and helpful, each driver prompt and courteous...it all ran smoothly and I'm very appreciative of that considering that I was traveling on my own. I have no complaints.

Highlight of the trip for me was Salta! The Movitrak tour up to the Andes Mountain was such a great experience. The tour guides were so enthusiastic, knowledgeable and fun. I was the only foriegner amongst friendly and fun group of Argentines and everyone made a special effort to include me. The Andes scenery so diverse and grand, stopping by in small towns along the way, interacting w/ the local people which was a really positive experience. A great dose of real Argentine culture.

The estancias were a great idea, I enjoyed each one and again, a great chance to experience the people and culture. Looking back I should have allowed more time to rest and relax at each...homemade food, warm hospitality, riding horses and enjoying the scenery. Dos Lunas was especially my favorite, absolutely beautiful.

All in all a really memorable trip, in so many ways. Diverse and amazing scenery and great people. I look forward to going back again one day! Thanks again for your help. I will have to keep you in mind for future trips." Erika Lind

Time: Local time is GMT -3.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Most hotels and offices use the three-pin flat type plug however most older buildings have the two-pin round type.
Language: Spanish is the official language, however English is understood in the tourist areas.
Health: There is a low risk of yellow fever, cholera and malaria in some northern provinces, so it is wise to seek your doctor's advice when travelling to these areas. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended before travel to Argentina. Water is safe to drink in major towns and cities. Medical facilities are good in the major cities. Treatment is expensive, however, and medical insurance is advised. Asthma, sinus and bronchial ailments can be aggravated by pollution in Buenos Aires. Those with specific conditions should bring a sufficient quantity of medical supplies and medicines for the trip.
Climate: Argentina's elongated geography ensures that the country has a diverse climate. The north is subtropical with rain throughout the year and is best visited between May and September when the heat and humidity is less oppressive. The south has a sub-arctic climate and is best visited in the summer (December to February). The central area is temperate, but can be hot and humid during summer and cool in winter.
Money: The Argentinean Peso (ARS) is divided into 100 centavos. The recent devaluation of the Peso has made Argentina more affordable for travellers but there is still much economic uncertainty and travellers are advised to keep an eye on the exchange rate. Currency can be exchanged at banks and cambios (bureaux de change) but it is easier to use ATMs, available in most towns, which reflect the current exchange rate. Credit and debit cards are generally accepted, and US Dollars and Euros are generally taken everywhere. Cirrus cards sometimes aren't accepted. There can be problems using travellers cheques in rural areas, although most banks in major cities should accept them. It's best to take travellers cheques in US Dollars to avoid additional exchange rate charges.
Tipping: A 10% tip is expected at restaurants. Porters expect 50 to 75 cents US per bag.
Safety: Although the political and economic crisis is over, there are still periodic outbreaks of social unrest and demonstrations. Visitors are advised to avoid such public gatherings and keep abreast with news to know whether any political unrest is expected. However, there is no specific threat to foreigners and travellers should not be discouraged from travelling throughout the country. Be alert to bag-snatchers, pick-pocketers and con-men, particularly in crowded areas in Buenos Aires, on public transport and in popular tourist haunts, such as San Telmo.
Visa and Passport
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECIPROCITY TAX IN ARGENTINA
- For entrances as from 28th December 2009.- Only for U.S., Canadian or Australian Citizens- The tax will have to be paid in Ezeiza "Ministro Pistarini" airport upon the arrival in Argentina.- US, Canadian or Australian citizens that enter in Argentina as tourists or for business reasons will be allowed to stay in the country a maximum of 90 days in a row. In case they want to stay longer in our country, they will have to ask for another authorization to Migrations Department. For the moment will be applied only for entrances in Ezeiza. But soon, this will apply for the rest of the entrances all along the country.
- N° of entrances for Canadian citizens: Only valid for one entrance.
- N° of entrances for U.S. citizens: Multiply entrances are allowed during a period of 10 years from the date of the first entrance.
- Reciprocity tax for Canadian citizens: u$ 70.- per person.
- Reciprocity tax for U.S. citizens: u$ 131.- per person.
- Reciprocity tax can be paid in cash, by credit card or by check at Ministro Pistarini airport, in the special offices.
Entry Requirements for Americans: US nationals require a valid passport for travel to Argentina, but no visa is required for stays of up to three months, providing the visit is for touristic purposes only.
Entry Requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to three months for British Citizens and British Overseas Citizens, provided the stay is for tourist purposes. A visa is not required for a stay of up to one month for British Nationals (Overseas). All other British passport holders require a visa.
Entry Requirements for Canadians: Canadians require a valid passport, but no visa for stays up to three months, providing the visit is for touristic purposes only.
Entry Requirements for Australians: Australians require a valid passport, but no visa for stays of up to three months, providing the visit is for touristic purposes only.
Entry Requirements for South Africans: South African nationals must hold a valid passport, but no visa is required for stays of up to three months, providing the visit is for touristic purposes only.
Entry Requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport, but no visa for stays of up to three months, providing the visit is for touristic purposes only.
Passport/Visa Note: It is recommended that all visitors have sufficient funds (at least US$50 per day), as well as onward or return tickets and documents required for next destination.
Customs: It is an offence for anyone, including children, to wear camouflage clothing.
Business: Business people dress well in Argentina and visitors are expected to wear a smart suit. Handshaking is normal. Argentineans are great conversationalists and are interested and knowledgeable about world events, political and sporting. Meetings usually begin with small talk. Use titles when addressing people: Señor (Mr), Señora (Mrs) and Señorita (Miss) followed by their surname. Business culture in Argentina can be bureaucratic and as with most South American countries negotiation and decision making can take a long time and is best done face to face. Make sure you see the right people, as only those in high positions are likely to be able to make a final decision. Business hours are 9am to 5pm in Buenos Aires, with an hour for lunch. Outside the capital it is normal to take a siesta between 1pm and 4pm. Many business people are away on holiday during January and February.
Communications: The international access code for Argentina is +54. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The area code for Buenos Aires is (0)11. Calls are usually made from public call centres, but there are also public telephones that take coins or phone cards, although one usually pays more than the unit value of the card. Mobile phones are increasingly popular; the area code must always be used when phoning a mobile in Argentina. Internet cafes are widely available in Buenos Aires and other popular tourist destinations. Many hotels also offer Internet access.
Duty Free: Travellers to Argentina over the age of 18 years can bring in the following items to the value of US$300 without incurring customs duty: 2 litres of alcohol, 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars, and 5 kg of food items. Restrictions apply to fresh foodstuffs such as meat and dairy products. Prohibited items include explosives, inflammable items, narcotics and pornographic material. Firearms and ammunition for sporting purposes are allowed if accompanied by a license/certificate.

Argentina Tours | Argentina Customized Tours | Argentina Travel | Argentina Travel Adventures | Argentina Adventures
Argentina Attractions | Argentina  Tourist Attractions | Argentina Expeditions | Argentina Accommodations | Argentina Vacation Accommodations