Dive into tropical waterfalls, marvel at icy glaciers up close, watch whales, penguins and sea lions from the beach. Explore rainbow-colored lunar landscapes, help the gauchos with cattle breeding at an estancia, hike in the Andes, which are over 6,500 meters high. Travel to the end of the world and then, after a delicious red wine from the best wine region in the country, watch the locals at the tango dance or join in directly. Doesn’t that sound great? Then pack your things, because your trip is to Argentina!
In the land of incredible contrasts
You will be welcomed to Argentina with open arms. As warm as the Argentines are, so are the roots of the locals, and the nature of the second largest state in South America is even more varied. The range of different landscapes, climates and cultures in just one country could hardly be more colorful. At an unbelievable size of 3,700 kilometers from north to south and 1,400 kilometers from west to east there is a nature and culture that is unique in the world and has to be discovered.
Travel information in brief
Travel time
Argentina is in season all year round and can be toured. When planning your trip, keep in mind that the seasons are opposite to those in Europe. This means Argentina is coolest in June and July and warmest in November to March. Within the country, the temperatures differ significantly during one season. That is why it makes sense to plan your stay in certain months, depending on where you want to travel in the country. In summary, the most pleasant travel times for Argentina are from October to December (spring and early summer) and from April to mid-June (autumn and early winter).
Currency / money
The Argentine Peso (ARS) is the official currency in Argentina. After this was no longer artificially maintained with the US dollar in a ratio of 1: 1 since 2008, an exchange rate of around 1 USD = 6 ARS has developed. Banknotes are available in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pesos. Coins range from 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 centavos to 1 and 2 peso pieces. US dollars and euros can be exchanged in most major cities in the country. But please hands away from illegal exchange offices, so-called Cuevas! Tourists can often be found here with counterfeit money on the streets. It is advisable to always have enough cash with you, as travelers checks and credit cards are not always accepted.
Vaccinations
As a tour operator, we are not allowed to make recommendations on vaccinations. However, it is often recommended to get vaccinated against yellow fever if you plan to travel to rainforest areas. The Federal Foreign Office generally recommends travel vaccinations such as hepatitis A, rabies and typhoid, as well as hepatitis B, for long-term stays. According to the Foreign Office, the vaccination calendar for children and adults should always be checked and, if necessary, completed with the usual vaccinations such as tetanus, diphtheria and influenza. Please consult your doctor about vaccinations so that you can have them in good time before your stay in Argentina.
Visa / entry
Entry into Argentina is relatively easy. A passport is required that is valid for at least 6 months after entering the country. This applies to both adults and children. German citizens can travel to Argentina for up to 90 days without a visa. When entering the country with children under 14 years of age, it is necessary to have a certificate of consent from all custodians with you. If a minor only travels in the company of a parent or legal guardian, the consent of the other parent or legal guardian is required. Please note the regulations of the Consular Section of Argentina and the Foreign Office: www.auswaertiges-amt.de.
In the land of contrasts – Argentina
If you travel to Argentina, you will discover that no other country on earth offers more contrast in geography and culture. The colorful and, above all, huge range of natural spectacles in Argentina is particularly impressive. Argentina is actually the only country in South America with a hot tropical, dry desert and even harsh subpolar climate.
Raging, roaring and rushing – a true natural wonder are the paradisiacal waterfalls of Iguazú, one of the most popular excursion destinations in Argentina. In the middle of the wild, overgrown jungle, in the north-east of the country, massive masses of water plunge into the depths over an enormous length of around 2,700 meters. In the area protected by UNESCO, there is a subtropical climate. From large-beaked toucans and almost alien-looking armadillos to curious monkeys, the Iguazú waterfalls are home to a multitude of animals. With a bit of luck, you might even catch a glimpse of the rare jaguar that lives in the surrounding jungle.
In stark contrast to this is the spectacular nature in Tierra del Fuego. Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, is the ideal starting point for day trips to the Tierra del Fuego National Park or even to the end of the world, the Antarctic region. In the harsh subpolar climate, penguins, sea lions and all kinds of sea birds want to be observed in beautiful nature on the Beagle Channel.
Characterized by endless expanses, Patagonia is an absolute highlight of any trip to Argentina with beautiful, turquoise lakes and floating icebergs, ice-blue glaciers and snow-capped mountain peaks! An adventurous western feeling comes from a ride on the back of a horse over the grounds of an estancia (country estate), where the Argentine gauchos pursue the tradition of cattle and sheep breeding to this day.
The animal life in the Chubut region, which belongs to the central part of the Argentine side of Patagonia, is extremely fascinating. The climate here is mild. The most beautiful marine animals on earth can be observed on the Valdés peninsula, directly on the Atlantic coast and surrounded by wide sandy beaches. In some months you can even see the 54 ton baleen whales. Curious sea lions and elephant seals can be observed all year round. Penguins and other sea birds nest on the banks. Guanacos, foxes and Ñandus can often be seen on the mainland.
Not far from the border with Chile and Bolivia, in northwest Argentina, it is fun to immerse yourself in a completely different world. The provinces of Jujuy and Salta have a wonderful location due to the Andes chain and its foothills. The many small colonial towns in the region are particularly beautiful. The desert-like and colorful Quebrada de Humahuaca is the main attraction in this area. Because of the unique combination of ancient cultural events and scenic attractions, it has even been declared a World Heritage Site.
A trip to Mendoza in western Argentina is particularly worthwhile for those who love to hike, but also for true connoisseurs. The desert climate of the province is ideal for the predominant and world-famous wine production here. In the background of the city of the same name rise the breathtakingly high Andes. The highest mountain in South America, the Aconcagua, with its incredible 6,962 meters high, is a real challenge even for experienced mountaineers.
Feelings of home, on the other hand, could arise in San Carlos de Bariloche. The area is also called the “Switzerland of Argentina”. And rightly so! Because visitors can expect a picture-book landscape, with the glacial lake Lago Nahuel Huapi, which is surrounded by alpine-like mountain scenery. In the Nahuel Huapi National Park you can go on wonderful and relaxing hiking tours.
The abundance of different cultures that Argentina holds is most felt in the cities where European immigrants settled many years ago. There are cities such as the million-dollar metropolis Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, which is described as an exciting mixture of Rome, Madrid and Paris. In north-west Argentina, where there are many quaint places near Jujuy and Salta, the special attraction is the Indian culture, which is still strongly represented here. Primeval cultures such as the Mapuche, Tehuelche and Guaranies are protected and continue to exist in the land of contrasts.
