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Argentina

Travel Guide Argentina

When it comes to South America’s second largest country, many people think immediately of tango, steaks, gauchos and soccer. But Argentina is much more than that: The unique diversity of landscapes, especially around Patagonia and the Andes, as well as breathtaking nature spots makes this country a must-see for every nature friend and adventure traveller.

Our trips to Argentina:

Nature Travel Argentina – Pack Trip Patagonia

Internship Argentina – Horse Ranch Patagonia

Highlights in Argentina

The glacier Perito-Moreno is located in the National Park Los Glaciares in the province Santa Cruz and is part of the Campo de Hielo Sur – one of the biggest glacier regions in the South American Andes. You can explore these impressive glaciers on foot as well as by boat. Especially the ice falls that occur every few years are quite spectacular as well.
Here, in the far northwest of Argentina and more than 1,600 km away from the country’s capital of Buenos Aires, it feels like being on another planet: the narrow mountain valley of Quebrada de Humahuaca and its colourful layers of limestone, bizarre rock formations and pampa landscapes with grazing lamas will certainly leave each visitor in awe.
Aconcagua is a mountain in the Andes mountain range, in Argentina’s Mendoza Province. It is the highest mountain in the Americas and the highest outside Asia, offering awe-inspiring views. If you are already experienced in mountaineering you might want to try climbing the “roof of America” – but beware, training is tough!
The Ruta Nacional 40 can be seen as Route 66 of Argentina. On more than 5,000 km this route runs along the eastern Andes – from Bolivia to the southern region of Patagonia. For approx. 2,400 km this second most famous highway of South America runs through Patagonia. This only partly asphalted road crosses uninhabited as well as very crowded areas.
El Chaltén is located in the province Santa Cruz on the northern border of the National Park Los Glaciares and is part of the youngest village of Argentina. As the so-called “hiking capital” El Chaltén gives you direct access to the most famous mountains of the region, Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. There are also numerous offers of trekking tours for beginners.

Bariloche is a town in the province Río Negro that is not only known for its ski area at the Cerro Catedral but is also a great region for hiking and climbing within a beautiful landscape. Moreover, you can also do several extreme sports like kayaking, paragliding and mountain climbing. In addition to that the amazing lake scenery around Bariloche is a perfect setting for a road trip.
In the heart of Buenos Aires travellers can find La Recoleta Cemetery, often considered as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. Countless impressive mausoleums made of marble, granite and stained glass combined with hundreds of narrow walkways give this special place a mystical atmosphere.

Geography of Argentina

Argentina is located in the Southern part of South America. It shares borders with Bolivia in the North, Paraguay north-east, Brazil in the East, Uruguay south-east and Chile in the West. Its capital is Buenos Aires.
The county’s name is derived from the Latin word argentum, which means silver, because the Spanish conquerors were hoping to find precious metals in that place, when they arrived. Until the end of the Spanish colonial era in 1816 Argentina was part of the Spanish kingdom. Covering an area of 2.8 km² Argentina is the eighth largest country of the world and the fourth largest country of the American continent. Due to its size it covers different climate and vegetation zones.

Geomorphology/Geology

Argentina's most famous mountains are the Andes, which extend from North to South, along the Chilean border. Many mountains in this area count a height of more than 6000 m. The highest mountain is called Aconcagua (7000 m).

Travel Tips and Trivia for Argentina

A lot of European airlines offer flights to Buenos Aires. There are 33 national destinations that can be reached from Buenos Aires. The 215,000 km of streets (80 % paved) and over 120 long distance bus lines connect Buenos Aires to the rest of the country. A convenient way to travel in Argentina is a rental car. The driver must be older than 21 and hold a national driving license.
- January 1: New Year's Eve (Año Nuevo)
- March 24: Memorial-Day to the military coup in 1976
- Holy Thursday, Good Friday (Viernes Santo), Easter (Pascuas)
- April 2: Day of Islas Malvinas
- May 1: Labour Day (Dia del Trabajador)
- May 25: Declaration of the independence from Spain on the 25th May 1810
- June 20: Day of the National Flag (Dia de la Bandera)
- July 9: Independence from the Spanish Kingdom on the 9th of July 1816
- August 17: Memorial Day in honor of General José de San Martin
- October 12: Discovery of America by Christoph Columbus
- December 8: Immaculate Conception
- December 25: Christmas Day
- (December 31: New Year's Eve)
- Argentinians cultivate good manners, especially regarding clothes. You should make sure to wear decent clothes on the street.
- Eating in public transportation is a no-go.
- In restaurants you should wait until the waiter/waitress allocates a table to you. If there is none, you should keep on waiting and not just sit down at somebody else's table. That is considered to be impolite.
- Bills are paid per table and not per person
- You are well advised not to compare Argentinians to US-Americans or Brazilians. Argentinians are very proud of their country and do not like comparisons like that.
- Avoid touchy subjects like the Falkland Islands, it can cause emotional reactions.
- In Argentina you usually address people as señor or señora. People say hello by shaking hands or – in case they know each other well – by a hug or a kiss on the right cheek (between women and men!).
- Public transportation, cinemas and theatres are non-smoking areas.
- Yawning is considered to be a lack of manners, so better avoid it in public. Hands on hips can be understood as an offensive gesture.

Climate in Argentina

Argentina covers nearly all existing climate zones. The North is tropical, but close to the Andes rather dry, the center is more subtropical or moderate and the South, around Patagonia, can be characterized by a cold and, depending on the place, dry or humid climate.

Flora and Fauna in Argentina

Due to its different climate zones Argentina supports a rich variety regarding flora and fauna. In the tropical part in the North of the country there are predominantly rosewoods, palms, guaiacums and palisander. Other vegetation zones are the savanna of Gran Chaco in the far North and pampas in the East, which is characterized by broad grasslands including eucalyptus woods and acacia plant. The flat South of Patagonia is shaded by the Andes. The area is relatively dry, sparse and mainly without any trees, but sometimes lined with some shrubs and herbs, which serve as food for plenty of sheep flocks. In the forelands of the Andes many coniferous forests can be found, the timberline is at 3500 m. In the northern highlands of the Andes there are some arid semi deserts where cactuses and thorn shrubs grow.
The blossom of Ceibos-tree is Argentina's national symbol.
Depending on the climate zone there is a large variety of animals. In the tropical areas monkeys, jaguars, pumas, coatis, anteaters and different reptiles can be observed. Birdwatchers can observe hummingbirds, tucans, parrots and very rare condors. In the pampas there are armadillos, deers and nandus. The highlands are inhabited by guanakos, vicunjas and llamas. The coastal areas of Patagonia are especially famous for its unique wildlife which is characterized by penguins, seals and sea bears, orcas and other whales.

Social Geography of Argentina

Argentina has a population of approx. 43 million people (July 2014). Around 87% of people live in cities that count more than 2000 citizens. The average population density is 15.5 citizens/km². Around 11.5 million (!) people are living in the agglomeration of Buenos Aires. The South of Argentina is sparsely populated (only 3 citizens/km² ).
More than 90% of Argentinian people originate from European immigrants (36% Italians, 29% Spanish, 3-4% Germans). The so called Mestizos are a population group whose ancestors are a mix between European immigrants and Native Americans. Their percentage of population is estimated at around 10%.