Buenos Aires and the Pampas are temperate; cold in the winter, hot and humid in the summer.

The deserts of Cuyo, which can reach temperatures of 45°C, are extremely hot and dry in the summer and moderately cold and dry in the winter. Spring and fall often exhibit rapid temperature reversals; several days of extremely hot weather may be followed by several days of cold weather, then back to extremely hot.

The Andes are cool in the summer and very cold in the winter, varying according to altitude.

Northwest Argentina's climate varies by altitude with lowland areas experiencing hot summers and mild winters while icy conditions prevail at the highest altitudes. Salta and San Salvador de Jujuy are in valleys and are characterized by a pleasant climate year-round.

Mesopotamia to the northeast has a humid climate with abundant rainfall year-round and high temperatures.

Patagonia is cool (in the south and the west) to warm (in the center and north-east) in the summer and cold in the winter. Much of the region is a desert except in the extreme west where rainfall is higher, supporting forests. The rainfall changes a lot within a small distance ranging from more than 1,000 mm (39 in) to just under 200 (8 in) less than 100 km (62 mi) away to the east. One defining characteristic of the climate is the strong, persistent winds that blow across the region, making the temperature feel much colder than it is. Extreme temperature shifts within a single day are common here; pack a variety of clothes and dress in layers.

The central region of Argentina is the rich plain known as La Pampa. There is jungle in the extreme northeast and some valleys in the Northwest. The southern half of Argentina is dominated by the flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia. The western border with Chile is along the rugged Andes mountains, including the Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside the Himalayas. The western Cuyo regions at the base of the Andes are mostly rocky desert with some poisonous frock trees.

Argentina covers an area of 2,796,427 square kilometres (1,079,707 sq mi), making it the world's eighth-largest country, the second-largest country in South America, and the fourth-largest country in the Americas.

Argentina is slightly larger than Kazakhstan, and is nearly 17 times larger than South America's smallest country, Suriname.

Following independence from Spain in 1816, Argentina experienced periods of internal political conflict between conservatives and liberals. In the first decade of the 20th century, Argentina became the richest nation in Latin America, its wealth symbolized by the opulence of its capital city. During the roaring twenties, Argentina was one of the world's richest countries, with a GDP higher than that of major European economies such as France, Germany and Italy. European immigrants flowed into Argentina, particularly from the northern parts of Italy and Spain; by 1914 nearly 6 million people had come to the country.

After World War II, Juan Perón came to power and instituted a form of populism commonly known as Peronism. Under Peron, Argentina instituted a protectionist economic policy that heavily restricted foreign trade. While such policies led to the overwhelming popularity of Peron and other Peronist politicians among the masses of working-class Argentinians, they also led Argentina's economy to stagnate. Peron was overthrown in a U.S.-backed military coup in 1976.

After waging an unsuccessful war with the United Kingdom over the Islas Malvinas (Falkland Islands) in 1982, the military leadership lost power and democracy returned in 1983.

A painful economic crisis at the turn of the 21st century devalued the Argentine peso by a factor of three and ushered in a series of weak, short-lived governments along with social and economic instability. However, later in the decade Argentina seemed to find some new stability, and has a much better economic outlook albeit with the eternal problem of high inflation. Argentina is the third largest economy in Latin America, after Brazil and Mexico, and a member of the G20 group of major economies.

Widespread discontent amid a hyperinflation crisis led to the election of anarcho-capitalist candidate Javier Milei as president in 2023. Milei has pledged to drastically downsize the government and cut welfare programs in order to rein in government spending, while also privatising all the state-owned businesses en masse. He has also pledged to abolish the Argentine Central Bank and Argentine peso, and instead adopt the U.S. dollar as Argentina's national currency. Milei has also pivoted Argentina's foreign policy away from China towards the United States and Israel, and converted to Judaism to show his support for the Zionist cause. Whether or not this can rein in inflation and improve the lives of average Argentines remains to be seen.

Between 1850 and 1930, the country received millions of immigrants from all over the world. 98% of the population is of partial or full European ancestry.

Italians are the largest ethnic group in the country, with 60% of Argentines (30 million people) claiming Italian ancestry. Italian influence in the country is profound and well documented; Argentine cuisine has been strongly influenced by Italian cuisine, Italian settlements helped to form the backbone of Argentine society, the Argentinian dialect of Spanish exhibits strong Italian influences, and many Argentines are Italophiles.

During the 1800s, hundreds of thousands of immigrants from the British Isles moved to Argentina. English immigrants are credited with introducing the sport of football to Argentina, which has since become the country's national sport, and there are several Welsh-speaking towns in Chubut province.

Argentina has one of the world's largest Jewish populations and houses the largest Jewish community in South America, most of whom are of Ashkenazi extraction.

Other significant ethnic groups:

• Spaniards — the second largest ethnic group and they have been in the country since the 16th century.
• Germans — it is believed that 8% of Argentines are of German descent.
• The French — it is believed that 17% of Argentines are of French descent.
• Russians — it is believed that 1-3% of Argentines are of Russian descent.
• Ukrainians — they make up 9% of the population in Misiones.
• Poles — it is believed that 3% of Argentines are of Polish descent.

Argentine electricity is 220 V, 50 Hz. Adapters and transformers for North American equipment are readily available.

The best way to use imported electrical equipment in Argentina is to purchase an adapter once there. These are available in the Florida shopping area in Buenos Aires for around US$2 or less in hardware stores outside the city center. Buildings use a mix of European and Australian plug fittings. The Australian-style plugs are IRAM-2073, which are physically identical to the Australian AS-3112 standard (two blades in a V-shape, with or without a third blade for ground). However, the live and neutral pins in the Australian fittings are reversed. Therefore, Australian equipment may be incompatible despite the apparent plug-compatibility. This is not a problem for battery chargers for devices like laptops and mobile phones.

European standard CEE-7/7 "Schukostecker" or "Schuko" outlets and the non-grounded, but compatible, European CEE-7/16 "Europlug" outlets may still be found in some older buildings. US and Canadian travellers may want to pack adapters for these outlets as well.

Many sockets have no earth pin. Laptop adapters should have little problem with this. If your laptop adapter requires an earth pin you will need a plug adapter that takes three pins from the laptop and requires only two from the wall socket. This does work but may reduce electrical safety or affect your warranty.

Some Argentine sockets accept North American plugs, particularly ones on power strips. This does not mean that these sockets supply 110 volts. Make sure that your equipment can handle 220 volts. Simply changing the shape of the plug with a US$2 adapter will not allow 110 V equipment to operate on 220 V Argentinian voltage, unless the device is specifically designed to work on both 110 and 220 volts, irreparable damage and even fire can result. Most laptop power adapters and many portable electronics chargers are designed to work on either voltage; check the specifications for your equipment to be sure. If your equipment cannot accept 220 V voltage, you can purchase a '220-110 V' transformer for approximately US$6 in most Argentinian electronics shops. This is much heavier and bulkier than a small adapter. There are two types of these transformers. One supports heavy loads for short durations, for example a hair dryer. The other supports light loads for long durations, for example an inkjet printer.

• January 1 — New Year's Day
• March 24 — Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice
• 2 April — Malvinas Day
• 25 May — Day of the First National Government
• June 17 — Anniversary of the death of Martín Miguel de Güemes
• June 20 — National Flag Day
• July 9 — Independence Day
• August 17 — Anniversary of the death of José de San Martin
• October 12 — Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity
• November 20 — Day of National Sovereignty
• December 25 — Christmas
• December 31 — New Year's Eve

• argentina.travel (official tourism website)

Passport holders of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Argentina when the purpose of the visit is tourism for up to 90 days (unless otherwise noted): Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica (30 days), Japan, Kazakhstan (30 days), Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia (30 days), Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela.

Citizens and residents (if their nationality is mentioned under visa exemptions applicable to normal passport holders) of the following countries can enter with their National ID card: Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Citizens of India and China (including Macau) who also hold a valid visa issued by the United States or a Schengen visa can obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (AVE) at a cost of US$50 prior to travelling to Argentina. The validity of Schengen or U.S. visas must be more than 3 months. The processing time is 10 business days^{[dead link]}.

Aerolíneas Argentinas and LATAM offer connections between Buenos Aires' international airport Ezeiza and many cities throughout South America, as well as North America, Europe and Australia. Air New Zealand flies direct from Auckland. Qantas no longer offers direct flights from Sydney to Buenos Aires, instead flying to Santiago, home of its OneWorld Partner LATAM, where people can connect onto multiple destinations in Argentina.

There are international flights to other airports, such as to Mendoza with LATAM from Santiago Chile.

On flights to and from Argentina the cabin is sprayed with insecticide before the security demonstration before takeoff (flight attendants walk down the aisles with spray cans). This is also done on flights in some other parts of the world where tropical diseases are prevalent like between Singapore and Sri Lanka.

If you're flying in or out of Argentina, Buenos Aires is the most common point of arrival and departure. The city has two airports, Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE ^IATA) some 40 km southwest of central Buenos Aires and the more centrally located Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP ^IATA). The former is for intercontinental flights and a few domestic ones (mostly to Río Gallegos and Ushuaia), which leave early in the morning but if you're continuing to another location in Argentina or to nearby international destinations (one flight hour away or so) by plane you'll in most cases have to travel from Ezeiza to Jorge Newbery. There are cheap shuttle buses which take you there in about an hour, but travel time varies greatly depending on traffic. Also, there are some flights to Jorge Newbery from three other important South American hubs, namely São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro or Santiago so if you have a changed planes at those airports, your connecting flight might arrive at (or leave from) Jorge Newbery. Take an extra look at your ticket and ensure you are at the right airport.

You should be able to ride a motorcoach or hire a service taxi from one of the booths after you clear customs. The rate for a taxi from Ezeiza international airport to Buenos Aires is AR$130, the rate from the Jorge Newbery domestic airport to town is AR$40 (Mar 2012). You can now also ride an Uber from Ezeiza, the fare is sometimes dynamic and much lower than a taxi, and is recommended to send an SMS or call your driver, since they may need to coordinate the pick up spot with you.

If visiting another city there are a number of airports throughout the country. Many find it far easier to travel to a neighboring country and then take a short distance hop to the smaller airport. All major cities in Argentina and major tourist destinations like Mendoza, Perito Moreno and Iguazu Falls have airports nearby. There are several national airlines, with different levels of service. In general flying gets you everywhere quickly and cheaply (relatively). Although the buses in Argentina are among the most comfortable in the world and are reasonably priced, travelling takes a lot of time because of the distances and slow road travel involved.

Passengers leaving Ezeiza Airport no longer have to pay the "departure tax" of US$29 (US$8 to Uruguay and domestic flights) after check-in, as they are now included in the prices of the tickets.

There are no long-distance international services to Argentina, only a short-distance train from Encarnación (Paraguay) to Posadas. Coming from Bolivia, the border towns of Villazón and Yacuiba can be reached by train. A connection between Chile and Argentina is under construction.

International coaches run from all the neighbouring countries.

• Retiro Bus Terminal: +54 11 4310-0700

The Retiro bus terminal is large and hidden behind Retiro train and Subte stations. For long-distance buses it is advisable to buy a ticket several days in advance of your trip. Arrive at least 45 minutes before your departure and always ask at an information desk if your gate number is the same as the one printed on your ticket. You will be given a range of possible gate numbers (for example 17-27). Watch your belongings carefully at Retiro as it is often crowded and there have been reports of thefts and even muggings at night. Travelling by bus is one thing you won't regret. You will come across the best customer service and world class seats. Comparing Argentinian coach buses to those in the United States would be insulting to Argentina, for they have much higher standards than those like Greyhound.

Regular catamarans routes link Buenos Aires with Montevideo and Colonia in Uruguay.

The Buquebus ferry service operates between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and both Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo, Uruguay. Some services are even from Punta del Este (via bus). For the Buquebus-Ferry between Buenos Aires and Colonia del Sacramento there are two options, one takes three hours and the other one hour to get there. Generally, Buquebus seems a little more expensive than Colonia Express.

Colonia Express operates between Buenos Aires and Colonia by one hour ferry. In addition, you can add a bus option between Colonia and Montevideo. Ticket prices from/to Montevideo or Colonia are between US$25–50, depending on the day of week and time.

Seacat Colonia^{[dead link]} also operates between Buenos Aires and Colonia by one hour ferry, also offering a combined bus option between Colonia and Montevideo or even Punta del Este.

There is also the directferries.com/.co.uk website, which offers those trips and ferries, although at inflated prices. In addition, it sometimes requires you to book business seats, which adds even further cost. In the end prices can easily be threefold for a simple one way ticket.

Furthermore, there are two companies (Cacciola and Líneas Delta) that link the city of Tigre with Carmelo and Nueva Palmira in Uruguay, respectively. Trains to Tigre depart from Retiro (one of Buenos Aires' main train stations) every ten minutes. The trip costs AR$1.1 and takes 50 min.

To a lesser extent, Grimaldi Freighters^{[dead link]} run freighters which carry up to 12 passengers from Hamburg, London, Antwerp, Le Havre, and Bilbao to Montevideo (Uruguay) every 9 days. They also carry cars and you drive your car on and off — unlike other freighter services. More information can be found on the website.

Argentina has many border crossings with its neighbouring countries Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil, which are easy to use.

Some ferries between Buenos Aires and Colonia also carry vehicles. However, taking the land border crossing can be convenient for a more complete route including Salto, Paysandú and Carmelo and the cities on the Argentinian side on your trip between Argentina and Uruguay.

Argentina boasts an outstanding short and long-distance bus network. Since regional train service is limited and plane tickets are more expensive, bus travel is the most common way to travel from city to city within Argentina. It is not as cheap as it was before, with about US$4-5 for each hour of travelling (Puerto Iguazú to Buenos Aires about US$100).

In Buenos Aires, a city bus is called a colectivo or bondi while a long distance, intercity bus is called a micro or omnibus; this is not always true though, usage varies somewhat in provincial areas.. The hub of this network is definitely Buenos Aires' Terminal de Omnibus de Retiro; it has up to 2,000 bus arrivals and departures per day, and multiple companies serve most destinations. Buses arrive and depart from a total of 75 platforms, and in order to buy your ticket you will have to choose between about 200 ticket booths situated on the upper level of the terminal.

The more expensive buses generally offer high-quality service, and for distances longer than 200 km, it is common to have food served on board. There is generally a good amount of legroom, and many buses have seats that recline horizontally into beds (called camas) making them a lot like travelling business class on a plane. The best category with completely reclining seats is normally called cama suite, but other names such as tutto leto, ejecutivo , cama vip or salon real are also in use. Somewhat cheaper seats only recline partially (semi-camas), or not at all (servicio común). Every service belongs to one of five official comfort classes with minimum requirements that are prescribed by law in order to facilitate comparisons. The better buses will provide everything you need, while for the lower categories it may be a good idea to take drinks and food with you, as well as toilet paper and ear plugs. If the trip is really long e.g. more than 12 hours it's definitely better to spend a few more bucks and pay for a better bus service. If travelling with a large bag or suitcase bring a handful of coins to tip the porter that heaves your pack in and out of the taxi and bus.

Remember that, although buses usually arrive at their destination a little late, they almost always leave on time. Do not think that the relaxed approach carries over to bus departure times!

More information on bus schedules and fares is available on the webpages of the online ticket resellers Plataforma 10, Central de Pasajes. To buy tickets and to really have a choice to different bus companies you may visit Ticket Online or VoyEnBus . For buses departing or arriving in Buenos Aires, you can consult the webpages of the Terminal Retiro in Buenos Aires. A second bus terminal in Buenos Aires is situated in the Liniers neighbourhood, but it is smaller and less accessible than the one in Retiro. Major bus companies are Andesmar, Flecha Bus and Expreso Singer.

For city buses in Buenos Aires you should check BA Cómo Llego (In English, also an app for smartphones) and Omnilineas (in English).

The history of rail transport in Argentina is one of many ups and downs. While in the 19th century the rail network rivaled that of the US or many European countries in density, speed and quality as befitted a nation among the richest in the world, the declining fortunes of Argentina in the 20th century hit the railway, too. The railways were nationalized during Juan Domingo Perón's first term and remained state-owned until they were privatized under the government of Carlos Menem. However, the railways have since made yet another U-turn and a new state-owned railway was created in 2015. The government has promoted the re-establishment of long-distance passenger trains, although most lines still operate at a low frequency (one or two departures weekly). The rail network is very limited, and intercity buses offer better service and faster rides. Train fares are very cheap, often only a quarter of the bus fare. The website is a bit hard to navigate and Spanish only.

Local travel in the Buenos Aires province is by bus and by local trains, with fast trains being the quickest way to get through the city's traffic. The three largest train terminals in Buenos Aires are Retiro, Constitucion and Once. Retiro is a group of three train stations alongside each other with the main long-distance bus (or "micro") terminal behind the furthest of the train terminals (from the city center).

One of the major long distance train operators is Trenes Argentinos, which departs from Retiro (Buenos Aires) to Junin, Rosario, Córdoba and Tucumán, from Once to Bragado, and from Constitución (Buenos Aires) to Mar del Plata and Pinamar. See also Satélite Ferroviario for up-to-date information on trains and services (in Spanish). Tickets can be bought online with a 5% discount and with credit card. Even though, it does not allow for the selection of a foreign passport ID when buying a ticket, you can enter your number (and letters) under DNI, which will be accepted in the train. For getting the needed online account, you cannot enter letters for your ID number, but just put anything, since you will be asked anew for each purchased connection.

An amazing (but quite expensive) train ride is the Tren a las nubes (Train to the Clouds) in the northwestern province of Salta, but some people may get altitude sickness. This service, which has experienced suspensions, recommenced in August 2008. The train line no longer crosses the border into Chile.

Domestic flights are available within Argentina, but tickets are pricey, and most domestic flights pass through Buenos Aires' domestic airport Aeroparque Jorge Newbery. The main carriers are Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aerolíneas Austral (a subsidiary of Aerolíneas Argentinas) and LATAM Argentina. Aerolíneas Argentinas' subsidiary Austral, shares its parent's fleet, and tickets for both can be booked at the same office. The prices for tickets are double for non-residents, so be careful with publicized ticket prices.

An exception to passing through Buenos Aires for domestic flights is Aerolineas Argentinas' "Great Circle Route", going both ways Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays BA-Bariloche-Mendoza-Salta-Iguazu-BA (and reverse on another flight both days).

If you fly on your international trip to Argentina with Aerolíneas you sometimes can get discounts on domestic flights. Sometimes you even get free flights with your international ticket but keep in mind that you probably already paid for this with the inflated price of your international ticket.

Always plan to arrive at your final destination before your flight home 2 or 3 days in advance, as Argentina, like most Latin American countries, experiences more delays and cancellations in travel than most areas of the world.

Additional smaller carriers offering domestic flights are:

• Andes Líneas Aéreas, toll-free: 0810 777-2633 (in country only). Began in 2006 with regular flights between Buenos Aires and Salta. Since then they now serve several major cities in Argentina. (updated Apr 2018)
• Avianca Argentina. Connects Buenos Aires to Rosario, Mar del Plata and Santa Fe in ATR 72 aircraft. Plans are underway to expand service to additional cities. (updated Apr 2018)
• Fly Bondi. (updated Aug 2018)
• Líneas Aéreas del Estado (LADE), ☏ +54 11 5353-2387, toll-free: 0810 810-5233 (in country only). State owned airline, operated by the Air Force, serving Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires Province and Entre Rios in the north and Chubut, Rio Negro, Santa Cruz and Tierra Fuego provinces in Patagonia with Saab 340B aircraft. (updated Apr 2018)
• Norwegian Argentina. Subsidiary brand of Norway's Norwegian Air Shuttle to provide domestic flights from Buenos Aires and Cordoba to Mendoza, Puerto Iguazú, Neuquén, Salta and San Carlos Bariloche. Plans are underway to include international flights to Singapore via Perth from Buenos Aires and to include additional domestic and international connections out of Buenos Aires. (updated Oct 2018)

Main article: Driving in Argentina

Travelling by car allows you to visit locations that are hard to reach by public transportation. Patagonia, in the South of Argentina, is a popular driving location among tourists due to the breathtaking views across many miles of open land.

Argentina generally recognizes valid drivers' licences from foreign jurisdictions. Drivers must be over 21. Car rental is readily available throughout Argentina, though it is a bit expensive compared with other forms of transportation.

Traffic regulations in Argentina are generally the same as in Europe and the U.S., but the locals often ignore the regulations. On roads and highways it's mandatory to have car lights on, even during daytime.

Highways are limited to the areas around large cities. Most of the country is connected by paved unlit two-lane roads (rutas) shared by buses, cars, and large trucks. Some places are accessible only by gravel or dirt roads. Indeed, some main roads in southern Argentina are unsealed, leading to 4x4 vehicles being more popular. This is particularly the case in the south. It is important to travel with a good map, and to be well informed about your route distances, road conditions and the estimated travel time.

In many small towns, particularly in the north, they may ration gasoline to ensure they have enough to sell until the next refuelling truck arrives. It's advisable to fill your tank at regular intervals when the opportunity arises.

The hitchhiking club Autostop Argentina^{[dead link]} began in Argentina in 2002, inspired by clubs in France, Germany, Italy and the United States. As a result, hitchhiking has become more acceptable among the younger generation, and raising a thumb at a highway is a symbol most people understand.

Hitchhiking in addition is a great and inexpensive way to get to know the real Argentina and its people. If you do get a ride, you will in general be treated with much generosity: Argentinians are very friendly and interested. Due to the lack of budget accommodation in remote regions and even larger cities off the touristy routes, as well as because of the large distances, it is advisable to carry a tent with you. There are many opportunities along the main highways to put it up—sometimes a little search is necessary. This way you can discover Argentina (at least its south) even with the most limited budget: €300 for 4-5 weeks is possible and still see the interesting and picturesque sights.

Everything south and including the La Pampa Province is comfortable and easy to hitchhike. Only infrequent traffic (through the center), other hitchhikers (near El Chalten, El Calafate and especially El Bolsón) or bad weather might set you back. Hence, always have a backup plan (bus, tent, hike, etc.) and simply stay confident. You might in addition take a route which might seem longer, but is in the end much faster, i.e. Ruta 3 is very easy due to the high traffic and few competitors, but Ruta 40 has far less traffic, more competitors and is generally slower due to its conditions. Either way, many helpful tips can also be found in the hitchhiking guide of Wikivoyage.

Nevertheless, near Buenos Aires, Mendoza and Cordoba it is considerably more difficult to hitchhike, and the thumb of a woman is significantly more successful than the thumb of a man. A single man should count on long hours of waiting or simply luck in these regions. Just try it once or twice to find out whether it is possible where you are. Nevertheless, even though as woman it might be more successful, be cautious and vary especially as a solo woman: and never fall asleep and remain on the main roads.

Argentina is an excellent place for hiking and trekking, both in the western Andes, southern Tierra del Fuego and the wide Patagonia, providing many interesting trails. However, due to the often remote nature of these trails, it is important that you are well prepared and have a proper and reliable map with you. In addition, using GPS navigation adds an extra layer of safety, both in cities as well as the countryside. For reliable (offline) maps and comprehensive trails and map information, consult OpenStreetMap, which is also used by this travel guide, and by many mobile Apps like OsmAnd or Mapy.cz. Or just download the according GPX or KML files through Waymarked Trails for such trails on OpenStreetMap. (Note, you just need to change the OpenStreetMap relation ID to download the GPX or KML files through the same link.)

Its large cities all bustle with life. The famous capital, Buenos Aires, is the most visited city in South America and a place like no other. Of course, there's fancy cosmopolitan boutiques, top of the line nightlife and gourmet cuisine. However, it's the classic, unpolished side of the city that makes it a worldwide traveller's magnet. The downtrodden but colourful neighbourhoods where crazy traffic sounds drown out distant accordion tunes, the pleasant street-cafés and parillas (steak houses), busy outdoor markets and the lovely old centre with its European colonial architecture. San Telmo is the oldest neighbourhood of the city and a good place to indulge in the city vibe of cafés, street artists, tango parlors and antique markets in a colonial surrounding. The atmosphere is perhaps Buenos Aires' biggest attraction, but some of the main sights include Recoleta's cemetery and the Plaza de Mayo. Argentina's other big cities share the energetic buzz of BA, but have a distinct character of their own. Mendoza is a lively yet laid-back town, characterized by broad avenues. It's famous as a wine capital far beyond the borders of Argentina and a perfect starting point for the Argentina Wine Route along the hundreds of wineries in the area. As it's close to the Andes, it's also a good base for winter sports and other outdoor activities. The old university city Córdoba is known for its particular musical culture with the cuarteto as its number one music style. The city also boasts some of the best colonial heritage sights in the country. Bariloche, also at the base of the Andes mountains, is a major tourist destination, popular for its skiing opportunities, lovely beaches and chocolate shops.

Fascinating as Argentina's urban life may be, the country's mighty natural attractions are at least as good a reason to come. The landscapes are incredibly various, from the high peaks of the Andes and the famous Perito Moreno Glacier to cacti-filled deserts, sandy Atlantic beaches and biodiverse wetlands. With some 30 national parks in the country, there's always a good place nearby to see some of the country's natural wonders. A highlight in the subtropical north are the spectacular Iguaçu Falls, easily one of the most impressive waterfalls on earth. Argentina's wildlife includes flamingos, penguins, caimans and capybaras, sea lions and -at times- even whales. Especially when you're visiting in autumn, the coastal town of Puerto Madryn is a must. From there you can easily make your way to Punta Tombo and Peninsula Valdes to go whale-watching and meet up close and personal with some of the million penguins who come to Patagonia each year to nest and raise their young. Head to El Calafate to organize your tour to the highly popular Los Glaciares National Park and see the famous glaciers and the icy Argentino Lake. Be amazed by the many colours and remarkable rock formations of Quebrada de Humahuaca, a mountain range in the north that extends far over the Bolivian border. Drive through and spot traditional villages and indigenous women and their goat herds. Other great destinations for nature lovers include the Ibera wetlands (with the most diverse fauna in the country) and Talampaya National Park, a primary site for archaeological and palaeontological finds.

Generally, Argentina is a country that charges excessively for its natural wonders and touristy sights, like the one mentioned above. And especially as a foreigner you generally pay twice as much as locals, even though costs of living do not differ much between Argentina and Europe. This can make Argentina an expensive destination and barely interesting for someone on a shoestring. However, there are great alternatives that require little money and are equally interesting, like El Chalten and the Viedma Glacier (the largest in Argentina), El Bolsón with great hiking options (even into Chile), (Lake) Epecuén, Cerro de La Ventana, San Antonio Oeste with the popular Las Grutas beach resort town and the picturesque Playa Las Conchillas and Playa Piedras Coloradas, Pinguinera Cabo Dos Bahias near Puerto Madryn, Bosques Petrificados (de Jaramillo), the colorful hills of the Quebrada de Humahuaca in Jujuy and other impressive rock formations in the Salta Province, and many more. In addition, relying on hitch-hiking and travelling with a tent can bring down costs.

The website www.argentina.gob.ar has a list of destinations, Ruta de las Estrellas^{[dead link]}, that pertains to astrotourism.

The countryside in general is a most pleasant part of Argentina; laid-back and with a taste for life close to nature. Rural villages are a breath of fresh air compared to the country's hectic big cities and a nice way to experience traditional culture. The north is as South-American as Argentina gets. Its wine regions are famous throughout the world and an increasingly popular tourist destination. If the bustle of Buenos Aires is too much for your taste, Mendoza and Salta are an excellent choice. They also make for a good base to explore the scenic regional vineyards and friendly villages with the Andes mountains in the background. Salta is also the starting point for the Train to the Clouds, a heritage railway that seems to be running solely to provide some unforgettable panoramas for visitors. The Traslasierra Valley is a pleasant green valley and one of the many places where you can enjoy a world class spa, as hot springs naturally occur around here. Finally, if you like a day at the beach, Argentina has plenty to offer for you. Mar del Plata is one of the top destinations for beach resorts.

Argentina is a great country to seek out the nature, glaciers, lakes and mountains for a couple of days with a tent, sleeping bag and cooking ware. Many of the above-mentioned sights are spotted with beautiful hiking trails of varying quality and level, like El Chalten, San Carlos de Bariloche, or El Bolsón—read there for more information on specific trails. Often you will have to climb up a mountain to see a glacier or a lake, just to return later—in that case consider leaving your (heavy) luggage where it cannot be found and enjoy the trail without the burden, but remembering where you left your backpack before.

Also, see the general Hiking and Wilderness backpacking guidelines of Wikivoyage.

Buenos Aires has a number of walking tour options. They include the typical tours you may find in any city, as well as interesting options including free walking tours, downloadable MP3 walking tours, and even running tours.

The most popular sport in Argentina is football (soccer), and it is often said that football is not just a sport but a religion. If you come to Argentina, you shouldn't miss the chance to experience a professional match live. Argentina's top professional football league is the Primera División, and the fans are very passionate. The Argentinian national team is also one of the world's footballing powerhouses, having won the FIFA World Cup 3 times (in 1978, 1986 and 2022), and matches against Brazil and England in particular are very charged affairs.

• Tren de las Sierras
• National Route 40 (Argentina)

The official currency of Argentina is the peso (ISO: code: ARS), denoted by the symbol "$". It is divided into 100 centavos. Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 25, 50 centavos, 1, 2, 5 and 10 pesos. Banknotes are issued in values of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 10,000 and 20,000 pesos. The most common banknotes in circulation in Argentina are 1,000, 2,000, 10,000 and 20,000 pesos. Be prepared to receive small change in the form of golosinas (candies/sweets), especially in Chinese supermarkets. Because the largest banknote is 20,000 pesos (roughly US$20 as of late 2024), cash payments often involve carrying stacks of banknotes.

Since 1969 thirteen zeroes have been dropped (a factor of ten trillion), the peso has been revalued again and again, and its name changed.

You can send yourself cash via Western Union online. Western Union uses a US dollar-to-peso exchange rate that is similar to the MEP (foreign credit card exchange rate). It is a far better rate than the official exchange rate, but not as high as the highest black market rate. On the other hand, with Western Union, you do not have to fear getting counterfeit ARS currency.

You will get an email confirmation within a few minutes allowing you to collect your Argentinian pesos at their nearest office or shop. You must set up an account to send yourself money.

There is no obligation to tip in Argentina although it is considered customary. Some restaurants already charge customers with "cubiertos" (table service). In these cases tipping is not expected. Sometimes rounding up or telling them to "keep the change" is enough on small checks, deliveries, gasoline tenders, etc. Leaving at least a 10% tip is considered kind and polite at restaurants, cafes, hotels, beauty parlors, barbers, ushers and car-washes. Tipping bartenders is not customary. Leaving no tip when feeling unsatisfied is not an uncommon gesture, and it's interpreted as such. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped.

Another local custom is to tip the ushers in theatres and opera houses when they're also in charge of handing out the programmes; one may request one without tipping, at the risk of being considered cheap.

Service fees are included in most upscale hotels and restaurants, usually around 15%. These fees can appear in the menu as "valor del cubierto", "servicio", or simply "cubierto". By law it is mandatory that this item is represented in the same text size as the rest of the menu items.

The fashion and art scenes are booming. Buenos Aires' signature European-South American style overflows with unique art pieces, art deco furniture, and antiques. Local fashion designers, who are becoming a source of inspiration for the U.S. and European high-end markets, compose their collections based on lots of leather, wools, woven fabrics and delicate laces with a gaucho twist. At times, the exchange rate can present good value for international tourists.

Fashionable clothing and leather products can be found in most commercial areas; jackets, boots and shoes are easily available. However, Buenos Aires has a relatively mild climate, so truly cold-weather gear is harder to find here. Long coats or heavy gloves may not be in stock; similarly, jeans and other basics have a thin construction compared with those in cooler countries. The Andes regions and Patagonia are considerably colder in the winter, so thick clothing is much easier to find here.

Electronics are not cheap, as they are subject to heavy import tariffs. The price of music, books, and movies lags slightly behind changes in the exchange rate and can offer a bargain if the volatile exchange rates are in your favour.

Most free-standing shops in Buenos Aires are open 10:00-20:00 on weekdays, and some of them also Saturdays and Sundays, depending on what area of the city they are in. Enclosed malls, however, set their own hours, and are also open on the weekends.

Most places outside of the city of Buenos Aires, where most stores remain open during a siesta, still observe a siesta from approximately noon until 16:00; almost all businesses are closed during this time. The precise closing hours vary from store to store, according to the preferences of the owner. Shops and offices generally open again in the evening until 21:00 or 22:00.

• Ambulance (Immediate Health Emergency Service, SAME in Buenos Aires): 107
• Firemen (National Firemen Corps): 100
• Police (Argentine Federal Police): 911 mostly, might be 101 in some smaller cities
• Tourist Police: +54 11 4346-5748 / 0800 999 5000

Compared to other South American nations, Argentines are often seen as more direct and forthright in their communication style. Try not to be offended by the way they speak; in most cases, they rarely intend to make you feel bad or uncomfortable.

Argentines tend to be very inquisitive and curious; it is common for them to ask people, even those they have just met for the first time, personal questions. If someone asks you personal questions, it is expected that you answer or share in return. Don't be put off by this; Argentines are not trying to interrograte or investigate you.

Argentines interrupt others and shout while conversing. What may seem like a shouting match in public may actually be a passionate, engaging discussion.

Argentines, in general, are notorious for their regular use of profanity. Don't be put off by this as people don't intend to make you uncomfortable in any way.

Cheek kissing is very common in Argentina, especially in bigger cities, among and between women and men. People make contact with right cheeks, and make a light "kiss sound" but not touch the cheek with their lips (only once, two kisses -right and then left- is very rare). When two women, or opposite sexes first meet, it is not uncommon to kiss. Two men will first shake hands if they do not know each other, but will probably kiss when departing, especially if they have spoken for a while. Male friends cheek kiss every time when greeting, it is like a sign of trust. Trying to shake hands when offered a kiss will be considered odd, but never rude especially if you are an obvious foreigner.

In the rest of the country, regular handshaking applies. Also women will greet by kissing as described above, but it's reserved to other women and to men they are acquainted with.

Football is the most popular sport in the country and many Argentines are passionate, die-hard fans of the sport. Iconic players like Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, along with successes in FIFA World Cup matches, further fuel their love for the sport.

While discussing the sport may be an icebreaker, be aware that praising or wearing jerseys of rival clubs or national teams (especially Brazil and England) may attract negative attention, rude remarks, or even lead to physical confrontations. To be on the safe side, only wear an Argentine national team jersey and discuss highlights of the Argentine national team.

Argentines have a casual and flexible view of time; the pace of life in Argentina (outside of always-hurried Buenos Aires) is slow, many activities (plays and concerts, for instance) rarely happen as scheduled, and it is normal for Argentines to be late for casual appointments and social events. However, punctuality is expected for business meetings.

Long-distance Buses and flights usually leave on time, but in local public transportation delays are common, especially in big cities.

Avoid talking about the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and the dispute about Falklands War, with their English name. Argentines do not refer to the islands as "Falklands", but "Malvinas". These are very sensitive issues for many Argentines and can trigger a strong reaction and create an uncomfortable situation for you.

There is a degree of distrust and resentment towards the United Kingdom, particularly among older Argentines, especially due to the Falklands War. Avoid wearing any English and British symbols due to the above mentioned reasons. English and British flags as well as English national football (soccer) tops (who are rivals of the Argentine national football team during the World Cup) are definitely to be avoided. Although no assaults on people wearing them have been recorded, people might be very upset about them and you are very likely to receive very icy looks and treatment from the population.

Domestic politics are highly polarising and sensitive. Argentina has had a long history of political instability since the 1930s, and most ordinary folk are incredibly frustrated with their government and political leaders. The Perón years and the military juntas are particularly sensitive subjects. While it's not a social faux pas to discuss politics (Argentines tend to be vocal about political issues anyways), do not share your opinions on Argentine politics, even if you know a thing or two about the country's political landscape ― your opinions will not be welcomed and it may cause your Argentine counterpart(s) to think you are meddling in their country's affairs.

Do not compare Argentina with Brazil and Chile, because they are considered rivals, especially in the economic sphere.

Avoid comparing regional foods. This too can be a sensitive subject, as recipes and key ingredients vary from province to province.

Argentines take pride in their beef, and asking for ketchup or barbecue sauce on a steak is disrespectful. You should ask for salsa criolla or chimichurri.

Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010, and Buenos Aires is LGBT-friendly enough that it's been called the "gay capital of Latin America". But in small towns, or the more conservative north of the country, some people (especially older generations) might be shocked by public displays of homosexual affection.

Religious sites: People do not have to cover their heads when entering a church or temple; Argentina has a liberal attitude towards religion compared to its Latin American neighbors. However, wearing shorts or miniskirts is not encouraged.

Beach: Sunbathing topless is not a common custom, although you can change clothes on the beach.

You can get a prepaid Movistar / Claro / Personal SIM card for a few pesos / free at phone shops, all you pay is about ARS20 (about US$5) for your initial credits. Inserting the SIM card into your unlocked mobile phone should work, although to register the SIM you might have to enter your passport (or any 9 digit) number. You then have your personal Argentinian phone number, which is very useful to keep in touch with other travellers, either by calling or by writing text messages. Calls cost around ARS1 per minute. Still, having to register the SIM card is extremely rare.

Receiving calls is usually free, except for international calls, and some cross network / inter-city calls. Hence, buying a SIM card purely to keep in touch with people overseas may not be worth it.

To reload you can buy small cards with secret numbers at many kiosks, but the easiest way is just to ask for "Recarga Virtual" and tell the shop assistant your Phone number and company, and the amount of pesos you want to recharge.

Not related to mobile phones, there are similar cards with credits for international calls. You get them at so called locutorios, where you can also use the phone booths. You dial a free number to connect to the service, then your secret number for the credits, and then the international phone number you want to call. Using these cards, a one-hour call to Europe will cost about 10 Pesos (3 US-Dollars). Don't call without such cards or even from your hotel — it will be way more expensive.

The phone numbering plan in Argentina is hopelessly complicated for foreigners. Do check out the Wikipedia article about it to find out more.

• Directory Listing (The White Pages): 110
• International Operator: 000
• National Operator: 19
• Collect National Calls: 19 from regular phones, *19 from public phones
• Mobile phone numbers start with 15 or 11
• Regional code for Buenos Aires: 011

Other useful phone numbers include:

• Official Time: 113
• Consumer Advocacy: +54 11 5382-6216 or 6217

All 2 and 3-digit numbers are free, except the official time service (113).

All 0800 numbers are toll-free numbers, except if you call from a mobile phone.

Long-distance calls from Argentina: You may use calling card, ARS0.18/min or ARS0.59/min for calling from Argentina to USA.

Most cafés and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi with an advertisement in their windows. All you need to do is buy a coffee and ask for the password. Public WiFi is also very common in Buenos Aires with great speeds. The network name will be BA Wifi