Louvet Travel: Argentina

Argentina Flag

Why visit Argentina?

Great for biking, birdwatching, boating, casinos, cattle ranches, desert canyons, fishing, galleries, hiking, historical sites, mountains, museums, nature, nightlife, parks, skiing, whale watching, white water rafting, wildlife and wineries.

El Calafate, Argentina. Photo Credit: Ingelise Jansen/Pixabay

At a Glance

Souvenirs to Buy: Art, bag of yerba (tea), cowhide products, gaucho, gems, guitar, handicrafts, leather goods, poncho, rugs, sheepskin goods, soccer jerseys, tango music and wines.
Local Cuisine to Try: Alfajores (cookie). Asado (grilled meat). Chimichurri (sauce). Empanadas (stuffed fried dough). Locro (hearty stew). Dulce de Leche (jar spread). Provoleta (cheese).
Local Drink to Try: Malbec Wine. Mate (tea). Submarino (hot chocolate). Torrontés (wine).

Puerto Madero, Argentina. Photo Credit: Gabriel Cabrera/Pixabay

Fun Facts

During Paleolithic Period (2.5 Million Years ago - 10,000 B.C.), there's evidence of human remains.
In 1816, declared independence from Spain.
After the Great Depression (1929-1933) was unable to recover due to political instability.
María Eva Duarte de Perón (1919-1952), Film Actress & First Lady of Argentina (1946-1952) had memorial services in Argentina, Italy and Spain before arriving at Recoleta Cemetery (Recoleta).
In 1970s, during the Dirty War 30,000 children, men and women disappeared.
In 1982, they lost the war over the Falkland Islands.
In 1991, it was the only southern country to send warships and cargo planes during the Gulf War (1990-1991).
Known for the highest consumption of red meat in the world.
The Argentine Government reserves the rights by law to veto a child's name given upon birth.
Has significant cultural connections to the Italian culture.
Considered one of the most biodiverse countries in the world.

Salta, Argentina. Photo Credit: griselda oliva/Pixabay

Special Holidays/Occasions

Annual Events: Cosquin Rock (January), Gualeguaychu Festival (January), Tilcara Carnival Festival (January), Buenos Aires Carnivalis (February), Buenos Aires Tango Festival (March), Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia (March), Buenos Aires International Independent Film Festival (April), Buenos Aires Contemporary Art Fair (May), Independence Day (July), Buenos Aires Jazz Festival (August), Tango World Championships (August), Pepsi Music Festival (September), Oktoberfest (October), Semana Musical Llao Llao (October), Septiembre Musical (October), Buenos Aires Gay Parade (November) Creamfields Buenos Aires (November), and Dia De La Tradicion/San Antonio de Areco Gaucho (November).
Holidays: Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice (March), Day of the Veterans and Fallen of the Malvinas War (April), Labour Day (May), National Day (May), San Martin's Day (August), Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity (October) and Immaculate Conception (December).

Iguazú Falls, Misiones Province, Argentina. Photo Credit: Kent DuFault/Pixabay

Good to Know

Offers world-class salmon and trout fishing.
Citizens' names are long as they have two surnames. Example: First Name, Middle Name, Father's Last Name and Mother's Maiden Name. You address them by their father's last name.
Buenos Aires is relatively costly.
Private healthcare clinics meet international standards.
Parallel to the Andes from the Strait of Magellan to the high plains of the northwest, Route (Ruta) 40 is a scenic drive.
Meals are usually eaten late, lunch around 2PM and dinner at 10PM or later.
Women should dress conservatively entering churches and museums.
An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Has the largest railway system in Latin America.

Ushuaia, Argentina. Photo Credit: Michelle Maria/Pixabay

This international destination requires:

A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
Currency Exit Restrictions: $10,000USD.

Seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere!

Best Time to Visit: October - April
Coldest Months: June - August
Hottest Months: January - February
Peak Season: November - February & July

Perito Moreno Glacier (Los Glaciares National Park), Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. Photo Credit: Mikel Larrazabal/Pixabay

Your Must-See & Do

Andes Mountains, Iguazu Falls, Los Glaciares National Park, Pampas, Patagonia and Valdes Peninsula.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Cueva de las Manos Río Pinturas, Iguazú National Park, Ischigualasto/Talampaya Natural Parks, Jesuit Block & Estancias of Córdoba, Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis (San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto & Santa Maria Mayor), Los Alerces National Park, Los Glaciares National Park, Península Valdés, Qhapaq Ñan (Andean Road System), Quebrada de Humahuaca and The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier (an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement).