The fascinating country of Argentina has won fans the world over for its blend of astounding natural beauty and interesting culture. Those who vacation in Argentina will find that a host of activities await them, whether they’re city-lovers or nature-lovers.
Between the Andes Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Argentina features terrain ranging from desert to glacier. Popular natural attractions include the famous Iguazu Falls in the northeast, which the country shares with Brazil; the glaciers of Patagonia in the south; and mountains, the lake region and Pampas in between. The varied terrain gives active travelers a wide array of sporting options during an Argentina vacation, including skiing, hiking, fishing and horseback riding. While its natural attractions are legendary, so is its capital city. Buenos Aires beguiles visitors with its sophistication and is often referred to as the “Paris of South America.” A vacation to Argentina should include a tango show in this European-flavored city, also known for its cafes, grand architecture and such landmark as the Teatro Colon, one of the world’s largest opera houses.
U.S. citizens traveling to Argentina require a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. Argentina’s main airport is Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza) near Buenos Aires. When leaving the country, visitors must pay a tax of $18. Car rentals are available, though many travelers fly between destinations because of the country’s vast size. Argentina’s wide variety of climates ranges from subtropical in the north to sub-Antarctic in southern Patagonia, and mild and humid in the Pampas. The average temperature from November to March is 73°F, and 54°F from June to September. The official language is Spanish. Currency is the Argentine Peso. For more information on Argentina travel, log on to www.turismo.gov.ar, the Argentina Secretary of Tourism’s website.