Marshes, forests, sculpted rock formations, ocean bays, glacial crags, smoldering volcanoes, lakes, sprawling arid plateaus and Andean peaks provide habitats for unique and endangered wildlife.
Argentina is home to large penguin colonies, whales, elephant seals, capybaras, endangered mammals, and a wide variety of bird species. Travelers can visit tiny Andean villages that stand in contrast to the large, colorful metropolis of Buenos Aires. Uncover the history and culture of this vast nation as you encounter 10,000-year-old cave paintings, ancient petrified forests, and Spanish colonial architecture along with the spectacular natural treasures of Argentina.
The eighth largest country in the world by area, Argentina contains the tallest mountain in South America, Aconcagua, as well as the powerful Iguazú Falls, where 275 waterfalls surge into one massive gorge in the midst of a lush tropical jungle.
On Holbrook’s Argentina ecotours, a variety of adventures await: See one of the world’s largest colonies of Magellanic Penguins; delve into marine studies at Península Valdés; explore Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and traverse the grassy steppes and jagged icy peaks of Patagonia, South America’s southern frontier. With Holbrook, the possibilities in Argentina are as far-reaching as its terrain.
Frontiers of Patagonia: Cape Horn, Tierra del Fuego and Beyond
History & Culture
Argentina is largely a country of immigrants, from the first Spanish and Portuguese explorers to the late 1800s, when waves of settlers began to arrive from countries like Italy, Spain, Germany, and France. They numbered in the millions and shaped the culture in ways that are still evident today, from the sultry Spanish- and African-inspired tango to the historic buildings whose architecture ranges from Spanish colonial to French and Italian-influenced styles.
Buenos Aires, the country’s capital, is a lively metropolis known for its cultural attractions. Here you can discover the city’s diverse neighborhoods, from opulent tree-lined avenues to bohemian artist enclaves, and examine the ornate mausoleums of La Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of Eva Perón and other significant Argentine leaders. Take in a tango show at the historical Café Tortoni, and sample world-renowned cuisine, including the wine and steak for which Argentina is famous. Discover Argentina’s political history at the Plaza de Mayo—the city’s main square and site of the executive mansion, the Casa Rosada. Other museums of note include the Evita Museum, Museum of Decorative Arts, the National Museum of Fine Arts, and Museum of Modern Latin American Art. Since 1908, the Teatro Colón Opera House has been a world-class center for opera, ballet and classical music.
A day trip from the city offers a peek into a vastly different way of life. At the estancias of the colonial town of San Antonio de Areco, discover the storied lives of the gauchos who wandered the pampas. In the northeast province of Misiones, you can trace colonial history at the Jesuit ruins of San Ignacio Miní. Discover sleepy Andean villages to the west, or examine wine-making traditions in Mendoza, the epicenter of Argentina’s wine country. With the beautiful backdrop of the Andes Mountains, tour some of the region’s hundreds of vineyards, from large scale producers to tiny boutique wineries.
Adventure Travel
Patagonia, encompassing southern Argentina and Chile, is practically synonymous with adventure. The region’s vivid panoramas and challenging trekking opportunities draw visitors from all over the world.
From Argentina’s Lake District in the north and the picturesque town of Bariloche, which resembles the Swiss Alps more than South America, to volcanoes, glaciers, and snow-capped mountains, all the way south to the Tierra del Fuego archipelago and Ushuaia (widely considered the world’s southernmost city), as an active traveler interested in hiking, boating, and trekking, you’ll find much to explore.
Aconcagua, South America’s highest peak, attracts climbers seeking a challenge. See Argentina’s most famous glacier, Perito Moreno, and even walk upon its surface. Go skiing in Bariloche, explore the region’s waterways by catamaran, or hike through the Fitz Roy river valley and admire the spire of Cerro Torre.
Natural Wonders
Though Argentina’s bustling capital often takes center stage, Argentina does not lack for natural wonders. It boasts four natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Los Glaciares National Park, Iguazú National Park, Península Valdés, and Ischigualasto/Talampaya Natural Parks), plus a variety of wildlife and more than 1,000 bird species, 19 of which are endemic.
For an in-depth look at tropical habitats and rainforest ecology, the powerful Iguazú Falls are a stunning sight: This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises more than 275 falls carrying millions of gallons of water every day. Sharing a border with Brazil, the falls are surrounded by subtropical rainforest—including more than 2,000 species of vascular plants—that gives shelter to wildlife like tapirs, giant anteaters, howler monkeys, ocelots, and caimans, as well as more than 400 avian species.
On the Atlantic coast, the Península Valdés nature reserve is a Ramsar “Wetland of International Importance” and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sea lions, elephant seals, fur seals, Magellanic Penguins, whales, rheas, and guanacos are all found here. Further south, wildlife thrives in Tierra del Fuego National Park, despite its harsh environment. Native forests of lengas, coihues, ñires, canelos, and mossy foliage are home to guanacos, foxes, and muskrats. Sea birds are abundant along the coast; also be on the lookout for condors, Magellanic Woodpeckers, and Austral Conures.
Even within the urban hubbub of Buenos Aires, natural oases can be found. Stroll alongside porteños (as the locals are known) through relaxing plazas, parks, and gardens like the Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, Botanical Garden, and Buenos Aires Zoo. On the eastern edge of the city, the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve, a RAMSAR site on the banks of the Río de la Plata, has nature trails for hiking and bicycling, plus more than 200 recorded bird species. Just a short trip north of the capital sits the city of Tigre, the gateway to the Paraná River Delta and a natural wonder encompassing thousands of luscious green islands. Sail the delta’s channels while looking for the river’s fauna, including species like the capybara, river otters, and the pampas cat.
Entry & Exit Requirements
U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport to enter Argentina. Passports must be valid for at least the duration of your stay. (As requirements are subject to change at any time without notice, we recommend at least six months' validity.)
A visa is not required for visits up to 90 days.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Argentine Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.
Health Information
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into Argentina.
Some physicians recommend that travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines before visiting Argentina.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
ZIKA VIRUS
Locally transmitted cases of Zika virus have been reported in Argentina. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with Zika and are spreading it to people. The CDC recommends that travelers to Argentina protect themselves from mosquito bites. As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
SUN EXPOSURE
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.
Currency
The currency of Argentina is the Peso.
Electricity
The electrical current in Argentina is 220V 50Hz AC. Travelers from the United States need to use a converter. Outlets take type C and I plugs.
Time Zone
The time zone in Argentina is Argentina Time Zone (UTC-03:00).
Argentina does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
Departures and arrivals on flight schedules are listed in the local time.
Communications
Phones
Argentina’s country code is +54.
To call Argentina (from the U.S.): Dial 011-54-(xx-xxx-xxxx)
To call the United States: Dial 001-(xxx-xxx-xxxx)
Please check with your cell phone provider if you’re unsure whether or not your cell phone will work internationally. Be aware that you are likely to incur additional charges for international use.
Internet
Many hotels offer WiFi or Ethernet ports, and in larger cities Internet cafes and free wireless hotspots are common.
Reading List
FIELD GUIDES
Natural Patagonia, Argentina and Chile
Marcelo D. Beccaceci
An informative photographic journey through the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife of Patagonia. Featuring 120 color photographs, presented in Spanish and English.
Birds of Southern South America & Antarctica
Martin D. la Pena & Maurice Rumboll
With color plates, range maps and brief descriptions, this is a compact regional guide.
Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises
Mark Carwardine
In the trademark, graphic Eyewitness style, this sturdy guidebook colorfully describes the world's cetaceans with numerous illustrations, range maps, fluke drawings and a few paragraphs on each species.
Los Glaciares National Park, Flora & Fauna
Diego Punta Fernandez
A high quality, laminated fold-out card featuring common plants and animals in Los Glaciares National Park.
MAPS
Argentina Adventure Map
National Geographic
This double-sided map (1:2,000,000) highlights parks and preserves.
Argentina South & Tierra del Fuego
ITMB
A traveler's map of southern Argentina at a scale of 1:220,000 and Tierra del Fuego at a scale of 1:750,000. Includes an inset of Ushuaia.
Buenos Aires Map
Borch Maps
A laminated street map of Buenos Aires and surroundings at a scale of 1:15,000.
Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego Map
ITMB
This handy map shows all Patagonia on one side (1:2,000,000), with a more detailed map of Tierra del Fuego (1:750,000) on the reverse.
Northern Argentina, Buenos Aires Map
ITMB
This handy map includes both a detailed street plan of Buenos Aires and northern Argentina and Chile from Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Mendoza and Santiago north to Antofogasta, Jujuy, Salta and Iguazu at a scale of 1:2,200,000.
GUIDEBOOKS
Insight Guide Argentina
Insight Guides
This profusely illustrated guide features concise essays by well-regarded authors on natural history, politics and culture. With hundreds of photos and excellent maps.
Culture Smart! Argentina
Robert Hamwee
A concise, well-illustrated and practical guide to local customs, etiquette and culture.
Lonely Planet Buenos Aires
Lonely Planet
The best of Buenos Aires is included in this practical guide, along with a pullout map and insider recommendations on shopping, eating, sleeping and day trips.
Trekking in the Patagonian Andes
Carolyn McCarthy
With trail maps and route descriptions of walks and treks throughout Patagonia, including Torres del Paine and Glacier National Park.
Moon Handbook Patagonia
Wayne Bernhardson
A practical guide in the Moon series, packed not only with travel necessities (hotels, restaurants, sights), but also with a good overview of history and destinations throughout Patagonia.
Footprint Patagonia
Christabelle Dilks
This compact, practical guide in the popular British series includes an overview of the history, nature and culture of the region.
NATURAL HISTORY
Cloud Forest, A Chronicle of the South American Wilderness
Peter Matthiessen
Matthiessen recounts with wit, insight and style his odyssey to the Amazon and Andes, including Machu Picchu and Tierra del Fuego.
HISTORY & CULTURE
Argentina, A Traveler's Literary Companion
Jill Gibian
These choice stories introduce the landscapes and culture of Argentina, from the Andes to the Pampas, through the eyes of its writers.
The Vineyard at the End of the World
Ian Mount
Mount traces how the humble Malbec grape, ignored in its native France, helped transform Argentina into one of the world's premier winemaking destinations in this tale of the making of wine, personalities, grapes and travel.
Vino Argentino, An Insider's Guide to the Wines and Wine Country of Argentina
Laura Catena
This detailed, lushly illustrated guidebook to Argentina's wine region includes recipes, travel information, historical anecdotes, photographs, conversations with winemakers and a useful wine glossary.
Buenos Aires, A Cultural History
Jason Wilson
An exhilarating, erudite guide to Buenos Aires as it has been portrayed by writers, poets and thinkers, with a street map and detailed neighborhood descriptions.
Buenos Aires, The Biography of a City
James Gardner
In his colorful biography of the second-largest city in South America, American art critic James Gardner covers Buenos Aires' unique culture, a universe all its own, with history and entertaining asides.
Estancias: The Great Houses and Ranches of Argentina
Maria Saenz Quesada & Xavier Verstraeten
Two dozen magnificent country estates are detailed in this sumptuously illustrated volume, featuring 200 color photographs and a cultural and social history by Maria Saenz Quesada.
Esteros del Ibera, The Great Wetlands of Argentina
Douglas Tompkins & Juan Ram Colodrero
A beautiful portrayal of the preeminent wildlife habitat in Argentina. Colodrero's life-affirming photographs move from close-ups of dragonflies, butterflies and colorful birds to portraits of gauchos and sweeping views over freshwater marshland.
Forgotten Continent
Michael Reid
Economist editor Reid draws on his years in the cities, presidential palaces and shantytowns of Central and South America in this portrait of a region rich in oil, farmland and culture, with consideration on its prospects in the face of globalization.
Tango, The Art History of Love
Robert Farris Thompson
A probing cultural history of the tango, its working class origins in 19th-century Buenos Aires and Afro-Argentine roots.
The Great Inka Road, Engineering an Empire
Ramiro Matos & Jose Barreiro
An astute collection of essays on the "Qhapaq Nan" (the Great Inca Road), its engineering, practical purposes and the great Inca civilization that built it. Includes more than 225 full-color illustrations.
The History of Argentina
Daniel K. Lewis
This brief, scholarly history of Argentina from pre-Columbian times to 2001 focuses closely on the events of the last three decades of the 20th century, including the legacy of Juan and Eva Peron.
Evita, The Real Life of Eva Peron
Nicholas Fraser
Separating fact from myth, Fraser traces Evita's life from her humble origins to her place as a revered cult figure, also exploring Peronism and Argentine politics of the 1930s and 1940s.
In Patagonia
Bruce Chatwin
A masterpiece of travel, history and adventure, this award-winning book captures the spirit of the land, history, wildlife and people of Patagonia. There's no travel writer as engaging, insightful and just plain wonderful as Bruce Chatwin.
San Martin
John Lynch
John Lynch shines new light on San Martin and on the story of Spanish America's revolutionary wars in this penetrating biography of the great leader, including a marvelous account of San Martin's trek from Mendioza across the Andes to liberate Chile.
The Uttermost Part of the Earth
Lucas Bridges
This beloved memoir of Harberton estancia and early settlers, explorers and ways of the Yagan and Ona peoples who once populated the wild shores of Tierra del Fuego is a favorite, back in print with an introduction by Natalie Goodall.
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