\Introduction to Argentina

"Buenos Aires has no Eiffel Tower, no internationally renowned museums, no must-see sight that clearly identifies it as a world-class city. Rather, the essence of Buenos Aires resides in singular encounters imbued with intense Latin spirit- a flirtatious glance, a heartfelt chat, a juicy steak, an impassioned tango- to create a vibrant and unforgettable urban experience" Source: Fodor's Argentina 2003

In the heart of this great country is Buenos Aires, the cosmopolitan capital, gateway to South America, and for numerous reasons, a very spectacular place. Buenos Aires is divided into barrios, or neighbourhoods, each of which contains its own character. The barrios of Recoleta, San Telmo, Palermo, Puerto Madero, La Boca and El Centro for all that Buenos Aires has to offer.

Argentina is a very big country that contains a number of very distinct features and unique regions. North of Buenos Aires, The Iguazu Waterfall is one of the greatest wonders of nature in the world. West of Buenos Aires, the wine regions are located around the lively city of Mendoza. South of Buenos Aires, the Atlantic coastline draws visitors that want to catch some sun on the beaches of Mar del Plata and Pinamar. Also, only a few hours by ferry from Buenos Aires, the visitor can find the

quiet town of Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay..

Further south, one finds the majestic area of Patagonia. Breath-taking Bariloche is the capital of the Patagonian lake region, and features excellent summer skiing, while enticing the sports enthusiasts with various warm weather sports the rest of the year. El Calafate is famous for unbelievable glaciers and hiking while Peninsula Valdes has the greatest wildlife in Argentina. Tierra del Fuego is the Southern-most area of Argentina and is the closest point to the Antarctic. Visit penguin colonies, glaciers and

encounter a great variety of wildlife.

Argentina also offers visitors some of the greatest settings in which to enjoy a number of sports activities. From June to September, ski the great mountains found in Argentina. Argentina is also an excellent golfing destination. Additionally, Argentina offers hiking, biking, fishing, and white water rafting.

Destinations in Argentina

The capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, is an excellent tourist destination. Explore the unique neighbourhoods, socialize in the outdoor cafes, and take in a tango show on your visit to this beautiful city.

Patagonia Patagonia is a very large region in the South of Argentina. The region offers numerous sights and activities, some of which are not available anywhere else in the world.

Iguazu Waterfalls The Iguazu Falls and National Park offer the visitor an experience one-on-one with nature. Explore one of the world's greatest waterfalls on foot or from a boat that gives you a view of the water falling from below.

Salta Salta City is the best preserved colonial city in Argentina. The province of Salta has a number of great attractions to the visitor. Take a look at travel information about Salta including attractions, lodging, dining, shopping and sports.

Mendoza Argentine wines are world famous and most of the vineyards are located in the Mendoza province. Enjoy the wine, visit the vineyards, partake a variety of sports and explore the Andes Mountains.

Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay Colonia is a very unique colonial town with narrow cobbled streets flanked by whitewashed buildings. Colonia is only 1 hour ferry ride from Buenos Aires and can be explored in one day.

The Atlantic Coastline just a few hours’ drive South from Buenos Aires we find the city of Mar del Plata and the pretty towns of Pinamar, Carilo, and Villa Gesell. The town serve as vacation retreats for millions of Porteno's that come down

from Buenos Aires every summer.

Cordoba

The city of Cordoba is an interesting place to visit during your Argentine vacation. Although there are not many tourist sites, the colonial architecture and surrounding sites will make the trip more than worthwhile for many visitors.

Antarctica Antarctica is the continent of ice around the South Pole of our planet. Although it is not located in Argentina, most trips for Antarctica start from Ushuaia, Argentina.

Argentina Transportation

Many cities in the world now offer regular flights to Argentina. Once in Argentina, a multitude of crossing points connect Argentina with neighbouring Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Chile. Over-land travel to Chile involves driving through the Andes, while Uruguay is linked to Argentina by road bridges, whereas ferries sail between Buenos Aires and Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. This section of AllAboutAR.com describes the many transportation options you have when travelling to this region.

Air Travel International Flights: Many cities in the world fly to the main Argentine international airport, Aeropuerto Internacional Ministro Pistarini, commonly known as Ezeiza International Airport, with the code: EZE. The airport is less than one hour outside Buenos Aires city centre. The following page has useful information on international air travel to Argentina.

New Entrance Tax: Starting December 2009, Argentina will now charge a new entrance tax for all visitors holding passports from United States, Canada, and Australia. The total tax will be equivalent to the one that Argentines pay to get their visa to travel to these respective countries. The tax is a one-time fee and can be paid in US Dollars or Argentine Pesos at Ezeiza Internation Airport in Buenos Aires. The tax amounts per country are:United States - $131 USD Canada - $70 USD Australia - $100 USD

Domestic Flights: Argentina is a very big country that is best travelled by short flights. These internal flights are widely available from Buenos Aires and other places in Argentina. Please read our guide to

Domestic Flights in Argentina for useful information on this form of transportation.

Land Transportation

Bus Travela multitude of buses and routes are available to many parts of over Argentina. Buses offer sleeping beds along with both budget and first class seats. Some seats even fold into beds for passenger comfort.

Train Travelthere are a few train lines that operate and service passengers in Argentina. Train travel is not the best method of getting around for tourists, but a few destinations are reachable by trains.

Car Rental in Argentina renting a car in Argentina is a fairly simple task. Many car agencies offer various types of cars to the consumer. Most types of driver licenses are sufficient to rent a car, and the only other important factor is for you to be able to drive a car with a manual transmission.

Prices usually start at about $80 USD, and it is often hard to find a cheaper rental car. It is also common for agencies to charge a per mile driven rate on top of the base price.

Private Car and Driver Service in Argentina A great alternative to renting a car in Argentina, is hiring a remis, a private car and driver, which would take you around for about $20 USD an hour. The driver often knows the main highlights you would want to see and often acts as a private guide.

Prices start at about $20 USD an hour, but often average out to much cheaper rates if hired for a full day.

Regional Transportation Information Buenos Aires and many other regions on this site have a separate section for the transportation available in that region. Please visit the Buenos Aires Transportation page or pick a region and go to the transportation page in that region.

People & Culture Guide

European influences permeate Argentina's art, architecture, literature

and lifestyle. With an excellent university level education, the citizens of Argentina have quite modern and refined tastes and customs. Argentine arts and sciences have achieved international renown among many audiences. Probably the best known manifestation of Argentine popular culture is the Argentine Tango, a dance and music which has captured the hearts of romantics world-wide.

Language: Spanish is the official language of Argentina spoken almost everywhere. But there are still some small immigrant communities that retain their native language as a badge of identity. Italian is frequently used in some neighbourhoods, reflecting the influence of Argentina's single largest immigrant group. In fact, it's not hard to confuse an Argentine with an Italian, as their manner of speaking is quite similar. English, German and French also show their influence in many places of business. There are also about 17 Native American languages in Argentina, but you will have to go a good distance off the beaten path to experience any of them.

Cuisine Walk into any Argentine restaurant in the world and you will get an excellent selection of grilled meat. Parilla, the Spanish word for grill, is often the word you will find in the name of restaurants in this meat-loving country. In Argentina, you can sample anything from regular steaks to parts of animals that only natives dare to eat such as livers, kidneys, and tongues.

That being said, Argentina is not a vegetarian's nightmare. Italian favourites such as gnocchi are a welcome alternative in many restaurants. Likewise, there are many French, Spanish and German restaurants that are sure to please. Also, in the last few years, vegetarian and organic restaurants have been popping up everywhere.

Argentina is also world famous for its wines. Visit the Argentine Wine Guide for more information. People Argentina is currently a melting pot of Native American and European culture. During the Colonial era, European influence dominated and pushed away the native to the point that true Native American populations are only found in further off provinces such as Salta. Argentina also has a relatively large and strong Jewish population.

One of the unique manifestations of the Argentine people is the culture of the Gauchos. The horsemen are similar to the cowboys found in the western states of the US.

Art

Argentina is an origin of many art forms. Museums and Galleries in Buenos Aires are everywhere and should be explored by every visitor.

Architecture Buenos Aires is also a great centre of architecture. Literature Being a very educated and multi-cultural country, Argentina produced writers of international stature such as Jorge Luis Borges, Julio Cortazar, Ernesto Sabasto, Manuel Puig and Osvaldo Soriano, and others.

Dance Argentina was the point of origin for a number of dances. The Argentine Tango dominates all others in popularity, but the dances of Chamame, Cuarteto and Folk deserve credit too.

Movies A number of Argentinean actors and directors have reached international acclaim. In addition, many successful Argentine movies have been used as vehicles to display the horrors of dictatorial governments. In this section you will find movies that portray the country and the people of Argentina.

Sports Sports are extremely important to Argentineans, while soccer (futbol), is more of a national obsession than a mere sport. Argentina won the World Cup of Soccer in 1978 and 1986 with the help of the fancy footwork of Diego Maradona. Another Argentinean sports star is Gabriela Sabattini, a great tennis player that was a great women's tennis star before retiring and becoming a perfume model.

Patagonia Overview

Patagonia, the land of wonders, is a very big region taking up most of Southern Argentina. The region features a glacier-dotted mountainous interior, unique coastal wildlife and amazing Andean national parks. The mountains and lakes in Patagonia are also some of the most beautiful of all found in the world.

Argentinean Patagonia can be broken up into the smaller travel destinations: The Lake Region, Atlantic Patagonia, Southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Each destination is very unique and offers much to entice the visitor.

Bariloche and The Lake Region

Bariloche, the beautiful city at the centre of the Lake Region much resembles European alpine resorts, with spectacular surrounding scenery. In Bariloche you can take a trip around magnificent lakes, explore the scenic mountains, or partake in numerous sports activities such as skiing, golfing, hiking, biking and white-water rafting. Excellent lodgings, views and a plethora of activities make Bariloche the most popular destination in

Patagonia.

El Calafate and Southern Patagonia

El Calafate is the centre and gateway to exploring the amazing wonders of nature in Southern Patagonia. The Perito Moreno Glacier is a true highlight of this destination and the Upsala Glacier, among others in Glacier National Park, is quite memorable. Don't forget to also visit the hiking haven of El

Chalten, and travel to the Torres del Paine National Park in nearby Chile.

Peninsula Valdes and Atlantic Patagonia

The beautiful Peninsula Valdes is a natural habitat for various Patagonian animals. Go whale watching, visit a huge penguin colony, and observe sea lions, birds, and other wildlife which is found in large numbers around the beautiful Peninsula Valdes. The coastal city of Puerto Madryn is the base of

most explorations of Peninsula Valdes.

Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego

The southern tip of Argentina, or the area in the South of Patagonia, is called Tierra del Fuego. Explore glaciers, magnificent and historic ocean channels, and penguin colonies in a setting that is unmatched in natural

beauty and uniqueness. The Southern-most city in the world is called Ushuaia, and will be your base for exploring this region.

Patagonia's Parks, Hotels and Estancias

Patagonia’s biggest attractions are the national parks that the large region is composed of. For those that can afford the expense, there are a few lodging options that are truly unmatched. These hotels are the only one that were built in places of great beauty and do maximize the experience of visiting the region. They are also the most luxurious options available. Similarly, estancias, or guest ranches, are located in very special places in Patagonia while being less luxurious and more traditional.

Map of Argentina

Patagonia National Parks

The National Parks of Patagonia are an integral part of the wild and vast terrain of the region, the last frontier of South America. These parks serve as protected areas that aim to preserve this unique region for its important scientific interest and natural beauty. As a result, some of these parks contain the most precious and beautiful ecosystems on the planet.

Glacier National Park Declared a World Heritage Site in 1937, this national park is world famous for the Moreno Glacier, one of the few advancing glaciers in the world. People come from all over the world to see the amazing spectacle of ice crashing into the water. The 600,000 hectares of ice fields

in the Santa Cruz Province provide a stunning backdrop.

Tierra del Fuego National Park This park was established in 1960 to protect the southernmost Patagonian woods that border the Beagle Channel. The landscape has deep valleys and lakes and rivers divided by high mountain ridges, which is the typical scenery of the southern part of the Tierra del Fuego Province.

Torres del Paine National Park The Torres del Paine is one of the few biosphere reserves in the world and the most beautiful, remote, and unspoiled places anywhere. Located 2500km south of Santiago, Chile, the park is set on a spectacular mountain range with lakes, valleys, and cliffs: a place for great trekking. Even though the park is remote, the popularity of eco tourism has resulted in a pretty efficient tourist infrastructure. Visitors can camp or stay at one of the cosy hostels or five star hotels.

Nahuel Huapi National Park This was the first national park in Patagonia and continues to be one of the main attractions of the region, especially for its endangered otter colonies. The 705,000 hectares of lands include the high Andean mountains, the Patagonian Andes forest, the Patagonian Steppe, as well as many lakes and Cerro Tronador, the highest peak in the park at 3491m.

Los Arrayanes National Park Once part of the Nahuel Huapi National Park, the Los Arranyanes was created as its own area in 1971. This national park is known for its unique Myrceugenella trees that have smooth, brown bark and twisted trunks. It covers the Quetrihue peninsula and the northern coast of Nahuel Huapi Lake.

Best Estancias in Patagonia

The estancia, or guest ranches, listed below offer the best in comfort and tranquillity as you embark on ones trip to the end of the world. Each one is set amongst stunning natural landscape maximizing the highlights of each destination. These hotels and working ranches are situated in different parts of Patagonia, from nearby Chile's magnificent Torres del Paine National Park, to the Perito Moreno Glacier, to Nahuel Huapi National Park.

Arroyo Verde - Lake Region

Situated about one hour from Bariloche in the unspoiled Lake District, the Arroyo Verde is a great place to discover this beautiful region. The main house is located in the Traful Valley, with snow-capped peaks in the distance and the pristine stream of the Traful River. The surrounding Andes Mountains are a perfect place for horseback riding and trekking excursions.

Eolo - Glacier Region

Eolo is a unique Patagonian accommodation in many ways. An estancia, lodge, luxury hotel, and eco hotel, ideal for couples and retirees yet less so for families and as much active as it is contemplative. It is all of this and

more, and guests continue to rave about it as its reputation grows. If you want to be immersed in a mesmerizing Patagonian landscape (perfect for accessing Glacier National Park), enjoy views for miles over snow-capped mountains and the aquamarine Lago Argentina, and fall sleep in a calm, silent room filled with natural textures then Eolo is a must. Every comfort has been considered with creating an atmosphere of retreat without ostentation in mind.

Hosteria Alta Vista - Glacier Region

The Hosteria Alta Vista offers seven guest rooms in the midst of an enormous 165,000 acre ranch known as Estancia Anita. The property has sweeping views of the Patagonian countryside and beautifully landscaped fruit gardens. Guests have the option of exploring the premises on horseback, hiking or mountain biking. Amenities include a humble yet cosy dining facility, welcoming lounge and casual bar overlooking a well kept

garden. The hospitality provided is noted as "second-to-none" and visitors consistently report favourably on the customer service and comfort that they receive during their stays.

Estancia Alice - Glacier Region

Just fifteen minutes outside of El Calafate, the Estancia Alice is both picturesque and warm, with sixteen private rooms. As it is located on the shores of the Lago Argentino, the views of the lake are unbeatable. Don't miss the spectacularly unique El Galpon Ranch Show. This expedition explores all of the history and culture that the farm has to offer, through sheep shearing demonstrations, trekking along the Laguna de los Pajaros, and exploring ancient Indian campgrounds. The trip concludes with a traditional Patagonia lamb barbeque overlooking the Lago Argentino. Estancia Harberton - Tierra del Fuego

There are few places on earth offering anything even remotely close to the famous Estancia Harberton. Tierra del Fuego's oldest estancia, founded in 1886, is located 37 miles (60 kilometres) east of Ushuaia. The staff works hard to preserve the original simple wooden buildings, gardens, stone piers, and terraces. Visitors can tour the grounds, outbuildings, gardens, cemetery, and a botanical garden with replica Yamana Indian huts (the tribe was

offered refuge here by the estancia's original owners). Nearby is the Acatushun Museum of Southern Marine Birds and Mammals, showcasing the natural history of the region's marine wildlife. It is also possible to visit Magellanic penguin rookeries at Isla Martillo not far away. The estancia is open from mid-April through mid-October.

Tepi - Tierra del Fuego

With just five rooms but more than 24,711 acres (10,000) hectares of forests and pristine grazing pastures, crossed by creeks and rivers, this estancia 92 miles (148 kms) north of Ushuaia stands out for its cattle raising and agricultural tourism activities. The residence, a typical Tierra del Fuego building from the 1920s, gives shelter to those who wish to rest and

experience life in the country. At Tepi, multiple rural activities are complemented by

folkloric shows, games and dances, as well as by authentic Patagonian gastronomy.

Estancia Faro Punta Delgada - Peninsula Valdes

Situated in a truly amazing setting next to a lighthouse on the scenic Peninsula Valdes, Faro Punta Delgada is one of the most charming spots on the coast. Surrounded by protected wilderness on three sides and the ocean on the other, the scenery is second to none and the options for flora and fauna sightings, on land, sea, and air, are innumerable. The views and outside activities are complemented by outstanding service and wonderful meals. Highly recommended as being both very friendly and helpful.

Flight Options

The flight chosen is mix n match flights and the total cost for the round trip is 1, 33,319 incl. of all taxes

 

The flight will depart from Delhi at 4:50 in the morning and will reach Doha at 6:15 and the next flight from Doha will depart at 8 and will reach Sao Paulo at 16:25 and from Sao Paulo it will leave at17:4 0 and will reach Buenos Aires at 20:30 . From Buenos Aires will take a flight to Patagonia. The following is the Argentina flight map.

Schedule

10oct will be in flight only . The flight will leave Delhi at 4:50 in morning. One needs to go Delhi by 9 october night as the flight is in morning.Will go to Delhi by Swarna Shtbdi which cost for Rs 985 for frist AC will depart from Ludhiana Railway station at 18:59 and will reach Delhi station at 23:05. The cost of flight round way trip is 1, 33,319 incl. of all taxes.

The flight will take 24 hours 10 min to reach airport from there one can take flight for patagonia El Calafate. As the flights from Buenos Aires, Argentina to El Calafate, Argentina only goes from morning 6 am to 6 pm only but our flight will reach only at 8:30 pm only. So need to spend a night in a hotel Teresita which is near airport which is for $55 per night and it includes it is just 20 mins ride from airport and one can easily find a taxi from airport to the hotel for $ 5. The rent includes breakfast and dinner charges. After that one can again go back to the airport by taking a cab at $5 and take a flight for El Calafate at $231 at 8:40 am which will reach El Calafate at 11:53 am.

After reaching El Calafate one will head to Lupama Hotel for an avg per night $ 62.14

It is 15 min walking from the main street and taxi costs 8 pesos + or – one way.

There are many attractions in El Calafates which are as follows

Perito Moreno Glacier Estancia Cristina Cerro Fitz Roy Laguna Nimez Reserve Upsala Glacier Calafate Fishing TodoCalafate Lago Argentina Walichu Caves Hielo y Aventura Cerro Frias Av del Libertador

Food:

I being a vegetarian have chosen a restaurant which serves vegetarian food and the name of the restaurant is Quidu as it is the only pure vegetarian restaurant in whole of El Calafates and the price of the food is between $6-$17.

Sports activities

The region of Patagonia and the area of El Calafate are extremely rugged, much like the American plains. As a result there are many of the same activities such as hiking, biking and horseback riding, but all with a truly Argentine flavour.

Around El Calafate are numerous ranches, where you can mount up and head out to take in the vast wilderness that the region has to offer. Horses can be rented by the hour, half-day or for the full day. Check with you hotel or resort to see which ranches they recommend. Most of the ranches include saddles; blanket and some of the rides out in the openness include a packed lunch.

Of course there are numerous excursions to the area’s glaciers, and these can be daylong journeys but they are worth the effort. Patagonia is home to some of the largest glaciers in South America and these can be incredible sights to take in.

The resorts around Los Glaciares National Park also offer bicycle rentals, and the trials around the area will certainly appeal to the more advanced riders. For the even more adventurous four-wheel off-road vehicles, with their own circuit in the park are also available for rent.

Shopping

Shopping in El Calafate is limited compared with other parts of Argentina.  There are a lot of handicrafts but the prices run significantly more than Buenos Aires or even Puerto Iguazu.

One will not find too many bargains in El Calafate.

Suggest the Leather Factory/Fabrica de Ropa de Cuero store, just off Avenue Liberatador for reasonable priced leather products.

Overjitas de la Patagonia, on Avenue Liberatador, has good chocolates (not cheap) and gelato.  Chocolates are good -- not super sweet but smooth and milky highly recommended.

Return:

The return flight to India will be from Buenos Aires at 18:15 on 17 and will reach Johannesburg 08:35 next morning and from there the next flight from Johannesburg will leave for Mumbai at 11:00 and will reach Mumbai at 23:35 and the flight from Mumbai to Delhi will be on next day at 06:35 and will reach Delhi at 08:35.

Hotel in Mumbai: the Hotel selected is 7 flags international for Rs. 2,933 and it includes the following facilities:

accommodates 2 guests Breakfast Buffet Free Airport Shuttle Available bed types:

2 Beds only

The total cost:

Cost sheet:

Ludhiana to Delhi by train: Rs. 985

Cost of taxi from Delhi railway station to international airport: Rs. 400

Cost of Flights round way trip: Rs. 1, 33,319

Cost of Hotel in Buenos Aires: Rs 2,461

Cost of Cab at Buenos Aires: Rs. 447.5

Cost of flight from Buenos Aries to El Calafates: Rs. 10,337.25

Cost of Cab from El Calafates’s airport to hotel Lupama: Rs. 169.09

Cost of hotel Lupama’s room for 5 days (incl. Breakfast): Rs. 41,711.47

Shopping: Rs. 50,000

Cost of Rental Car: Rs 10,000

Food: 15,000

Hotel in Mumbai: Rs. 2,933

Return Rail Ticket: Rs. 581

Cab from Delhi Airport to Delhi railway station: Rs. 400

GRAND TOTAL: 268744.31