Northern Argentina Destination Guide

Home , Gaucho (currency), Pampas, Quebrada de Humahuaca, Regions of Argentina

Overview of Northern Argentina Begging to be explored, the less travelled northern regions of Argentina are an interesting mix of colonial heritage, incredible natural beauty, agriculture and an indigenous flavour. Two major Argentinean rivers, the Paraná and the Uruguay, flow together in the northeast of the country, creating the Rio de la Plata estuary. The land in between the rivers is known as Mesopotamia, a swampy, wet and sweltering region covered with yatay palms, orchids and tree ferns. One of the principal attractions in this region, the spectacular Iguazú Falls in the Iguazú National Park, are tucked away in the extreme northeast, bordered by Brazil. Lush forests bursting with wildlife and impressive, rugged mountains lie in contrast to the vast, fertile plains of the Pampas below. Spread over a large portion of the country, the Pampas are known as the Gran Chaco in the North, and these plains form the agricultural heartland of Argentina, where gauchos (cowboys) roam and where the country's famous beef comes from. The Gran Chaco is much drier than the central part of the Pampas and is a rich source of tannins and timber. Closer to the Chilean border in the west lies the impressive Andes Mountain Range and its highest peak, Cerro Aconcagua, situated in the famed wine region of Mendoza. The bustling city and industrial hub of Córdoba is where Jesuit traditions, colonial architecture and traditional gaucho culture combine, resulting in plenty of annual traditional festivals and local arts and crafts to be enjoyed. From the abundant natural treasures of the Iguazú National Park to the hidden tastes of Mendoza's vineyards, there are many treasures to be found in the north by travellers willing to venture beyond Buenos Aires.

Key Facts

Language: Spanish is the official language of Argentina but English is generally understood in the tourist areas. Passport/Visa: Valid passports are required for travel to Argentina. Visas are not generally required for stays of less than three months, with the possibility of an extension of stay. Visas are valid for several entries within the period of validity stated in the visa. It is recommended that all visitors have sufficient funds, as well as onward or return tickets and documents required for next destination. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. Currency: The unit of currency is the Argentinean Peso (ARS). Currency can be exchanged at banks and cambios (bureaux de change) but it is easier to use ATMs, available in most towns, which reflect the current exchange rate. Major credit and debit cards are generally accepted, and US Dollars can be used in many tourist establishments. Electricity: Electrical current in Argentina is 220 volts, 50Hz. Most hotels and offices use the three-pin flat plug, however most older buildings use the two-pin round plug.

Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.

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Travel to Northern Argentina Health Notes when travelling to Argentina There are no major health risks in Argentina, except potential mosquito-borne viruses in the northern regions of the country. But the risks are still fairly minimal and common safety precautions should provide enough protection. Medical facilities are good in the major cities. Treatment is expensive, however, and medical insurance is advised. Asthma, sinus and bronchial ailments can be aggravated by pollution in Buenos Aires. Those with specific conditions should bring a sufficient quantity of medical supplies and medication for the trip. Safety Notes when travelling to Argentina There is no specific threat to foreigners and travellers should not be discouraged from travelling throughout the country. But be aware of bag-snatchers, pickpockets and con men, particularly in crowded areas in Buenos Aires, on public transport and in popular tourist haunts, such as San Telmo. Customs in Argentina Argentineans are warm and unreserved people. Both men and women greet each other by kissing on the cheek, and will often touch each other when speaking and maintain little physical distance between speakers. With its origins in the working-class neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires, tango lives on today as a cultural pillar of Argentinean society. Likewise, football in the country is almost like a religion and is a hugely significant part of its cultural identity. Duty Free in Argentina Travellers to Argentina over the age of 18 years can bring in the following items to the value of US$300 without incurring customs duty: two litres of alcohol, 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars, and 5kg of food items. Restrictions apply to fresh foodstuffs such as meat and dairy products. Prohibited items include explosives, flammable items, narcotics and pornographic material. Firearms and ammunition for sporting purposes are allowed if accompanied by a license/certificate. Doing Business in Argentina Business people dress well in Argentina and visitors are expected to wear a smart suit. Handshaking is normal. Argentineans are great conversationalists and are interested and knowledgeable about world events, politics and sporting. Meetings usually begin with small talk. Use titles when addressing people: Señor (Mr), Señora (Mrs) and Señorita (Miss) followed by their surname. Business culture in Argentina can be bureaucratic and as with most South American countries negotiation and decision making can take a long time and is best done face to face. Make sure you see the right people, as only those in high positions are likely to be able to make a final decision. Business hours are 9am to 5pm in Buenos Aires, with an hour for lunch. Outside the capital, it is normal to take a siesta between 1pm and 4pm. Many business people are away on holiday during January and February. Communication in Argentina The international access code for Argentina is +54. Mobile roaming charges can be expensive, prepaid local SIM cards are available for purchase on arrival and are a good alternative. Free wifi is offered at most restaurants, cafes and hotels in tourist centred areas of the country. Tipping in Argentina A 10 percent tip is expected at restaurants in Argentina. Porters expect some small change per bag. Passport/Visa Note Valid passports are required for travel to Argentina. Visas are not generally required for stays of less than three months, with the possibility of an extension of stay. Visas are valid for several entries within the period of validity stated in the visa. It is recommended that all visitors have sufficient funds, as well as onward or return tickets and documents required for next destination. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

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Attractions in Northern Argentina Northern Argentina offers visitors a diverse range of attractions, from colonial towns and Andean villages to lush rainforest and wide, open plains. Travellers can seek out llamas and pre-Columbian ruins in the Andean highlands of the northwest, or toucans and anteaters in the subtropical forest of Iguazú National Park in the northeast, where they can admire the impressive Iguazú Falls. The majestic city of Salta boasts some of the country's finest colonial architecture, with visitors exploring the nearby Salinas Grandes salt flats, the otherworldly rock formations of the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) and the multicoloured canyon of Quebrada de Humahuaca to the north. Explore Argentina's cultural heritage in the pueblos (villages) of the northern Andes; get a taste of traditional gaucho (cowboy) culture in Argentina's agricultural heartland or sample some of the country's fabulous wine on one of the many bodegas (wineries) in the Mendoza province. The northern region of Argentina is perfect for trekking, horseback riding, skiing and white-water rafting, while the brave can attempt to conquer Cerro Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of Asia at 22,838 feet (6,961m).

Iguazu National Park The Iguazú National Park is a huge subtropical rainforest covering 135,000 acres and is home to thousands of different species of flora, fauna and birds, including colourful parrots and hummingbirds. It is most famous for the Iguazú Falls, declared a National Heritage Site by UNESCO. The deep flowing waters of the river tumble down 275 falls, the most famous of which is Devil's Throat. On the border with Brazil, it drops 230ft (70m), almost twice the height of Niagara Falls. As well as enjoying the stunning views from the series of platforms, visitors can enjoy kayaking and other watersports on the river. Iguazú is home to the Guarani people, as well as ruins of Jesuit missions. Some activities available to visitors include a ride on the Ecological Jungle Train, a meal at La Selva Restaurant, and a trip to the San Martin Island at the heart of the falls. Travellers can also enjoy a trek along the Green Trail or Macuco Trail, a walk along the Upper Circuit or the Lower Circuit or a full moon hike accompanied by national park guides. Website: http://www.iguazuargentina.com

Mendoza Mendoza Province rests at the foot of the Andes and is Argentina's main wine-producing region, peppered here and there with vineyards offering tours and tastings. Known for its malbec, it also produces some good cabernet sauvignon. The city of Mendoza is characterised by wide, leafy boulevards and a massive network of canals. Well worth seeing is the Enoteca Giol wine museum while those visiting in late February shouldn't miss the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia, an annual grape-harvest festival accompanied by concerts and local celebrations. Bodega La Rural is one of the biggest wine farms in the area, offering tours that demonstrate the entire wine-making process. Near the border with Chile lies Mount Aconcagua. At 23,000 feet (6,900m), it is the highest mountain in the Western hemisphere. The mountain and its surrounds are wonderful for hiking and mountain climbing, although it's important to note that during low season, tourists are allowed only short hikes for safety reasons. Throughout the year, hiking without an official guide is discouraged, but even driving along the roads surrounding the mountain will give plenty of scenic views. Additionally, Mendoza is home to La Lenas, one of the biggest and most famous ski resorts in Argentina.

The Pampas The vast flat plains of the Pampas are Argentina's agricultural heartland and the birthplace of the gaucho cowboys. Lying southwest of Buenos Aires is the location of Argentina's famous beef and grain industry, the source of the country's wealth. The area is festooned with small agricultural towns, which are home to the majority of Argentina's population. The area provides some of the best horseback riding in the world, and excursions are available to different ranches where visitors can feast on asado after a day's horse riding. Visitors to the area can also attend a doma, a gaucho gathering held every Sunday. The domas consist of rodeo-like events, horse racing and other games and competitions, as well as a market of stalls selling gaucho-inspired crafts. There are also some interesting animals that live only on the pampas, including the rhea, the pampas deer, the pampas fox, several armadillo species, the white-eared opossum, the Elegant Crested Tinamou, and more.

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Currency The unit of currency is the Argentinean Peso (ARS). Currency can be exchanged at banks and cambios (bureaux de change) but it is easier to use ATMs, available in most towns, which reflect the current exchange rate. Major credit and debit cards are generally accepted, and US Dollars can be used in many tourist establishments.

Exchange rate for 1 ARS - Argentine Peso 0.07 BMD 0.06 EUR 0.07 USD 0.05 GBP 7.81 JPY 0.09 CAD Bermudan Dollar Euro U.S. Dollar U.K. Pound Sterling Japanese Yen Canadian Dollar 0.07 CHF 0.10 AUD 1.80 UAH 24.21 KZT 107.96 LBP 0.05 LYD Swiss Franc Australian Dollar Ukrainian Hryvnia Kazakhstani Tenge Lebanese Pound Libyan Dinar 0.49 BOB 7.73 NPR 0.03 OMR 0.26 QAR 0.10 SGD 0.59 SEK Bolivian Boliviano Nepalese Rupee Omani Rial Qatari Rial Singapore Dollar Swedish Krona 0.48 TTD 0.72 VEF 3.29 DOP 0.48 HRK 1.34 MXN 42.04 XOF Trinidad Tobago Dollar Venezuelan Bolivar Dominican Peso Croatian Kuna Mexican Peso West African CFA Franc 0.23 PGK 0.07 BSD 0.15 FJD 1.62 HNL 7.92 DZD 85.41 MMK Papua New Guinean kina Bahamian Dollar Fiji Dollar Honduran Lempira Algerian Dinar Myanma Kyat 0.80 BWP 0.24 PEN 49.72 CLP 34.28 AMD 1.73 CZK 1.43 MDL Botswana Pula Peruvian Nuevo Sol Chilean Peso Armenia Dram Czech Koruna Moldova Lei 8.91 ISK 210.70 UZS 0.28 ILS 0.05 JOD 0.02 KWD 2.25 UYU Icelandic Krona Uzbekistan Sum Israeli New Sheqel Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Uruguayan Peso 2.55 MUR 2.04 NIO 0.60 NOK 0.28 PLN 0.27 SAR 10.47 LKR Mauritian Rupee Nicaraguan Córdoba Norwegian Krone Polish Zloty Saudi Riyal Sri Lanka Rupee 2.55 THB 0.26 AED 0.26 BRL 0.29 RON 0.56 HKD 42.13 XAF Thai Baht U.A.E Dirham Brazilian Real Romanian New Leu Hong Kong Dollar Central African CFA Franc 1,611.34 VND 0.19 XCD 0.56 GTQ 0.70 MAD 0.03 BHD 0.07 PAB Vietnamese Dong East Caribbean Dollar Guatemalan Quetzal Moroccan Dirham Bahrain Dinar Panamanian Balboa 0.11 AZN 223.53 COP 4.90 KGS 20.06 HUF 0.56 TJS 981.02 IDR Azerbaijan Manat Colombian Peso Kyrgyzstan Som Hungarian Forint Tajikistan Ruble Indonesian Rupiah 0.64 EGP 85.40 KRW 406.47 PYG 0.30 MYR 38.63 CRC 0.11 NZD Egyptian Pound South Korean Won Paraguayan Guaraní Malaysian Ringgit Costa Rican Colón New Zealand Dollar 7.51 PKR 4.79 RUB 1.12 ZAR 0.15 TND 0.14 BBD 0.13 BGN Pakistani Rupee Russian Rouble South African Rand Tunisian Dinar Barbadian Dollar Bulgarian Lev 0.21 TRY 3.34 PHP 2.34 TWD 14.09 NGN 7.68 XPF 0.28 GHS Turkish Lira Philippine Peso New Taiwan Dollar Nigerian Naira CFP Franc Ghanaian Cedi 8.96 JMD 0.13 ANG 0.10 BND 7.93 RSD 0.47 CNY 1,426.64 BYR Jamaican Dollar Neth. Antillean Guilder Brunei Dollar Serbian Dinar Chinese Yuan Belarussian Ruble 0.48 DKK 0.25 TMT 4.82 INR

Danish Krone New Turkmenistan Manat Indian Rupee

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