Argentina travel guide

Language

Spanish is the official language of Argentina. Argentinians, especially residents of Buenos Aires (known as porteños) speak a unique and distinctly recognizable dialect of Spanish. The pronunciation and musicality of their accents could be a result of Italian and French influences. In Argentina, particularly in Buenos Aires, lunfardo or local slang is layered into casual conversations, making it difficult to follow along yet extremely entertaining!

Cash and currency

Carlos Menem’s administration of the 1990s controversially controlled inflation by pegging the peso to the dollar, which had disastrous consequences. In 2001, the peso radically devalued and Argentina defaulted on its foreign debt, considered the largest default in world economic history. Hyperinflation ensued causing a devastating recession that plunged a great deal of the middle class into poverty. Although the situation has improved the country still experiences high rates of inflation which leads to regular fluctuations in the exchange rates.

During your Argentina holidays with us, your Enchanting Travels Trip Coordinator will be happy to assist you with changing currency at the most favorable rate to you.

Dining

Mealtimes in South America are different from those in USA, Canada, UK or Australia. While lunch is after 12.30 pm and can continue up to 4 pm, dinner is served as late as 8.30 pm and can continue until 11.30 pm. It is customary to have a “merienda” or a light snack with tea or coffee around 5 or 6 pm.

Getting around

Flights are the best option for traveling great distances in the shortest amount of time. Flight times in Argentina can fluctuate so it’s important that you keep tabs on your flight. International flights arrive at Ezeiza Airport, 35 km/45 minutes from the Buenos Aires city center. The domestic airport in Buenos Aires, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, is only 20 minutes from downtown. Nevertheless, some international flights depart from Aeroparque and the international Ezeiza airport also serves some domestic destinations. There are very few direct flights in between regions at Argentina. Therefore most flights have connections in Buenos Aires.

Health and safety

You won’t need any special vaccinations or medication when visiting Argentina. You may want to consider immunization against typhoid, hepatitis-A, polio, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) and malaria. A yellow fever vaccination and malaria tablets are recommended for travelers visiting jungles, and the Amazon basin below 2,300 m (7,546 ft) – Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado areas (Manu, Tambopata).

Your Travel Consultant is happy to advise you further and provide specific information on traveling in Argentina.