Our Argentina specialists are experienced and passionate about the country - between them they have spent many weeks a year researching new experiences and ensuring everything is of the highest standard. They know Argentina inside out.
Practical Information
Argentina is a huge and varied country that has more than enough attractions to absorb a visitor in its own right. It is also easily combined with visits to Chile via one of the many spectacular Andean routes between the two countries, or to Brazil via Iguazú Falls.
Due to its vastness, comprehensive itineraries around Argentina will involve several internal flights, but our specialists will ensure that the idiosyncrasies of the domestic airline schedules are taken into account, and connections are kept to a minimum.
Visiting Argentina
Our specialists have a detailed and up-to-date knowledge of the country’s many regions and the best way to combine them, dependent upon the different seasons and logistical factors you will encounter as you travel from one part to another.
As well as the obvious highlights, we have visited and like to suggest areas and places to stay which are perhaps less well-known and therefore more close a reflection of local life.
Highlights
Whatever your motive in visiting this wonderful country, whether you wish to learn the tango, sample the wine, marvel at the glaciers, waterfalls or mountains, photograph the wildlife, ride with the gauchos, or a combination of all these things, we can tailor a trip to ensure that you leave the country loving it as much as we do.
Language
The official language is Spanish. English is widely used by many in the tourist industry.
Food and drink
Vegetarians beware: Argentine food can be summed up in one simple word - 'beef'. The cornerstone of the Argentine economy and diet, beef features heavily in the barbeques or asados which are a tasty tradition. The other national delicacy is dulce de leche, an exceedingly sweet and sticky goo that is eaten on bread, in cakes or just off the spoon. And to drink, the Argentines have mate as their national beverage.
Money
The currency is the peso. In theory, US banknotes may be accepted as currency, but not coins. Change is always in short supply. Automatic cash dispensers are widespread, especially in the cities. Most machines take all credit cards, as well as Cirrus and Plus cards. Visa is widely accepted (Mastercard not so much), as are bank debit cards.
Tipping
Tipping for good service is an accepted fact. Amounts are discretionary.
Under The Skin
Read
'Tango!: The Dance, the Song, the Story' by Simon Collier, a colourful and lively book which details the history of Argentina's traditional music and dance.
Listen
Fito Paez, Gustavo Cerati and the eccentric Charly Garcia are all legends of Argentine 'Rock National'. For traditional tango music try Astor Piazzola, for a modern take try El Gotan Project.
Watch
William Salles adaptation of Ernesto "Che" Guevera's 'The Motorcycle Diaries' beautifully chronicles the crucial formative years of the Argentine medical student as he confronts prejudice and social injustice.
Eat
Asado! You cannot leave the country without trying an Argentinian style bbq. The meat is possibly the best in the world and the locals are expert at cooking it.
Drink
The Malbec wines grown in the Mendoza province are superb. Fernet Branca is the local spirit of choice.
Word
Che (a casual term for friend or brother).
Trademarks
Great food and drink, gauchos, tango, football, diverse landscapes and colourful politics.
Leather goods are well made and well-priced. Stylish clothes are a fraction of UK prices.