Take the Train to the Clouds through San Antonio de los Cobres, go skiing in Ushuaia, the southern-most city in the world, hike through the thick forests of the Andean range, be awestruck by the roar of the Iguazu Falls, romp with Megallanic penguins at the Peninsula Valdes wildlife sanctuary. Learn to dance the Tango, lounge about the beaches of Mar del Plata or discover the secrets of the ancient Incas in Salta and Jujuy. Argentina has so much to offer. To get under Argentinan skin, read, ‘Bad Times in Beunos Aires’, by Miranda France, watch ‘Killing Grandpa’ by Luis Cesar D’Angiolillo and listen to Carlos Gardel’s tango.
Information
Capital: Beunos Aires
Official Languages: Spanish
Government: Republic
Currency: Peso
Time Zone: -3:00 GMT (8½ hrs behind India)
Telephone Calling Code: 0054
When to Visit
Best time to visit: March to May. The average temperature in Argentina is 17.5 C. The highest monthly average temperature is 30°C in January and the lowest monthly average temperature is 7°C in June, July.
What to Eat and Drink
Argentina is the carnivore capital of the world and has the highest per-capita beef consumption in the world. Taking inspiration from Italian and Spanish cuisine, their food is rich, oily and salty and relies heavily on beef. Vegetarian options are few and far between, though not impossible to get.
What to eat and drink
Parrillada: A mixed grill of steak and other cuts of beef.
Carbonada: A meat stew with potatoes, sweet potatoes, and chunks of corn on the cob
Empanadas: Turnovers with savoury filling of veggies or meat
Provoleta: Barbecued cheese
Pizza
Dulce de leche: A sort of caramel made of condensed milk
Haledo: Ice cream
Malbec wine
Maté
What to Buy
Marionettes, dolls,
Jesus figures, wine, designer-wear, masks, alpaca knives, silverwear, maté gourds, wooden sculptures, vintage clothes, sporting memorabilia, capybara leather goods, shoes, antiques, books.
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