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Argentina
Stretching from the Tropic of Capricorn to the South Atlantic, Argentina has history, culture and natural beauty to fill a lifetime of travels.
6 Holidays
- Enjoy a tour of the vibrant Latin city of Santiago
- Trek the spectacular W Route of the Torres Del Paine – Patagonia’s most famous hiking route.
- See the iconic Torres del Paine from the Las Torres Viewpoint
- Stay in the stunningly located Eco Camp
- Experience the remarkable sights and sounds of the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier
- Explore the landscapes and wildlife of wild and windswept Tierra Del Fuego – the very southern tip of South America
- Take a boat trip on the Beagle Channel to view the last lighthouse sailors see before reaching Antarctica
Flight inclusive from £7665, Land only from £6375
- Walk to the base camps of both Mount Fitzroy and Cerro Torre – the two iconic peaks of Los Glaciares National Park
- Discover the real Patagonian wilderness at magical Estancia Cristina, a truly remote and historic landmark
- Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Los Glaciares at the Patagonia Eco Domes
- Experience the remarkable sights and sounds of the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier
Flight inclusive from £8275, Land only from £7075
- Enjoy seven days of excellent walking, taking in all the highlights of the spectacular Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks
- Visit the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier
- Stay in high quality accommodation throughout including the award winning Ecocamp in the Torres del Paine
- Discover Santiago with a city tour and a full day walk in the Andes to San Francisco Glacier
Flight inclusive from £7250, Land only from £6100
- Time in Buenos Aires and in Ushuaia included
- The Beagle Channel, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands & the Antarctic Peninsula
- Amazing wildlife and breathtaking scenery
- Zodiac excursions, taking you closer to beautiful landscapes and wildlife
- Expert guides, great food and en suite cabins on board the M/S Expedition cruise ship
Flight inclusive from £10485, Land only from £9395
- Time in Buenos Aires and in Ushuaia included
- Explore the South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
- Regular Zodiac excursions take you close to the astonishing wildlife
- Spacious cabins, great food and first rate facilities on the M/S Expedition cruise ship
- Encounter enormous penguin colonies and keep lookout for whales, dolphins and seals
Flight inclusive from £14949, Land only from £12999
- Time in Buenos Aires and in Ushuaia included
- Fascinating wildlife and birdlife of the Falkland Islands
- King Penguin & macaroni penguin rookeries of South Georgia
- Explore South Shetland Islands & the Antarctic Peninsula
- Zodiac excursions, taking you closer to beautiful landscapes and astonishing wildlife
- Expert guides, great food and spacious cabins on the M/S Expedition cruise ship
- 1
Introduction
Argentina is an immense and contrasting country with its vast open plains, towering Andean mountains, dazzling Patagonian landscapes and the vibrant capital of Buenos Aires. The cultural roots of Argentina lie with its European settlers and are reflected in the arts, architecture and lifestyle of the people; the tango remains the musical heartbeat of the country echoing the passions of the people. Passion is also evident in the Argentine love of sport (particularly football) as well as food and wine, with the superb quality of Argentine beef and red wine renowned the world over.
The 8th largest country in the world, Argentina stretches some 3,800km from north to south and 1,425km across. It is bordered by Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia as well as the South Atlantic Ocean along its eastern shoreline. The west of Argentina is dominated by the Andes mountain range, the high point of which is Aconcagua; the highest peak outside of the Himalaya at 6,959M. The central or eastern parts of Argentina are made up almost entirely of flat or gently undulating plains. This vast country can be divided into several distinct geographical and climatic regions including the tropical northwest, the dry temperate climate of the central sierras, the fertile pampas and Patagonia – the largest, most scenic and coldest of all the geographic zones.
The diverse landscapes of Argentina are never more dramatic than in the region of Patagonia which lies in the southern tip of the continent and is shared with Chile. The Patagonian Andean mountains are mainly granite and have been sculpted by over 12 million years of glacial action into turquoise lakes, tumbling glaciers and jagged rock towers such as the iconic peaks of Cerro Torre and Fitzroy. The Los Glaciers National Park is an excellent base for seeing the many wonders of Patagonia on our Gentle Walking Patagonia in Style walking holiday, for it combines stunning scenery and abundant wildlife with excellent opportunities for trekking and other outdoor activities.
Together with the similarly stunning scenery of Chilean Patagonia, these wondorous landscapes of Argentina can be enjoyed to the full on our Complete Patagonia - Paine & Fitz Roy walking holiday.
Ushuaia is also the setting off point for cruises to Antarctica. We offer three thrilling Antarctic cruises onboard the well-equipped polar cruise ship the M/S Expedition: Quest for the Antarctic Circle, Spirit of Shackleton and Antarctica Classic.
Key Facts
- Capital city: Buenos Aires
- Population: 42,192,494 (2011)
- Size of country: 2,780,400 sq km
- Currency: Argentine peso
- Power supply: 220-240 Volts
- Sockets: Two flat-pin or three flat-pin plugs
- Language: Spanish
- Time difference: GMT -3 hours
- Visas: British nationals may visit Argentina as a tourist with a valid passport without a visa for a maximum stay of 90 days.
- Religion: Nominally Roman Catholic 92% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 4%.
- Popular dishes: Asado (barbequed beef or lamb).
- Popular drinks: Maté, a strong bitter tea, often drunk from a bombilla, a cup made of a hollowed gourd with a silver straw.
- Did you know: In the years before they were killed in Bolivia, in 1907, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid lived (and robbed the odd bank) in Argentinian Patagonia.
- FCDO advice: FCDO travel advice
Climate
When is the best time to travel to Argentina?
Our climate charts will give you a guide as to the weather conditions of Argentina. Spring (September-November) and autumn (March to May) are thought to be the best time to visit the capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires.
Argentina's seasons are the reverse of the UK, with summer during the
months of December to February. This is thought to be the optimum time to travel to Patagonia,
but this is also when the wind tends to be strongest. Temperatures are in the mid teens to
twenties. This is also the
busiest time of year for tourists in Patagonia so do book ahead if you
want to travel during these months as hotels and flights fill up
quickly. Travel in spring and autumn and although temperatures will be
lower, the wind also tends to be reduced.
If you
can't make the dates of our group departures, then take a private
departure on dates to suit you, or we can create a Tailor Made holiday
to Argentina, especially for you and your family or friends.