Argentina
Family travel to Argentina combines adventure, culture and fun. And thanks to the country’s recent economic woes, a trip to Argentina is also a steal. Nestled between the Andes Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Argentina stretches 3,800 kilometers (2,360 miles) from its border with Bolivia to Antarctica occupying almost the entire southern portion of South America. From mountains to plains, subtropical forests to glaciers, natural wonders to World Heritage sites and gauchos to tango, the country’s diversity is a lesson in contrasts and ensures families have a great deal to discover. And with an exchange rate of roughly 3 Argentine pesos to 1 U.S. dollar, your biggest expense is likely to be getting there.
Argentina has emerged from the political and economic collapse of 2001 and while demonstrations can still occur in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, social unrest has abated and the city is relatively safe. Travel throughout the remainder of the country is safe by any standard.
Whether you are attracted to the country’s “wild west” or the capital’s cosmopolitan air, Argentina’s diversity is also reflected in the great number of activities to be had. Patagonia is a top destination for families in search of the great outdoors. Visit an archaeology site or take part in a dig. Observe sea life from shore or take a whale watching tour. And depending on the season, hike, bike, fish, snorkel or ski. The truly adventurous may wish to test their mountaineering skills in the province of Mendoza even if they do not intend to scale Aconcagua, which at 6,959 meters (22,841 feet) is the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere.
Looking for a different kind of an adventure? Travel to Salta and take a trip on the Train to the Clouds. Explore one of the world’s natural wonders at Iguazu Falls in the far north and Perito Moreno in the country’s extreme south. Visit an Estancia, a traditional Argentine cattle ranch, and learn to be a gaucho on the Pampean plains. Head to Buenos Aires for museums, theatres, historical monuments and much, much more. And don’t leave without experiencing the tango. With the revival of tourism, the tango is also returning to its cultural glory.
Whether you tour the country independently or in the company of others, a family vacation in Argentina is an enriching experience for all.
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Getting There
Buenos Aires is the gateway to Argentina for most foreign travelers. International flights arrive/depart Ezeiza Int'l Airport located 35 km southwest of Buenos Aires. Most domestic flights and flights to neighboring countries arrive/depart Jorge Newbery Airport (Aeroparque) situated roughly 15 minutes from the center of Buenos Aires. Visit Easy Buenos Aires for more.
Getting Around
The easiest and fastest way to travel within Argentina is by air. Aerolineas Argentinas and LADE connect Buenos Aires and tourist destinations including Bariloche, El Calafate, Iguazu, Neuquén, Salta and Trelew. Aerolineas Argentinas' Visit Argentina program enables international travelers to purchase domestic tickets at a discounted fare. Tickets must be purchased in conjunction with a full fare international flight and cannot be purchased from within Argentina. In general, roads and highways are in good condition and it is safe to travel by car. An international driving license may be required for travel outside Buenos Aires. For additional information contact your local automobile club. Not only is bus travel comfortable, safe and efficient, it is an adventure for the kids. However, given the distances involved you may want to limit your bus travel to short journeys.
Domestic Airlines
Aerolineas Argentinas LADE South America and Visit Argentina pass Aerolineas Argentinas Car Rental Webcar Hire Long Distance Bus Travel soloBUS.com City Buses Colectivo Documents Required
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months. Tourist visas are not required for EU, US, Canadian, Australian or South African nationals staying 90 days or less.
When to Travel
Argentina's climate varies from subtropical in the north to sub-arctic in the extreme south. Spring, September to November, is the best time to visit everywhere except Patagonia. Summers can be extremely wet and in the north and extremely hot in the interior. Yet summer is the best time of the year to visit Patagonia. Winter sports are practiced from June to August.
Travel Health & Child Safety
While there are no vaccination requirements for international travelers, malaria and yellow fever are prevalent in some northern rural areas. Malaria is a risk in rural lowland areas along the borders with Bolivia (Salta and Jujuy provinces) and Paraguay (Misiones and Corrientes provinces). Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travelers, aged 9+, to the northern and northeastern provinces including visits to Iguacu Falls. Petty theft, a hangover from the economic crisis, remains an issue in big cities such as Buenos Aires.
Currency
The currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso. The exchange rate is approximately 3.5 Argentine pesos to 1 US dollar and 5 Pesos to 1 Euro.
Things to Keep in Mind
Kids reign in Argentina. They are welcome everywhere except nightclubs.
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