Argentina

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.

• 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

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.