Visit Argentina:
Argentina is 1,056,636 sq miles (2,736,690 sq km). It is the second largest country in South America, in both size and population. Northern Argentina is swampy and wooded; the center of Argentina is covered in fertile pampas and areas rich in agriculture and livestock. Southern Argentina is cool with arid steppes. In 2009 the population was estimated to be 40,913,584 with a growth rate of 1.0%. The life expectancy is 76.5. The most densely populated city is Buenos Aires, but the country on average has a population density of 38 people per sq km.
Other large cities in Argentina include: Cordoba, Rosario, Mendoza, and Mar del Plata.
The monetary unit in Argentina is the Argentine Peso (ARS)
Electricity: 220 Volts
Language: Spanish
Tips for the Buenos Aires Airport:
Upon arrival you will have to pass through Immigrations, this might take a while depending on your flight. You will have to give them your declaration that you filled out in the plane, they will return you a copy—keep this! You will need it when you are departing, if you lose it they will give you all sorts of troubles. One of the biggest problems about arriving in BA airport is the shortage of luggage carts. They are free, but not easy to find. If you have too much luggage to carry yourself, they will eventually show up with some, but if you are in a hurry you should just try to handle your things alone. If you decide to wait there is a nice money exchange nearby and they give a fairly fair rate. Customs is relatively easy to clear through and you should have no problems. If you decide to take a taxi downtown be extremely cautious. Do not under any circumstances accept the offers of the men trying to get you to take a taxi outside the airport. You should look for a yellow, official, cab. You will see them when you leave the airport. However the best idea is to pre-book a "remise" - that will pick you up and charge a pre agreed amount. A “remise” will cost around 70 ARS.
Airport departure procedures are a bit more complex and frustrating than arrival. Have a meal before you arrive at the airport, there are few options. I suggest arriving two to three hours early. When you arrive you have to stand in line to obtain your boarding pass, the length of the line varies from day to day. Next, you have to wait in line again to pay your airport departure tax, the line you wait in is unstructured and chaotic. There are two lines, one where you pay the $18USD fee and another line where they confirm you have paid the fee and then enter Immigrations. You will have to fill out at migrations form that you can find at the airline check-in desk and give it to the immigration officer along with the form you were given apon arrival. When you finish this you are free until you have to board. Before you board they will check your hand luggage again and your passport.
You could spend days trying to see all the sights in Buenos Aires. Here are a few that I recommend specifically: Basílica de Santo Domingo, Biblioteca Nacional, Casa Rosada, Catedral Metropolitana, Cementerio de la Recoleta, Centro Cultural Recoleta, El Caminito, The Latin American Art Museum, The Modern Art Museum, National History Museum, The Museum of Immigration, Obelisco, and the Plaza de Mayo
-How to get around?
In Buenos Aires I recommend taking the public busses or the subway, which can be more convenient. If you are staying in the center you can walk most everywhere, and traveling further outside of downtown is easy and economical in the subway.
-Where should I stay?
The best neighborhoods to stay in are Palermo and Recoleta. Both are located in the center and are relatively safe. You will be close enough to walk to the major sights in the city.
While in Mendoza you should be sure to stop by a few wineries. One of the most interesting is the Cavas de Zonda where you can see a wine cellar located in a cave. You should also try and visit the Iglesia, Convento, and Basilica de San Francisco: a historical church located in Mendoza. Mendoza is also known for climbing; I recommend visiting the Parque Provincial Aconcagua and Parque Provincial Volcan Tupungato for some beautiful views. If you prefer to stay closer into town, I recommend taking the stairs to the top of city hall where you can have a panoramic view of the city and try to visit the Parque General San Martin.
-How to get around?
Most of Mendoza can be explored on foot. However if you prefer you can take reasonably priced public busses around town. You will need to buy a pass in a kiosk if you are planning any longer trips in these busses.
-Where should I stay?
I recommend that you try to stay near the Plaza Independencia. From here most everything will be within walking distance and it is relatively safe for a big city.
Bariloche is a great little town with a relaxed atmosphere. In the summer it is full of people that want to participate in water sports and hike. In winter is a beautiful ski resort town. The main attractions of the city are the Cavernas Del Viejo Volcan, which is a cave historically inhabited by the Mapuche, it is a great place to explore. Another sight is the Monte Tronador, which is a ridge of extremely high peaks that separate Argentina from Chile. It is famous among climbers, but a makes for a challenging summit. The Nahuel Huapi National Park is located nearby and it has a beautiful lake at its center. Here you can spend hours or days hiking. The last of my suggestions is to visit the Volcan Lanin. The Volcano is one of the most dominating sights in the skyline and is a rather inciting place to visit. While in Bariloche you should be sure to stop into the Museo de la Patagonia while strolling through the city center; here you can learn about the region and Patagonia.
-How to get around?
Bariloche is fairly easy to travel through on the public busses or by taxi. Neither of which are expensive.
-Where should I stay?
While in Bariloche you should stay in the “centro” close to the beach. Anything near Plaza 55, Plaza 56 or Plaza Italia should be fairly safe and central. If you can stay on Mitre or Moreno streets near Villegas you will be located very central.
Cordoba is a very historical city; it was founded by Spanish colonists in 1570. Today there are still many historical remnants left in the city. You can see some of the Jesuit´s first churches in the area. The first of their constructions started in 1577, it is called Iglesia Catedral. Another interesting place for a stroll is the Jesuit Block, where you can see and learn a bit about the founding of Cordoba. I also recommend going to the Provincial Marques de Sobremonte History Museum and visiting one of the icon buildings of Cordoba called Palacio Ferrerya.
-How to get around?
You can travel through Cordoba by bus, taxi, or on foot. Busses require tokens that can be purchased at any kiosk around town. Cordoba is a large city and I do not recommend trying to travel everywhere on foot. However, the city center is fairly compact and I think that you should be able to walk to most things if you stay in downtown.
-Where should I stay?
While in Cordoba I recommend staying in downtown. The closer you can get to Plaza San Martin the easier access you will have to all the museums and sights in town.
The city proper doesn’t have any real sights. There is a lot of great local shopping, a casino and different local tours. The real attraction in El Calafate is Perito Moreno and Parque Nacional Los Glaciers where you can get a breathtaking up-close view of an amazingly large glacier.
-How to get around?
El Calafate is a very small town and can be covered on foot. However, if your feet get tired, the taxis (remis) are not expensive.
-Where should I stay?
I recommend staying as close as you can to Av Del Libertador Gral San Martin. If you can stay between Av. 17 de Octubre and where San Martin starts to turn you will be very close to everything. If you cannot stay there you will still be very close to most everything; it is a very small town.
Puerto Iguazu is known for its beautiful rainforests and amazing waterfalls. Here you can travel to see the Iguazu National Park to see the amazing waterfalls up-close—this is the principal attraction. You can also visit the Aripuca de Iguazo, which aims to preserve and show off the Rain Forest located in Argentina. You can also visit the GuiraOga and the center for recuperation of birds; this is an animal hospital that allows people to come in and see the different animals that can be found in the area.
-How to get around?
This town is fairly small. You can walk around to see most of the sights in town. If you want to cross into Paraguay or Brazil you can hire a taxi or arrange a tour with the local tourist office.
-Where should I stay?
You should try and stay near Av. Victoria Aguirre and the main plaza. From here you can access the city on foot and walk to most of the sights.
While relaxing on the beaches, you could also take some time to explore the three marine museums in Puerto Madryn. The two museums are called the Ecocentro and the Museo Provincial de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanografico. The third sight is a marine hospital where you can see the animals up-close and watch a nurse restore health back to the wildlife. Other than these three places you can do some shopping or just relax on the beautiful beaches.
-How to get around?
You should be able to walk most everywhere in town, but if you decide to venture out the taxis are reasonable.
-Where should I stay?
Puerto Madryn is a fairly small town that has a relaxed beach atmosphere. I suggest staying near the beach and Plaza Puerto Madryn. Here you will be located centrally and it is rather safe.
Rosario is a relaxed beach town, with great places to swim. You can visit the Balneario La Florida or Costanera Norte for a nice swim. Another interesting thing about Rosario is that the creator of the Argentine flag is located here. You can see his crypt located in the Monumento Nacional a la Bandera and visit the museum where the original flag is located. In town you can also visit various history and art museums.
-How to get around?
You can travel through Rosario by local bus, taxi, or bicycle. The bus is a good value, but if you are interested in seeing lots of places a bicycle might be slightly more economic. However, if you stay in the city center you should be fine just walking.
-Where should I stay?
Rosario is a fairly large city and you should try to stay as close to the Parque Nacional de La Bandera as you can. Here you will be able to travel to most everything on foot.
Salta is full of Museums and Churches. The most historic religious building was built in the 15th century as a convent; the building is still a functioning convent and only nuns are allowed inside. Museums range from history, archeology, anthropology, and art. All are interesting and will teach you something about the local culture. For the outdoor lovers you can hike through the Parque Nacional Fince El Rey or the Reserva Del Huaico. The Tren a las Nubes is an interesting ride on a wild train that takes you across bridges through tunnels and around many curves. The train will take you through a beautiful raven and to the border with Chile.
-How to get around?
I suggest walking throughout the town. The city is really slow paced and nice for walking. However, there are public busses and taxis that are also available.
-Where should I stay?
Plaza 9 de Julio is the center of Salta. This is the best place to stay to see the sights of Salta. You can walk to most of the city´s attractions and will be located in the center.
Ushuaia is picturesque and some people just observe nature while they are here. I recommend checking out Beagle Channel, Glaciar Martial, and Tierra del Fuego National Park for all the nature lovers. Other great things to see in Ushuaia include the Museo Del Fin del Mundo and the Museo Maritimo & Museo del Presidio where you can see how the town developed with the help of prisoners.
-How to get around?
Ushuaia´s city center is pretty small. You can stay here and walk to most places. However if you need to go a bit further the taxis are reasonably priced.
-Where should I stay?
While staying in Ushuaia you should try to stay in town. The touristy part of Ushuaia is located along the coast. You should try to stay in between Maipu and Magallanes.