Ski Centers in Argentina

Catedral Ski Center Cerro Catedral is located in the Nahuel Huapi National Park, surrounded by a unique landscape of lakes and mountains, and only a 19 Km paved route away from San Carlos de Bariloche, a city with lodging and food infrastructure at the most demanding international tourism level.

Chapelco Ski Center Chapelco is one of the most attractive places to enjoy the splendor of snow, with the incomparable Andes mountain range in the background, and panoramic views of lake Lácar and the volcano Lanín in all directions.

Las LeñasSki Center Valle de Las Leñas is located in the middle of the Andes mountain range, in the province of Mendoza, and 2,240 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by the mounts Torrecillas, El Collar, Ponce, Las Leñas, Entre Ríos, Martín and Los Fósiles. Read more about Ski Centers on Buenos Aires Times.

The Virgen Lujan Basilica. A Must!

Check out more videos on Youtube.

HEALTHCARE IN ARGENTINA

In 2000 the total population in Argentina was estimated at 37 million. Argentina is divided into 23 provinces and a federal district, Buenos Aires, the Capital Federal.

Resources for Health services in Argentina were US$ 22.700 million in 1999 of which US$ 5,400 million were for public hospitals, US$ 8,300 million for Obras Sociales and Pami, US$ 2,300 in Pre-paid services, US$ 6,700 direct payment for beneficiaries.

Health expenditures as percentage of GDP were 7.4% in 1997 and 9.7% in 1999.

The public sector has an annual budget of US$ 13.012 million, representing 1,9% of GDP. The GDP per capita is US$ 8,514. Health expenditures per capita amounted to US$ 675 in 1997 and US$ 826 in 1999.

The compulsory portion of health care has two components: the government-administered component is financed through tax revenue (on a pay-as-you-go basis) and guarantees a standard minimum benefit according to principles of redistribution and insurance; the private component is geared toward savings and security, and takes the form of individual member-capitalized savings plans or company-managed plans that are funded by joint employee and employer contributions, fully and individually capitalised and regulated by the government (i.e., fully funded plans).

The voluntary plans are identical in all respects to the fully funded plans with the exception that they are capitalised exclusively by the beneficiary.

The health services system is composed of four main sub sectors: the public Hospital sub-sector (i.e., government-provided financing and services), the Obras Sociales (employee-benefit plans formerly run by unions and now organized by professional category), the private sub-sector (Pre-Paid voluntary insurance plans based on actuarial risk) and Insurance companies which cover a marginal sector of the economy. There is a strong bias toward curative care, with emphasis on hospital services. Although national, provincial, and municipal policies all define primary health care as their basic strategy, most of the jurisdictions that have adopted this strategy approach it in the form of "programme's" to be carried out at the primary care level.

The Obras Sociales plans are a system of compulsory social insurance that includes other benefits in addition to health care. Their financing comes from employer (5% monthly of salary) and employee (3% monthly) contributions. The Government is expediting deregulation of the sector in order to foster competition between the Obras Sociales plans and private (pre-paid) health insurance companies, encouraging beneficiaries to take an active role in choosing their Obras Sociales plan, and guaranteeing that all plans afford the basic benefits package of main services, diagnoses, and treatments for subscriber and dependants (PMO) as required by law. Benefits for primary and secondary care have a small co-payment (US$ 5 or US$10 for doctor's visits) but in-patient care and complex surgery/ procedures are free of charge. There is a 50% cover for drugs.

These Obras Sociales used to be linked to economic activities. Therefore each industry had its own OS as they vary in their level of quality of service and their services depend on salary scales and contributions. Nowadays members can choose any OS if they deem it to provide better care. By law, OS are not allowed to impose waiting periods, pre-existing conditions or exclusions. There are approximately 260 Obras Sociales providing care to 16 million members.

There are also Obras Sociales not associated to trade unions which offer care to middle and senior management who earn over US$2,000 monthly. These OS are financed like regular OS. The difference lies in the quality of service due to higher revenues. There are 24 institutions of this type in Argentina covering approximately 950,000 members. They have the same obligations as the trade union OS.

Except for those included under special programmes, the public sub-sector does not cover drugs for out-patient care. The public sub-sector of Obras Sociales plans defray a percentage of members' drug costs and fully subsidise all the uncommon, high-cost drugs included in the PMO (Plan Medico Obligatorio).

Pre-paid medicine companies also cover 50% of beneficiaries' drug costs. It is estimated that 8% of the population covered by the OS would also contribute to Pre-paid (PP) medicine. Pre-paid companies amount to 2,200.000 beneficiaries and operate very much any company providing private health insurance.

The only institution, which provides health care for the retired/elderly, is PAMIs, which are privately owned but managed by the government. The level of care and financing is inadequate. Pamis cover approximately 4,500.000 people.
In 1992 there was an average of only one physician for every 367 residents, and a ratio of 1 nurse for every 4 physicians and 5.4 nurses per 10,000 of the population, levels in this category were also considered insufficient. In 1999 there were 24.9 physicians for 10,000 of the population.

The number of available beds was 1,55.749 in 1995, with 54% in the public sub-sector, 2.8% in the Obras Sociales sub-sector, 43% in the private sub-sector. In 1996 there were 824 self'- managing public hospitals, offering a total of 62,402 beds (almost 75.3% of the country's public beds). In 1999 there were 44.8 hospital beds per 1,000 of the population.

In the private sub-sector, the two main subgroups are: professionals who provide independent care services to members of Obras Sociales or private, pre-paid plans; and health care facilities that are contracted by Obras Sociales plans.

Argentina health is not administered as insurance, as is the case with most foreign countries.

Pre-paid medical insurance originated as cover for independent workers. The popular perception is that pre-paid medicine rates very highly, as everybody would like to afford a particular plan. Pre-paid cover has a higher rate of usage than Obras Sociales and the Pre-paid client demands good service and is not willing to pay co-payments. PPs do not need sanction from any government body to operate; they exist to satisfy supply and demand.

Regarding outside cover, there is an international network only for emergencies providing free-of- charge care for accidents and for not pre-existing conditions for up to 180 days abroad. It includes repatriation of mortal remains due to accidental death. There are various plans on offer.

Expatriates are not covered unless they choose one of the pre-paid institutions. The level of care and quality is similar to that in their home countries.

DIRECTORY OF HOSPITALS & CLINICS

Clinica Bessone
Paunero 1648/86
San Miguel
Argentina
Tel: + 54 381 4667 2040

Clinica Del Sol
Av Coronel Diaz 2211
Buenos Aires
Argentina
Tel: + 54 11 4821 1000

Hospital Aleman
Av. Pueyrredon 1640
Buenos Aires
1118
Argentina
Tel: + 54 11 4821 1700
Fax: + 54 11 4805 6087
Email: mterrera@hospitalaleman.com
Website: www.hospitalaleman.com

Read the whole list of hospitals on Allo' Expat Argentina.

Places you can't miss in Cordoba

1. Capilla Doméstica

The Capilla Doméstica, completed in 1644, sits directly behind the church on Caseros. Its ornate ceiling was made with cowhide stretched over a skeleton of thick taguaro cane and painted with pigments composed partially of boiled bones. Guided visits leave from inside the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba.

2. Colegio Nacional de Monserrat

Next door to the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, the Colegio Nacional de Monserrat dates from 1782, though the college itself was founded in 1687 and transferred after the Jesuit expulsion. Though the interior cloisters are original, the exterior was considerably modified in 1927 by restoring architect Jaime Roca, who gave the building its present baroque flare.

3. Cripta Jesuítica

The Jesuits, at the beginning of the 18th century, built the Cripta Jesuítica. It was originally designed as a novitiate and later converted to a crypt and crematorium. Abandoned after the Jesuit expulsion, it was demolished and buried around 1829 when the city, while expanding Av Colón, knocked the roof into the subterranean naves and built over the entire structure. It remained all but forgotten until Telecom, while laying underground telephone cable in 1989, accidentally ran into it.

4. Iglesia Catedral

The construction of Córdoba's cathedral began in 1577 and dragged on for more than two centuries under several architects, including Jesuits and Franciscans, and though it lacks any sense of architectural unity, it's a beautiful structure. Crowned by a Romanesque dome, it overlooks Plaza San Martín, at Independencia and 27 de Abril. The lavish interior was painted by renowned cordobés (Córdoban) painter Emilio Caraffa.

5. Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús

Designed by the Flemish Padre Philippe Lemaire, the Manzana Jesuítica Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús dates from 1645 but was not completed until 1671, with the successful execution of Lemaire's plan for a cedar roof in the form of an inverted ship's hull. Lemaire was once, unsurprisingly, a boat builder. Inside, the church's baroque altarpiece is made from carved Paraguayan cedar from Misiones province.

For more, go to Lonely Planet.

Disabled Travellers

Argentina is developing an industry of accesible tourism industry. There has been disabled rights legislation here since 1982, in 2002, began to implement and to improve tourist facilities for travelers with disabilities, this facilities are concentrated in big cities. Public buildings and main tourist centres access ramps or lifts, but in damage of this, some sidewalks in the city are crumbling. Only four - and five - stars hotels, offers rooms designed for disabled travelers. Hotels are renovating their structures, this is a sign that tourism for travellers with special needs is becoming a priority.

Disables travellers should visit the elegant neighbourhood of Recoleta, the fine Arts Museum, the Centro of Buenos Aires, in certain hours, some streets become crowded, and is a little difficult to pass. Fortunately, several people are ready to help.

The Famous Iguazu waterfalls are one of the national parks of maximum accessibility for disabled visitors, has access ramps in all the buildings in the complex, accessible footbridges. Tourist could take the Green Train to the Jungle which has recently been made weelchair-accessible.

In adventure, there are also adapted skiing programs for people with disabilities, with specialized instructors and equipment hire available, at Bariloche and in the mountain village of San Martín de los Andes; a city that always is optimizing its accessibility conditions and with people very hospitable. Destinations as Arrayanes, Los Glaciares, Peninsula Valdes, Tierra del Fuego and other national parks are improving their accessibility.


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Miusa Mobility International USA
Telephone: (541) 343-1284 (Tel/TTY)
Fax: (541) 343-6812

MossRehab Hospital
Provides assistance of accessible-travel resources online
Telephone: (215) 456-9603
Email: staff1@mossresourcenet.org

SATH (Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality
Offers travel resources (destinations, travel agents, tour operators, vehicle rentals, access guides, and more) for people with disabilities.
Telephone: (212) 447-7284
Fax: (212) 725-8253
Email: info@sath.org

AFB American Foundation for the Blind
Offers resources for the blind or visually impaired, includes information on traveling with Seeing Eye dogs.
Telephone: (800) AFB-LINE or (800) 232-5463
Email: afbinfo@afb.net


SPECIALIST TRAVEL COMPANIES

Decthird
Telephone: (54) 911 4182 - 5469
Email: marcelo@decthird.com

Amapi Expeditions
Telephone: +56 9 9179365;
Email: organisation@amapiexpeditions.com

Transpdisc "Transporting People with Disabilities since 1996"
Telephone: (15) 4446-9883 (Local calls)
Telephone: (54 - 9 - 11) 4446-9883 (International calls)
E-Mail info@transpdisc.com.ar

Cost, Money & Banks

CHANGING MONEY AND GETTING CASH If you have a debit card of international use, you can use it, there are abundance of ATM machines in Argentina, every bank has cash machines of credit card companies such as a Visa, Cirrus, MasterCard, Plus, Maestro, Citibank and others.

But, consider that the bank will make a charge for providing the service, so ensure, that you know in advance what the charge will be. Changing foreign currency is easy, you could do it at the Money Changers but they will give you a very bad exchange rate or will give you fakes bills, if you want to exchange cash, do that in the Banco de la Nacion, which is open all day and you will get a fair exchange rate, also many businesses and hotels, accept Dollars and Euros and many times give you a better exchange rate.

TRAVELLER'S CHEQUES AND CREDIT CARDS

Most of the credit cards are accepted in Argentina; Visa, Diners Club, American Express and Mastercard are the most commonly used in Buenos Aires and the other major cities, but may be less acceptable outside of these places, so, you would have another form of have money if you travel outside of these areas.

In Buenos Aires, only major stores accept change travellers checks, small businesses possibly do not accept them, outside Buenos Aires changing travelers checks is very difficult too, so the fastest way to change them is go to banks or houses of change

Some trade offices of Credit Card suppliers:

• VISA, located at Av. Corrientes 1437, tel. 4379-3400/3333, open from Monday through Friday 9:00 a 17:00
• DINERS CLUB, located at Av. Santa Fé 1148, tel. 0-810-444-2484
• AMERICAN EXPRESS, located at Arenales 707, tel. 4312-1661, open from Monday through Friday 9:00 a 17:00
• MASTERCARD, located at Perú 143, tel. 4340-5700, open from Monday through Friday 9:30 a 18:00
• CARTA FRANCA, located at Bartolomé Mitre 844, tel. 4339-5544
• CREDENCIAL, located at Av Las Heras 1831 Piso 4º, tel 5777-5800

Check out more tips on Argentina Travel.

Pics of Misiones Argentina

More of theses pics on Flickr.

The Ends of the Earth

Take a Bargain Trip to Tierra del Fuego

By David Rich

The image of a land beyond which there is none, of Tierra del Fuego, has fascinated me ever since my schoolboy geography days. Finally I went, driving for four months from Ecuador and arriving in time for Christmas and New Years.

The Island of Tierra del Fuego is the size of Ireland, the last outpost of civilization before arrival in Antarctica. To the east rages the wild Atlantic, to the west and north the comparatively tranquil Straits of Magellan, and to the south the Beagle Channel and Cape Horn, where the most outrageous storms in the world collide. The island is easily divided in simple fourths: the west Chile and the east Argentina, the north—windswept with dots of oil derricks, bogs, and sheep—in both Chile and Argentina, the south crammed with jagged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, a fabulous national park, and the world’s southernmost city of Ushuaia. The southeast quadrant in Argentina reputedly offers the best trout fishing on the planet around Tierra del Fuego’s largest city, Rio Grande, plus a very special bakery in the little town of Tolhuin.

The history of the fiery land is heartbreak and violent death. The four original indigenous groups were purposefully slaughtered by Europeans to add to their empires. Less than ten indigenous people survive from the Selk’nam tribe or any tribe. I bought two pounds of king crab from a weather-beaten and stoic Selk’nam survivor, when the ferry from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales anchored for an hour at Puerto Eden.

Read more at Transitions Abroad.

Gay Tours around Argentina

November 13 - 24, 2009 November 24 - 25, 2009 (Extension to Iguazú Falls)

• The vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires

• Majestic Patagonia at the southern end of South America with the jagged peaks of the Andes and awesome glaciers and lakes

• The underrated and marvelous Northwest with the country’s most prevalent indigenous cultures, gorgeous landscapes, and a thriving wine production

• Awesome Iguazú Falls on the border with Brazil

It’s all part of our incredible tour of Argentina! Join us on this wonderful 12- or 13-day odyssey from the far tropical north to the wild remoteness of the alpine deep south.

Special Note: The Andean Northwest is an area that is missing from most itineraries and which sets apart our Argentina tour for gay travelers. Some may find it the most seductive part of the country. The Northwest is the country’s most historical and colorful region with its deep-rooted culture and traditions. Here lie the Calchaqui Valleys (known as the Sacred Valleys) and the Humahuaca Gorge, two regions that are full of contrasts: the dawn light reflected on the Western Andean mountains and the colors of the sunset glowing on the Eastern “Sierras.” There are fascinating formations evocative of the American Southwest and ancient rock carvings; Inca ruins; colonial churches and picturesque Indian villages; gorgeous vineyard scenery; and infinite extensions of desert country covered by gigantic cactus and unique flora species with volcanoes looming far above.

Day 1 – Friday, November 13, 2009 Arrive in Buenos Aires with your own air arrangements and transfer to the group hotel in the city. We can arrange a transfer for you in advance, or there are desks in the arrival area before you exit the baggage claim area where you can book a transfer on the spot. The rest of the day is on your own to settle into the hotel. You may wish to have a walk around the neighborhood to stretch your legs and help shake off any jet lag. We will come together in the early evening at the hotel for a welcome drink and then set out for our first dinner, which will be in one of the most elegant tango show palaces of Buenos Aires. The grand old-time dining room here features high-tech acoustics and superb dancers, creating a wonderful tango environment. Overnight in Buenos Aires Meals included: Welcome Drink and Dinner {Tip: You may want to consider arriving in Buenos Aires a day early to help alleviate any jet lag or fatigue from your journey. There is plenty to see and do in this exciting city, and we can assist with booking an extra night at the group hotel.}

Day 2 – Buenos Aires
We have a full day in Buenos Aires to explore this terrifically vibrant and cosmopolitan city’s great diversity of neighborhoods such as La Boca and Recoleta with our accompanying guide. Over the years Buenos Aires has come to be known as the “Paris of South America.” There is indeed an abundance of beautiful architecture, great shops and restaurants, lively cafés and bars, and no shortage of beautiful people. We’ll explore the narrow streets of the old city and the broad avenues that mark Buenos Aires’ modern growth. Around the Plaza de Mayo we will see the Casa Rosada (the rose-colored presidential residence), the Cathedral, and the Cabildo (Town Hall). On South America's broadest avenue, Avenida 9 de Julio, we see the historic Colon Theater and the iconic Obelisco. A highlight is a visit to the Recoleta district, one of the most fashionable parts of the city, which includes South America's most opulent and extraordinary cemetery, the resting place of much-revered Eva Peron. The colorful working-class La Boca district is also included in the tour. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the trendy Palermo neighborhood which includes the Malba (Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires). Malba’s mission is to collect, conserve, study, and disseminate Latin American art, dating from the early 20th Century to the present day. It contains one of the most impressive collections of Latin American art anywhere. This evening will be free to follow your own interests. You may wish to explore some of the bars or clubs. Buenos Aires is noted for its thriving nightlife -- gay and otherwise.

Overnight in Buenos Aires
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Read more at Venture Out.

Introducing Reserva Provincial Esteros del Iberá

This stunning wetland reserve is home to an abundance of bird and animal life, and is one of the finest places to see wildlife in South America. Although tourism has been increasing substantially in recent years, Esteros del Iberá remains comparatively unspoiled. The main base for visiting the park is the sleepy village of Colonia Pellegrini, 120km northeast of Mercedes; it offers a variety of excellent accommodations and trips to the reserve. Another, less-visited place to base yourself is Galarza, 80km further north.

The lakes and esteros are shallow, fed only by rainwater, and thick with vegetation. Water plants and other vegetation accumulate to form embalsados (dense floating islands), and this fertile habitat is home to a stunning array of life. Sinister black caimans bask in the sun while busy capybaras feed around them. Other mammals include the beautiful orange-colored marsh deer, howler monkeys (officially the world’s noisiest animal), the rare maned wolf, coypu, otters and several species of bat.

There are some 350 species of bird present in the reserve, including colorful kingfishers, delicate hummingbirds, parrots, spoonbills, kites, vultures, several species of egret and heron (including the magnificent rufescent tiger-heron), cormorants, ducks, cardinals and the enormous southern screamer, which would really light up Big Uncle Bob’s eyes at a Christmas roast. Ibera: Vida y Color (AR$18), on sale at La Cabaña, among other places, has beautiful photos of most of the birds, plants and animals you may see.

It’s a delicate ecosystem, and environmentalists are understandably anxious that it not be harmed. To this end, US entrepreneur and environmentalist Doug Tompkins has been buying up large tracts of land around the reserve and proposes to donate them to the Argentine government if it guarantees national park status for the area.

Learn more on Lonely Planet.

Argentina (steak) Round-up & Budget

Five days in Argentina is nowhere near enough. But it certainly was wnough to stuff myself with steak, drown myself in red wine, and clog my arteries with dulce de leche.

For if my little jaunt through Argentina on my way from Bolivia to Santiago was about one thing, it was food and drink. Boy do the Argentinians know to how to live. I managed to eat steak in some form or another every day I was there – and they were some of the finest steaks of my entire life. On the first night in Salta, I went out with Jade & D’Arcy, who I´d met on the Salar de Uyuni trip, and we treated ourselves to a Parillada, the classic Argentinian mixed grill, which consisted of two different cuts of steak, two types of chorizo, chicken, pork, kidneys, black pudding and some other unidentifiable (but still delicious) offal. The next day’s lunch saw the best steak sandwich of my life, and the following night’s bus a more than passable steak dinner (which was far better than any airline meat I’ve ever had). My first night in Mendoza I had the best steak of my life – a chateaubriand that was practically the size of my head, perfectly tender, perfectly cooked, nice and brown on the outside and perfectly pink and just bloody enough on the inside. And all for less than $10. My final night, in the marvellous hostel Lao, we had the best hostel dinner I´ve had, with the whole hostel sat round a huge table working our way through a fantastic barbecue and (unusually enough for Argentina) an equally terific salad…

…which gets me onto something I wondered the whole time I was there. How on erath are all Argentinians not fat, or dead of heart disease by the age of thirty? When you order a steak in a restaurant there, that´s what you get. A steak. On its own. Side orders are available, but most people seem to content themselves with chips at best. And then polish it all off with lots of red wine, and probably some dulce de leche (the classically Argentinian gooey caramel) for dessert. Lovely for a few days, but I’m sure if I had the diet I did for much more than five days I´d be dead pretty damn soon. Maybe vegetables are a dirty little secret that people only consume in the privacy of their own home? Answers on a postcard please (or the comments box if you can’t be bothered).

Keep reading it on itinerantlondoner.wordpress

Argentina: Getting there & away

Tickets

From almost everywhere, South America is a relatively costly destination, but discount fares can reduce the bite considerably. Contacting a travel agency that specializes in Latin American destinations often turns up the cheapest fares.

Sea

Arriving in Argentina by sea is uncommon indeed, although Chilean company Navimag (www.navimag.com) operates the famous ferry from Puerto Montt, Chile (near Bariloche), down the length of Chilean Patagonia to Puerto Natales, Chile, near Parque Nacional Torres del Paine (due west of Río Gallegos).

Water

River

There are several river crossings between Uruguay and Buenos Aires that involve ferry or hydrofoil, and often require combinations with buses.

Buenos Aires to Montevideo High-speed ferries carry passengers from downtown Buenos Aires to the Uruguayan capital in only 2¾ hours.

Buenos Aires to Colonia Daily ferries (50 minutes to three hours) head to Colonia, with bus connections to Montevideo (additional three hours).

Tigre to Carmelo Regular passenger launches speed from the Buenos Aires suburb of Tigre to Carmelo (services also go to Montevideo from Tigre).

Land

Border crossings

There are numerous border crossings from neighboring Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay; the following lists are only the principal crossings. Generally, border formalities are straightforward as long as all your documents are in order. For info on necessary visas and documents.

Current weather conditions, hours of service and other useful information for Argentina’s border crossings are provided online by the Gendarmería Nacional de Argentina (www.gendarmeria.gov. ar/pasos/pasos1.htm).

Bolivia

La Quiaca to Villazón Many buses go from Jujuy and Salta to La Quiaca, where you must walk or take a taxi across the Bolivian border.

Aguas Blancas to Bermejo From Orán, reached by bus from Salta or Jujuy, take a bus to Aguas Blancas and then Bermejo, where you can catch a bus to Tarija.

Pocitos to Yacuiba Buses from Jujuy or Salta go to Tartagal and then on to the Bolivian border at Pocitos/Yacuiba, where there are buses to Santa Cruz.

Brazil

The most common crossing is from Puerto Iguazú to Foz do Iguaçu. Check both cities for more information on the peculiarities of this border crossing, especially if you’re crossing the border into Brazil only to see the other side of Iguazú Falls. There are also border crossings from Paso de los Libres (Argentina) to Uruguaiana (Brazil) to São Borja (Brazil).

Chile

There are numerous crossings between Argentina and Chile. Except in far southern Patagonia, every land crossing involves crossing the Andes. Due to weather, some high-altitude passes close in winter; even the busy Mendoza–Santiago route over RN 7 can close for several days (sometimes longer) during a severe storm. Always check road conditions, especially if you have a flight scheduled on the other side of the mountains. The following are the most commonly used crossings.

Salta to San Pedro de Atacama (via Purmamarca) Twelve-hour bus ride through the altiplano with stunningly beautiful scenery.

Mendoza to Santiago The most popular crossing between the two countries, passing 6962m Aconcagua en route.

Bariloche to Puerto Montt The famous, scenic 12-hour bus-boat combination runs over the Andes to Chile. Takes two days in winter.

Los Antiguos to Chile Chico Those entering from Chile can access the rugged RN 40 from here and head down to El Chaltén and El Calafate. Best in summer, when there’s actually public transport available.

El Calafate to Puerto Natales & Parque Nacional Torres del Paine Probably the most beaten route down here, heading from the Glaciar Perito Moreno (near El Calafate) to Parque Nacional Torres del Paine (near Puerto Natales). Several buses per day in summer; one to two daily in the off-season.

Ushuaia to Punta Arenas Daily buses in summer, fewer in winter, on this 12- to 18-hour trip (depending on weather conditions), which includes a ferry crossing at either Porvenir or Punta Delgada/Primera Angostura.

Uruguay & Paraguay

There are two direct border crossings between Argentina and Paraguay: Clorinda to Asunción, and Posadas to Encarnación. From Puerto Iguazú, Argentina, you can also cross through Brazil into Ciudad del Este, Paraguay.

Border crossings from Argentine cities to Uruguayan cities include Gualeguaychú to Fray Bentos; Colón to Paysandú; and Concordia to Salto. All involve crossing bridges. Buses from Buenos Aires to Montevideo and other waterfront cities, however, are slower and less convenient than the ferries (or ferry–bus combinations) across the Río de la Plata. The crossings at Gualeguaychú and Paysandú may be closed due to conflict surrounding the construction of a pulp mill on the Uruguayan side of the river.

Bus

Travelers can bus to Argentina from most bordering countries. Buses are usually comfortable, modern and fairly clean. Crossing over does not involve too many hassles; just make sure that you have any proper visas beforehand

Entering the destination

Entering the country

Entering Argentina is straightforward; immigration officials at airports are generally quick to the point and waste few words, while those at border crossings may take a little more time scrutinizing your passport before stamping it. Anyone entering the country is required to have a valid passport. Once you’re in the country, police can still demand identification at any moment. It’s a good idea to carry at least a photocopy of your passport around town at all times.

When entering by air, you officially must have a return ticket, though this is rarely asked for once you’re in Argentina. However, it is commonly asked for by the airline in the country of origin. Most airlines prohibit from boarding any passengers without proof of onward travel, regardless of whether the person was sold a one-way ticket or not. They do this because the airline would be responsible for flying you back home should you be denied entrance (which is highly unlikely) once you’re in Argentina. For those planning to travel indefinitely, the only way out of this predicament is to buy a cheap, fully refundable onward flight (say, Mendoza to Santiago, Chile) and either use it or get the refund once you’re in Argentina. The refund, however, can take months to process.

Air

Argentina has direct flights between countries including North America, the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Italy, Spain and South Africa, and from all South American countries except the Guianas. Alternatively, you can fly to a neighboring country, such as Chile or Brazil, and continue overland to Argentina.

To read more go to Lonely Planet.

VISA TO ARGENTINA

Passports

Passport valid for 6 months required by all except nationals of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay who, for journeys that do not go beyond Argentina and these five countries, may use their national ID cards.

Visa

Required by all except the following:

(a) nationals of EU countries, Australia, Canada, Japan and US for stays of up to 90 days;

(b) nationals of Andorra, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Croatia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Israel, Liechtenstein, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela and Serbia for stays of up to 90 days;

(c) nationals of Hong Kong (British Nationals Overseas), Jamaica and Malaysia for stays of up to 30 days;

(d) transit passengers holding confirmed onward or return tickets for travel provided continuing their journey within 6 hours and not leaving the airport.

Note: Visa exemptions mentioned above are for tourist and business purposes only. However, business travellers are advised to contact the Argentinian Consulate before departure.

Required documents for visa

Tourist visa:
(a) Passport.
(b) Application form.
(c) 1 passport photo.
(d) Fee; payable by cheque or postal order.
(e) Return ticket.
(f) Letter from employer.

To finish reading the text, go to Allo' Expat.

Dancing TANGO video.

Take a quick look at this video and see how they dance tango!




To see more, go to Youtube.

This is the Northwest of Argentina.

This video shows the very best places you can visit in Salta, Jujuy, Tucuman and Catamarca provinces.



Go to Youtube to find more videos about Argentina.