Argentina
Capital: Buenos Aires Population: 45 million Language: Spanish Time: GMT-3 International Dialling Code: +54 Currency: Argentine Peso
Visas: Not required by UK nationals Health: Yellow Fever jabs are recommended if travelling to the north of the country.
Further Information: Argentine Tourist Office
Argentine embassy in London: 0207 318 1300
Further Reading: Bad Times In Buenos Aires – Miranda France (Ecco)
When to go: All year round is a good time to go, but avoid the cold south in their winter (May to October) and the far north during summer (December to February) which can be hot and humid with heavy rainfall. The Argentine spring, from September to November, is perfect just about everywhere.
Argentine cultural icons: Diego Maradona, Eva Perón, Carlos Gardel.
Music: Tango is the main internationally recognised form although the Gotan Project (franco-argentine) are popular plus rock bands Dos Minutos and Bersuit Vergarabat. Astor Piazzolla is still listened to by older people there while Cumbia Argentino and Cuarteto music from Cordoba province has continued popularity.
You may be looking for a short break in Buenos Aires or extended treks in Southern Argentina or in The North West of the country. We’ve had football fanatics wanting additions to the Football! ¡Fútbol! Voetbal! Tour and people wanting a specialised Buenos Aires Tango extravaganza, whatever you suggest we can usually put it together to suit your budget and interests