Argentina has an exceptionally diverse climate. Most of the populated areas are situated in the temperate zone, but the country stretches from subtropical areas near the northern borders with Uruguay and Brazil, to the sub-polar region at the southern tip of the continent. Even in winter, the area surrounding Iguazú Falls on the Brazilian border can be quite warm, while summer temperatures in Tierra Del Fuego between the Strait of Magellan and Cape Horn can dip below freezing at night. If you plan to see these areas all, you will need to pack accordingly, keeping in mind that the seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are opposite the seasons in the Northern Hemisphere.

In Buenos Aires, you will have many transportation options available to you. The city operates a subway and bus system. There are metered taxis available at rates that are inexpensive compared to taxi rates in Europe or the US. There are also un-metered taxis called remises, with fixed rates and fixed routes in the inner city. Outside of Buenos Aires, it can be difficult to get around if you’re not signed up for a guided tour. We can arrange a car and driver for the day, or rent your own transport if you wish to get farther off the beaten path. Train lines are reopening throughout the country after several years of decline, but train travel can still be challenging. The local flight network is often used to get to different cities.

Unless you’re a vegetarian, you have to have grilled meats in Argentina. The parilla is the large iron grill in which meat is barbecued. Chimichurri is the Argentinian pesto served with meats. Cordero patagónico al asador is a Patagonian delicacy consisting of a whole, opened, and butterflied lamb roasted over an open fire. Grilled freshwater fish include pacú a las brasas, a marinated pacú grilled on an open fire, and boga a la parilla. A popular side dish is berenjenas en escabeche, a pickled eggplant. Torta negra galesa is a Patagonian rum fruitcake invented by Welsh settlers in the late 18th century.

Jose Luis Borges is perhaps Argentina’s most famous literary son, so works by Borges would be high on the list. Hopscotch or Blow Up and Other Stories (J.Cortázar), In Patagonia/ (B. Chatwin), The Motorcycle Diaries (Che Guevara), The Tango Singer (T. Martínez), Enduring Patagonia (G. Crouch), The Ministry of Special Cases (N. Englander).