• Capital: Buenos Aires
• Population:78 million
• Language: Spanish, referred to locally as castellano, is the official language of the Argentine Republic. In the Corrientes region, Guarani is the second official language. In Buenos Aires, city slang, lunfardo, is common.
• Food: Argentina’s gastronomy reflects a marriage of indigenous cuisine and Mediterranean cuisine, particularly Italian. Argentine barbeque, asado, is world famous due to the peculiarity of cuts and traditional cooking methods. Malbec is the country’s foremost wine export, produced only in Mendoza and San Juan. Empanadas are delicious meat-filled pastries. Yerba Mate is a ubiquitous infusion enjoyed in almost any social gathering. Dulce de leche is a super sweet caramel used in many Argentine pastries and desserts.

• Voltage: 220V, 50Hz. Wall outlets in Argentina usually accept Type-C two prong Europlugs and Type-I Australian diagonal prong plugs.

• Visas: Valid passport with or without visa depending on your nationality. Inquire at your nearest Argentine Embassy or Consulate.

A “reciprocation fee” is levied on all visitors holding passports from Canada and Australia. The one-time fee must be paid online and receipt displayed at check-in for your flight to Argentina.

The tax amounts per country are:

Canada US$ 92

Australia US$ 100

• Money: The official Argentine currency is the peso (A$). There are notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, & 100 pesos. Coinage comes in denominations of 1 peso, 5, 10, 25, & 50 centavos.

• Payment methods: US Dollars and Euros are generally accepted everywhere. Major foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks and authorized bureaus. American Express, VISA, Diners and Master Card are widely accepted. Traveller’s cheques are no longer widely accepted and can be difficult to exchange outside Buenos Aires.

• Health & Vaccinations: All travellers should visit a doctor 4-8 weeks before departing for Latin America, since most vaccines don’t provide immunity until at least two weeks after they’re given. The Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for those aged nine months and above travelling to the regions of Argentina bordering Paraguay and Brazil in the provinces of Chaco, Corrientes, Formosa, Salta and all areas of Misiones province, including Iguazu Falls.

• Glaciers: Explore the stunning Patagonian glaciers: Upsala, Perito Moreno and Spegazzini. Cruise to the base of these otherworldly blue icefloes and hear the creak of centuries old ice as it inches its way to the sea. For the intrepid, come and enjoy an ice trek along Perito Moreno glacier.

• Iguazu Falls: New World Wonder and stunning natural spectacle, Iguazu Falls are a breathtaking reminder of the power of nature. On the Brazil-Argentina border, the Iguazu River pours millions of litres of water over towering cliffs in a spectacular series of cascades.

• Mendoza: Birthplace of the world-famous Malbec variety, Mendoza is home to Argentina’s most prominent vineyards. A historic town centre and lush countryside combine to make this a retreat not just for gourmets but nature-lovers as well.

• Buenos Aires: The bustling national capital is home to Parisian-style architecture, the colourful and Tango-infused Caminito quarter, funky flea markets and monuments which evoke nostalgia for the roaring 1920s.

• Patagonia: Located in the far south of Argentina, Patagonia is where the continent’s tail dips into the frigid waters of the Southern Ocean. The rugged landscape is ridged with Andean peaks, dappled with alpine lakes and fringed by colonies of penguins and seals. The perfect locale for adventurous outdoor activities and wildlife spotting.