Argentina Car Hire

Guide to Argentina

Geography

Argentina is South America's second-largest country by area after Brazil, and the world's eighth-largest. It shares borders with Chile to the west, Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Brazil and Uruguay to the northeast, and the Andes and the South Atlantic Ocean to the east. In accordance with the Antarctic Treaty's terms, Argentina has a claim to Argentine Antarctica. A number of British South Atlantic islands are also claimed by it. South America's largest country may be broken down into four distinct geographical regions: the dramatic Andes mountain range, arid northern Argentina and lusher Mesopotamia lowlands, lush Pampas plains, and the barren wastelands of Patagonia. Argentina's population was over 4.5 million as of 2020.

Climate in Argentina

The winters are pleasant to warm, with scorching summers. The climate is milder in the region's north than it is in the south. Summer highs can reach 40°C (104°F) during heat waves, while cold air masses from the south can lower temperatures below freezing in the winter, resulting in frost.

Culture

Argentina's traditions and culture reflect a unique fusion of indigenous Latin American cultures with European influences. While Spain had a stronghold in the nation for a long time, it was Italian immigration in the late 19th century that gave the culture and cuisine a distinct Mediterranean flavour. Oktoberfest Festival of Beer, Tango Buenos Aires Festival, Cosquin Folk Festival, Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia, and Carnival are just a few of Argentina's most popular events.

Argentinian wine

An extensive wine culture exists in Argentina, with varieties such as Syrah, Tempranillo, Cab Sauv and Bonarda being produced along with Malbec. Although Argentina makes a wide variety of wines, their Malbecs are unquestionably the greatest in the world. Deep in colour, strong in flavour, and velvety to the touch—these are the characteristics that make this wine stand out. When you visit Argentina, you'll be able to experience the best of Mendoza and Cafayate, as well as the crisp torrontés of San Juan, through the lens of a glass of wine. It's simple to visit five or six vineyards, olive oil farms, and other culinary establishments in the Mendoza suburb of Maip in a single day. Tours are available at all of them, and most of the time the tour concludes with a taste of their products.

Things to do in Argentina

Party your way through Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, with its charming barrios like La Boca, old-world Recoleta, and fashionable Palermo, resembles a European city more than a Latin American one. This vibrant capital city is a great spot to start your explorations (and to learn the tango, Argentina's most famous dance!). Buenos Aires boasts incredible art, intriguing neighbourhoods, delicious food, and a populace that is committed to partying all...night...long. In San Telmo, marvel at the tango dancers' dizzyingly high leg kicks, chow down on steak at Palermo's Las Casitas, or spend hours exploring the Recoleta cemetery, which is home to many of Buenos Aires' famous residents. No matter what time of day it is, Buenos Aires has a vibrant nightlife that includes everything from neighbourhood pubs to award-winning cocktail bars, large clubs, secret gig venues and subterranean nightspots for any type of partygoer.

Marvel at the majestic Iguazu Falls

Argentina and Brazil share the beautiful Iguazu Falls, which is located in Iguazu and Iguaçu National Parks, respectively, on the Argentinian side of the border. These massive waterfalls, which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are unquestionably one of South America's most impressive vistas. The Devil's Throat, a region at the base of the falls known as the Devil's Throat, offers some of the greatest views of the thunderous falls for visitors using a network of walkways and observation platforms. Iguazu Falls are really a collection of between 150 and 300 separate waterfalls that line its almost 3-kilometre edge. The number of falls varies by season and ranges from 60 to 82 metres in height, with each one as breathtaking as the last.

Trek through El Chaten

El Chalten, Chile and Argentina's gateway to the Patagonian Andes, sits at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre and is a popular destination for travellers seeking adventure. Also known as Argentina’s 'Trekking Capital,' it is a must-see destination if you're in the country. There are several well-known hiking routes in the area that must be explored after arriving. Probably the most popular is the Laguna de Los Tres path, which covers a distance of 20 kilometres round trip and passes through beautiful valleys and woods as well as glaciers, lagoons, and glacier lakes. Cerro Torre, another peak in the Patagonian Ice Field, is only a few hundred metres higher than Fitz Roy. Despite its length, the 22-kilometre Laguna Torre walk is not strenuous and ends at a vantage point with a spectacular view of Torre Lagoon in the foreground. Summer (December – March) is the best time to visit because of the warm temperatures and pleasant climate.

Explore the stunning Los Glaciares National Park

El Calafate, a tiny town in Patagonia's Los Glaciares National Park, serves as a major tourism centre and provides a wide range of accommodations and services for travellers. To see the prominent glaciers in the park, most people go on day trips from here. The park's most famous glacier, the 30-kilometre-long Perito Moreno, is just 78 kilometres from town and is the world's third-biggest freshwater reserve. Once you arrive at the glacier's huge visitor centre, you may take a short trek to the glacier itself, which is named for a 19th-century expeditionary leader. Ice trekking trips range from an hour's walk across the glacier's ice creation to lengthier five-hour excursions for those interested in climbing it. Monte Fitz Roy, a spectacularly magnificent peak spanning Chile's border that is reputedly tougher to climb than Everest, is also an important component of Los Glaciares National Park.

Immerse in Argentinian Culture at Córdoba

When Córdoba was named the Cultural Capital of the Americas in 2006, it was an honour well-deserved. There are four outstanding public art galleries in the city centre, one each for emerging, contemporary, classical, and fine art. The independent film industry is very much alive and well. One of the country's top weekend crafts markets features a slew of up-and-coming designers and craftsmen. You may even take a short bus journey to sleepy mountain towns if all the excitement gets to you. Córdoba, Argentina's second-largest city, has a unique combination of old and new, including Jesuit remains from the 17th century and modern art galleries, as well as a large student population that keeps the city lively and cool.

Hike the spectacular Tierra del Fuego National Park

Tierra del Fuego National Park covers 156,000 acres and stretches from the Beagle Channel to the Chilean border and north to Lake Kami. It's a hiker's dream come true, with paths suited to hikers of all levels. To experience the park's spectacular landscape, explorers use the town of Ushuaia as a jumping-off point and hike the park's hiking routes, which pass through dense woods and mountains, as well as beautiful glacier-fed lakes like Roca and Fagnano. Senda Costera, a coastal walk from Ensenada Bay to Lake Roca that gives an opportunity to observe a diverse range of animals, including Andean condors, is one of the most popular routes.

Awe at Penguins!

Every year, thousands of penguins migrate to the southern region of Argentina to nest and feed on the abundant fish supplies before they embark on their long trek north. Walking with penguins is a popular activity in Argentina since the tuxedo-clad birds are gorgeous and friendly with people. There are two places we suggest you go to see penguins. On Argentina's east coast, in Punta Tombo, you'll find Argentina's most populous colony of Magellan Penguins. The 3-kilometre route takes hikers through penguin burrows and gives them a close-up look of the birds as they relax on the rocks and beaches. The other option is on the southernmost tip of the nation- Isla Martillo, home to over a thousand Magellan and Gentoo Penguin nests. The best times to go are from September to April.

Eating out in Argentina

Argentine cuisine can be described as a fusion of Mediterranean influences brought by the Spanish during the colonial period and later by Italian and Spanish immigrants to Argentina in the 19th and 20th centuries, with influences from yet another fusion of criollos and indigenous peoples. Delicious beef, substantial stews, spicy sausages, mouth watering sweets, and a burgeoning street food scene are just a few of the things you can look forward to when visiting.

Some of the must-try traditional delicacies include Asado, Chimichurri, Provoleta, Dulce de leche, Alfajores, Empanadas, Matambre arrollado, and Yerba mate. And if you’re eating out, here’s our pick of top restaurants in Argentina:

One of Buenos Aires’ greatest restaurants is Fogon Asado. The wine pairings complement the restaurant's outstanding cuisine, which provides a contemporary spin on the classic parilla experience. i-Latina serves lip-smacking food, as well as complementing wines and excellent service. Seasonal tasting menus feature Latin American flavours such as Argentinian, Peruvian, Mexican, Colombian, and more.

Chile is one of Argentina's most upscale restaurants, and its first-rate eating options guarantee the highest levels of culinary quality and variety in Argentinian cuisine. Examples include Chilean sea bass, steak with raspberry sauce, and mango ice cream to cheese cookies and other desserts. In terms of vegetarian-friendly selections and diversity, Dario Gualtieri Bistro boasts plant-based eight-course dinners, complemented with an extensive wine list.

One of the best restaurants in Argentina for couples, with a tasting menu that deserves a Michelin star and delicacies like llama meat and quinoa that are a treat to try, is El Baqueano – Cocina Autóctona Contemporánea. At the Arambu restaurant, it's worth trying the duck gamey, tender, and somewhat fatty recipes. Its menu varies with the seasons.

Argentina Transport

Airport

At a distance of 32 kilometres (20 miles) from the city centre, Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) is Argentina's busiest airport. However, you can also fly one of the other 31 international airports in the country at Aeroparque, Río Gallegos, and Mendoza, Córdoba, Salta, Formosa, Iguazú, Posadas, Resistencia, Río Grande, San Fernando, and Bariloche, among others.

Getting around Argentina

Argentina's bus system is world-class and the country's primary mode of public transportation. Combi buses, often known as colectivos, travel a large portion of the city's perimeter. In general, buses in Argentina are quick, frequent, pleasant, and affordable, and a large portion of the nation. However, bus service quality can vary by region and time of day. Because there are several firms that operate buses, prices might vary widely as well.

Many visitors also opt to hire a vehicle to get around Argentina and its charming countryside with ease and flexibility. Some of the most reliable car hire agencies found in Argentina include Enterprise and Europcar.