Some Memories from my Trip
My Adventures in Argentina
Argentina always ranks amongst the best Countries in most of my Countries World Maps Comparisons, and for a reason! It is a wonderful country both in terms of beauty and culture which distinguishes itself from other American countries by providing unique assets. Its culture is definitely a highlight. Argentina’s European feel makes it one of the most European city in the Americas, feeling more like walking in an Italian city than anything else. Its traditions also shine in its music, Milongas, and Tangos being the most obvious. One of my favorite past time when I go to Buenos Aires to find some local restaurant which showcases a tango show. Not the touristy ones, but the more local ones which are only musical, where you will get 2 to 3 musicians playing whatever song may be requested by the crowd. A great way to enjoy a good Argentinian meal with wine!
I have lived in Buenos Aires for 4 months in 2016 and since then, I have come back several times as it is close to Brazil where I lived for so long. Over these dozen trips, I have pretty much traveled to most the country’s highlights, from east to west and from north to south all the way to the end of the Patagonia. This is why I felt comfortable in writing this Argentian guide to future tourists, travelers and digital nomads who would wish to choose Argentina as their new home for a while.My personal favorite city is around Mendoza and Cordoba, where the atmosphere is much more relaxing than busy Buenos Aires. People are also much more friendly than in the capital, even Argentinians outside Buenos Aires proud themselves that they are much more down to earth than the “porteños” (people from Buenos Aires). I personally love Buenos Aires, but I must agree with them on this.
El Chalten, Patagonia, Argentina
The financial benefits of settling in Argentina is always changing. Massive Inflation rates, and occasional currency manipulation and devaluation make the country’s affordability change year by year. For instance, when I was first in Argentina in 2006, I could get a prime quality steak (bife de lomo) with sides and a glass of wine for as little as 3$… two years later, that same meal cost about 12$ and another two years later over 20$… Fast forward to 2015 and most backpackers skipped Argentina all together! Then the currency got devalued in 2016 and Argentina became affordable again, but with 25% inflation per year, it won’t be long that the dollar will be less and less powerful.
For any Digital Nomad looking for a great place to stay, I still recommend anywhere in Argentina as being a great place. It is still pretty cheap, but overall, you get high-quality standards! Buenos Aires and many other cities offer European standards of living in beautiful buildings, incredible dining selections for a fraction of western European and North American prices, and great night clubs for those weekends! So for those looking for a comfortable place to stay where they can satisfy most of their North American Lifestyle needs while in South America, definitely consider Argentina.
Crime is a Concern, as it has been rising in recent years, so the special concern is required. But under no circumstances, anyone should think twice of coming because of security concerns. The risk is worth it, Trust me. Usual common sense is necessary, like not walking in deserted streets at night alone and making sure the area is safe to walk. Taxis are always a good idea after dark, but watch out for those clever taxi drivers, which have more scams under their sleeves than anywhere else I’ve seen. The Usual trick I have seen twice while being there is to change your “big” bill for a fake one, claiming he doesn’t have change and handing it back.
Overall, I love Argentina, and you will definitely love it too.
3 Best Argentina Itineraries You Must Do On Your Next Trip
Itinerary 1: Buenos Aires and Surroundings
This is what most people will do, having only a week or less of vacation. Buenos Aires by itself is a great city to spend a holiday and provides a great base to explore the surrounding attractions! After Spending a few days in Buenos Aires, it is worth spending a day or two in Mar del Plata, considered the best beach in Argentina. It’s pretty cold to be a holiday beach (sea lions love the area for its cold waters), so best months to visit are December and January. Outside these months the beach is pretty empty, but being a city of over a million people, it will always offer the usual city life.
Uruguay offers the best beach options south of Brazil, and Argentians know this. No wonder you will see them all invading their northern neighbor in the Summer! So including a side trip to Punta del Este in Uruguay in January is a must, with a nice little stop in Montevideo and Colonia, a cute little town on the other side of Rio de la Plata.
Close to Buenos Aires (and also considered a suburb) is La Plata, a part of the city that stretches on the shores of El Rio de la Plata. It’s a great place to stop for a day or two at one of the many Kite surf clubs to learn the sport or to ride and River’s shallow waters. The waters are a little brownish, making it no Hawaii… But it’s as clear as it gets to Argentinian Standards.
Other stops that could be considered are Tigre, a little town westward and also a little further, Santa Fe and Rosario, Leonel Messi’s home town and a nice city in the summer. I had the chance to discover it with local friends of mine during holiday season, where people love to hang out on an island in the middle of the River to enjoy sunny days and party all day!
El Chalten, Patagonia, Argentina
Itinerary 2: The Essential South Loop Around Argentina
This is the must do trip of Argentina, the “cream de la cream” of its destination in the south. This itinerary will probably take around 3 to 4 weeks so plan more time than you need because chances are you will want to stay extra days while you discover new options on the way. Start in Buenos Aires and follow the itinerary one. Catch a bus and Go straight to Bariloche, where you will meet more Brazilian tourists in search of satisfying their dream of touching Snow than local Argentines. This place is stuffed with activities so you can reserve a few days.
Continue down with the good bus service going along route National 40, where you will cross villages in the middle of deserted valleys that seem to appear from nowhere. Eventually, you will arrive at the highlight of Argentina in my opinion: El Chalten and El Calafate. This is where I managed to shoot some of my best photography in my online studio emporiostudio.com, thanks to the beauty of its glaciers, blue lakes, and stunning hiking trails. Next stop is Ushuaia to reach the most southern city, where you can plan tours and hikes around the area and islands and also a visit to the penguins.
On the way back up I recommend flying to avoid backtracking, but coming back through the coastal road is also an option, through Puerto Madryn.
Itinerary 3: The Road to Patagonia
Start by including the Itinerary 1’s recommendations, then start going west towards Rosario for a day, and all the way up Puerto Iguazu to visit its majestic Water Falls. Make sure to include a visit on the Brazilian side as it is much more enjoyable to see it from that angle. For those countries that need a Brazilian visa, a one day visa is available to visit the falls from Puerto Iguazu. Take a Bus to Salta in the north, a nice peaceful city that many travelers use on their way to Bolivia. If you have extra time, I highly recommend doing a 3-day adventure to Uyuni, in Bolivia, where you will find the biggest Salt Flats in the world, a great place to stack up some wonderful pictures for that Instagram account.😃 Continue to Cordoba for a few days, Argentina’s Second city and a place that I have long wanted to discover more on a future trip. Then reach Mendoza to experience a bit of Wine culture, visit a Malbec winery and treat yourself with some of my favorite wines in the world. If it’s winter, it’s worth stopping skiing in Las Leñas, king of ski resorts in the Andes. Continuing to Santiago de Chile is another option, the road is amazing by itself, crossing through the Peaks of the Andes.
The Digital Globetrotter’s Argentina top 5 Lists
Here is a collection of my Top 5s for Argentina, following my previous series of articles on Argentina. Feel free to reach out if you have other ideas to improve my lists.
Top 5 Favorite Buenos Aires Neighborhood
1. Recoleta
2. Palermo
3. San Telmo
4. Puerto Madero
5. La Boca
Top 5 Favorite Cities
1. Mendoza
2. Buenos Aires
3. Cordoba
4. Rosario
5. Mar del Plata
Top 5 Best Nature
1. El Chalten
2. El Calafate
3. Ushuaia
4. Bariloche
5. Las Leñas
Top 5 Food & Drinks
1. Meat (Argentinan cut)
2. Malbec Wine
3. Empanadas de carne picada
4. Alfajor
5. Milanesa a la Napolitana
Top 5 most Scenic Places
1. Iguazú Falls
2. Perito Moreno Glacier
3. Bariloche
4. San Telmo
5. Mar del Plata
Top 5 Festivals and Events
1. Oktoberfest in General Belgrano
2. Buenos Aires Tango Festival
3. Carnival
4. Folklore National Festival in Cosquín
5. Vendimia in Mendonza
Argentina: Where Passion Meets Natural Beauty
Nestled in the southernmost tip of South America, Argentina is a country of staggering diversity, boasting majestic landscapes, vibrant cities, and a rich cultural heritage that captivates travelers from around the world. From the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the snow-capped peaks of the Andes Mountains, Argentina offers a wealth of experiences that appeal to every sense and interest.
A Land of Contrast
Argentina’s geography is as diverse as it is breathtaking, encompassing everything from lush rainforests and fertile plains to towering mountains and icy glaciers. In the north, the dense jungles of the Misiones province are home to the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls, one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in the world. To the west, the Andes Mountains stretch along the country’s border with Chile, offering unparalleled opportunities for hiking, skiing, and mountaineering.
In the heart of Argentina lies the vast Pampas region, a sprawling expanse of grasslands that is home to the country’s legendary gauchos, or cowboys. Further south, the windswept landscapes of Patagonia beckon adventurers with their rugged beauty and remote wilderness. Here, travelers can explore the otherworldly landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park, home to the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier, or embark on a cruise to the southernmost tip of the continent at Tierra del Fuego.
Cultural Riches and Heritage
Argentina’s cultural heritage is a rich tapestry woven with threads of indigenous traditions, European influences, and immigrant contributions from around the world. The country’s capital, Buenos Aires, is a melting pot of cultures, where European elegance meets Latin American passion. Visitors can stroll along the historic streets of San Telmo, dance the tango in the colorful neighborhoods of La Boca, or marvel at the grandeur of the Recoleta Cemetery, where Argentina’s most famous figures are laid to rest.
Outside of Buenos Aires, Argentina’s provinces offer a glimpse into the country’s diverse cultural heritage. In the northwestern province of Salta, travelers can explore the picturesque colonial towns of Cafayate and Cachi, sample the region’s famous wines, and admire the stunning landscapes of the Quebrada de Humahuaca. In the northeastern province of Corrientes, visitors can experience the vibrant rhythms of Argentine folklore at the annual Chamamé Festival, a celebration of music, dance, and traditional cuisine.
Gastronomy and Wine
Argentine cuisine is a reflection of the country’s rich cultural heritage, with influences from Italy, Spain, and indigenous traditions. One of the most iconic dishes is the asado, a traditional barbecue feast that features an array of grilled meats, including beef, pork, and chorizo, served with chimichurri sauce and accompanied by hearty salads and grilled vegetables.
In addition to its culinary delights, Argentina is also renowned for its world-class wines, particularly Malbec. The country’s wine regions, including Mendoza, Salta, and Patagonia, produce a wide variety of high-quality wines that are celebrated around the world. Visitors can tour vineyards, sample award-winning wines, and enjoy gourmet meals paired with the perfect glass of vino tinto.
Passion for Football
No discussion of Argentina would be complete without mentioning the country’s undying passion for football. Argentines live and breathe the sport, and nowhere is this more evident than in the country’s stadiums on game day. Whether attending a match at the legendary La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires or cheering on the national team at the iconic Estadio Monumental, visitors can experience the electric atmosphere and fierce rivalry that make Argentine football so special.
Looking to the Future
As Argentina looks to the future, there is optimism for continued growth and development, with investments in infrastructure, tourism, and sustainable development helping to ensure the country’s long-term success. With its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Argentina is poised to remain a premier destination for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty for years to come.
In conclusion, Argentina is a country of boundless beauty, passion, and diversity, where every corner offers a new adventure and every experience leaves a lasting impression. Whether exploring the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, marveling at the natural wonders of Patagonia, or indulging in the country’s world-class cuisine and wine, Argentina has something to offer every traveler, making it a truly unforgettable destination in the heart of South America.
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