Backpacking in ArgentinaAs backpacking destinations go, Argentina is one of the most developed and globally established countries that you are likely to visit. A member of the G20, it’s fair to say that Argentina has had its share of ups and downs. Politically instability (and some pretty horrific regimes) coloured much of the 20th Century, and in 2002 Argentina’s economy effectively went into meltdown. Not that you can tell nowadays. Argentina is currently enjoying some good times, and now is a great time to visit and sample one of South America’s most distinctive and memorable destinations. Argentineans have a reputation as passionate and cultured people, and a few days spent in tango driven Buenos Aires are enough to affirm this. It really is a great city and melds history and culture with a definite modern dynamism. Don’t just limit your backpacking travels to Buenos Aires though – there is plenty more to see and do and getting around is – by South American standards – pretty straightforward. Where is it and what’s thereArgentina takes up most of the southern tip of South America. Chile squeezes it away from the west coast, and Uruguay gets a relatively small look in, but the rest of this massive landmass is Argentina. It shares borders with Paraguay and Bolivia to the north, Chile to the west and Brazil and Uruguay to the northeast.The Andes run down the west of the whole of the country, and the Atlantic encroaches on most of the eastern side. The southern tip of the country is in Patagonia.
ClimateAlthough not quite as ‘long’ as Chile – Argentina is nearly 4 times the size – and has as varied a climate. The North of the country is subtropical with hot temperatures and high rainfall year round. The South (Patagonian Andes) has almost Antarctic winters – with severe snowstorms and very strong winds.The extremes of Argentinean climate are best summed up by the fact that the country holds the record for both the highest, and the lowest recorded temperatures in South America (49.1° and -39° respectively)! The capital also has quite extreme seasonal differences, with summer highs averaging 35° (January), and winter lows averaging 10° (July). This said, there is plenty to do in the city if it’s not warm and you can join much of the rest of the population at the coastal resorts if the summer heat gets too much. Getting there and visasBuenos Aires’ Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini airport is Argentina’s travel hub, and is well connected with international destinations, as well as having regular flights from all other major South American cities. The airport itself is around 40 minutes from the centre of the capital. There are major roads into the country from all of its South American neighbours, and you shouldn’t have any trouble picking up a ticket to Buenos Aires.Providing you have at least 3 months on your passport, you can enter visa free. A further 90 day extension can generally be arranged once you’re in. Getting aroundIf you’re on a tight schedule then the only real way to see ‘all’ of Argentina is to invest in a couple of internal flights (for some idea of the size of the country: to fly from north to south takes around 7 hours!). The main downside of internal flights is the country’s two-tier pricing system, with foreign travellers often having to spend over twice as much as Argentinean nationals: just one of those things and don’t let it get you down!Buses are also a great option for shorter distances. The main road network is excellent, and there are even ‘sleeper’ buses. The country is in the process of developing a high speed rail network: but – as it stands – rail travel is pretty slow and unpredictable and not recommended. Things to do while backpacking in ArgentinaIguazú National Park. This protected national park covers 135,000 acres and is home to some amazing scenery and animals – including parrots and humming birds. If that’s not enough then check out the main draw to the park: The Iguazú Falls, where the river plummets 230ft (twice the height of Niagara Falls).Patagonia. One of most extreme regions on the planet, Patagonia is home to great lakes, national parks, a penguin colony and the breeding grounds for whales and sea lions. Plus you’ve got the other-worldly Perito Moreno glacier – which has to be seen to be believed (the ‘natural’ equivalent of Machu Picchu!). Plus the whole spectrum of outdoor activities: including some of the world’s best fishing rivers and some extreme trekking. Football. The Argentineans are perhaps the most passionate footballing nation on the planet. The national team (consistently amongst the best on the planet) are revered by the whole country. Definitely worth going to watch a match and you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one: Buenos Aires alone has 17 dedicated football stadiums. Mendoza. At the heart of ‘New World’ wine, the Mendoza Province has been creating top quality wine since long before the ‘New World’ label arrived. There is a fiesta – Spanish style – at the end of February to celebrate the annual harvest which is definitely worth trying to get to (and a good spot to cross from Argentina into Chile if you’re heading that way round). Buenos Aires. A capital with a reputation that precedes it... Buenos Aires does, remarkably, manage to live up to its enviable perception. Despite a distinctly European look, the feel is all South American, with a night life with the emphasis very much on the ‘night’. By day there are some great things to see and greater places to hang out, and by night you are spoilt for choice. Maybe think about heading to a milonga (tango club) and watch – or take part in – the favourite Argentinean pastime. Argentina has an incredibly rich and diverse culture, and an equally varied climate and landscape. It’s definitely worth taking some time to plan your backpacking trip and take in a couple of the epic geographic highlights that Argentina has to offer. Regardless of where you end up, however, you’re sure to get a sense of the Argentinean attitude to life, which is equally invigorating. Return from Backpacking Argentina to the Home Page
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