A Snapshot of Our 6 Week Trip through Argentina
Argentina is a country that has everything you could wish for, from its famous Tango, delicious steak, and fantastic wine to its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Argentina has much to offer for those who love exploring and seeking adventure.
We had to be realistic with our time and money whilst in Argentina cause we were on a budget, after all!!
With many unique places to visit and limited time, we had to make some tough choices. Our sights were set on Mendoza, the birthplace of Malbec. Here, I had the pleasure of tasting the finest red wine I’ve ever tasted …. EVER, and I’ve had my fair share in the past from the shelves of Lidl 🙂
Our journey also took us to Buenos Aires, a city steeped in history and culture. We explored its iconic neighbourhoods, such as San Telmo and La Boca, and indulged in the city’s vibrant art scene, with its numerous museums, galleries, and bars.
This is where we joined my sister Jo and our brother-in-law Guille for New Year’s Eve. We stayed in Tigre with Guille’s family, who welcomed us with open arms and we had a true taste of Argentinian family life, which made our journey even more special.
A trip through Patagonia – Worlds End
We also had the opportunity to visit Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Also known as “The World’s End”, This remote area is home to a remarkable array of wildlife, including penguins, sea lions, and whales. We took a boat tour to see these magnificent creatures up close. Then, there is a 4×4 tour through the stunning Tierra del Fuego National Park, which offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear lakes. The 4×4 tour took us through rugged terrain, providing a thrilling adventure and unparalleled views of the park’s natural beauty.
We then zigzagged through Patagonia, witnessing the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier and marvelling at the natural beauty of the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre peaks.
Our Journey Through Argentina In Numbers
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“Explore the Wonders Of Argentina
11 Fun Facts About Argentina
The Art Of Tango
The tango is a vibrant and passionate dance that originated in the neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires in the late 19th century. It emerged from interactions between working-class immigrants and the local community, creating a captivating rhythm influenced by African, European, and indigenous cultures. Today, tango is a cherished symbol of Argentine culture, celebrated worldwide as a way to connect and express emotions.
Malbec, Mendoza & Wine
Argentina is renowned for its Malbec wine, particularly from the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza, where ideal conditions yield deep, complex flavors of dark fruits and spice. Other regions like Patagonia and Cafayate also produce excellent wines, offering stunning views and opportunities to pair them with traditional dishes like asado and empanadas. Exploring Argentina’s wine culture combines tastings with the passion of local winemakers, ensuring delightful discoveries.
The National Drink Of Argentina – Mate
Did you know that Argentina’s national drink isn’t red wine? It’s actually mate, a beloved caffeine-packed beverage! Made from the chopped and dried leaves of yerba mate, this drink has a unique earthy and slightly bitter flavor that many people enjoy.
Mate has a rich history that goes back before Spanish colonization and is known for giving a nice boost of energy and focus. You can spot mate drinkers all over Argentina, as it’s an essential part of the culture. Plus, there’s even a special national day to celebrate mate on November 30th!
Argentina boasts the highest and lowest points in the Southern Hemisphere.
Argentina is home to the highest and lowest points in the Southern Hemisphere. Mount Aconcagua, at 6,692 meters, is the highest mountain outside Asia, while Laguna del Carbon is 105 meters below sea level. This remarkable contrast showcases Argentina’s diverse ecosystems, from Patagonian glaciers and stunning waterfalls to deserts and unique sandstone valleys, making it a popular destination for tourists.
Gaucho culture is still alive and kicking
Gauchos are nomadic horsemen important to Argentina’s culture. They thrived in the mid-18th and 19th centuries and captured the imagination of those around them. Today, Argentine cowboys still follow the gaucho tradition. They roam rural areas, care for cattle, and farm the land in the Pampas, which is the agricultural heart of Argentina.
Argentines eat very late
What do you think is a good time to have dinner? Maybe 6 PM or 7 PM? For most Argentines, though, dinner starts much later—no earlier than 10 PM! Sometimes, it even stretches into the early hours of the next day!
If you’re visiting, this is handy to know since most restaurants won’t open for dinner until around 9 PM. To hold them over until dinner, locals enjoy a light meal called merienda around 5 PM. It usually includes a cozy coffee or mate along with a delicious pastry from the local bakery. Enjoy your culinary journey
Argentina’s national sport isn’t football …
Although Argentina is known for its passion for soccer, its official national sport is actually pato, a mix of polo and basketball where teams on horseback aim to throw a ball into their opponent’s net. The term “pato,” meaning “duck,” has roots in gaucho culture and originated over 400 years ago, when a dead duck wrapped in leather was used as the ball.
Argentina’s summer months are from December to February..
Argentina, situated below the equator, has seasons that contrast with those in North America and Europe. Summer runs from December to February, while June and July average about 54°F.
Though summer is the most popular time for tourists, it’s also the wettest, so be sure to pack a light waterproof jacket
Earth’s largest-ever land animal once roamed Argentina…
In 2012, an exciting discovery was made in the Patagonian deserts: a new species of titanosaur that might just be the largest land animal ever! Isn’t that amazing? Recent studies suggest it could even outsize the Argentinosaurus, which was previously thought to be the biggest. This incredible creature roamed the area about 98 million years ago and could have grown to more than 120 feet long, that’s bigger than a fully grown blue whale!
Argentina once had 5 different presidents in a 10-day period…
Argentina has really transformed over the past couple of decades! However, things were quite tough at the turn of the century. The financial crises in Russia and Brazil hit Argentina hard, causing the value of the Argentine peso to drop significantly. In 2001, this led to a major economic crisis and a turbulent time for the government, with President Fernando de la Rua stepping down amid protests. In the span of just ten days, the country saw four different presidents take the helm!
Argentina has the highest consumption of red meat in the world
Once you experience your first asado, you’ll totally understand why Argentina is a meat lover’s paradise! From mouthwatering, fire-grilled ribs to deliciously tender chorizo, it’s no surprise that locals enjoy red meat a little more than they might elsewhere!
But if you’re a vegetarian, don’t worry! Argentina is also embracing a culinary revolution, and you’ll find plenty of great vegan dining options popping up in the major cities. So come hungry and get ready to enjoy the diverse flavors that this amazing country has to offer!
Quick Travel Tips
Good To Know For 1st Time Visitors
- CAPITOL – Buenos Aires
- OFFICIAL LANGUAGE – Spanish
- POPULATION – 4.7 MILLION
- VISA REQUIRED – As a British passport holder visiting Argentina for less than 90 days, a visa is not required.
- TIME ZONE – Buenos Aires, Argentina ‎(UTC-3)
- CURRENCY – Argentina Peso – BUT BE WARNEDArgentina suffers from incredible inflation and prices vary widely they decrease and increase without notice.Â
Withdrawing from ATMs isn’t recommended because you can only get a maximum of £10 with an £8 fee. Instead, take Euros or USD (crisp $100 bills are best) for exchange. It is always good to carry some cash but we pretty much paid for everything by card.
- WEATHER –
Right, Let’s talk about the weather in Argentina. The thing about Argentina is that it’s a pretty big country, so the weather can vary depending on where you visit. Buenos Aires in January, can get pretty hot. We’re probably looking at 29°C, and it is also humid.
Patagonia can be chilly between December and March when temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C. Wind is also a factor, so it’s important to pack warm clothes
