Argentina Tours & Vacation packages | Guided trips to Argentina with Ada Tours

Highlights

- Buenos Aires, the capital of tango
- Patagonia, a region with icebergs, unique wildlife and adventures
- Puerto Iguazú, the most incredible waterfalls in the world
- Mendoza, matches the incredible taste of the region's wines with its beautiful landscapes

Geography

Argentina is the second largest country in South America and bordered by Bolivia and Paraguay in the north, and Uruguay and Brazil in the east. It is also bordered by the Atlantic, Chile and the Andes peaks. The northern area is the swampy and partly wooded Gran Chaco, bordering Bolivia and Paraguay. South of that are the rolling, fertile Pampas, which are rich in agriculture and sheep- and cattle-grazing and support most of the population. Southward is Patagonia, a region of cool, arid steppes with some wooded and fertile sections.

Language

The only official national language of Argentina is Spanish, but English, Italian, German, and French are also spoken. A few immigrants and indigenous communities have retained their original languages. The most prevalent dialect is Rioplatense, whose speakers are primarily located in the basin of the Río de la Plata.

Money

The local currency is the Argentinean Peso. 1 USD is about 39,96 Argentinean Pesos .

Climate

The north of the country is characterized by very hot, humid summers with mild drier winters, and is subject to periodic droughts. Central Argentina has hot summers with thunderstorms and cool winters. The southern regions have warm summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall, especially in mountainous zones. Higher elevations at all latitudes experience cooler conditions. The southern regions, particularly the far south, experience long periods of daylight from November to February, and extended nights from May to August.

Gastronomy

Argentines consume large amounts of beef. Another traditional food is the "empanada", a circular piece of pastry folded in two around a filling, which can be baked or fried. Italian food, like pizza and pasta are common. Also sweets, especially "dulce de leche", are popular. Dulce de leche is a dark brown fluid paste, made from milk and sugar stirred at very high temperatures. It is an essential ingredient of cakes, and shares the place of jelly and jam in breakfasts. It is also used to top desserts.
Argentina is famous for its wine, most notably the red wine from the province of Mendoza, where weather conditions are optimal.

History

The country was first explored in 1516 by Juan Díaz de Solis. From there on, Argentina developed slowly under Spanish colonial rule. Buenos Aires was settled in 1580 and on July 9, 1816, independence was formally declared. This large country has a long and interesting history and due to this history the country is what it is now: an amazing beautiful country with something to offer for everybody.

Religion

Around 93% declare themselves Roman Catholic. The country also hosts the largest Jewish population in all of Latin America, about 2 percent of the population. It is also home to one of the largest mosques in Latin America, serving Argentina's Muslim community.

Culture

Argentine culture has been primarily informed and influenced by its European roots. Buenos Aires, considered by many its cultural capital, is often said to be the most European city in South America, due both to many people of European descent and to imitation of European styles in art forms such as its architecture. The other big influence are the "gauchos" and their traditional country lifestyle of self-reliance. Finally, indigenous American traditions, like drinking mate tea, have been absorbed into the culture.

Music

The Tango is Argentina's musical symbol. Today, tango has worldwide popularity, and the rise of neo-tango is a global phenomenon. If you are in Buenos Aires you should experience dancing the Tango yourself. We can provide dancing classes which will make your true Argentinian experience come true.

European classical music is well represented in Argentina. Buenos Aires is home to the world-renowned Colón Theater. All major cities in Argentina have impressive theaters or opera houses, and provincial or city orchestras.

Wildlife

The Andean Condor is the largest carrion eating bird in the World and it is found throughout the country. Birds of prey are common in the mountains: buzzards, eagles, hawks and kestrels.
In the southern Andes, the guanaco makes an appearance, alongside the deer, Andean foxes and skunks. In the Lake district - in the Magellanic forests - the bird-life is almost oblivious to humans.
In the pampas and steppe land of Patagonia many interesting species can be seen. Waterfowl is common, and also the black-necked swans, coscoroba swans and the amusing steamer ducks. The South American version of an ostrich, the rhea, is a peculiar creature, notable because the male single-handedly incubates the eggs and cares for the young.
The Atlantic coast and archipelago of Tierra del Fuego are rich in marine life. Occasionally albatross may be seen, skuas, gulls, terns, magellanic penguins. The Valdés Peninsula has colonies of seals, sea lions, penguins and whales can be seen from the shore. The elephant seals arrive late August and start their aggressive breeding display.