It's the 8th largest country in the world.

BUENOS AIRES

Buenos Aires means "good, breezy air". It is the center for banking, culture, and intellectual life as well as the capital city. Itis designed after Paris and often referred to as the Paris of South America. It is Argentina's most sophisticated metropolis. Buenos Aires has vied with New york to be the port for European trade. Currently it has a population close to 14 million people.

What to see in Buenos Aires
• Famous for dance - the Tango
• Avenida 9 (9th Avenue) is a large boulevard similar to the Champs Elysees
• Sante Fe is a very fashionable area; it has an older residential area and great shops
• Palermo Park is the largest and prettiest of the city's 150 parks. It has everything from rose gardens to a planetarium and racecourse. A zoo and botanical gardens adjoin the park.
• Buenos Aires has 47 theatres and music of every description.
• It has every type of shopping imaginable.
• Polo and soccer fields
• The Recoleta cemetary is very elaborate - Eva Peron is buried there.
• Teatro Colon is a world-class opera, ballet, and classical music theatre.
• La Boca is a colorful Italian neighborhood.
• San Telmo is good shopping for arts and crafts. Lots of jazz music.

IGUASSU FALLS

• Need 2 nights to see it all.
• Iguassu Falls featers some 275 falls, plunges 210 feet. Wider and higher than Niagra Falls.)
• Hike the catwalks that run over, under, and into the falls and across the international border.
• Best catwalks is a semicircular walk called the Devil's Throat.
• US citizens need a visa to enter the Brazil side of the falls
• You can also take a boat ride up to the falls.

MENDOZA

• The wine region and the 2nd largest city
• The months of March and April are wholly devoted to making wine.
• Has a Southern California climate

BARILOCHE, LAKE DISTRICT

• Very much like a Swiss ski resort located in northern Patagonia. Need to travel there by air.
• Offers skiing, fishing, hunting, climbing, and walking tours.
• Itis one of the five most popular vacation spots in South America.
• Good hotels and inns; excellent restaurants and pubs.
• Bariloche is the urban center of the Argentina Lake Distrit and it is the base for exploring the National Park Nahuel Huapi.
• Nahuel Haupi national park was created to preserve the local flora and fauna and rare animals.
• One of the oldest and most visited parks in Argentina.

VALDES PENINSULA

• One of the finest wildlife reserves in South America.
• Breeding colony of sea lions, elephant seals, penguins and many sea birds
• It is second only to the Galapagos Islands.
• Sheep estancias occupy most of the peninsulas interior.

USHUAIA

• Cape Horn, southern-most point before Antarctica Terra Australis
• Argentina's southern-most city "the end of the world"
• It is situated on the base of Cerra Martial on the island of Terra del Fuego "Land of Fire".
• Best time to visit is October through March

EAT & DRINK

Argentine's famous pampas region produces what is often considered to be the best beef, or bife, in the world. Visit a local parilla (steak house) to sample a churrasco, a thick grilled steak. Other mealtime favorites include crillo de pollo (chicken and vegetable soup). Popular chimichurri—a cross between a vinaigrette and salsa—is used to add extra zest to many dishes. And in southernmost Patagonia, the local specialty is delicious centolla crab, closely related to Alaskan king crab.

WEATHER

Argentina spans a diverse range of climates, and seasons are reversed, so when it is winter in the U.S., it is summer in Argentina. The Andes are cold during Argentina's winter (June-August), but Buenos Aires is generally temperate year-round, with almost no rainy season.

PACK SMART

Ask about the specific destination you're visiting, as you may need to pack for both warm weather and cold. Good walking/hiking shoes are a must no matter where you go. Visiting Buenos Aires? Bring along a dressy outfit or 2 for dinner, the theater, and tango clubs.

GETTING AROUND

Travel throughout Argentina by air-Aerolineas Argentinas (AR) or Lapa (MJ)-by bus, or by rental car. In Buenos Aires, subway and buses (colectivos) are well maintained and frequent. Taxi cabs and remises (hire by phone call) are also reliable. It is best to arrange taxi services through your hotel. Walking is the best way to see the sights, especially in Buenos Aires, where you'll enjoy the manicured parks and tree-lined avenues.

MONEY

The currency used in Argentina is the peso ($). $1 peso can be exchanged for $1 in U.S. currency, though a slight fee is charged for the exchange at banks (generally open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), airports, and casa de cambio (money changers). U.S. dollars are often accepted in small amounts in larger cities. You'll find ATMs in Buenos Aires and larger towns; when making withdrawals, you can choose between pesos or dollars.

TIPPING

Restaurant tipping is not required but is appreciated, especially when services are performed (bellboys, taxis, etc.)

WHEN IT'S OPEN

Shops are open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Some shops close for siesta from 12:30 to 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. Banks are open Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Post Offices are open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. On public holidays, shops and museums usually close or have limited hours.

SPECIALTY GOODS

Shops are open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Some shops close for siesta from 12:30 to 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. Banks are open Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Post Offices are open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. On public holidays, shops and museums usually close or have limited hours.

RELIGION

Catholicism is the primary religion. Other places of worship are found in larger towns and cities.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Electricity is 220 volts and use 2 or 3 pin plugs.

The exchange code for Argentina is 54. When calling the States use 00. Try to use a pay phone or locutorio for the best rates.

Spanish is the official language of Argentina, though many speak English.

Argentina's seasons are the opposite of ours, and the time here is 2 hours ahead of EST.

A passport is required for visitors. A visa is not required for tourists unless you plan to stay longer than 3 months. A visitor must hold sufficient funds of not less than $50 per day of stay, a return or onward ticket, and documents required for your next destination.

Contact your health care professional or a travel clinic for the latest medical information regarding travel in Argentina, since international regulations and recommended vaccines change without notice.

Health hints: drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes, thoroughly wash fresh fruit and vegetables, and avoid food sold by street vendors. Bring your own over-the-counter medicines just in case of insect bites and upset stomach.

Insurance is highly recommended for medical emergencies, cancellations, and loss of property.

U.S. Embassy address: Unit 4334, Avenida Colombia 4300, 1425 Buenos Aires, Argentina. Phone: 5411-4777-4533.