Argentina
Argentina, officially the Argentine Republic, is located in southern South America and has a mainland surface area of 2,780,400 km2 (1,073,518 sq mi), making it the fourth-largest country in the Americas, and the eighth-largest country in the world. It shares borders with Chile across the Andes to the west; with Bolivia and Paraguay to the north; Brazil to the northeast; Uruguay and the South Atlantic Ocean to the east; and the Drake Passage to the south; for an overall land border length of 9,376 km (5,826 mi). Its coast along the Río de la Plata and South Atlantic Ocean is 5,117 km (3,180 mi) long.
Argentina is a federation of 23 provinces and one autonomous city, Buenos Aires. Other important cities are Córdoba, Rosario, Mendoza. The country’s population amounts to 46,700,000.
Benefiting from rich natural resources, a highly literate population, a diversified industrial base, and an export-oriented agricultural sector, the economy of Argentina is Latin America’s third-largest, and the second-largest in South America, after Brazil.
Argentina is a multicultural country with a significant European influence. Modern Argentine culture has been largely influenced by Italian, Spanish and other European immigration. It is a regional power, and retains its historic status as a middle power in international affairs. Argentina is a member of G-15 and G-20. It is also a founding member of the United Nations, World Bank, World Trade Organization, Mercosur, Community of Latin American and Caribbean States and the Organization of Ibero-American States.
Argentina has diverse climates‒ranging from subtropical in the north to polar in the far south. It is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, hosting one of the greatest ecosystem varieties.
It is the world’s major producer of yerba-mate (due to the large domestic consumption of mate), and one of the five largest producers in the world of soybeans, maize, sunflower seed, lemon and pear. It is usually among the ten largest producers of wine in the world and is also a traditional meat exporter.
Buenos Aires
The capital city of Argentina is located in the country’s center-east region, on the south shore of the Río de la Plata, in the Pampean region. The city has 3,120,000 inhabitants and forms part of the The Greater Buenos Aires conurbation with a population of around 13.8 million. The residents of Buenos Aires are called “porteños” (port city persons).
This cosmopolitan city is known for its well-preserved eclectic European architecture and rich cultural life. It is home to multiple ethnic and religious groups, contributing to its culture as well as to the dialect spoken in the city and in some other parts of the country. Since the 19th century, the country in general has been a major recipient of millions of immigrants from all over the world, making it a melting pot where several ethnic groups live together. Thus, it is considered one of the most diverse cities of the Americas.
Buenos Aires has a humid subtropical climate. As a result of maritime influences from the adjoining Atlantic Ocean, the climate is temperate with extreme temperatures being rare. Summers are hot and humid, and winters are rather cool with mild temperatures during the day and chilly nights. Spring and autumn are characterized by changeable weather conditions.
Buenos Aires is the financial, industrial, and commercial hub of Argentina. The city’s services sector is diversified and well-developed by international standards, and accounts for 76 percent of its economy. Advertising, in particular, plays a prominent role in the export of services at home and abroad. However, the financial and real estate services sector is the largest and contributes to 31 percent of the city’s economy. Manufacturing is still prominent in the city’s economy.
The city offers a wide range of cultural attractions throughout the year, featured by numerous museums, theatres, bookshops and cultural centers, with a varied program of art expressions.
Climate and clothes
In May temperatures are mostly mild and can reach 20 °C (68 °F) during the day and go down to a minimum of 5 °C (41 °F) at night. We suggest packing light clothing, as well as closed shoes and a warm jacket.
Entrance to the country
To enter the country, travelers must show a valid passport.
Citizens from Mercosur nations need only their national ID to enter the country, although it is advisable to check these requirements according to nationality.
Visa:
Citizens from the following countries do not need a visa to visit Argentina as tourists:
Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Republic of Korea, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States and Uruguay.
However, we suggest visiting this site to check the requirements according to nationality:
https://www.migraciones.gov.ar/accesible/indexdnm.php?visas
Vaccination
Currently, Argentina does not require mandatory vaccination for tourists, but it is advisable to be up to date with the usual vaccines. The following are the recommended vaccines for traveling to Argentina: yellow fever, Hepatitis A, Tetanus-Diphtheria and MMR (measles, rubella and mumps).
Airports
Ministro Pistarini International Airport, commonly known as Ezeiza Airport, is the country’s largest international airport. It is located in the municipality of Ezeiza, 35 km from the center of the country’s capital. The trip from Ezeiza to the Hilton Hotel in Puerto Madero takes approximately 40 minutes.
Jorge Newbery Airport (“Aeroparque”) is used for domestic and regional flights to some bordering countries. It is located near the city center.
Car rental – taxis
There is a wide range of options for renting a car in Buenos Aires. The main companies offer their services in the city and some of them also have an office at the airport.
Taxis in Buenos Aires are a comfortable and relatively inexpensive alternative to get around the city, especially at night. It is recommended to take only taxis from radio taxi companies. All taxis are black with a yellow roof, have the license number on the doors and a sign with the name of the radio taxi company. Ordering a taxi by phone is always the most reliable option.
Remises
Remises are chauffeur-driven cars that operate in a very similar way to taxis. They cannot stop on the street to pick up passengers but must be booked by phone or at a remise agency.
In Buenos Aires, the apps to order a car are also a good option.
Electricity
In Argentina electricity operates on a 220-volt current and 50 Hz.
The power plug is type I.
Currency – ATMs
The Argentine peso (ARS) is the official currency. It is advisable to check the exchange rate against the US dollar and the euro at the time of travel, as it may fluctuate.
ATMs are distributed throughout the city. All major credit cards are generally accepted.
Tipping
In Argentina, the tip is not usually included in the bill of restaurants and bars. Although there is no strict consensus as to the amount, 10% of the total sum is taken as a reference.
Source: https://currencyrate.today/converter-widget
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City highlights
Plaza de Mayo
The Plaza de Mayo (May Square) is located in the neighborhood of Monserrat, in the area where Buenos Aires was founded. It is surrounded by the Casa Rosada, the Cabildo and the Metropolitan Cathedral. At the center is the Pirámide de Mayo (May Pyramid), a white obelisk built to mark the first anniversary of independence from Spain. It is the most important and oldest public square in the city. The name commemorates the Revolution of May 25, 1810, date on which the citizens gathered together to expel the Viceroy and form a creole government. Since then, the square has been scene to the most important political and social events in the country.
Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires has a classical facade and is located just across from the Plaza de Mayo. The construction of this famous temple began in the 17th century and was completed at the beginning of the 20th century. Pope Francis was the Archbishop of Buenos Aires for 15 years. He used to hold mass at this cathedral before moving to the Vatican in 2013.
The “Cabildo”
This historic building was erected in colonial times as the seat of government that represented the Crown, replicating the institutions of the metropolis.
Avenida de Mayo (May Avenue)
This avenue preserves the full splendor of its past. Its buildings still reflect a striking mix of facades with Art Nouveau, Belle Époque and Art Déco styles, which make up a complete palette of architectural designs. The Barolo Palace and La Inmobiliaria building are the two most important examples of its greatness.
San Telmo
San Telmo is the oldest neighborhood in the city. A well-preserved area, it hosts some of the city’s oldest buildings. It is considered one of the birthplaces of tango and in the mid-20th century it was the bohemian district with painters’ ateliers and jazz clubs. Cafes, tango parlors and antique shops line the cobblestone streets, which are often filled with street artists and dancers.
Colón Theatre
Its outstanding acoustics places this theatre among the ten best opera houses in the world. The foremost singers of opera, classical musicians and world-renowned dancers have performed at the Colón theater. A guided tour introduces visitors to its magnificent architecture and shares its long and rich history.
La Boca neighborhood – Caminito
With colorful streets, a thriving art scene, and deep connection to football, La Boca sits on the coast of the Riachuelo River as a symbol of Argentina’s immigrant roots. Along Caminito, the most famous pedestrian street in Buenos Aires, important artistic works by painters and artisans can be seen. Both the Quinquela Martín Museum and the contemporary art of the Proa Foundation are well worth a visit.
Other places in Buenos Aires deserving a visit are:
- The neighborhoods of Recoleta, Palermo and Puerto Madero.
- The Obelisk and Corrientes Avenue.
- The Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Latin American Art – MALBA, and the Museum of Decorative Art.
- The Presidential Palace or “Casa Rosada”.
- The Palermo parks.
- San Martín Square.
- The Grand Splendid Bookshop.
- The historic “Café Tortoni”.
- Feria de Mataderos (a traditional food and folk music market, only Sundays).
- A tango show or a true local “milonga”.
- A restaurant specialized in grilled meat to have a unique culinary experience. The “asado” tradition is a cornerstone of Argentine culture.
Outside of Buenos Aires: a visit to El Tigre delta is strongly recommended for a delightful cruise around the canals and islands.
Nightlife: Buenos Aires is well-recognized for its bars, nightclubs and the famous nightlife in such quarters as Palermo and Las Cañitas. Restaurants, theaters and artistic events make the “porteña” night unique.
Shopping in Buenos Aires
Among the city’s main shopping malls we can mention:
- Galerías Pacífico
- Patio Bullrich
- Alto Palermo
- Paseo Alcorta
- Recoleta Mall
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Information about the event
Dress code
For the social meetings, elegant casual clothes are recommended, no jeans. No tie is necessary.
Punctuality
Punctuality is indispensable and will be welcomed for all programmed events.
Badges
You will be requested to show your identification card / badge at all the social and academic events to be allowed into the meeting rooms.
Don’t forget to bring with you
Prescribed glasses, personal medicines, comfortable and smart shoes, and a warm jacket.
Luggage
We suggest that you identify your luggage with bag tags with name and surname, and hotel.
Insurance
The organizers assume no responsibility for medical, travel, robbery or personal insurance.
In case of needing medical attention at the hotel please call Reception. Hotels may have medical insurance.
