Points of interest Argentina: Tourism & Monuments

Practical information : Sightseeing Argentina

Timetable

Between the major urban centers and the vast stretches of desert, you can imagine that life doesn't move at the same pace for everyone. In the cities, shops open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays (later in shopping malls) and generally stay open until 2 p.m. on Saturdays. However, everything is closed on Sundays, with the exception of museums, which are often closed on Mondays. Lunch is often taken between 1 and 3 p.m., depending on the situation. In the interior of the country (especially in the north-east and north-west), lunch breaks or siestas are de rigueur (even in some parts of Patagonia!). In this case, it's very difficult to find a shop open between 12 and 5pm.

To be booked

At first glance, reservations are not necessary: even in high season, you can always find a hotel or arrange a guided tour overnight. However, on the Patagonian side, you should be aware that your trip may have to meet certain logistical requirements: in summer, ferry and bus traffic increases, but this does not mean that more departures are scheduled. Therefore, go through an agency to organize your stay or plan your reservations yourself. We advise you to book whale-watching excursions on the Valdes Peninsula: the best agencies are very quickly sold out in high season.

Budget & Tips

Argentina is far from cheap, especially when compared to its Latin American neighbors. It's true that in recent years, prices have been half those in France: inflation has forced the cost of living down, attracting more and more tourists. However, prices are still higher in Patagonia. The vast majority of national parks charge a fee for both domestic and foreign visitors, with discounts sometimes available for students and children. In Argentina, parks and reserves are administered by the APN (Administracion de Parques Nacionales), the organization in charge of parks and reserves. Guides are not compulsory, and you can explore the park trails at your leisure. Note that the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares charges a fee in the southern sector (Perito Moreno glacier), but is free in the northern sector: budget travellers will be able to hike for several days without spending a penny. For Iguazú National Park, you'll pay half price if you return the next day on presentation of your first entrance ticket. As far as museums are concerned, prices are rarely exorbitant, and sometimes they are even free, with just a small contribution on your part. Many points of interest are also free - you just need to be a little curious and take your time: a path can lead to a pretty waterfall, exploring a village and strolling through its streets can be a stroll lasting several hours, a mirador can be an excellent excuse for a lunch break, strolling along the shores of a lake can lead you to discover a secret beach... Argentina is a great playground for those who take the time to savour its different facets.

Main events

Celebrating its traditions, its biodiversity, its gaucho culture and the unity of the nation, Argentina is a country full of colorful festivities. Throughout the year, hundreds of celebrations take place, whether in the heart of urban centers or in the middle of the pampas! The most charming and picturesque are certainly the folkloric festivities celebrating a condensed culture and history specific to each region: let's note for example the Día de la Tradición, a celebration of the traditional gaucho culture in San Antonio de Areco, the colorful carnival of Gualeguaychu in the province of Entre Rios, or the National Festival of the Pachamama (Mother Earth) in the Argentine Northwest.

Guided tours

Of course, guided tours are a must in urban areas, to familiarize you with Argentine history and culture. In Buenos Aires and other major cities, there are numerous walking tours , each with its own theme (street art, tango, gastronomy...). From a few hours to several days, several excursion agencies offer a variety of à la carte programs. For nature lovers, you can discover Argentina's tropical, desert and coastal regions on your own. However, for practical or safety reasons, some activities require you to be accompanied. For example, if you want to get close to marine wildlife, you'll need to book a tour with an agency. To walk among the penguins or approach the whales, these agencies have special authorizations. If you want to get close to the highest peaks and glaciers, you'll need to book a tour with an agency or a specialized guide. Glacier trekking also requires you to be well equipped (crampons, helmets, etc.). Most sporting activities require a guide: canyoning, rafting, climbing or diving - follow the guide!

Smokers

Smoking is forbidden in national parks, museums and most outdoor points of interest, and is highly frowned upon. Argentina has a strict anti-smoking law which prohibits smoking in public places. However, if you're a smoker, you can still enjoy your cigarette in designated areas.

Tourist Attractions & Monuments Argentina

GLACIAR PERITO MORENO

CERRO FITZ ROY - CERRO CHALTÉN

CAMINITO - MUSEO DE BELLAS ARTES AL AIRE LIBRE

TREN A LAS NUBES

PARQUE NACIONAL TIERRA DEL FUEGO

PLAZA DORREGO

PALACIO BAROLO

VILLA CARLOS PAZ

GÜIRA OGA

MUSEO DE ARQUEOLOGIA DE ALTA MONTAÑA (MAAM)

MUSEO EVITA

MUSEO NACIONAL DE BELLAS ARTES

MUSEO DE ARTE LATINOAMERICANO DE BUENOS AIRES

BOTANICAL GARDEN

PARQUE NACIONAL IGUAZÚ

DIABLO GARGANTA

BEAGLE CHANNEL

SUPERIOR CIRCUIT

CERRO DE LOS SIETE COLORES

LA BOMBONERA - MUSEO DE LA PASIÓN BOQUENSE

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