Argentina Fact Sheet
Wednesday, October 15th, 2008Updated January 2009
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Current time in Argentina (Buenos Aires):
Being the second biggest country in South America (the first being Brazil), Argentina has a lot to offer and is one of the most loved destinations in the world. It’s a country you can keep visiting, as there are so many varied things to do and no way to do them all in just one trip.
The fertile plains of the Pampas spread over the center of the country, providing Argentina’s agricultural wealth. The serene Patagonia area in the bottom half of the country is a truly beautiful destination, offering glassy lakes and top-notch fishing in summer and world-class skiing in winter. The subtropical flats of the Gran Chaco lie in the north, and the rugged Andes mountain range run along the western border (behind which you’ll find Chile).
Whether you’re after the sultry tango, an exciting local soccer match, or a quiet retreat to the country, Argentina is a fantastic destination and has something to offer everyone.
When to visit Argentina
As Argentina offers such a variety of climates from top to bottom, it is possible to visit during any season. It does get fairly hot and sticky during the summer, so it is usually more pleasant in spring and autumn (September to November and March to May). If you’re after a skiing holiday the peak months are July and August (August is more preferable to couples traveling without kids).
Notable Argentina events in 2009
| January | 24 Jan-1 Feb: National Folklore Festival (Cosquin) |
| February | 21st: Humahuaca Carnival |
| March | 1-9th: National Grape Festival (Mendoza) Buenos Aires International Jazz Festival |
| May | 1st: Dia del Trabajador (Labor Day) 8th: Feast of the Virgin of Lujan (Lujan) 25th: Revolution Day (May Revolution of 1810) |
| June | 20th: Dia de la Bandera (Flag Day) |
| July | 9th: Dia de la Independencia (Indepence Day) |
| August | 17th: Dia de San Martin (Anniversary of San Martin’s Death) Buenos Aires Tango Festival |
| October | 12th: Dia de la Raza (Columbus Day) Oct-Nov: Personal Fest (International bands and DJs) Oct-Nov: Folklore Buenos Aires (annual music festival) |
| November | Gaucho Festival (Las Pampas) |
| December | 8th: Dia de la Conception Immaculada (Immaculate Conception Day) |
Visa and Health Requirements for Argentina
Visa – none required for South Africans when going on holiday. Travelers do, however, require a passport valid for 6 months from date of entry and a return air ticket. Passengers on emergency or temporary travel documents do require a visa.
Vaccination – none required
