Travel to Argentina
Argentina became my 45th country, and after a week exploring, I can confidently say it was my favorite of all the South American countries I visited on this trip. Buenos Aires alone would have been worth the journey.
Argentina is a country of extremes: the 8th largest nation by territory, with 46 million people spread from subtropical north to glacial Patagonia. It's given the world tango, Messi, and some of the best beef on Earth. The economy is perpetually troubled (inflation, currency controls, debt crises), but the culture and natural beauty are undeniable.
What I Experienced
Buenos Aires immediately felt different from other Latin American capitals. More European, more sophisticated, with grand boulevards and Belle Époque architecture that earned it the nickname "Paris of South America." The porteños (Buenos Aires residents) have a distinctive style and energy that's hard to define but impossible to miss.
We explored the colorful La Boca neighborhood, wandered the elegant Recoleta (and visited Evita's grave), and spent evenings in San Telmo watching street tango. The food was extraordinary - Argentine steaks are legitimately the best I've had anywhere, and the wine (particularly Malbec) was excellent and cheap.
The currency situation was wild. The "blue dollar" parallel market meant exchanging at rates significantly better than official, and prices for tourists paying in dollars were remarkably low. A world-class steak dinner with wine cost under $20.
Practical Notes
- Argentine Peso is the official currency, but USD is king - ask about "dólar blue" rates
- Inflation is extreme - prices change frequently
- Steak restaurants (parrillas) are everywhere - go hungry
- Tango shows range from tourist traps to authentic - research beforehand
- Buenos Aires is huge - focus on a few neighborhoods rather than trying to see everything
Argentina deserves much more than a week. Patagonia, Iguazu Falls, Mendoza wine country - the country has everything. I'll definitely be back.
Aerial photography from Argentina is available for purchase with commercial license - perfect for South American travel marketing or urban destination wall art.