Argentina is the second largest country in south America, after
Brazil. It has 23 provinces plus the separate capital city of Buenos
Aires. The country runs basically north to south with Chile and the Andes
forming its western border. It also has borders with Brazil,
Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia. Spanish is the official
language. Argentina is a republich with a president. Juan Peron was president in
1946 and instituted censorship, repression and nationalization of industry
in an attempt to save the economy. His wife, Eva Peron, was
extremely popular and brought women voting rights in Argentina. She died of
cancer in 1952. Juan Peron resigned during a military coup in 1955.
Argentina has great diversity in its topography. Ushuaia
is
the most southern city in the world and is the embarkation point to
Antarctica. The southern portions of Argentina are tucked up against
the glaciers of the Andes and provide for rugged alpine hiking centered at
El Calafate. Further north along the Andes
you reach the lake country around Bariloche.
Buenos Aires
is located on at the Atlantic on the flat plains east of the Andes.
Argentina shares one of the 7 natural wonders of the world with Brazil - Iguazu
Falls.
For travel to Argentina, LAN is the most popular airline
while the government airline, Aerolinas Argentinas, is not that popular
due to inconsistency in their level of customer satisfaction.
VISAS - Tourists must pay a reciprocity fee on arrival at Ezeiza and Jorge Newbery International Airports in Buenos Aires. There are two possible options:
- a one-entry fee of US$75 (which also allows exit and re-entry from bordering countries Uruguay, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Bolivia at no additional charge within the three month period usually granted by Argentine Immigration)
- a multiple-entry fee of US$150 which allows unlimited re-entries from all countries (bordering and non-bordering) until one month before the expiry date on the passport.
The reciprocity fee is payable in cash, by credit card, or by traveller’s cheque prior to clearing immigration at the airport. Those entering Argentina
with a valid visa do not have to pay the reciprocity fee. This fee does not apply at any other air, land, or sea port of entry.
First Stop - Buenos
Aires
