Weather in December

With the variety of climates in Argentina, the summer takes various forms here. It’s definitely hot in Buenos Aires and the weather is excellent for sunbathing. If you want to cool down a bit, head to Patagonia. It’s hot and humid in the North , so Iguazu can be quite steamy now.

Sample temperatures

Buenos Aires avg high 27C / avg low 18C
Cordoba avg high 28C / avg low 17C
Iguazu avg high 30C /avg low 20C
Mendoza avg high 18C / avg low 9C
Ushuaia avg high 13C / avg low 3C

>>read more about Weather in Argentina

Flights and accommodation in December

December does fall during summer but the high season hasn’t started yet. Still , expect crowds and expect prices to be higher. Book your flight to Argentina at least 4-8 weeks in advance , especially if you plan to hit one of the beach reasons.

As for accommodation , of course, plan in advance if you want to go to the beach or travel before Christmas. Even if you just plan to visit large cities, it’s still best to plan in advance.

What to do

If you plan to see Iguazu Falls then you should know it’s steamy right now but no one stops you from going. However do prepare for the heat and humidity. You can try different activities, but you might want to stick to train or boat ride, rather than hiking.

The capital of Buenos Aires is also quite hot in December, but, on the plus side, it’s not extremely crowded, as everyone starts to head to the beaches. Some of the things to do in Buenos Aires : walking through the neighborhoods, taking photos of the Obelisk, watching people dance tango on the streets and walking through the famous Recoleta Cemetery. Make sure to plan for the heat and avoid staying in the sun during the hottest part of the day. You can always try the food or do some shopping meantime.

For a cooler alternative, head to Mendoza . You can visit the parks, try the local wine or try your skills at horseback riding, paragliding or climbing.

>>read about the Things to do in Mendoza

For an even cooler area, Patagonia is waiting for those into adventure. It’s summer but the temperatures aren’t very high so make sure to pack accordingly. You can try hiking, climbing glaciers and even taking a cruise to the arctic region. Ushuaia is a good base for your explorations in the area.

>>read about Getting from Buenos Aires to Patagonia

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Weather in August

Just like in July, in the North and Northwest, the rains and heat have subsided, and the weather starts to feel more and more like spring. Not so much in the South , where it’s still winter with cold days and nights. If you have the capital in mind, expect the temperatures to start going up a bit , warming as the spring approaches.

Sample temperatures

Buenos Aires avg high 16C / avg low 5C
Cordoba avg high 19C / avg low 6C
Iguazu avg high 22C /avg low 12C
Mendoza avg high 17C / avg low 4C
Ushuaia avg high 5C / avg low -2C

>>read more about Weather in Argentina

Flights and accommodation in August

The crowds have pretty much moved away from Iguazu Falls by now, so you can plan the vacation a bit easier. Still, it’s a good idea to book the flight to Argentina at least 4-8 weeks in advance , especially if you have Patagonia in mind. Make sure to keep your eyes on the special deals, too.

As for accommodation , the same rule about booking in advance should be used. You can usually find cheaper rooms if you do the homework in advance.

What to do

Iguazu Falls can be on your list for August because the crowds are gone by now and you can enjoy the falls and the park at a more relaxed pace. You can even plan to spend several days in the area. You can try rock climbing, or maybe you prefer to take a train or a boat ride and or hike.

If you are into visiting cities, then the capital of Buenos Aires shouldn’t be forgotten. It is starting to warm up so you can easily plan to try some of the things to do in Buenos Aires such as: walking through the colorful neighborhoods, taking photos of the Obelisk, watching people dance tango on the streets or even learn yourself and walk through the famous Recoleta Cemetery. Llet’s not forget the food , either.

Or you can visit Mendoza and plan to explore its parks, squares and try the local wine.

>>read about the Things to do in Mendoza

Patagonia , however, is the place to visit for those seeking the snow and the adventure. August still falls during winter so, between hiking on glaciers and exploring beautiful cities, you can also try sleigh rides, skiing, trekking in the snow or snowshoeing.

>>read about Getting from Buenos Aires to Patagonia

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Weather in July

In the North and Northwest, the rains and heat have subsided, so the weather allows for sightseeing. Head south but prepare for (very) cold days and nights. Some areas might even be closed because you are so close to the arctic, the cold can be very bitter. If you have Buenos Aires in mind, expect colder temperatures but don’t worry about the snow.

Sample temperatures

Buenos Aires avg high 14C / avg low 5C
Cordoba avg high 16C / avg low 5C
Iguazu avg high 21C /avg low 12C
Mendoza avg high 14C / avg low 2C
Ushuaia avg high 3C / avg low -3C

>>read more about Weather in Argentina

Flights and accommodation in July

July is a popular month to travel for those heading to the Iguazu Falls or Patagonia (for winter sports), so expect to find quite a bit of demand for the flights to Argentina during this time of the year.

It’s always best to book the flight to Argentina at least 4-8 weeks in advance. Make sure to keep your eyes on the special offers available.

As for accommodation , make sure to look for a hotel room or a hostel bed in advance. If you plan to save some money , then a private room in a hostel will cost less than a room in a budget hotel.

And don’t forget that July is high season because of the winter holiday, so the locals travel quite a lot, making the prices higher than the rest of the year.

What to do

Iguazu Falls is definitely one the most popular places to visit during winter in Argentina. There are plenty of things to do once you get to the park, such as: rock climbing, taking a train or a boat ride and , of course, hike.

If you are into visiting cities, then Buenos Aires can be on your list now. It can be cold – sometimes dipping below freezing – but you don’t need to worry about the snow. Some of the things to do in Buenos Aires : walking through the colorful neighborhoods, see the Obelisk, watch people dance tango on the streets and even walk through the famous Recoleta Cemetery. And let’s not forget the food , generally catering for meat lovers, but vegetarians can find some good dishes.

But for those wanting adventure, Patagonia is the place to visit. Yes, it’s winter and that means cold…sometimes very cold. However, between hiking on glaciers and exploring beautiful cities, you can also add some winter sports to the mix, such as: sleigh rides, skiing, trekking in the snow or snowshoeing.

>>read about Getting from Buenos Aires to Patagonia

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Quick summary

The cheapest option for traveling between Santiago and Mendoza is the bus. Although it’s a 6 hrs ride crossing mountains – which can be a problem for those with motion sickness – the scenery is amazing. Catch a bus in the morning to enjoy the views.

Flights from Santiago (airport code: SCL) to Mendoza

Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL), also known as Santiago International Airport is located 15 km from the capital of Santiago. There is no local public transport option to get into the city , but there are two airport buses which you can use. The airport is hub for LAN Airlines, Sky Airline and PAL Airlines. It is the 7th busiest airport in Latin America and handles direct flights from Europe, the Americas and Oceania.

Mendoza is served by a small airport, Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (MDZ) , also known as El Plumerillo International Airport. It is located 8 km from the city center and is not hub for any airline.

There are direct flights between Santiago and Mendoza operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas and LAN Chile. The flight time is 40 min. In late May 2012 expect to pay from US$401 one way on Aerolíneas Argentinas. Slightly cheaper are the connecting flights via Buenos Aires (fares starting at US$378 one way).

>>book a flight to Mendoza

Buses from Santiago to Mendoza

There are many bus companies operating direct buses between the two cities:

• Andesmar Bus Company : single fares start at AR$150 / US$34 and all buses leave in the morning (8 a.m,. 8:30 a.m. , 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m.)
• CATA Internacional : single fares start at AR $190 / US$43.10 and all buses leave in the morning (7:30 am. , 9 a.m. , 10:30 a.m.)
• El Rapido International : single fares start at AR$150 / US$34 and there are three buses leaving in the morning (8 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m.) and three more in the afternoon/evening (1 p.m. , 10:30 p.m.)

You can purchase the tickets online but make sure to do that a week or so before departure.

The travel time between Santiago and Mendoza is about 6-7 hours (but it does depend on how long you’ll stay at the border crossing). However, you’ll be rewarded with lovely views along the way. And if you want to enjoy these views, choose a bus which leaves in the morning.

The buses drop you at the bus station in Mendoza, which is 20-30 min walk from the main plaza. Buses depart from Santiago’s Terminal Alameda.

Driving from Santiago to Mendoza

If you plan to rent a car and drive the 365 km between the two cities, make sure to ask the rental company if you are allowed to take the car across the border. The scenery along the way is fantastic but be prepared for many curves and challenging road conditions. The drive time is about 5 ½ h but you also need to consider the time spent at the border crossing.

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The emergency services offered by the American Embassy include:

• assistance to US citizens arrested in Argentina
• making inquires with local authorities if a US citizen is missing
• assistance to US citizens victims of crimes in Argentina
• if a US citizen dies while in Argentina
• access to list of lawyers
• replacement of lost or stolen passport
• emergency transfer of funds

Other special consular services are provided, such as reporting birth abroad and notary services.

Emergency contact

All US citizens living in Argentina or traveling to Argentina are encouraged to register with the Embassy.

American citizens can call these numbers 5777-4354 (during the office hours) or 5777-4873 (after hours) .

US Embassy in Buenos Aires

Address:
U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires
American Citizen Services
Av. Colombia 4300
C1425GMN Buenos Aires

E-mail: BuenosAires-ACS@state.gov
Web site

Office hours : Monday-Friday: from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Montevideo is the capital of the country and home to the largest airport in Uruguay, while Punta del Este is a very popular beach destination in the country.

Quick summary

Buses and ferries are the cheapest options to get between Buenos Aires and Uruguay. If you want to travel to other cities than the capital of Montevideo, you’ll need to connect through the capital anyway (to catch a bus).

Flights from Buenos Aires to Uruguay

Buenos Aires to Montevideo

Montevideo is served by Aeropuerto Internacional de Carrasco (MVD), the largest airport in Uruguay. It is hub for Pluna. The following airlines offer flights to/from Buenos Aires: Aerolíneas Argentinas (Aeroparque, Ezeiza) , BQB Líneas Aéreas (Ezeiza), PLUNA (Aeroparque, Ezeiza) and Sol Líneas Aéreas (Aeroparque).

In mid-May 2012 expect to pay from US$82 one way on PLUNA (from EZE) , while a return flight starts at US$134. The flight time is 1 h (one way). It’s actually cheaper to fly from EZE and back into AEP (on PLUNA and Aerolineas Argentinas).

Buenos Aires to Punta del Este

Capitan Corbeta CA Curbelo International Airport (PDP) serves Punta del Este and offers direct connections to Buenos Aires – Aeroparque. There are direct year-round flights operated by BQB Líneas Aéreas and PLUNA, while Aerolíneas Argentinas operated only seasonal flights.

In mid-May 2012, expect to pay from US$103 one way on PLUNA with a connection in Montevideo, while in mid-September 2012, expect to pay the same fare. Direct flights start at US$108, regardless of the time of the year.

>>book a cheap flight to Buenos Aires

Ferries from Buenos Aires to Uruguay

Buenos Aires to Montevideo

Buquebus operates a high-speed ferry between the two capitals and the single fare starts at $178.42 UYU / US$41 (promo web). The travel time is about 3 h 15 min and there are several departures per day.

Buenos Aires to Colonia

The main connections to Argentina from Colonia are two ferries linking to Buenos Aires. Buquebus operates the fast ferry (1h) and the single fare starts at AR$ 157.26 / US$35.80. There is also a slower boat which takes 3 hours and the single fare starts at AR$ 102 / US$23.22.

Buses from Buenos Aires to Uruguay

Buenos Aires to Montevideo

There are three bus companies operating between the two cities. The single fare starts at AR$ 160 / US$38 and the travel time is 8 h.

To get to other cities in Uruguay, you need to connect via the capital of Montevideo. Once you get there, just ask for a ticket at the bus terminal (unless you travel during the weekends or holidays, it’s hardly likely to worry about not finding a seat).

Read more about:
>>Getting from Buenos Aires to Montevideo
>>Getting from Buenos Aires to Punta del Este

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The most important cities in Patagonia are:

• Ushuaia , the largest city in Tierra del Fuego, is the base for most treks and trips to Antarctica.
• San Carlos de Bariloche , or simply Bariloche , is located on the foothills of the Andes and is well known trekking, climbing, extreme sports and skiing. You might just feel like you are somewhere in Switzerland not in Argentina, thanks to the atmosphere, chocolate boutiques and St. Bernard dogs on display (for tourists).
• El Calafate is a small city in Patagonia , located on the glacial blue Lago Argentina. The natural beauty attracted travelers and the city is growing continuously.
• Puerto Madryn is located on the shores of Gulfo Nuevo and is a very popular summer destination because of its beaches.

There are two easy ways for the travelers to get to Patagonia: via Buenos Aires , the capital of Argentina, or via Santiago de Chile, the capital of Chile. And most likely you’ll be traveling either to Bariloche or Ushuaia and then connect to other places in the area.

Quick summary

The cheapest way to travel between the capital of Buenos Aires and Patagonia is the bus. However, the traveling times are long. It’s cheaper to fly into Ushuaia than into Bariloche but make sure to book your flight in advance.

Getting from Buenos Aires to Bariloche

Flights

San Carlos de Bariloche International Airport (BRC) serves Bariloche and offers connections to/from both airports serving Buenos Aires: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP). Flights between the two cities are operated by: Aerochaco (Aeroparque), Aerolíneas Argentinas (Aeroparque, Ezeiza), Austral Líneas Aéreas (Aeroparque), LAD (Aeroparque) and LAN Argentina (Aeroparque).

During the low season (mid-May 2012) expect to pay from US$314 one way on LAN, while a return flight will set you back from US$610. The same prices are valid for early during the high season, too.

Read more about:
>>Cheap flights to Buenos Aires
>>Cheap flights to Bariloche

Buses

There are quite a lot of companies operating between the two cities. The travel time is between 20 h and 21 h and single fares start at AR$ 614 / US$140. Via Bariloche and Andesmar are just two options for your trip.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Argentina

Driving

The distance between the two cities is 1570 km (shortest route on RN 5) and you can cover it in about 18 ½ h. Of course, considering the distance, if you plan to rent a car, then you should plan this as a road trip rather than traveling from one point to another.

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Getting from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia

Flights

Ushuaia International Airport (USH) is a small airport serving the city and offering direct flights to Buenos Aires (Aeroparque). The flights are operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas and LAN Argentina.

During the low season (mid-May 2012) expect to pay from US$289 one way on Aerolíneas Argentinas, while a RT flight starts at US$579. By mid-September expect to find slightly cheaper flights (from US$246 one way) on LAN.

Buses

There are no direct buses between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia. You can connect through Rio Gallegos. Andesmar, El Pinguino and Via Bariloche offer buses from Buenos Aires to Rio Gallegos and the single fare starts at AR$ 804 / US$183. The travel time is between 35 h and 38 h 40 min.

From Rio Gallegos it’s another 12 h trip and the single fares start at AR$ 110 / US$25. Just show up at the bus station and ask for tickets.

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Quick summary

The easiest way to get to Punta del Este is by way of Montevideo , to which it’s connected by frequent buses (travel time: 2h 15min). So, instead of flying directly from Buenos Aires to Punta del Este, catch a bus or a ferry to Montevideo first and then take a bus for the last leg of the journey. Total price? Under US$50 per person.

Direct flights from Buenos Aires to Punta del Este

Capitan Corbeta CA Curbelo International Airport (PDP) serves Punta del Este , Uruguay and is not hub for any airline. There are direct year-round flights to/from Buenos Aires Aeroparque operated by BQB Líneas Aéreas and PLUNA, while Aerolíneas Argentinas operated only seasonal flights to/from the same airport.

Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) is the second airport serving the capital of Buenos Aires. Although it is mostly used to handle domestic flights, the airport also offers some international flights, including those to Punta del Este. The airport is located just 2 km from the city center.

During the low season (September 2012), expect to pay from US$123 on a direct flight on PLUNA. The same fares are available for a connecting flight through Montevideo (on the same airline). Return flights start at US$205 (connecting flight).

>>read more about cheap flights to Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires to Punta del Este via Montevideo

It’s cheaper and easier to get between Buenos Aires and Punta del Este by way of Montevideo. Once in Uruguay, just catch a bus to Punta del Este and you’ll reach the dream destination in no time.

There are direct flights between Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) – which serves Buenos Aires – and Aeropuerto Internacional de Carrasco (MVD) – which serves Montevideo. During the low season (September 2012), expect to pay from US$82 one way on PLUNA, while a return flight will set you back from US$140.

A cheaper option – $178.42 UYU / US$41 (promo fare online) – is to catch the fast ferry between Buenos Aires and Montevideo, operated by Buquebus . The travel time is 3 h 15 min and there are several departures per day.

The cheapest option is to catch a bus between Buenos Aires and Montevideo. The single fare is AR$ 160 / US$38 and the travel time is about 8 h. You can choose a night or a day bus.

>>read more about Getting from Buenos Aires to Montevideo

Once in Montevideo, catch a bus to Punta del Este. There are many departures per day and the travel time is 2h 15 min. The buses are operated by COT and COPSA. You can catch the buses directly from the airport. The single fare is US$7. The schedule is here .

Driving from Buenos Aires to Punta del Este

Technically, you can rent a car in Buenos Aires and drive the 1037 km to Punta del Este. The total travel time is 13 ½ h, but make sure to plan some stops along the way. Also, ask the rental company whether you are allowed to take the car across the border.

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Because Cordoba is located in the center of Argentina, getting here from any Argentine city is really easy.

Quick summary

The cheapest way to get from Buenos Aires to Cordoba is by train but you’ll be spending quite a bit of time traveling. Another good options is to take the overnight bus between the two cities (about twice as expensive as the train ticket). Flying is the fastest option but the fares are expensive.

Flights from Buenos Aires (airport code: EZE) to Cordoba

Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), officially known as Ministro Pistarini International Airport , is the main airport serving Argentina and its capital Buenos Aires. The airport is located 22 km from the city center and is hub for Aerolíneas Argentinas and LAN Argentina.

Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) is the second airport serving the capital and this is where you’ll most likely need to get to if you plan to fly domestically. The airport is located just 2 km from the city center.

Ingeniero Aeronáutico Ambrosio L.V. Taravella International Airport (COR), commonly known as Pajas Blancas is located about 9 km from Cordoba’s city center. It is the third largest airport in the country.

Flights between Cordona and Buenos Aires are operated by: Aerochaco (Aeroparque), Aerolíneas Argentinas (Aeroparque and Ezeiza), Austral Líneas Aéreas (Aeroparque) and LAN Argentina (Aeroparque). The flight time is 1h 20 min. In mid-July 2012, expect to pay from US$182 one way on Aerolíneas Argentinas if you fly from Ezeiza. Flying from Aeroparque is slightly more expensive (from US$186 one way on LAN). A return flight in July 2012 will set you back from US$354 on LAN. The airfare doesn’t vary too much during the year.

Read more about:
>>Cheap flights to Cordoba
>>Cheap flights to Buenos Aires

Trains from Buenos Aires to Cordoba

Cordoba used to be a very important railway center in Argentina but nowadays there’s only one rail connection left: the line to Buenos Aires. The train runs two times a week and the travel time is about 16 h. A single ticket costs US$25. The slow speed is compensated by good dining options and sleeping cars.

>>read more about Train Travel in Argentina

Buses from Buenos Aires to Cordoba

The bus is now the most popular option for traveling between within Argentina. There are many companies operating buses between the two cities and the cheapest single ticket is AR$ 250 / US$57. The travel time is about 11 h and there are more than 20 departures per day. You can check the schedule here .

>> read more about Bus Travel in Argentina

Driving from Buenos Aires to Cordoba

You can rent a car in Buenos Aires and drive the 700 km to Cordoba. The total drive time is about 7 ½ h but you should consider making some stops along the way. Please note that you’ll be driving on toll roads.

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Wine tours

Many bodegas – wineries – offer wine tours and you can either search for them yourself or ask the personnel at the hotel for some ideas. You can also visit wineries in the area. Best time to visit Mendoza if you have wine tasting on your mind? March and April.

A walk in the park

Parque San Martín surely offers a lot more than just a walk in the park. If you plan to take a break from the wine tasting, then you can bike or walk here. Another good idea is to follow the path to Cerro de la Gloria for some lovely views of the area. For a modern feel, head to the Central Park with its interesting fountains.

People watching in Plaza Independencia

Plaza Independencia is the central main square. You can spend time people watching or checking out the buildings and restaurants in the area.

Take photos in Plaza España

Plaza España is probably the most beautiful square in the city. It highlights the special connection with Spain. It is decorated with typical Andalusian and Spanish motifs so make sure to bring your camera along.

Cooking classes

Along with wine tours, you can also take cooking classes in Mendoza. You learn to prepare several dishes but wine is definitely a major part of the class.

Go extreme: paragliding

Tandem paragliding can be practiced pretty much every day here. There are two companies which offer such experiences and the cost is about US$100 per flight (15 min).

Hiking

Cerro Alco can be reached after a pleasant half day hike from the city and it can be done independently. It offers lovely views of the Andes and is the base for paragliding, too.

If you want the path to yourself, plan the hike during the week as it’s quite popular with locals over the weekends and can get pretty crowded.

Climb Alta Montaña

Alta Montaña is the highest peak in the Americas. Don’t expect it to be an easy hike but it’s worth the experience. And remember, you cannot do this independently, you need to choose a reputable operator.

Skiing

The Andes are high mountains and the skiing season is a good reason to try the powdery snow. Las Leñas is the most important ski resort in the area. June to August are the months when you want to come here for skiing.

Horse riding

Gauchos are a big part of the Argentine culture and if you want to learn more about them, then a horse riding adventure is what you look for. Ask the personnel at the hotel (hostel) to recommend a good agency for an overnight tour.

White Water Rafting on Mendoza River

If paragliding isn’t your thing, maybe you can test your limits while navigating the river. Always go with a reputable agency and remember that , if you choose an insurance before you leave home, it should also comprise extreme sports.

Photo credits: Winery , Parque San Martín , Plaza Independencia , Plaza España , Paragliding , Climbing , Horse Riding , White water rafting