There are four climate types in Argentina. The provinces of Misiones and Corrientes, the northern area of Entre Ríos and the eastern section of the Chaco region – north-eastern Argentina – have a subtropical climate – high temperatures and lots of rain year-round.Part of Salta, the west of Formosa and Chaco, the eastern plains of Tucumán, nearly the whole of Santiago del Estero and the NW Santa Fe – northwestern Chile – has a dry season during the first half of the year.Buenos Aires, most of Entre Rios, the centre and south of Santa Fe, the eastern strip of Cordoba and a part to the north east of La Pampa has a moderate climate.An arid climate holds sway over La Puna, Catamarca’s Andes, La Rioja and San Juan, the neighbouring pre–andean area and Patagonia extra–andean.Patagonia has, in general, a cold climate. Temperatures are low, rainfall is low and in winter there is lots of snowfall.
Driving in Buenos Aires is best left to the locals (portenos). Lots of the city can be enjoyed on foot and there is the metro (subte), remise (a taxi, the price of the trip is settled before starting off) and radio-taxi (radio-dispatched taxis, safer than street taxis).
Colectivos or micro omnibus (bus) are other transport options.
Flights – Aerolineas Argentinas and LAN Argentina both offer domestic flights.
Train – The rail network is limited but cheap. If you’re not on a strict schedule, it’s a great way to see the countryside. The Tren a las nubes (Train to the Clouds) in the province of Salta, is one train journey worth taking. It runs within the Andes, a journey of 434km that takes 15 hours (round trip) across 29 bridges, 21 tunnels and 13 viaducts.
Buses – travelling by bus is comfortable and economical. Some long-distance bus routes even have a meal service.
What is good to know if travelling to Argentina?- If you’re going to view the Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side of the Argentine/Brazilian border, you’ll need to arrange a Brazilian visa. Brazil might have the awesome panorama of the Falls, but Argentina has the pathways across the cataracts that will leave your heart in your mouth.
- Don’t leave Buenos Aires without picking up a poster of Carlos Gardel and one of his CDs. Playing it back home will evoke the golden age of Tango.
- La Recoleta cemetery in BA is worth a trip. It’s the final resting place of Eva Peron (Evita) and many other prominent Argentines.
- If you fancy riding on a lion’s back or scratching behind a tiger’s ears, head to Lujan Zoo near Buenos Aires. Visitors are allowed to get very, very close to the animals.
- In Buenos Aires, an organisation called Cicerones offer free, guided tours of the city.