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Travel advice for Argentina
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Argentina
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written by Shafik Meghji
updated 30.06.2020
Popular with tourists for its access to the “end of the world” at Argentina’s southern tip, Ushuaia was once inhabited by mass murderers, anarchists and pirates after the Argentine government set up a penal colony in 1896.
Ushuaia draws hordes of tourists eager to visit Tierra del Fuego and experience life at the “end of the world”, as Argentina’s tourist authorities like to style it. Few visitors to this picturesque and beguiling spot realise, however, that among the city’s first settlers were some of the country’s most dangerous criminals, who had been sent to what was once known as the “Siberia of Argentina”.
In an effort to consolidate Argentina’s sovereignty over this region of Tierra del Fuego and open it up for further settlement, the Argentine government established a penal colony here in 1896. The early city’s buildings and infrastructure – including the railway that runs to Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, 12km west of Ushuaia – were built by forced convict labour.
Overlooking the icy Beagle Channel and backed by a snow-covered mountain range, the prison itself must surely have been the most beautifully situated in the world. Not that the views would have provided much comfort for the inmates, who suffered truly horrific conditions, as a tour around the prison – which closed in 1947 and is now an atmospheric museum, the Museo Marítimo y Presidio – starkly illustrates.
The prison was designed in the panopticon style - the wings radiating out like spokes from a half wheel - to allow the wardens to observe inmates without them knowing they were being watched. The wings have now been opened up to the public; two host artworks and maritime exhibits, while wing four tells the fascinating tales of some of the most notorious residents, giving an all-too-real insight into the horrors they endured.
Conditions in the prison were spartan to say the least. Each of the cramped cells had a tiny window, a wooden platform that functioned as a bed, a rudimentary chair and a narrow counter. The only personal possessions a well-behaved prisoner was allowed were a couple of books, stationary, sugar and mate (a type of herbal tea, Argentina’s national drink). Dangerous convicts were kept in check by heavy shackles and bulbous ball-and-chains.
A couple of small heaters outside in the corridor were the only source of warmth for the whole wing. Today, even if you visit during the height of summer, there is a noticeable chill in the cells – what conditions were like in the depths of winter, when temperatures in Ushuaia can plunge well below zero, hardly bears thinking about.
For those inmates deemed fit enough to work, backbreaking days were spent felling trees in the dense forests surrounding the prison, hacking at rocks in the quarry or laying railway tracks, labours brought vividly to life by a series of evocative black-and-white photos. Anyone who stepped out of line was sent to the “dungeon”, which is just a bleak as it sounds.
One of the most famous prisoners here was Simón Radowitzky, an anarchist militant jailed in 1909 for the murder of a brutal police chief, Colonel Falcón, responsible for eights deaths at a May Day protest in Buenos Aires. He spent over 20 years in the prison – aside from a brief escape in 1918 – before being exiled from Argentina in 1930. (Radowitzky’s tale is told in illuminating fashion in Bruce Chatwin’s In Patagonia.)
You can also visit the cells of other notable inmates, such as Mateo Banks, an estate owner of Irish descent who in 1922 was convicted of killing eight people – including three of his siblings – and Cayetano Santos Godino, a criminally insane child murderer nicknamed El Petiso Orejudo (The Big-Eared Short Man).
The most evocative part of the museum, however, is Wing 1, which has been left largely untouched. Stepping into it eerily transports you back a century or more: there are no exhibits, information panels, heating or – generally – any other visitors, leaving you alone with just the empty cells and the peeling paint work for company. The only sounds are the echoes of your own footsteps and – when I was there at least – the plaintive mewlings of an unseen cat. It is a sinister, unsettling place that – when you leave the prison and head back into town – makes you very appreciative of your own liberty.
Shafik Meghji is a co-author of The Rough Guide to Argentina and The Rough Guide to South America on a Budget. He blogs at www.unmappedroutes.com, and you can follow him on Twitter @ShafikMeghji.
10 days / from2650 USD
The Great Lakes and Glaciers of Argentina
Experience the great outdoors, Argentina-style! Marvel at jaw-droppingly beautiful Patagonian landscapes, walk the shores of deep-blue lakes guarded by snow-capped mountains at Bariloche, explore the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier – experience all of this, and much more, with this unique trip!
view tour ⤍13 days / from3180 USD
From Chile to Argentina, across the Andean Lakes
Travel from Chile to Argentina across the stunning Andean Lakes, also known as the Lakes District. Beginning in Santiago, you will travel to Puerto Varas, in Chile, and then across the lakes to Bariloche, Argentina, taking in the stunning mountain scenery, before ending your trip in Buenos Aires.
view tour ⤍14 days / from1933 USD
An adventure across three countries: Brazil, Argentina & Uruguay
A trip filled with history, culture and nature spread out over three beautiful and unique countries, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Visit some of the most stunning sites, like the Sugar Loaf Mountain, Iguazu Falls and UNESCO World Heritage site Colonia del Sacramento, during this 14-day trip.
view tour ⤍13 days / from2581 USD
Argentinean Patagonia: from the Coast to the Andes
Explore the region's most fascinating corners: sea life in Puerto Madryn awaits before you head to the most southern city in the world: Ushuaia. Discover Tierra del Fuego before heading out to El Calafate and Bariloche, really soaking in the Argentinean vibes.
view tour ⤍16 days / from3585 USD
Unforgettable Argentina
Argentina has a lot to offer travellers, in this itinerary you will explore the highlights in just two weeks. From busy Buenos Aires you will fly to Iguazu to marvel at the majestic waterfalls before heading south to Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia and El Calafate. Unforgettable Argentina awaits!
view tour ⤍10 days / from2650 USD
Magical Patagonia and Cultural Buenos Aires
Combine exploring the contemporary city of Buenos Aires, with all its luxuries and grand, historical buildings, together with the wild, rugged land of Patagonia. Take in the culture and observe the landscape and wildlife to gain a complete picture of the true Argentina.
view tour ⤍16 days / from5050 USD
Andean Triangle - Chile, Bolivia and Argentina
Start your South American adventure in Santiago de Chile before exploring the wonders of the Atacama desert. A short hop across the border and you'll find yourself in the middle of the Bolivian salt flat. Afterwards, you'll continue to Argentina with Salta and Buenos Aires.
view tour ⤍13 days / from2500 USD
Argentina: Tango and Glaciers
Visit the grand, edgy and famously seductive Argentine capital of Buenos Aires for tango and culture; then head northeast to see the thundering Iguazú Falls. Finally, it’s off to the end of the Americas to deepest Patagonia for adventure, glaciers and limitless horizons.
view tour ⤍13 days / from6800 USD
Wild Patagonia
Argentina has lots to offer its visitors: a glacier the size of a city, sizzling tango, fashionable barrios, artisan towns, ranches with horses and gauchos and wild untamed natural beauty. From Buenos Aires to Patagonia, you’ll get to see it all in this adventure-laden vacation.
view tour ⤍7 days / from1400 USD
Tango & Wines in Argentina
Argentina is known for its dances and gastronomy scene, both to be discovered on this trip. Explore Buenos Aires on your own and with a guide, including its famous nightlife before heading to the vineyards of Mendoza, one of the most developed wine regions in the country.
view tour ⤍14 days / from2271 USD
Multi-country adventures from salt flats to the Andes
South America is full of wonders and this trip packs Argentina, Chile and Bolivia into 2 weeks. Bustling Buenos Aires, beautiful valleys around Salta, the surreal looking surroundings of San Pedro de Atacama, the salt flat of Uyuni as well as Lake Titicaca are all part of this itinerary.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2120 USD
South American Wines Trail
All wine lovers unite! Start your tour in Buenos Aires before heading to the wine region of Mendoza. Sample some of Argentina's finest wines and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Afterwards, continue to Santiago de Chile with a day trip to Valparaiso.
view tour ⤍13 days / from2756 USD
Argentina and Chile: Dazzling Cities and Magical Landscapes
Santiago is an emerging city, whilst Buenos Aires has long been a busy metropolis. Both offer historical buildings to admire, a local gastronomy scene to savour and sensuous dances to learn. Not to mention the mountainous terrain and desert landscapes outside the cities waiting to be explored.
view tour ⤍14 days / from7857 USD
Southern Argentina & Antarctica
Explore the Antarctica on an intimate cruise from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Start in Buenos Aires before spending a few nights in El Calafate and Ushuaia to then board your cruise. 4 nights in the Antarctic are the highlight of your trip before heading to Chile's capital Santiago.
view tour ⤍4 days / from420 USD
A city escape to Buenos Aires
Soak in the unique atmosphere of Buenos Aires on this 4-day tour premium tour. Stay at one of the most exclusive hotels and discover Argentina's capital on bike during the day and in style at a Tango show at night.
view tour ⤍13 days / from2756 USD
Argentina and Chile - Wine Country Explored
Get a taste of the wines of Argentina and Chile on this tour of the country's best bodegas. Sway to the rhythm of tango in Buenos Aires before you head to high altitude towns and absorb stunning mountain scenery. Then it's across the border into Chile to sample Santiago's historic delights.
view tour ⤍14 days / from3075 USD
Self Drive on the Atlantic Patagonia Blue Route
Travel across wild Patagonia in your own rental car. Full autonomy and freedom means being able to truly go off the beaten track. You'll come across plenty of wildlife like whales and penguins, as well as following Darwin's footsteps across the steppe.
view tour ⤍13 days / from2600 USD
Argentina's Northern Highlights
Your journey begins in Bueno’s Aires, the Argentine capital and the home of tango, colonial buildings and cobbled streets. Explore museums, churches, and stunning mountain valleys; be awestruck by the roar of the Iguazú Falls; then explore the wineries of the Central Valley.
view tour ⤍7 days / from1400 USD
From the city to the jungle
Visit two of the most fascinating parts of Argentina: First, the electrifying capital of Buenos Aires in all of its glory before heading out to Puerto Iguazu to discover the majestic Iguazu waterfalls.
view tour ⤍14 days / from7500 USD
Luxury Holidays in South America
Experience the best of Argentina and Brazil in luxury. From vibrant Buenos Aires to breathtaking Argentinian Falls, stunning Bariloche, and untamed Patagonia. Conclude in Rio de Janeiro's iconic beaches before immersing in cosmopolitan Sao Paulo.
view tour ⤍9 days / from3300 USD
Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls & Wine Country
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Argentina's diverse landscapes and vibrant cities. Explore the cosmopolitan charm of Buenos Aires, marvel at the awe-inspiring natural wonder of Puerto Iguazú's majestic waterfalls, and indulge in the renowned wines of Mendoza's picturesque vineyards.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2600 USD
South Argentina and the Ends of the Earth
This trip goes to the southernmost point of Argentina and to the ends of the earth. Begin in Buenos Aires, then travel south to El Calafate and explore the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier, before continuing to the southernmost city on earth, Ushuaia, and the Tierra del Fuego National Park.
view tour ⤍11 days / from15375 USD
Classic Antarctica from Chile
Start and end your trip in Chile and discover the Antarctica on an intimate, Boutique-style expedition boat. Cruise the Drake Passage, visit Cape Horn and fly back to Punta Arenas before returning to the capital Santiago.
view tour ⤍11 days / from3600 USD
Bariloche & Buenos Aires
Explore the stunning landscapes of Bariloche and immerse yourself in nature's wonders. Then, soak up the vibrant energy of Buenos Aires, with its captivating culture, history, and lively streets. A journey of breathtaking beauty and cultural immersion awaits.
view tour ⤍12 days / from2500 USD
Islands & Waterfalls: Ihla Grande and Iguazu
A mesmerizing journey through Brazil and Argentina, starting with the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro. Explore the pristine paradise of Ilha Grande, then step back in time in the colonial gem of Paraty. Finally, marvel at the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls.
view tour ⤍Top image: Amazing view of Ushuai city at night, the most south city in the world in Patagonia, Argentina © LMspencer/Shutterstock
written by Shafik Meghji
updated 30.06.2020
Shafik is an award-winning travel writer, journalist and co-author of more than 40 Rough Guides to destinations across Latin America, Asia, Oceania, Europe and North Africa. A regular contributor to the Rough Guide to Everywhere podcast, he writes and takes photos for BBC Travel, Wanderlust and Atlas Obscura, among others. His new book, Crossed Off The Map: Travels in Bolivia, will be published in late 2021. Follow him @shafikmeghji on Twitter and Instagram.
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Argentina