Argentina

Land of Tango, Gauchos, and Natural Wonders

Current Local Time

Argentina Flag
Time Zone
America/Argentina/Buenos_Aires (ART)
UTC/GMT -3 hours (No Daylight Saving)

Current Weather in Buenos Aires

18°C
Partly Cloudy
Feels like: 16°C
Wind: 12 km/h SE
Humidity: 65%
Visibility: 10 km
Tomorrow
15°C / 10°C
Rain Showers
Day After
20°C / 12°C
Sunny
Sunrise
7:45 AM
Sunset
5:55 PM
Pressure
1015 hPa
UV Index
5 (Moderate)

Country Information

Capital
Buenos Aires
Population
45.8 million (2023 est.)
Area
2.78 million km² (8th largest)
Government
Federal presidential republic
President
Javier Milei (since 2023)
Currency
Argentine peso ($, ARS)
GDP
$641 billion (2023 est.)
Calling Code
+54
Driving Side
Right
Official Language
Spanish
Time Zones
1 (Argentina Time)

Major Provinces & Cities

Argentina has 23 provinces and 1 autonomous city.

Buenos Aires
Capital
Córdoba
Córdoba
Santa Fe
Rosario
Mendoza
Mendoza
Tucumán
San Miguel de Tucumán
Santa Cruz
El Calafate

Must-Visit Landmarks

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls

One of the world's largest waterfall systems on the border with Brazil.

Misiones Province
Perito Moreno Glacier

Perito Moreno Glacier

Stunning advancing glacier in Los Glaciares National Park.

Santa Cruz Province
La Boca

La Boca

Colorful neighborhood in Buenos Aires famous for Caminito street.

Buenos Aires
Casa Rosada

Casa Rosada

Iconic pink presidential palace overlooking Plaza de Mayo.

Buenos Aires
Mendoza Wine Region

Mendoza Wine Region

Argentina's premier wine-producing area famous for Malbec.

Mendoza Province
Ushuaia

Ushuaia

Southernmost city in the world, gateway to Antarctica.

Tierra del Fuego

Brief History of Argentina

Pre-1500s

Indigenous Peoples

Various indigenous groups including Diaguita, Guarani, and Mapuche inhabit the region.

1516

Spanish Arrival

Juan Díaz de Solís becomes first European to reach Argentina.

1816

Independence

Argentina declares independence from Spain on July 9.

1853

Constitution

Argentina adopts its first constitution establishing federal system.

1946-1955

Perón Era

Juan Perón serves as president with wife Eva ("Evita") Perón as influential first lady.

1982

Falklands War

Argentina invades Falkland Islands (Malvinas), leading to war with UK.

2001

Economic Crisis

Severe economic crisis leads to default on $95 billion debt.

Travel Tips for Visitors

Visa Requirements

Many nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Reciprocity fee applies to some countries.

Currency & Payments

Argentine peso (ARS). US dollars widely accepted. Credit cards accepted but cash preferred for better rates.

Transportation

Extensive bus network (long-distance coaches are excellent), domestic flights, subway in Buenos Aires.

Cultural Etiquette

Greet with kiss on cheek (one for friends). Dinner starts late (9-11pm). Tipping 10% standard.

Best Times to Visit

Oct-Apr: Best for Patagonia & Buenos Aires
May-Sep: Ski season in Bariloche
Feb: Carnival celebrations
Mar-Apr: Grape harvest in Mendoza

Argentine Cuisine

Try asado (BBQ), empanadas, milanesa, dulce de leche, mate tea, and world-famous Argentine beef and Malbec wine.

Famous Festivals

Tango Festival (Aug), Wine Harvest Festival (Mar), Gaucho Festival (Nov), Carnival (Feb), Independence Day (Jul 9).

Safety Tips

Be cautious in cities, avoid displaying valuables, use radio taxis, emergency number: 911.