Altitude sickness (In the thinner atmosphere above 3000m (9842ft), or even at lower altitude, lack of oxygen causes many individuals to suffer headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, physical weakness and other symptoms that can lead to very serious consequences, especially if combined with heat exhaustion, sunburn or hypothermia.

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) can affect anyone and care should be taken to avoid ascending mountain peaks above 3000m (9842ft) too quickly. Sleep at a lower altitude than the greatest height reached during the day, if possible.

Hypothermia - At high altitudes in the mountains or high latitudes in Patagonia, cold and wet conditions can kill. Changeable weather at high altitudes can leave you vulnerable to exposure: after sunset, temperatures in the mountains or desert (even when simply taking a long bus trip) can drop from balmy to below freezing, while high winds and a sudden soaking can lower your body temperature too rapidly. If possible, avoid travelling alone; partners are more likely to avoid hypothermia successfully. If you must travel alone, especially when hiking, be sure someone knows your route and when you expect to return. In some areas, you should always be prepared for cold, wet or windy conditions even if you're just out walking or hitchhiking.

Best time to go

Argentina falls within the temperate climate zone and enjoys four seasons that run opposite to those of the
Northern Hemisphere. It is never a bad time to visit Argentina, but because our adventures are centered round trekking in the
Southern Patagonia region, our tours operate predominately throughout its summer season, from
November to April.

Upon arrival

Once you’ve reclaimed your baggage and cleared customs, you will be warmly welcome to Argentina, assisted with your luggage and taken you to your hotel by private air-conditioned minivan/bus. Please do not leave the airport terminal building unless you have made contact with Amazing Peru staff. Also ignore the calls from taxi drivers as your private transport has been provided for you.
Food and drink
Drink only bottled water. Pasteurised milk is widely available. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Avoid street food vendors and the cheaper restaurants.

What to eat To try some typical foods, here is a selection of what we recommend.

Parrillada - As Argentina is famous for its beef, this local dish of grilled meats is a must
Matambre relleno - A stuffed and rolled flank steak that makes for a good appetizer served cold or baked
Carbonada - A beef stew with rice, sweet potatoes, squash, maize and chopped apples and peaches
Locro - A thick stew made from white beans, maize, beef, sausages, pumpkin and herbs
Empanadas - Pastries stuffed with meat or cheese or even both
Queso y dulce - Cheese topped with preserved fruit
Flan - A caramel custard topped with dulce de leche, an Argentinean invention of caramelised milk
Argentina helado - The best places to try is where you see a sign that reads “Elaboracion propia or elaboracion artesanal” These places make the ice cream on premises and offer a variety of flavours
Almendrado - Ice cream rolled in crushed almonds

What to drink

Mate (pronounced mah-tay) - When in Argentina, you have to try this tea-like beverage. If nothing else, it will be a conversation piece. Yerba mate is made from dried chopped leaves of llex paraguayensis, a relative of common holly. Mate has become a way of life for Argentineans and should be considered their national drink. The consumption of mate is a social ritual, bringing family and friends closer together
Coffee - almost always in espresso form with lots of sugar
Wine – Again, some world class wines are being produced in Argentina.
Licuado - A blended milk and fruit drink
Submarine - A bar of semisweet chocolate which dissolves in a glass of steamed milk.

Highlights

Buenos Aires
Perhaps the most cosmopolitan metropolis in South America. Most of the population is of
European descent and the city is reminiscent of Paris. It is situated on the Rio de la Plata, and as its name suggests, it is the city of good winds.
Plaza de Mayo - At the corner of 25 de Mayo and Rivadavia, this is the hub of the city centre and where many public buildings such as the Catedral Metropolitana can be found. At the east end, you will find the Casa Rosada presidential palace with the famous balcony from which Juan and Evita Peron greeted the masses. Open from Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 6pm and Sunday from 3 to 6pm.