Patagonia

Hike among the raw, majestic beauty of Chile’s Torres Del Paine, one of the world's most magnificent national parks

Marvel at the mountains, glaciers and stunning frozen landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park, home to the Patagonian ice cap and the colossal Perito Moreno Glacier

Watch for southern right whales, orcas, elephant seals and sea lions on Argentina’s striking Península Valdés

Experience the breathtaking mountain scenery of the Lakes District as you travel between Argentina and Chile

Soak up the fairytale beauty of Bariloche, an impossibly gorgeous lakeside city surrounded by mountains and alpine forests

Discover the Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers as you sail through the Ultima Esperanza Sound and the historic Strait of Magellan

Enjoy culture, nightlife and otherworldly landscapes in Ushuaia, the world’s most southerly city

The climate in the north of Argentina is hot (tropical and sub tropical); in the centre the weather is temperate; in the northern highlands, it's dry while the coldest conditions are experienced in the south, in the mountains of Tierra del Fuego.

The trekking season lasts all year round. During winter it's possible to trek in the north, in the jungle and desert areas, and during summer in the south – Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.

The best time for climbing in the Aconcagua region is from December to March. The weather then is relatively stable, but be warned the weather can still change completely in a matter of hours. The winds can be very strong. Needless to say, on days like that, we stay put. It can also get extremely cold on the upper slopes of the mountain; temperatures can drop to -20°C or lower with the wind chill factor. Warm clothes and a good down jacket are essentials items for the climb.

Mendoza, at 760m, enjoys a Mediterranean style climate in summer, as a result of a rain shadow effect from Aconcagua and other Andean peaks that separate it from the Pacific Ocean and prevailing weather. The region has a consistent supply of water, however, from rivers that are fed by nearby glaciers, and make it well suited to irrigation style farming such as vineyards and olives.

Argentina is -3 hours behind UTC/GMT

Spanish (official), Italian, English, German, French, indigenous languages (Mapudungun, Quechua)

Spanish is most definitely the national language, although here it is spoken with several different regional accents, and includes many borrowed words from other languages, in particular Italian. Many different European languages (and dialects/accents within those) can be heard throughout the country, especially Italian, which is still widely spoken in Buenos Aires.

A curious lingua franca called Lunfardo developed in Buenos Aires towards the end of the 19th century, composed of many different languages including Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German and different African languages. Lunfardo was developed as a common slang language by the city’s criminal underworld, and was then picked up by lower classes, then spread to all classes from the start of the 20th century. The language can often be heard in the lyrics of tango music.

Argentinian Peso

US dollars are easily changed.

Credit card facilities and ATM’s are available in most major cities, however it is not recommended to rely on these solely.

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Electricity in Argentina is 220 Volts, at 50 hertz. The pin types used are C and I.

Electricity in Argentina is 220 Volts, at 50 hertz. The pin types used are C and I.

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.