Hotels in Argentina

Argentina is a large, elongated country in the southern part of South America. Its neighbouring countries are Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay to the north, Uruguay to the northeast and Chile to the west. In east Argentina has a long South Atlantic Ocean coastline. The name Argentina comes from the Latin Argentum which means silver. The origin of the name goes back to the voyages made by the first Spanish conquistadores (conquerors) to the Rio de la Plata. The shipwrecked survivors of the expedition mounted by Juan Diaz de Solis discovered Indians in the region who presented them with silver objects. The news about the legendary Sierra del Plata, a mountain rich in silver, reached Spain around 1524. From this date, the Portuguese named the river of Solis, the Silver River (Rio de la Plata). Two years later the Spanish used the same name. Since 1860 the official name of the country has been the Republica Argentina (Republic of Argentina).

Argentina has been a popular tourist destination for many reasons: the outgoing personality of its people, who are friendly, fun and communicative; the typical cuisine which includes asado, mate, regional dishes, and dulce de leche treats; the traditional dances like tango, a couple dancing with a 2 x 4 rhythm. They were born in Buenos Aires during the 19th century and today has reached an international level. The passion for football, and the fanaticism for the significant players and clubs. The typical games like truco, a card game in which luck and the ability to trick or deceive the opponent are the most important things. Horse riding games in the outskirts of the city which reveal the powerful Spanish influence and the persistence of old traditions, and, of course, the personality that each unique region knows how to maintain and strengthen as time goes by.

Argentina’s natural beauty is also a wonder to behold. The country offers vast rolling wine regions and snowy peaks in the north and expansive lakes, jagged peaks, and kilometres of natural plains in the south. The state is also a popular ski destination, and there are plenty of romantic walks in the glistening Lake District. A visit to the Iguazu Falls will impress as will the plentiful wildlife of the national park. From the Andes to the west, which stretch along the Argentina-Chile border from north to south, with the highest peak, 6,960,8 meter / 22,831 feet Mount Aconcagua, to the Pampas and the Atlantic Coast, and across hill ranges, numerous forests, rainforests, deserts and fertile valleys, the biodiversity of these ecosystems allows the development of rich flora and fauna. Many natural sites in the country like reserves and national parks were preserved. Moreover, some of the leading natural landmarks have been declared World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO.

Argentina’s climate is incredibly diverse. The country enjoys a varied environment: it is mild and humid in the Pampas; cold and damp in western Patagonia; subtropical in the Mesopotamia region; and warm in the Northeast. The highest points at all latitudes are the coldest areas, with dry, snowy, mountain weather, and a wide temperature range.

The urban lifestyle in Argentina also attracts many from all over the world. Buenos Aires, its capital, is chaotic, hypnotic and addictive with its all-night fiestas. San Telmo has antique stalls for browsing and ancient cafés to sip coffee in and listen to an abundance of live music. Sports fans are well catered for in football-mad Buenos Aires, one of Argentina’s greatest loves, the other two being food and partying. Visitors from other countries must have a valid passport, with or without a visa, as appropriate. Singaporeans are not required to obtain a visa to visit Argentina and can stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days. No vaccination certificates are required to enter the country.

How to Get There?

By Flight

There are no direct flights from Singapore to Argentina. However, Aerolíneas Argentinas and LATAM Airlines offer connections between Buenos Aires' international airport Ezeiza and many cities throughout South America, as well as North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Singapore travellers planning to visit Argentina need to take a connecting flight via Aerolíneas Argentinas or LATAM Airlines to reach the country. One of the easiest ways to get to Argentina from Singapore is to fly to Auckland and then take a direct flight to Ministro Pistarini International Airport in Buenos Aires. The flight from Singapore to Auckland will take approximately 10 hours while the journey from Auckland to Buenos Aires will take another 12 hours. There are also international flights to other airports in Argentina, such as to Mendoza, Rosario, and Córdoba with LATAM, Gol, Azul Brazilian Airlines, and Copa Airlines from Santiago, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Lima, and Panama City respectively.

What to do There?

Iguazu Falls

Undeniably the big gun in Argentina’s arsenal of spectacular sites, and also one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Iguazu Falls is a jaw-dropping sight for sore eyes. Mighty, torrential and rumbling, it is one of those that deliver assaults to all your senses unashamedly and immediately, no subtle build-ups required. Most travellers arrive and leave on the same day, but there are many other indulgent options if one wishes to experience the wonder in all its glory – take to the sky and hover above the falls for a view like no other or stay in one of the many lodges, some rather luxurious. Take your time to explore what is remaining of the vast Atlantic rainforest. However you choose to acquaint yourself with this stunner, it is guaranteed to be a wonderful experience.

Perito Moreno Glacier

Perito Moreno Glacier is an impressive 30-kilometre-long slab of ice located in Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1981. Surrounded by ice-capped mountains and forests, the glacier that rises to a height of 70 metres from the surface of the water is in itself a worthy sight to behold. However, that’s not all there is to it. Perito Moreno Glacier hosts an unusual phenomenon in which spectacular ice chunks loosen from its main body and crush down into Lake Argentina, creating powerful waves and tumbling echoes to its surrounds. But eager punters have to be lucky as this phenomenon happened irregularly every four to five years with the last major rupture in January 2013, but there are instances of just a two-year gap between previous occurrences especially in recent years, so go ahead and take a worthwhile gamble.

Cueva de las Manos (Cave of the Hands)

Cueva de las Manos (Cave of the Hands) is an unmissable highlight for any archaeological and history buff, as well as for any travellers who have a penchant for the mythical and mystical kind of stuff. Located in the province of Santa Cruz, the cave gets its name for the cluster of stencilled outlines of human hands that appear on the cave walls. As discovered from the remains of the bone-piped apparatus used to create these stencils on the rock, archaeologists have estimated that these were probably made by the indigenous people of the region some 9,500 to 13,000 years ago. Visually stunning as much as it is revealing of ancient pre-historic life, this is a beautiful cave of tremendous importance showcasing the art of a long-bygone era.

Where to Stay?

Tangoinn Downtown Iguazu

An affordable living option with a unique central location in the town of Puerto Iguazú, next to the city’s bus station. Here you´ll find an oasis with private and shared rooms, all with private bathroom and air-conditioning, a beautiful pool, fully equipped guest kitchen and a nice bar with great music every day. The Tangoinn Downtown Iguazú also offers free Wi-Fi and free breakfast. Guests can also use the barbecuing facilities for free. Also, the Tangoinn Downtown Iguazú provides luggage storage, laundry service, tourist information, and a travel agency.

Unique Palacio San Telmo

Unique Palacio San Telmo located in one of the most fashionable areas of Buenos Aires. Situated in the heart of San Telmo, surrounded by pedestrian streets and with an incredible view of the domes of the old town. Its prime location emphasises the establishment by its proximity to antique shops, major cultural centres, Galerias Pacifico Shopping, and many restaurants and bars. The hotel combines design and modernity with elegance and comfort. Its offers Buffet Breakfast and bright and spacious rooms. Rooms equipped with LCD TV, telephone, individual air conditioning/heating, bathroom with bathtub, bidet hairdryer and amenities, digital safety box, minibar and access to high-speed Internet.

Las Ramblas de Puerto Manzano

Villa La Angostura, Patagonia Argentina, is located in Las Ramblas hotel Puerto Manzano, situated on the beachfront of Bahia Manzano. Nestled beautifully amidst the mountains, the hotel has ten suites with varying sizes ranging from 35m2 to 80m2. Guests are guaranteed a comfortable and will be provided with the best service and from staff. The suites are equipped with whirlpool baths and have panoramic windows overlooking Lake Nahuel Huapi. The rooms are also equipped with king size mattress, refrigerator, safe, hairdryer, and other amenities that combine the warmth and service into making this an exclusive lodge.