2. intro argentina & buenos aires 13º edition
DESCRIPTION
Argentina introduction, Distance chart, Buenos AiresTRANSCRIPT
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Argentina is the 2nd largest country
in South America. It has a population
of 40 million, of which approximately 1/3 live in
the capital, Buenos Aires.
In such a massive area, the geography is immense and diverse, with an extremely varied climate.
From the hot and dry northwest to the thunderous glaciers of Patagonia, from the staggering Andes mountain
range to the fertile Pampas, it’s possible to find and do everything in this land of contrasts. Argentina houses several of
the world’s natural wonders including the highest peak in the Americas, Aconcagua,
and the impressive Iguazu Falls.
Argentina must-tries include tasting some of the world’s
best meat and wine, dancing a seductive tango and drinking
the addictive mate.
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• It is normal to kiss once on the cheek when you say hello and goodbye.• Be aware that lunch time is from 1-3 pm and dinner starts at 9 pm or later. Also, dancing clubs aren’t open until 1 am or later. • Make sure you have a spare coin handy to give the baggage handler at the nbus station, it’s normal to give them a small tip.
General Tips
How to make phone calls in Argentina
** Useful Information about Argentina **
Distance Chart in km
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Highlights
:: Plaza* de Mayo: Visit the political centre of Argentina where people come to express their opinions. Thursdays at 3:30 pm, the famous Madres de Plaza de Mayo gather to remember those who disappeared during the dictatorship. Nearby is the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Casa Rosada (with Evita’s famous balcony), and the Cabildo – the colonial city hall.:: The Obelisk: Go to celebrate Argentina’s next sporting victory at this city landmark located at the intersection of Corrientes and 9 de Julio avenues.:: San Telmo: Wind through this charming old barrio* where cobbled streets, colourful cafes, numerous antique shops and live Sunday tango shows centre around Plaza* Dorrego and Defensa street.:: La Boca: Meander along Caminito, a pedestrian walkway lined with murals, statues and colourful corrugated metal houses, that is home to many artists’ studios. Catch a football game in La Bombonera (the chocolate box), home to Boca Juniors and Maradona, and/or pop into their museum during the day.:: Palermo: Stroll through the Japanese and Botanical gardens and the Zoo, followed by the Bosques* de Palermo, the lungs of the city. Palermo Viejo (old) and Chico (small) are more residential and have Spanish-style architecture. Palermo Hollywood and Soho are filled with lots of restaurants, hip bars, nightclubs, coffee places and design shops.:: Recoleta: Walk by designer shops, posh restaurants and tree-lined avenues in this barrio* that has a distinct Parisian feel. The cemetery is renowned for its illustrious tenants including Evita. Visit the large arts and crafts market and the nearby Centro Cultural Recoleta, which hosts the latest art exhibitions.:: Puerto Madero: Head to this century-long abandoned port which was rescued in the 90’s by an urban renewal scheme resulting in apartments, a promenade and elegant restaurants.:: Tigre: Get out of town to El Tigre delta region, and take a boat trip along the meandering rivers and to Martín García Island - a natural and ecological reserve filled with birdlife and a maze of small inner islands.
Buenos Aires is considered to be one of the most elegant and sophisticated cities in South America. Located on the shore of the Río* de la Plata, it is a huge metropolis with a core of majestic architectural glories, wonderful museums, modern art galleries and numerous theatres. Don’t leave without having a tango experience!
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HI Travel is a travel agency for backpackers offering bus & plane tickets, hostel reservation and hostel packages including excursions. They have group departures from BA to main tourist destinations. Send them an email or pop into their office for more information! [email protected]
HOSTEL SHUTTLETo/from Ezeiza Airport
Florida 835, ground Floor - Downtown(011) 43314041
www.hitravel.com.ar
Hostel Shuttle is your cheapest way to get to and from Ezeiza International airport (Pistarini). They offer pick up and drop off from main hostels in downtown or the San Telmo neighborhood. Reservations must be made a minimum of 1 hr in advance from a hostel and 48 hrs ahead online. They transport everyday, year round. Book directly from hostels or at their office.
HI TRAVEL
Buenos Aires – Ezeiza: 7.00 - 9.30 - 12.00 - 14.30 - 17.00 Ezeiza – Buenos Aires: 8.00 - 10.45 - 13.15 - 13.45 - 18.30
Hostel Travel EVT. Leg Nº: 12.903
CULTOUR - Turismo con identidad (011) 1563656892 (011) 1556247368
Facebook: Cultour
Dollars, Euros and Brazilian reales accepted!
Cultour is a young tour company that specializes in original tours and activities in Buenos Aires. Check out Cultour and their unique walking tours, aimed at a younger, backpacking crowd. Most tour guides are sociologists, historians, teachers and students of the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) and speak Spanish, English and Portuguese. Find out what happened in the streets, plazas, buildings and neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and get to know the history, culture and politics of this vivid city. Visual elements (videos, photos, etc.) are thrown in to keep history fun. Cultour also offers conventional bus city tours and can also take you to see the famous football (or play it!), dance or watch the tango, and really see where BA is coming from and where it is going to.
10% off Buenos Aires traces walking tour with Get South!
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JUANCHO FUTBOL (011) [email protected] www.juanchofutbol.com.ar
Credit Cards accepted
Grab your Argentinean Fútbol gear, essential souvenirs and favourite fan
shirt at T-SHOP: CHILE 636, San Telmo.
Make your booking online and get a 10% discount
with Get South!
Grab your jersey and your beer mug because you’re about to experience some serious Football (Fútbol) craziness. The owner is a die-hard Boca fan and will arrange everything so you can fiesta like a local ang get to the real football scene. Juancho Football will take you to watch the best matches in the city, whether that be another local team like famed rivals River Plate or even the Argentina team on international games!
A private van transfer will take you to different famous football grounds where travelling through the city you can learn the Argentine football songs and pick up some (rather less polite) football vocabulary! The pre-game party kicks off at Juancho Bar, where you can feast on bottomless pizza and beer (all included in the price) with the other football fans and travellers. Once in good spirits, it’s off to the game... No hoity VIP section for these party animals - you’ll be right where the action is, in the Fan Section (popular). This is where the real action and atmosphere happens, under
waving flags, by the beating drums and jumping up and down with an excited crowd - there is no other football experience quite like it. Juancho Football were the first to take tourists to the real fan section, and these bilingual rock stars are still the ultimate ticket to the world of Argentinean Fútbol!
Top spectators tip: Wear trainers and comfortable clothing, don’t bring any bags, wallets or anything valuable and if you want to bring a camera to capture the action make sure it’s a small one or even better, bring a disposable one!
Ask about VIP service & tours to the Boca Museum!
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San Telmo: Chile 557 – (011) 53529321Palermo: Thames 2062 – (011) 47757862
Downtown: Viamonte 749, 6º floor Of. 1(011) 51992517
[email protected] www.SayHueque.com
SAY HUEQUE TOURS - Argentina & Chile for Independent TravelLers
Argentina and Chile are enormous countries packed with stunning sites, vibrant culture and exceptional experiences!
Getting around to seeing everything and organising your perfect trip can be a pain in countries that speak a different language, enjoy a long siesta and have most of their hidden gems in hard to reach places. Say Hueque takes all of the stress away from you and offers tailor made trips for independent travellers to get the perfect experience out of the Southern Cone.
With 11 years experience, the knowledgeable staff make customised trips for travellers and with their local contacts they can ensure great prices and outstanding value. Popular destinations and experiences include Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Perito Moreno Glacier, the Atacama Desert, Uyuni Salt Flats, Salta region, hiking in Patagonia, wine tasting in Mendoza, horseback riding at traditional estancias, glacier cruises and much more.
Whether you are travelling alone, with friends, in a family or are looking for an adventourous honeymoon, the fun loving staff endeavour to make sure every aspect of your trip is how you want it. The travel specialists work closely with you to create the perfect trip according to your budget and then let you get on with it (with the added security of an emergency phone) and enjoy your experience of a lifetime! Their sustainable policy to support local economies and respect the environment is another demonstration of why Say Hueque has become an internationally renowned travel company.
Credit cards, Euros and USD accepted
5% discount off tours with Get South!
EVT. Leg Nº: 11.320 Res. 1118/08
Recommended by the most important travel guides!
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Av. Rivadavia 1157 6ºA Downtown
(011) [email protected]
BABEL ARGENTINA - Spanish School
Dynamic and professional teachers will equip you with all
you need to know and help you with advice to enjoy your time
in BA to the máximo!
Struggling to say more than “una cerveza por favor”? To really get the best out of your experience in South America, you need to talk the lingo. BAbel Argentina’s language school is conveniently located in the centre of Buenos Aires, where you can immerse yourself in the language and culture. Intensive courses are designed to get your spanish up to scratch in no time and teach you more about South American culture, with themed classes on literature, sports, tango and cooking as well as immersion and backpackers courses.
Credits Cards - Wi-Fi15% off cash payments
with Get South!
PUERTO LIMON HOSTEL Chacabuco 1080 – San Telmo (011) 43619649
10% OFFin
Dorms
Breakfast - Internet - Wi-Fi
Puerto Limón Hostel is the ideal stopover to enjoy the broadening of the mind and the awesome times that come with travelling.
Located in a fab area for eating out and drinking up, just 3 blocks from Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo and a skip away from downtown BA; you’ll be amazed by the comfort, cleanliness, freshness and staff of this neat site. There are private, double and dorm-style rooms with private and shared baths,
air conditioning, lockers, heating and comfy beds.
Cool vibes, fun styling and lots of light characterize the common room and the full kitchen overlooking the breezy patio.
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Facilities include a bar, a self catering kitchen, motorcycle parking and a shady courtyard with hammocks, sun umbrellas and a splash pool. The owners are always there and will help you decide among the endless possibilities to do in this city.
KILCA HOSTEL Mexico 1545 - Monserrat(011) 43811966
[email protected] www.kilcabackpacker.com
Pay for 5 nights & stay for 7 with Get South!
Especially catered to international travellers, Kilca Hostel is a comfy house with a homely atmosphere, located in a convenient area with shops, bars and restaurants nearby. They have dorms and private rooms with shared bathrooms and large windows that lead onto a colonial patio with lots of greenery. There are spacious common areas with cool music to chill out and meet fellow travellers, including comfy couches, TV/DVD, board games and book exchange.
Apartments are also available to rent. Breakfast - Internet - Wi-Fi
Wheelchair access!
MYSTIC HOUSE HOSTEL BOUTIQUE Angel J. Carranza 1717Palermo Hollywood
(011) [email protected]
If you are looking for style and comfort in the heart of the trendy ‘going out’ district Palermo Hollywood, Mystic House could be the place for you. Rest up in one of their 5 private, attractively decorated doubles and twins (some en suite) equipped with comfy spring box mattresses, LCDs with cable TV, big wardrobes, heating, air con, and access to the terrace or balcony; or make yourself at home in the living room with cable TV, DVDs and a library; throw a dinner party in the fully equipped kitchen or BBQ; grab a cocktail from the bar as
you catch some rays on cushioned sun loungers on the terrace overlooking Palermo… sounds like it’s out of your budget, right? Wrong. The owners offer privacy, great service and comfort of a boutique hotel at hostel prices and spirit!
Breakfast - InternetWi-Fi - credits Cards
10% off with Get South, or 7th night free!
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HOSTEL SUITES OBELISCO & FLORIDA
HOSTEL SUITES PALERMO & TANGO BACKPACKERS
I: Corrientes 830 - Downtown (011) 43284040
II: Florida 328 - Downtown(011) 43250969
www.hostelsuites.com
Hostel Suites Obelisco (I) is set in a beautifully restored 100-year-old building, with spacious rooms and traditional high ceilings. You can meet people in the large loft-style common area, relax in the quiet reading room or party the night away at their cool bar.
Hostel Suites Florida (II) is their brand new hostel situated on the major tourist pedestrian street of the city. It combines hotel quality service with a fun hostel atmosphere, and all of their sparkling clean rooms have private bathrooms, heating and A/C.Their huge downstairs bar is open to the public, so you can meet new friends and begin to discover BA’s culture and nightlife.
Breakfast - Internet - Wi-Fi Free welcome drink!
III: Charcas 4752 - Palermo(011) 47730806
IV: Paraguay 4601 - Palermo(011) 47766871
www.hostelsuites.com
Hostel Suites Palermo (III) is placed in an old restored house with a stylish interior, nice furniture, and a decoration that stands out. There are private bathrooms in most rooms, as well as an open terrace and a big backyard to enjoy on beautiful days.
Tango Backpackers (IV) is made up of several recycled, old-fashioned houses connected by hallways and stairways that lead to a great
terrace where you can relax, sunbathe and enjoy the outdoors. Their bar is in the lobby and reception area, the meeting point in which travellers from all over the world share their experiences and make plans for heading out.
All these hostels boast great facilities; bars, modern guest kitchens, cozy TV/DVD rooms, game rooms, and more. Different types of rooms are available: dorms, private single, twin, double and triple with shared and private bathrooms; and they include all linen, individual lockers and maid service. Each hostel has its very own travel information desk with outgoing English-speaking staff.
Don’t forget to check their weekly planner! Something exciting is happening every day!
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On the other hand, if you decide to stay longer and would like the privacy of your own apartment, La Rocca can provide it. They have plenty of
options for you to choose from so give them a call (they speak English).
LA ROCCA HOSTELS Av. Callao 341 1st Floor - Downtown (011) 43728898 - 43722659
[email protected] www.laroccahostel.comwww.grupolarocca.com
Rock up to La Rocca, a hostel chain conquering South America!
La Rocca Hostel (downtown) is situated on Callao and Corrientes streets. Not only is this close to 4 subway lines and 45 bus routes, it’s in the heart of the city, closest to the city’s best theaters, bars and restaurants. With its stylish lobby, fish tank check-in counter and spacious rooms you know you’ve arrived at a hostel a cut above the rest. They have a wide selection of rooms; from private doubles to dorms, some of them with private bathrooms.
La Rocca VIP is a smaller, more relaxed hostel a few blocks from trendy Palermo Hollywood. Take your
pick from private rooms & dorms, all with shared bathrooms. Best of all is their roof top jacuzzi for those hot summer days!!
5% off at all hostels with Get South!!
InternetBreakfast
Wi-FiAv. Córdoba 3872 - Palermo(011) 48666423 - [email protected] www.laroccavip.com
LA ROCCA VIP
Check out www.enterbuenosaires.com for cool tips on BA.
Av. San Juan 751 (011) 43619215
[email protected] www.laroccasantelmo.com.ar
LA ROCCA SAN TELMOIn traditional San Telmo with all it´s attractions, this is a classic house recently refurbished. They have dorms with lockers, private rooms and even suites with en-suite bathroom and A/C.
At all hostels facilities include 24 hr reception, self catering kitchen, spacious common areas, laundry service and a funky bar open 24/7. A great place to meet strangers and make friends for life. Asados or other meals prepared together every day at cost!
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OSTINATTO HOSTEL Chile 680 - San Telmo (011) 43629639 / 43002535
[email protected] www.ostinatto.com
A unique hostel located at the historicneighbourhood of San Telmo, in a totally recycled XX century building that combines old structure with fine minimalistic design. They have clean and functional dorms with lockers, single/double rooms with private or shared baths and even a loft and a Penthouse with en-suite bathroom, microwave, fridge, A/C, Wi-Fi and spectacular views of BA! Facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, rooftop terrace with BBQ grill and a small pool, ping pong table, a TV/DVD room, a wine cellar and a mini-cinema. All in all Ostinatto offers something for everyone, close enough to be near all the action but far enough to chill out away from the bustle of downtown.
Free activities (per week): 2 yoga classes
2 tango classes 1 walking tour & tip tours
1 Tai-Chi class
Breakfast Internet
Wi-FiPay 4 nights in advance and stay 5 with Get South!
PORTAL DEL SUR HOSTEL
Breakfast Internet
Wi-FiCredit Cards
Hipólito Yrigoyen 855 - Downtown (011) 43428788 / 43422825
Portal del Sur Hostel is located right in downtown; set in a XIX century 4- story building which has been carefully refurbished and decorated to keep the historical charm of its architecture. It has many ensuite private rooms with A/C and cable TV, and comfortable dorm-style
accommodation. Their neat facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, a bar & lounge and a
rooftop terrace with great views of the city and special for asados*! There is an onsite Travel Office that offers excursions around the city including football games and tango shows, and tours all over the country!
Free activities every day, including Tango & Spanish
Lessons that will make easier for you to make new friends from
the moment you get there!
10% Off in
Dorms
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HOSTEL CARLOS GARDEL
Breakfast - Wi-FiInternet - credits Cards
Carlos Calvo 579 – San Telmo (011) 43072606 / 6358
Stay 3 nights and have 1 day bike rental FREE!
Right in the heart of the Buenos Aires’ historic tango district, San Telmo, is Hostel Carlos Gardel.
Its attractive layout, fantastic location, great price and friendly staff make it the ideal all-in-one traveller stop. On the ground floor you will find the reception and living room, with computers, TV and DVD player. The upper floors house the community kitchen, the dorms which range from 4, 6 or 10 beds with private or shared bath, and one private double room with bath. They also have fully furnished apartments for 1 to 4 people. The rooftop patio is perfect for throwing back a beer or barbequing juicy Argentine steaks. So spin, sashay or leapto Hostel Carlos Gardel for a memorable tango masquerade!
MOVING TRAVEL BAR BA Av. De Mayo 1117 - Downtownwww.movingtravelbar.com
Moving Travel Bar in BA is a meeting place for backpackers to share their experiences and tips on BA and beyond. Enjoy almost any drink you like and tuck into some tasty tarts and salads. Located right in the centre on Av. de Mayo.
This old two-storey mansion, has a chilled out atmosphere and helpful staff available 24/7. Located in the heart of San Telmo neighborhood, close to the popular market at Plaza Dorrego with tango dancers. Rooms vary from dorms with 4-6-8 beds, but there are also single and double rooms available. Facilities include Satellite TV, individual lockers in every room, a guest kitchen, laundry service, and luggage storage.
HOSTEL INN BUENOS AIRES
Breakfast - Internet - Wi-Fi
Humberto Primo 820 - San Telmo. (011) [email protected] - www.hostel-inn.com
Wi-Fi
15% off standard rate + 2x1 happy hour at Moving Travel Bar!
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Rivadavia 1291 - Downtown (011) 43816399
HOSTEL PARADAFinding great hostels in Buenos Aires isn’t difficult, but sometimes it’s the little things like strong showers, comfy lounges and peaceful surroundings that really make the difference.
Located in the heart of Buenos Aires, Hostel Parada is only steps away from Av. de Mayo and 9 de Julio avenues and 4
blocks from the Obelisk. Even though you’re located smack in the centre of the city you won’t hear a sound from the street and will be able to get a good night’s rest.
The majority of the rooms are private (single, doubles, twins and triples) with ensuite bathrooms and the 2 dorms have lockers and shared bathrooms. With free cleaning service in the rooms you can be sure that everything will be neat and tidy.
Open 24/7, it is ideally located for seeing the highlights of Buenos Aires as the hostel is within walking distance from most sights (some only a couple blocks away) but if you want to delve further into the excitement of the city or rest those tired legs, there are great transport links from here.
When you want a break from the buzz of city life and sightseeing, chill out with other travellers by joining in on a game of pool, watching TV or a DVD in the communal living room or hanging out in the sunshine on the patio or terrace.
If you want to see some of the local football matches or go to some of the famous tango, the friendly staff will sort you out with tickets. And don’t worry about any language barriers, the staff speak English so you can be sure to get the best recommendations in a language that you will understand.
Breakfast - Wi-Fi
10% OFFwith
Get South
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Junín 1631, 1º C - Recoleta (011) 48027916 / 1530354206
SHAYDENT DENTAL CLINICHaving tooth problems while travelling? Or maybe you want to get that sparkly white smile you have always dreamed of? Whether it’s an emergency, or a pre-planned cosmetic tooth surgery, Shaydent Dental Clinic, in the historic neighbourhood of Recoleta, is waiting with the tooth floss ready for you! This professional clinic has all the latest technology and performs dental implants, total and partial oral rehabilitation, dental whitening, esthetic fillings and lip augmentation among other health services. Contact them in an emergency by phone or in
advance by email and request a free treatment plan, consultation and cost estimation. Whatever your dental needs while on holiday, Shaydent can help you get back your smile!
10% OFFwith
Get SouthEnglish, Spanish and Hebrew Spoken!
FAMILY FARM HOSTEL Perez Zalazar 825GENERAL RODRIGUEZ
(011) [email protected]
www.wonfamily.netwww.familyfarmhostel.blogspot.com
This is a hostel ideal for the green fingered and ecofriendly. On the fringe of Buenos Aires city, this rural family farm and hostel is designed to enjoy nature, learn languages, exchange cultures and learn about sustainable living through ecovolunteering.
With organic gardens and adobe constructions, the idea is to learn about becoming self sufficient and get involved with the project as you enjoy your stay here. There is plenty of space to relax and hang out, enjoying their swimming pool, playing a bit of footie or delight in eating some homemade green cuisine.
With one six bed dorm and plenty of camping ground (shared bathroom) you will certainly feel like one big family by the end of your stay! Breakfast
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“Tango is in Buenos Aires a private dance from houses of ill repute and bars of the worst type. Never is it danced in high-class salons or by respectable people. Tango music itself arouses unpleasant thoughts”. So said Enrique Rodriguez Carreta, the Argentine ambassador to France in 1913. But what did he know?
Now tango is a global craze and Buenos Aires its capital and stage. Often the choice of shows, classes and performances is bewildering. That’s why you should shuffle your way down to Complejo Tango, a one-stop shop for the complete tango experience. This is the only place in Buenos Aires (indeed the world) that offers tango lodging, tango classes, tango dinners and tango shows, all set in a beautiful French neo-classical building.
COMPLEJO TANGO - Tango Lesson + Dinner + Tango show
Complejo Tango is located 5 minutes from the Obelisk in
Balvanera, a barrio* famous for its bohemian vibe and resident poets.Open 365 days a year!
Boutique Hotel
8 charming rooms colourfully designed
around a tango theme such as Carlos Gardel
(the Godfather of tango) or the bandoneon (the
famous melancholic squeeze box).
Show Get South and get 15% off in accommodation and 30% off in
dinner shows if you book directly with
them and pay in cash!
Av. Belgrano 2608 - Balvanera (011) 49411119
Wi-Fi - Credit Cards
Dinner Show
There are special multi-day offers available including shows and classes.
Every night there is a live performance with orchestra,dancer and singers, all accompanied by great food and wine. It showcases the history of tango and how it has evolved over the years. You can even practice your two step with free classes beforehand, from 7:30 to 8:30pm.