The Argentine Republic
Argentina is located mostly in the southern half of South America. The country is bordered by Chile to the West, Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Brazil to the northeast, Uruguay and the South Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Drake Passage to the south. With a mainland area of 2,780,400 km2 (1,073,500 sq. mi), Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world, the fourth largest in the Americas, and the largest Spanish-speaking nation. It has a population of 40.302.000.
Among the largest industry sectors in the country we can mention food processing, beverages and tobacco products; motor vehicles and auto parts; textiles and leather; biodiesel, chemicals and pharmaceuticals; steel, aluminum and iron; industrial and farm machinery. In addition, Argentina has since long been one of the top five wine-producing countries in the world.
Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is the capital and most populous city of Argentina, with 2,890,151 inhabitants (metropolitan area population is 13.3 million). It is located on the center-east part of the country, on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata. This cosmopolitan city is a top tourist destination and is known for its preserved Spanish/European-style architecture and rich cultural life.
Thanks to its influence in commerce, finance, fashion, art, gastronomy, education, entertainment and mainly its distinct culture, Buenos Aires became one of the most important cities in America.
Bariloche
It is the most populous city of the Patagonian Andes. It is located within the Nahuel Huapi National Park, in the southwest part of the province of Río Negro, in the foothills of the Andes, on the southern shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake. It has a population of about 110,000 and it is one of the most visited destinations in Argentina. It hosts nearly one million tourists annually, mainly in the winter season, specially from Europe and South America.
Its natural reserves including lakes, forests and mountains, and the famous sky resorts are Bariloche’s main attractions. In 2012 the city was declared “national capital of adventure tourism.”
In addition, Bariloche is one of the most important scientific and technological centers in America.
Climate
In Bariloche the climate has marked alpine characteristics with changeable conditions. It is windy all throughout the year.
In May, days are cool, and nights are cold. Temperature varies from 4 °C to 13 °C (39,2 °F to 55,4 °F), with high chances of rainfall.
Recommended clothes
It is suggested to pack both a light and a thick coat, since there are marked temperature variations. Bringing a rain/windbreaker jacket is also advisable.
Entrance to the country – Visa requirements
To enter the country, a valid passport is required.
Visitors from the following countries do not need a visa to enter as tourists:
Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea Republic, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Uruguay.
However, it is advisable to check if a visa is required according to each case and find out the requirements to apply for it.
Citizens from Mercosur countries may enter the country with a valid national identification document, although we recommend checking these regulations in each case.
Vaccines
When travelling to Argentina, it is recommended to get protection from yellow fever, hepatitis A, tetanus-diphtheria and measles, mumps and rubella (triple viral vaccine).
Airport
The Teniente Luis Candelaria International Airport is located 13 km east from the city of San Carlos de Bariloche. It is considered the entrance to the Patagonian Andean lakes region. Apart from handling domestic flights, it also receives flights from Brazil and Chile. Several daily air services connect Bariloche and Buenos Aires.
Car rental – taxis
There are many options to rent a car in Bariloche. Among others, the following companies operate in the city: Hertz, Rent-a-Car, Avis, Alamo. Some of them have counters at the airport as well.
Taxis are white and light blue. They have fixed stops at the city center but may be hailed in any street. Several taxi companies operate in Bariloche.
Electricity
The standard current in Argentina is 220 volts, and the frequency is 50 Hz. Plugs are type C and I.
Currency – ATMs
The official currency is the Argentine peso (ARS). It is advisable to check the currency exchange rate for American dollar and euro when travelling to Argentina, since it may fluctuate.
Many of the main banks operating in the country have offices in Bariloche. They are mostly open from 08:00 am to 01:00 pm. ATMs (cash machines) are distributed around the city.
Main credit cards are generally accepted in most stores.
Tipping
In Argentina, tips are not included in the bill of restaurants and coffee shops. Though there is no formal consensus on the amount, a 10% of the bill can be taken as a standard rate.
Places worth visiting and recommended excursions
Lake tour on the Nahuel Huapi. With its gorgeous scenery and the clear waters, sailing across lake Nahuel Huapi is one of the visitors’ favorite activities.
Isla Victoria and “arrayanes” forest. A sightseeing cruise on spectacular Nahuel Huapi Lake and visit to Isla Victoria and the “arrayanes” forest, a unique environment. The trip begins at Puerto Pañuelo, a site nestled on the Llao Peninsula.
Mount Otto – 360-degree view. From a panoramic balcony, the best glimpses of the mountains and the lakes are caught.
Tour around “Circuito Chico”. A classical tour around the main attractions displayed by the shores of lake Nahuel Huapi.
Mount Campanario viewpoint. The most impressive sceneries in the area after a tour in comfortable chairlifts.
Information about the event
Dress code
For the social meetings, elegant casual clothes are recommended, no jeans. No tie is necessary.
Punctuality
Punctuality is indispensable and will be welcomed for all programmed events.
Badges
You will be requested to show your identification card / badge at all the social and academic events to be allowed into the meeting rooms.
Don’t forget to bring with you
Prescribed glasses, photo or video camera with battery charger, personal medicines, comfortable and smart shoes and sweater.
Luggage
We suggest that you identify your luggage with bag tags (name and surname).
Insurance
The organizers assume no responsibility for medical, travel, robbery or personal insurance.
In case of needing medical attention at the hotel please call Reception (24 hours). Hotels may have medical insurance.