Travel Tips: A Month In Argentina
And so ended my month designing and gallivanting across the gigantic country that is Argentina. I stumbled, tripped and dragged my uncoordinated self from Mendoza to Buenos Aires and up to the far northern desert and jungle. If I could summarise Argentina into two adjectives, they would be: diverse and delicious. It has snowy mountains at one end and dry desert at the other, with a luscious splash of tropics in the middle. Being vegetarian, everyone warned me that Argentina being the land of steaks, I’d have nothing to eat. Well, I found the vegetarian empanadas and pizzas were top-notch (and HUGE!), and if you don't mind gaining 17kg in a mere month then there is plenty to eat, OK?!
Hock Highlights
Road-Tripping Through The Desert
Four legendary ladies and I hired a car and drove from Salta down to Cachi, then on to stay a night in tiny, barren Molinos. The road was unsealed, and dodgy as heck, but the scenery was TO BLOODY DIE FOR. Giant cacti moulded into derogatory hand gestures dot the landscape, and it is simply *chef’s kiss* supreme. We ran into a spot of traffic in Chicoana as a troupe of gauchos trotted on their horses to a traditional procession, which we were incredibly lucky to see (give me a *HEYOO* for timing and coincidence). The following day we drove down to Cafayate to lounge in the sunshine-doused vineyards, which are a must. There are countless incredible viewpoints along Highway 68 back to Salta which are indescribably vast and beautiful. The Argentinian desert is just the best. 10/10 would recommend.
Sunday Nights In Buenos Aires
Sunday in Buenos is market day, and it is magical. The markets line the streets of the city for 15 blocks, starting at the Pink House and ending in La Boca. As dusk creeps upon the city, the vendors pack up and the tango begins. Drummers emerge from the side streets and their high energy and sheer enjoyment is palpable. Being in their vicinity my grin was so huge that it almost split my face clear in half.
Falling In Love With Iguazu Falls
Puerto Iguazu is sleepy and serene. It's the perfect place to recoup, and after a couple of weeks of illness and deathly design deadlines, that is what I did. Most hotels and hostels have glistening pools overshadowed by leafy palms and luscious ferns. For a while there I was concerned that the hammock I lay in alongside the pool was going to straight up grow over and swallow me whole, a caterpillar never to be released. Don't worry guys, I survived the intense relaxation. Of course, you know, the falls were incredible as well.
Top Tanith Tips
Always With The Reciprocity Fees
If you're an Australian or Canadian entering Argentina, you will need to pay a Reciprocity Fee upon entering the country. You must register and obtain proof of payment online here BEFORE landing or crossing the border. Efforts to pay upon arrival will not be met with kindness.
Take Water With You On Buses
Bus trips in Argentina are LONG, and they do. not. stop. At one point during my travel, I took a 17-hour bus from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls and my initial thought upon purchase was "sweet, a short one", and not even in my usual dry sarcastic way. But seriously, el agua. Get amongst it.
Moisturiser. Say It With Me: Moisturiser
Argentina is dryyyyyy, particularly in the West and the North. My skin was crispy like beef jerky after three days in the Salta region. You WILL need a large vat of moisturiser to dunk your rapidly evaporating body into frequently. Trust me.
No Savoury Breakfasts To See Here
If you, like me, enjoy smearing half a jar of vegemite on your morning toast (or a little, I won’t yuck your yum), then pack some with you. During my entire time in Argentina, I was offered nothing but bread and pastries with Dulce de Leche or jam in the mornings and SWEET LORD I'd just love one day with a splash o' salt. Don't even think about getting a hot breakfast, that is not an option. If you want a luxe smorgasbord at 8 am then maybe Europe should be your thing, yeah?
Just Being Jess
Don't Cry Over Spilt Coffee (In The Crotch)
Nobody really knows how I get by with the level of klutz that I possess. To this day I am shocked I am still walking this earth in one piece *knocks on head, accidentally punches self in eye*. While having a lovely dinner with my ladies in Cafayate, I attempted to sip my coffee and instead proceeded to dunk its entirety of scalding contents into my lap. This offered not only a fabulous look but also comes with a free accompanying waddle walk. Yours now for only a small portion of your dignity and comfort.
