Destination guide: El Calafate, Argentina
El Calafate is the gateway to Antarctica’s fascinating world of glaciers and ice, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In fact, this tourist town offers its visitors the chance to go on several different trips and excursions in the Los Glaciares National Park, as well as to the Argentine Lake (the most southern of the Patagonian lakes) and Mount Fitz Roy (considered by the ancestral tribes of this part of Argentina a sacred mountain).
Don’t put it off any longer, fly with LAN and enjoy your vacation in El Calafate.
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El Calafate - Practical Information
Currency
Argentine Peso
Language
Spanish
Timezone
UTC/GMT -4
Weights & Measures
Metric; Rural areas may use the legua (league, about 5km)
Visas
Nationals of the USA, Canada, most Western European countries, Australia and New Zealand do not need visas to visit Argentina. upon arrival all non-visa visitors must obtain a free tourist card, good for 90 days and renewable for 90 more.
Dependent children traveling without both parents theoretically need a notarized document certifying that both parents agree to the child’s travel. Parents may also wish to bring a copy of the custody form.
Customs
Argentine officials are courteous toward tourists. Electronic items, including laptops, cameras and cell (mobile) phones, can be brought into the country duty free, provided they are not intended for resale. If you’re over 18 you may also bring in up to 2L of alcohol, 400 cigarettes and 50 cigars. If you’re entering with expensive computer, photographic and/or other electronic equipment, you should play it safe and declare it.
Business Hour
Traditionally, business hours in Argentina start at 8am and break at midday siesta (rest) for three or even four hours, during which people return home for lunch and a brief nap. After siesta, shops reopen until 8pm or 9pm. This schedule is still common in the provinces, but government offices and many businesses in Buenos Aires have adopted a more conventional 8am to 5pm schedule.
Electricity overview
European plug with two circular metal pins
Australian-style plug with two flat angled blades and one vertical grounding blade
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