Scenset's Guide to Argentina

The Argentine film industry has historically been one of the three most developed in Latin American cinema.

Below are some of our favourite picks to get you excited before your trip:

• Wild Tales follows six thematically interconnected stories that explore a society on the verge of chaos — a recurring theme in 21st-century Argentinian cinema. Each tale is ignited by a seemingly ordinary trigger, such as a casual remark or a minor incident, leading to explosive emotional reactions that defy societal norms - trailer here.
  
• The Magic Gloves brilliantly captures the impact of Argentina's 21st-century economic crisis. This darkly humorous film, filled with eccentric characters, unfolds through witty sketches. When Buenos Aires taxi driver Alejandro reconnects with a former school friend, his life takes a quirky turn. He moves in with a former porn star, starts a new relationship with a flight attendant, and invests in 'magic gloves' from China, leading to unexpected consequences - trailer here.
  
• The Motorcycle Diaries portrays the true story of a young Ernesto "Che" Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado embarking on a transformative motorcycle journey through South America. As they witness the region's poverty and injustice, Ernesto's political consciousness is ignited, marking the beginnings of his revolutionary path. This film is significant in understanding Argentina's history, particularly the iconic figure of Che Guevara - trailer here
  
• The Distinguished Citizen, an acclaimed film, tells the story of a Nobel Prize-winning writer who returns to his hometown after many years of living abroad. He receives the honor of being named an illustrious citizen of the town, but his visit takes an unexpected turn. As he becomes more entwined with the community, he unravels the intricacies and contradictions of his once-beloved home - trailer here.
  
• The Official Story explores the repercussions of the 1970s and 1980s military dictatorship. Norma Aleandro plays a history teacher who questions her life and beliefs upon discovering that her adopted daughter may have been a victim of kidnapping during that period. The film addresses themes of identity, justice, and memory, making it the first Argentine film to win the Best Foreign Film Oscar - trailer here.

A few of our favorite Argentinian literary works to read before (or during) your trip, are:

• Rayuela, by Julio Cortazar, follows Horacio Oliveira, an unsatisfied Argentinean intellectual in his forties. He explores 1950s Paris with his mistress La Maga and a bohemian group, but a series of errors and personal tragedies lead him back to Buenos Aires. The novel depicts a creative spirit paralyzed by indecision, offering a unique and multifaceted narrative enriched with humor, risk, and unparalleled originality. Upon release, 'Hopscotch' caused a cultural stir and marked a true revolution in Spanish-language narrative. It was the first time a writer fully explored the desire to break free from the traditional structure of storytelling and language - click here for more information.
  
• The Gaucho Martín Fierro is an epic poem that evokes rural Argentina, widely seen as the pinnacle of the genre of "gauchesque" poetry and a touchstone of Argentine national identity - click here for more information.
  
• My Name is Light, by Elsa Osorio, looks at Argentina's tumultuous history during the 1976-1983 dictatorship. The novel's protagonist, Luz, embarks on a quest to illuminate the shadows of that era and uncover the truth about her own life. This book pays homage to the grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo, who courageously sought justice for Argentina's 'disappeared' - click here for more information.
  
• The Argentina Reader is a comprehensive collection of articles and documents exploreing Argentina's complex history, from its once-wealthy status to its contemporary struggles with corruption and authoritarianism. Covering a range of topics like history, society, politics, and culture, the contributors, many of whom are Argentinian, trace the country's journey from colonial times to the present day. It's a rich look at Argentina's culture, people and society - click here for more information.
  
• Our Share of Night follows a woman's mysterious death propels her husband and son into a harrowing confrontation with her sinister family, known as 'the Order.' Grieving, the father and son embark on a road trip to her ancestral home, where they discover a legacy of unspeakable acts committed in the pursuit of immortality. As the narrative weaves through time, from 1960s London to Argentina's turbulent military dictatorship era, this novel explores love, desire, and the supernatural, offering a unique and haunting tale from one of Latin America's most compelling authors - click here for more information.

We have designed some great playlists for you to enjoy during your trip through Argentina!

• Argentina is a great selection of Argentinian artists that have shaped the music industry.
  
• Campfire Chill is perfect for nights under the stars.
  
• Summer Chill is a great soundtrack for your trip in the sun.

A few Spanish phrases to try during your trip are:

• Hello: ¡Hola! (oh-lah)
  
• Good morning: ¡Buenos días! (bweh-nos dee-ahs)
  
• Good afternoon: ¡Buenas tardes! (bweh-nahs tar-dehs)
  
• Good evening: ¡Buenas noches! (bweh-nahs noh-chehs)
  
• Goodbye: ¡Adiós! (a-dyos)
  
• Thank you: Gracias (grah-thee-ahs)
  
• Please: ¡Por favor! (pohr fah-vohr)
  
• How are you?: ¿Cómo estás? (ko-mo es-tas)
  
• Good, thank you!: ¡Bien, gracias! (bee-ehn gra-thee-as)
  
• Please!: ¡Por favor! (pohr fah-vohr)
  
• No problem: De nada (de-na-da)<br>
• Sorry: Perdón (per-dohn)
  
• What is your name?: ¿Cómo te llamas? (coh-moh teh yah-mah)
  
• My name is...: Me llamo... (meh yah-moh)
  
• Yes: Si (sea)
  
• No: No (with a shorter o sound)
  
• Cheers!: ¡Salud! (sah-LOO)

For your trip, we recommend bringing the following:

• A warm and windproof jacket; those made from Gore-Tex and polar fleece are ideal.
  
• Walking/hiking shoes (not new!) and plenty of warm, knee-high socks.
  
• Gloves, hat and/or earmuffs to protect your ears from the wind.
  
• Warm jacket, trekking trousers, sweater, and fleece.
  
• Bring layers with you (especially for Patagonia).
  
• Sun cream, sun hat, lip balm and sunglasses.
  
• Swimsuit, for the pools and sauna in the spa at all properties.
  
• A modest outfit if you are visiting churches or holy sites that cover the top of your legs, chest, shoulders and top of your arms.
  
• Semi-casual clothes for eating out.
  
• Semi-formal clothes if you're eating out at a fine dining restaurant; it's always nice to dress up when on holiday!
  
• Binoculars for wildlife-watching and camera equipment for capturing your surroundings (if you have them).
  
• Day-pack for excursions.
  
• An adapter.
  
• A power bank to keep your phone charged for all those great pictures!

In Argentina you will find plug and socket types C and I.

Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type I is the plug which has three flat pins in a triangular pattern

We recommend bringing a universal travel adapter that has multiple specifications so you're always prepared.

Hotels may have adapters you can use, but they may not always be available or working, so it's best to have your own.

Here are some tips on health, safety and general rules to be aware of:

Security

• Dial 101 or 911 and ask for the police if you have an emergency.
  
• It's important to remember that, like all major global cities, pickpockets operate in highly populated areas; especially areas frequented by tourists.
  
• It is highly recommended not to bring or wear valuable or sentimental jewellery, watches or items with you that you do not wish to lose or have stolen.
  
• While most visitors do not have any issues whatsoever when visiting, it's always good to be aware of your surroundings and your personal items.
  
• Be vigilant when in Buenos Aires where pickpocketing can be more common.
  
• Only use official taxis (black and yellow in Buenos Aires and Uber from the App). Do not take Uber (or any other app based taxi services) outside of the app. Pay with cash wherever possible for favorable rates. The hotel concierge or your guide can help you with taxis.

Health

• Dial 107 or 911 and ask for an ambulance.
  
• If you are under special medical treatment, you are advised to take enough medicines with you to cover your trip and any delays, as it is a high possibility that you may not find the same medicine in Argentina.
  
• Ensure you have travel insurance with you that covers medical, if you are not already covered by your supplier.
  
• Check with your doctor 8 weeks before travel for any recommended vaccinations for your trip.
  
• Medical facilities in Argentina are good but can be expensive.
  
• Public hospitals tend to be crowded.
  
• You will have to pay for most helicopter rescues, including in Mount Aconcagua.

Local laws

• Illegal drug use in Argentina carries heavy penalties and lengthy prison sentences.

Natural Disasters

• Many northern provinces experience occasional flooding. This can disrupt transportation and delivery of food. Flash floods can occur during heavy rains, in provinces including Buenos Aires. Monitor local media and follow instructions given by the local authorities.
  
• Earthquakes are not as common in Argentina as they can be in Chile, however, they can occur. Follow local media and instructions given by local authorities.
  
• The Copahue Volcano on the Argentina-Chile border erupts occasionally, and residents are evacuated. If you’re travelling to this area, monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Tipping is discretionary in Argentina and is seen as a reward for good service.

Tips should be in local currency (Argentine Pesos denoted with a $ sign), or USD if using notes. If you do leave tips in US dollars (bills only), make sure the bills are unmarked and undamaged.

If you want to tip in a restaurant using your credit card, just inform the server when they bring the credit card machine how much you want to pay.

Our guideline for tipping is:

• Restaurants: 10-15%
  
• Guides: $25-50 per day
  
• Drivers: $20-40 per day
  
• Hotels | Housekeeping: $1-2 per day
  
• Hotels | Porters: $1-2 per bag

• The official currency in Argentina is the Argentine peso.
  
• While some vendors may accept Euros or US dollars, it's recommended to use pesos for better exchange rates.
  
• You may need to withdraw pesos upon arrival at the airport, as they may not be readily available in your home country.
  
• Credit cards are widely accepted, but if you need to exchange cash, doing so at the airport is advisable due to more reliable availability, despite potentially less favorable rates.
  
• Banks and exchange offices operate on weekdays.
  
• Keep in mind that entry fees to national parks must be paid in pesos and may not accept other forms of payment.

A few fantastic local favourites we love in Argentina are:

• Asado, a barbecue feast also called parrillada is a must! It involves leisurely afternoons by grills or open fires, enjoying copious amounts of grilled meats. Asado, deeply rooted in the gaucho culture of cattle-rich plains, showcases a tantalizing array of beef, pork, ribs, sausages, blood sausages, and sweetbreads straight from the flames. In Patagonia, keep an eye out for whole lambs or pigs roasting over open fires. Sprinkled with salt, complemented by chimichurri, and paired with malbec wine – this is Argentina at its best!
  
• Provoleta, inspired by substantial Italian immigration to Argentina, is a twist on provolone cheese. Slices of this pungent, sharp cheese are adorned with chili flakes and herbs, like oregano, and grilled. The result: the cheese becomes delightfully crispy and slightly caramelized on the outside, while staying gooey and smoky on the inside.
  
• Dulche de Leche is akin to a caramel spread, renowned in South America and gaining global popularity. This milk toffee delight finds versatile use: as an ice cream topping, cake filling, or accompaniment to pancakes and toast.
  
• Fernet, an Italian bitter or amaro, is a liqueur made with a mix of herbs and spices that has cult-status in Argentina. Known as a Fernando or Fernandito, Fernet con Coca combines the amaro Fernet-Branca with Coca-Cola, served tall over ice. It's an acquired taste, with its unique blend of bitterness, sweetness, mintiness, and herbal notes. However, it's extremely popular in Argentina and a must-try!
  
• Chimichurri is Argentina's favored condiment A vibrant green salsa crafted from finely chopped parsley, oregano, onion, garlic, chili pepper flakes, olive oil, and a hint of acidity, like lemon or vinegar. This zesty and garlicky salsa occasionally doubles as a marinade but is most commonly enjoyed draping grilled meats and a variety of savory dishes across the nation

Ice cream may not instantly come to mind when you think of Argentina, but the ice cream produced here is next level!

At every corner, you'll find a heladería or ice cream stand just a few steps away, offering cucuruchos (ice cream cones) filled with the distinctively silky ice cream that's Argentina's pride. It's a treat cherished by all, universally adored.

Argentinian ice cream, influenced by Italian traditions, strikes a delightful balance between gelato and conventional ice cream.

Though dense and velvety, it lacks the hardness of traditional ice cream. Instead, it boasts a silky softness, yet retains its malleability due to its high density.

When you indulge in this intriguing ice cream, expect to be served a cone or cup crowned with a towering scoop sculpted to a sharp point.

Argentina is celebrated for its versatile range of Malbec wines, spanning from affordable options to ultra-premium selections. Yet, Argentina's wine prowess extends beyond Malbec.

Emerging from Mendoza, Argentina offers an extensive selection of wine specialties, including robust and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon to delicate and floral white wines crafted from Torrontés grapes.

What sets Argentina's wines apart is the profound impact of its landscape. Many of the country's premier vineyards are situated in close proximity to the Andes Mountains, at high altitudes. It's this unique mountainous and sunny terrain that imparts Argentina's wines with their unmistakable character.

Francis Mallmann needs no introduction! One of Argentina's most celebrated chefs, he is often hailed as one of Latin America's most influential chefs, having played a pivotal role in popularizing Argentine cuisine on the global stage.

He is a distinctive personality characterized by his adventurous spirit, poetic sensibility, and passionate devotion to open-fire cooking.

• Click here for his Heirloom Tomato Salad recipe.