Argentina, Chile and Uruguay FAQs (1)

By: Wayne Bernhardson

What are the main attractions in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay?

Chile and Argentina are big countries (Argentina is only a little smaller than India) that extend from subtropical to subpolar latitudes, and rise from sea level to more than 6000 meters above in the Andes mountains, so their scenery and attractions are diverse. Uruguay is a smaller midlatitude country whose main appeal is its long Atlantic coastline and the picturesque town of Colonia.

Both Argentina and Chile have high-profile internationally known destinations: Argentina's famous Iguazú Falls and Moreno Glacier and its capital city of Buenos Aires, and Chile's Torres del Paine National Park, Atacama Desert and Easter Island. The two countries share the thinly populated, wildlife-rich Patagonia region that includes the spectacular Moreno Glacier, Torres del Paine, and the legendary archipelago of Tierra del Fuego.

Other attractions include the mountainous southern lake districts of both Chile and Argentina, the wine country of central Chile, Argentina's western provinces and Uruguay's interior, and the beach resorts of Atlantic Argentina and Pacific Chile. Both Chile and Argentina have extensive national park systems.

Buenos Aires, internationally famous for the tango, is the region's most prominent city, but Santiago de Chile is catching up in terms of culture, gastronomy and other activities. The unique architecture and picturesque hills neighborhoods of Chile's port city of Valparaíso have recently earned it United Nations World Heritage Site status. Colonia (Uruguay) is also a World Heritage Site for its well-preserved colonial quarter.

What are the main activities in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay?

Buenos Aires, Santiago and Montevideo all have an active night life and cultural attractions like museums and galleries. The mountains, lakes and backcountry of Andean Chile and Argentina are ideal for hiking, swimming, fishing, whitewater rafting and kayaking, skiing and many other activities. Wine tourism is starting to take off in all three countries.

When is the best time to visit Argentina, Chile and Uruguay?

Most Argentines, Chileans and Uruguayans take their own vacations in the southern summer months of January and February; prices are generally lower, and services less crowded, in the shoulder months of November-December and March-April.

But the major cities are worthwhile at any time of year, and the northern subtropical and desert areas of Chile and Argentina are outstanding destinations in the northern hemisphere summer months of from June to October. In the cities, the attractions and activities are independent of the seasons.

What's the best way to get around Argentina, Chile and Uruguay?

There are excellent air connections from Buenos Aires to all parts of Argentina and from Santiago to all parts of Chile, including Easter Island. Fares are substantially lower, and restrictions fewer, than in most parts of North America or Europe, except for those to Easter Island. Uruguay has few domestic flights but good international connections from Buenos Aires and other South American capitals.

Intercity bus services are fast, comfortable and inexpensive in all three countries. For long distances, so-called coche cama buses with reclining seats are only marginally more expensive. Intercity trains are limited in both Chile and Argentina; though they are inexpensive, they are usually less frequent and convenient than buses.

What's the best way to get around Argentine, Chilean and Uruguayan cities?

Both Buenos Aires and Santiago have good, fast and inexpensive Metro systems, but these cover only parts of the city and close around 11 p.m. City buses run 24 hours a day and are also inexpensive. Montevideo has no Metro, only buses.

Taxis are inexpensive to moderately priced in all three capitals and in smaller cities as well. For security, some people prefer to phone for radiotaxis, which are no more expensive than taxis flagged down in the street.

More people get around by walking than any other means of transport. There is generally more respect for pedestrians in Chile and Uruguay than in Argentina, where crosswalks often appear to be only decorative.