get south guide book

** Health & Safety Tips ** To visit Argentina, Chile and Uruguay most nationalities including most of Western Europe, South Africa, New Zealand don’t need a visa and can enter these cou

Are you ready to Get South?

The gems of South America have been discovered, and they are here waiting for you! The landscapes are awe-inspiring, the cities unique and the culture full of passion Think you’re ready for a fiery football match, going mad for mate and consuming copious amounts of scrumptious meat and wine? Want to soak up some rays on cool beaches, dive in the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans or ski on unblemished slopes?

Well, it’s all here! Argentina, Chile and Uruguay These three countries lie side by side, each completely unique but together they form one of the most exhilarating, enticing and unforgettable places to travel in the world! The possibilities are endless… Draw yourself into the shadows

of the majestic and omnipotent snow capped Andes, hang out with a million penguins, or be mesmerized by giant glaciers shedding chunks

of ice in a sea of rugged frozen fields

In this vast land, you’ll also find top-notch rafting, trekking, mountain climbing, diving, fishing, paragliding, horseback riding, mountain biking, skiing and our personal favourite: having a good time

Now go on Get South!

Hello! Thank you for picking up a copy of Get South, we hope it becomes

your new best friend on the road

This year we are celebrating our 5th anniversary so this new edition

is very special to us as it marks a significant milestone in our journey

We are a small team of independent travellers and are committed to offering travel advice to people just like us Every place you see in Get South has been personally visited or recommended, so we have all the

insider tips and most recent information that sometimes is difficult to find by yourself

Over the years we have had help from different travel fanatics, including travel writer Amanda Barnes who has been writing for Get South since

2010 and our Buenos Aires man Alejandro Damico who’s been helping with the guide since 2011

On this special anniversary I would like to thank family and friends for all their help, love and patience throughout

I would also like to thank our loyal advertisers without whose support this guidebook couldn’t exist Please continue to support our advertisers because without them we couldn’t bring you this guide Remember to mention Get South so they know we helped you find them

We love to hear from our readers,

so please drop us an email if you have any feedback, suggestions or just want to say hi!

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and keep in touch for more Get South news We hope

to see you on the road one day!

** 5th Year Anniversary! **

Don’t leave without trying these

Wines Tasting Guide

Backpacker Etiquette/Swap Offerings

Tafí del Valle

Amaicha del Valle

La Quiaca

PATAGONIA REGION

NeuquénSan Carlos de Bariloche

El Bolsón EsquelLas GrutasPuerto MadrynPuerto Pirámides

El Chaltén

El CalafatePuerto San JuliánUshuaia

CHILE

Useful Information/Distance chart Arica

IquiqueSan Pedro de Atacama

La SerenaPisco ElquiViña del MarValparaíso Santiago PichilemuPucónValdiviaPuerto VarasPuerto MonttChiloe Island - AncudChiloe Island - CastroCarretera AustralPuerto NatalesPunta ArenasPuerto Williams

URUGUAY

GlossarySpanish / English dictionaryAcknowledgements

7476787980818285888991949596100101105106108109111113114114115119123124127128131133135139140143144146150151152

-

-* CONTENTS -*

** How to use this guidebook **

You can get a free copy at most tourist info centres and bus stations (of destinations featured) or throughout all the

companies displayed in the guidebook

For detailed information check out the

“Find Get South“ section in our website!

Download Get South free of charge from our website,

or receive it by mail anywhere

in the world, just by paying postage!!

** Where to find Get South **

Get the most out of your Get South, see our handy tips below: Get South promotional offers are ONLY valid when the guidebook is

shown on arrival or at check-in, and when the reservation is made and payment received by the company providing the service Offers cannot be combined with any other discounts or special promotions Promotions are only valid with direct bookings, not through third party service providers When bookings are made through Hostel World, Hostel Bookers or any other booking engine, Get South promotions

are NOT valid Using your HI, Ho.La or any other card membership also makes Get South promotions invalid

Thanks for your understanding, Get South is here

to help you, and enjoy the discounts and freebies!

** How to use this guidebook **

Spanish words marked with a * have definitions in our Glosarry on page 150.

Below are the symbols and terms repeated throughout Get South:

Accommodation

Spanish School Rent a Car

Bar *Horseback riding, paragliding, skydiving, trekking, rappelling, mountain biking, rafting.

Refers to any discount or special promotion for Get South users

Hostel associated with

Hostelling International

Places a bit more expensive that offer better facilities and service

Hostels offering 10% off

with Ho.La membership

The establishment accepts:

When making a booking, please be careful of different terms:

Double room: 1 double bed In Chile called double matrimonial

Twin room: 2 separate single beds In Chile called double twin

Dorms: shared room with multiple beds

En-suite: bathroom inside the room

Icon guide for type of company:

Remember to show Get South wherever you go so that you can get the discounts and benefits offered in the guidebook!

Please help us spread the word about Get South to your fellow travellers, accommodation owners, tour guides, operators and travel agencies Thanks for supporting us!

HOLA

AMIGOS!!

www.getsouth.com

:: By plane: Airlines tend to fly to and from

capital cities, with connections to most major cities

and tourist centres Check out www.aerolineas.

com, www.lan.com, www.lade.com, www.skyairline.cl or www.flypluna.com for details!

:: By bus: You can get virtually everywhere in South America by bus Take a bus

for a more cost-effective and culturally thrilling experience Overnight trips are quite comfortable, often including meals, films, and attendant services

:: By car: For a personalized adventure through the countryside, you can

always travel by car Rental companies generally operate in most towns and cities and you can save some bucks if you are travelling in a group

:: By taxi or remis: Cheap and reliable, taxis and remises (private taxis)

provide quick transportation within city limits Simply flag them down with an outstretched arm, or call them in advance.

:: By local bus: Sometimes very efficient, but unless you know the city very

well, it can be a bit confusing In Argentina they are called “colectivos”, but in Chile this word means “shared taxi” Local buses in Chile are called “micros”.

Please recycle me!!

If you can bear without taking me home, leave me for one of your friends!

** Getting Around **

South Pass is a travel pass for 5, 7 or 15 bus trips (regular only) in and across Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Peru over 60 consecutive days South Pass works online so that travellers don’t need to go to the bus station anytime before their journey Enter www.argentinabybus.com for more information

To make sure you stay healthy and enjoy your travels, we have developed a couple of health and safety tips:

- You can normally drink tap water, although always ask if you are unsure.

- Use sunscreen, especially at high altitude - even if it’s cold, the sun is still strong.

- Stay streetwise as you walk around the big cities, keep to busy streets, avoid being a target and mind your pockets/bag.

- Take taxis at night and try not to be out alone.

- If you do fall in love one night, always use protection - AIDS, HIV and other STIs are a risk in any country with any person (heterosexuals included).

- Keep your documents safe, make copies and save your details online in case.

- If you have any valuables, try to keep them in the hostel/hotel safe

- Never leave valuables in a car or bus.

- Dress appropriately to not attract unwanted attention

- Overnight buses sometimes get very cold, wrap up warm.

- Don’t change money on the street, only use recognized exchange bureaus

** Health & Safety Tips **

To visit Argentina, Chile and Uruguay most

nationalities (including most of Western Europe, South Africa, New Zealand) don’t need a visa and can enter these countries with a valid passport and receive

a free 90 day Tourist Card on arrival

Some nationalities (including USA, Australia and Canada) are required to pay a reciprocity fee on entry to Chile and Argentina - these can be paid on arrival and is typically around US$130 - US$160 payable in cash (it depends on the country) The receipt is regarded as a multiple entry visa.

Other nationalities require a visa before arriving - contact the

relevant foreign consular representative if you are unsure or

if you need to apply in advance for an entry visa

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change

at short notice Travellers are advised to check their entry

requirements with their embassy or consulate.

** Visa Information **

Interested in making a societal impact? South America offers a number

of charitable organizations that need YOUR help!

A few hours a week can enrich your experience abroad

and can make a world of difference!

Here are only a few of many organizations operating:

ARGENTINA

• Fundación Argentina de Etoecología (www.etoecologia.org.ar) raises

environmental awareness through direct action such as forestation, ground imporvement, water purification and education on environmental issues You can also volunteer with them to help children and women on the street

• Hogar Amparo Maternal (www.amparomaternal.com.ar) works with young

mothers and their children to create a place to stay and organize their daily tasks.

• Banco de Alimentos (www.bancodealimentos.org.ar) fights hunger and

malnutrition by providing soup kitchens and raising awareness.

• Voluntario Global (www.voluntarioglobal.com.ar) runs educational projects

in Buenos Aires, northern Argentina, Bariloche and Iguazu.

• South American Explorers (www.saexplorers.org) has a good database of

volunteer opportunities across South America for eager travellers.

CHILE

• Voluntarios de la Esperanza (www.ve-global.org) works to provide shelters,

orphanages and schools in Santiago.

• Agrupacion Medio Ambiental Torres del Paine (www.amatorresdelpaine.

org) does conservation work and environmental education in the national park.

• Un Techo para Chile (www.untechoparachile.cl) works on reconstruction of

homes for those in Southern Chile whose

homes were devastated by earthquakes.

URUGUAY

• Karumbe (www.karumbe.org) is a

volunteer project that monitors and

conserves sea turtles in coastal Uruguay.

** Volunteering **

Travelling is a conscientious act of discovery and liberation Still, simple steps can (and should) be taken in order to be a responsible traveller and to avoid undesirable incidents

How to be a responsible traveller

• Read about the social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental climate of your destination

• Seek out locally owned businesses (accommodation, restaurants, etc)

• Travel in small groups and mingle with locals

• Attempt to learn the local language

• Be respectful of culture and customs: dress

accordingly, ask to take photographs of people, etc

• Volunteer with local organizations

• Travel to enjoy, not to destroy

• Buy crafts from local artisans to assist local economic development

• Don’t be stingy with tips, especially when visiting developing areas

• Limit your environmental impact - don’t litter!

The key is to travel with an open mind; a desire to connect with the people and culture you’re entering will go a long way towards creating an unforgettable journey

** Responsible Travel **

:: Avoid trekking alone.

:: Pre-plan your itinerary, informing others of your route and making sure you leave yourself plenty of daylight time

:: Always remain on marked trails.

:: Make sure to read and obey all signs

:: Make sure to wear and carry the appropriate gear UV sunglasses, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen and warm clothing are just a few to mention… if

in doubt make sure to ask a local guide They will know best!!

:: Don’t bother the wildlife, pick up your waste and bring back only memories :: Never ever light a fire

under any circumstances.

:: If someone has left a mess

before you, do the right

thing and pick it up.

** Trekking Tips **

Trekking is one the best things to do in South America

-it’s cheap, -it’s healthy and always memorable Here are our top tips:

Everyone loves a good fiesta, and here are some of the highlights of festivals for Argentina, Chile and Uruguay These festivals are popular - so always try to book accommodation in advance!

January

• Festival Nacional del Folklore, Cosquín, near Córdoba, late

January: This is Argentina’s largest festival for folk music Grab

your gaucho pants and armadillo guitar for this one!

February

• Fiesta Nacional de la Pachamama, Amaicha del Valle: Celebrate

the bounty of mother nature (Pachamama) as the natives gather

to celebrate with folk music, food and drink and pick out the most

beautiful girl as their festival queen

• Lemanja Festival of the Godess of the Sea, Montevideo and Punta del Este, 2

February: One of the major festivals in Uruguay, thousands of devotees take to the beaches to offer watermelons, flowers and candles to the godess of the sea

• Festival Costumbrista Chilote, Castro, Chiloe Island, 3rd week of February: This

festival celebrates the Chilote traditions with artisans, typical food, singing and music, animal fairs and traditional games

• Festival Internacional de la Canción, Viña del Mar: This is not only Chile’s but one

of South America’s biggest Latin American pop festivals Everyone gets down to Viña to see their favourite pop acts

• Carnival, Uruguay, North Argentina (Gualeguaychu, Jujuy province), late February - early

March: Although much bigger in neighbouring Brazil, carnival is still celebrated with due fervor in these other Southern Cone countries The main Carnival celebrations are

in Montevideo where people dress up, dance and sing to Candombe all night long for a couple weeks In Jujuy people celebrate Mother Nature’s bounty by throwing a huge party with lots of drinking, eating, singing and dancing The devil is the mascot of the party and locals dress up in colourful costumes as they move to the music on every street corner and cover each other in snow spray, talcom powder, confetti and using water pistols

March

• Vendimia, Mendoza, late February - early March:

Celebrating the wine harvest in Mendoza, this event

builds up momentum over a couple weeks culminating

in beauty parades, big theatrical performances,

folkloric music and lots of wine tasting!

** Popular Festivals **

Lollapalooza, Santiago, 6th & 7th:A two day alternative rock and rap music festival with international acts as well as a comedy and dance tent 2013`s lineup includes Pearl Jam, The Black Eyed Peas, Deadmau5 and Queens of the Stone Age

July

• Fiesta de La Tirana, Iquique, mid July: One of the most important festivals in

Chile’s calender - La Tirana sees around 80,000 pilgrims get together for this religious cult celebration where they present the Virgin with carnival style dances and offerings in this small village

August

• Fiesta Nacional de la Nieve, Bariloche, mid August: Up on the Cerro Catedral

and in the city locals celebrate the white snow with ski competitions, a chocolate festival, fireworks, music shows and pick a snow queen!

September

• Fiestas patrias, 18 - 19 September: Chile celebrates its

national day (18th) with general merriment across the

country - tucking into typical Chilean food, enjoying some

dance and music and lighting houses up like the national flag

October

• Oktoberfest, Villa General Belgrano, Argentina, early October: Argentina’s

German immigrants made this festival near Cordoba the beer drinking fiesta that it is today Two weeks of drinking local brew, listening to music and partying hard

November

• Gay Parade, Buenos Aires, mid November: It doesn’t get much more colourful than

BA’s gay, lesbian and transgender parade in November Along with all their supporters and friends they parade from Plaza de Mayo to the Congreso with the music up loud!

Creamfields, Buenos Aires, Santiago: This full day music festival in both capital

cities is a clubbers nirvana with top dance music acts coming from around the globe for one of the bigget parties of the year

December

• New Year’s Eve, everywhere, 31 December: New Years is a pretty big

celebration in every country but the celebrations in Montevideo, Uruguay, have

to top them all An all out Guerra de Sidra (Cider Fight) in the main plaza with hours of cider throwing fun, followed by BBQs, a billion fireworks and dancing into the wee hours of the morn Bring on the New Year!

** Popular Festivals **

** Don’t leave without trying these **

Asado/Parrilla

Is in essence a grilled barbecue, consisting of various cuts of

meat A typical asado* may have an assortment of various cuts of steak, chicken, morcilla (blood sausage/black pudding), chorizo (sausage), mollejas (sweetbreads), riñones (kidneys), and chinchulines (intestines)

Is a popular traditional infusion made with the leaves of

the yerba plant Once dry and processed, the leaves are put

into a gourd called mate (made of wood or other materials)

and hot water is poured over it The infusion is sipped through

a bombilla (a filtered metal straw)

Mate

Dulce de Leche is the ultimate for anyone with a sweet tooth Made from slow cooked condensed milk it is rich, creamy and perfectly addictive! Spread

it on toast in the morning, try it stuffed in pastries, eat it in the local alfajors

or just eat it straight from the jar!

Dulce de leche

Empanada

Is a tasty stuffed pastry that can have a wide range of fillings, such as beef, chicken, seafood, vegetables, ham and cheese, sweet corn, onion, boiled egg, olives, raisins and more It can

be baked or fried.

Chivito

This Uruguayan sandwich consists primarily of a thin slice of steak, with mayonnaise, black or green olives, cheese, tomatoes and sometimes also bacon, fried or hardboiled eggs and ham Normally served in

a bun with a huge stack of French Fries! The Chilean version is barros luco and

in Argentina, the lomito.

Argentina, Chile and Uruguay have some national dishes and drinks that you shouldn’t miss Almost all of them appear in each country and beyond being tasty, they are a key part of the culture Try them all !!

This is South America’s wine land, so don’t leave without trying lots of the amazing wines on offer In all three countries, visiting wineries is a fun experience and if you have the time it is worth spending a couple days bodega hopping! Wineries range from big to small and each one offers different tourist programs whether you want to pick grapes

in the vineyards, make your own wine blends, see

a gaucho show, eat indulgent five course lunches or

simply just taste wine Visiting wineries can either be

done by car or in some cases by bus and bike, there

are also wine tour operators in most regions ranging

from backpacker friendly to five star

Whether you wan to quaff in private or take wine home for family, here are some wines you have to try:

Malbec - The King of Argentine wine This French varietal became famous

in Argentina because of its fruity and silky nature Grown all over the country, Malbecs can have great variation in flavours but most are enjoyed best with a good steak!

Carmenère - Chile’s champion variety is spicy and full and is a very unique

wine that you are sure to remember This can be quite a heavy wine that definitely requires a hearty meal to help you soak it up.

Tannat - Uruguay made this unusual grape their national wine and the handful

of wineries in the country produce some really great red and rose wines with Tannat It can be a bit rough around the edges so for the best experience you want to splash out on some older tannat that has spent some time in oak barrels.

Torrontés - If Malbec is the King, Torrontes is the Queen of Argentine

wine Mainly coming from Salta, this is Argentina’s only native variety and locally it is called ‘the liar’ because its floral and fruity nose makes you think it will be sweet but it is actually a dry white wine

Sauvignon Blanc - Made all over the world, this

well known wine is made here too Some of the best Sauvignon Blancs come from Chile and are perfect when eating seafood on the beachfront!

Cabernet Sauvignon - Another variety popular world wide, Cabernet also

finds a special home here with great wines being produced in Chile and Argentina in particular.

** Wine tasting guide **

Sharing dorm rooms, travelling in cramped conditions and using the same bathroom as strangers requires a little bit of travel etiquette.

Here are our top tips for being a polite backpacker:

- Pack your bag the night before If you have

an early start and are staying in a dorm, try

to pack your stuff the night before You might

have to get up early, but it doesn’t mean anyone

else does while you are throwing a tantrum about

fitting all your clothes in your bag Plastic bag rustling is very annoying!

- Farting and burping Avoid doing it in public at all costs It’s not fun sitting next to a farter or burper on long bus journeys or sleeping beneath one in a bunk bed.

- Smile It’s free and easy Even if you have had a tough day on the road, you never know who you are talking to – the next person you meet may end up being a friend for life, or maybe they are having an even harder day So be nice and try and smile.

- Getting really drunk Everyone loves to have a good drink every now and then and you should certainly enjoy your holidays, but try and be street wise about drinking too much abroad – you are far more vulnerable to crime and abuse when drunk Also try and bear in mind creating a good impression of tourists for the locals.

- Never, ever bring anyone back to your dorm Even if you meet your Latin Lothario

on the dancefloor, don’t bring him back to your shared dorm room The expression

‘get a room’ was meant for private rooms… no-one else wants to hear it.

- Clean up after yourself! This isn’t your mum’s house, nor is there a maid

So when sharing communal bathrooms, kitchens or living rooms try and leave

it as you found it

Travelling on a budget? Check out our website!

There you’ll find a number of businesses promoting exchange programs at their establishments.

Read through our Swap Offerings section to find out which locations are participating

Save while you travel!!!

** Swap Offerings **

www.getsouth.com

Everyone should have a bucket list of what to do when they get down to the southern cone Here is our top five…

Eat your heart out at an Asado: The ultimate in all cultural and gastronomical

experiences in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay the ‘asado’ is the universal welcome to the South! Flames over a grill with every squared inch covered in

meat, it is enough to satisfy every carnivore’s dream and without

doubt enough meat to haunt yours for a few nights afterwards

The ritual is the same in each country: gathering with friends

and family, drinking wine and coca cola, stuffing yourself with

carne over a couple hours and chatting into the wee hours of the

morning.

Twirl your tailbone at a Tango: Not just an Argentine tradition, Tango was also

born in Uruguay Originally coming from the poor port areas in the late 19th century, tango is a seductive dance with lyrics of tragedy, pain and love You can find the world’s most sensual of dances being performed in streets, clubs and milongas throughout Buenos Aires and Montevideo where you can also have a go yourself with classes beforehand.

Drink mate like a gaucho: A real cowboy tradition here, no-one drinks quite as

much mate as the Uruguayans With a mate flask permanently attached to their hips, every other minute you will be offered a sip of this native bitter tea mixture Argentineans also have a great affinity with this highly caffeinated mind booster and you can find it in Chile too Drink it sweet or bitter, but definitely drink it before you leave!

Sip pisco sours by the sea: Visiting Chile’s stunningly rugged coastline is a must but

the best way to really appreciate where you are is by getting your tastebuds wrapped around the delightfully sweet and sour national cocktail – a pisco sour Served chilled with national pisco, lime juice and egg whites it is best drunk on a balmy Summer’s evening watching the sunset over the sea.

Swear like a pro: You can’t come here without learning some real street slang…

There are regional differences of course, but don’t leave before you know how to convincingly spit out a few football phrases and slang words enough to make some

of the locals choke on their mate when they hear a gringo speaking like a local!

** Bucket List **

With so many nature reserves and national parks, Argentina and Chile are teeming with wildlife although some of the animals may appear quite different to what you might be used to back at home Here is a quick guide to some of the native inhabitants:

Llama: Popular for its warm wool, these

are the familiar faces of the North Very

sociable animals they live till around 30.

Guanaco: A relative of the llama, guanacos

live in Patagonia and the Andes where you’ll find them shyly chomping

on grass and have a cinnamon brown colour

Vicuña: Another wild relative of the llama, they are very similar to the

guanaco and are also shy creatures but with finer wool.

Condor: The king of the sky, this is the biggest flying land

bird in the Southern Hemisphere and you can see them swooping between Andes mountain tops The average wingspan spans up to 10m, they can live up to 50 years old and they mate for life, committing suicide once their partner dies.

Fox/zorro: Infamous as a crafty creature, you will find

foxes all over the countryside and they can survive in desert climates too surviving on a mized diet of birds, reptiles and insects.

Carpincho/Capybara: The world’s largest

rodent, you can spot carpinchos in the

wetlands of Argentina It looks like a massive

guinea pig, but these rodents can swim and

stay under water for up to five minutes!

Argentina is the 2nd largest country in South America

It has a population

of 40 million, of which approximately 1/3 live in the capital, Buenos Aires

In such a massive area, the geography

is immense and diverse, with an extremely varied climate From the hot and dry northwest to the thunderous glaciers of Patagonia, from the staggering Andes mountain range to the fertile Pampas, it’s possible to find and do everything in this land

of contrasts Argentina houses several of the world’s natural wonders including the highest peak in the Americas, Aconcagua, and the impressive Iguazu Falls Argentina must-tries include tasting some of the world’s best meat and wine, dancing a seductive tango and drinking the addictive mate ARGENTINA

• It is normal to kiss once on the cheek when you say hello and goodbye

• Be aware that lunch time is from 1-3 pm and dinner starts at 9 pm or later Also, dancing clubs aren’t open until 1 am or later

• Make sure you have a spare coin handy to give the baggage handler at the bus station, it’s normal to give them a small tip

Plaza* de Mayo: Visit the political centre of Argentina where people come to express their

opinions Thursdays at 3:30 pm, the famous Madres de Plaza de Mayo gather to remember those who disappeared during the dictatorship Nearby is the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Casa Rosada (with Evita’s famous balcony), and the Cabildo – the colonial city hall

The Obelisk: Go to celebrate Argentina’s next sporting victory at this city landmark

located at the intersection of Corrientes and 9 de Julio avenues

San Telmo: Wind through this charming old barrio* where cobbled streets, colourful

cafes, numerous antique shops and live Sunday tango shows centre around Plaza* Dorrego and Defensa street

La Boca: Meander along Caminito, a pedestrian walkway lined with murals, statues and

colourful corrugated metal houses, that is home to many artists’ studios Catch a football game in La Bombonera (the chocolate box), home to Boca Juniors and Maradona, and/or pop into their museum during the day

Palermo: Stroll through the Japanese and Botanical gardens and the Zoo, followed by

the Bosques* de Palermo, the lungs of the city Palermo Viejo (old) and Chico (small) are more residential and have Spanish-style architecture Palermo Hollywood and Soho are filled with lots of restaurants, hip bars, nightclubs, coffee places and design shops

Recoleta: Walk by designer shops, posh restaurants and tree-lined avenues in this

barrio* that has a distinct Parisian feel The cemetery is renowned for its illustrious tenants including Evita Visit the large arts and crafts market and the nearby Centro Cultural Recoleta, which hosts the latest art exhibitions

Puerto Madero: Head to this century-long abandoned port which was rescued in the 90’s

by an urban renewal scheme resulting in apartments, a promenade and elegant restaurants

Tigre: Get out of town to El Tigre delta region, and take a boat trip along the

meandering rivers and to Martín García Island - a natural and ecological reserve filled with birdlife and a maze of small inner islands

Buenos Aires is considered to be one of the most elegant

and sophisticated cities in South America Located on the

shore of the Río* de la Plata, it is a huge metropolis with a

core of majestic architectural glories, wonderful museums,

modern art galleries and numerous theatres Don’t leave

without having a tango experience!

BUENOS AIRES

JUANCHO FUTBOL

(011) 1560949850 tourporbaires@hotmail.com www.juanchofutbol.com.ar

Grab your Argentinean Fútbol gear,

essential souvenirs and favourite fan

shirt at T-SHOP: CHILE 636, San Telmo.

Make your booking online and get

a 10% discount with Get South!

Grab your jersey and your beer mug

because you’re about to experience some

serious Football (Fútbol) craziness The

owner is a die-hard Boca fan and will arrange

everything so you can fiesta like a local ang get to the

real football scene Juancho Football will take you to

watch the best matches in the city, whether that be

another local team like famed rivals River Plate or even

the Argentina team on international games!

A private van transfer will take you to different famous

football grounds where travelling through the city you

can learn the Argentine football songs and pick up some

(rather less polite) football vocabulary! The pre-game party

kicks off at Juancho Bar, where you can feast on bottomless

pizza and beer (all included in the price) with the other football

fans and travellers Once in good spirits, it’s off to the game No hoity VIP section for these party animals - you’ll be right where the action is, in the Fan Section (popular) This is where the real action and atmosphere happens, under

waving flags, by the beating drums and jumping up and down with an excited crowd - there is no other football experience quite like it Juancho Football were the first to take tourists to the real fan section, and these bilingual rock stars are still the ultimate ticket to the world of Argentinean Fútbol!

Top spectators tip: Wear trainers and comfortable clothing, don’t bring any bags,

wallets or anything valuable and if you want to bring a camera to capture the action make sure it’s a small one or even better, bring a disposable one!

On non-match days, they also run 4 hour tours around

La Boca and to the famous Boca stadium for AR$160!

Juancho JuanchoFutbol

BUENOS AIRES

HI Travel is a travel agency for backpackers offering bus & plane tickets, hostel reservation and hostel packages including excursions They have group departures from BA to main tourist destinations Send them an email or pop into their office for more information! operaciones2@hitravel.com.ar

HOSTEL SHUTTLE

To/from Ezeiza Airport Florida 835, ground Floor - Downtown (011) 45118723

shuttle@hostelsuites.com www.hostelshuttle.com.ar www.hitravel.com.ar

Hostel Shuttle is your cheapest

way to get to and from Ezeiza

International airport (Pistarini)

They offer pick up and drop off from main hostels in downtown or the San Telmo neighborhood Reservations can be made a minimum of 1 hour in advance from a hostel or online They transport everyday, year round Book directly from hostels or at their office

HI TRAVEL

Buenos Aires – Ezeiza: 08:00 – 10.30 – 13.00 – 16.40

Ezeiza – Buenos Aires: 09:15 – 12.00 – 14.45 – 18.10

Hostel Travel EVT Leg Nº: 12.903

San Telmo: Chile 557 – (011) 53529321 Palermo: Thames 2062 – (011) 525888740 Downtown: Viamonte 749, 6º floor Of 1

(011) 51992517 info@sayhueque.com www.SayHueque.com

SAY HUEQUE TOURS - Argentina & Chile for Independent Travellers

Say Hueque’s knowledgeable

staff make customised trips for

travellers and can ensure great

prices and outstanding value

Popular trips include Buenos

Aires, Iguazu Falls, Perito Moreno

Glacier, the Atacama Desert, Uyuni Salt Flats,

Salta region, hiking in Patagonia, wine tasting

in Mendoza, horseback riding at traditional

estancias, glacier cruises and much more

Whether travelling alone or in a group, they will make sure your trip

is how you want it working to your budget Their sustainable policy

to support local economies and respect the environment has made Say Hueque an internationally renowned travel company!

5% discount off tours

with Get South!

EVT Leg Nº: 11.320 Res 1118/08

Say Hueque | Argentina Tours sayhuequeargentina Say Hueque:Argentina

BUENOS AIRES

BUENOS AIRES

+54 911 5 838 6935 info@araucarialanguages.com www.araucarialanguages.com

Get to grips with Spanish by learning

with Araucaria Language School in the

cultural capital of South America:

Buenos Aires! Take one-on-one lessons, private classes

with a friend or join their group classes - either way,

this is your chance to perfect the language with their

dynamic teachers and take it beyond the classroom

with their activities practicing Spanish

out in the real world may that be in

Boca Juniors’ Stadium, Recoleta Cemetery or in the oldest cafe in Buenos Aires! The school is right in the heart of the city, in the microcentro, or they can come

out to where you are staying too Their team

of native speakers will have you speaking

If paying in cash ask for a

special Get South discount!

If you are looking for an injection of

excitement and adrenalin for your life, you’re

in the right place! Skydivecenter offers

Tandem Jumps performed with bilingual

instructors and after receiving a short briefing of 15 minutes you’re ready to make the leap In addition to the pure adrenaline of free falling over 200km/hour, they offer the possibility of film and photograph the entire jump, so that your

memories will last forever and can be shared with your friends! Counting on high-quality equipment and a team of highly trained skydivers, with more than 3000 jumps

each, Skydivecenter will give you one of

the most memorable moments of your life!

Skydivecenter Saltos de Bautismo

Transfers to/from Buenos Aires included in price!

BUENOS AIRES

Rivadavia 1291 - Downtown

(011) 43816399 info@hostelparada.com www.hostelparada.com

HOSTEL PARADA

Finding great hostels in Buenos Aires

isn’t difficult, but sometimes it’s the

little things like strong showers, comfy

lounges and peaceful surroundings that really make the difference.Located in the heart of Buenos Aires, Hostel Parada is only

steps away from Av de Mayo and 9 de Julio avenues and 4

blocks from the Obelisk Even though you’re located smack in the centre of the city you won’t hear a sound from the street and will be able to get a good night’s rest The majority of the rooms are private (single, doubles, twins and triples) with ensuite bathrooms and the 2 dorms have lockers and shared bathrooms With free cleaning service in the rooms you can be sure that everything will be neat and tidy

Open 24/7, it is ideally located for seeing the highlights of Buenos Aires as the hostel is within walking distance from most sights (some only a couple blocks away) but if you want to delve further into the excitement of the city

or rest those tired legs, there are great transport links from here

When you want a break from the buzz of city life and sightseeing, chill out with other travellers by joining in on a game of pool, watching TV or

a DVD in the communal living room or hanging out in the sunshine on the patio or terrace

If you want to see some of the local football

matches or go to some of the famous tango,

the friendly staff will sort you out with

tickets And don’t worry about any language

barriers, the staff speak English so you can

be sure to get the best recommendations in

a language that you will understand

BUENOS AIRES

(011) 43728898 - 43722659 info@laroccahostel.com www.laroccahostel.com www.grupolarocca.com

In the heart of the city, with easy access to

public transport (4 subway lines, and more

than 40 bus lines), the stylish and homely

building is near the best theatres, cinemas,

bars and restaurants A wide selection of room types (singles,

doubles and dorms, some en-suite) are accompanied by a

ping-pong table, foosball and a bar to ensure good times!

5% off at all hostels with Get South!!

All the hostels facilities include 24 hr reception and check-in, self-catering kitchen, spacious common areas, laundry service and a funky bar

open 24/7 A great place to meet new people and make friends for

life Welcome to La Rocca’s family!! www.laroccahostel.blogspot.com

LA ROCCA PROPIEDADES

For those who prefer the comfort and

privacy of an apartment, La Rocca has more

than 500 apartments to offer Located in the

best places of the city, they are fully equipped and include all services like internet, phone, cable TV, Wi-Fi Stays can be anywhere between 1 night and 6 months!

Arenales 915 – Pza San Martin (011) 41394244 - 41394263 laroccapropiedades@gmail.com www.laroccabuenosaires.com.ar

This smaller, more relaxed hostel a few blocks from trendy Palermo Hollywood is

in the center of the Buenos Aires’ nightlife

Av Cordoba 3874 – Palermo

(011) 43722659

laroccapalermovip@gmail.com

www.grupolarocca.com

LA ROCCA VIP PALERMO

In traditional San Telmo, this classic refurbished house offers comfort in its good range of rooms (private and dorms) Located on a busy avenue, it is one or two blocks from the subway and bus lines Surrounded by traditional and modern bars and restaurants, as well as the best

“milongas” (tango dance bars), you also have the weekend antiques and artisans

LA ROCCA SAN TELMO

Av San Juan 751 – San Telmo

(011) 43819215

laroccasantelmo@gmail.com

www.laroccasantelmo.com.ar

La Rocca Hostels

BUENOS AIRES

Suipacha 362 - Downtown

(011) 60911565 reservas@idealsocialhostel.com www.idealsocialhostel.com

IDEAL SOCIAL HOSTEL

With one of the best locations for the

microcentro of Buenos Aires, this hostel

couldn’t be more central - right on the

Suipacha pedestrian street, only a block from the famous Obelisco and near to all the city centre attractions like the Plaza de Mayo and Puerto Madero You are right next to lots of shops, bars, restaurants and directly above a supermarket, with the main transport links including Retiro bus and train station nearby

Although this is one of the best spots to explore the city from, this comfortable hostel is easy to spend a lot of time in In a restored 20th century house, the warm and inviting atmosphere with a BBQ, communal kitchen, ping pong and foosball tables, makes it easy to meet other people, and good quality bedding, 24 hour cleaning and high speed Wi-Fi throughout mean that you can really

relax and feel at home The hostel has 23 rooms: 19 dorms of different sizes and one

female-only dorm; four private rooms including a double with

a private bathroom, a double with a shared bathroom and 2

quad rooms with private bathrooms

The Spanish, English and Portuguese speaking staff and owners organize weekly asados, poker games and movie nights, and there is a bar with happy hour each night on cocktails and beers to get you in the mood for fun They also organize free tango and salsa

classes so you can fall into the rhythm of Buenos

Aires, and can pick up the lingo with their free

Spanish classes The friendly staff will also help

you organize tickets for the zoo, tango shows,

football matches and for night clubs as well as

city tours and visits to Tigre

Ideal Social Hostel can help you get the ideal

BUENOS AIRES

(011) 43619649 info@puertolimonhostel.com www.puertolimonhostel.com

Puerto Limón Hostel is the ideal

stopover to enjoy the broadening of

the mind and the awesome times that

come with travelling

Located in a fab area for eating out and drinking

up, just 3 blocks from Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo

and a skip away from downtown BA; you’ll be

amazed by the comfort, cleanliness, freshness and staff of this neat site There are private, double and dorm-style rooms with private and shared baths,

air conditioning, lockers, heating and comfy beds Cool vibes, fun styling and lots

of light characterize the common room and the full kitchen overlooking the breezy patio

10% off

in Dorms

Puerto Limon Hostel

(011) 43629639 / 43002535 info@ostinatto.com www.ostinatto.com

A unique hostel located at the historic

neighbourhood of San Telmo, in a totally

recycled XX century building that combines

old structure with fine minimalistic design They have clean and functional dorms with lockers, single/double rooms with private or shared baths and even a loft and a Penthouse with en-suite bathroom, microwave, fridge, A/C, Wi-Fi and spectacular views of BA! Facilities

include a fully equipped kitchen, rooftop terrace

with a small pool and BBQ, ping pong table, TV/

DVD room, wine cellar, mini-cinema and a bar with

a ‘happy hour’ that lasts 5 hours! All in all Ostinatto

offers something for everyone, close enough to be

near all the action but far enough to chill out away

from the bustle of downtown Free activities (per week): 2 yoga classes

1 tango class

1 walking tour

1 Spanish lesson

Pay 4 nights in advance

& stay 5 with Get South! Ostinatto Hostel

Shuffle your way down to Complejo

Tango, a one-stop shop for the

complete tango experience

This is the only place in Buenos

Aires (indeed the world) that offers

tango lodging, tango classes, tango dinners and tango shows, all set in a beautiful French neo-classical building, located 5 minutes from the Obelisk

Dinner Show: Every night there is a live performance with orchestra, dancer and

singers, all accompanied by great food and wine It showcases the history of tango and how it has evolved over the years You can even practice

your two step with free classes beforehand, from 7:30 to 8:30pm

Boutique Hotel: 8 charming rooms colourfully designed around a

tango theme such as Carlos Gardel (the Godfather of tango) or

the bandoneon (the famous melancholic squeeze box)

COMPLEJO TANGO - Tango Lesson + Dinner + Tango show

BUENOS AIRES

(011) 43811966 kilcahostel@hotmail.com www.kilcabackpacker.com

Pay for 3 nights & stay for 4

with Get South!

Especially catered to international travellers,

Kilca Hostel is a comfy house with a homely

atmosphere, located in a convenient area

with shops, bars and restaurants nearby

They have dorms and private rooms with shared bathrooms and large windows that lead onto a colonial patio with lots of greenery There are spacious common areas with cool music to chill out and meet fellow travellers, including comfy couches, TV/DVD, board games

and book exchange Facilities include a bar, a self catering

kitchen, motorcycle parking and a shady courtyard with

hammocks, sun umbrellas and a splash pool The owners

are always there and will help you decide among the

endless possibilities to do in this city

Apartments are also available to rent

Wheelchair access! Kilca Hostel

Av Belgrano 2608 - Balvanera

(011) 49411119 reservas@complejotango.com.ar www.complejotango.com.ar

Show Get South and get 15% off in accommodation and 30% off

in dinner shows if you book directly with them and pay in cash!

Junín 1631, 1º C - Recoleta (011) 48027916 / 1530354206 drshay@shaydent.com www.shaydent.com

SHAYDENT DENTAL CLINIC

Having tooth problems while travelling?

Or maybe you want to get that sparkly

white smile you have always dreamed of?

Whether it’s an emergency, or a pre-planned cosmetic tooth surgery, Shaydent Dental Clinic, in the historic neighbourhood of Recoleta, is waiting with the tooth floss ready for you!

This professional clinic has all the latest technology and performs dental implants, total and partial oral rehabilitation, dental whitening,

esthetic fillings and lip augmentation among other health

services Contact them in an emergency by phone or in

advance by email and request a free treatment plan, consultation and cost estimation Whatever your dental needs while on holiday, Shaydent can help you get back your smile!

English, Spanish and Hebrew Spoken!

10% off

with

Get South

BUENOS AIRES

Tigre and its delta is where porteños* go to escape the city, and it’s certainly clear

why they make the trip The laid back town is nestled on an island created by several streams and rivers Founded in 1820 it was named after the tigres or jaguars that used

to roam there You sadly won’t find jaguars anymore but Tigre has lots of shops and restaurants alongside the river as well as an Art Museum, Naval Museum and even a mate* museum Don’t miss visiting the “Puerto de Frutos” (fruit port), now a crafts

fair located in the old fruit market by the riverside But where most people really want

to get to is further out into the obscurity of the delta The muddy waters coming down from the jungle streams can be navigated by boat to reveal a rich wildlife, stilted houses, large colonial mansions and marshy island hopping Fishing and nature trails are popular activities or for more active travellers give kayaking or wakeboarding a go.

How to get there: There are two rail lines to Tigre: the

Mitre line and the more scenic Tren de la Costa The

Mitre train goes directly to Tigre (takes 50 min) but if

you want to take the picturesque route you need to take

the Mitre train and change at Bartolomé Mitre station

and cross the pedestrian bridge over Avenida Maipú,

which leads to the Maipú station of Tren de la Costa.

TIGRE

TIGRE

TIGRE HOSTEL - POSADA DE 1860 Av Libertador San Martín 190 & 137

(011) 47494034 info@tigrehostel.com.ar www.tigrehostel.com.ar

This gorgeous hostel is more like a B&B

with the prices of a hostel In an English

style house in the heart of the historic

centre of Tigre, the cosy house has

beautifully decorated rooms with attractive furniture and true to its B&B style

it serves up great buffet breakfasts with mate to get you going in the morning The 1860’s Posada* has 8 double en-suite rooms and 3 doubles with shared bathrooms, and the 1940’s hostel has 26 dorm beds In a perfectly quiet location where you can enjoy the large garden and BBQ, you also benefit from being right in the middle of the historical centre, next to shops and only one block from the train station The owners and bi-lingual staff are on hand to help you book island tours, boat trips, kayak and bike rental

Towels can be hired in the hostel, and guests

can use the fully equipped kitchen

Tigre Hostel

10% off hostel with Get South!

(011) 5245 9776  tigredeltahostel@hotmail.com  www.tigredeltahostel.com.ar

Tigre is all about relaxation - an escape

from Buenos Aires city and a place to

unwind And there is nowhere to unwind

quite like Tigre Delta Hostel With a masseuse on board to help rub away any stress, this is the place to take it easy A recently refurbished typical style house, you can find comfort and tradition with the rustic wooden deck with a BBQ and garden, a cosy atmosphere inside and the bedrooms with aircon and heating There are private en-suite doubles, triples and quads with cable TV; and 4 - 8 person dorms with shared bathrooms, some with cable TV In the heart of Tigre town you are close to the shops and nightlife as well as the park, train (an hour from BA), casino, fruit market and the all-important delta! Join in on their kayak trips or ask the friendly staff to organize a boat, fishing or bike trip, or a famous

Argentine asado* on one of the islands!

10% off with Get South if you stay 2 nights or more!

Tigre Delta Hostel

CENTRE REGION

Known as the land of the gauchos, the Pampas plains are amongst the richest areas in Argentina Northwest of these plains are the Sierras de Córdoba The highest peak, Mount Champaquí, towers some 2,790 m high Its fertile valley contrasts with deserts and salt flats creating a dramatic landscape Towards the north, scattered chapels and “estancias” begin to appear These constructions date back to the 17th

and 18th centuries, and many are a legacy of the Jesuits

LA PLATA

La Plata is located 60 km from Buenos Aires city, only an hour away by bus It’s

a university city with great architectural, sporting and cultural heritages, as well as excellent gastronomy, theatres and nightlife

:: Astronomic Observatory & Museum of Natural Science: It is considered one of

the most important museums of the world because of the valuable pieces it conserves

:: The Cathedral: It is America’s tallest cathedral (112 m) In 1994 it was

recognized as one of the ten most important cathedrals of the world, and its name was inscribed in Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City

:: Children’s Republic: A theme park of 53 hectares, where everything has been

built to scale: castles, oriental palaces, public buildings, a chapel, a lake, a train and much more

:: Buildings with amazing architecture: The Teatro* Argentino (with international

shows), the Coliseo Podestá Theatre, Ciudad* de La Plata Stadium (one of the most modern in South America), Pasaje Dardo Rocha, and the Municipalidad (City Council), among others

:: Meridiano Vº: A traditional neighbourhood located in the south of the city,

where the cobblestone streets, nostalgic bars and old lamp posts will take you to the past Visit the old train station for its interesting cultural centre

LA PLATA

(between 59 & 60 streets)

(0221) 4894987 lacomarcalp@gmail.com www.lacomarcahostel.com.ar

This big house from the turn of the

century has six heated bedrooms (one

private, 5 dorms, all w/shared bath) all

adjoining to a large central patio where

travellers congregate for weekly asados* by the BBQ and to hang out with other backpackers Guests can also use the kitchen and there’s a living room with cable

TV, as well as tourist information, lockers and a laundry service available The English and Portuguese speaking owners are always on hand and organize regular outings to folkloric nights and tango classes The hostel is located in the centre of

La Plata, right in the heart of the bar district and only five blocks from the main

plaza The homely feel means that even

though you may only plan to stay one or

two nights, most guests end up

staying for much longer!

La Comarca Hostel

10% off

with

Get South

Mar del Plata is the popular beach resort town, just five hours south of

Buenos Aires, which gets a huge population boost in the summer

You will have to wade through a sea of Argentineans before reaching the sea at the popular downtown beaches Bristol, Playa Chica and Playa Grande For a more tranquil experience, head to one of the southern beaches like Punta Magotes You can’t miss the Havanna building, with their trademark “alfajores” or the landmark restaurant Manolo for their “chocolate con churros”.

If you’re not the beach-lounging type, Mar del Plata also offers many adventure options Try your skills and nerve surfing, long boarding, wake boarding, wind surfing, scuba diving, paragliding and skydiving.

Outside of town you can trek, rock climb, rappel, kayak and horseback ride at the Sierra y Lago de Los Padres

Get to know the local maritime culture by boating around the bay, visiting the Museo del Mar or strolling around the port to see the day’s catch come in and the resident sea lions playing in the water.

After midnight, head to Mar del Plata’s booming nightlife along Constitución street.

MAR DEL PLATA

MAR DEL PLATA

HOSTEL PLAYA GRANDE SUITES Alem 3495 corner 1ra Junta

(0223) 4512396 reservas@hostelplayagrande.com.ar www.hostelplayagrande.com.ar

3rd night free with Get South! (except on long weekends and high season)

Located in one of the most exclusive

areas of the Marplatense Coast, this

big house is two blocks from the sea in

Playa Grande so you can be sure to do all your water sports, as well

as being close to the nightlife and convenient shopping of Alem The

hostel has their own surf school and can also organise scuba diving,

kite and wind surfing, rock climbing, parachuting, paragliding, yachting, golf, treks, horse and bike rides Playa Grande Hostel’s own bar ‘La Barra’ is a great place to meet other travellers and you’ll find typical dishes prepared with

natural ingredients and a variety of craft beers and drinks Stay in a private double or shared dorms (all en-suite), and enjoy the TV room, fully equipped kitchen, garden and their Wednesday and Saturday pizza nights!

Hostel Playa Grande

CORDOBA

Córdoba is Argentina’s second largest city Downtown you can find the Manzana Jesuítica

(Jesuit quarters), declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO While you are there, visit the cathedral, the University of Córdoba (the oldest university in Argentina), the cabildo (town hall), Montserrat College, and the churches of the Compañía de Jesús, San Francisco and San Roque Hopping nightlife is in the youthful Nueva Córdoba neighborhood Close by is Sarmiento Park, the largest park in town, home to the zoo and the fine art museum

:: Alta Gracia: 35 km from Córdoba city you can find the Jesuit Estancia (World Heritage

Site by UNESCO) and the “Che” Guevara House and Museum

:: Quebrada del Condorito National Park: this v-shaped deep canyon is a protected

wildlife area and is great for hiking or condor watching

:: Los Gigantes: located 90 km from Cordoba city in the Sierras de Córdoba, these pure

granite formations have steep rock walls and are very popular amongst climbers and rappelers

:: Villa General Belgrano: this picturesque German-influenced town, 90 km from

Córdoba city, has a quaint downtown and an October beer festival

:: La Cumbre: located 98 km from Cordoba city, it’s a beautiful town due to the rugged

mountain landscape, filled with winding roads and big stony English houses West of La Cumbre is Cuchi Corral, a hill with a vast natural balcony with views over the Río Pinto

valley One of Argentina’s top spots for paragliding!

MAR DEL PLATA

HOSTEL LA PERGOLA Hipólito Yrigoyen 1093 (corner Balcarce)

(0223) 4933695 info@lapergolahostel.com.ar www.lapergolahostel.com.ar

The house of La Pérgola is

historically protected by the city

because of its exquisite medieval

style design and cool inside decoration like their spiral staircase, stone fireplace and mosaics They have a terrace with grill looking onto sea views, a well stocked kitchen and a plush DVD room with more than 300 films It is located only 1 block from the sea and close to all the necessities

of the city Take your pick from their rooms for 2, 4, 6 or 8 people, most with shared bathrooms The well travelled owner make special

efforts to maintain a positive energy environment and offer

Asian herbal teas, meditation by the seaside and energy

harmonisation If you have any energy left you can spend

it hanging out with the other travellers for

their asado or pizza nights, foosball

championships or a game of footie

Closed May-June

10% off

with

Get South