FAQ & Inormation - Argentina & Uruguay: Insider Tango, Carnival & Gaucho Culture

You should fly into Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport (EZE). Please note that Buenos Aires has two airports: Ezeiza, which serves most international flights, and Aeroparque (AEP), which is mainly for domestic and regional flights. If you arrive at Aeroparque, we can arrange a private transfer for you.

YES. You'll need a valid passport with at least six months' validity beyond your trip and at least one blank page for entry/exit stamps. Most travelers from North America and Europe do not need a visa for Argentina or Uruguay, but requirements depend on your passport. Please double-check entry rules for both countries before traveling.

No. Even though this trip visits Uruguay, it is a round-trip itinerary that both starts and ends in Buenos Aires. You'll arrive and depart from the same airport, so booking round-trip flights to Buenos Aires is the best option.

While not legally required, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and - this is important - activities like horseback riding. You'll be participating in ranch activities and riding horses, so make sure your policy covers these adventures!

The official currencies are Argentine Pesos (ARS) in Argentina and Uruguayan Pesos (UYU) in Uruguay. Credit cards are widely accepted, and you can withdraw cash from ATMs or exchange at local bureaus. When paying cash, it's better to use pesos for all purchases to ensure better rates and smoother transactions. Carry a small amount of USD as backup.

Both countries use 220V, but plug types differ: Argentina uses Type C & I, Uruguay uses Type C & F. Bring a plug adapter if needed. Most modern devices like phone chargers and laptops can handle 220V. Check your device first - we don't want any fried electronics on our adventure!

Most hotels have Wi-Fi, but rural ranch areas may have limited or no internet. We recommend checking with your mobile provider about international plans. Honestly though? Some of our favorite moments happen when people disconnect and really immerse themselves in the gaucho lifestyle.

Yes! Both Argentina and Uruguay have safe, drinkable tap water in all the cities we'll visit. We'll always have bottled water available during our countryside adventures, but you can confidently brush your teeth and drink from the tap in all our hotels.

No vaccines are officially required for entry into Argentina or Uruguay for most travelers. However, it is recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations. If you decide to visit areas like Iguazú Falls or other parts of northern Argentina on your own, consider vaccines for yellow fever. Always check with your local health provider for the latest travel health advice.

You'll be traveling during the Southern Hemisphere's summer (February), so expect warm to hot temperatures! Days can reach 80-90°F (27-32°C) with humidity, especially in Buenos Aires. Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics, comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, and don't forget sunscreen - the South American sun is no joke!

For the ranch days, bring clothes you don't mind getting dirty - we're talking real farm work here! Evenings can be pleasantly cool, so a light jacket is perfect for those sunset moments at Casapueblo.

We keep our family small - maximum 18 people. This isn't just about logistics; it's about creating those intimate moments where everyone gets to know each other, where we can all fit around the dinner table together, and where no one gets lost in the crowd. By the end of this trip, you'll have 17 new lifelong friends.

This is an active adventure! You'll walk approximately 1-2 miles daily through Buenos Aires' historic center, cobblestone streets in San Telmo and La Boca, and around ranch properties. The walking varies from flat city streets to uneven rural terrain. Think "enthusiastic stroll" rather than "marathon training."

No, this activity is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. Rides are supervised and assisted by people with plenty of riding experience, so everyone can enjoy them safely and confidently. Whether you're a seasoned rider or have never been on a horse, we'll match you with the perfect gentle soul who'll take good care of you.

Yes, we will visit a working ranch in a rural environment, home to horses, cows, and other farm animals. This is a real, everyday ranch experience, so it's rustic and hands-on. You'll not only observe but also participate in ranch chores, all under supervision, while enjoying close interaction with the animals. Fair warning: you might fall in love with a sheep named Pedro or find yourself having deep conversations with the chickens.

We absolutely welcome vegetarians - Uruguay and Argentina offer incredible cheeses, fresh produce, and pasta dishes that will delight you! Our sorrentinos, fresh salads, and local vegetarian specialties will have you completely satisfied.

However, we want to be completely honest with our vegan friends: this will be extremely challenging. Our cuisine heavily features dairy (think dulce de leche, amazing local cheeses) and many traditional dishes are centered around meat and dairy. While we'll do our absolute best to accommodate you, the authentic local experience might be limited.

Get ready for an authentic South American experience! Our asado (barbecue) is cooked slowly over wood coals - this means meat is often served medium to well-done, which is the traditional gaucho way. The smoky flavor that comes from this method is absolutely incredible. If you have specific preferences, just let us know, and our hosts will do their best to accommodate you.

If you like your meat rare... We get it, we really do. Much in the same way many look cross-eyed at people in North America wanting their meat well done, down here you may just find people wondering why you don't want your meat cooked! We can always ask (and even make sure when we are grilling ourselves), but know that rare is not really a thing here.

We'll have 4+ hands-on cooking classes throughout the trip! You'll learn to make sorrentinos (local pasta created by Italian immigrants), traditional asado with all the side dishes, chivitos (Uruguay's national sandwich), empanadas filled with everything from meat to dulce de leche, and alfajores (those heavenly cookies filled with dulce de leche). These aren't demonstrations - you'll be elbow-deep in dough, learning family recipes that have been passed down for generations.

We'll learn tango in the private home of Sol, a professional tango dancer who'll welcome us like family. After learning the basics over empanadas and wine, we'll head to a real milonga - not a tourist show, but where locals actually go to dance! Don't worry if you've never danced before; the beauty of tango is in the connection and the attempt, not perfection.

Uruguay's Carnival is the longest in the world, lasting over 40 days! We'll go behind the scenes with a murga (musical-theatrical group), watching them prepare their painted faces and costumes, then join them at a neighborhood tablado for their live performance. It's raw, authentic, and absolutely magical - you'll experience Carnival from the inside out, not from tourist bleachers.

Simply go to our reservations page and find the dates you desire. Major credit cards are accepted.

We never know how fast things will fill. Some trips fill up more than a year in advance, and some closer to the departure date. With our intimate group size of maximum 18 people, we recommend booking as early as possible.

All pricing, deposits and cancellation terms are listed in the Dates & Prices section on the tour information page. They may change depending on departure date.

Sadly, we cannot. However, if you cannot put it on a credit card, please contact us.

Absolutely! Solo travelers often have the best time because they're most open to new friendships and experiences. With our intimate group size, you'll never feel alone and will quickly become part of our travel family.

With a small group of guests, group chemistry matters. We carefully screen guests to ensure everyone embraces the family atmosphere and spirit of adventure. Most guests form lifelong friendships that extend far beyond the trip.

If you're excited about learning to tango with a professional dancer, participating in authentic ranch life, experiencing Uruguay's incredible Carnival from the inside, cooking traditional dishes with local families, and forming lasting friendships with fellow adventurous people, this is absolutely for you.