There's
no shortage of sporting events in Buenos Aires, from the
highbrow International Polo championships where locals hobnob
with European royalty, to soccer events where the crowds are
as rowdy as the players. Check the papers for events and times
when in town, especially the English-language Buenos Aires
Herald. If you want to have your experience planned for you
(ticket choice, ticket purchase, and being escorted to and
from the game), check out Go Football Tours and Golf Tours.
P olo
-- Argentina has won more international polo tournaments than
any other country, and the Argentine Open Championship, held
late November through early December, is the world's most
important polo event. There are two seasons for polo: March
through May and September through December, and competitions
are held at the Campo Argentino de Polo, Avenida del
Libertador and Avenida Dorrego (tel. 11/4576-5600). Tickets
can be purchased at the gate for about US$25 (£13) per
person. This is one of the most important polo stadiums in the
world, and visits by European royalty are not uncommon in
season. Contact the Asociación Argentina de Polo, Hipólito
Yrigoyen 636 (tel. 11/4331-4646 or 11/4342-8321), for
information on polo schools and events. La Martina Polo Ranch
(tel. 11/4576-7997), located 60km (37 miles) from Buenos Aires
near the town of Vicente Casares, houses more than 80 polo
horses, as well as a guesthouse with a swimming pool and
tennis courts.
Horse
Racing -- Over
much of the 20th century, Argentina was famous for its
thoroughbreds. It continues to send prize horses to
competitions around the world, although you can watch some of
the best right here in Buenos Aires. In the center of the
city, you can see races at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo,
Av. del Libertador 4205, at Dorrego (tel. 11/4778-2839), in
Palermo, a track made in a classical design with several
modern additions. The Hipódromo is open all year. Entry is
free and race times run from late afternoon until past
midnight. In the suburbs, a few miles from Buenos Aires, is
also the Hipódromo de San Isidro, Av. Márquez 504, at
Fleming in San Isidro (tel. 11/4743-4010). This modern
location is open year-round. Most races begin in the early
afternoon through the early evening, and entry prices range
from US35¢ (20p) to US$2 (£1.05), depending on your seating
area. Check the Buenos Aires Herald for more exact race
schedule information for both arenas.
Horseback Riding in
Argentina
With
its huge amount of dramatic landscapes, Argentina is the perfect
place for spectacular riding, its territory stretching from the
stunning Iguazu Falls in the north to the ranching country of
the wide-open pampas, and finally to the edge of the earth:
Patagonia.
Horseback riding is also a great way to be introduced to the
Gaucho culture, which, unlike the American cowboy, is still
thriving. Many horseback riding expeditions use estancias
(ranches) as a launching off point for excursions. Here you can
experience Argentinean ranch life at its most authentic, since
most estancias allow you to participate in daily activities.
After visiting an estancia there are many exciting opportunities
for trail riding. Some of the best in Argentina are the remote
valleys and vast pampas that are teeming with wildlife and
beautiful countryside. Some estancias are located on the
Atlantic Coast, where you can ride along the sand dunes
overlooking long stretches of coastline.
Patagonia is also a great place for horseback riding, especially
in the foothills of the Andes, which are surrounded by
snow-covered peaks. Going even further south you'll find trails
through massive canyons, and the rugged and virgin land of
Tierra del Fuego, the last stop before Antarctica.
If you really want the gaucho experience you can ride the local
route of the Atacameno Cowboys, which runs along the Atacama
Cordillera. Ride along with some ranch hands and catch a glimpse
of the stunning mountains and rolling hills. Whether in
mountains of Patagonia or the foothills of the Andes, the horse
lover will have an unforgettable experience in this land of rare
natural wonders.
Argentina Travel Facts
Visas:
Most foreigners do not need visas and receive free renewable
90-day tourist stamps upon arrival.
Time: Eastern Standard Time (EST) plus one or two hours;
Argentina does not observe daylight-saving time.
Weights & Measures: Distances and measures are
usually metric, but rural areas may use the "legua"
(league, about 5 km).
Weights are measured in kilograms (1kg = 2.2 pounds).
Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Argentina uses the European two
prong and the Australian slanted plugs on most wall electrical
outlets.
Taxes: The sales tax, known as IVA, is 21%. When
reserving a hotel, that tax is sometimes not mentioned, so
double-check the final price before you book.
Telephones: The country code for Argentina is 54. Every
region has its own area code with Buenos Aires mainly using the
'11' area code, and sometimes the '15' area code for cell
phones.
Cellular Telephones: Many locals have mobile phones in
Argentina and a few companies rent out cell phones for
short-term use. If you have a tri-band world phone it will work
in Buenos Aires and most parts of Argentina.
Holidays
observed in Argentina
January 1: New Year's Day
March or April: Good Friday, Easter
May 1: Labor Day
May 25: Anniversary of the First National Government
June 20: Day of the Flag
July 9: Independence Day
August 17: Anniversary of the Death of General Jose de
San Martin
October 12: Christopher Columbus Day
December 25: Christmas Day
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