About Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina, one of the biggest Latin American cities and a cosmopolitan metropolis.
Is a city of 11 million inhabitants, the ninth-largest city in the world that represents the best of classical Europe and the most modern advantages of the beginning of the century.
This complex, energetic, and seductive port city, which stretches south-to-north along the Rio de la Plata, has been the gateway to Argentina for centuries. Porteños, as the multinational people of Buenos Aires are known, possess an elaborate and rich cultural identity.
This is a city characterized by the multiplicity of its artistic expressions, ranging from the great assortment of sculptures and monuments to streets and corners that surprise the visitor with their allegorical reliefs and murals.
The city’s museums, art galleries and theaters bear witness to its reputation as one of the most important cities in the Americas for its cultural and artistic activities. Although it is a modern city with imposing turn-of-the-century European-style buildings, it also has some well-preserved districts of typical colonial architecture.
It has everything to turn your visit into unforgettable experiences. The well-known warmth of its people, its groovy tangos and the exciting Sunday soccer afternoons are marvelous. Buenos Aires is also a safe city.
Night life
Buenos Aires’ nightlife is very diverse and only ends in the small hours. Discotheques, restaurants, cafés, and many other attractions for all preferences abound, offering a wide range of possibilities for the tourist.
It is one of the Latin American cities with the most intense theatrical activity. Its music shows are very varied, where the tango (played in typical "tanguerías" which exhibit diverse shows, especially in the San Telmo district), folk music, jazz, pop, rock, and other musical styles offer multiple options. National and international recitals are common in theaters, stadiums and other centers.
There are approximately 169 theaters of all sizes and 207 movie theatres including those that are located on the malls. Along Corrientes Avenue, you will find the main circuit.
With regard to eating out, innumerable restaurants, in all the gastronomic styles and for all budgets, delight visitors.
Pubs and discotheques offer different options for all tastes.
Shopping
On Buenos Aires’ streets and avenues, such as Florida, Corrientes, Santa Fe, Cabildo, among others, we find numerous places for shopping. Luxurious boutiques are gathered in the Recoleta district. Handicraft market places are other interesting option, and Parque Lezama, Plaza Intendente Alvear, Parque Centenario, Pasaje Caminito, among others, are some examples. Antiques are found in San Telmo market place, the biggest and most popular.
Important malls offer numerous buy options.
In some areas, the distinguishing feature is the cuisine, such as Puerto Madero, Recoleta, Las Cañitas and Palermo Viejo. In Buenos Aires, dinner is served late at night, from 9.30 PM until past midnight. In general, it is cheaper to eat out at noon.
Temperature
The month of August is characterized by gradually rising daily high temperatures, with daily highs increasing from 15°C to 17°C over the course of the month, exceeding 21°C or dropping below 11°C only one day in ten.
Currency
The National Monetary Unit of Argentina is the Peso ($).Exchange facilities are available at the airport, major hotels and exchange agencies, just by showing your passport. Travelers' checks are almost exclusively exchanged at hotel and banks.
ATMs (Cajeros automáticos) are found in nearly every city and town in Argentina and can also be used for cash advances on major credit cards.
Electricity
The electricity in Argentina is 220 volts, 50 cycles, alternating current.
Language
The official language of Argentina is Spanish, but English is spoken at most hotels, restaurants and shops and in the main tourist areas. The official language of the Congress is English, and simultaneous translation will be provided in some sessions.
Liability
The Organizing Committee and Ana Juan Congresos cannot accept liability for personal accidents or loss/damage of private properties of congress participants either during the congress or during any of the tours. It is therefore recommended that participants arrange their own personal health, accident and travel insurance.
Restaurants
The cosmopolitan population of Buenos Aires is reflected in a variety of excellent restaurants and cafés within walking distance from the venue, which are open until late at night. There are more than 3,500 eateries, from the most sophisticated traditional and ethnic restaurants, to bars, vegetarian restaurants, pubs and international fast-food chains. In addition, Argentine wines are excellent and inexpensive, and their outstanding quality is recognized around the world.
Transportation within the city
The Buenos Aires public transportation system allows for easy traveling within the city: five metro lines (A, B, C, D, and E) and about one hundred city bus lines (“colectivos”).
Metro: It is the porteño’s favorite means of transportation. The subway network connects with the main avenues, train and bus stations, and converges downtown, where the principal hotels and tourist attractions are located, near the historical area. Subways run Monday through Saturdays from 5:00 to 22:30 h, and on Sundays from 8:00 to 22:00 h. At rush hours, both subways and buses are very crowded, for which reason we recommend that you take taxis.
Taxis: They are easily recognized by their black and yellow colors, and many can be called by phone. It is recommended to phone a radio taxi or a private car service (remise), as these are considered safer. Both will come to any destination in the city to collect a passenger, at any time of the day or night. The amount indicated on the taxi meter is the money you must pay for the ride; tipping is not the general custom. If you want to take a taxi, request it at the Reception Desk of the hotel where you are staying. Avoid taking taxis in the street; if you must do so, look around for taxis that state “Radio Taxi” on their door.