Perito Moreno by Deensel on flikr
With its name stemming from the Latin word for silver, the country of Argentina is home to rich landscapes including the rolling hills of Patagonia, the Andes Mountains and Iguazu Falls, which is 1.5 times higher than Niagara Falls. Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, is among one of the most populated cities in the world, home to more than 15 million people. In urban areas, the culture is more pragmatic as individuals strive for success while in rural areas, the culture favoring traditions passed down along generations. Two incredible places to visit in Argentina are Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls – where you can surround yourself both in culture and nature, an experience sure to make an impact.
Cataratas do Iguaçu by Rodrigo Soldon on flikr
Iguazu Falls
If you are drawn to natural geographics, Iguazu falls is essential when visiting Argentina. The mighty falls is comprised of 275 cataracts and encompasses nearly 10,000 ft in width. With as much as 140,000 square feet barreling down the falls each second, a dry bag, change of clothes and a towel is are vital; in other words, be prepared to get soaked. You have many options in experiencing the falls. You can cruise in by speedboat through the rainforest or reveal your wild side near Argentina’s main attraction, the Devil’s Throat, the largest waterfall curtain. Dining and hotel options are offered nearby and nestled in the Atlantic rainforest. This incredible experience allows you the freedom to explore your inner adventurer.
Buenos Aires Center by Deensel on flikr
Buenos Aires
Just a 90 minute plane ride away, Buenos Aires is a short hop from Iguazu Falls and offers business and cultural allure. With a name meaning “fair winds,” the capital of Argentina is considered one of the greatest havens in the world for events. Buenos Aires offers an abundance of restaurants so if you’re at a dinner meeting, follow the habits of the host. Also remember that if business is the reason for your journey, dress to impress. Luckily, Argentina’s etiquette is similar to the US so practicing good table manners will help ensure that the evening will run smoothly.
Argentinians are characterised as prideful, relationship-oriented and strong negotiators. If you wish to win the favor of an individual, spending extra time developing a relationship will go a long way. Passionate topics such as soccer and sports are appreciated. Most Argentinians are educated and possess a strong wit. If conversations take a turn, and you find yourself in a debate, remember that pride can be easily damaged so be sure to maintain professionalism and mutual respect. Substantial relationships with a driven Argentinian may easily become one of your favorites. Once it is time to depart, gifts such as Scotch or French champagne are highly desirable due to high import tariffs.
Regardless of how you find yourself in Argentina, you are in for a treat. Polite interactions with Argentinians will take you far. Nurture relationships over time and the wonders of Argentina will welcome you with open arms. Enter with a humble attitude and you may find yourself with new experiences of wildlife, lasting memories of the beautiful culture and life-long business partners and friends.
Sharon Schweitzer and Vienna Raglin co-wrote this post. Sharon Schweitzer, J.D., is a cross-cultural trainer, modern manners expert, and the founder of Access to Culture. In addition to her accreditation in intercultural management from the HOFSTEDE centre, she serves as a Chinese Ceremonial Dining Etiquette Specialist in the documentary seriesConfucius was a Foodie, on Nat Geo People. She is the resident etiquette expert on two popular lifestyle shows: ABC Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend and CBS Austin’s We Are Austin. She is regularly quoted by BBC Capital, Investor’s Business Daily, Fortune, and the National Business Journals. Her Amazon #1 Best Selling book in International Business, Access to Asia: Your Multicultural Business Guide, now in its third printing, was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2015. She’s a winner of the British Airways International Trade Award at the 2016 Greater Austin Business Awards and the 2017 New York City Big Book Award for Multicultural Nonfiction.
Vienna Raglin is the Marketing and Sales Manager at Access to Culture. With a professional background in Sales and Hospitality, she earned a BBA in Marketing and Sales from Texas State University. She can be found on Linkedin
**Disclaimer, photographers are not affiliated with Access to Culture.**
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