Welcome
WELCOME TO BUENOS AIRES The City of was founded in 1580 by the Spanish colonizer Juan de Garay, who named it Ciudad de la Santísima Trinidad. Another foundation is recorded in 1536 by the Iberian explorer Pedro de Mendoza. In the XIX century, the Argentine State promoted European immigration aiming to populate the vast nation. Hence, the port of was the place where Spanish, Italian, Syrian-Lebanese, Polish and Russian people first arrived, showing the cultural eclecticism that distinguishes the city. All along the XX century, the inner migrations, as well as migrations from Latin-America and Asian countries ended up shaping as a cosmopolitan and dynamic city, rich in cultural diversity. Located beside the Rio de la Plata, in the center-east of the Republic of Argentina, is one of the 24 federal entities and the capital of the country. As the seat of the federal government, it is also known as the "Capital Federal". The city is Argentina's largest urban conglomerate and one of the most populous in South America and is divided into 48 neighborhoods, organized in 15 districts. 1
GEOPARK IN BUENOS AIRES Florida 981, (+54 11) 4312 9400 Office hour: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. GeoPark Office Plaza Hotel Hotel Melia Hotel Pulitzer Obelisco Plaza de Mayo Teatro Colón Galerías Pacífico 2
WEATHER SEASONS Summer Dec 21st to March 20th / 67-86 F / 20-30 C Autumn March 21st to June 20th / 46-73 F / 10-22 C Winter June 21st to September 20th / 45-66 F / 7-18 C July Coldest month January Hottest month Spring September 21th to December 20th / 50-77.5 F / 10-25 C 3
USEFUL DATA Currency Argentine Peso ($) Time Zone UTC-03:00 Electricity 220 / 240 Volts TAXIS For a taxi, ask for assitance in GeoPark. Our company has regular minicabs service. Avoid taking taxis in the street. Instead, contact the hotel reception or a radio taxi service. 4
PLACES TO VISIT We suggest four places to go near the office during your first visit to : Obelisco - 9 de Julio and Corrientes It was opened in 1936 on the occasion of the IV centenary of the first Spanish settlement in the Rio de la Plata. At the time of its construction, it generated strong resistance in the public opinion, but over the years became a symbol of the city. Colon Theatre - Cerrito 628 It is considered one of the top ten opera houses in the world, renowned for its acoustics and the artistic value of the building, its stage, dancers and performers of international hierarchy. Ask for guided tours or show tickets at the box office (Tucumán 1171) or by phone (+5411 4378 7109). Outside the offices of GeoPark is located a tourist information stand from the Government of the City of where you can consult for more rides and tours 5
Pacific Gallery - Florida 700 Pacific Gallery is one of the most important shopping mall in Argentina. It was declared a National Historic Landmark for its architecture of great artistic value and its stunning murals. Located in Florida and Córdoba, one of the most traditional corners of, it has more than 150 stores and stands of leading brands, plus a food court with over 18 different culinary offerings. Plaza de Mayo - Bolívar, Rivadavia, Balcarce and Hipólito Yirigoyen It is the first public square of the city, erected in front of the Cabildo, in a space assigned by the founder of, Juan de Garay in 1580. Its name commemorates the Revolution of May 25th, 1810, when the locals gathered to expel viceroy and form the first native government. 6
AIRPORTS Airport of Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini The Airport of Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini is located at 33km from the city and gathers all international flights incoming and out coming to the country. For this reason, it is advisable to: Consider arriving 2 hours before flight schedule Leave 60 minutes early to get on the expected schedule Leave at least 90 minutes earlier if it is Friday. Metropolitan Airport Jorge Newbery Metropolitan Airport focuses on domestic flights and for some neighboring countries. In GeoPark we usually use it to travel to Rio Gallegos to go to Punta Arenas, and Santiago de Chile routes. The recommendations are: Consider arriving 1 hour before the flight schedule Leave 30 minutes early to get on the expected schedule 7
TAX REFUND FOR FOREIGN TOURISTS Foreign tourists can request a refund of Value Added Tax (VAT) on purchases of domestically produced goods, higher to seventy pesos (ARG $70) made in the country. The amount to be refunded is the VAT, which represents 21 % contained in the invoice or receipt. WHEN PURCHASE, YOU SHOULD: Buy in participating stores to the system. To see the list of participating merchants, visit www.globalrefund.com or www.premiertaxfree.com Require the dealer delivering the original invoice type "B" ticket or invoice type "B" and "Refund Check" with the amount to be reimbursed. Imported products must be invoiced separately since they are not subject to profit. Before leaving the c ountry, you must present the goods, the invoice or receipt and the Refund Check to be stamped by Customs staff and receive a refund. FIND THE REFUND STANDS IN THE FOLLOWING PLACES: - International Airport Ezeiza "Ministro Pistarini": "International Breakwater" / "Aerolíneas Argentinas Breakwater". - Metropolitan Airport "Jorge Newbery". - Container Terminal "Buquebus". - Terminal of the port of the city of. - Airport of Bariloche. - International Bridge of Puerto Iguazú. - Airport of Córdoba. - Airport of Mendoza. - Airport of Mar del Plata. 8
CONSULATES USA Av. Colombia 4300, Phone number: (+54 11) 5777-4354 http://argentina.usembassy.gov/ CANADA Tagle 2828, Phone number: (+54 11) 4808-1000 http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/argentina-argentine/ JAPAN Bouchard 547 piso 15, Phone number: (+5411) 4318-8220 http://www.ar.emb-japan.go.jp/ SOUTH KOREA Av. del Libertador 2395, Phone number: (+5411) 4802-8865 http://arg.mofa.go.kr/ 9
SECURITY PRECAUTIONS Argentina and especially have become a relevant tourist destination in Latin America. We suggest some cares and precautions you should observe. They are just basic personal precautionary measures that we usually have in most large cities of the world: Do not wear jewelry or valuable accessories at sight. It is convenient to leave them in the hotel safety box. It is suitable not to display money. Preferably handled it in small quantities distributed in different pockets. Always keep your belongings close to your eye. When you sit on the street in a bar or restaurant, you should put it on your lap. 10
CONTACT Eugenia Lagger Ph.: +54 11 4312 9400 Mobile: +54 9 116 512 9755 elagger@geo-park.com GeoPark Argentina Office Address: Florida 981-1 Floor Ph.: +54 11 43129400