Pilgrimage Leisure

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At World's End

🌍 South America / Argentina
💰 Argentine Peso
Best: Mar-May, Sep-Nov
💬 Spanish; English
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Argentina is a destination where Catholic faith, South American culture, European influence, music, food, and city life come together in a memorable way. For Catholic travelers, Buenos Aires carries a special meaning because it is the city where Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the late Pope Francis, was born, formed, served, and lived his pastoral mission before becoming the first Pope from Latin America.

This journey invites travelers to experience Argentina not only through tango, plazas, architecture, local cuisine, and historic neighborhoods, but also through the spiritual story of a pastor shaped by the people, streets, churches, and social realities of Buenos Aires. From San José de Flores, where young Jorge Bergoglio felt the call to priesthood, to the Metropolitan Cathedral where he served as Archbishop, and to Luján, the Marian heart of Argentina, each stop reveals a different side of faith, history, and local devotion.

This handbook has been prepared as a helpful travel companion throughout the journey. It important provides information about travel documents, airport procedures, luggage, weather, clothing, safety, meals, hotels, communication, local customs, and the spirit of pilgrimage so travelers can prepare well and travel with confidence.

Travelers are encouraged to review this handbook carefully before departure. Good preparation will help the journey feel smoother, more organized, and more meaningful at every destination.

Documents & Visa

Travelers must bring their original passport, valid for at least 6 months after the end date of the trip. A Passport Card is not valid for international air travel.

US citizens traveling to Argentina for tourism generally do not need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days. However, entry requirements may vary depending on nationality, residency status, airline routing, and current government regulations.

Green Card holders and travelers who are not US citizens may have different visa requirements depending on the passport they hold. A US Green Card does not automatically replace a visa if the traveler's passport requires one.

Carnival US will provide guidance based on the group route and the latest entry requirements before departure. Travelers should follow the final instructions from Carnival US and official sources.

Travelers should take photos of their passport, visa or residency documents if applicable, flight itinerary, travel insurance, hotel list, and emergency contact information. Save copies on the phone/cloud and share one copy with a trusted family member.

Do not place passports, cash, bank cards, medications, or important documents in checked luggage.

Important: If missing documents prevent a traveler from departing or entering Argentina, Carnival US is not responsible, and the standard tour cancellation policy will still apply.

Luggage

Each traveler is generally allowed to bring:

One (1) checked bag

One (1) carry-on bag

One (1) personal item

Specific baggage rules may vary depending on the airline listed on the ticket.

Checked Baggage

Checked baggage should include clothing, shoes, toiletries, liquids, and items not needed during the flight. Travelers should pack light and neatly because the Argentina journey may include airport transfers, hotel changes, city walking, plazas, churches, cultural sites, and group transportation.

Do not place important documents, passports, cash, bank cards, jewelry, medication, or valuable items in checked baggage. These items should always be kept with the traveler.

Allowed Size and Weight for Checked Baggage

The total length + width + height should not exceed 62 inches / 158 cm.

Economy Class: One (1) checked bag up to 50 lbs / 23 kg.

Business Class: Baggage allowance may vary depending on the airline and ticket type.

Carry-On Baggage

Carry-on baggage should include passport, flight information, travel insurance, money, bank cards, phone, charger, medication, one extra set of clothing, and essential toiletries in case checked luggage is delayed or lost.

Travelers should also bring a light jacket or shawl in the carry-on because airplanes, airports, hotels, and buses may feel cooler than outside weather.

Power banks must always be packed in carry-on baggage and must not be placed in checked baggage.

Travelers should bring enough personal medication for the full journey, including prescription medication and common medicine such as headache medicine, digestive medicine, allergy medicine, motion sickness medicine, cold medicine, bandages, and personal health items.

Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended. Buenos Aires includes plazas, old streets, churches, outdoor sites, and areas where travelers may need to stand or walk for long periods. Travelers should avoid brand-new shoes or high heels on sightseeing and pilgrimage days.

Travelers should never accept luggage, packages, food, gifts, or personal items from anyone else to carry through the airport or border. This includes friends, acquaintances, or other travelers in the group.

Hotels

Hotels used by Carnival US during the journey are arranged according to the route and travel route. In Buenos Aires, hotels are generally located for group convenience, safety, and access to major sites. Some rooms may be smaller than what travelers are used to in the United States.

Hotel check-in is usually between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Hotels will try to accommodate early check-in when possible. However, if rooms are not ready, travelers may store their luggage at the hotel and continue with the program or rest in the hotel area.

Hotel check-out is usually between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, depending on the hotel.

Before leaving the room, travelers should carefully check the safe, drawers, nightstands, outlets, bathroom, closet, and luggage area. Please make sure no passport, cash, jewelry, medicine, charger, or personal item is left behind.

Do not leave passports, money, jewelry, or valuable items in visible places inside the room.

Many hotels use keycards to open room doors, activate electricity, or access elevators. In some hotels, the keycard must be inserted into a slot near the door to turn on the lights and power outlets.

Hotel bathrooms may include bathtubs with high sides or showers with layouts different from what travelers are used to. Travelers should be careful to avoid slipping.

If travelers need daily room cleaning, fresh towels, toiletries, or assistance, they may contact housekeeping, the front desk, or the tour guide.

Travelers should prepare personal toiletries, medication, tissues, sunscreen, lip balm, bandages, ointment, vitamins, and a pen for filling out forms.

If travelers go out during free time, they should travel in small groups, keep the hotel address saved offline, and ask the tour guide or hotel front desk for safe transportation suggestions.

Flights & Airport

Argentina's main international gateway for Buenos Aires is Ministro Pistarini International Airport / Ezeiza (EZE). Buenos Aires also has Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), which is commonly used for domestic and regional South America flights.

Depending on the route, the Argentina portion may include a flight from Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, or another South American connection point to Buenos Aires. Because this may be a country-to-country transfer day, travelers should pay careful attention to passports, boarding passes, baggage, meeting time, and tour guide instructions.

Carnival US will send travelers the flight route and meeting information by email before departure. This document includes flight details and ticket information, but it is not a boarding pass.

Travelers should arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before an international flight. For domestic or regional flights within South America, travelers should follow the guide's instructions and arrive early because airport procedures, baggage rules, and check-in timing may vary.

If the ticket includes a codeshare flight, travelers should check in with the airline listed as the operating carrier or as stated in the final flight email.

If seat assignments or flight segments are missing from the electronic ticket, the airline may update the information closer to departure.

If travelers need special meals, child meals, wheelchair assistance, or other airline services, please contact Carnival US as early as possible. Requests are subject to airline availability and approval.

When the airplane lands in Argentina, travelers should check all personal belongings before leaving the aircraft. After exiting the plane, proceed through immigration, collect checked luggage, and follow the tour guide's flag or meeting instructions to avoid getting separated from the group.

If travelers do not see the tour guide, driver, or group at the airport or meeting point, they should not leave the area on their own. Please call the phone number provided in the final confirmation email from Carnival US.

Important Note: Travelers should not say words related to aviation security threats, such as “bomb” or “explosive,” in any language while at the airport, during baggage check-in, security screening, or on the airplane. Such words may cause serious delays, security questions, or legal consequences.

US Customs & Border

When returning to the United States, travelers will go through US Customs and Border Protection inspection at the first US airport of entry.

US citizens and permanent residents who have been abroad for more than two days may generally return to the United States with up to $800 worth of goods duty-free, as long as the items are for personal use and accompanying the traveler upon return.

For travelers who bring back more goods, a flat duty rate of 3% may apply to the next $1,000 worth of purchases.

Travelers should keep all purchase receipts in case US Customs officers request a declaration upon return to the United States.

Travelers must declare food, plants, seeds, medicine, large amounts of cash, and valuable items when required. Certain fresh fruits, meats, plants, seeds, agricultural products, leather goods, animal products, and unpackaged foods may be restricted or prohibited when returning to the United States.

Packaged foods with clear labels are easier to declare. Travelers should avoid bringing back fresh meat, fresh fruits, raw foods, or unpackaged agricultural products.

Money & Payment

Argentina uses the Argentine Peso, written as ARS. The peso symbol $ in Argentina usually refers to Argentine pesos, not US dollars. US dollars may be written as cau or U$S.

Exchange rates in Argentina can change quickly. As a general reference, 1 USD is approximately equal to 1.412 ARS. This means $10 USD is about 14,120 ARS, $50 USD is about 70,600 ARS, and $100 USD is about 141,200 ARS.

Travelers should remember that the US Dollar is much stronger than the Argentine Peso in value. If an item costs 10,000 ARS, it is approximately $7 USD, depending on the exchange rate.

Because Argentina's exchange rate can change often, travelers should check the current rate before departing and follow the tour guide's advice when exchanging or using cash locally.

Visa and MasterCard are accepted at many hotels, larger restaurants, stores, and tourist locations. American Express and Discover may be less commonly accepted.

Travelers should still carry some Argentine Pesos in smaller denominations for bottled water, tips, public restrooms, church candles, small souvenirs, local markets, snacks, or places that may not accept cards.

Before departing, travelers should notify their bank and credit card companies that they will be traveling to Argentina. This helps prevent cards from being blocked or temporarily suspended due to international transactions.

ATMs are available in Buenos Aires and major tourist areas, but fees and withdrawal limits may apply depending on the traveler's bank and card type.

Do not exchange money with strangers on the street. If travelers need to exchange money or withdraw cash, they should use reputable exchange offices, banks, ATMs, hotel guidance, or instructions from the tour guide.

Cash should be divided and stored in more than one safe place. Do not keep all cash, passport, and credit cards in the same bag or wallet.

Tax Return

For this section, the better term is Tax Refund / VAT Refund.

Argentina may offer tax refund options for eligible foreign tourists on certain purchases made from participating stores, depending on current rules and store participation.

To request a tax refund, travelers should ask the store at the time of purchase if the item qualifies for tax-free shopping or tourist tax refund. Travelers should keep the original receipt, invoice, passport, tax refund form, and purchased items easily accessible.

At departure, travelers may need to present the tax refund form, receipts, passport, and purchased items at the airport or official refund counter before leaving Argentina.

Refund eligibility, minimum purchase amounts, refund methods, and processing procedures may vary. Travelers should confirm details directly at the store or tax refund counter before making large purchases.

Please note that the refund amount may not equal the full tax amount because processing or service fees may apply.

Travelers should not accept or carry luggage, packages, or goods for anyone outside the group.

Travelers should also check items carefully to avoid counterfeit goods or poor-quality imitations of famous brands. Purchase from reputable stores whenever possible, especially when buying leather goods, religious items, or higher-value souvenirs.

Weather & Clothing
Interior Location Average Temp Mouse
Spring: September – November Buenos Aires 12°C – 24°C One of the most pleasant seasons. Weather is comfortable for walking, plazas, churches, and outdoor visits. Bring a light jacket, thin layers, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a light shawl for churches.
Summer: December – February Buenos Aires 20°C – 31°C Warm to hot and sometimes humid. Bring breathable clothing, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and modest layers for church visits.
Autumn: March – May Buenos Aires 12°C – 25°C Mild and comfortable, with cooler evenings. Bring light layers, a thin jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a small umbrella if needed.
Winter: June – August Buenos Aires 7°C – 16°C Cool, especially in the morning and evening. July is usually the coldest month. Bring a medium jacket, sweater, scarf, comfortable shoes, and layers.
Pilgrimage Clothing

When visiting churches, basilicas, cathedrals, shrines, or sacred places in Argentina, travelers should dress modestly, neatly, and respectfully.

Shoulders and knees should be covered when entering churches and religious places. Avoid clothing that is too short, too sheer, too tight, or too revealing.

A light shawl or scarf is helpful for covering shoulders when entering churches or attending Mass.

Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended because Buenos Aires, Plaza de Mayo, Luján, San José de Flores, and other sites may include plazas, stone paths, sidewalks, church floors, and long standing or walking periods.

For a July tour, travelers should prepare for South American winter. Buenos Aires is not usually extremely cold like North America, but mornings, evenings, shaded areas, churches, and outdoor plazas may feel chilly. Bring a medium jacket, scarf, layers, and comfortable closed-toe shoes.

Women are advised not to wear high heels during pilgrimage and sightseeing days.

Communication & Internet

Hotel phone calls can be expensive. Travelers are encouraged to use an eSIM, local SIM card, or international roaming plan from the United States.

International roaming plans from US carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile often cost around $10–$12 per day, depending on the carrier and plan.

An eSIM can be a convenient option if the traveler's phone supports it. Travelers are encouraged to install and set up the eSIM before leaving the United States or immediately after arrival.

Hotel Wi-Fi is usually available, but travelers should not depend on it completely. It is recommended to save hotel addresses, tour leader contact numbers, guide phone numbers, and meeting points offline.

Travelers may use iMessage, Viber, WhatsApp, or other internet-based apps to contact family and friends when Wi-Fi or mobile data is available.

For group travel, travelers should make sure their phone is charged every morning and should carry a small power bank in their personal bag.

Emergency Numbers

In case of an emergency in Argentina, travelers may call:

911 – General emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services.

107 – Medical emergency / ambulance in some areas.

100 – Fire department.

101 Police in some areas.

For a real emergency, the easiest and most practical number to remember is 911.

If travelers are separated from the group, they should stay in a visible and easy-to-recognize location and call the tour guide immediately.

If travelers lose an item at a hotel, airport, restaurant, church, pilgrimage site, plaza, market, or tourist area, they should report it to the nearest staff member, security point, or tour guide as soon as possible.

For minor health issues, inform the tour guide so they can help contact the hotel, local guide, pharmacy, clinic, or emergency service if needed.

Electricity

Argentina uses electricity at approximately 220V / 50Hz.

Plug types may vary, and travelers may encounter Type C and Type I outlets depending on the hotel or location. Because outlet types are not always consistent, travelers should bring a universal travel adapter.

Before using hair dryers, curling irons, electric shavers, chargers, or other electronic devices, please check that the device supports 100–240V. If a device only supports 110V, a voltage converter may be needed.

Power banks should always be packed in carry-on luggage and must not be placed in checked baggage.

Safety

Argentina is a beautiful and culturally rich destination, especially Buenos Aires, where Catholic heritage, tango, architecture, plazas, food, and local life come together. However, travelers should remain aware of their surroundings, especially in crowded areas such as airports, plazas, markets, churches, restaurants, shopping streets, and tourist districts.

Travelers should keep passports, cash, bank cards, phones, and important documents secure at all times. Do not keep all valuables in one bag, and avoid placing your wallet or phone in your back pocket. A crossbody bag or front-worn bag is recommended for daily sightseeing.

Buenos Aires is a large city with busy traffic and crowded areas. Travelers should stay with the group, cross streets carefully, and follow the tour guide's instructions.

In areas such as Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo, La Boca, Caminito, Recoleta, or other tourist districts, travelers should be careful with phones, cameras, wallets, and bags. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or holding a phone loosely in public for long periods.

Do not accept packages, luggage, food, drinks, or personal items from strangers. Travelers should only carry their own belongings and should not agree to transport anything for another person.

If travelers become separated from the group, they should stay in a visible and easy-to-recognize location and call the tour guide immediately. Do not leave the area on your unless owned by the tour guide or Carnival US.

If there is free time, travelers should go in small groups, ask the tour guide which areas are safe, and use transportation recommended by the guide or hotel.

Carnival US is not responsible for lost personal belongings, accidents caused by personal negligence, or issues resulting from failure to follow safety instructions.

Food & Dining

The tour usually includes breakfast at the hotel. Included meals may vary between Argentine local cuisine, international meals, Asian-style meals, and dishes suitable for Vietnamese travelers depending on the restaurant, schedule, and local conditions.

Argentine cuisine is known for beef, grilled meats, empanadas, pastries, coffee, mate, and strongly influenced from Italian and Spanish immigration. Meals may include more meat, bread, cheese, and fewer vegetables than what Vietnamese travelers are used to.

Carnival US will try its best to vary menus whenever possible, while also giving travelers the opportunity to experience local flavors.

Travelers may bring small personal food items such as instant noodles, dried shredded pork, chili, seasonings, snacks, or light food items to use when needed. However, bringing outside food into restaurants may not always be convenient. Many restaurants serve only the pre-arranged menu, and requests for hot water for instant noodles may not always be available.

Travelers should inform Carnival US in advance if they have food allergies, vegetarian needs, dietary restrictions, do not eat beef, seafood, dairy, gluten, or have any special meal requests, so the team can assist within the limits of what is available.

Due to restaurant conditions, pre-arranged menus, and differences in food culture, not all special requests can be fully guaranteed.

Argentine meals are often social, relaxed, and connected to hospitality. During this journey, each meal can be seen as a time to rest, regain energy, experience local culture, and prepare for the next pilgrimage or cultural destination.

Local Cuisine
Empanadas
Small baked or fried pastries filled with beef, chicken, cheese, vegetables, or other ingredients. They are one of Argentina's most popular and easy-to-enjoy foods.
Asado / Parrilla
Argentine barbecue, usually featuring grilled beef and other meats. It is one of the most important food traditions in Argentina.
Milanesea
Breaded and fried meat, similar to schnitzel, often served with fries, salad, or rice. It is familiar and easy for many travelers to enjoy.
Choripán
A grilled sausage sandwich often served with chimichurri sauce. It is a popular casual food at markets, events, and local eateries.
Dulce de Leche
A sweet caramel-like milk spread used in pastries, desserts, cakes, and ice cream. It is one of Argentina's signature flavors.
Alfajores
Soft sandwich cookies filled with dulce de leche and sometimes covered in chocolate or powdered sugar. They are popular souvenirs and snacks.
Pilgrimage Site Overview

The pilgrimage sites in Argentina carry a special meaning because they are closely connected to Catholic devotion, Marian spirituality, the life of local communities, and the pastoral roots of the late Pope Francis. These places are not only historical or cultural landmarks; they are spaces where faith was lived in ordinary neighborhoods, city churches, public squares, and places of prayer.

In Buenos Aires, pilgrims follow the path of Jorge Mario Bergoglio through the neighborhood of Flores, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the places connected to his years of service as Archbishop. These sites help travelers understand the simple, close-to-the-people pastoral style that later shaped his ministry as Pope Francis. In Luján, pilgrims encounter one of Argentina's most beloved Marian shrines, where generations of faithful have come to pray, give thanks, ask for healing, and entrust their families to Our Lady.

As travelers visit these sacred and historic places, they are encouraged to keep a spirit of prayer, silence, respect, and gratitude. Some sites may be located in busy urban areas, while others may invite deeper quiet and reflection. Modest clothing, comfortable shoes, patience, and an open heart will help each traveler experience Argentina more deeply.

These pilgrimage sites invite travelers not only to learn about Catholic history in Argentina, but also to reflect on their own vocation, service, compassion, family, and trust in God.

Basilica of San José de Flores
A meaningful church in the Flores neighborhood of Buenos Aires, closely connected to the youth and vocation of Jorge Mario Bergoglio. It is the place where he experienced a decisive call to priesthood after confession as a young man.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires
The main Catholic cathedral of Buenos Aires and the place where Jorge Mario Bergoglio served as Archbishop before becoming Pope Francis. It stands near Plaza de Mayo and connects faith, national history, and pastoral service.
Pope Francis Museum / Cathedral Area
A space connected to the memory of Pope Francis and his years of ministry in Buenos Aires. It helps pilgrims see the local roots of his simple and pastoral style.
Archbishop's Office of Buenos Aires
A site connected to the years when Jorge Mario Bergoglio served as Archbishop of Buenos Aires. It reminds pilgrims of the quiet work of pastoral leadership, service, and care for the Church.
Basilica of Our Lady of Luján
One of the most important Marian pilgrimage sites in Argentina and the spiritual heart of devotion to Our Lady of Luján, patroness of Argentina. Pilgrims come here to pray, give thanks, and entrust their families to Mary.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Luján
A national Marian shrine where generations of Argentine faithful have gathered for prayer, proceedings, Mass, and devotion to the Blessed Mother.