The main airport servicing Tucuman is the Teniente Benjamin Matienzo International Airport which is located 7 1/2 miles away from the city center.  How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

There are rental car companies, buses, and taxis available at the airport. The most practical option is to go by taxi, which is available outside the terminal. Bus line 121 transports passengers from the airport to the Bus Terminal Station, through AV. Avellaneda, there is a bus every hour.  How do I get around the city using public transportation?

There are public buses in Tucuman with several lines that operate around the city, and some that connect to nearby neighborhoods like Yerba Buena, Las Talitas, and Sali. San Miguel de Tucuman is home to one of the largest bus stations in the country, the Estacion Central de Omnibus located within walking distance of downtown. It opened in 1994 and is the departure point for hundreds of bus services arriving and departing to almost all major cities in Argentina. A single bus ticket will cost around ARP2 and can be paid with coins to the driver. Bus lines 4, 8, 10, 102, 103, 110, and 118 run from around the bus station to downtown, lines 4, 8, 10, 102, 106, and 110 also run in the opposite direction. 

The city boasts four railway stations. The Mitre Railway terminus is the only station that operates passenger trains a few times a week from Retiro station in Buenos Aires Tucuman arriving the next day (the total journey is around 24 hours). The other active station is Belgrano Railway station which is used by freight company Trenes Argentinos Cargas y Logistica.  Should I rent a car in Tucuman?

If you are staying in Tucuman chances are you are going to be traveling around the region to see different sights. Although there is a bus system, and taxis available in the city, renting a car is a good idea to move around and travel at your own pace. There are rental cars available at the airport and some rental car agencies in town.  

Taxis are readily available in Tucuman, taxis are one of the easiest and most popular ways to travel. Taxis in the city are white, with yellow and black stripes. They are relatively cheap and can be ordered over the phone from your hotel or at a restaurant, as well as found outside the bus station and other major sights and attractions in town. 

Walking around Tucuman is easily done in the historic downtown area with many attractions located within walking distance. There are some nice scenic walks and hikes around the outskirts of the city. 

Riding a bike around Tucuman to explore the city on two wheels. There are certain cycling road routes around the city including a ride through the Yungas of Tucuman, La Ruta Natural which is a route that you can cycle on your own or with a guided tour. There are some mountain biking trails including the El Funicular trail which is popular in the Sierra de San Javier and can be combined with other trains to make a circular route. The Reserva Ecologica Horco Molle, Rio Cainzo is a route that can be taken by mountain bike, or running and walking. There is also a collection of gravel biking trails around the city. 

Tucuman is considered a very safe destination to visit. However, due to its increased population and visitors over the recent years crimes against tourists are becoming more common with petty theft and muggings. Take the necessary precautions when sightseeing, use common sense, and keep your valuables out of sight from pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like markets, and tourist attractions.

The historic and cultural heart of Tucuman is El Centro which is one of the best places to shop in the city with a mix of modern and traditional shops that sell all kinds of souvenirs, crafts, and fashion. The bustling streets here are busy with shoppers and diners alike brimming with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques to experience and explore. The city offers shoppers some diverse, exciting shopping opportunities with upscale boutiques selling the latest fashion, high-end department stores for some varied retail therapy, and authentic local street markets selling traditional fares. There’s something for everyone when it comes to shopping in Tucuman. The trendy neighborhood of El Bajo boasts a cool bohemian vibe and is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene seen in the colorful street art and murals. It offers shoppers a variety of exciting independent boutiques to browse through. Mercado Central is the iconic authentic vibrant street market located in the heart of the city. This is the place to shop for souvenirs as well as traditional handmade arts and crafts. Paseo Shopping Yerba Buean is a premier shopping destination nestled in the heart of Tucuman offering shoppers a vibrant shopping experience with an extensive range of retail options. The building features modern architecture with a well-designed layout with a great variety of dining establishments from casual eateries to refined restaurants. Feria de Artesanias is a weekly fair held weekly on Saturdays in teh city center where shoppers can pick up unique, traditional crafts, and souvenirs from a variety of vendors. 

The official languages spoken in Tucuman are Spanish and English. Many people speak fluent English, especially in hotels and restaurants. We recommend getting a good Spanish guidebook and learning the basic questions like please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.

Tucuman boasts a subtropical climate with very varied microclimates according to the altitude in the area. The rainy season is hot and humid, and the dry season is cooler with clear skies. The average annual daily temperature is 66F degrees. The best time to visit is during the springtime from September to November or the fall months of March to May, both offer pleasant mild weather conditions. Summers are hot with average temperatures between 75-78F with highs that can reach up to 87F. The winters are cooler with average temperatures between 53-56F degrees. The higher altitudes of the region are cooler with summer temps averaging about 10 degrees cooler (68F). The precipitation pattern is monsoonal with most of the city’s rainfall occurring in the summer months.  What is the currency? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?

The currency of Tucuman is the Argentine peso. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Argentine pesos upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.

There are some great restaurant selections to choose from when visiting Tucuman, many of which are located around ‘El Centro’ the heart of the city. This area is a 10 by 10 block where many of the city’s dining, shopping, and entertainment options are found. Also, the Yerba Buena neighborhood located in the west towards the mountain is home to a majority of high-class dining establishments, and around Plaza de Almas by Maipu and Santa Fe streets, there is a great selection of local traditional restaurants. Food lovers can enjoy delicious regional cuisine and traditional dishes that are unique to Tucuman and feature indigenous and Spanish influences. Menus in Tucuman are full of variety and unique tastes with dishes such as humita, the locro, the empanada tucumana among some of the delicacies to try. Tucuman hosts the annual Empanada festival and competition with a variety of food trucks dishing up the region's specialty. 

Some other Argentine favorites are the Empanadas con carne (fried or baked), Milanesa a la Napolitana (breaded and fried meat covered with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and ham), Chimichurri (Argentine pesto used to marinate meat or as a dipping sauce), and Choripan (sausage). If you want to try something different, the Pacu fish is delicious as long as the human-like teeth don't unnerve you. According to National Geographic, Argentina is one of the 5 places in the world to have the best hilado (Ice cream). We suggest you try the dulce de leche or the tiramisu. Alfajor de Maicena (dulce de leche cookies) is another Argentine favorite. Malbec wine makes a great complement to every steak meal. If you're looking for something softer, Yerba Mate the national drink of Argentina is a herb placed in a mate pot - it is a focal point for social gatherings.

Tucuman boasts a vibrant, and varied nightlife scene catering to all tastes, ages, and preferences with hip cocktail bars, traditional penas, and bustling bars. There's a lively atmosphere in the city with friendly locals, and a great mixture of modern venues alongside charming historical buildings housing restaurants, bars, and clubs. Nightclubs around the city are ideal for dancing the night away and listening to the latest and greatest hits. There are many unforgettable experiences to choose from when visiting Tucuman at night, being a university town and all, there is a large community of young college-aged kids. The city is home to two large theatres; San Martin and Alberdi alongside several smaller independent theatres where visitors can catch a wide array of events such as operas, plays, and concerts. Cafes in the city serve beer, wine, and spirits and most are open until 1-2 am, the same goes for restaurants, as the city closes down for siesta from 1-5, so most things don’t get started until late. The Septiembre Musical is held annually in teh city, it's the most important cultural event hosted in Independence Square with several local and national artists performing music from folk to rock. 

In case of an emergency dial 101 for Police, 107 for an Ambulance, and 100 for Fire.

Hospital:

Angel C. Padilla Hospital tel. 54-381-424-8012

Dr. Zenon J. Santillan Health Center tel. 54-381-431-1208