Buenos Aires was founded twice. The first one was in 1536 by Don Pedro de Mendoza, a Spanish colonizer, who set up the first settlement. It was only a group of houses. The second and the last one, was in 1580. Juan de Garay, its founder, called it Trinidad city and Santa María del Buen Aire port, but it was soon known as Buenos Aires.

The climate in Buenos Aires is mild all the year round. The average anual temperature is about 18°C, so the weather is not soffocating hot or very cold, which allows tourists go for a walk around the city in any time of the year. The coldest month is July and, although it is not freezing cold, it is necessary to take a coat when you go out. In winter the weather is mild during the day, but in the evenings the temperature falls heavily. In summer the weather is wet. The mornings are hot but in the evenings the temperature falls slightly, that´s why, it is convenient to wear light clothes and there is no necessity of taking coats.

Buenos Aires has always been a city where all the people from other countries are welcome. Its inhabitants are called porteños because there is a port nearby.
The spirit of the porteños is warm and friendly and this attitude will be easily noticed by the tourists wherever they go.
The typical infusion is the mate. It is prepared by pouring a little amount of hot water in a container also called mate which contains yerba mate. Some people drink it with sugar but most of them prefer it bitter.
Tango is the typical Buenos Aires music which can be danced and enjoyed in important shows of good quality and performance. Tourists can also enjoy them in any street of San Telmo neighbourhood.

The night is key in the social life of porteños, of all ages and in all moods, whether one seeks to relax, dance, listen to music or just have something with friends. During the 7 days of the week there are activities that guarantee fun for all tastes: theaters, cinemas, shows, pubs,
Discos, “milongas” and bars. You will  find specific places for each “environment”, although in almost all places most people live without any kind of prejudice. The theaters are on the famous Corrientes Avenue, the Milongas in the neighborhoods of Constitución, San Telmo and the Center. Bars and restaurants in Recoleta, Palermo Soho, Hollywood, Las Cañitas, Puerto Madero and Retiro.
The dinner schedule is between 9 pm and 11 pm and the bars open until 4 am depending on the day of the week.

The official language is Spanish. The most characteristic of it is the use of “vos” instead of “you” in an informal way, and the use of “che” to speak to another person.
“Che” is a sign of confidence. It is not only used to draw the attention of the speaker but it also lets you call somebody without saying their names, for example: <“che”, can you tell me the time?>
The two languages which are most spoken by the tourist guides are English and Portuguese.

In Argentina there is a total freedom of worships. The official religion is the Roman Apostolic Catholic church, represented by an important amount of churches.
There are also another worships, among them are the central synagogue of the jewish religion, the only place where the rabbi of all the world are educated, and the Mezquita of Palermo, the biggest Islamic temple of Latin America.

Buenos Aires is a secure city, but like in all great metropolis, you have to be careful. For example, you shouldn´t leave bags or handbags hanging on chairs in public places or walk along the streets which are not well lit during the night.

There is no obligation or necessity to administer any vaccine before entering to Buenos Aires, since it is a safe city from the sanitary point of view.
The water is potable. The public hospitals and their ambulances are available for the tourists the 24 hours of the day and they are totally free. The only thing you have to do is to dial 107 which is free from any public telephone.

What period of time is better to go to Buenos Aires?
Any season of de year is good.

Which is the currency?
The peso ($).

What kind of electricity is used?
220 volts.

How much can cost to go out during the night?
The city has a lot of facilities to go for dinner or have fun and the cost of it depends on what you want to do and how much you want to spend.

What time do people usually have lunch and dinner?
The time for lunch and dinner can be considered by foreign people as unusual hours. In Buenos Aires you can have dinner even after midnight.

Is it obligatory to give a tip?
No, it is not necessary. You can give a tip according to the service received by the guest during the stay. The value is calculated between 10% and 15% (per cent).

What time do the shops open and close?
The shoppings or malls open from 10:00 until 22:00 every days.

What telephone number can the tourists call in case of any inconvenience?
They can call to the Tourist Police Station and the number is 0800 999 5000/ 4346 5748 or 911. The call is free.

This and any other kind of information can be also given by the specialized staff of Howard Johnson Boutique Recoleta. The guests should take into account all this information before and during their stay in the city.