It sounds like you don't dance much. I can't imagine being alone anywhere in South America if you can dance, even a little. I got stuck in Cuba with no money once (My bank froze my account) but was never short of friends just because I obviously knew about their music and dance, I spoke their lingo - body lingo, but couldn't converse much verbally, it didn't matter, the minute you start moving to their music, using their moves, everybody softens up, the smiles breakout. As far as I know the same culture exists in Argentina, it's throughout South America, the music comes from all over. Why not try some dance lessons with some locals?