Argentina travel guide

Spend Time Exploring Buenos Aires

If you travel to Argentina, there’s no doubt that you should spend as much time tackling the many activities in Buenos Aires.

It’s easy to spend anything from three days to two weeks roaming around hotspots such as Plaza de Mayo, Palermo, and San Telmo.

Vineyard Hopping in Mendoza

Love wine? Well, you’re in luck, as Mendoza is a fantastic spot for vineyard hopping and heading out on tour. Indulge in its many world-class blends – don’t hesitate to book yourself a spot on a tasting or two.

Venture to El Calafate

Hands down a must for any travel to Argentina, the Patagonian city of El Calafate should be at the top of your to-do list. 

The showstopper is, of course, touring the Perito Moreno Glacier. Beyond that, don’t miss the chance to hike in El Chaltén or a cruise to Lago Argentino.

End of the Earth at Ushuaia

Spend long enough vacationing in Argentina, and you’ll hear talks of the end of the Earth. 

Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world, is famous as the official starting point for Antarctic cruises. 

Visit Martillo Island to see Ushuaia’s penguin colonies or explore Esmeralda Lagoon.

Hiking in the Fitzroy Range from El Chalten

There’s no denying the sheer natural beauty of Argentina and all of it’s in full display throughout the Fitzroy range in El Chalten. 

Mt. Fitzroy reigns supreme, and hiking the 11,171-foot high ridge is undoubtedly one of Argentina’s best things to do.

Admire the Iguazu Falls

Nestled at the meeting point of three countries, Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, Iguazu Falls is a massive, thunderous crash of water down 275 separate cascades. 

It’s an extremely popular destination, so opting for a guided boat tour is the best way to see the magnificent showcase.

Horse Riding With the Gauchos

The Pampas of Argentina is an expansive region of flat and fertile lowlands close to Buenos Aires. But simply seeing this expanse is one thing. 

Spending a night at an estancia where you can go horseback riding with the local Gauchos is breathtaking.

Go Whale Watching in Puerto Madryn

One of Argentina’s most striking nature reserves, Peninsula Valdés, offers premier whale-watching opportunities. 

Heading out from June to December guarantees you the chance to see the southern right whales with their young.

Whether you’re an adventure traveller or prefer to seek out the food scene, there are many ways to get the best out of an Argentinian trip. Here are a few itinerary suggestions to help you plan. 

Explore Patagonia 

Three weeks

Buenos Aires – El Calafate – El Chalten – Laguna De Los Tres & Laguna Cerro Torre – Perito Moreno Glacier – Puerto Natales (Chile) – Torres del Paine National Park (Chile) – Punta Arena (Chile)

Kicking off in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, venture on to discover the wild and wondrous region of Patagonia.

Northern Argentina 

10 Days

Buenos Aires – Mendoza – Barreal – Talampaya National Park – Tafí del Valle – Cafayate – Cachí – Salta

Explore the northern part of Argentina, starting in Buenos Aires, touring through the country’s vineyards, and ending in the natural splendor of Salta.

Best of Argentina 

Four weeks

Buenos Aires – Puerto Iguazu – Iguazu Falls – Mendoza – Bariloche – El Chalten – Los Glaciares National Park – El Clafate – Perito Moreno Glacier – Ushuaia – Tierra del Fuego National Park – Beagle Channel – Buenos Aires

Although busy, this itinerary delivers blow after blow of the best of Argentina.

Southern Argentina & Antarctica 

Three weeks

Buenos Aires – El Calafate – Perito Moreno Glacier – Ushuaia – Tierra del Fuego – Cape Horn – Drake Passage & King George Island – South Shetland Islands – Punta Arenas

Ready to head down south? Tackle the tundras of southern Argentina before setting off for Antarctica.

As you travel in Argentina, include these off-the-beaten-path destinations for a memorable trip: 

Wine Tasting in the Cafayate Valley, Salta Province

The Cafayate Valley is any wine lover’s paradise playground. Going on a wine-tasting adventure here is a must, so ensure you visit some standouts such as Finca Las Nubes, Piattelli, and El Esteco. 

Explore Valle de la Luna, San Juan Province 

The Valley of the Moon is a dramatic terrain that dates back to the Triassic period, where you’ll find landscapes of strange rock formations.

The entire park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to abundant wildlife. 

Discover the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Salta Province 

Courtesy of the Rio Grande, the 96-mile Quebrada de Humahuaca is a deep valley of unique rock formations.

If you’re visiting Argentina and you want to see polychromatic-coloured mountains, dazzling salt flats, and lush forests, this is where to go.

Truffle Hunting in Espartillar, Buenos Aires Province 

Southwest of Buenos Aires lies the rural town of Espartillar, home to Argentina’s premier truffle route.

Indulge in some authentic truffle hunting from June to late August and treat yourself to some foodie fun in Pigüé.

Dishes to try

Steak – Grilled cuts of meat over an open fire.

Dulce de Leche – Thick caramel from slowly reduced condensed milk.

Empanadas – Deep-fried or baked pastry with either sweet or savoury filling.

Choripán – Chorizo with chimichurri served between bread slices.

Drinks to try

Maté – Traditional caffeine-rich herbal drink served hot or cold.

Expect to spend between £44 and £54 / $56 and $69 per day per person in Argentina on a mid-range basis. Add upwards of £34 / $43 if you’re travelling on a luxury basis.

Average Daily Costs 

• Hotel 
  • Mid-Range – £33 and £58 / $42 and $74
  • Luxury – £58 to £200 / $74 to $280
• Food – £15 and £22 / $19 and $29
• Public Transport – £3 and £11 / $5 and $14
• Attractions – £3.90 and £7.76 / $4.80 and $9.60
• Tours – Prices are dependent on tour type and length.

Safety

Although violent crimes in Argentina affecting tourists are rare, small-scale crimes such as pickpocketing are rising. It’s wise not to flaunt expensive jewellery and to keep your wallet out of reach.

Cellphone theft is widespread, so always use it indoors if possible, and when withdrawing money from an ATM, do so indoors as well in an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Health

Ensure your standard vaccinations are in place when you travel to Argentina, such as tetanus, polio, typhoid, and hepatitis A. While pharmacies are plentiful, it’s best to bring along any prescription medication.

In the north, your biggest concern is dengue fever. While tap water is generally safe to drink, mineral water is widely available. 

Tipping

Tipping 10% of your total in restaurants and cafes is the norm when travelling in Argentina. On a guided tour, this is larger at about 20 or 30% of your total.

Tips for travelling

1. In Buenos Aires, use over 250 free WiFi hotspots around the city. You can use the BA WiFi app to find them.
2. While you can use your credit card in touristy areas, most locals prefer to get paid in cash, so always carry some Argentine pesos.
3. You’ll encounter at least a few packs of dogs that roam freely (or tethered) around cities and towns. They’re mostly friendly but practice caution.
4. Protests are common in Argentina, and while mostly non-violent, it’s best not to engage with protestors.
5. In Argentina, the pedestrian traffic light for “go” is white, not green.

How to see the best for free

Travelling to Argentina doesn’t need to cost you an arm and a leg if you include free tours and activities in your itinerary.

You can visit Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires, the San Telmo flea market, Reserva Ecologica, and La Boca for free.

Of course, plenty of outdoor excursions to head out on don’t cost a cent, including hiking Canon del Atuel, Laguna Esmeralda, and the Seven Lakes. 

Packing

Packing for your Argentina trip? Don’t forget… 

• A pair of walking trainers to wear as you travel around.
• Your hiking boots, especially if you want to hike in Patagonia.
• A travel backpack to keep your essentials.
• Thermal hiking leggings for any mountainous treks.
• A refillable water bottle to use in cities and outdoors.

Travel insurance

There’s no getting around how important travel insurance is when you’re going abroad. AXA Travel Insurance is an ideal solution that offers coverage for numerous possible happenings that can derail your trip.

It’s affordable and keeps you covered in cases from lost luggage to trip cancellations and any medical emergencies. 

Suggested guidebooks

• Lonely Planet Argentina
• Fodor’s Essential Argentina
• DK Eyewitness Argentina Travel Guide

Interesting facts

• Argentina is the birthplace of tango which originated in Buenos Aires.
• The national sport of Argentina is pato.
• Argentina is home to the highest and lowest points in the two hemispheres.
• The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of three advancing glaciers in the world.

Handy phrases

Hello – “¡Buenas!”

Yes – “Sí”

No – “No”

Please – “Por favor”

Thank You – “Gracias”

How Much Is – “¿Cuánto?/¿Cuántos?”

You’re Welcome – “De nada/Por nada”

Time zone

Argentina follows Argentina Standard Time (GMT-3), and the country has no daylight savings time changes throughout the year.

Electricity and adapters

The electricity supply comes in 220V and 50Hz, with two adapter types: C and I. It’s best to bring along a universal travel adapter.