travelling in argentina

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Argentina Travel Guide

Last Updated: January 19, 2024

Argentina is one of the most popular countries to visit in South America. Whether you’re backpacking the entire country or just visiting on a short holiday looking to drink wine, eat steak, and do some hiking, Argentina will not disappoint you. I love the place to death.

From the relaxed café culture of Buenos Aires to the natural beauty of the massive Iguazu Waterfalls, the stunning Perito Moreno glacier to the charming vineyards of Mendoza , Argentina is a wonderfully beautiful country with world-class landscapes to match the delicious steaks, award-winning wine, and lively and welcoming people you’ll find here.

Argentina blew away all of my expectations.

This travel guide to Argentina can help you plan your trip, stay safe, stay on a budget, and ensure you make the most of your visit here.

Note : Argentina suffers from incredible inflation and prices vary widely and increase without notice. The prices here might be accurate as of the day we publish but could be dramatically different by the time you get there. Keep that in mind as you plan your expenses.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Argentina

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Top 5 things to see and do in argentina.

1. Enjoy the culture of Buenos Aires

Nicknamed the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires is an amazing and fun city with a lot of culture, fantastic nightlife, food, and shopping. Stay in the trendy Palermo neighborhood and walk the tree-lined streets, visit the Museum of Latin American Art in Buenos Aires (aka MALBA), and explore Palermo Soho which has a more youthful vibe and is crammed with cool shops and boutiques.

Additionally, on the southern border of Palermo is La Recoleta Cemetery, one of the most atmospheric graveyards on the planet and home to several famous Argentines, including Eva Peron, several past presidents, patriots, poets, and other VIPs of Argentine history. El Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, the National Museum of Fine Arts, is nearby as well. Opened in 1895, the museum houses works by Goya, Monet, Rubens, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and many other masters.

2. Marvel at Iguazu Falls

With 450,000 cubic feet of water thundering down the 275 cascades every second, it’s easy to see why this massive waterfall is so popular. The water plunges below in a powerful and sensational flurry of white water and mist with rainbows stretching above it all. The uneven cascades are also some of the tallest in the world, as they measure between 62-85 meters (210-269 feet). A sturdy wooden walkway allows visitors to wander out to get a closer, face-to-face look at the falling water. Some might remember the falls played a supporting role in the films Indian Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Captain America: Civil War, and The Mission, among many others.

You can find several types of guided trips leaving from Buenos Aires or just go on the local bus yourself. Stay in Argentina and get drenched on a boat ride around the falls or spring for a tour that includes Brazil on the opposite shore. The view from Brazil is arguably better, since you’re on a narrow ridge surrounded by the falls in Argentina. The entry fee for Iguazú Falls National Park on the Argentine side is 20,000 ARS.

3. Wander Salta

Located in the northwest of the country, Salta is a small city with outstanding museums, plaza-side cafes, and a lively folk music tradition. The colonial architecture of the city is well preserved here too. The most popular museum is Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña (MAAM), opened in 2004 for the mummies of three children sacrificed by the Inca and discovered in 1999. Don’t miss the Teleférico San Bernardo, a cable car that glides through the air to a hilltop with a gorgeous view of the whole city. A round-trip ticket for San Bernardo is 8,000 ARS.

4. Learn the tango

Argentina is famous for its national dance, the tango. You’re bound to run into it everywhere you go with people quite literally practicing in the streets. Throughout the country there are studios that offer lessons if you want to learn and free public places to watch the locals dance away. In Buenos Aires, splurge on a tango show at the historic Teatro Tabarís or Gala Tango. A more budget option is the outdoor shows in Plaza Dorrego, where the best dancers can be found every Sunday afternoon.

5. Explore Mendoza

Other things to see and do in argentina, 1. take the train to the clouds.

Sure, it’s a train built for tourists and super overpriced, but taking this train through the clouds and lush forest is so breathtaking I don’t mind. This is a 400-kilometer (250-mile), 16-hour round trip into the Andes from the town of San Antonio de los Cobres. You can buy the train ticket with the bus ride between Salta and San Antonio de los Cobres included, or via just the train. Consider buying just the train ticket so you can spend a little time checking out the Andean culture (and llamas) in San Antonio. As the train climbs to 4,200 meters (13,779 feet), you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views overlooking mountains, forests, and valleys. It only operates seasonally and on specific days of the week, so be sure to check the schedule before you go. The website only shows prices once you pick a date for the reservation.

2. Climb Cerro Aconcagua

At almost 7,000 meters tall (23,000 feet), Cerro Aconcagua is not only the country’s highest mountain but also the highest in the Western Hemisphere. This climb isn’t for the faint-hearted as it’s estimated to take a couple of weeks to acclimatize to the altitude and reach the summit. However, it’s a challenging hike, not a technical climb. Many hikers set their sights on part of the mountain, without risking the dangers of oxygen deprivation near the summit. If you love a challenge and are a practiced hiker, it’s an adventure worth considering! Due to the instability of the peso, many trekking companies post prices in USD. Guided summit hikes cost around $5,000 USD while an 8-day trek around the mountain (not to the summit but around the various camps) costs around $2,000 USD. The most popular option is a 4-day hike around the mountain, which costs $700 USD per person. Not into hiking? Nearby Los Horcones Lake is only 2,900 meters (9,514 feet) above sea level and a popular fishing destination.

3. Explore Valle de la Luna

Translated as “Valley of the Moon,” this dramatic landscape dates to the Triassic period. Winds and rain have carved the rocks into strange formations that give this place the look of a lunar landscape. Despite the arid conditions, the area is great for wildlife spotting as it’s home to foxes, owls, armadillos, condors, and guanacos. A wild cousin of the llama, guanacos will give your landscape photos a decidedly South American flair. The unique geological formations and fossil beds have earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the Museo de Sitio William Sill, built over impressive dinosaur fossils where you can watch archeologists at work.

The best way to explore the park is via a rental car. Once you have that, you can take the 25-mile circuit tour, stopping at five different points along the way, each one offering stunning sights and views of the park. The circuit should take approximately three hours. There are also hikes through the park. One of the most popular is the trek up to Cerro Morado, the tallest mountain in the park at nearly 1,900 meters (6,000 feet). The walk takes about three hours and, once at the top, offers wow-inducing views of the natural landscape below. Admission to the park is 5,000 ARS.

4. Hike on Perito Moreno Glacier

Located within the expansive Los Glaciares National Park is the impressive Perito Moreno glacier. At almost 4,570 meters (15,000 feet) wide and 61 meters (200 feet) tall, it’s one of the coolest sights I’ve ever seen. You can hike on the glacier (which is an epic experience) or walk on the metal platforms constructed a stone’s throw from the massive wall of ice. You’ll need a licensed guide, ropes, and crampons to hike on the glacier but you can take the bus from El Calafate and do the platform walk on your own. Boat rides to Perito Moreno get you even closer and can include other nearby glaciers like Spegazzini and Upsala. Depending on the season, a full-day tour including a boat ride costs around 99,000 ARS. Austral summer, from December to February, has higher prices.

5. Day trip to San Rafael

Located a few hours from Mendoza, this tiny little town is a wonderful place to see wineries. Try the local Malbecs and other reds that go perfectly with an Argentine asado. Like Mendoza, this is a great place to go on a bike ride through the picturesque vineyards. Don’t miss out on the nearby stunning Atuel Canyon, where you can go whitewater rafting in the summer. San Rafael is a charming little place to relax and slow down to enjoy the local pace of life. A bus from Mendoza to San Rafael costs 2,500 ARS for a one-way ticket.

6. Visit Ushuaia

Ushuaia is the most southerly city in the world and the largest city in Tierra del Fuego. This is a very popular town for travelers coming to the end of their South American journey, or for those traveling to Antarctica. This is the launch point for all Antarctica cruises, as the continent is only 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) away. Plan at least three days here to go hiking in the national park, walk among the penguins on Hammer Island, and try one of the local tea houses. The most popular is La Cabaña, at the foot of the Martial Glacier ski resort. If you’re there in winter, visit one of the three local ski resorts or go on a dog-sledding tour. Overall, it’s an adventure travel hub that deserves a few days before or after your other adventures.

7. Go whale watching

From June to December, whale watching season in Patagonia is at its peak as the whales make their way to the coast to mate. Whale watching is an expensive excursion, but it’s well worth it during migration time as you’re guaranteed to spot a few whales. The Valdes Peninsula is the best place to go on a tour. Only six companies are allowed to operate here so as not to disturb and overwhelm the whales. Expect to see orca, humpback, southern right whales, and blue whales. This is a remote area of Patagonia and the best place to stay nearby is Puerto Madryn. Due to the instability of the Argentine peso, most tour agencies post prices in US dollars. A full day wildlife and whale watching tour costs $145 USD.

8. Discover Quebrada de Humahuaca

The Quebrada de Humahuaca is a 155-kilometer-long (96 mile) valley carved out by the Rio Grande. The deep valley is covered in unique rock formations and has been populated for at least 10,000 years, making the area rich in ancient Incan history and culture. Visit the ancient Inca ruins at Tilcara and see just how much Andean culture still permeates the area. Explore the colonial streets and architecture of the tiny town of Humahuaca, with its bright orange mountain backdrop or walk around behind the mountain on an easy one-hour hike to see dramatic red and purple cliffs.

9. Visit Cajon del Azul

Located in El Bolson, a bohemian town near the Andes Mountains, The Blue Canyon boasts beautiful translucent turquoise waters flanked by rustic suspension bridges, alcoves, and cliffs. It’s a little more deserted than other nature reserves in Argentina, though it’s growing in popularity amongst climbers and fly fishers. If you go, it’s worth spending at least a few days in this area taking advantage of all the outdoor activities.

If you want to hike, there are a myriad of trails you can take, all of varying degrees of difficulty and length. The trails also have the most amount of refugios, or huts, than anywhere else in South America. This means you can plan a single-day trek or a multi-day hike, going from one hut to another for several days until you want to trek back to El Bolson. Before you head out on a hike, though, make sure you stop into the Mountaineering Information Office, or Oficina de Informes de Montañas, to get information about the hike you’re doing. It’s the best way to prepare for a trek here. There’s also a Tourist Information Office that should be helpful too.

10. See Casa Rosada

Dominating the Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires is Casa Rosada, the Office of the President and arguably the city’s most notable landmark. The distinctive pink color is said to be due to the mixing of cows’ blood into the paint, to preserve the building. First Lady and labor activist Eva Perón (aka Evita) famously addressed crowds of workers from the building’s balcony (there’s a 1996 film starring Madonna based on her life).

Easily accessible on the city’s Subte metro system, the area around the Casa Rosada is worth visiting for its colonial architecture and famed masterpiece mural by Mexican artist David Alfaro Siquieros in the Casa Rosada Museum. There are, in all, 11,000 pieces of art in the museum. Admission is free but you must register and pick a time and date for your visit.

11. Stroll La Recoleta Cemetery

It might seem a bit morbid to visit a cemetery for pleasure, but Recoleta is one of the city’s most visited attractions. The cemetery is the final resting place of many of the city’s most notable citizens, including Eva Perón and the Paz family. Also worth seeing is the tomb of Rufina Cambaceres, who was tragically buried alive according to legends. It’s open daily from 8am-6pm. Afterwards, walk along Calle Vicente Lopez on the southwest side of the cemetery. It has become one of the hotspots in Buenos Aires for micro-breweries and is a great place to rest your feet after all the walking through the cemetery.

12. Discover San Ignacio Miní

Located in San Ignacio, these 17th-century mission ruins are the most complete in Argentina, with a significant amount of carved ornamentation still visible. Constructed in the Spanish Baroque style and heavily influenced by indigenous designs, the ruins are a beautiful and distinctive reddish color. The visitor center has a lot of background information on the fascinating history of the old mission, and the ruins have interactive panels for more information as well. San Ignacio is the perfect place to stop on your way to or from Iguazú, which is only four hours away. The town is on the Paraná River, near Posadas, where you can easily hop the border to Encarnación in Paraguay. Admission is 1,000 ARS.

13. Take a dip in the Termas de Colón

Located north of Buenos Aires not far from the border with Uruguay, the hot springs here have been a hot secret with in-the-know Porteños (people from BA), for many years. There are 10 different pools to choose from, each one a different temperature and health benefits. If you have kids the Termas de Colón also features kiddie pools and various water slides. The drive from Buenos Aires takes about four hours, making this either a very long day trip or a multi-day trip to the north to relax in the charming town of Colón.

14. Attend a fútbol match at La Bombonera

Visiting the legendary soccer stadium of Boca Junior, one of Buenos Aires’ two professional teams, in the La Boca district is a local experience you won’t want to miss. If they’re playing cross-town rivals, River Plate, even better, but if you’re in town during the soccer season, go to see La Boca playing any team. It’s a lively and sometimes crazy experience. Expect to spend a couple hundred dollars on tickets if you want to see a match. There are also tours of the stadium available too, though those also aren’t cheap at around 82,000 ARS.

15. Browse for books at a world-class bookstore

In Buenos Aires’ Barrio Norte, you’ll find El Ateneo Grand Splendid. Housed in an old theater from 1919, this bookshop has plenty of remnants left over from its days in the performing arts, such as murals on the walls and ceilings, and even balconies. The books on the shelves are mostly in Spanish, though there’s a small English-language section. That said, shopping for a good read here is not really the point. Just stroll around and admire the high ceilings and ornate design of the place. It’s one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.

  For more information on specific cities in Argentina, check out these guides:

• Mendoza Travel Guide
• Buenos Aires Travel Guide

Argentina Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels are widespread throughout the country. Expect to pay 15,000-30,000 ARS for a 6-8-bed dorm room in Buenos Aires, depending on the neighborhood. In smaller towns like Mendoza, expect to pay 8,000-20,000 ARS depending on amenities. Private rooms in a hostel with a shared bath are generally double the price of dorm rooms, costing 20,000-50,000 ARS per night.

Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities.

Hotels cost 40,000-60,000 ARS and always include free Wi-Fi, though other perks are generally pretty limited. At a two- or three-star hotel in Argentina you can expect TV (sometimes with international channels), daily housekeeping, bathroom toiletries, and, in some cases, an in-house restaurant, to varying degrees of quality.

Airbnb no longer posts prices in Argentine pesos, but averages $20-$50 USD per night for a private room and $30-$80 for an entire apartment.

Camping is widespread all around the country (including the world-famous Patagonia region), especially near the national parks. Expect to pay around 12,000 ARS for a basic plot for two without electricity.

Food – Argentine food is a mix of Mediterranean influences: first from Spanish colonizers, and later European immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially from Italy and Spain. Empanadas, pizza, polenta, and pasta all heavily feature in Argentine cuisine.

Argentines are famous for their asado (barbeque) and tremendous consumption of beef, especially steak and ribs. Tomatoes, onions, lettuce, eggplants, squashes, and zucchini are the most common vegetables. Dulce de leche , a caramel sauce made from condensed milk, is a popular sweet.

Yerba mate is the favorite national drink. It’s a caffeinated herbal drink that is prepared in a traditional gourd. It is consumed in social settings by passing around the gourd and its accompanying metal straw.

Overall, food is fairly expensive in Argentina, especially in popular resort and outdoor adventure towns. Take advantage of eating breakfast and lunch specials to get the most out of your money. Breakfast deals go for 1,000-2,000 and usually consist of a coffee and two media lunas, which are like a bready croissant.

Lunch specials vary greatly but are generally around 3,500-4,000 ARS. Meals at a cheap cafe begin at around 2,000-3,000 ARS for a light lunch of a sandwich or salad.

In terms of street food, empanada, choripán (sausage on bread) stands, and local hole-in-the-wall burger and pizza shops are economical and tasty. Empanadas go for around 700 ARS each, choripán for 1000 ARS, and fast food pizza or burgers for around 1500-2000 ARS. Fast food (think Mcdonald’s) is around 2,000 ARS for a combo meal.

In major cities, a dish at a Chinese takeout restaurant is around 8,000 ARS, while a dish at a sit-down Indian restaurant is around 8,000-12,000.

At a nice traditional Argentinian steakhouse, expect to pay 20,000-25,000 ARS for a good steak and wine. At more casual restaurants, steaks cost around 10,000-15,000 ARS, while vegetable-based pasta dishes cost 7,000-8,000 ARS.

In terms of drinks, beer is around 3,000 ARS while a glass of wine is also 3,000 ARS. A cocktail is around 4,000-5,000 ARS and a cappuccino is 3,000 ARS.

If you’re going to grocery shop, expect to spend about 25,000-35,000 ARS per week for groceries, including bottles of wine. This gets you basic staples like rice, beans, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Argentina Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker’s budget, expect to spend at least 31,500 ARS per day. On this suggested budget, you’re staying in a hostel dorm, eating out at the cheap food stalls, cooking most of your meals, using public transportation, limiting your drinking, and doing mostly free activities like hiking and taking free walking tours.

On a mid-range budget of at least 70,000 ARS per day, you can stay in an Airbnb, hotel, or private hostel room, enjoy a few drinks and eat out more, take the occasional taxi, and do whatever tours and activities you want, such as wine tours and dance lessons.

On an upscale budget of at least 135,000 ARS per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, go hiking in Patagonia, fly between cities, and do whatever else you want to do. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in ARS.

Argentina Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

While Argentina’s hyperinflation works in most travelers’ favor, it makes certain things in this country more expensive. Tours, food, and alcohol add up quite a bit. There’s a lot of price instability in the country. Here are a few hacks to cut down your costs and not let inflation ruin your fun:

• Use discount cards – Student and teacher discounts can get you incredible savings. You can also use the La Nacion Club and La Nacion Premium Club Cards, associated with La Nacion Newspaper, for discounts. Every week, the La Nacion Club Card website lists participating establishments that give discounts to cardmembers. This is good for travelers spending a long time in the country as you have to sign up for the newspaper.
• Hitchhike – While not common in the north of the country, if you’re in Patagonia, you’ll see many locals and tourists alike hitchhiking, as long-distance buses in that part of the country can be very expensive and infrequent. It’s simply more convenient to hitchhike. This common way to get around is highly recommended.
• Travel off-season – March-June and September-November are the low season when you can find cheaper accommodations and enjoy fewer crowds at attractions.
• Find the cheap eats – Empanada, choripán (sausage on bread) stands, and local hole-in-the-wall burger and pizza shops are your best options for cheap eats. It’s not the healthiest food, but it’s economical and tasty!
• Rent a bike – You can rent bicycles from hostels and rental shops for around 12,00 ARS per day in most major cities. This is especially useful when you’re in Mendoza’s wine country and you’re trying to get from winery to winery.
• Bring a tent – As you start to travel south to Patagonia, accommodation costs get expensive. Hostels are often 20,000 ARS or more a night here (as opposed to as cheap as 10,000 ARS a night in Buenos Aires). Look for camping opportunities as often as possible. When you aren’t in the national parks (where you can obviously camp), many hostels let you pitch your tent for a small fee.
• Stick to wine – 2,000 ARS bottles of wine in the supermarket is a phenomenal deal. Grab a bottle, drink it up. It’s really good too!
• Pack a water bottle – The tap water here is generally safe to drink so bring a water bottle with a filter to save money and reduce your single-use plastic usage. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw as it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Explore the outdoors – Hiking is free, and throughout the country, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy this and other outdoor activities since Argentina is blessed with many city parks and nature reserves where you can spend the day wandering around and relaxing. (And, of course, there are a plethora of national parks where you can do multi-day treks!).
• Don’t fly domestically – Thanks to a tax on foreigners, airfare in Argentina for non-residents is quite expensive. Unless you are in a rush, don’t fly. Take the overnight buses. It’s slower but affordable (and often a lot more comfortable).
• Dance for free – If you find yourself in Buenos Aires on a Sunday, you can find free tango events in San Telmo. (On Monday nights, there’s the famous La Bomba de Tiempo, a music and dance event that is well worth the minimal price for admission.)
• Take a free walking tour – There are a number of free walking tours in major cities. They are the best way to get the lay of the land on a budget and connect with a local guide. Just remember to tip your guide at the end. Two companies to try out in the capital city are Buenos Aires Free Tour and Free Walks Buenos Aires.

Where to Stay in Argentina

Looking for budget-friendly accommodation? Here are some of my suggested places to stay in Argentina:

• Milhouse Hostel (Buenos Aires)
• Up Viamonte Hotel (Buenos Aires)
• Sabatico Travelers Hostel (Buenos Aires)
• Villaggio Hotel Boutique (Mendoza)
• Gorilla Hostel (Mendoza)
• Alto Andino Hotel (Ushuaia)
• Cruz del Sur Hostel (Ushuaia)
• Antarctica Hostel (Ushuaia)

How to Get Around Argentina

Public transportation – Buenos Aires is the only city in Argentina with a subway system (the Subte). The subway runs from 5:30am-11:30pm on weekdays, 6am-midnight on Saturdays, and 8am-10:30pm on Sundays.

Public buses are the most common way to travel within the cities. In Buenos Aires, a one-way fare is around 1,000 ARS per trip. In Mendoza, fares start at 800 ARS.

In Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Mar del Plata you need a transit card to use the public transit, while smaller areas take cash. You can find these cards at kiosks all over the place.

Taxis – Taxis are very affordable in Argentina. Prices start around 500 ARS and go up by around 300 ARS per kilometer. That said, public transportation can usually get you anywhere you need to be so you can likely skip the taxis here.

Buses – Argentina boasts an outstanding short and long-distance bus network. It is common to have food served on board as well as Wi-Fi and alcohol on long-distance buses. For example, the ride from Buenos Aires to Mendoza takes about 14.5 hours and tickets begin at 10,000 ARS. A 10-hour trip from Bariloche to El Calafate (in Patagonia) starts from 20,000 ARS, while the bus from Buenos Aires to El Calafate is 50,000 ARS.

A “shorter” journey like Mendoza to Salta in 7 hours costs about 35,000 ARS. You can take the overnight bus and then save on accommodation since you’ll be sleeping on the bus.

Flying – Flying around South America isn’t very cheap, and Argentina is no exception as fares are taxed highly for foreigners (it subsidizes cheap fares for residents). However, it might be worth it for you if you’re short on time as those 14-hour bus rides are not an efficient way to travel. Argentina’s two most popular airlines are Aerolíneas Argentinas (the domestic carrier) and LATAM.

You can fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate for 340,000 ARS return, or Buenos Aires to Bariloche for 190,000 ARS return. You’ll get better deals the further out that you book your tickets.

Train – Argentina’s rail system only goes to three places: Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Rosario. The train from Buenos Aires to Cordoba costs about 28,400 ARS. There are also train journeys aimed specifically at travelers, like the epic Train to the Clouds that begins in Salta and passes through the Andres. It’s one of the highest railways in the world. There’s also La Trochita, the Old Patagonian Express between Esquel and El Maiten for 30,000 ARS.

Hitchhike – Argentina is easy and safe for hitchhikers. You can find rides throughout the country, and Argentines are naturally curious about foreigners. There’s a good chance you’ll end up crammed into a car with an entire family! Hitchwiki has information on hitchhiking in Argentina if you want to give it a try.

When to Go to Argentina

Argentina is enormous. The best time of year to visit entirely depends on what regions you plan on traveling around.

Argentina’s spring is from September to November. This is one of the best times to visit overall (although it’s still very cold in Patagonia). Average temperatures range from 14°C (57°F) in the center, 8-14°C (46-57°F) in Patagonia, and about 20°C (68°F) in the north.

Summer is from December to February. This is the best season for spending time in the Andean mountains. It’s also the best time to travel to Tierra del Fuego, although there still might be snow. The north is a lot warmer, and Buenos Aires can get hot and sticky. Temperatures can get as high as 26°C (79°F).

Autumn (March-April) is another great time to visit, especially in the San Juan and Mendoza regions for the wine harvests. Temperatures here are 6-14°C (42-58°F). Patagonia is stunning this time of year with its bright autumn colors as well.

Winter is from June to August when temperatures dip to 8–13°C (46–55°F). This is the ideal time to visit if you’re a skier hoping to hit up the ski resorts. It’s not a great time for visiting Patagonia, however; bad weather can leave you stranded, and a lot of places are closed from Easter to October.

How to Stay Safe in Argentina

Argentina is a safe place to backpack and travel. While violent crime here is rare, petty theft and pickpocketing is on the rise so you’ll need to be vigilant. Don’t flaunt expensive jewelry or belongings while you’re out and about and always keep your wallet secure and out of reach. Cell phone theft is incredibly common and thieves sometimes literally snatch the phone right from your hand in broad daylight so be on guard and never bring your phone out in public. If you need to use it, step inside a shop just to be safe.

If taking an overnight bus, lock your bag and make sure your valuables are secure. If you rent a car, always keep it locked and never store anything in it overnight as break-ins can occur.

Female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (don’t walk around at night intoxicated, never leave your drink unattended at the bar, etc.). Whenever possible, avoid walking around at night (especially if you’re alone). Even during the day, it’s best to walk around in groups when you can as you’ll be less of a target that way. If you’re carrying a purse, wear it across your chest so it can’t easily be snatched (a backpack is a better/safer choice, though).

When taking out money from an ATM, make sure to use a machine inside the bank so that you can safely access your money without prying eyes or people ready to rob you.

Scams here are rare, but they can occur. To avoid getting ripped off, read about common travel scams to avoid here .

Always check the weather before you go hiking and make sure you dress appropriately and bring enough water.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Argentina Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Argentina Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Argentina travel and continue planning your trip:

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Top 15 things to know before you travel argentina.

Oh Argentina, the stuff many an exotic travel dream is made of.

And yes, there’s no denying I was beyond excited when I finally realised an adventure in this much-fabled country was going to be within my grasp.

Which was back in 2019. In the good old travel days!

While I had 6 whole weeks planned to journey the length and breadth of Argentina – from Salta in the north (after I crossed the land border from Bolivia), right down to Patagonia (the most epic hiking destination) in the south – suddenly everything changed when I found out I had been shortlisted for a British Travel Award (top blog *cough cough*) and so, in order to attend this rather prestigious London event, I had to return earlier than planned to the UK and, sadly, cut my time in Argentina short.

Thankfully I did win the award (yes you are reading the words of the Best British Travel Blogger here… I know!) which made the returning home and the cutting of the time in Argentina well worth it!

And thankfully, I still did get 3 full weeks travelling across the north of the country, which was certainly enough to learn a lot about the things you need to know before you embark on a trip here.

There’s no question I’ll be returning to travel Argentina (especially explore the south of this magical land) just as soon as this annoying pandemic does one, but until then, I’m bringing you my list of the 15 crucial things to know before you hit up this destination.

Because when it comes to what to pack, the issues around money, solo female travel and how to survive as a vegetarian out here, I’d definitely got my fair share of experience!

So here goes….

Related Posts

• 5 Best Places to Visit in Argentina
• 55 Top Things To Do in South America
• Ultimate 10 Day Argentina Itinerary

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#1 How to Travel to Argentina?

So first up, it’s probably a good idea to discuss how you’re going to get to Argentina to begin your travels there.

If you’re already in South America, then it’s good to know Argentina has pretty straightforward land border crossings with Chile, Bolivia, Brazil and Uruguay (although the quickest way to this last country is actually via a ferry crossing!)

Most of these countries have several land borders with Argentina – yes that’s just how huge all the nations are in South America –  and I personally have crossed the border from near Uyuni in Bolivia as well across the border into Brazil from Iguazu Falls .

As long as you plan visas, make an early start and are prepared in advance, these borders shouldn’t present any problems.

Alternatively, if you’re arriving into Argentina from further afield, it’s likely you’ll touch down in the main international airport in Buenos Aires – Ministro Pistarini International Airport, Ezeiza (EZE).

This airport is located just over 22km outside of the city centre, but you can use Uber to get either to your accommodation in the city or to another domestic airport in the capital if you are immediately flying off to another region.

As always, I use Skyscanner to find the best deals on international and domestic flights in Argentina. See more in #7 of this article.

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#2 Visas for Argentina Travel

Most travellers from Europe, the UK, North America, Australia and New Zealand do not require visas to travel Argentina.

You simply get an entry stamp in your passport on arrival, which normally gives you 90 days to explore this country – a good amount of time.

After this point, do make sure you leave the country however, as immigration officials here are very strict when tourists overstay their allocated time and I heard from several travellers that have been banned from re-entering Argentina for a year after not leaving the country on time.

As always, and no matter the passport you hold, I do recommend checking your travel rights in Argentina with your local embassy or foreign office website well in advance of your intended arrival date.

#3 What to Pack?

Argentina is one mighty diverse land, which I’ll cover in more detail in the next point, but suffice to say if you are travelling to several destinations in this country you’ll need a range of clothes and essentials to keep you comfortable across all climates.

This is especially true if you are heading down to the south of the country and / or you plan on doing some serious hiking here, which you certainly should FYI!

I give a complete item by item inventory of exactly what I recommend packing for your Argentinian travels in this complete checklist , so do check it out for more info.

This list was put together after my own travels in Argentina, and more broadly throughout South America, so it certainly has everything you should need, whilst also keeping things light and simple if you’re backpacking like I always am!

#4 Getting to Grips with the Diversity

So yes, as I mentioned above, Argentina is a mighty diverse country.

Perhaps, thanks to its size and the different climates it straddles, it can actually be seen as one of the most diverse nations on the planet.

Form the dry, dusty high altitude deserts in the northern provinces like Salta to the lush, humid and tropical climates around Iguazu Falls , through to the seasonal zones like Buenos Aires and finally the great glacial lands of Patagonia, this country packs it all in.

Which is why it certainly pays to know a little about your travel plans for Argentina in advance.

Knowing which regions you’re likely to travel to, what time of year you plan to visit and what sort of activities you aim to enjoy while you’re there (such as camping and hiking etc) will help you greatly when it comes to knowing the type of weather you can expect and help you pack accordingly!

Remember forewarned is forearmed, and all wise travellers know this!

#5 How to Plan Your Trip?

Another key part of your planning stage, should be setting out a basic itinerary for your travels in Argentina.

Now don’t freak out, I’m not suggesting here that you should have every day of your trip planned out to the nth degree (because trust me, I hate the idea of this just as much as the next freewheeling budget backpacker), but what I am saying is that I would highly advise having a rough itinerary planned out for your travels in Argentina.

Not only will this help with your packing (as outlined above) but it will also help you ascertain whether you can actually fit your intended plans into your intended timeframe!

Yes, when you realise just how long it takes to get between the different regions of this country, and just how much there is to do in each one, you may well need a rethink!

Indeed lots of people, including myself, completely overfill their Argentina itineraries and then, once they look at flights or buses around Argentina and the amount of time these take, do they quite often have to cut down their intended plans by a significant amount!

So, if you want my advice when it comes to Argentina travel plans, less is definitely more.

In Buenos Aires alone, you can easily spend 4-5 days, and that’s without 2-3 days in Iguazu Falls, 4-6 days for the Salta province, not to mention Bariloche, Mendoza and Patagonia… and that’s just the main highlights!

In terms of things you do need to book in advance of your Argentina travels, I would include guided hikes, domestic flights, long distance bus journeys and accommodation in Patagonia in this list because all of these things book up and sell out fast, especially during high season.

#6 Ideal Argentina Travel Itinerary

And this moves us nicely on to my crucial tip here about your Argentina itinerary.

Of course, the time you have to travel this country will drastically alter how much you can fit in, but with anything less than 2 weeks I wouldn’t even think about trying to see the whole country, instead, I would choose half of it (either the north or south) and stick to that.

Because ultimately, not trying to cram everything in will lead to you having a better trip, and isn’t that the point of travelling after all?!

Plus Argentina will always be there for you to return to if you need!

With 2 weeks in the north, I’d concentrate on Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Salta Province and possibly the student city of Cordoba if you have time.

If you’re coming across to Argentina from Chile, it may make sense for you to skip Salta (which will be sad, because this region is amazing) but possibly replace it with the equally sublime lake and hiking destination of Bariloche and the famous wine region of Mendoza.

Both of these lie closer to the Chilean border and coupled with Buenos Aires, will take you from west to east across Argentina.

Otherwise, if you’re seriously into your hiking and you time your trip right (namely some point between November and February), then it’s hard to beat Patagonia as a destination in itself for at least a week or 2.

This vast and unique natural landscape boasts incredible scenery, glaciers, wildlife as well as remote outdoor action and should not be missed.

Of course, if you have longer to travel Argentina, say 3 weeks+, you can start to combine some of these itineraries to create an epic journey across the country.

Just don’t plan to do too much!

#7 Using Domestic Flights

Not that I’m a fan of too much flying as regular readers will know (there is a climate crisis y’all), but I do accept, that most travellers in Argentina will take at least one domestic flight during their travels here.

And that’s simply because, as I’ve already said at least 3 times in this article (so sorry if I sound like I’m rabbiting on about the same point!) the distance between destinations in Argentina is huge.

For those on a tight timeframe, domestic flights are basically a necessity and if you’re thinking of heading to either Patagonia or Iguazu, they’re basically a done deal because the bus journeys to either of these places, from the nearest other major destinations are at least 24 hours… if not more!

Learn more about how to get to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires in this post I wrote.

In general, I recommend booking domestic flights at least 2 weeks in advance, more in high season, because the most popular tourist routes sell out fast.

The good news is that there are budget airlines that offer good prices on domestic flights within Argentina and you can compare them all over at Skyscanner – my fav site for finding the best flights deals.

#8 Taking Domestic Buses / Coaches

If you’re not flying, or trying not to fly everywhere in Argentina (and good on you), then long distance buses or coaches are the best way to get between destinations.

Luxury liners services destinations across Argentina and are used by many locals and travellers alike.

In general, standards are good, but you do get for what you pay for i.e. the more luxury services with comfier seats etc will cost more. I recommend paying a bit more for night buses especially.

Taking night buses is a good way to save on a night’s accommodation and shuffle you between destinations without wasting an extra day of your trip – key if you’re on a short trip and wanting to see as much as possible.

A good travel pillow as well as excellent earplugs and a decent eye mask are a must for long distance night buses in South America FYI!

I took long distance buses several times in Argentina, both during the day and night, and found the services very good and secure.

Buses can be booked in person at the central stations you’ll find almost every town. This tends to be where all the bus departures leave from, and each company (and there’s a lot) will have their own window / ticket booth where you can buy tickets.

You can also buy tickets online in advance, which I would suggest doing at least 1 week in advance of any major journeys, such as overnight voyages.

I recommend Bookaway for this purpose, as they allow you to compare flights and buses, book securely online and make everything easy to read in English!

Just remember to keep a bit of spare change as you’ll have to tip / pay for the luggage handlers to load your bag each time you get on a bus in Argentina – this is not really optional.

#9 Travel Safety Issues

And talking about catching buses in Argentina leads me nicely onto discussing safety in this country more generally.

Throughout my time travelling in Argentina I felt entirely safe – even when staying in budget accommodation and catching overnight buses, my travels were hassle and worry-free.

The only place I would advise you maybe are a bit more wary is in major cities, especially Buenos Aires, where crime against tourists can occur, in particular robbery and mugging.

That said, I visited and walked around Buenos Aires by myself without any problems, but was careful to not have my phone out on the street or to walk around by myself after dark.

I also made sure I based myself in a more upmarket area – trendy Palermo to be specific – which I highly recommend you do too.

Taking free walking tours in this city (of which there are many) is a great way to see the capital and feel safe even as a solo traveller.

Learn more about the best itinerary for visiting Buenos Aires in this post I wrote about the city.

Buying a tourist SIM card is another great way to feel safe in Argentina because this allows you to keep in touch with people at home, use live maps to orientate yourself and also book or contact accommodation / tours / guides etc when you are out and about.

Keep your phone on you, but not in a pocket – a bumbag slung across your shoulder and front of your body is a great idea here.

In case you are the victim of any crime in Argentina, or worse have an accident or need medical assistance, then a key safety tip is to buy travel insurance for your trip to this country.

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

#10 Solo Female Travel in Argentina

And getting a SIM card when you are in Argentina is also one of my top tip for solo females travellers in this country.

Although I don’t recommend whipping your phone out on display at every opportunity, especially not in major cities here, having a phone with you, especially when it comes to being able to navigate yourself, is a great idea.

It always makes me feel safer and knowing I can contact people wherever I am, definitely brings peace of mind.

Also be careful going out alone at night – although again this only really applies to cities – as I felt very safe wandering out for dinner of an evening in almost any smaller Argentina town I visited.

I even went out in Buenos Aires of an evening too – at one point not making it home until 6am, although that’s a different story – but was always with other people, using Uber rather than walking, and never alone.

Yes, taking an Uber is a great option after dark in the capital… or at anytime!

Picking up a bit of Spanish can make you feel safer too in Argentina, as can staying in hostels where it’s easier to get local advice and to meet other travellers.

It’s all common sense really.

If you think learning a bit of Spanish sounds like a good idea, then check out the great free language learning app – Duolingo – and also the Latin American Spanish Lonely Planet phrasebook.

I found this very helpful.

Just don’t forget the language they speak in Argentina is very different to a lot of the Spanish you may recognise elsewhere in this continent or in Europe!

#11 Costs of Travelling in Argentina

And now we come to the big one – how much does it cost to travel Argentina?

Well, honestly that depends when you are reading this post and when you are planning to visit, because the one thing you should know when you plan to travel Argentina, is that the economy of this country has a habit of being a bit unpredictable.

When I visited in 2019, they were again suffering a terrible economic recession, which tends to happen more regularly than it should here.

The Argentinian Peso was almost in freefall and while this made the country very cheap foreigners, it was very hard on local people.

Many restrictions had been bought in, which meant accessing money could be difficult for all parties, which leads me into my next point.

#12 ATM Fees

Because of the highly erratic and worrying value of the Argentinian Peso when I was in the county, there were big restrictions on how much local people could withdraw from the ATM on a daily basis.

At one point this was really low, barely enough to survive on

In some places, this also translated to tourists, which meant many travellers found themselves without enough cash to pay for their accommodation etc.

My tip therefore, is to strongly check the state of the Argentina economy before your travels and also to familiarise yourself with any restrictions there may be in advance.

Bring cash, and plenty of it too, as that never fails.

It’s also useful to know many Argentina ATM machines charge foreign cards a crazy fee to use them.

#13 Western Union App

For this reason, and because they gave incredible rates when I was there, one of the best tips I can give for when you travel in Argentina is to download and use the Western Union app .

This is a global app that worked brilliantly in Argentina and was used by almost every traveller on the circuit when I was there because the news of it spread like wildfire!

The basic way to use the app is to load currency from your bank account onto the Western Union app, convert this from your home currency into Argentinian Pesos at a great rate, and then go into a Western Union office in Argentina to collect your cash.

The fees are much lower, the amount you can take out much larger than the ATMs and the exchange rate is better too.

You’re welcome! …. and no, this is not sponsored, it’s just a great piece of advice!

#14 Drinking

You can’t really come to Argentina and not try at least some of the amazing wine this country is famous for, preferably within the place it’s made.

Mendoza is the main spot, but the smaller town of Cafayate is also delightful.

Both allow you to rent bikes and cycle to nearby vineyards to savour the produce with some seriously epic natural backdrops.

Craft beer is also taking hold in Argentina and trendy Palermo in Buenos Aires is the spot to try many of the news ones.

Otherwise, the other local tipple is Fernet – lethal stuff that is usually served after a meal but may also be served mixed into coffee.

You can blame the Italian influence in the country for this one!

It’s good to know tap water is safe to drink in most parts of Argentina.

That said, I still like travelling with my trusty Lifestraw Filter Bottle , an amazing bit of travel technology that makes it safe to drink tap water anywhere in the world by filtering out 99.9% of harmful bacteria.

#15 Eating & Dietary Requirements

And finally we come to the food factor!

Of course Argentina is known for its steak and if you eat the meat you should probably try this when you are here.

If you don’t however, you need not fret.

I found it easy to travel in Argentina as a vegetarian, especially in major cities and towns where the food scene is quite progressive.

Bread is served with most meals, so gluten-intolerant people however, may find they have a slightly harder time.

Local markets and supermarkets sell an array of fresh products and western goods, which means you can generally get your hands on whatever you need!

The Italian influence in this country also means Italian food here can be sensational. Some of the best pizza I ever had was in the capital, BA, no joke!

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

So there we have it, my list of the top 15 things to know before you travel Argentina.

Have you visited this epic South American country?

Do you have any advice to add to this list?

Please join the discussion in the comments box below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

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The best time to go to Argentina

Jan 23, 2024 • 4 min read

Choose the best time for your visit to Argentina with this seasonal guide © Judyta Jastrzebska / Shutterstock

The eighth-largest country on Earth, Argentina encompasses everything from pancake-flat grasslands to sky-high mountains, humid wetlands to frigid ice fields, emerald forests to rugged coastlines.

In the south, Patagonia provides dramatic scenery and endless horizons, while the dynamic capital Buenos Aires pulses to the rhythms of fútbol (soccer) and tango.

Travelers can visit Argentina throughout the year, but it pays to be aware of the seasonal variations that arise from the country’s sheer size, diverse landscapes, profusion of wildlife and packed calendar of events.

Whether you want to go horse riding with gauchos (cowboys) across the Pampas or spot whales off the Patagonian coast, avoid the crowds on Lake District hiking trails or take part in the grape harvest in the wine region of Mendoza , here’s a guide to the best time to visit Argentina.

Explore Patagonia and go skiing during the high seasons (December to February and July)

The summer (December to February) is the peak period for international and domestic tourism in Argentina. Buenos Aires is sweltering at this time of year, so many porteños (residents) head off to the beach resorts south of the city, pushing up room rates in the process.

In the north, the Andean desert regions and areas such as Iguazú Falls get extremely hot too. By contrast, the weather conditions are ideal for exploring the national parks of the Lake District, Patagonia and  Tierra del Fuego .

Unfortunately, demand for accommodations and prices surge during this period, while key attractions – such as the lakeside city of  Bariloche and the trekking hot spot of  Parque Nacional Los Glaciares – can be uncomfortably crowded.

A series of notable fiestas take place between December and February, including Carnaval in the northeastern cities of Gualeguaychú and Corrientes, the annual hops festival in the Lake District town of El Bolsón, and the Festival Nacional del Folklore, a major folk music event in Córdoba province.

Meanwhile, July is the peak month for winter sports, with skiers and snowboarders flocking to resorts in the Lake District,  Mendoza province and Tierra del Fuego.

Head to Buenos Aires and skip the hiking trail crowds in the shoulder seasons (September to November and March to May)

The shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) offer a winning combination of fewer crowds, lower accommodation prices and generally good weather in Buenos Aires and the surrounding Pampas, central Argentina and the south.

The Lake District is at its most beautiful during these periods, with fall colors and spring blooms, respectively, while  hiking trails here and in Patagonia are quieter than the peak summer months.

The September to November shoulder season is also a good time for whale-watching. Between mid-June and mid-December, the waters off Península Valdés in northeastern Patagonia attract hundreds of endangered southern right whales, as well as orcas, elephant seals and myriad marine birds.

Meanwhile, in the northeast, the heat and humidity eases between March and May, which makes visiting places such as the Iguazú Falls a much more appealing prospect.

The shoulder seasons play host to an array of events too. Semana Santa (Easter) is marked across the country, as is the Día de la Memoria (March 24), a public holiday commemorating the victims of Argentina’s military dictatorship.

Over in the wine region of Mendoza, the grape harvest runs from February to April, with the lively  Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia wine festival taking place in the middle of this period. Demand for accommodations grows significantly at this time.

In September (or sometimes August) Buenos Aires hosts the world’s most important tango festival, the  Tango BA Festival y Mundial . Following hard on the heels of Oktoberfest in the Germanic town of Villa General Belgrano, November sees a celebration of gaucho culture, the Fiesta de la Tradición, in the Pampas town of San Antonio de Areco , as well as the annual Pride march in Buenos Aires.

Visit the north and save money during the low season (June and August)

Beyond the ski resorts of the Lake District, Tierra del Fuego and Mendoza province, the winter is a quieter and cheaper time to travel in Argentina. June and August are both excellent months for exploring the north, including sites such as the wildlife-rich wetlands of  Parque Nacional Iberá , which is warm and relatively dry.

Visiting Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego during the winter is more challenging: aside from the cold, many hotels and hostels close for the season, transport services are reduced and mountain passes are often blocked.

But the lack of crowds (apart from at the ski resorts in Tierra del Fuego) and beautiful snow-covered scenery in the Andean areas are significant draws for intrepid travelers.

Events are thin on the ground during the winter, though on June 21 the far-flung city of Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego celebrates the winter solstice (the longest night of the year) in style with the memorable Fiesta de la Noche Más Larga.

This article was first published July 2021 and updated January 2024

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Argentina Travel Tips: A Guide for First-Time Visitors

Argentina’s everchanging landscape and colourful lifestyles stole my heart. It’s a huge country offering endless experiences ranging from penguin spotting to tango dancing. Yet, there are plenty of things to catch first-time visitors off-guard. With this in mind, we created this Argentina travel guide and filled it with Argentina travel tips to keep the surprises to a minimum and the good days to a maximum.

Honestly, I found Argentina as enchanting as our daughter made it sound during her year-long stay as an exchange student. It’s an easy country to visit if you remember a few of the Argentina travel tips below.

Where is Argentina?

Argentina is located in southern South America, separated from Chile by the Andes mountains. To the north, it borders Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay . Covering 2.78 million square kilometres, Argentina is the world’s 8th largest country, accounting for nearly 16% of South America’s landmass.

Argentina travel guide: quick reference

• Emergency numbers: Police and general emergencies : 101 & 911 or *31416 on mobile Fire : 100 Ambulance and medical : 107
• Official Language : Spanish, but be warned, it is spoken with an Argentinean accent that has the double l “ll” and “y” pronounced as a “sh”. Also, the “vosotros” verb form is not used.
• Currency : Argentine peso (ARS)
• Credit cards : Carrying cash is a good idea in Argentina. Although Mastercard and Visa are accepted at hotels, many smaller places require a minimum spend to use a credit card or don’t accept them at all.
• ATM Machines : Only found in the larger cities, they do not always work, and charge high fees.
• Electricity : 230V 50Hz Type I connectors (same as used in Australia, New Zealand, and Uruguay).
• Telephone country code : +54
• Water : Tap water is considered safe to drink in most parts of the country, but ask in smaller towns.
• Capital city : Buenos Aires.
• Population : just over 44 million people.

Travel tips for Argentina: Best time to visit

Located in the southern hemisphere, Argentina has four seasons, with hot and humid summers and cold winters in most of the country, although it is always warmer in the north than in Patagonia. The table below generalizes the country’s weather and is useful for people planning on visiting multiple regions during their visit.

Argentina Seasons

December to February – Summer

• Hot and humid with abrupt rain and lightning storms
• (Patagonia is cool and dry).
• Peak Season.
• More crowded.
• Requires booking ahead, with plenty of planning for Patagonia.

March to May – Autumn

• Autumn is mild.
• Swing season.
• Fewer tourists.
• Lower prices.
• Less planning is required.

June to August – Winter

• Moderate days and cool to cold nights for most of the country.
• Rainstorms are lighter than summer but longer lasting.
• Good time to visit the North.
• Snow in elevation.
• (Extreme cold in Patagonia, and many places closed).

September to November – Spring

• Springtime is mild.

Argentina holidays that affect travel

While there are plenty of national holidays in Argentina, most won’t significantly affect travel. The two times of the year when Argentineans are travelling are in December and July.

• Christmas and New Years fall in the height of summer; therefore, the peak travel times. Public transportation can be limited. Travel destinations are crowded, and advanced booking is required.
• School holidays in July also increase travel and require additional planning.

Argentina travel tips: know before you visit

Entry and argentina visa.

Argentina offers visa-free tourist entry to passport holders of over 80 countries. Check the official government site to see if you need a visa.

Argentina Safety (Is Argentina Safe?)

Argentina may rank as one of the safer countries in South America, but don’t let your guard down, especially in some areas of Buenos Aires where petty theft, pickpocketing, and robbery are far too common. Remember to carry your belongings hidden, especially expensive items like your phone and camera. Also, carry your bag tucked under your arm rather than on your back.

Walking around alone at night OR during siesta hours when the streets are empty is not recommended. And, if you come upon a demonstration (common in Buenos Aires), turn and walk away, as they often turn violent rather abruptly. We highlighted the best practices for safety while travelling in South America here .

Medical care and emergencies

Also, as I found out first-hand when I got dengue fever , if you get really sick and require a hospital while in Argentina, there is no charge at public hospitals. Had we known there were private hospitals in Argentina, we might have done things differently.

* World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

What to bring to Argentina

We always travel light, yet we have everything we need. For Argentina, we dressed sporty in the daytime and either similar or smart casual for evenings. We had a good pair of walking shoes.

Layers are our secret. Our basic kit needed nothing extra for Argentina unless you are including Patagonia, where you might want an extra warm layer. You can get a free copy of our packing list when you sign up for our newsletter.

Cash and credit cards

Although there are plenty of ATMs in the big cities, they often charge high fees and have limits, allowing only $200-300 USD equivalent. If you know where to look, there is an unofficial exchange market that can help you turn your cash into pesos .

Top places to visit in Argentina

Best places to visit in argentina.

We visited several key regions of Argentina, but do need to go back to visit Southern Patagonia and the wine regions of Mendoza.

Buenos Aires

The cosmopolitan capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires is one of my favourite cities in the world. Exciting, colourful and elegant, Buenos Aires has it all. The mix of modern and colonial architecture is just the beginning; it is the food and tango that really enchanted me. Everything here intrigues me, and there is plenty to do.

Córdoba

One of Argentina's oldest cities, Córdoba is has a modern beat. The city boasts six universities, including the oldest university in Argentina.

Argentina's second-largest city by population, Córdoba is situated at the foothills of the Sierras Chicas. It has a youthful atmosphere and is a generally fun place to spend some time. The eclectic architecture mixes modern and Jesuit historic sites.

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls are one of the most impressive natural wonders I have seen. Situated at the border corner between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, they are hundreds of waterfalls tumbling along a 2.7-kilometre stretch of the Iguazu River. It has created the world’s largest waterfall system. I found myself spellbound. Visiting Iguazu Falls is worth the effort it takes to get there.

Rosario is home to the first Argentinian flag, a claim to fame that put it on the map and one which draws thousands of visitors. It’s Argentina’s third-largest city after Buenos Aires and Córdoba. It's also the birthplace of Che Guevara and Lionel Messi.

San Carlos de Bariloche

Nature at its best, San Carlos de Bariloche is a Swiss-influenced, quaint mountain town in Argentina’s Lakes District, famous for many things including chocolate. This northern Patagonia city sits along the shores of glacial Lake Nahuel Huapi. We visited in summer and enjoyed hiking. It is even more popular as a winter skiing destination.

Salta to Cafayate

Just over the Andes from the driest desert in the world, Salta is nature's canvas painted in rich pastels. The drive from Salta to Cafayate is filled with unusual natural formations. And once at the other end, we stayed at a winery that grows the grapes for the famous and smooth Malbec wine.

Argentina travel tips – a few random things that might surprise you

• The pedestrian traffic light for “go” is white (not green).
• People kiss twice, once on each cheek (although it is an air kiss without actually touching).
• Mobile phones are very expensive, but pre-plans are quite affordable. Bring your phone and change the SIM card, don’t plan to buy a phone in Argentina.
• Public bathrooms are uncommon, often have a fee, and don’t smell very nice as used toilet paper goes into the rubbish bin alongside the toilet.
• The mosquitos are so big you can feel them land on you, an advantage as you know they are there before they bite, but really who wants to see giant mosquitoes?
• Before you hop on public transportation in most cities, pick up a SUBE card and save up to half the costs. You can get one at a convenience shop (Kiosco).
• Street dogs are so common it feels like they are everywhere. They generally won’t bother you, but always take caution should you come across a pack of dogs.

Meals, siesta, and other travel tips for Argentina about the local food and drinks

The daily schedule for locals varies quite a bit from that of a tourist, although commercial hours require some adjustment. In contrast, when my daughter lived here , she fully adapted to breakfast, followed by morning activity (in her case, school), and then a big family lunch.

Lunch is the largest meal of the day, generally served at home, followed by family time, then a siesta (which could be described as nap time). As a result of everyone being asleep, many businesses and most retail establishments are closed in the heat of the day, often for as long as 1 pm to 5 pm. Then, shopping returns. Dinner is a late-night affair, often starting at 9 or 10 pm. Some restaurants don’t open until 8 pm.

Regardless of what time you eat, the traditional foods, as well as some of the specialties, will have you wishing you could eat all day without consequences. Our top food picks are asado, empanada, dulce de leche, and milanesa. And for beverages, don’t miss Fernet con coca or a glass of Malbec wine. We enjoyed the traditional food so much we had to write an entire page on it.

A few final Argentina travel tips on dining:

• A 10% tip in restaurants is considered customary.
• Some restaurants charge a service fee just for being there.
• The legal age to purchase and consume alcohol in Argentina is 18; Identification is infrequently checked, and as a result, many teenagers find it easy to procure alcohol.

Maté – a shared experience

And then there is maté, a beverage that is more of a cultural phenomenon. It’s hot water poured over yerba leaves, drunk through a metal straw, and shared with friends and sometimes strangers. We were told social customs dictate always accepting maté if it is offered from a stranger, never asking for it, and smiling rather than making the face that lets people know you think it is shockingly bitter.

How to travel in Argentina

Argentina is a big country; there is no getting around that fact. The distance between the regions is often huge, and travel times are long. Put in perspective, it takes 51 hours to drive from Ushuaia at the bottom of the country to La Quiaca in the north at the Bolivian border. Similarly, the drive from Buenos Aires on the east coast, due west to the Chilean border, requires 16.5 hours.

The primary ways of getting around Argentina are by air, bus, or self-drive. We did all of them at different times.

Flying within Argentina

Flying is generally the fastest and most expensive way to get between major cities or regions in Argentina. The time saved is the obvious advantage of flying. As most itineraries require a plane change in Buenos Aires, the time saved isn’t always as much as you would expect.

The two major airlines are Aerolíneas Argentinas and LATAM, and there are several other smaller airlines. The best way to compare flight prices is with a flight search engine like Expedia flights .

Pro Tip : If you are starting in Australia or New Zealand, check out the air passes offered by LATAM. There are rules. We had to fly in and out of South America on LATAM, but in the end, they saved us a lot of money.

Self-driving in Argentina

While we flew the long distance, we chose to drive in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Salta, and Santa Fe provinces of Argentina. We rented cars locally through Rentalcars.com , and while we had no problems, we were glad to know they have English-speaking customer service had we needed it.

In Argentina, cars drive on the right side of the road. The main highways are fine, as are some of the smaller roads, though many are in a relatively worn condition with potholes. The only problem we had, and it happened to us twice, was trusting Google Maps to provide directions, as both times it sent us down an old, unpaved road rather than the nearby modern highway.

If you are going to drive, know these Argentina travel tips:

• The speed limits on open roads are up to 120 kph (74 mph), and many have tolls. In contrast, they often drop to 60 kph (37 mph) in urban areas and 40 kph (25 mph) in residential areas.
• Importantly, wearing safety belts is compulsory for everyone in the car.
• Headlights must be on when you drive, even during the day.
• It is illegal to use your mobile phone while driving unless it is hands-free.
• Compare prices at RentalCars.com .

Argentina bus travel

Bus travel in Argentina is quite possibly the most popular way to cover long distances. Overnight and affordable first-class options make it a viable alternative for many. While we never opted for a long-distance bus, we did take several buses intermixed with boats when we crossed the Andes to Chile .

However, our daughter took the long-distance bus several times, her longest travel over 24 hours from Buenos Aires to Iguazu. She reports them to be clean, fully reclining for sleep, supplying meals, and providing bathrooms equivalent to an aeroplane.

Find your perfect bus (or ferry) to get around Argentina here .

VAT tax: an Argentina travel tip that will save you money

A 21% value-added tax (VAT) is paid on goods and services in Argentina. It is generally already included in the price you see. Importantly, at hotels, international visitors get an automatic reimbursement of the VAT if they pay with a foreign credit card or via bank transfer from a foreign bank. We also encountered a few hotels that offered the reimbursement if payment was made in US dollars.

Also, if you shop at stores displaying the Global Blue star, fill out the form here to get your VAT refunded. (We never did this, so we are not sure it works).

Save these Argentina travel tips for later

If you enjoyed travel tips for Argentina travel guide, please share it on social media and save it for later on Pinterest.

Which of these travel tips for Argentina did you find most valuable?

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Disclaimer: We worked with local tourism boards throughout Argentina. We are frequently provided with complimentary entrances, tours, or sample items to aid in the writing of Albom Adventures. However, the opinions expressed here are strictly our own.

About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

Reader Interactions

February 3, 2020 at 6:00 am

What a comprehensive and helpful guide! I love how you included details about the different pronunciations of Spanish in the area.

I’ll refer back to this when I’m leaving my trip to Argentina.

January 31, 2020 at 11:47 am

Fantastic information! I really want to visit at least Buenos Aires one day. Thanks for the table, I think visiting in Autumn would be good for less crowds and cheaper accommodation.

Erin Gustafson

January 31, 2020 at 3:00 am

Holy wow – what a resource! I love the way you break it all down into digestible sections. I would love to see Argentina one day.

California Globetrotter

January 31, 2020 at 2:49 am

I love Argentina and want to go back! I was an ungrateful 17 year old traveling with family and didn’t quite appreciate it as much as I would now. The best things we did was go to a Tango show, and a personal boat tour of Iguazu Falls! Great guide!

January 30, 2020 at 6:42 am

Very detailed and helpful post for visiting Argentina. I currently don’t have plans to visit, but if I do, I will be back. Thanks for sharing all of this information!

Jen Ambrose

January 29, 2020 at 8:09 pm

Super useful tips! I’ve never been anywhere in South America, but Argentina is high on my bucket list!

January 29, 2020 at 1:42 am

Wow, Rhonda – you’re certainly accruing frequent flyer points!

January 28, 2020 at 11:56 am

Perfect travel post on Argentina. You included so much great information.

January 28, 2020 at 4:15 am

I am shocked to hear that Argentina is considered safe. I have many friends from Buenos Aires and they all have said that they have either been hijacked while driving or attacked with guns. And I am not talking 10 years ago but months away. In any case, I think that Argentina is worth a visit even if it is only for their parrilladas y asados!

Rhonda Albom

January 28, 2020 at 10:26 am

Hi Jenn, I think you misinterpreted “may rank as one of the safer countries in South America” as being safe. The rest of the paragraph and secondary article clearly spell out the dangers, especially in Buenos Aires. That is why I offered so many safety suggestions. I completely agree with you, there is an element of trouble, especially in Buenos Aires, but worth the risk.

January 27, 2020 at 12:45 pm

wow what a super useful and helpful article! Argentina sounds amazing, I hope I get to visit some day!

January 27, 2020 at 12:41 pm

I dream of visiting Argentina, and I think that this guide is a really great resource for people like me- who haven’t had the chance to visit yet. This really gives you a good sense for what to prepare for and look forward to.

January 27, 2020 at 10:29 am

Argentina seems such a beautiful country. I hope to visit someday. Thanks for detailed information, useful tips and great photos.

Jessica Pascoe

January 26, 2020 at 10:31 pm

Where was this post 8 years ago when I visited Argentina 🙂 so helpful thanks for sharing

January 26, 2020 at 8:27 pm

Great overview! I’ve always wanted to visit Argentina, so saving this for later. My great grandfather came to the US from Italy via Buenos Aires and I’ve heard there’s a train station there named after his family.

January 26, 2020 at 3:12 pm

Argentina is high on my list to visit. This was such a comprehensive article! Thank you for sharing. I love the photos and the link to all the other cities and places to visit.

Suzanne Jones

January 26, 2020 at 11:21 am

This is such a comprehensive post – hope I get to put it to good use some time!

January 26, 2020 at 7:52 pm

Super informative! A lot of very useful and honest information shared in this post. (A bit grossed out by the used toilet paper thing). Great read!

January 26, 2020 at 8:24 am

What a lovely introduction to Argentina. I can tell you loved it. So useful to have a comprehensive summary like this.

Maria Elsa Jose

January 26, 2020 at 8:06 am

This is a real helpful, great travel tips article! Well-explained and lots of information.. and stunning photos! Keep the inspiration going!

January 25, 2020 at 9:31 am

What a beautiful place. You sure do wonderful posts on travel and everything we would need to know you have it in the post.

Have a fabulous day and weekend, Rhonda. Big hug. ♥

January 25, 2020 at 3:40 am

Hi Rhonda – can’t see me getting down there … but a really professional set of information you’ve given any potential visitor going to Argentina … and I love the photos – cheers Hilary

Juergen Klein

January 24, 2020 at 7:32 pm

A good article. One thing you forgot to mention (or I skipped over it) is the fact that Argentina has a very regulated currency market. This is again getting worse since President Mauricio Macri lost his office. ATMs are very restricted in their withdrawal amounts and charge a high transaction fee. It’s quite normal that you cannot withdraw US$200-300 in Pesos in one day. The black exchange market is also finding a revival. It called Blue Dollar in Argentina and current rates can be found on the internet. To take advantage of this you have to bring cash in high US Dollar or Euro denominations. Another way to get more cash: open a Western Union account before travelling, wire yourself funds, and withdraw for cash Pesos at any WU outlet. Bonus: you get even slightly more than the Blue Dollar rate. Other than money issues and the sometimes insanely long siesta closing times, Argentina is an interesting and varied country to travel in.

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The Best Places to Visit in Argentina: A 3-Week Itinerary for Your First Trip

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This three-week Argentina itinerary takes in all of the country’s highlights, from the incredible Iguazú Falls to the mountains of Patagonia.

Argentina is one of those countries that has it all. A world class city, jungle waterfalls, desert landscapes, wine country, mountain lakes, and snow-capped peaks… and that’s really just the beginning. 

This itinerary will introduce you to the best of Argentina, but keep in mind that it’s a large country. Hitting every stop on this list in three weeks will require a relatively quick tempo. It will be a fantastic first visit, but the only way to do it is with a bunch of overnight buses or internal flights. The distances are just too great to see all of Argentina’s highlights without them. 

Some of the bus journeys required take a full 24 hours or more. If you plan to travel by bus (or rent a car), you’ll need to do some combination of skipping some places on this list or shortening your time in each one.

If you have more time, I definitely encourage you to take it! In the north of Argentina, you can break up the long journeys with stops in some of Argentina’s smaller cities. In Patagonia, you might want to weave in and out of Chile as you make your way south. 

With that said, let’s jump right into the best places to visit in Argentina for first timers! 

Buenos Aires: Argentina’s city that never sleeps (3-4 days)

Of course, no visit to Argentina would be complete without a visit to its largest metropolis. Buenos Aires has beautiful architecture, fantastic nightlife, amazing street art, and so many diverse neighborhoods to explore. 

Three days is really the absolute minimum amount of time I would recommend for your first trip to Buenos Aires. The classic must-see sights will take you at least two days, and that’s at a run. 

These include the colorful Caminito in La Boca, the cobblestone streets of San Telmo (try to visit for the Sunday fair if you can), Plaza de Mayo (site of some of Argentina’s most important historical events), and the famous Recoleta Cemetery. You’ll probably also want to spend some time exploring the leafy, trendy barrio of Palermo. There are museums, markets, and parks – not to mention the fantastic food scene. 

For suggestions on what to do and see, I’ve written a suggested 4-day itinerary that includes the main highlights plus a few extras. Have a read and choose the sights that interest you most for your time in the city. 

Iguazú Falls: One of the world’s natural wonders (1-2 days)

These waterfalls, situated on the border between Brazil and Argentina, are one of the most spectacular sights you’ll ever see, especially if you time your visit for the rainy season. (Yes, it’s uncomfortably hot and sticky, but you came for the waterfalls, right? Well the rainy season is, unsurprisingly, when they’re at their most impressive! Rainy season at Iguazú also coincides with the best season for hiking in Patagonia, so that’s convenient for trip planning.)

The area surrounding the waterfalls is a national park, and it has extensive walking paths with dozens of excellent lookout points over the falls. Some give you a panoramic perspective, while others lead you close enough to the rushing water to get completely drenched by its spray. (Bring a dry bag!) 

There is also a train to take you a bit further afield to arguably the most impressive viewpoint of all – the Devil’s Throat. From the train station, a 1-kilometer long platform over the river ends with an up-close view of a legitimately awe-inspiring (and deafening) torrent of water, as well as the numerous rainbows that form in the surrounding spray. 

You can also take short boat tours on the Iguazú River for a different perspective on the base of the falls. The speedboats don’t take you right under the water, but you still get much closer than you can by walking. It’s a bumpy, wet, fun ride and worth the money. (Again, you came all the way here!)

One full day is enough to see the Argentinian side of the falls pretty thoroughly. I know it can feel like a waste not to stay longer, seeing as you came all the way here to the middle of the jungle. If you want to explore the Brazilian side of the falls as well, I recommend spending another day here.

How to get to Iguazú Falls

To visit Iguazú Falls on the Argentinian side, most people stay in the little town of Puerto Iguazú. The town is about 20 kilometers away from the falls, and buses run there several times per hour. 

By far, the easiest way to reach Puerto Iguazú is to fly from Buenos Aires. There are many nonstop flights each day from both Jorge Newbery Airport (locally referred to as simply “Aeroparque”) and Ezeiza. The trip takes just under 2 hours and usually costs less than $100 USD if you purchase tickets a month or so in advance.

Unfortunately, the alternative is… not great. If you want to travel by bus, it will take 17-20 hours and might cost just as much as the flight. 

Northwest Argentina: Colorful mountains, salt flats, and wine tasting (3 days)

The northwest is probably not what most people picture when they think of Argentina. The desert landscape is completely different from the rest of the country. Here you can visit dramatic salt flats, go wine tasting, and explore the UNESCO-recognized Quebrada de Humahuaca. 

North of Jujuy: Quebrada de Humahuaca and the Salinas Grandes

If you’re coming all the way up here, you definitely shouldn’t miss the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a valley characterized by colorful rock formations, adobe houses, and Quechuan villages. In the small town of Purmamarca, you can do an easy one-hour walk to take in the red, orange, and purple hues of the Cerro de los Siete Colores. Half an hour away, the small town of Tilcara – set in the same beautiful valley – has a reconstructed 12 th  century settlement overlooking the mountains. 

There are also salt flats – perhaps not quite as impressive as those a bit further north in Bolivia, but still an interesting place to see and take some fun photos. 

You can visit these as part of a day trip from either Salta or San Salvador de Jujuy (usually referred to as simply Jujuy). You’ll cut down on your driving time to the Quebrada de Humahuaca and the salt flats considerably if you base yourself in the latter, but I’d argue Salta has a bit more to see and do. It also has more frequent direct flights to other parts of the country. If you don’t mind moving around, you could stay in both, or you could spend a night in one of the small towns. (This would require renting a car, as most tours will just take you out for the day.) 

Jujuy is about two hours north of Salta. From there, it’s about an hour north to Purmamarca, and another half an hour to Tilcara. The Salinas Grandes are about an hour west of Purmamarca. Many companies combine the salt flats and Purmamarca into one (long) day, which I think is a good option if you also want to visit Cafayate and/or Cachi. (See next section.) 

South of Salta: Cafayate and Cachi

Three hours in the other direction from Salta is Cafayate, a popular wine tasting destination. Since Mendoza, Argentina’s most famous wine region, is the next stop on this itinerary, I think you can sleep soundly saving Cafayate for another trip. If you’re up for it, though, Cafayate is set in a beautiful valley, and many winery tours will include opportunities to explore the stunning rocky gorges and canyons as well. (You’ll do the outdoor activities first, don’t worry!) 

If you’re renting a car, you could do a loop including Cachi, a small colonial town that is also about 3 hours from Salta. (Unfortunately, it’s not really on the way to Cafayate, but the drive itself is beautiful and part of the appeal.) 

And if you prefer being driven, you can also book a separate day tour to Cachi and Los Cardones National Park. 

(One last option is to stop in Cafayate on your way to Mendoza if you plan to travel by bus. You’d have an additional 20 hours or so with a transfer in San Miguel de Tucumán.)

How to get to Argentina’s northwest

Aerolíneas Argentinas usually has four direct flights per week from Puerto Iguazú to Salta and two per week from Puerto Iguazú to Jujuy. The flight takes two hours. 

Traveling by bus will take at least 24 hours, and there is no direct bus at the time of writing. You’ll likely need to transfer in Posadas, Corrientes, or Resistencia. 

Mendoza: Wine tasting at the foot of the Andes (2-3 days)

Mendoza is best known for its wineries and the ever-popular bicycle tours of its vineyards. 

Many people don’t realize that Mendoza is also a major hub for adventure sports. Looking at a map, it makes perfect sense – it’s right next to the Andes. However, with so many popular hiking and outdoor activities available further south, Mendoza’s can often get overshadowed. 

It’s true that a lot of the hikes aren’t quite as accessible as those in Patagonia. (You’re not going to walk out the door and up a mountain.) Still, there are a lot of great day tours that will get you out into nature – an especially nice counterbalance if you’ve spent the previous day drinking malbec from noon until night!

The most popular activities are riding horses , whitewater rafting , ziplining, paragliding , and of course, trekking . 

How to get to Mendoza

Once again, you’re faced with the choice between a few hours in the air and 20 hours on a bus. 

There are direct flights from Salta to Mendoza four days per week and from Jujuy to Mendoza twice per week. The other days, you’ll need to connect in Córdoba or Buenos Aires. 

Or grab some headphones and/or a good book, and settle in for that long overnight trip! 

Bariloche: Argentina’s capital of outdoor adventure, extreme sports… and chocolate (2-3 days)

The next stop on your itinerary is Argentina’s unbelievably, jaw-droppingly gorgeous lake district. There are a number of beautiful small towns in the region where you can base yourself to explore its genuinely magnificent mountains, rivers, and lakes. 

The best and easiest place, though, especially if this is your first visit to Argentina, is San Carlos de Bariloche. Sitting on the southern shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake, it is a major tourist center and transportation hub. Accommodation is plentiful, there are frequent connections to other parts of the country, and public transit is available to take you to trailheads, beaches, and other places of interest. 

The great outdoors in Bariloche

If you’re a hiker, I recommend tackling one or two of the phenomenal day hikes in the Bariloche area. (Since we’re trying to fit a lot into three weeks in Argentina, we’ll save the multi-day treks for your next trip.) If you have to pick just one, I highly recommend the ridgeline hike to Refugio Frey . 

And even if you’re not much of hiker, you can still reach some really lovely viewpoints by cable car. These include Cerro Campanario, Cerro Otto, and Cerro Viejo. 

Adventure sports enthusiasts can go river rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, kitesurfing, or paragliding. Fly fishing and horseback riding are great options for people looking to enjoy nature without the adrenaline rush.

Other popular activities in Bariloche

Even if you’re more about the indoor life (or if you’re just unlucky with the weather), there is a lot to love about Bariloche. In addition to the excellent wine you’ve probably come to expect in Argentina, Bariloche has a flourishing craft beer industry. It is something of a foodie destination, with a lot of renowned restaurants serving traditional Patagonian cuisine. 

If you’re a history buff, check out one of the excellent historical walking tours in Bariloche. One highly rated tour introduces visitors to the indigenous history of the region. Another focuses on the legacy of immigration from Germany to Argentina, and specifically the Lake District, after World War II.

Finally, don’t miss the dozens of excellent chocolate shops dotting the downtown streets. Bariloche’s long history of chocolate production (dating to the post-World War II era) has earned it a reputation as Argentina’s “capital of chocolate.” Save some room!

How to get to Bariloche

If you’re coming here by bus, be prepared – this is another long one. (Are you noticing a theme here?) Most buses leave Mendoza in the evening (around 6:30 p.m.) and arrive in Bariloche around lunchtime the following day. (The trip takes about 18-19 hours.) 

There are nonstop flights from Mendoza to Bariloche a few times per week. The flights take a little under 2 hours and, once again, are frequently cheaper than the bus. (I’ve often seen tickets for $60 USD.) 

El Chaltén: The highlight of any hiker’s Argentina itinerary (3 days)

Let’s start by establishing that El Chaltén is for hikers. It’s a hiker’s paradise. A mecca! The “Argentine capital of trekking” !

If you’re not a hiker? I’d probably skip it and add some extra days somewhere else in your itinerary. There isn’t all that much else to do!

Ok, so hikers: There are two very famous treks here, and for good reason. And then there is another one that doesn’t seem to be all that famous but is, in my opinion, even better. There are also shorter hikes to waterfalls and viewpoints as well as multi-day treks if you’re so inclined.

The number one trek on virtually everyone’s list is the hike to Laguna de los Tres. A close second is Laguna Torre. Of the two, Laguna de los Tres is longer, harder, and more impressive (that’s a close one though), so that is probably the one to prioritize. 

That said, if it were  me , and if it were a clear day, I would prioritize a completely different hike. It’s called the Loma del Pliegue Tumbado , and I am baffled by how completely and utterly underrated it is. In fact, I’m a little worried I’m breaking some kind of unspoken rule about this hike – are we keeping it a secret, or something? I hardly see it mentioned, and it’s alllll the way down at #7 on AllTrails, and… yeah, that just makes no sense to me.

Unfortunately, there is a decent chance the weather won’t cooperate with you for three full days. This is just the nature of Patagonia. If that’s the case, there are some easier hikes closer to town that only require a few hours. (Consider the Chorillo del Salto, for example.)

How to get to El Chaltén

Bariloche to El Chaltén takes a good 24 hours by bus – at best. You’ll travel along the famous Ruta 40, which runs the length of Argentina parallel to the Andes. (Unfortunately this stretch of it is not particularly interesting.) 

I’ve done it myself (and I should note that it took 33 hours), but this is another one of those times when I certainly understand the choice to fly. Aerolíneas Argentinas runs nonstop flights from Bariloche to El Calafate (see the next section) once a day in the summer months and a few times per week in the shoulder season. 

If that’s what you choose to do, you’ll just have to travel the roughly three hours from El Calafate to El Chaltén by bus. (And that route is, luckily, pretty spectacular!)

El Calafate: Gateway to the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier (2 days)

Next up on the itinerary is El Calafate. This little town is the gateway to one of the most magnificent sights on this big blue Earth: the Perito Moreno glacier. This is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world, and it is genuinely a sight to behold. Pictures often don’t do it justice, failing to effectively convey just how enormous it is, or how beautiful it is in the changing light.  

There are a number of ways to experience the Perito Moreno, from kayaking through its floating icebergs to ice trekking over the glacier itself . The most budget-friendly option is to just admire the glacier from the walkways and various viewing platforms on the other side of the lake. (I spent hours doing this when I visited the glacier, and it never once got old. I truly felt like I needed that time to fully appreciate it.) 

As you stand gaping in awe, there is a good chance a chunk of ice the size of 5-storey building will break off of and crash into the lake below. You’ll usually hear a loud crack before it does – a second or two of a heads up to see how fast you can get your camera out.  

El Calafate itself is a small town in a beautiful setting on the southern shore of Lago Argentino. You can go horseback riding, visit another glacier a bit further afield, or just take a stroll near Laguna Nimez to check out the resident flamingos.  

How to get to El Calafate and the Perito Moreno Glacier

As mentioned above, there are daily flights to El Calafate from Bariloche in the summer. If you’re just coming from El Chaltén, it’s a very manageable 3-hour trip by bus along a beautiful stretch of highway. 

Buses head to the Perito Moreno from El Calafate every morning. The trip takes about an hour and a half.

Ushuaia: Hiking and wildlife at the end of the world (2-3 days)

Our final stop on this three-week Argentina itinerary is Ushuaia, generally considered the southernmost city in the world. I’m including it on the list for anyone who has an extra couple of days (or who cut out some of the long, 24-hour bus trips with domestic flights). It’s a scenic place with some great treks and nice opportunities to spot wildlife, and it’s cool to stand at the so-called ends of the Earth.

Wandering around the harbor, you’ll see ships bound for Antarctica. With a bit of lucky timing, you might even spot one on its way there from one of the nearby hiking trails. 

That said, don’t lose sleep if you took some night buses to save the planet and have run out of time to visit Ushuaia. Bariloche, El Chaltén, and El Calafate are the real Patagonian must-sees on your first trip to Argentina. Ushuaia is a nice bonus. (If your heart is set on Antarctica someday, you’ll probably be back anyway.)

Ushuaia is a great place to hike, as you’ll find the trails much less crowded than the ones in El Chaltén or nearby Torres del Paine in Chile. The most recommended treks are Laguna Esmerelda, Cerro Guanaco in Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego , the Vinciguerra Glacier, and the Martial Glacier. 

For a chance to spot some incredible wildlife (potentially including whales, dolphins, and sea lions!), check out boat tours through the Beagle Channel. If you, like me, can’t get enough of adorable Patagonian penguins, look for tours that include Isla Martillo . (Note that Piratour is the only company currently authorized to let visitors disembark and walk around the island.) 

How to get to Ushuaia

If you’re combining your Argentina itinerary with some time in Chile, it makes the most sense to visit Torres del Paine National Park in between El Calafate and Ushuaia. 

*Note that if you want to hike the famous W trek (or the longer O that includes it), you have to either plan wellll in advance or get very lucky in order to secure accommodation along the route. 

Getting to Ushuaia from Puerto Natales in Chile

Buses between El Calafate and Puerto Natales typically take between five and six hours, including the border crossing. (Once in Puerto Natales, you can rent any gear you need and book transportation to Torres del Paine.)

After your trek, you can take a bus from Puerto Natales to Ushuaia, which takes about 13 hours. (You might think heading to Punta Arenas will shorten the trip, but in reality the trip from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia takes almost as long because of the way the Strait of Magellan is shaped. I loved my trip to Isla Magdalena from Punta Arenas, but you can see penguins in Ushuaia, too. My humble opinion is that it’s not worth going out of your way to Punta Arenas unless it’s time to go home and you need to fly to Santiago.) 

Getting to Ushuaia from El Calafate

If you’re not visiting Torres del Paine on this trip, you can fly directly from El Calafate to Ushuaia in about 75 minutes. Aerolíneas Argentinas has several direct flights per day, but they can be pretty pricey if you don’t grab them early. (Again, a lot of people are coming here to go to Antarctica, so they book many months in advance – and the price is kind of a drop in the bucket in comparison.) 

There is no direct bus, so you’ll have to transfer in Río Gallegos if you go that route. Again, I’ve done it, and honestly I just slept a lot and did a lot of processing of all of the amazing things I’d seen on my adventure. But I was time rich and money poor, and it did take a solid 18 hours. 

Getting back to Buenos Aires

As you’ve probably guessed by now, taking the bus back to Buenos Aires will take over 48 hours. If you’re going to do that, at least give yourself a break in the middle in Puerto Madryn. This small city on the east coast is best known for whale watching from June to December, but it has some nice rocky beaches and is a great place to see other wildlife throughout the year. 

Heading into Chile

As mentioned above, if you have more than three weeks for your trip, you might have already decided to zigzag between Argentinean and Chilean Patagonia. Chile is an absolutely amazing country , and I highly recommend spending some time there if you have it.

From Puerto Natales, consider taking the Navimag ferry (if it’s within your budget) through the Chilean fjords and up to Puerto Montt. From there, you can easily travel to beautiful Chiloé Island or the lovely lakeside town of Puerto Varas (kind of like Chile’s answer to Bariloche).

More on Argentina

How to hit all the Buenos Aires highlights in 4 days

Calle Lanín: A colorful street off the beaten path in Buenos Aires

The 5 best day hikes in Bariloche

Hiking to Refugio Frey from Cerro Catedral in Bariloche

3 days in El Chaltén: Where to hike (and where to eat afterward!)

The most underrated hike in El Chaltén: Loma del Pliegue Tumbado

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Update January 10, 2024

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Argentina Travel Advisory

Travel advisory august 18, 2023, argentina - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with updates to crime information.

Exercise normal precautions in Argentina. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Exercise increased caution in:

• City of Rosario (Santa Fe province) due to crime .

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Argentina.

If you decide to travel to Argentina: 

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Argentina.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.   

City of Rosario – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal and narcotics trafficking elements are active in Rosario (Santa Fe province) resulting in increased crime and violence.

U.S. Embassy personnel are required to give advance notice before traveling to Rosario.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Two Sisters Abroad

Two sisters exploring the world while trying to get college degrees

17 Essential Argentina Travel Tips For Your Vacation

Hi all! Thinking of visiting the beautiful country of Argentina? Wondering what to expect when you arrive? Keep reading for your 17 essential Argentina travel tips.

I love traveling in Argentina and exploring all of the amazing things the country has to offer. After spending many weeks in Argentina, and talking with tons locals, I’ve complied a list of my best tips and pieces of advice.

Let’s get right into your essential Argentina travel tips for your vacation!

17 Argentina Travel Tips

Money + exchange rate, 1: bring cash.

Although most American credit/debit cards will work in Argentina, you will get the best exchange rate with cash. Bring dollars, pounds or euros and exchange them upon arrival.

2: Don’t rely on credit cards

Many larger shops and restaurants will accept credit cards, but it’s not guaranteed. Additionally, in the artisan markets it is less likely that you will be able to use a credit card – although occasionally it is possible. That being said, you likely won’t get as favorable an exchange rate with a credit card as it will be the “official” bank exchange rate and not one of the “unofficial” rates (see below) . Also, it is likely that your credit cards won’t always work, even if you’ve notified your credit card company about your travel plans. Sometimes my Discover Card worked, more than often it didn’t. My Mastercard Debit card would only run as a credit card, never debit, and I could almost never use American Express. Luckily, I anticipated this and brought cash. Visa and Mastercard are the safest bets for credit cards, as they will be more widely accepted than Discover and American Express.

3: There is more than one exchange rate

This is another major reason why you need to bring cash. If you take money out of an ATM you will get the “official” exchange rate – currently 1USD to 102ARS.

This is a good exchange rate, however, the unofficial exchange rate is much better, around 200ARS for 1USD.

4: Be strategic about exchanging money

If you exchange your money at a bank, tourism center, or other official change bureau, you’ll get the official exchange rate – currently around 102ARS to 1USD. However, if you exchange your money at some hotels or through other unofficial exchange locations, you’ll get a much better rate.

I recommend asking locals where they recommend exchanging money, as they will know the unofficial exchange locations.

5: Be careful exchanging money

Okay, this is obvious, just because you’ll get a better exchange rate by exchanging your money through non-official channels doesn’t always mean you should.

For example, while walking down Calle Florida in Buenos Aires, a major tourist shopping street, tons of people will yell out to you “Change/Cambio.” It is definitely risky to follow these random people on the street and let them exchange your money – and I don’t recommend it.

Instead, look for a local business that exchanges money, or ask your AirBnb/hotel concierge where you should go.

6: You can often pay in dollars

In Buenos Aires, especially, you can very often pay in dollars. Often, stores will have signs saying that they accept dollars, and they will list their own exchange rate. This rate will almost always be better than the official exchange rate.

Additionally, in the artisan markets across the city it will likely be possible to pay in dollars, and some vendors even request USD as they know that they can get a high, unofficial exchange rate for it.

7: ATM fees are high – and often don’t work

This is just another reason why you should bring cash. I tried to take money out of multiple bank ATMS and was denied every single time – probably fifteen times total.

I had alerted by bank that I was traveling and there was no problem with my card, the ATMS just wouldn’t accept it. Additionally, the lines at ATMs, especially in Buenos Aires, are often super, super long. Finally, if I had taken money out from ATMs, there was almost always a $7ish fee per transaction – which is in addition to any bank fees from your bank.

8: Argentina is cheap and expensive

Argentina, in general, is not an expensive location for tourists. Food, especially, it pretty cheap and you can buy beers at a bar for way under a dollar. Taxis and Ubers also will be inexpensive.

However, that being said, clothing and electronics are definitely on the expensive side – even by U.S. standards.

Don’t go to Argentina expecting to find clothes at a good price – it’s possible, but not common. Shop for local goods and artisan items, as these will be relatively inexpensive, but I definitely don’t recommend buying anything that’s imported.

9: Pickpocketing is common

This is especially true in Buenos Aires. Use common sense and don’t walk around with your wallet in your back pocket, looking at your phone, or with expensive jewelry on your wrist.

Common U.S. items, like iPhones, are expensive and difficult to get in Argentina – so robberies of these items are common. Don’t ever leave your phone or wallet sitting on a table while you’re in a restaurant or bar, especially in major touristy areas.

10: Don’t skip Buenos Aires

There are so many blogs and writers who post about how dangerous Buenos Aires is. This is a massive overgeneralization.

All cities have less-safe areas, but Buenos Aires as a whole is not unsafe. Use common sense to avoid petty robberies and pickpocketing – but don’t skip the whole city due to unnecessary fear. In order to avoid getting yourself in dangerous situations, always keep your valuables out of sight, pay attention to where you’re walking, and don’t draw unnecessary attention to yourself.

11: Use Uber

Uber is generally the safer option within Buenos Aires, rather than taxis. This is due to the fact that all Uber rides and transactions are tracked on the app and there won’t be disputes about fare. This being said, Uber drivers will probably make you sit in the front seat so that they are not easily identified as Ubers. Taxi drivers have been known to act aggressively with Uber drivers, as they are affecting their business. Because of this, often Ubers will try to act like “regular” cars who are just driving around friends or family.

Travel Within Argentina

12: public transportation is reliable in buenos aires.

The public transportation system in Buenos Aires is really good! You can take subways, buses and trains to get around the city and to the suburbs.

I found the whole public transportation system easy to navigate, and very reliable.

13: Download the moovit app

This map app will give you public transportation directions to your destinations around Argentina. It’s very helpful and will tell you how long you’ll need to wait for the next bus/train to your location.

14: Get a SUBE card

This card is for taking public transportation, and it will allow you to pay a lower fare. You can buy the cards at the Subte (subway) stations, at Tourist Assistance Centers and at many small, local kioskos (corner stores).

SUBE cards can be used for buses and subways as well as for trains to Buenos Aires suburbs and other areas in the province of Buenos Aires. The cards are refillable and cost about 75 cents each.

• Buses come regularly and fares are around 20 cents . A crazy good deal.
• A subway fare is about 25 cents .
• A train fare, to the suburbs of Buenos Aires, is less than 50 cents .

Food and Restaurants

15: it’s possible to find vegetarian food.

Argentina is famous for its steak, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any vegetarians.

In Buenos Aires, especially, you’ll be able to find tons of vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Additionally, at almost every empanada shop there will be veggie options (caprese, cheese, corn, etc.)

In Patagonia it was a little harder to find vegetarian food, but it really wan’t difficult at all – don’t worry.

16: Tip at least 10% in restaurants

10% is considered normal for tipping in restaurants.

17: Tap water is generally safe in Buenos Aires

If you’re worried about this, it’s always safer when traveling to drink bottled water, but I really hate using plastic bottles. When in doubt ask your AirBnb host or your hotel concierge if the tap water is safe to drink!

I hope you found my Argentina travel tips and advice to be helpful! I highly recommend planning a trip to Argentina. It is such an interesting country with so many amazing sights to see, food to try and experiences to take part in.

If you have any questions, or anything you would like to add in this post, be sure to let me know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to check out my other Argentina posts, filled with itineraries and guides for Buenos Aires , Patagonia and day trips to Uruguay .

Lastly, I appreciate you sharing this post with someone you know who is planning a trip (or should plan a trip!) to Argentina!

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12 comments.

Great tips! I didnt make it to Argentina when i was in South America so I’ll have to go back one day!

I haven’t really traveled many places south of the border, but would like to begin exploring the possibility. Great tips.

These are such great tips. We’ve totally spaced on researching currency before. Luckily my sister was with us and able to spot us some cash, since we only had a credit card.

I’m really hoping to visit Argentina in 2022, so this was very helpful. Fingers crossed it works out ❤️

I haven’t had a chance to visit Argentina yet but it’s on my list. Thanks for all these great tips!

Enjoyed this. We made the mistake of assuming we would be able to easily get money out of ATMs in Argentina yet we found that only certain banks accepted our cards. It was a bit of a panic on the first day when we couldn’t find anywhere to get cash, so YES! Definitely bring cash!

I loved my trip to Argentina and your tips are definitely spot on. I felt safe in Buenos Aires and would whole heartedly agree it’s not to be missed. Just like any other city, be aware of your surroundings!

Definitely some great and useful tips there. I realised just how important to have cash on you after I spent 3 months in Mexico. I got used to paying by card for everything in the UK and I never had cash on me anymore. But over here it’s super important.

thanks for this helpful piece of advice! So many useful details! Money Tips and Exchange Rates are always crucial for travel planning!

I loved Argentina, and look forward to returning some day! Will pin for then!

Great tips! Hope to visit Argentina one day and do some hiking!

Thanks for sharing these tips – they are incredibly helpful! One can often get so excited about travel planning that they forget about these smaller yet important details.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Argentina travel advice

Latest updates: Risk levels - updated information on the Greater Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires and Rosario risk levels

Last updated: March 22, 2024 09:28 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, argentina - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in Argentina

Greater Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in the Greater Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires due to crime, including petty crime and muggings.

Rosario - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Rosario due to an increase in homicides linked to drug-related organized crime.

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Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse and cell phone snatching, occurs regularly.

Pickpocketers and bag snatchers work in pairs or in groups and employ a variety of distractions to divert their victim’s attention. In some cases, thieves on foot work with thieves on motorcycles, “motochorros”, to snatch purses, cell phones and backpacks sometimes even from a taxi.

Common theft scams include:

• distracting the victim by asking questions while another person carries out the theft
• spraying a substance on victims and then robbing them while pretending to help clean the stain
• putting merchandise such as dishcloths or socks on top of your phone at restaurants and picking up your phone along with the merchandise 
• placing items on your windshield at traffic intersections to get you to roll down your window or to see what’s in your vehicle

Distraction thefts commonly occur in:

• popular tourist areas
• transportation terminals, including:
• bus terminals
• train stations
• cruise and ferry terminals
• hotel lobbies
• restaurants and bars, including patios

To avoid becoming a victim:

• be suspicious of strangers approaching you, such as street vendors
• avoid showing signs of affluence such flashy jewellery, cell phones, and headphones
• ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• keep your bag between your feet in public places and in front of you on public transportation
• don’t leave purses or backpacks containing valuables in overhead compartments of long‑distance buses
• always ask restaurants and bars to bring the credit card machine to your table or bring your card to the machine
• avoid packing valuables in checked luggage, because organized groups are known to operate at airports searching for electronics and valuables

Violent crime

Armed robberies and muggings occur. While most victims are not physically injured, criminals may use violence if victims resist.

• If you’re robbed, hand over your cash and valuables without resistance.
• Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in the downtown areas of major cities and parks.

If you’re a victim of a crime, inform the police and get a police report. The emergency number in Argentina is 911.

Vulnerable neighbourhoods

Avoid visiting vulnerable neighbourhoods (villa miseria) in major cities, including in Buenos Aires, even if they are in tourist zones.

Violence and organized crime are prevalent in these areas and police assistance is very limited.

Drug trafficking and abuse has increased in Argentina. This has resulted in violent crimes in:

Buenos Aires

These aggressions are caused by persons who are under the influence of drugs who can be unpredictable.

In Buenos Aires, petty crime occurs in tourist areas, particularly in:

• Constitución
• Florida Street
• Plaza de Mayo
• Puerto Madero
• Recoleta Cemetery
• the Retiro bus station area
• 9 de julio Avenue (around the Obelisk)

In La Boca, always remain on Caminito Street. Violent thefts often occur on neighbouring streets. Avoid the area after dark.

Tourism Prevention QR Code -  City of Buenos Aires (in Spanish)

Petty crime and muggings are common in Mendoza. Some incidents have involved violence.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times, particularly in General San Martín Park
• Avoid walking in unpopulated areas at night

ATMs and currency exchange bureaus

Criminals will sometimes wait outside ATMs or currency exchange bureaus ( casa de cambio ) or follow a victim after they exchange or withdraw money.

• Remain aware of your surroundings when using ATMs or currency exchange bureaus
• Avoid using ATMs at night
• Use official exchange bureaus
• Use ATMs located indoors in locations such as hotels or supermarkets

Theft from vehicles

Theft from unattended vehicles, especially rental cars, is common throughout the country. Belongings are stolen from the trunk of parked cars.

• Park in supervised parking lots and secure garages whenever possible
• Don’t leave valuables in the car, including in the trunk
• When driving, keep windows closed and doors locked at all times because of the risk of theft, especially when stopped at a red light

Though not common, express kidnappings involving tourists have occurred in Argentina. Victims are usually abducted for a few hours and forced to withdraw money from ATMs in order to be released.

Tri-border area

When travelling to Iguazú Falls, exercise caution when crossing the tri-border area between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, where criminal activities are known to occur.

Plan sufficient time to cross borders and ensure you cross before nightfall. 

Demonstrations

Demonstrations, roadblocks and strikes take place regularly throughout the country.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media to be aware of ongoing demonstrations
• Never attempt to cross blockades, even if they appear unattended

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Women’s safety

Women hiking and cycling alone have been assaulted.

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, cigarettes or anything else from new acquaintances or someone in the street. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Online dating

Robberies have occurred after travellers invited new acquaintances they met online into their accommodation.

If you are considering online dating while in Argentina, be aware of the risks involved. 

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides occur.

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.

• Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas
• Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities

Water safety abroad

Adventure tourism

Many operators do not conduct regular safety checks.

If you intend to do adventure sports:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• exercise extreme caution, as local authorities have limited rescue capabilities, particularly in high altitude and remote areas
• update your SOS or GPS emergency locator information and inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity  and know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness
• ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails

Mount Aconcagua

Before climbing Mount Aconcagua, contact the Mendoza Tourism Agency for more information.

Follow the itineraries provided by the park.

Useful links

• Mendoza Tourism – Government of Medoza (in Spanish)
• More about trekking in Aconcagua Provincial Park - Government of Mendoza (in Spanish)

Soccer games

Sports events sometimes lead to rowdy behaviour and violent incidents. Exercise caution if attending a soccer match.

Argentina’s borders with Chile and Bolivia                                   

Due to winter weather conditions impacting road safety, authorities close land border posts with Chile and Bolivia regularly during the winter (June – September).

• Stay informed of regional weather forecasts
• Plan accordingly

International crossings  - Government of Argentina (in Spanish)

Road travel

Road conditions and road safety vary greatly throughout the country.

Road Safety

Pedestrians, cyclists and drivers should exercise caution in Argentina, as it has a high incidence of traffic accidents. Some drivers ignore traffic lights, one-way signs and speed limits.

Transportation

Airport/city transfers.

Only use officially marked taxis  for travel to and from Buenos Aires’ Ministro Pistarini International Airport. At the airport, go to an official taxi stand in the arrivals area to arrange your transportation.

Taxis 

Hailing a black and yellow taxi on the street is commonly practiced.

If you are in Buenos Aires, you can use an application to call a taxi.

• Note the driver's name on the picture identification badge.
• Don’t share taxis with strangers
• Try to pay with exact change, since unscrupulous taxi drivers sometimes trade counterfeit bills for good ones

Buenos Aires taxi app - City of Buenos Aires (in Spanish)

Ridesharing services

Ridesharing services are available.

• Use a trusted ridesharing app
• Confirm the driver’s identity and the licence plate before getting in the car
• Don't share your ride with another person
• Use a security feature to share your ride status with a contact

Subways, buses and trains

A SUBE card is required to use subways, buses or trains.

When using public transportation:

• be aware of pickpockets
• prepare for work stoppages and strikes, which may lead to delays

SUBE card – Government of Argentina (in Spanish)

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from Argentine authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Argentina.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required Business visa: not required Student visa: required

Other entry requirements

Upon entry into and exit from Argentina, all passengers, regardless of their citizenship, must undergo biometrics checks, such as digital fingerprints and a digital photograph, at the immigration counter.

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Dual citizenship

Canadian-Argentine dual citizens may leave Argentina on their Canadian passport if they entered on that passport within the previous 180 days. Once this period has elapsed, they must leave on a valid Argentine passport.

Laws about dual citizenship  

Children and travel

Minors (under 18) born or residing in Argentina require written authorization from the non-accompanying parent/s to leave the country. They also require acceptable proof of parentage for the accompanying parent. For additional information, contact the National Directorate of Migration or the nearest embassy or consulate of Argentina. 

• National Directorate of Migration – Government of Argentina (in Spanish)
• Travelling with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 4 March, 2024
• Western Equine Encephalitis Virus: Advice for travellers - 5 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is recommended depending on your itinerary.
• Contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites.

About Yellow Fever Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that   country entry requirements   may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest   diplomatic or consular office   of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease)   is a risk in this country. It is caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. There is no vaccine available for Chagas disease.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is available in Buenos Aires but may be limited elsewhere. Certain medications may not be available.

Hospital physicians often expect immediate cash payment for medical care, so ensure you have access to sufficient funds. Contact your insurance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Argentina.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Argentina, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Argentina.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Argentina, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Argentinian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Argentina to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

The currency is the Argentine peso (ARS).

Foreign credit and debit cards are accepted in main cities. When using credit cards, ensure that your card remains in your view. You may be required to produce photo identification, such as a driver’s licence or a photocopy of your passport, when paying with a credit card.

Cash withdrawals from foreign bank accounts at ATMs are subject to low limits per withdrawal and per day. Substantial service charges may apply when using non-Argentine bank cards. Check with your bank before leaving Canada.

Seismic activity

Earthquakes.

The provinces of San Juan, Mendoza, Salta, Jujuy and Tucuman are in a seismic zone and are subject to earthquakes.

Border crossings can close due to earthquakes.

Several volcanoes in the Andes region on the border with Chile can erupt at any time and cause the evacuation of residents. Ash emanating from volcanic eruptions can disrupt air transportation and cause airport closures. Debris from erupting volcanoes may clog rivers and cause them to overflow, which could in turn cause flash floods and landslides.

In the event of an earthquake or volcanic eruption:

• monitor local news for to stay informed on the evolving situation
• follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders.
• Earthquakes – What to do?
• More about seismic activity in Argentina - National Institute of Seismic Prevention (in Spanish only)

Seasonal flooding may occur in Argentina’s northern provinces. It can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges may be damaged.

Heavy rains may cause flash floods in the province of Buenos Aires.

Keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 911 / 101
• in Buenos Aires : +54 11 4323 8900 ext. 116311; mobile: +54 911 5050 3293 or +54 911 5050 9260
• in Mendoza: +54 261 413 2135
• in Buenos Aires: 107
• outside Buenos Aires: 911
• firefighters: 911 / 100

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Argentina, in Buenos Aires, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

We're the sisters who founded Across South America 15 years ago... and we're here to help you fall in love with South America just like we are!

There are a few things you must know before heading to Argentina. The better prepared you are, the more you’ll get out of the experience! I highly recommend going over this now, as some of it may surprise you. Find in this post 10 pre-departure Argentina travel tips I want to give you so you can get the are the details for your trip in order.

1- Argentina Travel Tips: Passport and Visa

Make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity from the date of your return flight home. Depending on your citizenship, you may not need a visa if your stay as a tourist is 90 days or shorter. Make sure to check the requirements here , check with your local Argentine Consulate or Embassy.  The payment of a reciprocity fee for the Canadian, USA and Australian citizens has been suspended so you don’t need to pay any fee.

2- Argentina Travel Tips: Money

Argentina national Notes come in denominations of two, five, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos.

Argentina’s national currency is the Argentine peso . Although the US dollar and the Euro are generally accepted in stores and shops, foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and authorized agencies. The most widely accepted credit cards are American Express, VISA, Diners, and MasterCard. Traveler’s checks can be easily traded in Buenos Aires, but not in some provincial towns. Local currency can also be withdrawn 24 hours a day from ATMs, and larger shops and restaurants usually accept payment by credit or debit card

We usually recommend arriving with at least a small amount of cash, and always having cash on hand when visiting rural areas.

How much cash do you need? There’s really no correct answer—you know your spending habits and tastes better than anyone. But be prepared to be tempted by all the fabulous shopping and dining opportunities! A lunch/dinner in a good restaurant with a good wine can be around USD 25-USD 50 in Buenos Aires and Patagonia. Expect the north of the country to be much cheaper than Buenos Aires.  

3- Argentina Travel Tips: Vat refunds on accommodation

International visitors receive a direct and automatic reimbursement of the 21% value-added tax (VAT) charged on accommodation in Argentina . VAT on hotel stays and other accommodation will automatically be refunded for international visitors who pay with a foreign credit card or via bank transfer from a foreign bank. The elimination of VAT on accommodation charges, combined with a favorable exchange rate, make visiting Argentina more affordable.

4- Argentina Travel Tips: Tax-free shopping

foreign tourists are eligible to reclaim tax (VAT) on purchases of domestically-manufactured goods with a value over ARS $70 when made at participating outlets. The Global Blue website has useful information on the tax reclaim process here . AFIP, the Argentine tax authority, also has information in Spanish here .

5- Argentina Travel Tips: Traveling Around Argentina

Due to the large size of the country, flying is the most convenient way of traveling long distances all over the country. Flying can be combined with land transportation. There are a number of airlines offering domestic flights, including Aerolíneas Argentinas, Austral, Andes Líneas Aéreas, LADE and LATAM Argentina. Domestic flights and flights to Uruguay depart from Jorge Newbery Airport, located to the north of the City of Buenos Aires As far as traveling by land goes, dozens of buses leave daily from Retiro Bus Station, located in downtown Buenos Aires, to most of the country’s main cities. Long-distance buses are equipped with onboard toilets, air conditioning, and a bar.

6- Argentina Travel Tips: Prepaid telephone cards and sim cards

Prepaid telephone cards are available from many tobacconists and newsagents (‘ kioscos ’), or call-shops/cyber cafes (‘ locutorios ’). Locutorios can be found all over the city, and offer telephone booths and internet access. Local sim cards/chips for your mobile phone can be bought from mobile phone stores and from many kiosks. The leading telephone networks in Buenos Aires are Personal, Movistar and Claro.

7 -Argentina Travel Tips: Internet 

Hotels, cafes and restaurants have free wifi in Argentina. In Buenos Aires you can download an app and have access to free wi-fi un many points of the city.

Buenos Aires has over 250 free wifi hotspots in the city, including on the subway and Metrobus transport networks. The BA WiFi app allows users to locate hotspots from their smartphones. You can download the BA WiFi application here . Many bars, cafes and restaurants have free wifi for clients. In the rest of the country, internet is often available in hotels, but not always available during your excursions.

8 – Argentina Travel Tips: Opening hours

The time zone in Argentina is UTC/GMT-3 and there are no time changes during the year. Activity in Argentina starts early in the morning and continues until very late at night.

Shops: Most shops open 9am – 8pm Monday to Friday and at least 9am – 1pm on Saturdays, but many stores on the main avenues and in the main commercial areas also open all Saturday afternoon. Shopping malls usually open until 10pm, including on Sundays and public holidays.

Banks open 10am – 3pm, Monday – Friday. Some branches in the central downtown area may open until 4pm. Cash withdrawals can be made from ATMs/cash machines 24 hours a day.

Times: Locals fit their meals around work and other commitments and times may vary, but in general breakfast is between 7am and 10pm, lunch between 12.30pm and 3pm and dinner between 8pm and 11pm. T

9 – Argentina Travel Tips: Electricity

Electric current in Argentina is AC 220-380 volts. Electric plug configurations used have 2 or 3 flat pins with the top two pins diagonally angled.

10 – Argentina Travel Tips: Health and security

Argentina is a safe, modern country with high police presence and good quality health provision. No vaccinations are required for entry into Argentina . Tap water is drinkable. Although Public hospitals are open 24 hours a day and attend patients free of charge, we always recommend getting a travel medical insurance for your trip.

In Buenos Aires, like in many large metropolis, visitors should always take precautions, particularly in tourist hot spots and crowded places.

If you are starting to plan your trip to Argentina, we can help you  design your itinerary.   Check some of our  suggested itineraries to visit Argentina 

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10 essential argentina travel tips before you go.

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Argentina Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Argentina. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Western Equine Encephalitis Virus in South America March 14, 2024 There are reports of Western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV) infections in horses, humans or both, in parts of Argentina and Uruguay. Destination List: Argentina, Uruguay
• Dengue in the Americas February 28, 2024 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to the Americas can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Destination List: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, French Guiana (France), Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique (France), Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Turks and Caicos Islands (U.K.)

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Argentina.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Argentina. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Argentina.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Argentina is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to Corrientes and Misiones Provinces. Generally not recommended for travel to Formosa Province or to designated areas of Chaco, Jujuy, and Salta Provinces. Not recommended for travel limited to provinces and areas not listed above.

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites, chagas disease (american trypanosomiasis).

• Accidentally rub feces (poop) of the triatomine bug into the bug bite, other breaks in the skin, your eyes, or mouth
• From pregnant woman to her baby, contaminated blood products (transfusions), or contaminated food or drink.
• Avoid Bug Bites

Chagas disease

• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Argentina, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Argentina. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Argentina include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Argentina. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Argentina’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Argentina. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Argentina may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Argentina, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Argentina for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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Navigating Money in Argentina: A Traveller’s Guide to Money Matters in 2024

Travelling to Argentina and wondering how to navigate the confusing topic of money in Argentina? This guide will help you understand cash, credit cards and more – along with handy tips I picked up living in Argentina for two years.

IMPORTANT! This article has been updated in December 2023 following the election of Javier Milei as Argentina’s president.

If you’re planning a trip to Argentina , you’ve probably stumbled upon a complex topic in your research: money.

Money in Argentina is a unique… confusing… complex situation. It’s unlike any other country I’ve ever been to. With raging inflation and decades of uncertain economic policy, it’s no wonder that visitors and residents alike struggle to wrap their heads around the different forms of currency exchange rates, the infamous mercado azul (blue market) and the ever-changing prices.

As someone who lived in Argentina for two years and grappled with these topics myself, I’m here to share my knowledge and tips on navigating money matters in this beautiful country.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what you need to know to plan your visit, whether you should bring cash or cards, if you should use ATMs, how to exchange money and more!

This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

What's in this article (Click to view)

Understanding currency in Argentina

The official currency of Argentina is the Argentine peso, denoted as ARS. On signs, you’ll see the dollar sign ($) used.

The peso comes in various denominations, including coins of 1, 2, 5 and 10 pesos, and bills of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 (the country introduced the 2000-peso note in 2023 to deal with spiralling inflation, and also phased out the 5-peso bill because it had such little value).

The 1000-peso note is worth less than US$1.50, so you’ll always be carrying large wads of cash with you!

But what you most need to understand is that the Argentine peso has been troubled by severe inflation for decades. This inflation makes the value of the peso quite unstable, with prices of goods and services frequently changing to keep up.

While many countries have been plagued by inflation of 7% or 8% over recent years, inflation in Argentina has reached 180% (and in decades past it’s even hit 20,000%).

It’s not uncommon to walk into a restaurant one day and pay a certain amount for a meal, only to walk in two days later and pay double – or more – for that same meal. Restaurant owners (and other shops) have to constantly adjust their prices to keep up.

This economic instability can be quite a surprise if you’re used to a more stable currency.

It’s tough for a country that was one of the richest in the world at the beginning of the 20th century.

The Blue Market: Argentina’s informal currency exchange

Because of this high inflation, Argentines prefer to hold onto and trade in US dollars, which is seen as a more stable currency.

This situation has led to the development of two distinct markets for exchanging currency. (Well, in fact, there are more than 10 different exchange rates but in this article I’m only going to talk about three!)

There’s the official market, where the government sets the exchange rate, and then there’s the mercado azul or the blue market, where the exchange rate is determined by supply and demand.

It’s not uncommon for the blue market rate to be significantly higher than the official rate – in fact, it’s can be double or more. Rates can fluctuate almost daily. When I originally wrote this article, the unofficial (blue) rate was 2.5 times higher than the official rate.

>> Check today’s rates online here <<

HOWEVER , since the election of Argentina’s new president, Javier Milei, in 2023, the situation has changed somewhat.

Upon taking office, Milei devalued the peso. His ultimate plan is to dollarise the Argentinian economy, although this will be challenging and will take time.

This means that the gap between the official and blue rates has tightened, and you can’t get the same value you once could when exchanging US dollars for pesos.

Is it still worth it to bring dollars and exchange them on the blue market?

I think it is still worth bringing US dollars to Argentina and changing them here – either at the official rate or the blue rate.

The reason for this is that ATMs are awful. You can only withdraw a small amount of cash and the fees to do so are high.

I recommend having a mix of US dollars (to exchange to pesos), credit cards and ATM cards when you visit Argentina.

Exchanging money in Argentina

So you’ve brought your US dollars or Euros with you to Argentina – but how do you now get Argentine pesos?

While some restaurants and shops do accept dollars and Euros (there’ll usually be a sign with their rate, usually at the counter), they’re the exception rather than the rule.

Cash is king, so you will need to exchange that foreign currency for pesos.

Here are a few ways you can exchange money in Argentina – both officially and on the blue market.

Note that US dollars will usually get a better rate than Euros. And US dollars are easier to change outside of Buenos Aires.

Cuevas (which means caves in Spanish) are the informal currency exchange houses that use the blue market rate. Here, you’ll get the most advantageous rate.

Argentines use cuevas daily, and they’re safe places to exchange money.

I recommend asking your hotel concierge or a trusted Argentine friend for a recommendation for a cueva. While I said they’re safe, there are of course unscrupulous people everywhere who are more than happy to take advantage of a clueless tourist.

You might consider going with an Argentine the first time so you get the hang of it.

This is one of the easiest ways to exchange money in Argentina, and you’ll find cuevas in Buenos Aires and in major cities and towns. There are some recommended cuevas in this Facebook thread .

2. Calle Florida

Wander down Calle Florida (Florida Street) in Buenos Aires’ Microcentro at any time of day and you’ll hear the call of “Cambio! Cambio!”

These people are called arbolitos (or little trees, because they’re always standing there and because of the green colour of US dollars) and they’ll exchange money for you at the blue rate.

The exchange doesn’t happen there on the street – you’ll follow them into a shop or a cueva or even into a newsstand for the swap.

They usually have a machine to check for fake US dollar notes – and you’ll need to check your peso notes carefully as well when they’re handed over to you.

This was how I first exchanged money when I moved to Argentina and it did feel strange! They’re usually pretty safe – but trust your gut and keep walking if a situation doesn’t feel safe.

One of the advantages of changing money on Calle Florida is that you can go from arbolito to arbolito for the best rate, so shop around before you exchange.

3. Currency exchange houses and banks

If the blue market makes you nervous, then stick with regular currency exchange houses like banks. They will, of course, use the official rate.

You might consider this when you first land in Buenos Aires , just so you have a little bit of cash on you. This’ll be handy to pay for your trip into the city (taxis don’t take credit cards) if you haven’t organised a transfer from the airport .

There’s a Banco La Nacion in Ezeiza International Airport where you can change a few dollars into pesos.

Hotels can also exchange money for you, as well as exchange bureaus ( casas de cambio ), which can be found around the city. Ask your hotel for the nearest casa de cambio .

You’ll need ID to exchange money at banks and exchange bureaus.

Western Union in Argentina

If you don’t want to bring a lot of US dollars or Euros in cash with you to Argentina, then Western Union is a great option. You can send money to Argentina using their service.

Western Union can provide you with an exchange rate that’s around the same or even higher than the blue rate (however keep in mind the pretty high fee that Western Union charges).

How to send money to Argentina with Western Union?

It’s quite simple: you send the money from your home bank account to yourself and then pick up the cash at a local Western Union branch.

It’s an efficient way to transfer money from your home country to Argentina without carrying large amounts of cash. Do remember that some transactions can take a few days to process, so plan ahead.

There are several Western Union branches in Buenos Aires – including one at Ezeiza International Airport (although the opening hours aren’t great if you’re arriving early in the morning or late at night).

Outside of Buenos Aires, there are also Western Union branches. Some have withdrawal limits, though, so you’ll need to check before you do a transfer.

Credit cards in Argentina

When I lived in Argentina, I rarely paid for anything with a credit card, except for clothes and when we did our full grocery shop each week. At restaurants, cafés and convenience stores I always had cash on hand. At that time, credit cards charged the official rate, so I was always better off paying in cash.

However, since late 2022, foreign credit cards now receive a better rate. It’s called the MEP rate (you can find the latest MEP rate online here ) and it’s just shy of the blue dollar rate but higher than the official rate. At the time of updating this article (December 2023), those rates were:

• Official rate: $842,68
• Blue market rate: $990
• MEP rate: $971,85

If you use a foreign card in Argentina, this MEP rate will apply. Visa will charge you that rate at the time of purchase, while Mastercard charges the official rate and then refunds the difference a few days later.

This is another good way to avoid carrying huge amounts of cash.

On the topic of credit cards, American Express is rarely accepted anywhere, so leave that card behind.

But you need to keep in mind that credit cards aren’t always the most practical option in Argentina.

In larger cities, most upscale restaurants, hotels and retail outlets readily accept credit cards. But in smaller shops and restaurants – and in smaller towns in Argentina – cash is usually the only accepted form of payment.

Always ask before you sit down in a restaurant if they take credit card: “Acepta tarjeta?”

Either way, you’ll always need to have some amount of cash on you when you’re travelling around Argentina.

Speaking of restaurants, here are 50 of my favourite places to eat in Buenos Aires .

Expert traveller tip: If you’re going to rely on credit cards, always bring a backup credit card in case you have any issues with your main card. Make sure that back up card is a different type (Mastercard, Visa etc). I’ve had cards rejected multiple times when overseas so learned this trick pretty quickly!

Using ATMs in Argentina

Should you use ATMs in Argentina?

This one’s easy: avoid using ATMs as much as you can!

In Argentina, ATMs have low withdrawal amounts and high fees, so you’ll be getting screwed all round.

ATMs should only be used as a back-up or last resort method for accessing pesos.

One important thing to note is that ATMs often run out of cash ahead of weekends and public holidays, so if you do think you’ll need to withdraw cash, do it as soon as possible.

Argentina money tips

When it comes to handling money in Argentina, here are a few handy tips I’ve learned from experience:

• Avoid exchanging money into pesos before you arrive in Argentina – you’ll get screwed over.
• Bring US$100 notes – the cleaner and crisper, the better. You’ll get a better rate for these in the cuevas.
• Cuevas will rarely want to change US$10 or US$20 notes. I’ve changed US$50 notes, but it was done reluctantly.
• Keep some small peso notes on hand – trust me, many shop owners aren’t fond of giving change.
• Be aware of money restrictions on bringing USD. Like most countries around the world, there’s a $10k limit without having to declare it.
• I’d recommend booking hotels and tours in advance online using your credit card. It simplifies things and cuts down the amount of cash you need on hand.
• If you’ve got pesos left over at the end of your trip, spend them! You’ll get a lousy rate transferring them back to US dollars or Euros. Buy some souvenirs in Buenos Aires to take home with you.
• Don’t get too hung up on the blue rate! Even at the official rate you’ll (usually) find Argentina an affordable destination.

Safety and security considerations

Carrying large amounts of cash and one or two credit cards can make you nervous. Remember, carrying the equivalent of US$50 means you’ll have around 175 x 1000-peso notes on you! That’s a stack of cash.

When it comes to keeping your money safe in Argentina, a few practical accessories can make all the difference:

• Money belt : May seem tacky, but it’s a relatively discreet way to carry money, provided you don’t access it in public.
• Passport scarf : These are actually quite useful – a stylish and less conspicuous way to keep your money and passport safe.
• Anti-theft backpack : Hidden zippers and slash-resistant materials provide an extra layer of security for your belongings.
• Lock : Keep your backpack or suitcase locked up when it’s unattended in your hotel room.

Remember, no safety device is foolproof. Argentina is a fairly safe country , but always stay alert and practice common sense in public spaces.

Final thoughts: Money in Argentina

Managing money in Argentina can seem daunting, but with a little preparation, you’ll navigate it like a pro.

So after reading this Argentina money guide, what money should you bring to Argentina?

I recommend:

• Bringing US dollars or Euros to exchange into cash – work out in advance how much money you think you’ll need for each week of your Argentina itinerary
• Bringing credit cards for bigger purchases at larger restaurants, shopping centres and so on – and don’t forget a back-up credit card
• Booking hotels and tours in advance (on your credit card)
• Using Western Union to send yourself money and avoid carrying a large amount of cash – this is the best option if you’re travelling for a long time in Argentina

Money in Argentina: FAQs

Can i use travel cards in argentina.

You can use travel cards (like Wise ) in Argentina, but you’ll get an even worse rate than the official rate. Plus you’ll be dealing with the same challenges as using a credit card – not everyone accepts credit card. A Wise card might be a good back up option, but it shouldn’t be what you rely on for accessing money in Argentina.

Can I use traveller’s checks in Argentina?

I don’t know anyone who uses traveller’s checks these days! But if you insist… Yes, you can exchange traveller’s checks in Argentina, but you’re going to spend your time in banks doing the exchange. Time that is better spent out enjoying the city!

Is it better to use cash or credit cards in Argentina?

While credit cards are widely accepted in cities and larger towns, smaller establishments and vendors in rural areas may only accept cash. It’s best to carry a mix of both for convenience.

Can I withdraw money from ATMs in Argentina?

Yes, ATMs are available across Argentina. However, withdrawal fees can be high, and the exchange rate may not be as favourable as the blue market rate. Don’t forget to inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with using your card abroad.

What is the blue market in Argentina?

The ‘blue market’ refers to the unofficial currency exchange market in Argentina where US dollars or Euros can be exchanged for Argentine pesos at a rate higher than the official exchange rate. This isn’t always the case and it changes as governments introduce new economic policies.

Are US dollars accepted in Argentina?

While some places in Argentina may accept US dollars, it’s always more practical to use Argentine pesos. You can exchange your US dollars at a blue market exchange for a better rate.

How safe is it to carry cash in Argentina?

As with any travel destination, carrying a large amount of cash can carry some risk. However, with sensible precautions such as using a money belt or anti-theft backpack , it’s usually safe. Always be alert in public spaces and avoid showing that you’re carrying a large amount of money.

Did you find this article helpful? Consider buying me a coffee as a way to say thanks!

Got any questions about using money in Argentina for your upcoming travels? Drop them in the comments below.

Related posts

Before you go… you might like these Argentina travel blogs:

• Argentina itinerary ideas: Options for 1-4 weeks
• Plan a Trip to Argentina: 19 Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
• Travel Insurance for Argentina: What You Need to Know
• Renting a Car in Argentina: 17 Helpful Tips and Tricks

ARGENTINA TRIP ESSENTIALS

• Book your flight to Argentina online with Skyscanner . I like how this site allows you to find the cheapest days.
• Find a great hotel in Argentina. Check prices on Booking.com   and Expedia online.
• Check out the huge range of day tours throughout Argentina on GetYourGuide or Viator . There’s something for everyone.
• Keep those bottles of wine you’ll be buying safe in these wine bags .
• A copy of the  Lonely Planet guide to Argentina will be handy. Also pick up a Spanish language guidebook to help you navigate your visit.
• One thing I always purchase is  travel insurance ! Travel Insurance Master allows you to compare across multiple policy providers, while SafetyWing is great for long-term travellers and digital nomads.

PIN IT FOR LATER

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About REBECCA

I'm a travel junkie who started dreaming about seeing the world from a very young age. I've visited more than 40 countries and have a Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management. A former expat, I've lived in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Argentina and the United States. I share travel resources, tips and stories based on my personal experiences, and my goal is to make travel planning just that bit easier.

22 thoughts on “Navigating Money in Argentina: A Traveller’s Guide to Money Matters in 2024”

Hi Rebecca, thanks this is super helpful. We are traveling to Argentina in a week from Ireland. The MEP rate seems to be better than the blue rate at the moment according to https://www.lanacion.com.ar/dolar-hoy/ . Is this your experience? And does this mean it is better to use credit cards in and around Buenos Aires? Is there a good app to download that allows you to quickly compare rates? Do you think I better changing Euros to USD before I come, or bringing Euro? Also do you know if Brazilian Real can be purchased in BA? thank you in advance!! Aran

Hi Aran, The rates change regularly, that’s right! They’re on par at the moment. You can use your credit card – but you do need to have cash because not every restaurant/business/cafe accepts credit card. So use a mix of both so you’re not caught out.

The newspaper websites are the most up-to-date with the rates, they’re what I’ve always referred to… I don’t think there is an app that shows the rates (but I could be wrong – I’ve just never needed one).

Euros will be fine, but you will usually get a better rate with USD (and USD is more readily accepted by money changers).

I’ve never actually purchased reales in Buenos Aires, but I’m sure you can – you’ll need to go to an official currency house to do, though.

Have a great trip – hope this helped!

I know your article is about money and it’s very useful, I’m just wondering off topic about the Mosquito situation. I was planning a stay in April but started reading about the significant infestation of mosquitoes plaguing the country. Is this a major situation that makes walking and enjoying the nights unbearable?

Hi Michael, the weather will be cooler in April so the chance of mosquitoes should be much lower!! Right now it’s not fun in certain parts, but it should improve by April.

When I make a reservation for a hotel room that is quoted $200 USD and I pay with my credit or debit card, will my rate be adjusted based on the official rate of exchange? Sheila S.

It depends – how are you paying? If on a website like Booking.com, then the quoted rate will be as it is. If you have arranged with a hotel directly, then it will determined by them which rate you use.

Hi Rebecca, I would pay for hotels with my visa card. I typically reserve on the hotel site. Some are American hotels such as Marriott and others would be Argentine. For example if the hotel price is quoted as $200 USD, would it be calculated based on the exchange rate and ultimately be less than $200 USD? I am trying to budget accordingly. Thank you.

Hi Sheila, for an American site, you can expect to pay in USD always. For an Argentine site, you’d need to check with each one directly, as each hotel charges differently and would likely use a different rate. Have a great trip!

Hi Rebecca, really appreciated your article. Being an Aussie I was wondering if you had any experience with exchanging AUD to ARS whether through Western Union or the other ways mentioned above. Did you use any Australian credit cards to make purchases? I have a Wise Travel card and card with Commonwealth Bank, so curious to see if you used any of them whilst in Argentina. Additionally when you went to El Calafate and El Chalten what were your experiences with making purchases there via card and cash? Were taxis/car rental/buses usually card or cash? Cheers

Hi Nicole! I’ve never transferred AUD via Western Union – but I always used my Aussie credit cards when I lived there (along with exchanging USD in cash into pesos). I’d check with your bank just to be 100% sure but I never had a problem with them (I used my Aussie credit cards for grocery shops, larger restaurants, clothes, bars etc).

Taxis and public transport are always cash – everywhere in the country, even in Buenos Aires (although you can use Uber in BA).

I’ve never used a Wise travel card there, I’m afraid!

We have just returned from Argentina and Chile. We found your site a good guide before we left. Western Union worked ok and we got1280 pesos to the pound. We were not aware that you have to withdraw the whole amount that you transfer. We were under the impression we could call it off in bits. Some Western Union outlets have limits on how much you can withdraw so we had to go to the main branch in Buenos Aires. Monzo card worked perfectly in Chile and Argentina. We got a rate of 1400 pesos to the pound on it.

Thanks Sue – that’s great to know about not being able to withdraw in smaller amounts.

Glad you had a great trip!

Is there any difficulty getting dollars back OUT of Argentina? I need to travel to Buenos Aires to settle some affairs, and want to take the proceeds back to the U.S. with me. But I’ve been told there are hefty fees for taking dollars out of the country. However, I can’t find any information about that online. So… is it true?

Hi Emjay, I can’t find much info on this either. I think your issue would be the country that you’re next going to, they’re likely to have a $10k import limit as well?

Speaking of cash, I was wondering about tipping in Buenos Aires. Do I need some pesos or will small US dollars be ok? Or is tipping even expected? Leaving in about 30 days and will only be in BA for 2 days. Would the same be true for other countries such as Chile and Peru? Thanks for your excellent advice.

Hi Judy, small peso notes are usually best for tipping – that makes it easier for staff/businesses to actually use it (rather than then having to exchange it if you tipped them with USD).

From my experiences visiting Chile and Peru, tipping is also voluntary – but always appreciated. Again, using the local currency when tipping is best.

Have a great trip!!

In february 2023, the Western Union office at the airport was closed permanently. So we had to withdraw pesos at the official change rate.

Thanks for sharing this, will update the article!

Are Uruguayan pesos accepted?

Hi Diane, No, Uruguayan pesos aren’t accepted in Argentina. In Buenos Aires some stores may accept Brazillian reals, but never Uruguayan pesos.

You’ve done a great job with this discussion and I wish I had read it prior to arriving in BA from the US in mid November 2023. Slightly stronger language about the official vs. the non-official exchange rates would be helpful. For example, on one site the writer said it is best to consider Argentina a “cash only country,” which drives home the point that you will be better off estimating your spending and bringing that amount of dollars. To estimate it’s important to decide if you’re going to exchange at the official rate or at the much much better unofficial or “blue” rate”. You say peso prices are still “affordable” at the official rate, which I agree with; however, remember that the blue rate has lately (November/December’23) been about 168 percent better than the official rate! That’s on everything you pay for with your ARS pesos. Usually “doubling your money” is not real, but this is real, easy, and safe and is actually *more than doubling* the value of your dollars. One last comment: Western Union is indeed a very good option here- compared to usually being a last resort in the USA- as you describe because their fee, which be US$37. is virtually negligible considering the practically surreal amount of additional pesos you’re getting using the [slightly downward adjusted] blue rate that Western U. gives you. The WU app works well and you’ll know the exact exchange rate you’re getting and any transaction fee they may charge. Your first transaction usually has “no fee”. Take USD cash, get the best rate with that, and, if you underestimate, use WU. Rebecca makes excellent additional points on my points and on WU.

Thanks David. It’s a tricky thing to navigate in Argentina! I’ve kept the article quite general as things do change regularly in Argentina – sometimes the blue rate does double your money, other times it’s only slightly higher. Hopefully it helps anyone who is planning their trip!

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• Getting around Argentina: Transportation Tips

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Distances are immense in Argentina, and you are likely to spend a considerable portion of your budget on travel. Ground transport (mostly bus) is best for giving a true impression of the scale of the country and for appreciating the landscape. However, you may want to cover some big legs, particularly to and around Patagonia , in which case travelling by domestic flights can often save a day or more. The inter-city bus network is extensive but services in remote areas can be poor and infrequent; in these places, it is worth considering car rental. Train services are run-down and limited and not generally a viable method of getting around.

Bus travel in Argentina

Flying around argentina, renting a car in argentina, getting around by taxi in argentina, argentina by boat, travel by train in argentina, cycling in argentina, hitchhiking in argentina, tailor-made travel itineraries for argentina, created by local experts.

10 days  / from 2650 USD

The Great Lakes and Glaciers of Argentina

Experience the great outdoors, Argentina-style! Marvel at jaw-droppingly beautiful Patagonian landscapes, walk the shores of deep-blue lakes guarded by snow-capped mountains at Bariloche, explore the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier – experience all of this, and much more, with this unique trip!

13 days  / from 3180 USD

From Chile to Argentina, across the Andean Lakes

Travel from Chile to Argentina across the stunning Andean Lakes, also known as the Lakes District. Beginning in Santiago, you will travel to Puerto Varas, in Chile, and then across the lakes to Bariloche, Argentina, taking in the stunning mountain scenery, before ending your trip in Buenos Aires.

14 days  / from 1933 USD

An adventure across three countries: Brazil, Argentina & Uruguay

A trip filled with history, culture and nature spread out over three beautiful and unique countries, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Visit some of the most stunning sites, like the Sugar Loaf Mountain, Iguazu Falls and UNESCO World Heritage site Colonia del Sacramento, during this 14-day trip.

13 days  / from 2581 USD

Argentinean Patagonia: from the Coast to the Andes

Explore the region's most fascinating corners: sea life in Puerto Madryn awaits before you head to the most southern city in the world: Ushuaia. Discover Tierra del Fuego before heading out to El Calafate and Bariloche, really soaking in the Argentinean vibes.

16 days  / from 3585 USD

Unforgettable Argentina

Argentina has a lot to offer travellers, in this itinerary you will explore the highlights in just two weeks. From busy Buenos Aires you will fly to Iguazu to marvel at the majestic waterfalls before heading south to Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia and El Calafate. Unforgettable Argentina awaits!

Magical Patagonia and Cultural Buenos Aires

Combine exploring the contemporary city of Buenos Aires, with all its luxuries and grand, historical buildings, together with the wild, rugged land of Patagonia. Take in the culture and observe the landscape and wildlife to gain a complete picture of the true Argentina.

16 days  / from 5050 USD

Andean Triangle - Chile, Bolivia and Argentina

Start your South American adventure in Santiago de Chile before exploring the wonders of the Atacama desert. A short hop across the border and you'll find yourself in the middle of the Bolivian salt flat. Afterwards, you'll continue to Argentina with Salta and Buenos Aires.

13 days  / from 2500 USD

Argentina: Tango and Glaciers

Visit the grand, edgy and famously seductive Argentine capital of Buenos Aires for tango and culture; then head northeast to see the thundering Iguazú Falls. Finally, it’s off to the end of the Americas to deepest Patagonia for adventure, glaciers and limitless horizons.

13 days  / from 6800 USD

Wild Patagonia

Argentina has lots to offer its visitors: a glacier the size of a city, sizzling tango, fashionable barrios, artisan towns, ranches with horses and gauchos and wild untamed natural beauty. From Buenos Aires to Patagonia, you’ll get to see it all in this adventure-laden vacation.

7 days  / from 1400 USD

Tango & Wines in Argentina

Argentina is known for its dances and gastronomy scene, both to be discovered on this trip. Explore Buenos Aires on your own and with a guide, including its famous nightlife before heading to the vineyards of Mendoza, one of the most developed wine regions in the country.

14 days  / from 2271 USD

Multi-country adventures from salt flats to the Andes

South America is full of wonders and this trip packs Argentina, Chile and Bolivia into 2 weeks. Bustling Buenos Aires, beautiful valleys around Salta, the surreal looking surroundings of San Pedro de Atacama, the salt flat of Uyuni as well as Lake Titicaca are all part of this itinerary.

10 days  / from 2120 USD

South American Wines Trail

All wine lovers unite! Start your tour in Buenos Aires before heading to the wine region of Mendoza. Sample some of Argentina's finest wines and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Afterwards, continue to Santiago de Chile with a day trip to Valparaiso.

13 days  / from 2756 USD

Argentina and Chile: Dazzling Cities and Magical Landscapes

Santiago is an emerging city, whilst Buenos Aires has long been a busy metropolis. Both offer historical buildings to admire, a local gastronomy scene to savour and sensuous dances to learn. Not to mention the mountainous terrain and desert landscapes outside the cities waiting to be explored.

14 days  / from 7857 USD

Southern Argentina & Antarctica

Explore the Antarctica on an intimate cruise from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Start in Buenos Aires before spending a few nights in El Calafate and Ushuaia to then board your cruise. 4 nights in the Antarctic are the highlight of your trip before heading to Chile's capital Santiago.

4 days  / from 420 USD

A city escape to Buenos Aires

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Buenos Aires on this 4-day tour premium tour. Stay at one of the most exclusive hotels and discover Argentina's capital on bike during the day and in style at a Tango show at night.

Argentina and Chile - Wine Country Explored

Get a taste of the wines of Argentina and Chile on this tour of the country's best bodegas. Sway to the rhythm of tango in Buenos Aires before you head to high altitude towns and absorb stunning mountain scenery. Then it's across the border into Chile to sample Santiago's historic delights.

14 days  / from 3075 USD

Self Drive on the Atlantic Patagonia Blue Route

Travel across wild Patagonia in your own rental car. Full autonomy and freedom means being able to truly go off the beaten track. You'll come across plenty of wildlife like whales and penguins, as well as following Darwin's footsteps across the steppe.

13 days  / from 2600 USD

Argentina's Northern Highlights

Your journey begins in Bueno’s Aires, the Argentine capital and the home of tango, colonial buildings and cobbled streets. Explore museums, churches, and stunning mountain valleys; be awestruck by the roar of the Iguazú Falls; then explore the wineries of the Central Valley.

From the city to the jungle

Visit two of the most fascinating parts of Argentina: First, the electrifying capital of Buenos Aires in all of its glory before heading out to Puerto Iguazu to discover the majestic Iguazu waterfalls.

14 days  / from 7500 USD

Luxury Holidays in South America

Experience the best of Argentina and Brazil in luxury. From vibrant Buenos Aires to breathtaking Argentinian Falls, stunning Bariloche, and untamed Patagonia. Conclude in Rio de Janeiro's iconic beaches before immersing in cosmopolitan Sao Paulo.

9 days  / from 3300 USD

Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls & Wine Country

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Argentina's diverse landscapes and vibrant cities. Explore the cosmopolitan charm of Buenos Aires, marvel at the awe-inspiring natural wonder of Puerto Iguazú's majestic waterfalls, and indulge in the renowned wines of Mendoza's picturesque vineyards.

10 days  / from 2600 USD

South Argentina and the Ends of the Earth

This trip goes to the southernmost point of Argentina and to the ends of the earth. Begin in Buenos Aires, then travel south to El Calafate and explore the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier, before continuing to the southernmost city on earth, Ushuaia, and the Tierra del Fuego National Park.

11 days  / from 15375 USD

Classic Antarctica from Chile

Start and end your trip in Chile and discover the Antarctica on an intimate, Boutique-style expedition boat. Cruise the Drake Passage, visit Cape Horn and fly back to Punta Arenas before returning to the capital Santiago.

11 days  / from 3600 USD

Bariloche & Buenos Aires

Explore the stunning landscapes of Bariloche and immerse yourself in nature's wonders. Then, soak up the vibrant energy of Buenos Aires, with its captivating culture, history, and lively streets. A journey of breathtaking beauty and cultural immersion awaits.

12 days  / from 2500 USD

Islands & Waterfalls: Ihla Grande and Iguazu

A mesmerizing journey through Brazil and Argentina, starting with the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro. Explore the pristine paradise of Ilha Grande, then step back in time in the colonial gem of Paraty. Finally, marvel at the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls.

By far the most common and straightforward method of transport in Argentina is the bus ( omnibus , bus or micro ). There are hundreds of private companies, most of which concentrate on one particular region, although a few, such as TAC and Cruz del Sur, run essentially nationwide.

Many buses are modern, plush Brazilian-built models designed for long-distance travel. Breakdowns do happen, but in general your biggest worry will be what movie the driver has chosen to “entertain” you with (usually subtitled Hollywood action flicks, played with the sound either turned off or at thunderous volume). On longer journeys, snacks and even hot meals are served (included in the ticket price), although these vary considerably in quality and tend towards sweet-toothed tastes. Coche cama , ejecutivo and pullman are the luxury services, with wide, fully reclinable seats; semi - cama services are not far behind in terms of seat comfort. These services usually cost twenty to forty percent more than the común (regular) services, but are well worth the extra, particularly over long distances. On minor routes, you’ll have less choice of buses, though most are decent with plenty of legroom. Many services turn the air conditioning up beyond most people’s levels of endurance; take a sweater on board.

Buying tickets ( boletos ) is normally a simple on-the-spot matter, but you must plan in advance if travelling in the high season (mid-Dec to Feb) or around long weekends, especially if you’re taking a long-distance bus from Buenos Aires or any other major city to a particularly popular holiday destination. In these cases you should buy your ticket two to three days beforehand; note that prices rise during peak times. Some destinations have both direct ( directo or rápido ) and slower services that stop at all intermediary points, and though most services call into the bus terminal ( terminal de omnibus ), this is not always the case: some drop you on the road outside the centre. Similarly, when heading to Buenos Aires, check that the bus goes to Retiro, the central bus terminal.

There’s usually some kind of left-luggage office ( guardamaleta or guardaequipaje ) at terminals, or, if you have a few hours to kill between connections, the company with whom you have your onward ticket will usually store your pack free of charge, enabling you to look around town unencumbered.

If you are planning to travel a lot by bus, it may be worth investing in a South Pass, which allows unlimited travel in the Southern Cone and Andean countries over a set number of days, though you will have to be clocking up quite a few miles to make it worthwhile, with prices starting at US$80 per trip and a minimum of five trips (011 4724 7878, argentinabybus.com ).

Mount Fitz Roy in the clouds, road to Los Glaciares National Park, Patagonia, Argentina © Dmitry Pichugin/Shutterstock

Argentina’s most important domestic airport is Buenos Aires’ Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, which has flights to all the country’s provincial capitals and major tourist centres. People who want to get an overview of Argentina’s tremendous variety in a limited time may rely heavily on domestic flights to combat the vast distances involved – what takes twenty or more hours by bus might take only one or two by plane. As a rule, you’ll find prices are the same whether you buy your ticket direct from the airline office or from the plentiful travel agencies in most towns and cities. Availability can be a problem on tourist routes such as those around Patagonia or during the holidays, and if these feature in your itinerary you are advised to book as far in advance as possible. Some deals booked in advance are good value, although non-residents usually pay a considerably higher tariff than Argentines. Domestic departure taxes are always included in the price of the ticket.

Aerolíneas Argentinas (0810 2228 6527, aerolineas.com.ar ) is the national flag carrier, with the biggest destination network. The company has faced many problems over the past decade or so and its once excellent reputation has been tarnished, but in many places it will be your only option. Its main rival in Argentina these days is Chilean flag carrier LAN (0810 999 9526, lan.com ), which has an Argentine subsidiary (LAN Argentina) operating flights to the country’s major tourist destinations.

The military also provides civilian services – the Air Force’s LADE (0810 810 5233, lade.com.ar ) is one of the cheapest methods of travel in the country and flies to isolated, often unexpected places, mostly destinations in Patagonia. However, routings can be convoluted, and you might find a flight stops four or five times between its original departure point and final destination. Timetables change frequently (up to once a month) and services can be cancelled at the last moment if the Air Force needs the plane. That said, it’s worth asking at LADE offices as you travel round just in case they’ve something useful.

Other small airlines in operation are Salta-based Andes (0810 7772 6337, andesonline.com ), which connects the city with several destinations, including Buenos Aires and Iguazú, and Sol (0810 444 765, sol.com.ar ), a Rosario-based low-cost airline that serves destinations in the centre of the country such as Córdoba and Santa Fe, as well as some coastal and Uruguayan destinations.

One factor to bear in mind is the possible disruption caused by volcanic eruptions in the Andes. Huge clouds of ash billowed out of a Chilean volcano throughout much of 2011, showering grit and dust onto the Lake District and causing havoc farther afield. Bariloche airport was closed for several months while other airports around the country, including both of the capital’s, were repeatedly shut down as a precaution, sometimes for a couple of days at a time.

You are unlikely to want or need a car for your whole stay in Argentina, but you’ll find one pretty indispensable for travelling around some of the more isolated areas of Patagonia , Tierra del Fuego , the Northwest , Mendoza or San Juan. If possible, it makes sense to get a group together, not just to keep costs down but also to share the driving, which can be arduous and potentially dangerous, especially on unsealed roads. Approximately thirty percent of roads are paved in Argentina, but some of the less important of these routes are littered with potholes. Unsealed roads can be extremely muddy after rain, and may be impassable, even to 4WDs, after prolonged wet spells. A 4WD is not usually necessary, but can be useful on minor roads in mountainous areas, when you’re likely to encounter snow, or on Ruta 40 in Patagonia. Outside major cities, most accidents (often the most serious ones) occur on unsurfaced gravel roads ( ripio ).

Altitude can also be a problem in the high Andes – you may need to adjust the fuel intake. One thing worth noting: flashing your lights when driving is a warning to other vehicles not to do something, as opposed to the British system, where it is used to signal concession of right of way. You can be fined for not wearing seatbelts (both in the front and back), although many Argentines display a cavalier disregard of this law.

To rent a car, you need to be over 21 (25 with some agencies) and hold a driver’s licence – an international one is not usually necessary. Bring a credit card and your passport for the deposit. Before you drive off, check that you’ve been given insurance, tax and ownership papers, check carefully for dents and paintwork damage and get hold of a 24hr emergency telephone number. Also, pay close attention to the small print, most notably what you’re liable for in the event of an accident: the list of people with grievances after renting a car and spending considerably more than they intended is a long one. Your insurance will not normally cover you for flipping the car, or smashed windscreens or headlights.

Tierra del Fuego, landscape of snowy and wooded mountains and ocean with boats © Oleksii G/Shutterstock

Car-rental costs

These are relatively high in Argentina, though rates between different agencies can vary considerably. Small, local firms often give very good deals – up to half the price of the global rental names – and it doesn’t necessarily hold that the local branch of an international agency will be up to the standards you expect. The main cities offer the most economical prices, while costs are highest in Patagonia; unlimited mileage deals are usually your best option, as per-kilometre charges can otherwise exceed your daily rental cost many times over. Unfortunately, there are relatively few places in Argentina where you can rent a vehicle and drop it in another specified town without being clobbered with a high relocation fee. Book as early as possible if you’re travelling in high season to popular holiday destinations, as demand usually outstrips supply. It’s fairly straightforward to take a vehicle into Chile but it is essential to have the correct paperwork from the rental firm. Many provide this free of charge, particularly those in towns near the border.

If you plan to do a lot of driving, consider a membership with the Automóvil Club Argentino (ACA), which has a useful emergency breakdown towing and repair service and offers discounts at a series of lodges across the country (many of which are in need of an overhaul). You can join in Buenos Aires at Av del Libertador 1850 (Mon–Fri 10am–6pm; 011 4808 4000, aca.org.ar ), or at any of the ACA service stations.

There are two main types of taxi in Argentina: regular urban taxis that you can flag down in the street; and remises, or minicab radio taxis, that you must book by phone or at their central booking booth. Urban taxis are fitted with meters – make sure they use them – and each municipality has its own rates. Remises operate with rates fixed according to the destination and are less expensive than taxis for out-of-town and long-distance trips. Hiring a remise for a day can be the best way to travel around: it can be more economical than renting your own car, plus you save yourself the hassle of driving and you’ll normally get the sights pointed out for you along the way.

In some places, shared taxis ( taxis colectivos ) also run on fixed routes between towns: they wait at a given collection point, each passenger pays a set fee and the colectivos leave when full (some carry destination signs on their windscreen, others don’t, so always ask around). They often drop you at a place of your choice at the other end, making them a faster and more convenient alternative to buses, often for only marginally more money. Taxis colectivos also drive up and down fixed routes within certain cities: flag one down and pay your share (usually posted on the windscreen).

Boat services in Argentina fall into two broad categories: those that serve as a functional form of transport, and (with some overlap) those that you take to enjoy tourist sights. The two ferry services you are most likely to use are the comfortable ones from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay (also served by the speedier hydrofoil) and the much more spartan Chilean ones that transport foot passengers and vehicles across the Magellan Straits into Tierra del Fuego at Punta Delgada and Porvenir. There are also several practical river crossings throughout the Litoral region, connecting towns such as Concordia with Salto in Uruguay and Goya in Corrientes with Reconquista in Santa Fe, as well as numerous crossings from Misiones to neighbouring Paraguay and Brazil. Tigre, just northwest of the capital, tends towards the pleasure-trips end of the market, and offers boat trips around the Delta and to Isla Martín García.

In Patagonia, most boat trips are designed purely for their scenic value, including ones that give access to the polar scenery of the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares and the alpine Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi.

Argentina’s train network, developed through British investment in the late nineteenth century and nationalized by the Perón administration in 1948, collapsed in 1993 when government subsidies were withdrawn. The railways are now in a pitiful state, with very little in the way of long-distance services – just a handful in Buenos Aires Province, which are cheaper than the bus but considerably less savoury. The government has announced a plethora of measures and licences intended to reinvigorate the system and introduce new, modern services, most notably a controversial US$4 billion bullet train connecting Buenos Aires, Rosario and Córdoba, the licence for which has been awarded but which is still on hold indefinitely at the time of writing.

You’re far less likely to want to use Argentine trains as a method of getting around, however, than you are to try one of the country’s tourist trains, where the aim is simply to travel for the fun of it. There are two principal lines: La Trochita, the Old Patagonian Express from Esquel; and the Tren a las Nubes, one of the highest railways in the world, climbing through the mountains from Salta towards the Chilean border.

Most towns with a tourist infrastructure have at least one place that rents out bicycles for half- or full-day visits to sights at very reasonable prices. These excursions can be great fun, but remember to bring spare inner tubes and a pump, especially if you’re cycling off sealed roads, and check that the brakes and seat height are properly adjusted. Dedicated bike paths are rare, though more are appearing all the time, particularly in Buenos Aires. Don’t expect much consideration from other vehicles on the road, though. There are almost no places that rent out motorbikes.

Argentina is also a popular destination for more serious cyclists, and expeditions along routes such as the arduous, partly unsurfaced RN-40 attract mountain-biking devotees who often value physical endurance above the need to see sights (most points of interest off RN-40 lie a good way west along branch roads, which deters most people from visiting more than one or two). Trips such as these need to be planned thoroughly, and should only be attempted by experienced expedition cyclists with top-quality equipment and plenty of spares.

Hitchhiking always involves an element of risk, but it can also be one of the most rewarding ways to travel, especially if you can speak at least elementary conversational Spanish. It is getting trickier to hitchhike, though, in Argentina: some truck drivers are prohibited by company rules from picking you up, others are reluctant, as it often invalidates car insurance, or you become the liability of the driver. And in general, it is not advisable for women travelling on their own to hitchhike, or for anyone to head out of large urban areas by hitchhiking: you’re far better off catching a local bus out to an outlying service station or road checkpoint and trying from there. In the south of the country, hitching is still generally very safe. In places such as Patagonia, where roads are few and traffic sparse, you’ll often find yourself part of a queue, especially in summer. If you do try to hitchhike, always travel with sufficient reserves of water, food, clothes and shelter; you can get stranded for days in some of the more isolated spots.

Top image: Polvorilla viaduct. Train in Salta region. Argentina © Serjio74/Shutterstock

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15 Best Places in Patagonia To Visit in 2024

Posted: February 24, 2024 | Last updated: February 24, 2024

Patagonia, a region shared by Argentina and Chile, is a land of awe-inspiring natural beauty. Known for its rugged landscapes, towering mountains, and pristine glaciers, Patagonia is a haven for adventurers and nature lovers alike. This guide takes you through the most breathtaking destinations in Patagonia, each offering a unique experience of this wild and untamed region. Patagonia’s diverse landscapes promise an unforgettable journey from the iconic Torres del Paine to the remote Tierra del Fuego.

1. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Torres del Paine National Park, a highlight of Chilean Patagonia, is renowned for its dramatic peaks, bright blue icebergs, and vast pampas. The park’s network of trails, including the famous W Trek and the O Circuit, offers some of the world’s best trekking experiences. Hikers are treated to stunning views of the park’s namesake towers, the Paine Massif, and the Grey Glacier. The diverse ecosystems within the park, from steppe to subpolar forests, are home to an array of wildlife, including guanacos and condors.

Insider’s Tip: Book refugios or campsites well in advance if you plan to trek.

When To Travel: The best time to visit is during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from November to early March.

How To Get There: Fly to Punta Arenas in Chile and then take a bus or a rented car to the park.

2. Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

The Perito Moreno Glacier, part of Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, is one of the most accessible and dynamic glaciers on the planet. Visitors can witness the awe-inspiring sight of ice calving from the glacier into Lake Argentino. The park offers various viewing platforms and boat tours for different perspectives of this natural wonder. Unlike many other glaciers worldwide, Perito Moreno is one of the few still growing, making it a particularly fascinating site for glaciology enthusiasts.

Insider’s Tip: Take a guided glacier walk on the ice for a memorable experience.

When To Travel: Visit between October and April for milder weather.

How To Get There: Fly to El Calafate in Argentina, and then it’s a short drive to the glacier.

3. Fitz Roy Mountain, Argentina

Fitz Roy Mountain, near the small town of El Chaltén, is a paradise for experienced hikers and climbers. The mountain’s iconic jagged peaks present one of the world’s most challenging and rewarding climbs. For those seeking less strenuous activities, numerous trails like Laguna de los Tres offer breathtaking views of Fitz Roy and the surrounding Patagonian landscape. The town of El Chaltén itself is a charming base for exploring the region, with cozy accommodations and local eateries.

Insider’s Tip: Start your hike early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views.

When To Travel: Trekking season runs from November to April.

How To Get There: Fly to El Calafate and then take a bus to El Chaltén.

4. Tierra del Fuego, Argentina and Chile

Tierra del Fuego, an archipelago off the southern tip of South America, is a land of stark contrasts and extreme beauty. Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, is the gateway to this remote region. Here, visitors can explore the Tierra del Fuego National Park, take boat trips along the Beagle Channel, or embark on expeditions to Antarctica. The region’s unique flora and fauna, including Magellanic penguins and Andean foxes, make it a fascinating destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the End of the World Museum in Ushuaia to glimpse the area’s history.

When To Travel: The best time is during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from December to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Ushuaia from major cities in Argentina or Chile.

5. Marble Caves, Chile

The Marble Caves on Lake General Carrera are a breathtaking natural formation. Millennia of waves washing against calcium carbonate have sculpted these caves into stunning formations. The caves’ walls, with their swirling patterns of blue and grey, are a photographer’s dream, especially when reflected in the lake’s azure waters. Accessible only by boat, the caves offer a serene and otherworldly experience.

Insider’s Tip: Take a boat or kayak tour for the best views of the caves.

When To Travel: Visit between September and February for the best weather.

How To Get There: Fly to Balmaceda, then drive to Puerto Río Tranquilo, where tours to the caves are available.

6. Valdés Peninsula, Argentina

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Natalia Di Marco The Valdés Peninsula is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its unique marine wildlife and rugged coastline. It’s one of the best places in the world to see Southern Right Whales, which come close to shore between June and December. The peninsula also hosts large colonies of sea lions, elephant seals, and various bird species. Its steppe-like interior and dramatic coastline offer stunning landscapes and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Insider’s Tip: Take a whale-watching tour between June and December to see Southern Right Whales.

When To Travel: Wildlife viewing is best from September to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Puerto Madryn or Trelew, then drive to the peninsula.

7. Cerro Castillo, Chile

Cerro Castillo, less crowded than Torres del Paine, offers equally stunning scenery for those willing to venture off the beaten path. The trek around Cerro Castillo takes you through diverse landscapes, including forests, alpine meadows, and high mountain passes, with the castle-like peaks of Cerro Castillo as a constant backdrop. The trek is challenging but rewards hikers with incredible views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and the Patagonian wilderness.

Insider’s Tip: Pack for all weather conditions, as the weather can change rapidly.

When To Travel: The trekking season is from November to April.

How To Get There: Fly to Balmaceda and then drive or take a bus to Villa Cerro Castillo.

8. Cape Horn, Chile

At the southernmost tip of the South American continent, Cape Horn is a legendary location known for its challenging sailing conditions and rich maritime history. Cruises to this remote area offer a unique opportunity to experience the wild beauty of the southern seas and the sense of adventure that comes with reaching the “end of the world.” The area is also significant for its unique flora and fauna adapted to harsh conditions.

Insider’s Tip: Choose a cruise that includes lectures on the region’s history and wildlife.

When To Travel: Cruises run during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from December to March.

How To Get There: Cruises to Cape Horn typically depart from Ushuaia.

9. Los Alerces National Park, Argentina

Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Argentina, is known for its ancient Alerces trees, some of which are over 3,000 years old. The park’s lakes, rivers, and forests offer a serene setting for hiking, kayaking, and fishing. The park is a testament to Argentina’s commitment to conservation, with well-maintained trails and minimal-impact tourism practices. The park’s diverse ecosystems are home to various wildlife, including deer, pumas, and several bird species.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Arrayanes Forest for a magical walk among unique cinnamon-colored trees.

When To Travel: Visit from October to April for the best weather.

How To Get There: Fly to Esquel and then drive to the park.

10. Pumalín Park, Chile

Pumalín Park, one of the largest private parks in the world, is a testament to conservation efforts in Chilean Patagonia. Created by conservationist Douglas Tompkins, the park spans over 400,000 hectares of temperate rainforests, fjords, and waterfalls. Visitors can hike through pristine forests, kayak along untouched fjords, and witness the park’s commitment to environmental preservation firsthand. The park’s infrastructure, including trails and campgrounds, is designed to minimize human impact on the environment.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the park’s environmental information centers to learn about its conservation efforts.

When To Travel: The best time to visit is from December to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Puerto Montt, then drive or take a ferry to the park.

11. El Chaltén, Argentina

El Chaltén, often called Argentina’s trekking capital, is the gateway to some of Patagonia’s most iconic trails. The town offers a range of trekking options, from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day expeditions. The surrounding landscapes of glaciers, lakes, and mountains provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. In addition to trekking, visitors can enjoy rock climbing, horseback riding, and fishing.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the Los Condores viewpoint for a stunning panoramic view of the town and surrounding peaks.

When To Travel: Trekking season is from October to April.

12. Laguna San Rafael National Park, Chile

Laguna San Rafael National Park is home to the San Rafael Glacier, one of the largest and most actively calving glaciers in the Chilean Patagonia. The park offers boat tours that provide close-up views of the glacier and the icebergs in the lagoon. The park’s remote location and stunning ice landscapes make it a must-visit for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore the surrounding rainforests and spot wildlife such as sea lions and dolphins.

Insider’s Tip: Take a boat tour that includes visiting the hot springs at Quitralco Fjord.

When To Travel: The best time for boat tours is from October to April.

How To Get There: Access is mainly by boat or plane from Coyhaique or Puerto Chacabuco.

13. King Penguin Colony, Tierra del Fuego, Chile

The King Penguin Colony on the Chilean side of Tierra del Fuego offers a unique opportunity to observe these majestic birds. Located at Parque Pingüino Rey, the colony is one of the few places outside Antarctica where you can see king penguins in their natural habitat. The park provides a respectful and sustainable way to observe the penguins, with designated viewing areas to minimize disturbance.

Insider’s Tip: Respect the penguins’ space and observe them from a distance to avoid disturbing them.

When To Travel: Penguins can be seen year-round, but the best time is during the breeding season, from September to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Punta Arenas, take a ferry and drive to the park.

14. Bariloche, Argentina

San Carlos de Bariloche, known simply as Bariloche, offers a unique combination of stunning natural landscapes and a lively city atmosphere. Bariloche is located in Argentina’s Lake District, a hub for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking. The city’s Swiss-style architecture and renowned chocolate shops add to its charm, making it a popular destination year-round. In winter, Bariloche transforms into a ski resort, while the summer months are perfect for exploring the surrounding lakes and mountains.

Insider’s Tip: Take the cable car to Cerro Campanario for one of the best views in the region.

When To Travel: Visit from December to March for outdoor activities and pleasant weather.

How To Get There: Fly to Bariloche Airport, with regular flights from Buenos Aires.

15. Aysén Region, Chile

The Aysén Region in Chilean Patagonia is a secluded paradise for adventurers. Less crowded and largely untouched, it offers a wilderness experience that includes the Northern Patagonian Ice Field and numerous fjords. The Carretera Austral, a scenic route through the region, leads to remote beauty spots ideal for hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Aysén’s rugged terrain and pristine landscapes are perfect for those seeking an immersive nature experience away from tourist trails.

Insider’s Tip: Plan a road trip along the Carretera Austral for a unique way to explore the region’s diverse landscapes.

When To Travel: The best time to visit is during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, from December to March.

How To Get There: Fly to Balmaceda Airport and rent a car for the best exploration experience.

The Bottom Line

Patagonia is a land of endless natural wonders, offering experiences that range from witnessing colossal glaciers to trekking through pristine forests. Each destination in this vast region presents an opportunity to connect with nature and witness the raw beauty of one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. As you plan your journey through Patagonia, remember that the true essence of this place lies in its wild and untamed spirit, inviting you to explore and discover its many treasures.

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The post 15 Best Places in Patagonia To Visit in 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Olga Danylenko.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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Argentina prepares to face El Salvador in Philly in the absence of ‘irreplaceable’ Messi

The legendary captain will not lead the defending fifa men’s world cup champions on the field, after he was ruled out with a hamstring injury..

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Argentina's Angel Di Maria (left) and El Salvador's Nelson Bonilla. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko and Julio Cortez)

#SelecciónMayor Los campeones del mundo siguen trabajando ⚽️🔥 📝 https://t.co/WaNlFweuvK pic.twitter.com/wi4K3lGDr0 var googletag = googletag || {}; googletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || []; googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.defineSlot('/1050414/whyy_inline_300x250_2', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-ad-1632838704911-0').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().setTargeting("adcat","whyy_arts-entertainment"); googletag.enableServices(); googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1632838704911-0'); }); WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor — 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) March 21, 2024

While it’s clear Messi will not take the field Friday, like Taylor Swift at the Super Bowl, there will likely be the looming question of “will he or won’t he” show up to offer support in the stands. A flight from Miami to Philadelphia does seem far more feasible than Swift’s dash from Tokyo to Las Vegas right after finishing a concert.

As with any event involving a global superstar of Messi’s caliber, it’s hard to escape the prevailing discussions surrounding him, even in his absence. Ticket sales for the match have moved slowly and plenty are still available as of Thursday evening. The last soccer match at the Linc, an October friendly between Mexico and Germany , brought in a 62,284 attendance.

Friday’s match kicks off at 8 p.m. It can also be watched on TUDN USA, FOX Deportes, TUDN.com, Foxsports.com, the TUDN and FOX Sports apps, and FuboTV.

Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story stated Argentina plays Nigeria after El Savlador, not Costa Rica.

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