Argentina Travel Guide

European city vibes and streetside tango, cowboys and cattle, arid deserts and magnificent mountainous landscapes, delicious wine and lush vineyards, incredible hikes and adrenaline-fuelled outdoor adventures; Argentina is a country of contrasts and fantastic pairings. Spectacular scenery combined with an inviting culture, traditions with depth and a food and wine scene to match, make Argentina travel worthy of any bucket list. 

One of the most diverse of the South American countries, Argentina’s lands dip a toe into Antarctica and stretch all the way up to the Tropic of Capricorn forming a tapestry of beautiful, mighty and intense terrains. From the mighty thunder of Iguazu Falls which makes other waterfalls look like a trickle in comparison to the otherworldly archipelago of Tierra del Fuego and the luscious Lake District. The emblematic landscapes don’t stop there; the dramatic scenes of Patagonia, the emerald flatlands of the Pampas and the vibrance of its most treasured cities give you an awful lot to love about this country. 

With such diverse landscapes come wildlife in theatrical variety: penguins, flamingoes, giant anteaters, whales, capybaras and more. The best way to experience its lands, wildlife and culture is on foot; hiking destinations dot the country and actively encourage the discovery of its rich wetlands, deep-blue lakes, arid steppes of Patagonia and Valdivian forests. If you don’t spend a majority of your time outdoors here, you’re doing holidays in Argentina wrong. The most fitting end to a day of hiking is a hearty flame-filled cut of steak paired with a vat of bold red. 

From one activity to another, Argentina’s passionate devotion to tango and football (futbol or soccer) is inspiring and contributes in mass to the abundance of cultural activities on offer on an Argentina tour. From an evening of tango in Buenos Aires to a day on a traditional farm learning the colourful, nomadic ways of Argentine gauchos, you’ll be drawn in by this distinctive culture from the get-go. 

Whilst you’ll land in the modern metropolis, Buenos Aires, which buzzes with street life, busy roadside cafes, lush parks, stylish residents and gourmet eateries, the cities beyond -Cordoba, Salta, Mendoza and Bariloche- each have their own unique experiences to add to your Argentina holiday. 

Before diving in, it’s wise to be aware of the country’s mass and take into account that not all of the places to visit in Argentina can be covered in one trip. This Argentina travel guide is sure to help you narrow down the must-visit destinations and show you how to tour Argentina!

Sitting in the southern hemisphere, Argentina’s summer is between December and February, whilst its winter months fall between June and August. However, due to its size and variety of terrains, Argentina boasts many different climates in different regions and altitudes. 

If you’re planning to visit Buenos Aires on your Argentina travel tour, you’ll be pleased to know that the city, as well as the north, are year-round destinations. If you’re planning to travel to Patagonia, the best time to visit is in the summer months or the shoulder seasons of November or March. 

The overall best time to plan a trip to Argentina if you travel from Buenos Aires to Patagonia and everywhere in between is September to December (spring). However, as long as you take into account the different climate categories -namely Patagonia, Lake District, Pampas and the Andes- you’ll be able to plan your Argentina tour at any time of the year.

It’s worth noting that Argentina’s economy is somewhat unstable; hence the Argentine peso fluctuates rapidly. When planning your trip, keep up to date with the latest exchange rates with a tool like XE. 

When it comes to famous places in Argentina, there are many worthy of your time. At Designer Journeys, our Local Designers in Argentina are experts in crafting trips that not only take you to these bucket-list-ticking destinations but also show you a side of Argentina you won’t have seen otherwise through unique, authentic and local experiences. Read on for a taste of what you can expect on an Argentina tour;

Tango, Dine and Get Acquainted in Buenos Aires

It only seems fitting to begin with one of the top Argentina destinations, the capital where you are most likely to start every tour. This blog describes arriving in Buenos Aires like jumping on a moving train - and it isn’t far wrong. Buenos Aires travel will enthral you with the bustle of Buenos Aires’ streets, locals sharing mate in streetside cafes, the grandeur of 20th-century colonial buildings and the underlying gourmet food and tango scene. 

By day, you’ll find yourself navigating this concrete jungle interspersed with European-style palaces, colourful painted murals and street art, and beautiful, traditional neighbourhoods. Come nightfall -and we mean nightfall, Argentinian cities don’t get going until the very late hours of the day/early hours of the morning- you’ll have your pick of bars, clubs and live-music venues to suit every style. 

Of course, a stay in Buenos Aires without a night of tango is like an Argentinian steak without a generous glass of malbec to match. The greatest contribution to the rest of the world, Buenos Aires-originated passionate, sexy dance of Tango can be enjoyed at endless venues throughout the city. 

An Argentina guided tour designed by one of our trusted Local Designers will likely begin and end in Buenos Aires, bookending a stream of uniquely local experiences and incredible sights. 

Begin Your Patagonia Trip with the Perito Moreno Glacier

Both an audible and visual experience, the Perito Moreno Glacier makes up one of the most dynamic ice fields on earth. What’s better, it is also one of the most accessible. Sitting in the heart of Parque National Los Glaciares as a prized attraction, Perito Moreno spans a staggering 30 kilometres in length, five kilometres in width and is 60 metres high. What makes this natural attraction even more extraordinary is its daily advancement of up to two metres a day!

Each day, huge building-sized icebergs can be seen calving from the glacier face and plummeting into the channel. This thrilling phenomenon can be observed from Peninsula de Magallanes or by boat on the aptly named Iceberg Channel for the more adventurous Patagonia tours like this 15-day Chile and Argentina tour. 

Witness the Thunder at Iguazu Falls

From one incredible natural attraction to another - as seems the way in Argentina. Iguazu Falls is a 700-metre-wide, 80-metre-high waterfall straddling the Argentinian-Brazilian border with a mighty force of 450,000 cubic feet of water tumbling down every second. The sheer power, noise and fascinating sight of hundreds of waterfalls is an almost overwhelming experience. It should not be missed. 

A tour of the unmissable places to go in Argentina will not only take you to the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls, but you’ll also hop over the border to witness this majesty from the Brazilian side. 

Mendoza Wine Tours

Anyone with even a slight interest in wine will know Argentina is heralded as one of the world’s best wine destinations. The centrepiece is Mendoza, a cosmopolitan city in the west of the country blessed with beautiful mountainous landscapes and perfect grape-growing conditions. 

If touring vineyards, sampling malbecs and outdoor hiking adventures are destined for your Argentina itinerary, Mendoza wine tours should not be missed. Together with its laidback atmosphere, atmospheric plazas and leafy avenues, Mendoza is the perfect place to sit back, enjoy some wine and local cuisine in between an adventure or two. 

Unmissable Argentina: Patagonia

The dramatic steppe of Patagonia spreads itself over Argentina and its neighbour, Chile, characterised by mass expanses of wild, rugged Andean mountains, world-class marine fauna and the famous Beagle Channel. 

Argentinian Patagonia is home to the impressive archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, where craggy peaks, deep blue glacial lakes and tundras and wild flora thrive. Here, you’ll also find “the End of the World” or the resort town of Ushuaia as it’s also known, which acts as the gateway to Patagonian adventures and boats jetting off to Antarctica in the south. 

Being one of the top Argentina destinations, a Patagonia tour will thrill, entertain and leave you speechless. Between hiking, skiing, sailing, kayaking and scuba diving with the giants of the marine world, they’ll be time to enjoy a pint of Ushuaia’s microbrew, the world’s southernmost.

Get Familiar with Gaucho Culture in San Antonio de Areco in the Pampas

Just 70 miles north of the Argentinian capital, San Antonio del Areco makes for the perfect day trip from the city on a Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls tour. Dating from the early 18th century, San Antonio de Areco is not only one of the prettiest towns in the Pampas -a region spanning the midriff of Argentina- but the one most representative of archetypal Argentina: think gauchos, cattle fields, cobbled streets and criollo traditions. 

An Argentina itinerary involving a night or two in San Antonio de Areco invites you to indulge in gaucho culture, stay at one of the classiest estancias, enjoy horseback adventures and wander the picturesque streets enjoying the historic buildings. 

Learn About Incan Culture and History in Quebrada de Humahuaca

Snaking north from Jujuy to the Bolivian Border, Quebrada de Humahuaca is a deep ravine carved by the Rio Grande that now sits dry and harsh yet vivid and spectacularly scalloped in a series of colours. 

Recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage, Quebrada de Humahuaca’s canvas of colours changes from white to deep reds depending on the depths to which the earth has been scoured by the river. Not only is the picturesque valley worthy of a visit on an Argentina road trip for the views, but it is also scattered with indigenous towns offering an insight into ancient Incan history and culture, as well as homely restaurants and guesthouses. 

Bariloche and The Beautiful Lake District

Now known as Bariloche, this is where you’ll find the simply stunning Lake District of Argentina. Hugging the shoreline of the sapphire glacial lake, Nahuel Huapi, in the middle of a national park by the same name, the town of Bariloche is surrounded by the 2000-metre-plus towering peaks of Cerros Catedral, López, Nireco and Shaihuenque, which gives it one of the most beautiful settings imaginable. 

Home to some of the best hiking trails in Argentina, Bariloche invites you to enjoy pine forest trails to stunning peak tops, jaw-dropping views, lush green rolling hills and glacial lakes. After a day of hiking, Bariloche provides the perfect refuel: Argentina’s best chocolate which is produced in this very region. Come winter, hiking, climbing, mountain biking and fishing is swapped for skiing, snowboarding and cross-country!

Visit Argentina’s Colonial and Indigenous Heart: Salta

Whilst it may seem like an oxymoron, Salta is known for both its Spanish colonial architecture and its Andean heritage. Like stepping back in time, the colonial buildings centred around its plaza include the Salta Cathedral and the 18th-century El Cabildo. The city is further complimented by outstanding museums and live folk music which oozes from plaza-side cafes. 

If the city itself wasn’t enticing enough as one of Argentina’s most popular destinations, Salta is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, rolling vineyards and impressive mountains which slope into deep valleys. On a tour from Buenos Aires to Mendoza, Salta makes for the perfect stopover to indulge in local culture. 

Argentina is a huge country, so getting around can take much longer than you think. It is a choice between spending a chunk of your time in the country travelling or spending a chunk of your budget on travel. 

Bus, Rail and Public Transport

Argentina boasts one of the best and most superior bus networks in the Americas, both short- and long-distance. Due to the lack of rail systems beyond Buenos Aires, travelling by bus is the go-to option for getting around the country, especially so if you’re on a budget. However, bear in mind, due to distances, buses between key destinations can take up to 18 hours. 

When it comes to getting around the cities, Buenos Aires is one of the only cities in Argentina with a subway system (the Subte). Both bus travel within Buenos Aires and the subway are affordable options. In other cities such as Mendoza, buses and taxis are your go-to transport options. 

Self-Drive or Private Driver

If you are keen on the idea of an Argentina road trip, renting a car is both easy and affordable in Argentina. Whilst you are not likely to need a rental car for the duration of your whole trip, beyond the cities when touring places like Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, Mendoza, San Juan, and the Northwest in your own car is very handy. Bear in mind that only 30% of Argentina’s roads are paved and unsealed; when weather conditions are adverse, roads can become dangerous.

If you’re not sure about driving yourself but would still like the freedom that travelling by car affords you, you can hire a driver and a private car to tour Argentina. Our Local Designers in Argentina are experts in planning travel and would be more than willing to help put together a self-drive or private tour of Argentina together. 

Fly

If you plan on visiting many Argentina tourist attractions around the country, you’ll need to take a few flights. Flying is safe, yet can be expensive. However, it is the quickest way to get around and will ensure you see everywhere you wish to see on a trip like this 25-day bucket list Argentina tour. 

Accommodation in Argentina ranges from budget options like camping and hostels to swanky boutique hotels and once-in-a-lifetime Patagonian escapes. Top tips when picking accommodation is to be aware that the star-rating standard rarely reaches international levels, hostal means both hotel and hostel, and to check which dollar currency the price is being shown at - US Dollar, Argentinian Peso and Australia Dollar all use the $ symbol. 

Hotels or Posadas

Hotels, or posadas as they’re often locally known, are found across the country. In cities like Buenos Aires, a five-star hotel is likely to set you back around US$200 a night. If you are unsure about picking hotels with good ratings, then you can trust our Local Designers to design your trip for you; they will select the best accommodation within your budget. 

Hostels

Not to be confused with hostals, which is the general term for hotels and hostels in Argentina, hostels provide budget accommodation usually to younger travellers in the form of dorm beds or private rooms which cost around $10 or $50 respectively. 

Hosterias and B&Bs

Sitting somewhere between hotels and hostels when it comes to comfort and quality, hosterias are Argentine inns or small boutique hotels. You’ll often find this type of accommodation has a much more local feel; it’s a go-to if you’re looking to indulge in local culture. Bed and Breakfasts (or B&Bs) are small yet up-market accommodation options, usually starting at around $60 per night. 

Residenciales and Estancias

Residenciales are types of homestays. The accommodation is basic but is likely to be the spare room of a local family so comes in very affordable and is a nice chance to get to known the local life a little better. 

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, Argentine ranches or estancias are public farms that welcome travellers for a farm stay experience. The accommodation varies from rustic farmhouses to extremely luxurious residences. The estancia stay is usually inclusive of meals and activities including fishing, cattle herding, horseback riding and more just like this 7-day Argentina itinerary. 

Argentina continues to climb the bucket list of travellers around the world; we have a strong sense that -besides the exhilarating scenery- the food culture plays a large part in this. Lead by your tastebuds, Argentine cuisine results in serious feasting from delicious, juicy steaks to scrumptious cheesy dishes, a gulp of malbec, and so much more. 

There is a mountain of incredible dishes to enjoy. Here’s a selection of the best;

Yerba Mate with Friends, Old and New

Upon entering any Argentinian home the question following a greeting will be ‘do you want a mate?’

Mate is made by drying, chopping and grounding the leaves of the yerba mate plant, a bitter herb that comes from the holly genus plant, into a fine powder. The highly caffeinated herb is then mixed with hot water in a special cup and sipped through a metal straw which doubles as a sieve for the fine leaves. Walking the streets of any city, town or village in Argentina, you’ll notice the throngs of people enjoying this drink, which is often passed between friends, sipping as you pass. 

Mate is not just a drink in Argentina; it’s a way of life. Train and bus stations have hot water readily available, locals carry hot water around in thermos flasks tucked into beautiful leather satchels specifically made to accommodate the mate way of life. Young or old, rich or poor, mate drinking spans the entire population. As a social drink meant to be enjoyed with friends, enjoying mate is the perfect icebreaker with new local friends, as you’ll find on your Argentina holiday. 

Asado - Let’s BBQ!

From one very social past time to another. asado, also know as parrillada, is the national dish of Argentina. The best way to enjoy asado is a leisurely afternoon around a grill or open fire where copious amounts of grilled meats -beef, pork, ribs, sausages and sweetbreads- sizzle away. Often perfectly seasoned, topped with a generous spoon of chimichurri and accompanied by a generous glass of malbec - this is the perfect way to enjoy Argentine food. 

Chimichurri - The Ultimate Condiment

The accompaniment to everything worthy in Argentina. Chimichurri is the go-to condiment - splashed over grilled meats fresh off the barbecue, served with empanadas, choripans and heaps of other savoury snacks, and sometimes used as a marinade.  Made with finely chopped parsley, onion, garlic, pepper flakes, chili, lemon, oregano and olive oil, each Argentinian will have their own chimichurri recipe they’ve perfected. 

Provoleta - Cheese, Cheese and More Cheese

Forget what you think you know as grilled cheese, provoleta gives a whole new meaning to the dish. A gift from Italian immigration to Argentina, locals have taken provolone and trademarked their own version. Rich, pungent slices of cheese are layered over chilli flakes and an amalgamation of herbs then melted. The result is delicious gooey cheese that is crispy on the outside and smokey on the interior. Like most savoury dishes, it’s best enjoyed with a drizzle of olive oil and a dose of chimichurri.

Dulce de Leche - For Those with a Sweet Tooth

With the abundance of cows roaming Argentina’s expansive pastures, it’s no surprise that dairy-based dishes are a very common occurrence in Argentinian cuisine. Condensed milk, in particular, is one of Argentina’s prized ingredients for its sweet culinary masterpiece, dulce de leche. Condensed milk is slowly reduced to make a rich, thick, caramel-like jam and used to top everything from ice cream to alfajores.

Alfajores - The Country’s Favourite Cookie

With roots in the Middle East, these circular, crumbly biscuits were taken to Spain by the Moors and evenutally carried over to Argentina, where they became a national dish, consumed in masses by locals. Similar to a French macaron, alfajores consist of two shortbread-like biscuits which sandwich jams, dulce de leche or mousses and are often covered in shredded coconut or chocolate. 

Empanadas - The Staple Street Food Snack

Another present from the Moors via Spain, empanadas are stuffed doughy pockets which are fried or baked. The pockets are filled with sweet or savoury fillings, the savoury side often consisting of stewed beef, goat, chicken and llama or cheese and vegetables. As you may have guessed, sweet empanadas are usually filled with dulce de leche or jams. These little pocket treasures became popular with the working class as a budget snack but are widely consumed across the country with street food stalls selling these delights everywhere. 

Choripan - The Perfect Entree

A street food staple, you’ll find choripan consumed at markets galore, as entrees to asado, just before a football match and by every taxi driver. Made with pork, beef or boar sausage, the meat is cooked over wood or charcoal, then butterflied and served between crusty bread. The accompaniments and twists to this dish include caramalised onions, green peppers and pickled aubergines and vary wildly from region to region. 

Witnessing or partaking in a festival or special event in Argentina is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in local culture. With the abundance of celebrations that occur across the country at different times of year, you’ll be likely to encounter one even if you didn’t plan to!

Buenos Aires Tango Festival

Argentina is the birthplace of Tango and nowhere celebrates this dance culture better than its home city of Buenos Aires. Each and every August, dancing duos from across the city, country and world come together to take part in the tango festival. From professionals to amateurs and everyone in between, all are welcome. As performances, lessons and open-air parties take over the streets of Buenos Aires, the scenes are simply enthralling.

Carnival  - It’s Not Just Brazil!

A celebration that’s not just reserved for Brazil, Carnival is celebrated across Argentina, varying by each region.

In the northwestern city of Salta, Carnival takes an Andean approach and focuses on the theme of water with ceremonies, dancing, music and rural traditions of the Andean highlands taking centre stage. In the east, carnival costumes change by topic each year but you can guarantee they are always glamorous and grandiose. One of the best places to experience Carnival in Argentina is Gualeguaychu, a small town north of Buenos Aires. In Buenos Aires itself, the carnival theme is centred around football clubs but dancing, music and costumes are still a big part of the day. 

Gaucho Festivals

Gauchos are a huge part of the Argentine culture so there are a number of festivals, fairs and celebrations dedicated to their traditions. Each year, Buenos Aires hosts La Rural, a livestock fair spanning a week in the centre of the city where cows, sheep, bulls and goats are bought to the city to be traded. Of course, this is just part of the event, the main attraction is the traditional Gaucho performances to entertain the crowds.

Here are a few tips so you don’t get caught out on your Argentina tour. For up-to-date information on the important stuff, head to SmartTraveller. 

High Season: In 2019, Argentina introduced a 30% tax for Argentinians travelling abroad. Therefore, you can expect destinations within Argentina to be very busy during the high season as it is when most locals travel. 

Language: Whilst you will be okay with English in the big cities like Buenos Aires, knowing a little Spanish or carrying a phrasebook will get you far. 

Currency: Argentina used the Argentine Peso (ARS$). At the time of writing, August 2021, 1 USD is equal to 97.34 ARS. 

ATMs & Cash: When travelling to Argentina, it is best to bring cash with you and exchange it once you are in the country. You will get better exchange rates than you will by withdrawing cash and you won’t get caught out when places don’t accept card. 

Crime: Argentina is a safe place to travel as long as you are aware of petty theft. Don’t flaunt your expensive belongings, and at night, in the cities, don’t go out with anything but the cash you need for the night. 

Humour: With Argentine humour, it is common to poke fun at your appearance but this is meant light and not to be taken as insulting. 

Argentine Time: Similar to how the night doesn’t get going until after midnight, it is also considered rude to turn up at someone’s house for a party on time. Being anything from 30 minutes to two hours late is normal. Have a nap!

This Argentina travel guide has detailed just about everything you need to know to travel this country well. However, when it comes to designing your Argentina trip and planning your itinerary, it can be a little overwhelming. 

As the eighth-largest country in the world, how to tour Argentina well takes some research. Luckily, our Local Designers in Argentina can alleviate you of all this extra work. Experts in their country, our Local Designers use their destination knowledge, skills and travel planning expertise to design your perfect Argentina trip. 

Explore our gallery of highly customisable Argentina tours to connect with one of our Local Designers or get straight stuck in by designing your trip from scratch. Answer a few simple questions and let our Local Designers design your free, shareable itinerary within 48 hours! Extraordinary travel experiences with Designer Journeys are that simple.