Vamos Argentina! – You might be familiar with this phrase if you are a soccer fan. Of course, Argentina is one of the hotspots of soccer. Besides its feisty soccer culture, Argentina is also known as one of the best South American countries to visit. This country boasts extraordinary nature, unbelievable landscapes, and magnificent culture. We have a comprehensive Argentina travel guide for you who want to visit this charming nation. So, check it out before you leave for Argentina!
The Essential Argentina Travel Guide – Summary
1. Things to Know about Argentina
- Basic Information
- Travel Restrictions
- Visa Information
- Smoking and Drinking
- Climate
- Culture, People, and Safety
2. Must Visit Destinations
- Buenos Aires
- Tierra del Fuego National Park
- Mendoza
- Los Glaciares National Park
- Iguazu Falls
3. Best Time to Visit
4. Where to Stay
- Cities
- Outdoors
5. How to Get Around
- Bus
- Car
- Plane
6. Itineraries
- Day 1: Buenos Aires
- Day 2: Tigre
- Day 3-5: Mendoza Region
- Day 6: El Calafate
- Day 7-9: Los Glaciares National Park and Ushuaia
- Day 10: Buenos Aires
Things to Know about Argentina
Basic Information
| Currency | Official Language | Plug Type |
| Argentine Peso ($) $1 = €0.0054 | Spanish | Type C and I |
Travel Restrictions
In this post-COVID era, Argentina’s borders are open for all international visitors. There are no COVID-related restrictions and COVID-19 tests, both antigen and PCR tests, are not compulsory. However, take note that Argentina still practices social distancing.
Visa Information
There are different visa requirements for different countries. If you have a European, United States, or United Kingdom passport, you won’t need any visa to enter Argentina. You will be permitted to stay in the country for up to 90 days.
However, travelers from some countries might need visas to enter Argentina. You can find further information about visa requirements here.
Smoking and Drinking
Smoking is allowed in Argentina, and tobacco products are widely available in the country. However, the minimum age for smoking in Argentina is 18 years old.
Drinking is also allowed in Argentina, with a minimum age of 18. Alcohol is widely available in Argentina. In grocery stores and supermarkets, alcohol is sold until 10 PM. If you are a late-night drinker, you can find alcohol in restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
Climate
Argentina has four seasons – spring, summer, autumn, and winter. However, as Argentina is located in Earth’s Southern hemisphere, the season is ‘reversed’ from what we have in Europe. Winter is from June to August, while summer is from December to February.
Moreover, you can find different weather in Argentina based on location. The northern part of Argentina is usually hot and humid, while the southern part is generally cold.
Culture, People, and Safety
People in Argentina are very friendly, engaging, and welcoming. They will like to be friends with you, even welcomes you to have a meal in their house. Besides that, there is some etiquette you can practice when visiting Argentina. It is recommended that you greet people politely, remove your hat while entering buildings or houses, and say “excuse me” when walking through people who are having conversations.
Then, Argentina is a safe country to visit. It is even one of the safest countries in South America, with relatively low crime rates. It is also safe for solo female travelers, as the people are friendly and respectful.
Must Visit Destinations
Buenos Aires
The capital of Argentina is pulsating with the alluring beats of tango, bustling everyday life, and thrilling nightlife. The sizzling metropolitan offers much to explore, like aesthetically-pleasing vintage barrios, insane late-night parties, sensational art museums, and juicy Argentinian steaks. You can find an enchanting collaboration between the old and new in Buenos Aires, as the city is dotted with skyscrapers and vintage European-styled buildings. Also, expect to be a night owl in Buenos Aires, as the city is more extravagant during the night.
Tierra del Fuego National Park
Located in the Southern part of Argentina, Tierra del Fuego displays a magical landscape like nowhere else on earth. With the Andes Mountains’ rugged plateaus and Antarctica’s icy glaciers, the national park looks unbelievable. It is home to unique Andes mountain species, like the guanacos and Andean condors. Thus, because of its mountainous terrain, Tierra del Fuego National Park is a must-visit destination for hikers.
Los Glaciares National Park
Get ready to be captivated by the pure white landscape in Los Glaciares National Park! This UNESCO World Heritage site is situated in the Austral Andes, on the border of Chile. Los Glaciares National Park offers an exquisite scenery of towering ice walls and jaw-dropping turquoise water. Moreover, it looks even more magical with a spectacular series of mountains as its backdrop. Thus, Los Glaciares National Park is timeless and looks wonderful during summer and winter.
Mendoza
Luscious wine, stunning art deco buildings, and breathtaking hiking trails are the highlights of Mendoza. Moreover, this small city is the wine capital of Argentina. It is home to world-class wines which are sourced from famous Malbec vineyards. So, wine tasting is the best thing to do in Mendoza. Besides going on a sumptuous wine tour, you can also trigger the artist inside you by visiting contemporary art museums in Mendoza.
Iguazu Falls
See one of the Natural Wonders of the World as you visit Argentina. Iguazu Falls is a giant series of waterfalls shrouded in lush rainforests. While the main attraction in this magical spot is sightseeing, you can go for other exciting activities. If you are feeling adventurous, you can ride a jet boat safari under the roaring waterfall. Alternatively, you can tour the diverse jungle of Iguazu Falls and glance at its endemic animals.
Best Time to Visit
Generally, the best time to visit Argentina is in the summer, from December to February. In summer, the weather is usually warm and pleasant. You can also get lots of sunshine during this period.
However, if you are looking for an enchanting, snowy Patagonia and lower prices, we recommend traveling in the winter. From June to August, the temperature is freezing, but the landscapes are undeniably beautiful.
Where to Stay
Whether you want to sleep under the stars in a tent or snuggle inside a fluffy blanket in a holiday lodge, you can find it in Argentina. There are lots of accommodations in Argentina, from hostels to luxury villas. You can also find unique accommodations in Argentina, such as jungle treehouses and wooden cabins.
In this article, we will recommend the best places to stay based on the area you are staying in.
Cities
If you stay in big cities like Buenos Aires and Cordoba, you can stay in a hotel or Airbnb. Thus, you can choose from many hotel rooms, from a standard room to a luxurious one. Usually, a standard room for two people in Buenos Aires starts from €30 per night. Then, a standard Airbnb apartment with one bedroom starts from €43.
Alternatively, if you are traveling on a budget, you can stay in a hostel. There are many nice hostels to stay in Argentina’s metropolitan areas. A hostel room with six to eight beds costs around €15 per person for one night.
Outdoors
There are several accommodation options if you want to spend more time in Argentina’s exquisite nature. Thus, there are generous accommodations in national parks or nature reserves in Argentina.
In Patagonia, you can stay in hostels, hotels, camps, holiday lodges, and villas. However, staying in Patagonia is more expensive than staying in cities. A standard hotel room and a unique dome-shaped hotel cost around €50 per night. Then, holiday lodges cost around €90. For cheaper options, you can stay in a hostel that costs around €20 per night.
How to Get Around
There are several ways for you to explore Argentina. Whether you want to take your time and enjoy the journey or rush from one place to another, Argentina’s transportation mode is ready to take you anywhere. Here are some ways to get around Argentina:
Bus
Buses are the most common and easiest mode of transportation in Argentina. If you want to go for a long trip to other cities, you can hop on an intercity bus. Thus, intercity buses come in two types: the semicama (semi-reclining seats) and cama (sleepers). Usually, the intercity bus costs €6 per hour. So, the longer you travel, the more expensive your ticket will be.
Car
Cars are more flexible and can take you off the beaten path. It is recommended to rent a car in regions like Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, and other national parks. Usually, a standard car rental costs €54 per day.
Plane
Argentina is a vast country. So, traveling by plane is recommended if you want to save more time or head somewhere far. For example, flights are highly recommended if you visit Patagonia from Buenos Aires. The cost of a direct flight differs from one destination to another. However, the cheapest flight ticket around Argentina is about €40-60.
Itinerary
In this article, we will give you a 10-Days Argentina Itinerary. This itinerary includes several of Argentina’s best destinations: Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and some parts of Patagonia. Check out this itinerary to get inspiration for your next Argentina trip!
Day 1: Buenos Aires
Buenos Dias! It’s your first day in Argentina. Spend your day exploring this charming metropolitan city. You can wander around vintage barrios or neighborhoods in the city, like La Boca and Palermo Soho. Also, wander around classic old towns like Recoleta and Calle Defensa. Their iconic Italian-styled architecture makes you feel like you’re not in South America but in a European city. Then, try out some luscious Argentine asado or barbeque. You can also end the day by drinking in a bar or going to crazy parties. As you know, Buenos Aires screams party!
Day 2: Tigre
Escape the bustling city life to this tranquil reserve. Tigre is a small city located approximately 28 km from Buenos Aires center. It is famous for its peculiar small islands, waterways, and antique buildings. You can expect both lush wetlands and an exciting town in Tigre. Furthermore, Tigre is the best place to immerse in the authentic local life of Argentina. You can hit local bars, visit Puerto de Frutos’s riverfront market, and explore Tigre on a boat.
Day 3 – 5: Mendoza
We can’t miss wine when we travel to Argentina! So, book a flight to Mendoza, a charming wine region on the east side of Argentina. Mendoza is famous for its world-class Malbec grapes and sumptuous red wine. Thus, vineyard tours and wine tasting will highlight your trip to Mendoza. Additionally, you can also enjoy some lunch and wine pairing for a classy experience.
Besides wine tours, you can explore lots of other things in Mendoza. Spend time wandering around the city center and marvel at the lovely art deco-styled buildings. Then, you can visit some of Mendoza’s beautiful city parks. Mendoza is calling you for an adventure, as you can do outdoor activities such as hiking Mount Aconcagua and white-water rafting in Potrerillos. Alternatively, you can enjoy some natural hot springs on the mountain foot if you are not adventurous.
Day 6: El Calafate
El Calafate will be your short stop before going to the leading destination. However, the city itself offers outstanding scenery. You will be stunned by its towering glaciers, snowy landscapes, and stunning waters. Thus, it allows you to peek into the Los Glaciares National Park. You can book a hotel or lodge to stay in El Calafate. Then, you can explore the city and visit its notable places, such as the Glaciarium or the Museum of Ice.
Day 7 – 9: Los Glaciares National Park and Ushuaia
You have three full days to explore this unbelievable national park. Like its name, Los Glaciares National Park boasts a fantastic scene of giant glaciers and magnificent ice structures. Besides seeing stunning glaciers, you can also do other activities like rafting, hiking, and fishing. Then, you can also visit the famous Perito Merino Glacier.
Experience the southernmost part of South America in Ushuaia. This icy town is the final stop for people who want to see Antarctica. You can learn some of Argentina’s culture and history in Ushuaia at the Museo Fin del Mundo and Acatushun Museum. Then, you can go for unforgettable sightseeing in the Tierra del Fuego National Park and Beagle Channel. You can also stay in Ushuaia if you want to experience more of this tip of the world.
Day 10: Buenos Aires
On your last day, you are flying back to the capital of Argentina. You’ll have time to watch a tango dance performance, savor more delicious asado, go shopping, or grab some pastries in the timeless Café Tortoni. Then, it’s finally time to bid goodbye to Argentina! This fantastic country will engrave a memory that you won’t forget.
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