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Argentina Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Argentina travel guide?

Then you’re in the right place!

Start researching a trip to Argentina and you’ll quickly realize that this South American nation is one of the coolest destinations on the planet.

From its incredibly diverse environment to its vibrant cities to its delicious cuisine, there’s so much to explore in Argentina. So much, in fact, that you might not know where to start. Whether you want to tango the night away in a Buenos Aires nightclub or explore the glaciers of Patagonia, we’re here to help you plan the ultimate Argentinian adventure.

Outdoor adventurers from around the world flock to Argentina to revel in the country’s natural beauty. The country has a robust network of national parks, offering visitors the opportunity to explore Argentina’s deserts, mountains, glaciers, lakes, and more.

One of the most famous parks is Los Glaciares National Park, located southwest of Santa Cruz Provence. The park is home to many glaciers making up portions of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, including Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the largest in the world.

Can’t stand the cold? Head to the Argentine Lake District, a gorgeous area full of picturesque mountains, greenery and, of course, lakes. Whether you’re hiking the hills or exploring nearby towns like Bariloche, you’re bound to have a relaxing time.

And if you’re a night owl, head to San Juan in west-central Argentina for some exceptional stargazing. At El Leoncito National Park, you can marvel at the stars under a clear night sky or get a closer look at the park’s observatory, which hosts tons of stargazing events throughout the year.

Argentina is also home to one of the best wine regions in Latin America; in fact, the country is actually the fifth biggest producer of wine in the world behind Italy.

Mendoza is widely considered Argentina’s “wine country” and has plenty to entertain any kind of wine enthusiast. The area is home to tons of wineries offering tastings, tours, and more to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the country’s wine industry.

Beyond the vineyards, the area is absolutely beautiful. It’s worth renting a bike for a self-guided tour of the region’s lush hills and farms.

And of course, you’ll find great wine wherever you go in Argentina, as well as delicious traditional dishes like empanadas, asado, provoleta, and more.

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Argentina in South America.

Note: This ultimate guide to Argentina travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Argentina Map

Use this Argentina travel map to begin planning your trip to this incredible country!

Argentina map

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

Argentina Travel Tips

This advice can help you with planning a trip to Argentina!

Buenos Aires Travel Guide

Use the following posts as a Buenos Aires visitor’s guide!

Mendoza Travel Guide

These Mendoza guides will help you have a memorable Argentina vacation!

Patagonia Travel Guide

Plan an epic trip to Patagonia, one of the best Argentina travel destinations!

Other Argentina Travel Guide Destinations

These Argentina tourism guide posts will help you plan an incredible trip!

Best Argentina Tours

Explore local culture with an Argentina tour guide through these unique excursions:

  • Buenos Aires Graffiti & Street Art Tour
  • Helicopter Ride: Overflight & Landing in the Andes Mountains A30 from Ushuaia
  • Full-Day Tour to the Perito Moreno Glacier including Boat Safari from El Calafate
  • Guided Hike at the Penguin Colony in Ushuaia
  • Full Day Tour to Torres del Paine from El Calafate

Argentina Hotels

Click here to browse the best Argentina travel hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays?

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Renting A Car In Argentina

Many visitors to Argentina choose to rent a car to really explore all that the country has to offer. If you’re doing the same, I highly recommend using Discover Cars to quickly compare your rental options.

Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% using their tool!

Argentina Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on an Argentina tour. When visiting Argentina — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Argentina travel itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

Argentina Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in Argentina.

Q: What are the best places to visit in Argentina?

Argentina’s natural wonders are some of its biggest attractions. The country is home to 33 national parks that show off the nation’s diverse landscape and ecology.

Iguazu Falls, located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, draws in thousands of travelers every year, all coming to marvel at the sheer power of the fourth widest waterfall in the world. Walkways and viewing platforms make it easy to get up close to the falls for a truly spectacular view.

In Patagonia, you’ll find Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring giant ice formations you’ll have to see to believe. You can explore the Perito Moreno Glacier, the third-largest freshwater reserve in the world, on an ice-trekking tour, or just enjoy the view from the visitor center.

Just off the Chilean border in Southern Argentina, you’ll find Tierra del Fuego National Park featuring 156,000 acres of stunning landscapes and bucket list-worthy hiking trails.

Not much of an outdoor adventurer? Enjoy the park from the comfort of an antique steam train on the Southern Fuegian Railway.

Argentina’s cities are also huge draws for travelers looking to engage with the country’s history, culture, and modern lifestyle.

The capital city of Buenos Aires is home to gorgeous European architecture and one of the most vibrant cultural scenes in South America.

The Museo Nacional de Belles Artes houses over 500 years of international art, including works from Picasso, Goya, and Manet.

Take a deep dive into Argentinian history at El Zajon de Granados, a maze-like complex featuring 500 years of ancient architecture.

And of course you can’t miss Buenos Aires’ nightlife; this is the birthplace of the tango, after all!

In central Argentina, Cordoba features a mix of old colonial architecture and modern buildings, as well as a lively culture thanks to the city’s many colleges and universities.

The Jesuit Block is one of the city’s biggest draws and features one of the best-preserved European settlements in the area as well as the University of Cordoba, the fourth-oldest university in the Americas.

Museo de la Memoria also shows a darker side of the country’s history, preserving the memories of those lost in the “Dirty Wars” of the 1970s and 80s.

Argentina is also an amazing destination for foodies and wine enthusiasts.

Travelers flock to Argentina’s main wine-producing region, Mendoza, every year to tour the local vineyards and wineries, particularly during the harvesting season in March and April. You can easily tour the vineyards by bike and find tasting events any time of year.

The country is also well-known for its beef production, so carnivores will definitely find something they like here. You’ll find choripan (chorizo sausage in chimichurri sauce) on every corner in Buenos Aires and plenty of steakhouses throughout the country to satisfy your cravings.

Whether you’re chowing down at a family bodegon or a five-star restaurant, you’re bound to find something good.

Q: Is Argentina expensive for tourists?

Argentina is considered a pretty expensive destination. Years of high inflation and high prices can make it kind of difficult to find deals here.

The average traveler spends about $100 USD per day in Argentina on food, accommodations, transportation, and other travel expenses.

Still, there are plenty of ways to save money. Street vendors and smaller cafes often sell empanadas for less than $2 USD each and you can find some good lunch specials with a little research.

You can also save money by traveling in the off seasons (March through June and September through November), particularly when it comes to accommodations.

Q: What is the best way to travel around Argentina?

Buses are probably the most economical way to travel around Argentina. The country’s bus system is extensive and you can easily find routes running between major cities.

The coaches can also be quite luxurious, featuring air-conditioning, toilets, comfy seats, and sometimes even refreshments! If you’re taking an overnight trip, you can pay a little extra for a sleeper class ticket for an extra comfy ride.

Air travel is probably the quickest way to get from Point A to Point B in Argentina, considering the country’s size. Aerolíneas Argentinas offers tons of domestic flights, though there are several airlines operating in the country, including a few low-cost carriers.

You’ll want to book in advance, as flights can fill up quickly here. And be flexible with your plans if you’re flying — domestic flights in Argentina are subject to frequent delays and cancelations.

Q: Is Argentina safe for travel?

Argentina is considered a pretty safe destination. Violent crime is rare here, though muggings can happen in some cities.

Petty crime rates are higher, particularly when it comes to pickpocketing and purse snatching. You’ll want to keep any valuables out of view and stay aware of your surroundings to avoid pickpockets, particularly in major tourist areas.

You’ll also want to watch out for scams here. Never get into an unlicensed taxi and always double-check your change when paying in cash. And, as always, beware of any deals that seem too good to be true.

Q: What do I need to know before going to Argentina?

One major thing to know before going to Argentina is that the country is huge. This is not a destination you can completely cover in a short amount of time, so you’ll want to pick a few major places to visit if you’re on a tight schedule.

It’s also important to keep this in mind as you plan your travel between destinations. You may need to build in a day or two just to get from one place to another, so be sure to plan ahead.

Argentinians are also major night owls. Most businesses aren’t even open until 9 AM and everyone will know you’re a tourist if you show up for dinner at 6 PM.

If you’re into nightlife, you may find yourself out at the clubs until the wee hours of the morning. It’s best to try and take a break from your usual schedule and get on Argentinian time here. After all, you are on vacation!

It’s also important to note that the weather varies pretty widely here. You’ll find mild temperatures throughout the year in Buenos Aires, but winter temperatures drop to extreme lows in Patagonia.

The weather can also change quickly in the Andes region, so layer up and pack some rain gear if you’re exploring the mountains.

And don’t forget the SPF! The sun is strong throughout the country and protection is essential all year round.

Q: How many days should you spend in Argentina?

Most experts suggest spending 10-14 days in Argentina to visit different regions and get a good sense of the country. This will give you enough time to spend a few days in major destinations like Buenos Aires and travel between places without stress.

You may be able to fit one or two destinations in over a week’s time, but you’ll definitely need to plan a few more days for a more comprehensive trip.

Q: What is the best month to visit Argentina?

April through June are generally considered the best months to visit Argentina. These months make up the country’s autumn season where you’ll generally find mild temperatures and fewer crowds. You’ll also find great deals on accommodations during this time as most of the crowds have subsided.

Summer (December through March) is widely considered Argentina’s high season for tourism, so you’ll run into bigger crowds at popular attractions. The summer weather can also be quite warm and humid in certain parts of the country, making it a less comfortable time to visit.

Q: Do I need an Argentina travel visa?

Visitors from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Europe (European Union), and several other countries do not need a visa to enter Argentina. A valid passport will allow you to stay in the country for up to 90 days.

It’s recommended to view your country’s Argentina International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit rules and Argentina Travel Requirements. You can also contact the Consulate General of Argentina.

Q: Where is Argentina?

Argentina is located in South America. It shares borders with Chile (south and west); Bolivia and Paraguay (north); and Brazil, Uruguay, and the Atlantic Ocean (east).

Q: Are credit cards accepted in Argentina?

Credit cards — particularly Visa and Mastercard — are widely accepted around Argentina at larger establishments, though it is always wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and in case of emergency.

Q: Can you drink the tap water in Argentina?

The tap water is generally safe to drink in Argentina, though it is always best to double-check with your hotel to be safe.

Q: What is the local currency in Argentina?

The local currency in Argentina is the Argentine peso ($).

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