Best in Mar
Argentina
Buenos Aires
Moderate
From $58 /day
Argentina
Argentina is a land of dramatic scales and deep passions, stretching from the sultry tango halls of Buenos Aires to the thundering blue ice of the southern glaciers. You can find yourself sipping world-class Malbec in high-altitude vineyards one day and trekking across the rugged, wind-swept plains of the Andes the next. The country is defined by its European-inspired architecture, legendary steak culture, and a pace of life that prioritizes social connection and long evenings. Whether you are exploring the colorful streets of La Boca or witnessing the raw power of the Iguazú Falls, Argentina offers a diverse landscape that feels both familiar and exotic. It is a destination where the vastness of the wilderness is matched only by the warmth of its people.
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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
2 cities
6 guides
$58 – $152 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Buenos Aires
Languages
Spanish
Currency
Argentine Peso (ARS)
1 $ ≈ 1,452 AR$
Plug Type
Type I (common) + Type C (sometimes; 220V, 50Hz)
Driving Side
Right
Dial Code
+54
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
ART (UTC-3)
Emergency
911 (general); Police 101/911; Ambulance 107; Fire 100
Why Visit Argentina
World-Class Gastronomy
Argentina is a paradise for food lovers, centered around the sacred ritual of the asado. You can enjoy some of the highest quality beef in the world, paired perfectly with locally produced red wines that are celebrated globally.
Dramatic Natural Wonders
From the sub-tropical rainforests and massive cascades of Iguazú Falls to the colossal Perito Moreno Glacier, the country is home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites. The sheer variety of ecosystems allows you to experience vastly different climates and topographies within one nation.
The Spirit of Tango
The capital, Buenos Aires, is the birthplace of tango, a dance that embodies the country's melancholic yet fiery spirit. You can witness professional performances in grand theaters or stumble upon authentic milongas in neighborhood social clubs.
Adventure in Patagonia
For those seeking the outdoors, Patagonia offers premier trekking, skiing, and mountaineering. The region provides access to iconic peaks like Mount Fitz Roy and the serene, crystalline lakes of the Lake District.
Rich Cultural Heritage
The country boasts a sophisticated cultural scene with a heavy European influence seen in its literature, art, and theater. Buenos Aires is often called the 'Paris of the South' due to its grand boulevards and thriving café culture.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Argentina
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Buenos Aires
The cosmopolitan capital is a city of distinct neighborhoods, from the historic cobblestones of San Telmo to the upscale boutiques of Recoleta. It is the cultural heart of the nation, famous for its late-night dining, world-renowned bookstores, and vibrant street art.
Patagonia
Spanning the southern reaches of the country, this region includes El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. It is a land of extreme beauty, offering views of the Andes, massive ice fields, and unique wildlife like Magellanic penguins.
Cuyo and Mendoza
Located at the foot of the Andes, this region is the center of Argentina's wine industry. You can tour hundreds of wineries, known as bodegas, and enjoy outdoor activities like whitewater rafting and hiking near Mount Aconcagua.
The Northwest (NOA)
Centering around Salta and Jujuy, this region is known for its multi-colored mountains, high-altitude salt flats, and indigenous traditions. It offers a starkly different landscape of red rock canyons and colonial architecture.
The Litoral
Home to the spectacular Iguazú Falls on the border with Brazil, this northeastern region is characterized by lush rainforests and wetlands. It is a prime destination for birdwatching and exploring the Iberá Wetlands, one of the world's largest freshwater ecosystems.
Cities & Destinations:
Best Time to Visit
Argentina is a vast country with reverse seasons to the Northern Hemisphere. The best time to visit depends on the region, with spring and autumn providing the most comfortable conditions nationwide.
Peak Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Jul
Summer (December–February) is the busiest time for Patagonia and coastal resorts, with temperatures ranging from 15–30°C (59–86°F). July is the peak for winter sports in the Andes, especially near Bariloche.
Shoulder Season
Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
Spring and autumn offer mild weather, blooming jacarandas in the capital, and vineyard harvests in Mendoza. Average temperatures range from 14–22°C (57–72°F).
Off-Peak
Jun, Aug
Winter months outside of the July ski rush see the fewest crowds and lowest prices. Southern regions can be very cold, often dropping below 0°C.
Getting Around
Argentina has an extensive domestic travel network, though distances between major hubs can be immense, often exceeding 1,000km. Public transport in cities is highly affordable and relies on the unified SUBE payment system.
Flight
Domestic flights are the most efficient way to travel between distant regions like Buenos Aires, Iguazú, and El Calafate. Low-cost carriers have expanded significantly, though Aerolíneas Argentinas remains the primary state carrier.
Bus
Long-distance buses (ómnibus) are high-quality, offering reclining seats and meals on long journeys. In Buenos Aires, local 'colectivos' run 24/7 and require a SUBE card for payment.
Metro
The 'Subte' in Buenos Aires is the oldest subway system in Latin America, consisting of six lines (A, B, C, D, E, H) plus the Premetro that provide quick access to major tourist and business districts for approximately ~$0.47–$0.94 / ARS 684–ARS 1,368 per ride.
Food & Drink
Argentine cuisine is a hearty blend of indigenous roots and strong Mediterranean influences, particularly from Italy and Spain. Eating is a social event here, often lasting for hours and involving large groups of family or friends.
Must Try
Asado
The quintessential Argentine barbecue, where various cuts of beef, ribs, and sausages are slow-cooked over an open fire or charcoal grill.
Empanadas
Savory hand-held pastries that are either baked or fried and typically filled with spiced beef, chicken, or ham and cheese.
Choripán
The country's favorite street food, consisting of a grilled chorizo sausage served in a crusty bread roll and topped with chimichurri sauce.
Alfajores
Traditional cookie sandwiches filled with creamy dulce de leche and often coated in chocolate or shredded coconut.
Yerba Mate
A bitter herbal infusion that is more than a drink; it is a social ritual shared from a hollowed-out gourd using a metal straw called a bombilla.
Milanesa
A thin, breaded meat fillet (usually beef or chicken) that is a staple comfort food, often served 'a la napolitana' with tomato sauce, ham, and melted cheese.
Dulce de Leche
A thick, sweet caramel-like spread made from slow-cooked milk and sugar, found in almost every Argentine dessert and breakfast table.
Money & Costs
Costs are volatile due to inflation and exchange-rate policy. Foreign credit cards may receive a more favorable tourist exchange rate (issuer-dependent); ATM withdrawals are typically less favorable and may involve fees. Daily budgets vary significantly by travel style and season.
Tipping
10% is common in restaurants if service is good; tips are often left in cash, though digital tipping is becoming more available in some places.
Cards
Cards are widely accepted in cities, but smaller shops, markets, and many taxis remain cash-only.
ATMs
ATM limits/fees vary by bank and can change; plan for fees and consider using cards or bringing some cash as a backup.
Culture & Etiquette
Argentines are known for being warm, expressive, and direct in their communication. Social norms emphasize personal connection, often leading to a more relaxed approach to time and formality.
✓
Greet people with a single kiss on the right cheek, which is common among both men and women in social settings.
✕
Don't arrive exactly on time for a social invitation at someone's home; arriving 15–30 minutes late is considered polite.
✓
Always leave a 10% tip (propina) in restaurants, but ensure you pay it in cash as it usually cannot be added to a credit card bill.
✕
Don't refer to the United States simply as 'America,' as locals consider themselves Americans too; use 'Estados Unidos' instead.
✓
Participate in 'sobremesa,' the local custom of staying at the table long after the meal has finished to talk and relax.
✕
Avoid making the 'thumbs up' or 'OK' hand gestures in certain contexts, as they can occasionally be interpreted as vulgar.
✓
Be prepared for late dining hours, as most locals do not eat dinner until 21:00 or 22:00.
✕
Don't mention the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) unless you are well-informed, as it remains a very sensitive political topic.
Safety & Health
Travelers should exercise a high degree of caution in Greater Buenos Aires and Rosario due to street crime. Opportunistic theft, specifically targeting mobile phones and bags, is the most common risk in tourist areas.
Tap Water
Generally drinkable in Buenos Aires/major cities; variable in rural areas.
Vaccinations
Routine vaccines recommended. CDC: Yellow Fever vaccine is recommended for Corrientes & Misiones; generally not recommended for Formosa and only certain areas of Chaco/Jujuy/Salta. Dengue and Zika occur; take mosquito precautions.
Common Scams
- ⚠ The Mustard Scam: Thieves spray a substance on you and offer to help clean it while an accomplice steals your bag.
- ⚠ Motochorros: Thieves on motorcycles snatching phones or bags from pedestrians or even through open taxi windows.
- ⚠ Fake Banknotes: Counterfeit currency is common; check for watermarks and textures when receiving large bills.
- ⚠ Fake Wi-Fi: Malicious hotspots in public squares designed to steal personal data from travelers.
Hantavirus risk exists (avoid rodents/rodent-infested areas). Public-health monitoring in the 2025–26 season reported increased hantavirus activity; follow local health advisories. Medical care in major cities is excellent but requires comprehensive insurance for private clinics.
Language
The local dialect, Rioplatense Spanish, is famous for its 'sh' sound for 'll' and 'y' and the use of 'vos' instead of 'tú'. English is widely spoken in upscale neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and major hotels, but basic Spanish is essential for rural travel.
English Spoken: Moderately spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello / Hi | Hola | oh-lah |
| Thank you | Gracias | grah-see-as |
| Goodbye | Chau | chow |
| The check, please | La cuenta, por favor | la kwen-tah por fah-vor |
| Everything good? | ¿Todo bien? | toh-doh bee-en |
| Excuse me (to pass) | Permiso | per-mee-soh |
| How much does it cost? | ¿Cuánto sale? | kwan-toh sah-leh |
| Friend / Hey! | Che | cheh |
Visa & Entry
Many nationalities can enter visa-free as tourists for up to 90 days; extensions may be possible. Expect biometric checks (photo/fingerprints) at immigration. Some travelers may not receive passport stamps; check official guidance for your nationality.
Max Stay
90 days (usually extendable once for an additional 90 days)
Passport Validity
Must be valid for the entire expected duration of the stay.
Visa-free for
United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Japan
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
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