Argentina Travel Guide - How to Plan a Trip to Argentina
What comes to mind when you think of Argentina? Because for many years when I traveled abroad, people used to say only three things: Tango, steak, and of course, 'Fútbol' (soccer). But as you can imagine, there’s much more to my country than just that.
Equal parts chaotic and serene, intense yet relaxed, vibrant and intriguing, Argentina is a land of contrasts. From the laidback atmosphere of the northern Puna to the madness of Buenos Aires’ Corrientes Street; from the infinite horizons of the Patagonian landscape to the stunning Andes mountain range; and on to Iguazú Falls, one of the seven Natural Wonders of the world, Argentina has everything. And that’s just the beginning!
Located in the southernmost region of the Americas, Argentina is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Uruguay to the east, the Andes mountains and Chile to the west, and Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay to the north. To the south, you will find the white continent, Antarctica.
These neighbors - countries, mountains, oceans, and continents alike - contribute significantly to the richness and culture of Argentina. However, while we are distinctly “American” in some aspects, Argentina, particularly certain cities, is also known for its Old World, almost European atmosphere.
Millions of Europeans immigrated here during the late 19th century and throughout the 20th, which has left a lasting impact on our gastronomy and cultural footprint.
There’s no easy way to define or describe my country, but that’s a big part of its appeal. This is an incredibly diverse place, geographically and culturally, and the only way to begin to figure it all out is by exploring it. So, welcome to Argentina!
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Table of contents
How long to spend in Argentina
When to visit
Regions of Argentina
Best places to visit on a first trip
Other places to consider if you have more time
What to do in Argentina
Transportation and how to get around
Argentina itineraries - from 10 days to 2 weeks
Average travel costs and expenses
Useful things to know for travel in Argentina
Currency and USD
Exchanging and withdrawing money
Using credit cards
Tipping
Bargaining
Plan your itinerary with local help
If you could use some help figuring out a great plan for your trip, schedule an Argentina travel consultation with Maria, our Buenos Aires-based Local Expert!
These are one-hour Zoom calls where you’ll get to chat with Maria about the trip you’re planning and she’ll share her tips and advice, answer your travel questions, and help you perfect your itinerary.
How long to spend
10 days - for a decent first visit
For any first visit to Argentina on which you hope to see a decent bit of the country, you will need at least 10 days.
This is the eighth largest country in the world, and its attractions are spread out over an enormous area of land, meaning that traveling here takes time. Distances are vast and journeys are long, which means that you cannot just plan a quick trip hopping between the “main sights”.
Spread all throughout its borders, Argentina holds the Andes Mountains, the plains of the Pampas, the Lake District, Patagonia, wine regions, deserts, tropical rainforests, and a wild coast. If you want to get even a taste of that incredible geographic diversity, you’ll need a significant amount of time for your trip here - 10 days at the very least.
Natural landscapes aside, this is also a fascinating place when it comes to culture. With history and traditions hailing from the ancient Incas in the north, several aboriginal cultures in the northeast and Patagonia, and a European heritage predominant in central Argentina and Buenos Aires, this is by no means a homogenous place.
To understand those influences and cultures and how they manifest themselves from one region to the next, you will need time to soak up your surroundings.
So, here’s how I’d recommend structuring a first-time 10-day trip here:
3 days in Buenos Aires, including a day trip to the Tigre River Delta. Next, fly up to Iguazu and spend 2 days visiting the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the falls.
From there, you could catch a flight to Mendoza, the city in the heart of Argentina’s wine country. Spend a day exploring the city, and then set out for a day visiting wineries and vineyards, or hiking in the foothills of the mountains.
With your final 3 days, I’d suggest heading even further north, to Salta and Jujuy, which have a great ancestral tradition that dates back to the time of the Incas.
3 weeks - if you plan to visit Patagonia
You’ll have no doubt noticed that the itinerary above doesn’t include Patagonia, or even anything below the center half of the country. Well, that’s because Argentina is enormous, and to include Patagonia in a 10-day trip would just be a waste. The distances are too big and the travel times are too long for you to even attempt it.
However, if you have three weeks or more, Patagonia is well within your reach. You could still follow the itinerary above for your first 10 days, and could then spend your final week exploring Patagonia.
Start with a couple of days in Bariloche, in the Lake District, and then continue on to wherever suits your fancy from there: El Calafate, Perito Moreno and Los Glaciares National Park, the Valdes Peninsula, or Ushuaia and the Tierra del Fuego.
You won’t be able to visit everywhere above, but with a full week, you’d have time to get between a few of them, or could settle in one base and make day trips out to the mountains, forests, lakes, and glaciers nearby.
When to visit
The best time to visit Argentina is during the Spring and the early Summer (from September through the end of December). This advice holds true for the entire country, which is indisputably at its best in this period.
Below I give a quick overview of visiting in each season, but you can read more in-depth in our guide to when to visit Argentina.
Visiting in Spring (September to December(
During the spring you’ll have pleasant temperatures in almost the entire country - not too hot in the north, and not too cold in the south - making it an ideal time for outdoor activities everywhere you go. Hiking, wine tours, and even urban exploring (especially in Buenos Aires, Mendoza and Córdoba) are absolutely ideal in the spring.
Patagonia bursts into life starting in September, with gorgeous landscapes in full bloom. Meanwhile, the little villages in the north are vibrant and full of energy. In Buenos Aires, the famous jacaranda trees charm every square with their magnificent purple flowers and the Porteños (residents of the city) emerge from their winter hibernation full of energy and excitement.
Weather and landscapes aside, spring falls outside of the peak tourist season (summer), so you'll encounter little in the way of crowds, and will have more affordable accommodation, tour, and flight options. With more availability and less competition for just about everything, you could expect to spend as little as around $100 USD per day if traveling in Argentina during the Spring. Not bad!
Visiting in the Fall (from March to May)
The fall is another special time of year to be in Argentina, so if you can’t make it during the spring, this is an excellent second choice.
While fall temperatures are a bit colder than during the spring (especially first thing in the morning and late at night), they’re still mostly pleasant, and you’ll be able to enjoy all types of outdoor activities. Fall is especially enjoyable in the northern regions, like Salta and Jujuy, where the weather is still quite warm and allows travelers to comfortably hike and explore the region.
Fall is the grape harvest season in wine regions like Mendoza, San Juan, and Cafayate (Salta), which makes it an excellent time for wine enthusiasts to visit.
And if you’re a photographer or just appreciate colorful landscapes, fall is a delight as the autumn foliage bursts into all sorts of rustic colors, especially in the Lake District in Patagonia.
Regarding tourism, this time of year is similar to spring in that you will see fewer tourists during this time and will have lower prices for accommodations, flights, and activities.
Visiting in Summer (From December to March)
For most visitors, especially if this is your first time coming to Argentina, the summer is not the best time to travel in Argentina. It tends to be very hot and humid, especially in the north and center of the country. Outdoor activities aren’t ideal as you’ll be roasting under a strong sun, and the cities can be pretty stifling, making urban exploring unpleasant as well.
The only exception to this is Patagonia, which offers mild summer temperatures and can be quite pleasant during this season. So, if your trip is focused on Patagonia, it’s not necessarily a bad time to come. You’ll be able to hike all over as almost all routes will be passable (no snowstorms), and it will be warm enough to do some watersports (like kite and windsurfing) in the Lake District.
Now, although Argentina is not really thought of as a beach destination, we do have an extensive coastline, which is fantastic to visit in the summer. Coastal cities and towns like Mar del Plata, Villa Gesell, Pinamar, and Cariló burst into life during the summer and fill to the brim with local vacationers.
These towns will all be crazy busy during the summer, but if you don’t mind crowds, like mixing it up with locals, and want to hit the beach, they can be pretty fun to visit.
If you like less crowded beaches, I’d recommend Las Grutas, in northern Patagonia, which has long beaches with calm waters, sheltered by cliffs and caves, Or, if you like surfing, Necochea is perfect.
Keep in mind that despite the unpleasant weather throughout the northern half of the country, this is the peak tourist season in Argentina, so there will be lots of crowds, high competition for bookings, and prices for everything will shoot up dramatically.
Visiting in Winter (June to August)
Winter in Argentina varies from mild to cold, with temperatures dropping significantly in Patagonia and the Andes. Our big cities will be quite chilly and potentially rainy during the winter, so a city-focused trip is definitely not ideal in winter. Hiking, especially in Patagonia, will be quite difficult (or impossible) as snowstorms will close roads and trails.
However, cold weather and high mountains means great skiing, so if you’re looking for a winter break and want to hit the slopes, winter is a great time to visit. Ski resorts in areas like Bariloche (northern Patagonia) and Las Leñas (near Mendoza) thrive during this season.
While winter is not as busy as summer, this is peak season for the ski resorts, so expect big crowds and very high prices. Plan to book well in advance to secure your accommodation.
Getting to Argentina
For visitors arriving from outside of South America, Buenos Aires will be your entryway to Argentina. Almost all long-distance international flights arrive into the city’s Ezeiza Airport (officially the Ministro Pistarini International Airport), and from there, you’ll be able to catch direct onward flights to just about anywhere in the country.
In the US, there are regular nonstop flights to Buenos Aires from New York, Atlanta, Miami, and Houston. If coming from elsewhere in the country, you will likely have a domestic connecting flight or internationally in Panama City, Santiago, or Sao Paulo.
Regions of Argentina
Argentina is enormous and diverse, meaning that you will notice huge changes as you travel throughout the country. So, to help you make sense of what there is to see and do here and where major points of interest are in relation to one another, I’ve broken up the country into various “regions” that I think are helpful from a touristic perspective.
A few of these are official administrative regions, while others are defined by their geography or simply where they are within the country. Some of them also overlap a bit with one another, so I’d suggest simply using these as a rough guide to orient yourself.
1. Northwest Argentina (NOA)
Northwest Argentina, known as the NOA Region, is made up of six provinces: Jujuy, Salta, La Rioja, Catamarca, Santiago del Estero and Tucumán. It is located in the far northwest of Argentina and shares a border with Chile and Bolivia.
It is a region of remarkable contrasts, extraordinary scenic beauty, and cultural richness.
Geographically and ecologically diverse, in one single you can travel from the exuberant Yungas jungle to the arid Puna dessert, where mountains take on so many colors that everything begins to seem unreal.
But the region also offers much more than just nature.
Its culture is defined by the legacy of native and pre-Columbian people, folkoric music, vibrant carnivals, “pachamama” festivals, local artisan traditions, excellent regional cuisine, the best empanadas of Argentina, and a burgeoning wine industry.
There is much to discover here!
2. Northeast Argentina (NEA & Litoral)
Northeast Argentina combines two regions, NEA and Litoral. As the name would imply, this is a part of Argentina in the far northeast corner, bordering Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil.
The NEA region’s terrain is predominantly flat, except in Misiones where the flatlands gradually turn into rolling hills. With a warm climate and very abundant rainfall, water is practically everywhere: lagoons, wetlands, and large rivers all crisscross the region, often finishing in spectacular waterfalls like that of Iguazu Falls. A few major waterways are the Paraná, Uruguay, Iguazú, Bermejo, and Pilcomayo.
The region called Litoral shares some of its provinces with NEA, such as Misiones and Corrientes, but also includes Entre Rios and part of Santa Fe.
With great climatic variety, the area is home to low forests of palm trees, savannahs, wide steppes, expansive wetlands, deltas, and some of the best hotsprings in the country. Visitors to the peaceful landscapes are also sure to encounter the region’s distinct music, Chamamé.
A more recent draw to Misiones and Corrientes are the ruins of Jesuit missions (from which the region of Misiones draws its name) that dot the region.
3. The Cuyo Region - Argentine Wine Country & Andes Mountains
Cuyo means "country of deserts" in the Huarpe Millcayac language of the region’s original inhabitants.
The region is located in the central west of Argentina and is made up of the provinces of Mendoza, San Juan and San Luis.
Most know Cuyo as the main center of wine production in Argentina, and that it is. However, there’s so much more here! While the vineyards hog all the spotlight, much of Cuyo exists in the shadow of the mighty Andes and there is tremendous natural beauty here.
The region has some of the most wonderful national parks, lunar landscapes, outstanding mountains (including Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas), crystalline rivers fed by snow melt, wild animals, and so much more. Everyone from hikers and trekkers to photographers is sure to find something to draw them to Cuyo.
4. Central Region - Las Pampas
Located smack in the center of Argentina, the Central Region is primarily affiliated with Argentina’s vast plains and grasslands, known as the Pampa. It’s also home to the nation’s capital, Buenos Aires.
The region comprises the provinces of Córdoba, Santa Fé, La Pampa, Entre Ríos, and Buenos Aires. Most of the land here is extremely flat, with the exception of a few hilly areas like Tandil and Sierra de la Ventana in Buenos Aires Province or the extroardinary “Sierras de Cordoba” (Pampa mountains) of Cordoba Province.
This is undoubtedly the region of Argentina that best preserves the country’s gaucho traditions, with many festivals, gaucho parades, colonial towns, rural estancias, and those moving sunsets over the endless pampas. And of course, the best beef and asados (barbecue) anywhere in South America!
5. Patagonia
We’ve reached the paradise of Argentina - Patagonia!
This exceptional region has inspired travelers, explorers and naturalists of all times and is now part of the world wide attractions, a mystical, mythical and really extraordinary land. This huge region is subdivided into North (Rio Negro and Neuquen) and South Patagonia (Chubut and Santa Cruz Province), and Extreme South (Tierra del Fuego).
I will focus in the Southernmost areas, as I feel they are the most unique; immense wild territory with virgin forests and unexplored beaches, petrified forests, lonely long gravel roads to meet nobody, and, sorry it’s not a personal opinion based on my love for my loving country; I mean it: in Patagonia you will find the most spectacular natural sceneries in earth.
I will offer suggestions of some very special spots from the main three ecosystems, coast, steppe and Mountain range but please remember that this region is worth visiting many times or in one very long trip, cause there is a lot to enjoy: the following list includes just few of those “many many many” sites to be seen.
For an idea on how to plan a Patagonia itinerary (including many of these places), check out our two week Patagonia itinerary.
6. Antarctic Argentina and the Tierra del Fuego
This remote region at the southern tip of Argentina is known for its rugged wilderness, including the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. It's a gateway to Antarctica and offers unique experiences like penguin colonies and glacier cruises.
Where to go on a first trip
1. Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is one of the most beautiful cities in the world (as an Argentine, of course I would say that though!), and no trip to Argentina would be complete without spending at least a few days here.
Our capital city is a place of contrasts: elite yet working class, busy and chaotic but somehow still relaxed and leisurely, distinctly American, but also European… It’s a complicated place that defies simple explanations!
A cultural mecca, you’ll find tons of beautiful architecture, historical theaters and bookstores, galleries, and more art and history museums than you could possibly want to visit.
The city is also filled with parks and green spaces, pleasant neighborhoods to meander through, and an incredible number of restaurants, bars, and cafes, for you to eat, drink, and dance the days and nights away.
Read more in our guide to Buenos Aires.
2. Iguazú Falls
In Argentina’s northeastern Misiones Province, the incredible, towering, thundering Iguazú Falls are one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a must-visit destination in Argentina.
Comprising almost 300 waterfalls coming together over a 1 mile extension, you will simply stare in awe when you get your first glimpse of the falls. And even before that, you’ll listen in amazement as you hear the sound of rolling thunder, made by the massive flow of water tumbling down to earth.
The tallest of the falls is Devil’s Throat (La Garganta del Deiablo), standing at almost 250 feet, and looking down from the top of it is a sight you will remember forever.
On the Argentine side of the park are 3 great intersecting walking trails, so you can spend quite a while simply wandering the trails and enjoying listening to and seeing this display of Mother Nature’s might. There are also companies that run jungle safaris and river boat tours that will bring you over to the falls from below.
3. Mendoza
Mendoza, in western Argentina near the border with Chile, and situated in the heart of Argentina's wine country in the foothills of the Andres mountains, is a bustling city that is well worth visiting for at least a few days.
If you’re interested in wine, this is one of the premier places in the country, and is home to lots of very highly regarded wineries. For winery visits and tours, plan to spend a lot of time in the Maipú and Luján de Cuyo regions.
And if you want to mix in some exercise with your wine touring, this is also a fantastic destination for hiking and whitewater rafting. The proximity to the Mendoza River affords convenient access to rafting excursions, while there are countless hikes of all lengths and difficulty levels weaving throughout the mountains and their foothills.
One super popular trek is the Cerro de la Gloria trail, which has great views of the city and surrounding vineyards.
And within the city itself, which is quite pleasant, you can wander through Plaza Independencia, the main square lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings, taste local specialties at the Mercado Central, and learn about the areas history at the Museo del Área Fundacional. For a bit of culture, try to catch a performance at Teatro Independencia.
Mendoza also hosts several festivals throughout the year, the biggest of which is the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia, celebrating the grape harvest, which takes place in the first week of March.
Learn more about it in our guide to Mendoza.
4. Salta and Jujuy
Salta and Jujuy, located in the far northwest of Argentina, offer a very different experience from what you will find anywhere else in the country. Salta, known as "La Linda" for its picturesque colonial architecture, is by far the most “Spanish” city in Argentina and the atmosphere and energy here are totally distinct.
The city has a few interesting landmarks such as the Cathedral and historic Cabildo (the city’s museum), and you can take a cable car up to nearby Cerro San Bernardo for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
But the biggest draws here are outside of the city: the nearby Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has otherworldly landscapes, like Purmararca - famous for its Hill of Seven Colors -, and offers some of the few opportunities you’ll find in Argentina to visit indigenous villages and peoples. including Purmamarca, famous for its Hill of Seven Colors.
If you rent a car, you should absolutely go for some scenic drives along the iconic Ruta 40 or take a a marvelous train ride through the cloud forest on the Tren a las Nubes.
In Jujuy, you can visit the Pucará de Tilcara archaeological site, which is a fabulously preserved pre-Inca fortress set in amazing surroundings. The surreal landscapes of the Salinas Grandes salt flats are another must-visit destination, while the Yungas Biosphere preserve is a lush cloudforest that offers a totally different landscape from the arid areas all around you, and has great hiking and birdwatching.
5. San Carlos de Bariloche
Bariloche, as the town’s name is often shortened to, is a lovely alpine town in Argentina’s Lake District of northern Patagonia. Nestled on the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake and beneath the towering and snow capped Andes mountains, Bariloche is often called the “Switzerland of Argentina”.
In the town’s center, you’ll find Swiss-style wooden chalets with sloping roofs, cobbled streets filled with boutique shops and chocolatiers, and a bustling atmosphere. With 130,000 residents, this is by far the biggest town in Patagonia, and it’s the best connected, with a robust network of buses that will take you all over the region. There’s also an airport in town.
Quite touristy, Bariloche is popular year-round, as it boasts great skiing in winter in the nearby Cerro Catedral resort, and excellent hiking and outdoor activities throughout the rest of the year in Nahuel Huapi National Park (and other areas) and on the lake itself.
Read more in our guide to Bariloche.
6. Perito Moreno and Los Glaciares National Park
Spread out over 2,800 square miles of Patagonia, Los Glaciares National Park is a rugged Andean landscape of incredible, raw beauty.
The star attraction in the park is the Perito Moreno Glacier; an immense ice formation with towering, vertical walls of shockingly blue hues. You can easily view the glacier from the parks many viewing platforms and pathways, but for an unforgettable experience, set out for some ice trekking on the glacier.
For a totally different perspective, there are kayaking tours that go out on Lago Argentino, from where you’ll have amazing views of the glacier and will be able to hear the sound of the glacier cracking and shifting in the distance.
This is one of the most popular places in Argentina, so it’s best to visit outside of summer (from the middle of December through the middle of March), and in the early morning, before the tour buses have arrived.
Connect with our Argentina travel expert Maria for help perfecting your itinerary, answers to all your travel questions, and fabulous local tips for a better visit!
Other places to consider if you have more time
Here are a few of my favorite places for those coming with a bit more time. For even more inspiration, have a look at my guide to 23 off the beaten path places in Argentina.
San Martin de Los Andes
In northern Patagonia, about 80 miles from Bariloche, San Martin de Los Andes is a pretty mountain town on the shores of the glacial Lake Lácar and within the gorgeous Lanín National Park. Like Bariloche, the town has charming Swiss-style architecture, nice boutique shops, chocolatiers, and a busy, holiday atmosphere.
The pristine nature of the region is the real reason to come here though, and boat trips, kayaking/canoeing, and fishing in the nearby lakes and rivers (there are many) are a great way to spend your days here. On dry land, there are an almost infinite number of hiking and mountain biking trails, ranging in all lengths and difficult levels, and you can also go out for days spent on horseback.
In winter, it’s ski season, and the Chapelco Ski Resort is only about half an hour from town. Thousands of people arrive in the winter months to hit the slopes.
Valdes Peninsula
Carved by wind and ocean currents, the Valdes Peninsula juts into the South Atlantic like a forgotten piece of Patagonia. This remote sanctuary, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a stark beauty and an unparalleled abundance of wildlife. Forget manicured lawns and boutique shops; Valdés is a raw land of endless pampas, towering cliffs, and windswept beaches where nature roars louder than tourist chatter.
But the peninsula's true jewels are its majestic inhabitants: southern right whales, orcas, seals and sea lions, Magellanic penguins, and many species of seabirds.
For an unforgettable and up close view of the whales (from June to December), take a boat tour out onto the seas and watch them majestically breach the water’s surface. You may also catch some orcas hunting, as they chase after seals. As for our tuxedoed friends, Punta Tombo is a penguin metropolis, teeming with around half a million of the wonderful creatures.
In addition to the incredible marine life, guanacos, rheas, and maras roam freely back on land.
Puerto Pirámides is the peninsula's main settlement, and it’s an unpretentious village with colorful houses and incredibly fresh seafood, but not much else. Alternatively, Puerto Madryn offers a touch more sophistication as well as convenient access to other Patagonian adventures. Whale watching trips depart from both towns.
El Chaltén
El Chaltén is a place that epitomizes the untamed beauty of Patagonia. It’s located in Santa Cruz Province and is often described as Argentina's hiking capital. This is for good reason – the area is jam-packed with some of the most beautiful trekking routes in not just Patagonia, but perhaps the entire world.
This small town has a population of just 1,627 people and it exudes a laid-back and adventurous atmosphere. The streets are simple and unassuming, lined with cozy accommodations, outdoor gear shops, and eateries.
The simple architecture blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings, adding to the town's rustic charm. The craggy peaks of Mt. Fitz Roy soar just beyond the towns limits and are visible from everywhere.
Tilcara
Tilcara is a pleasant little town in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, an arid valley in Argentina’s northwestern Andes. Surrounded by striking desert landscapes and the colorful, rugged mountains of the Quebrada, Tilcara makes for a great base in northwestern Argentina.
This is also an excellent place to experience indigenous culture and learn about Argentina’s pre-Columbian history and heritage: within just a 5-minute walk of town is the Pucará de Tilcara, a pre-Incan archaeological site.
Nearby, the Salinas Grandes salt flats and the multi-hued hills of Hornocal offer fantastic opportunities for exploring and photography, and the entire valley, including villages like Purmamarca and Humahuaca, are fairly easily reached from town.
La Cumbrecita
La Cumbrecita (which means “the little summit”) is a charming alpine-style town located in the Sierras Grandes mountains about 2 hours outside of Córdoba.
Set amongst forests, waterfalls, and many hiking trails, and with a pedestrian-only town center, this is a peaceful escape from busy urban life. A river runs right through the town and it’s super pleasant to just sit by the banks for a while and breathe in the clean alpine air.
Nearby, you can visit the town of Villa Alpina, which has a great history of mysterious German immigration after World War two and is, at the same time, the access point to climb Cerro Champaquí, the highest mountain in Córdoba.
Esquel
In Argentine Patagonia, in the province of Chubut, Esquel is known for its stunning natural surroundings and outdoor adventure opportunities. It’s the gateway to the nearby Los Alerces National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site that has pristine lakes, undisturbed forests, and fantastic hiking and fishing.
The town itself is charming, with a mix of Swiss and Welsh architecture, cozy cafes, and artisanal craft shops. Despite the town’s charm and the surrounding area’s natural beauty, Esquel is probably most famous for the Old Patagonian Express (La Trochita), a vintage narrow-gauge steam train that goes through town and offers scenic rides through the region's lovely landscapes. A ride is well, well worth it!
Iruya
Wow! This is a magical place. It is a remote and enchanting village located way up in the mountains of the Salta Province of northwestern Argentina. This village is perched precariously on the mountainside, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding rugged terrain.
Right in town, visitors can explore Iruya's cobblestone streets, traditional adobe houses, and the historic church, all set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. While Iruya has become a tourist destination, it’s still largely unspoiled, and outside of town, there’s tons of great hiking.
What to do in Argentina
Go Tango Dancing
While it may feel a bit cliché, attending a Tango show is absolutely worthwhile when visiting Buenos Aires. Even better than just watching, would be to take a class or show up at one of the city’s dance halls to try it out yourself.
Marvel at Iguazu Falls
Explore the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls, where you can take boat tours to get up close to the cascades or walk along scenic trails in the surrounding national park. Be sure to visit both the Argentina and Brazilian sides of the falls for two very different perspective.
Sample Argentine wine
Argentina has a host of wine-producing regions, but the two most established are in/around Mendoza (in the west of the country) and Salta (in the far northwest). You can spend days visiting vineyards and sampling excellent wines in both regions.
Hike, hike, and hike some more
Exceptional hiking opportunities away you almost anywhere you go in Argentina, but Patagonia in the south, and Salta and Jujuy in the north are two destinations with unparalled access to the outdoors. The foothills and mountains around Mendoza are also fantastic though.
Feast on grilled meats at an Asado
Anywhere you go in Argentina, you must try a traditional Argentine barbecue, known as an asado, where you’ll be served copious amounts of steak, chorizo, and other grilled meats.
Spot wildlife
Argentina is incredibly diverse, and we have a fascinating range of flora and fauna here. You can see whales in Peninsula Valdés, penguins in Punta Tombo, and jaguars in the Iberá Wetlands, among many others.
Journey to the “end of the World”
Explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, and go hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park and visit penguin colonies.
Go rafting and kayaking
The Lake District in Argentina is a playground for outdoor-adventure lover’s, and whitewater rafting and kayaking trips are some of the most fun ways to get out on the water and get your adrenaline pumping.
The Manso River, outside of Bariloche, is one of the best places for these activities.
Experience the culture and festivals
Experience Argentine culture through festivals and events, such as the Carnival celebrations in the northwest, the National Grape Harvest Festival in Mendoza, and the Tango Festival in Buenos Aires.
Hit the slopes
Go skiing at winter resorts like Bariloche, Las Leñas, and Chapelco. Bariloche especially, has a very fun ski scene, with holidayers from all over Argentina and South America visiting to ski and then see and be seen in town afterwards.
These are the perfect places to visit if you find yourself in Argentina during the winter.
Visit historic cities
Explore colonial towns like Salta and San Miguel de Tucumán in the northwest, which feature well-preserved Spanish architecture.
Lounge on the beach
While Argentina isn’t typically thought of as a beach destination, when the weather is good, the coast gets packed with beachgoers. Some of the most popular beach towns are Mar del Plata, Pinamar, and Villa Gesell, all about 4.5 hours from Buenos Aires.
Scale the glaciers
If you make it to Patagonia, you must check out the glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park, including the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier. There are boat tours on the adjacent lake which get right up to the glacier, but for the ultimate experience, book a tour and go ice trekking on the glacier itself.
Go rock climbing
If you’re a climber, El Chaltén is a world-renowned climbing destination with spectacular landscapes.
Catch some fish
If you like fishing, Patagonia, Paraná, or the lost rivers in the mountains of Cordoba will amaze you. But always remember to to practice catch and release fishing.
Transportation and how to get around
Due to Argentina’s vast size, it’s almost always necessary to take flights when traveling between major destinations.
Once you reach an area of the country that you want to explore, renting a car or taking medium-to-long distance buses is a fine option, but when trying to cover the really large distance, flights are your best and quickest bet.
Taking domestic flights
Domestic flights in Argentina are fairly plentiful (mostly operated by the national carrier - Aerolineas Argentinas) and there are good connections between Buenos Aires and a host of cities/destinations (Salta, Mendoza, Bariloche, El Calafate, Ushuaia, etc.).
One-way tickets can cost as little as $60 USD if booked in advance, but you should typically expect tickets to range from $60-$200 USD. Flights from Buenos Aires to elsewhere in the country are usually between 2 and 3.5 hours.
The biggest downside to flying is that you will almost always have to connect through Buenos Aires if trying to travel between any other destinations in the country. There are very few direct flights that don’t originate or end in Buenos Aires, so you almost always need to first return to the capital, and then catch a connecting flight on to your final destination.
Connecting flights are not always conveniently scheduled, so be sure to look carefully and book accordingly to minimize wasted time in the airports.
Long-distance buses
Argentina has a fantastic network of long-distance buses which will get you almost anywhere you need to go in the country. These are modern, comfortable, and reliable, and you should feel totally comfortable using them.
The prices for long-distance bus journeys are quite similar to plane tickets though, so just be aware that they are not a budget alternative. Rather, you will likely end up taking the bus if you’re traveling an intermediate distance, are going somewhere without an airport, or if the flight options just don’t make sense (excessively long/inconvenient travel times because of the need to transfer in Buenos Aires).
Remember though, distances in Argentina are vast, so you will need to be quite patient when traveling by bus. For example, the 700 kilometer journey from Córdoba to Buenos Aires takes 9 hours, and that’s not an especially long distance trip…
Extent of the bus network:
Almost every city or big town in Argentina will have bus service that connects it with at least a few big cities, major points of interest, and surrounding towns/areas. For popular routes, there will be bus service every day or multiple times per day, while less common routes may be offered only a few times per week.
Night buses:
For extremely long routes, there are night buses, which provide relatively comfortable “sleeper seats”. Service on night buses varies from one company to the next, but some of them will even include breakfast and dinner.
Buying tickets:
Generally, outside of the high tourist season, there are always at least a few open seats, so there’s not really any need to book in advance. You can just show up at the bus station a little bit early and buy whatever ticket you need.
There are typically multiple companies who run similar routes, and most of them have websites where you can purchase online and in advance though, and that’s probably a wise decision just to be sure you don’t get stuck anywhere.
Omnilineas and Plataforma10 are two comprehensive booking platforms showing routes and timetables all over the country.
Luggage on buses:
All buses have luggage storage and you are never charged extra for bags, so that’s one hassle (and charge) that you don’t need to worry about.
Renting a car
Trying to do a countrywide road trip by car in Argentina usually doesn’t make sense unless you have a really extended amount of time to spend here (3 weeks or more). And even then, it’s still probably not the best idea, as you will too frequently end up with incredibly long days of driving.
So, if you want to have the freedom to explore with a rental car, what I’d suggest is flying and/or taking long-distance buses for the really long journeys, and then renting a car locally and using it to get around the surrounding area.
Most roads in Argentina are well maintained and safe, and drivers are pretty well behaved (outside of Buenos Aires and Rosario), so driving here is mostly quite easy and pleasant. Be aware that in the north, roads aren’t always paved though.
Requirements to rent a car:
You must be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Argentina, and some rental agencies may require you to be 25.
A valid driver's license from your home country is usually sufficient, however, if your license is not in Spanish, you may need to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside it.
Rental agencies:
Big international companies like Hertz, Avis and Europcar all have a presence in Argentina, but you will find local agencies in each city as well. No matter who you rent from, always make sure to check over the car's condition, including tires, brakes, and overall cleanliness, before accepting it. To be extra sure, it’s best to take pictures of everything when you get the car.
Rental costs:
Prices vary depending on service, car type, and mileage restrictions, but in general, local agencies tend to offer better prices than international ones. Prices also vary by season and location, but a rough price estimate for a medium-sized sedan would be around $25 USD per day.
Where to find a rental:
To check rental prices and book, I recommend using DiscoverCars. It’s a car rental website that includes offerings from all the major international rental companies as well as lots of smaller local agencies, which often have much better pricing. You can frequently find great deals.
Driving in Argentina
As mentioned above, roads are mostly in quite good shape, and drivers here are pretty laid back and agreeable. For the most part, we follow the standard rules and driving courtesies that you’d find anywhere.
There are highways connecting all major cities and you will find gas stations with convenience stores at regular intervals along them.
For your own peace of mind, you should definitely be aware that it’s common in Argentina for the traffic police to carry out routine checks, during which you need to show all of the car’s papers and driver’s documents even when no violation has been committed. So, just don’t be alarmed if they ask you for this - it’s normal.
The only exception to the generally stress-free driving here is in the big cities, where it will without a doubt be quite an experience for you. You will probably frequently find yourself in intense traffic jams with horns ringing all around you, and people (especially taxi and bus drivers) going a bit mad and driving extremely aggressively. In these cases, just relax, don’t return the aggression, and be patient. It’ll be fine.
In larger cities like Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario, or Mendoza, parking can also be very challenging to find. I’d recommend that you use paid lots or garages, as these are organized, official, and safe.
If parking on the street, be careful of the “trapitos” or “naranjitas”, unofficial people who will “take care” of your car when you park in crowded places. They ask for very high rates to watch your car (really it’s just an extortion to have them not damage it) and many of them are a bit aggressive. So, try to park in a paid parking place instead.
Taking taxis and Uber
When in cities, you will find taxis everywhere, and will never struggle to hail one. You can stop them on the street just with a movement of the arm (they usually have a red light on inside the car if they are available), however, it’s usually better to call for a taxi, just to avoid any scams.
You can always ask your hotel if they have a reliable taxi driver's phone number so you can take it with you.
There are also taxi apps (different ones in each city), which you can download and use to call a cab just like with Uber. Speaking of which, Uber is another good alternative, and it’s available in most cities (but not all - Córdoba, for example, doesn’t have it).
Taxi prices vary from city to city and week to week, but a rough price estimate would be about about $5 USD for every 10 kilometers or so. Taxis are paid in cash or through the app that you called it with.
Argentina itineraries - from 10 days to 2 weeks
Because of Argentina’s size, there are simply too many possibilities for itineraries to be able to list them all. But as I mentioned earlier in this article, there are some places that should feature on any first-timer’s itinerary, so I’ve tried to create a couple of sample itineraries that cover the “must visits” and touch a little bit of the entire country.
10-day itinerary - Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Mendoza, and Patagonia
Days 1 & 2: Buenos Aires
Day 1: Explore the historic neighborhoods of San Telmo and La Boca. Walk around Puerto Madero and have a meal next to the docks. Attend a tango show and enjoy a traditional Argentine dinner
Day 2: Visit iconic landmarks like the Obelisco and the Plaza de Mayo. Explore the Recoleta Cemetery and the Recoleta neighborhood. Stroll along Avenida Alvear for high-end shopping. Dine at a parilla (steakhouse) and savor Argentine beef.
Days 3 & 4: Iguazu Falls
Day 3: Catch an early morning flight to Iguazu Falls. Visit the Argentina side of the national park, walking the various trails, looking out from La Garganta del Diablo, and taking a boat tour.
Day 4: Head over to the Brazilian side of the falls for panoramic views and more exploring. Return to the Argentine side in the evening.
Day 5 & 6: Mendoza
Day 5: Fly directly from Iguazu to Mendoza first thing in the morning. Settle into the city and explore the downtown. In the afternoon, go for a wine tasting at a local vineyard. Grab dinner back in Mendoza.
Day 6: Take a full-day wine tour in the Maipu or Lujan de Cuyo wine regions (either do this with a guide or rent a car and set out on your own).
Days 7 & 8: Bariloche - northern Patagonia
Day 7: Catch and early morning flight from Mendoza to the town of San Carlos de Bariloche, in northern Patagonia’s Lake District. Wander around the charming Swiss-like alpine town, checking out the little stores, chocolate shops, and great cafes and restaurants.
Take a boat tour of Lake Nahuel Huapi (the lake whose shores Bariloche sits on).
Day 8: Get out into nature on a full-day excursion of the Circuito Chico and the Llao Llao Peninsula.
Day 9: San Martin de Los Andes - northern Patagonia
Take a trip out to San Martin de Los Andes, about 80 miles away from Bariloche. Tour the town, get out onto Lake Lácar, or go mountain biking/hiking, or kayaking/fishing in the nearby foothills and waterways of Lanín National Park.
Day 10: Return to Buenos Aires
Fly back to Buenos Aires from Bariloche and enjoy your final afternoon and evening in Buenos Aires checking out any of the sights you haven’t already seen.
2-week countrywide itinerary - Buenos Aires, northern Puna, Mendoza, Patagonia, Iguazu
Days 1-3: Buenos Aires
Day 1: Start the day walking through Puerto Madero, a luxury area of the capital. Then, head over to El Barrio de La Boca y “El Caminito” for a total contrast. To know this colorful neighborhood while you eat a delicious chorizo steak and see people dancing Tango in the streets in a unique experience.
After, go to Plaza de Mayo and take your time to breathe in its history. Visit San Telmo, the bohemian neighborhood of our capital. Walk down to Florida and Corrientes streets.
Day 2: Explore the Barrios de Monserrat y San Nicolás, which are basically the historic center of Buenos Aires. Here you can visit Teatro Colon, take a picture in the 9 de Julio Street next to the obelisk, visit the Cathedral and La Casa Rosada.
Then, walk down Avenida de Mayo to reach Plaza del Congreso. End the day having a coffee at Café Tortoni where Borges and Carlos Gardel used to sit and work.
Day 3: Take a guided tour of the Palacio Barolo. Visit one of the most beautiful libraries in the world: Ateneo Gran Splendid. Walk to Recoleta (1 mile) and visit the Recoleta cemetery and it’s great mausoleums.
From Recoleta you can take a bus that passes along Avenida Figueroa Alcorta and reaches the Bosques de Palermo neighborhood. In spring, the rose garden is pure magic, and when it gets dark you can see the Galileo Galilei Planetarium illuminated.
Days 4-7: The northern Puna
Located in the northwestern part of the country, the Puna is a high-altitude plateau that stretches across Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. It is a unique and captivating area that offers travelers a chance to explore one of Argentina's most remote and mesmerizing regions.
The landscapes of Salta and Jujuy, such as Iruya, Tilcara, Purmamarca, Humahuaca and Cachi, are just few unmissable destinations for those who want to know the Andean culture and an incredible landscape of deserts, painted mountains (as the seven-color mountain) and small villas.
Day 4: Take a flight from Buenos Aires to Jujuy Capital. Visit Jujuy and its vibrant life.
Day 5: You can hire an adventure tour starting in San Salvador de Jujuy, traveling through the Quebrada de Humahuaca and reach the Salinas Grandes.
Day 6: Go to Purmamarca and along the Cuesta de Lipán. Visit the Hornacal, and the little town of Tilcara. If you still have time you can reach the magical village of Iruya.
Day 7: Go to the north of the province to visit the Laguna de los Pozuelos and the Valle de La Luna Jujeña in Cusi Cusi with its wonderful scenery.
Days 8 & 9: Iguazú Falls
Known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Iguazú Falls and the surrounding tropical forests will captivate you as one of the wildest places in the country. The National Park is made up of over 250 individual waterfalls, offering stunning views that can be accessed via well-maintained trails and viewpoints.
Travelers can get closer to the falls through boat tours and experiencing the thunderous power of the waterfalls, including being much closer than you really want from La Garganta del Diablo, one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world.
The surrounding rainforest is a wildlife lover's paradise, with the opportunity to spot toucans, capuchin monkeys and coatis. Bird watchers will be delighted by the various species of birds that inhabit this place.
Day 8: Fly from Salta to Iguazu. Marvel in awe at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Walk the trails on the Argentine side, check out La Garganta del Diablo, and take a boat trip. If you have time, head over to the Brazilian side for a panoramic view.
Day 9: Visit Puerto Iguazu and the Hito de las Tres Fronteras. Do not miss Minas de Wanda and Ruinas de San Ignacio.
Days 10-12: Mendoza and wine country
Located in the central west of Argentina, Mendoza is known for its world-class wineries and stunning Andean landscape. Winery visits are the primary reason to come, and if you want to combine wine with a bit of exercise, you can rent a bike and tour the wineries by bike.
You can also choose more adrenaline activities and take a bus to the foot of the Andes where you will find the river rapids for whitewater rafting, or hiking in the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes. In winter, there’s great skiing and snowboarding in Las Leñas and Potrerillos, among others.
Day 10: Day trip to the Termas de Cacheuta spa in the heart of the Andes for some relaxation.
Day 11: You can rent a bike and cycling to some wineries or you can take a hop-on hop-off wine bus, which stops in nearly two dozen wineries.
Day 12: Enjoy Mendoza City. Go to Plaza Independencia; Cerro de la Gloria for its city views. General San Martin Park, one of the best urban green spaces in the country. And the Mundialista Stadium, site of the 1978 World Cup. In the afternoon, stop for coffee or a glass of wine at one of the cafés along Avenue Colón.
Days 13 & 14: Bariloche - northern Patagonia
I would sum up Patagonia in three words: stunning natural beauty. San Martín de los Andes, Villa La Angostura, La Ruta de los Lagos, and Perito Moreno Glacier are just some of the impressive landscapes you will find in Patagonia. These places will surprise you for several reasons, but the true essence of them is the power of nature and untouched wildlife.
You will inevitably experience feelings of solitude and awe from the endless and remote horizons in front of and all around you.
Day 13: Catch an early morning flight from Mendoza to San Carlos de Bariloche. Wander around the charming Swiss-like alpine town, checking out the little stores, chocolate shops, and great cafes and restaurants. Take a boat tour of Lake Nahuel Huapi (the lake whose shores Bariloche sits on).
Day 14: Get out into nature on a full-day excursion of the Circuito Chico and the Llao Llao Peninsula.
Day 15: Return to Buenos Aires (and departure from Argentina)
Catch a flight back to Buenos Aires and say goodbye to Argentina.
Average travel expenses and costs
Hotels:
Basic hotels 60-80 USD
Boutique hotesl 150-350 USD
Luxury establishments 350-500 USD
The best 5-star hotels in the country, like Alvear Palace, Faena, Duhau Palace, Hyatt Four Seasons, etc: from 600 to 1,500 USD.
Hostels: 15-40 USD
Campsites: approximately 6-12 USD
Car rental: from 40 to 70 USD per day
Domestic flights: If flying with Aerolineas Argentinas, expect to pay 50-100 USD for a one-way ticket during peak travel times. Prices can often be half that if booked well in advance or if traveling in off-season.
Low cost airlines can be half the price, but between the luggage charges that you’ll likely end up paying and the frequent delays and cancellations, they are just not usually worth considering.
Long distance bus: long-distance bus journeys often cost about the same as plane tickets, but of course, the journeys are much longer. Here are a few routes with sample pricing for one-way tickets.
Buenos Aires to Patagonia (in the south) or Salta (in the northwest): from 60 to 80 USD.
Buenos Aires to Iguazu (in the northeast) or Mendoza (in the west): 60 to 7p USD.
Buenos Aires to Cordoba (in central Argentina) and other mid-range destinations: from 20 to 50 USD.
Meals: Assuming you’re having a few alcoholic drinks and dessert with your meal, here are some general prices you could expect:
At casual-cheap restaurants: from 9 to 15 USD
Mid-range, relatively upscale options or typical bodegones: from 15 to 40 USD.
Famous and very high-end establishments: 50 to 100 USD
Alcohol:
A glass of beer or wine at a bar: Beer - 1.50 to 3. Wine: 3-5 US. You could pay much, much more than this at nice restaurants, especially if you want really high quality wine (as high as almost $20 a glass).
Taxi: When traveling within a city, you could expect for most rides to range from 4 to 10 USD. If traveling from the far end of the city to the opposite side, this could be a bit more.
Local Bus: approximately 0.30 USD per ride. The subway in Buenos Aires costs about 0.10 per journey.
Museums: Many museums are free, but for ones with entrance fees, expect to typically pay from 1 to 5 USD.
Guided tours:
For private tours including a car, driver, and licensed guide, expect to pay from 250-350 for a half-day tour, and 500-700 for a full-day one.
If just doing a walking tour with a guide (no transportation or driver), half-day tours will cost from 160-240 and full-day ones will run you about 320 to 480 USD.
Winery visit/tour: There is a very wide range of prices for winery tours, and the cost depends heavily on what’s included (tastings, meals, transportation to and form the winery, etc.).
A visit could cost anywhere from 15 to 80 USD. I know that range of pricing is too wide to be helpful, but it really is just impossible to give you a standard price.
National park entrance fees: Park entrance fees are around 5 USD in less touristy destinations, 10-15 in Patagaonia, and 20 at Iguazu Falls. Some parks are free, but more often than not there will be a small fee.
Gear/equipment rentals: Note that all fees below are per day
Sleeping bag, waterproof jacket, waterproof pants, or trekking boots: approximately 5 USD each
Rain boots for serious expeditions: about 8 USD
Large trekking backpack: around 5-10 USD
Small backpack 2-5 USD
Trekking poles: around 2 USD
Organized group excursions:
Glacier hike: 150-300 USD per person
Kayaking: 90-120 USD per person
Rafting 40-60 USD per person
Useful things to know
I can’t cover everything in just one guide, but below I’ve tried to answer some of the remaining major questions that I haven’t already addressed in this guide.
What is the currency in Argentina?
Argentina uses the Argentine Peso (ARS) which is denoted by the same sign as the US Dollar ($). Due to massive inflation in recent years and general economic volatility, Argentines generally prefer to hold their cash in USD, which is more stable. This has created an enormous market for USD in the country, pushing up the relative value of the dollar, and devaluing the peso.
While the Argentine government imposes an official exchange rate, which in the past was around 300 ARS to 1 USD, that valuation is highly artificial, meaning that you will find that the official rate is rarely used in practice.
This currency manipulation created a demand for a “black market” exchange, which led to the unofficial, but much more common exchange rate, referred to as the “dólar blue” (blue dollar). This rate is many times higher, around 1000 ARS to 1 USD.
This is very confusing, especially for foreigners, and it makes predicting and understand the relative price of goods and services pretty difficult. So, one common practice here is for larger ticket items (hotels, tours/experiences, expensive consumer goods, etc., to be priced in USD, which fixes the price to a stable amount and eliminates the need to worry about official vs unofficial rates).
Ok, now that you have a basic understanding of the currency and the relative value to the USD, let’s take a look at what this means for actively paying for things and getting/exchanging cash in the country. More on that bleow:
Exchanging/withdrawing money
Considering the robust market for USD, there are many ways to exchange your American Dollars. If you’re coming with Euros of British Pounds, those can also be readily exchanged, though Dollars are certainly the preferred currency.
Here are the best and most common ways to exchange USD:
Using Western Union
Western Union offices are all over the place in Argentina, and you will find them in big cities and small towns alike. Western Union uses the blue dollar rate, so this is a safe and official way to get the best exchange rate possible.
To change money here, you will have to wire yourself USD via a credit/debit card or from your bank account, and then go to an office to withdraw the equivalent amount of Argentine Pesos. Credit and debit cards are immediate, whereas bank transfers may take a few days, but they will have smaller fees.
To withdraw your money, you’ll need to bring your passport (or a copy of it), so be sure that the name you put on the transfer exactly matches the name on your ID/passport.
Outside of the big cities, Western Union offices in small towns may have daily limits on the amount of money that you can withdraw, so be sure to ask about this before making a transfer.
Using “Cuevas” (informal exchange houses)
Cuevas are informal exchange houses that will always exchange USD at the blue dollar rate. There are tons of them in every city, and most are reliable and safe. Even so, it’s often best to ask at your hotel for a recommendation of a good one to use.
In all cases though, never exchange money directly on the street. This is an entirely unsafe practice and will mark you as an obvious victim to thieves.
Important note: in Argentina, as in Brazil and other South American countries, the currency exchange offices do not want "old" dollars (they call them "cara chica", which means little face. As an example, on the one-dollar bill, George Washington appears with a smaller figure on old bills than on new ones). Exchange offices will often offer you a 5% lower exchange rate for these older bills.
These exchange houses also have a strong preference for crisp, clean 100 dollar bills. They may reject smaller denominations, or bills that are marked, lightly damaged, etc. So, if you’re bringing cash with you to exchange, make sure to inspect the bills carefully when you withdraw them from your bank.
Withdrawing money
In general I do not recommend withdrawing money from ATMs in Argentina unless you absolutely have to. If at all possible, avoid withdrawing money from ATMs when in Argentina. The ATM fees are often extortionately high and they will have very low limits on how much you can withdraw. Your bank may also have charges for international ATM use.
One positive recent development, however, is that the ATMs now often use the dollar blue rate (this was not the case in the past), so the exchange rate will probably be reasonable.
Even so, exchanging cash at either Western Union or a currency exchange is a better and cheaper option.
As irritating as it is, withdrawing money at ATMs in Argentina is costly and inefficient.
Paying for things with credit cards
Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, except for possibly in small, informal shops. Be mindful when using your international credit cards, however, as there may be foreign transaction fees, and more importantly, you will usually be charged the official government exchange rate, rather than the blue dollar rate.
At the time of writing this article (December 2023), the new government in Argentina has imposed a new official ARS to USD exchange rate of about 800:1, which is much closer to the blue dollar rate of about 1000:1. Even so, that’s a 25% spread, so you’re best off putting your credit card away when possible and using cash instead.
Tipping
Tipping isn’t a big thing in Argentina outside of restaurants and maybe taxis. When you need to tip, the amount is usually 10% and here’s how to know when a tip is expected: if you sit down in a place, be it a cafe or a restaurant, you tip (except for fast food joints). Likewise, around 10% for a taxi ride is a nice tip.
Bargaining
Prices in Argentina are fixed and we are not used to haggling, except for in informal markets.
Maria Casiraghi
Argentina Expert based in Buenos Aires
¡Hola y buenos días! 👋
Hi, I'm Maria, and I've been a tour guide and travel consultant here in Argentina for the last 20 years. If you're looking for some local advice on your trip, I'd love to help!
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