Argentina Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Argentina? This comprehensive guide covers everything from top attractions to cultural customs and logistics.


Introduction to Argentina

Argentina, located in South America, is a diverse country known for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re looking to explore the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, hike through the Andes Mountains, or sip on world-renowned Malbec wine, Argentina has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Argentina

Here are some of the top attractions and destinations to add to your Argentina itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The historic Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires, where many significant political events have taken place
  • The highly regarded MALBA museum in Buenos Aires, featuring works by Latin American artists
  • The stunning Iguazu Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the border with Brazil
  • San Telmo, the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires known for its vibrant street art and tango performances
  • The Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba, another UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing the region’s colonial history

Natural Attractions of Argentina: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Andes Mountains, offering countless opportunities for hiking, skiing, and mountain biking
  • The colorful La Boca neighborhood in Buenos Aires, famous for its painted buildings and soccer stadium
  • The breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier located in Los Glaciares National Park
  • The rugged terrain of Patagonia, where visitors can go trekking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting
  • The wine region of Mendoza, where visitors can sample Malbec and enjoy vineyard tours and tastings

Hiking/Biking Routes of Argentina

Argentina offers some of the most breathtaking trekking and biking routes in the world. Some popular routes to consider include:

  • The Andes Trail, a six-day trek through the Andes Mountains from Salta to San Pedro de Atacama
  • The W Trek, a five-day hike through Torres del Paine National Park
  • The Lake District Circuit, a seven-day trek through scenic Patagonia
  • The Esteros del Ibera Wetlands, a bike tour through the stunning Ibera National Park

Best Things to Do in Argentina: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, Argentina offers a variety of activities and tours to fit any traveler’s interests. Here are a few ideas:

  • Attend a traditional tango show in Buenos Aires
  • Go wildlife spotting in the Valdes Peninsula
  • Visit a local estancia (ranch) and learn about Argentine cowboy culture
  • Explore the picturesque town of Bariloche, known as the “Switzerland of South America”
  • Take a boat tour through the Beagle Channel in Ushuaia

Week-Long Itinerary for Argentina

Here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Argentina:

Day Destination
1 Buenos Aires
2 Tigre Delta and San Telmo in Buenos Aires
3 Fly to Bariloche and explore the town
4 Full-day hike in Nahuel Huapi National Park
5 Scenic drive along the Seven Lakes Road and visit Villa La Angostura
6 Fly to Mendoza and visit a winery
7 Hike in the Andes Mountains and fly back to Buenos Aires

Food and Drink Scene of Argentina

Argentina is known for its delicious cuisine and wine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Asado: a traditional barbecue-style meal featuring various cuts of meat cooked over an open flame
  • Empanadas: savory pastries filled with meat, vegetables, and cheese
  • Alfajores: sweet treats consisting of two cookies with dulce de leche in the middle
  • Milanesa: breaded and fried meat cutlets (similar to Wiener schnitzel)

Local Beverages

  • Malbec wine: Argentina is known for producing some of the world’s best Malbec wine
  • Mate: a traditional drink made from yerba mate leaves, served in a gourd and sipped through a metal straw
  • Fernet with Coke: a popular cocktail made with Fernet (a bitter spirit) and Coca-Cola

Where to Stay in Argentina: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Argentina offers a range of accommodation options for every budget. Here are some top picks:

  • Four Seasons in Buenos Aires, a luxurious hotel located in the heart of the city
  • Hostel Lao in Mendoza, a budget-friendly option with clean rooms and a rooftop terrace
  • Estancia El Colibri in the Cordoba region, a charming guesthouse surrounded by beautiful countryside

What to Buy in Argentina: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some popular souvenirs to consider buying in Argentina include:

  • Leather goods, such as jackets and purses
  • Tango shoes and music
  • Mate gourds and metal straws
  • Handicrafts, such as textiles and pottery

Local Culture and Customs of Argentina

Argentines are known for their love of football (soccer), tango, and mate. It’s customary to greet people with a kiss on the cheek, and punctuality is not always a top priority. Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in major cities.

Best Time to Visit Argentina

The best time to visit Argentina depends on what regions you want to explore. Generally, the best time to visit Buenos Aires and the central region is from September to November and March to May. The best time to visit the Andes Mountains and Patagonia is from December to February.

Do’s and Don’ts of Argentina

Do:

  • Learn some Spanish phrases before you go
  • Try Argentine barbecue and Malbec wine
  • Embrace Argentine culture, such as tango and mate

Don’t:

  • Wear flashy jewelry or display valuables
  • Attempt to hail a taxi on the street, as some may be unofficial and unsafe
  • Touch the shoulder of someone who is older than you (this is considered disrespectful)

Safety and Health

Safety in Argentina

Argentina is generally considered a safe country for travelers. However, it’s important to be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas and to take precautions at night in certain neighborhoods like La Boca in Buenos Aires.

Health in Argentina

No vaccines are required for travel to Argentina, but it’s recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Tap water is generally safe to drink in major cities, but bottled water is readily available if preferred. It’s important to take precautions against altitude sickness if traveling to high-altitude regions like the Andes Mountains.

Getting to Argentina: Transportation Options and Logistics

Argentina is well-connected by air and bus.

Airports Near Argentina

The main airport is Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires, but there are also international airports in Mendoza, Córdoba, and Bariloche.

Bus Stations Near Argentina

Buenos Aires is the main hub for long-distance buses. The main bus station is Terminal de Omnibus de Buenos Aires.

Other Options

Argentina also has a well-developed train system and numerous domestic airlines. Renting a car or hiring a private driver is also an option for those looking to explore the countryside at their own pace.

How to Get Around in Argentina

Public transportation is available in major cities, including buses and subways. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. For those looking to explore the countryside, renting a car or hiring a private driver may be the best option.

Where to Go Next from Argentina: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider after exploring Argentina:

  • Brazil: Visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro or explore the Amazon Rainforest
  • Uruguay: Relax on the beaches of Punta del Este or explore the charming colonial city of Colonia del Sacramento
  • Chile: Visit Patagonia or explore the vibrant city of Santiago

Conclusion

Argentina is a diverse and beautiful country with something to offer every traveler. From the vibrant city of Buenos Aires to the rugged terrain of Patagonia, there’s no shortage of adventure and exploration to be had in this South American gem.

Skyline of Córdoba Skyline of Córdoba Gauchos (Argentine Gauchos (Argentine "cowboys") resting in the Pampas, painted in 1846 by Johann Moritz Rugendas Argentines of Belarusian descent taking part in a festival. Argentines of Belarusian descent taking part in a festival. Visa policy of Argentina Visa policy of Argentina Ticket booths at Buenos Aires intercity bus station Ticket booths at Buenos Aires intercity bus station Railways in Argentina Railways in Argentina National road 7 near Mendoza with the Andes in the background National road 7 near Mendoza with the Andes in the background The Iguaçu Falls are one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world - as viewed from the Brazilian side. The Iguaçu Falls are one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world - as viewed from the Brazilian side. Mar del Plata is a major Argentinian beach destination Mar del Plata is a major Argentinian beach destination Bife de chorizo Bife de chorizo Mate Mate Tango is never far away when you're wandering through Buenos Aires Tango is never far away when you're wandering through Buenos Aires San Ignacio Miní, one of the world heritage listed Jesuit missions in the north of Argentina San Ignacio Miní, one of the world heritage listed Jesuit missions in the north of Argentina As in much of South America, many consider football more than just another sport As in much of South America, many consider football more than just another sport Cybercafe with public phones in Rosario Cybercafe with public phones in Rosario


    Andean Northwest
    Chaco
    Cuyo
    Mesopotamia
    Pampas
    Patagonia
    Tierra del Fuego