Argentina Travel Guide
Planning a trip to Argentina? This comprehensive guide covers everything from top attractions to cultural customs and logistics.
- Introduction to Argentina
- List of Places to Visit in Argentina
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Argentina
- Best Things to Do in Argentina: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Argentina
- Food and Drink Scene of Argentina
- Where to Stay in Argentina: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Argentina: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Argentina
- Best Time to Visit Argentina
- Do’s and Don’ts of Argentina
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Argentina: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Argentina
- Where to Go Next from Argentina: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
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.
Argentina Image Gallery
![Skyline of Córdoba](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f8/El_Faro_de_C%C3%B3rdoba.jpg/100px-El_Faro_de_C%C3%B3rdoba.jpg)
![Gauchos (Argentine](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/Gauchos_resting_in_the_pampas_by_Rugendas.jpg/100px-Gauchos_resting_in_the_pampas_by_Rugendas.jpg)
![Argentines of Belarusian descent taking part in a festival.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c1/Colectividad_Bielorrusa_de_Argentina.jpg/100px-Colectividad_Bielorrusa_de_Argentina.jpg)
![Railways in Argentina](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ee/Passanger_Railways_in_Argentina.png/100px-Passanger_Railways_in_Argentina.png)
![National road 7 near Mendoza with the Andes in the background](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f7/Mendoza_-_Paso_de_la_Cumbre_-_Ruta_Nacional_7.jpg/100px-Mendoza_-_Paso_de_la_Cumbre_-_Ruta_Nacional_7.jpg)
![The Iguaçu Falls are one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world - as viewed from the Brazilian side.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/Iguacu-004.jpg/100px-Iguacu-004.jpg)
![Bife de chorizo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/22/ArgentinaSteak.jpg/100px-ArgentinaSteak.jpg)
![Mate](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9c/Yerba_mate.jpg/100px-Yerba_mate.jpg)
![Tango is never far away when you're wandering through Buenos Aires](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/13/Buenos_Aires-La_Boca-P2070009.jpg/100px-Buenos_Aires-La_Boca-P2070009.jpg)
![San Ignacio Miní, one of the world heritage listed Jesuit missions in the north of Argentina](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/72/San_Ignacio_Min%C3%AD.jpg/100px-San_Ignacio_Min%C3%AD.jpg)
![As in much of South America, many consider football more than just another sport](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d2/Fotodela22.jpg/100px-Fotodela22.jpg)
![Cybercafe with public phones in Rosario](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4e/Locutorio_Telef%C3%B3nica_Rosario.jpg/100px-Locutorio_Telef%C3%B3nica_Rosario.jpg)