Is Argentina Worth Visiting?
Argentina is one of the best countries to visit in South America as it has so much variety.
Here’s a table summarising some of my top reasons why:
15 Great Reasons To Visit Argentina
1. Buenos Aires Is The 'Paris Of South America'
Visiting Buenos Aires is like being in a European capital.
The city has such a strong European influence due to the large number of immigrants who arrived in the city during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
They brought their culture and customs with them as well and Buenos Aires turned into a melting pot of cultures.
This is why Buenos Aires is home to such stunning European-style parks and squares, such as the Plaza de Mayo, which is modelled after the Spanish Plaza de España.
To see how to combine Buenos Aires into a three-week itinerary that covers the entire country, head to one of the posts below:
2. You Could Spend A Month In Buenos Aires And Not Get Bored
I lived in Buenos Aires for 3 months and even I don’t feel like I scratched the surface of this amazing city.
There are 5 huge barrios (neighbourhoods) that most tourists visit – Palermo, Recoleta, Centro, San Telmo and La Boca.
You could easily spend a few days exploring each area.
Here some of my favourite things to do whilst in BA:
- Visit La Boca: This colorful neighborhood is known for its vibrant street art, tango shows, and its famous soccer team, Boca Juniors. Visitors can explore the colorful streets, take pictures and enjoy traditional foods.
- Recoleta – this upscale neighbourhood is home to the Recoleta cemetery where you can find the tomb of Eva Peron.
- Visit the Palermo: Full of great bars, cafes, restaurants and clubs. Buenos Aires is known for its beautiful parks, and Palermo Park is one of the best places to relax, take a walk, or enjoy a picnic.
“Joe turned our fragmented ideas into a seamless itinerary. His expert advice saved us time, money, and stress – making our time in Argentina unforgettable”
Sam & Amy – 1 Month In Argentina
Planning a trip to Argentina?
Are you struggling with any of this?
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spent hours researching… and still feeling lost
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo!
I help travellers like you plan custom Argentina trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
3. The Beautiful Iguazu Falls
These breath-taking falls are made up of 275 individual cascades, which stretch over 2 miles and create a stunning natural barrier between Argentina and Brazil.
The most famous part of the falls is known as ‘The Devil’s Throat’, a U-shaped waterfall that is over 82 meters high and 150 meters wide.
This waterfall is the largest and most powerful of the falls and is a must-see for any visitors.
The falls are divided across the border between Argentina and Brazil.
You can take a guided tour of both sides to see the falls from different perspectives.
The Argentine side offers a panoramic views of the entire waterfall system, while the Brazilian side provides a more immersive experience with several trails that lead visitors close to the falls.
4. Bariloche - The Lake District Of Patagonia
Bariloche was my favourite place in Argentina.
When you hear Patagonia, everyone thinks of the deep south full of glaciers and the hiking town of El Chalten.
But Patagonia is a huge region that stretches almost to the middle of the country.
Bariloche can be found in northern regions of Patagonia and it’s often referred to as the lake district of Argentina.
The town is surrounded by the Andes mountains, enormous lakes and alpine forests. It’s truly one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited.
Aside from it’s beauty, it’s also an adventure travellers dream.
You can do almost everything there including full day hikes in the Andes, kayaking on the lakes, skiing (in the winter) and biking along the many roads that wind in and out of the mountains.
No trip to Argentina is complete without a visit to Bariloche.
See how to spend an epic week in Bariloche with this itinerary guide:
PATAGONIA...
is a must visit for travelers visiting Argentina. Check out these posts to help you plan a hassle-free trip:
5. El Chalten - The Hiking Capital
A list about why Argentina is worth visiting wouldn’t be complete without mentioning El Chalten.
This small town is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world, with nature lovers, adventure seekers and trekking enthusiasts all wanting to go to experience the beautiful scenery and epic hikes.
It is considered the trekking capital of Argentine Patagonia, as it offers access to some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in the region.
From the town you can pick from a handful of treks into Parque Nacional Los Glaciares.
One of the best is known as the ‘Laguna Del Los Tres’ hike which will take you on an epic 8 hour hike to see the famous Fitz Roy mountain range.
Patagonia has so many great hikes. To see a full list of some of the best single-day hikes in South America, head to the post below:
6. Perito Moreno Glacier
This massive glacier located in El Calafate, the closest town to Los Glaciares National Park.
This is one of the most popular attractions in Argentine Patagonia and one of the main reasons people visit the country.
You have so many great options to see it too:
- Boardwalks – the boardwalks take you high above the glacier to get a top down perspective
- Boat – boats will take you up close to the glacier so you can experience how big and high it actually is
- Ice Hike – for the adventurous souls out there, you can even go hiking on top of the glacier!
For a detailed breakdown of all these options including 4 more, head to this post.
For more information how to plan a visit to Patagonia, check out the post below:
7. The End Of The World - Ushuaia
If you really want to go deep into Patagonia and explore the very ends of the world, Ushuaia is the place for you!
This breathtaking destination nestled at the most southern tip of Argentina, and the only place you can fly to Antarctica from!
Imagine towering mountains, pristine lakes, and glaciers that sparkle like diamonds.
Trekking through Tierra del Fuego National Park offers an adventure like no other, with stunning views at every turn.
And here’s another great reason why you should visit Argentina: Ushuaia is home to adorable penguins waddling along its shores, a sight that will melt your heart.
See how to visit Ushuaia, El Calafate and El Chalten all with this epic 1-month itinerary:
8. The Highest Mountain In The Southern Hemisphere
Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere.
And visiting Aconcagua National Park, just outside of Mendoza, is a must if you are a lover of epic scenery and hiking.
The summit stands at 22,841 feet (6,959 meters) above sea level.
It’s a popular destination for hikers from around the world and is often considered to be one of the Seven Summits (the highest peaks on each of the seven continents).
Most backpackers won’t be looking to summit the actual mountain though as it can take up to 20 days, but trekking in the park or up to its base camp is still a great experience that will provide beautiful views of the Andes.
You need around 4-5 days in Mendoza to visit Aconcagua. See how with the itinerary post below:
“Joe turned our fragmented ideas into a seamless itinerary. His expert advice saved us time, money, and stress – making our time in Argentina unforgettable”
Sam & Amy – 1 Month In Argentina
Planning a trip to Argentina?
Are you struggling with any of this?
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spent hours researching… and still feeling lost
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo!
I help travellers like you plan custom Argentina trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
9. Some Of The Best Wines In The World
Argentina is one of the world’s leading wine-producing countries and there are two main areas to visit if you love your wine: Mendoza and Calafate.
Mendoza
Mendoza is considered the wine capital of Argentina and is home to over 1,000 wineries, many of which offer tours and tastings. The region is particularly known for its Malbec wine, which is considered to be some of the best in the world.
This isn’t just a place to visit for high end travel though and backpackers and Argentinians on summer holidays flock to the region too.
One of the best activities in Mendoza is the ‘wine bike’ route.
On the outskirts of Mendoza city centre, you will find several of the best wineries all along the same road. Along the same road you can find bike rental shops offering to rent you cheap bikes and provide a map to the best wineries.
All the wineries allow you to visit and enjoy a tasting from somewhere between 200-500 pesos depending on the places. One of the best is Trapiche, where you can sit out on the balcony and look out over the vineyard whilst getting sloshed.
Maipu Bikes also has a small outside bar and everyone ends back here at the end of the day to drop off their bikes and enjoy some final drinks, courtesy of Maipu bikes.
For more information on Mendoza including 8 great reasons why you should visit, head to the post below:
Cafayate
Cafayate is a wine-producing region in the northwest of Argentina, located within the Calchaqui Valley – one of the world’s highest suitable locations for growing grapes.
The combination of high-elevation, great year-round weather and fertile soil produce incredible malbecs and torrontés.
This is another great town to go wine tasting in. There are three bodegas in town that are easy to visit – Nani, Domingo Hermanos and El Transito. At each one you can pay a small price to try a selection of wines. For example, at Bodega Nani we paid 250 pesos for 5 wines (3 reserves and 2 young).
Whilst I love adventure travel, this part of my South America journey came at the perfect time when I was a bit worn out. I just laid back, enjoyed the beautiful weather, and drank wine to my hearts content.
I suggest you do the same if you decide to visit.
Check out the full guide to the town including the best bodegas and vineyards to visit here:
10. Argentina has Its Own Rainbow Mountain
The northwest of Argentina is a hidden gem, largely untouched by tourism.
It is well worth a trip, especially for those who love their wine, and those who like to feel like less of a tourist and more like a local.
The best thing about visiting this region of Argentina is that prices are closer to those you find in Bolivia rather than the prices in Buenos Aires.
You have also have a host of beautiful sights, tours and activities to choose from that rival it’s South American neighbours.
One of the ones that blew me away entirely was the Rainbow Mountain.
Humahuaca is the first of three small towns along Route 9 which runs through the beautiful northwest countryside all the way down to the city of Salta.
Here you can find Argentina’s very own Rainbow Mountain (and depending on who you ask, better than the more famous one in Peru).
Everything else you need to know about Humahuaca from our favourite hostels to the best restaurants is here in our guide to the town:
11. Argentina Has It's Own Salt Flats Too - Salinas Grandes
We all know the Salt Flats in Bolivia are one of the most famous places in South America.
But you can find salt flats all over South America, and they’re all the same! Just a big flat white shiny area perfect for taking photos on.
If you aren’t making your way to Bolivia on your trip, why not visit Argentina’s salt flat instead.
You can visit it from Salta, which is one of the biggest cities in the region.
12. Steak, Empanadas & Dulce De Leche
You must have three food experiences things whilst in Argentina: steak, empanadas and dulce de leche.
- Steak – Argentina is known for its delicious meat-heavy cuisine, including dishes such as asado (barbecue) and steak. Finding a great steakhouse in Argentina is easy, and you know you will be getting grass-fed, pasture-raised beef. Try Don Julio in Buenos Aires for one of the best steaks around.
Empanadas – these are more of a snack than a main meal but my god they are addictive and you can end up eating 5 or 6 at a time. Empanadas are savoury pastries filled with beef, pork or chicken mixed in a sweet, slightly spicy sauce.
Dulce de Leche – this is a traditional Argentinean dessert. Dulce de leche is a traditional sweet spread or sauce, which is popular in many Latin American countries. It is made by simmering milk and sugar together, turning it into a gooey golden treat. You will find dulce de leche mixed with almost any other desert such as cakes, cookies, ice cream and it’s one of the most delicious sweet treats I have ever experienced. I was hooked on it during my time in Argentina and regularly found myself in bakeries purchasing donuts with dulce de leche filling.
If you want to combine a trip to Chile alongside Argentina, then there are several ways to do this with a simple border crossing. The three itineraries in the post below can help you cross the borders a 3 different points in Argentina to see Chile:
13. Watch The Best Tango Dancers In The World
The tango is a beautiful and captivating dance that is known for its passion and complex movements.
Going to watch live tango show whilst in Argentina is an exhilarating experience and there’s nothing better than seeing two experts perform together alongside a live orchestra.
Buenos Aires is the birthplace of the tango, and you can watch professionals performing at one of the many tango shows in the city.
One of the best shows in Buenos Aires is La Ventana.
I went in January this year and loved it. You get a 3 course meal, a complimentary bottle of wine and can watch a variety of different performances from dancing, singing and folk music.
If you are thinking of planning a long stay in Argentina and South America, then seeing an extended backpacking itinerary is essential to help you plan your trip. Check out the post below to help you plan your next trip:
14. The Nightlife
The Argentinians know how to party.
Argentina is famous for its lively nightlife, particularly in cities like Buenos Aires, where its common for nights to carry on until 5 or 6AM the next morning.
The city’s famous neighbourhoods, such as Palermo and Recoleta, offer a diverse range of bars and clubs that cater to different tastes and preferences.
Palermo is known for its trendy bars and clubs, while Recoleta is more upscale, with a variety of bars and lounges.
You will be able to find some great nights out at the hostels as well.
Milhouse is famous across Argentina and South America and known as one of the best party hostels on the continent.
This hostel can host hundreds of guests and they are always organising events to keep the huge crowd of backpackers entertained.
Milhouse is one of my favourite party hostels in South America. For a full list of the others, check out the post below:
15. Argentina is Set Up For Epic Road Trips
Argentina is the perfect place to plan an epic road trip.
Route 40 is a legendary highway that runs through the heart of Argentina, stretching over 4,200 km from the northernmost point on the Bolivian border to the southernmost point of the country in Tierra del Fuego (the closest southerly point to Antarctica).
This route passes through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Argentina.
Starting in the north, you can visit the vast deserts of the northwest, the salt flats and Argentina’s very own Rainbow Mountain.
Getting closer to the middle of the country, you can follow the ‘wine route’ through towns like Salta, Cafayate and Mendoza to enjoy the best wine regions in the country.
You will then reach northern Patagonia and start to skirt the Andes mountains. Here you will find the stunning town of Bariloche, surrounded by picturesque lakes and forests.
Eventually, you will make your way to the Patagonian steppe to see the beautiful Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most famous attractions in Argentine Patagonia.
Did you know Argentina has its very own Salt Flat and Rainbow Mountain. These are two of the best sights in the country, hidden away in the north and well worth a visit. Check out these posts for more:
“Joe turned our fragmented ideas into a seamless itinerary. His expert advice saved us time, money, and stress – making our time in Argentina unforgettable”
Sam & Amy – 1 Month In Argentina
Planning a trip to Argentina?
Are you struggling with any of this?
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spent hours researching… and still feeling lost
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo!
I help travellers like you plan custom Argentina trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
4 Things To Know Before You Travel To Argentina
Here are a few important things to note before you start planning a trip to Argentina:
1. Prices Change Constantly
Inflation is still high and the blue dollar exchange rate still exists.
However, prices have also risen recently due to the presidents removal of currency controls. This means it’s still a good deal for travellers but not as good as it was at the start of the year when I was there.
It’s difficult to provide an accurate price on anything like transport or tour prices as the economy is in constant flux at the moment.
2. It's A Big Country So Flights Are Necessary
Argentina is a huge country and you can’t just bus around it like say Peru.
If you want to save time on your trip, you’ll need to take flights to most of the other big cities like Mendoza, Bariloche and El Calafate.
However, if you want to save money you can take overnight buses!
The average journey time for an overnight bus is around 22 hours in Argentina.
3. Seasons Are Different In The Southern Hemisphere
Argentina is in the southern hemisphere which means when we have summer they have winter and vice versa.
The best time to visit Argentina is from November – March.
If you visit during the winter (June-August), it will be very cold, especially in Patagonia.
Many of the trails, hikes and activities will be closed off during the winter months too due to the harsh weather.
Take this into account when planning your trip!
4. The Food Is Meat and Cheese Heavy
The Argentinians love a good barbeque.
You won’t struggle to find a good parrilla (grill house) and the steak is top quality.
They also love pizza and their version is overloaded with cheese. It’s like 80% cheese and 20% tomatoe base.
I was pleasantly surprised by Buenos Aires and saw many vegan and vegetarian restaurants. However, outside of the big cities you may struggle.
5. It's Getting More Expensive For Tourists
Inflation is coming down but prices are still fluctuating.
Back in 2023 when I lived there, it was a great travel bargain. However, as of 2025 this is no longer the case.
Prices are back to normal levels and a trip to Argentina will cost you more than Brazil or Chile – two of the more expensive countries to visit in South America.
6. National Park Fees Have Gone Up
National Park fees went up at the start of 2025. This will make your trip much more expensive, especially if you are trekking in Patagonia.
Visit this website to book your entrance tickets.
What's The Best Way To Get Around Argentina?
Buses In Argentina
Argentina is a big country so the easiest way to get around is to fly.
However, buses will be cheaper, but due to the large distances needed to travel, many of these will be overnight buses.
For example, a bus from Buenos Aires to Mendoza takes around 15 hours with prices starting at around $50.
I always use Busbud to check times and find the best prices:
Flights In Argentina
As mentioned, flying is one of the easiest ways to travel around Argentina.
Return flights can be cheap if booked in advance, and they will save you a lot of time.
Here are some average flight times:
- Buenos Aires > Iguazu – 1h 50m
- Buenos Aires > Mendoza – 1h 55m
- Buenos Aires > Bariloche – 2h 15m
- Buenos Aires > El Calafate – 3h 20m
I always use Way Away Plus to find the cheapest flights and get cashback everytime I book!
How Many Days Do You Need In Argentina?
Here’s a quick summary of how many days you need to in Argentina and what you can see in that time:
- 7 Days In Argentina – You’ll need a week in Argentina to Buenos Aires and one other highlight such as Iguazu or El Calafate.
- 10 Days in Argentina – with 10 days in Argentina, you can see Buenos Aires, Iguazu and El Chalten.
- Two Weeks In Argentina – with two weeks in Argentina you can see most of the highlights. One week can be spent exploring Buenos Aires and then flying up to Iguazu. The second week can be spent in Patagonia visiting El Calafate and hiking in El Chalten.
- Three Weeks In Argentina – three weeks is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of Argentina. You can follow the same itinerary outlined in this post but just cut down the days in each place, or as suggested, skip over Mar Del Plata
Are you struggling to work out how many days you need in Argentina overall or don’t think you can spare a month?
Head to the post below to see a selection of itineraries that can help you:
When's The Best Time To Visit Argentina?
Argentina is a completely different country in the summer compared to winter, so it depends on what you want to do.
I recommend visiting Argentina in:
- Dec-Feb – for the best outdoor activities. This is summer so you’ll have the perfect weather for the hiking trails, biking and kayaking. Visiting Patagonia during this time is when you’ll get the best weather but it’s also the summer holidays for Argentinians so it will be busy.
- March-May and Sept-Nov – these are the shoulder seasons so the weather won’t be as nice as summer but still good for outdoor activities. There will also be less crowds which means cheaper prices.
- June-August – visit Argentina during these months for the best winter sports. This is winter in Argentina so the skii resorts and slopes in places like Bariloche will be full of snow. However, this isn’t a good time to visit Patagonia as many of the trails are closed due to the erratic weather.
Argentina Itineraries
How many days do you need in Argentina? Whether it’s 7 days, 3 weeks or 1 month, I’ve created pre-made itineraries to suit every schedule and traveler.
Check out these posts to help you plan a hassle-free trip:
“We ended up with a better itinerary than anything a travel agent suggested – and without the expensive price tag!
Maeve & Martin – 3 Weeks In Argentina
Planning a trip to Argentina?
Are you struggling with any of this?
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spent hours researching… and still feeling lost
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo!
I help travellers like you plan custom Argentina trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
Argentina FAQ's
Here’s a list of frequently asked questions about Argentina:
Do I Need Travel Insurance For Argentina?
Yes, you 100% need travel insurance when visiting Argentina or anywhere in South America.
You need to protect yourself against any potential medical issues that could occur whilst away.
SafetyWing is my go to company when looking for travel medical insurance. They focus on long-term travelers, digital nomads, and remote workers.
SafetyWing covers medical emergencies, travel delays, and lost baggage, but it’s geared towards those who travel for extended periods or live abroad.
What's The Best SIM card for Argentina?
I don’t recommend buying a physical SIM card for Argentina. It’s much easier to download an e-SIM instead.
An e-SIM is a digital SIM card that can be downloaded to your phone via an app. All you do is download the app, pay for the data and you’ll have data in no time.
My preferred e-SIM company is Airalo
How Do You Get Around Argentina?
Buses will be the cheapest way of getting around, but due to the large distances needed to travel, many of these will be overnight buses.
For example, a bus from Buenos Aires to Mendoza takes around 15 hours with prices starting at around $50.
Here are some average bus times:
- Buenos Aires > Iguazu – 17h
- Buenos Aires > Mendoza – 15h
- Buenos Aires > Salta – 21h
- Buenos Aires > Bariloche – 22h
Due to the price and time, I always recommend looking at flights first. If you book early enough, you’ll be able to find return flights for roughIy the same price as the bus and save yourself a lot of time.
For shorter journeys (1-6 hours), the bus will be the better option. For example, if you are travelling around the northwest (Salta region), buses are super cheap.
I always use Busbud to check times and find the best prices:
Are Flights Cheap In Argentina?
Flying is one of the easiest ways to travel around Argentina. Return flights can be cheap if booked in advance, and they will save you a lot of time.
Here are some average flight times:
- Buenos Aires > Iguazu – 1h 50m
- Buenos Aires > Mendoza – 1h 55m
- Buenos Aires > Bariloche – 2h 15m
- Buenos Aires > El Calafate – 3h 20m
- Buenos Aires > Ushuaia – 3h 30m
I always use Way Away Plus to find the cheapest flights and you get cashback every time you book!
What's The Best Backpack For Argentina?
I would recommend taking between 50-70L for your big backpack and 30-40L for a day pack when travelling Argentina.
The extra space in your big backpack will be for your hiking boots and other warm weather gear when you aren’t wearing it. Your day pack will be for your tech such as a laptop and other important items you want to keep safe such as a camera, passport, money etc.
Here are my current backpacks that I use to travel Argentina:
Best Beginner Backpack For Argentina
Osprey are the best brand when it comes to backpacks.
In my opinion, the best beginner backpack is the Osprey Farpoint 50-70L.
It’s reasonably priced, comfortable and has a good amount of space. It’s perfect for first time backpackers visiting Argentina.
It also comes with a 15L detachable day pack which saves you having to buy a separate one.
If you want a wheeled hybrid, then the Sojourn is a great option. They have three different size options from 60-80L.
Best Daypack For Argentina
My go-to daypack is the North Face Router.
It has a 40-liter capacity, is water-repellent, and can fit laptops up to 17”.
For a 40L backpack with loads of compartments and storage, this is such a great price.
If you want something cheaper, you will have to go a bit smaller. The North Face Borealis is 30L and has a similar layout.
What Should I Pack For Argentina?
You need to pack warm and cold weather clothes for Argentina.
In the summer (Dec-March), Buenos Aires and the north will reach averages of 30°C (86°F). I was walking around Buenos Aires in a vest, shorts and sandals!
When you travel to Patagonia, it will get colder as you are so far south. So even if it’s summer, it will still get cold at night. Also, the weather is erratic and it can rain at any moment.
Therefore, you’ll need warm layers and a windbreaker. You’ll also need hiking boots if you want to complete any of the popular treks.
Here’s are some of my key clothing items to recently took to Argentina:
Warm Midlayer Fleece
This is an essential piece of kit for hiking but also for keeping you warm in the evenings.
Invest wisely in one of these as the more efficient it is, the warmer you will be.
I go with R1 Zip-Neck from Patagonia.
Top tip: this is last seasons item now so you should be able to pick this up cheaper in the sales at places like REI
Waterproof Windbreaker
A waterproof is essential when trekking in the Andes to deal with the biting winds and rapidly changing weather.
I like to use the Patagonia TorrentShell 3L.
Its lightweight, warm and packable. The jacket self-stuffs into one of the handwarmer pockets with carabiner clip-in loop.
Waterproof Hiking Boots
Hiking boots are a must if you want to do any trekking in Argentina.
And fully waterproof and ankle high are essential for trekking in the Andes.
I wore a pair of these hiking some of the best trails in the world in Patagonia and they didn’t let me down!
I went into my local Mountain Warehouse and picked up a pair of these and they haven’t let me down since.
“Joe turned our fragmented ideas into a seamless itinerary. His expert advice saved us time, money, and stress – making our time in Argentina unforgettable”
Sam & Amy – 1 Month In Argentina
Planning a trip to Argentina?
Are you struggling with any of this?
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spent hours researching… and still feeling lost
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo!
I help travellers like you plan custom Argentina trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
