What Do I Need to Know Before Traveling to Argentina? A Complete Guide for Visiting
Welcome to a place we call home- a beautiful country that is completely underrated. Argentina is a place that isn't as frequented as other South American countries, simply due to its location.
Many people think that it's super expensive to get to Argentina, or that it's not tourist friendly. However, we're here to share everything you need to know! If you're wondering "what do I need to know before traveling to Argentina?" then you've come to the right place.
In this guide we're going to answer any questions you may be having, and help to prepare you to visit one incredible country. From the best places to travel, to how to stay safe- here is everything you need to know for traveling to Argentina.
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What Do I Need to Know Before Traveling to Argentina?: Where is Argentina Exactly?
Argentina is all the way in the south of South America. I am from New York, and Fede is from Argentina, so when I talk to family and friends, they never realize why the seasons are the opposite, or why we are always taking overnight flights.
Argentina is actually an enormous country though, and expands as far south as almost touching Antarctica! The country shares borders with Chile to its west, Uruguay to its east, and Bolivia, Paraguay, & Brazil to its north. This means that there is a ton of diversity when it comes to people, landscapes, and weather throughout the country.
Argentina is all the way in the south of South of America.
What Do I Need to Know Before Traveling to Argentina?: How to Get to Argentina
While Argentina may be far, it truly isn't so difficult to get to as you may think! There are actually quite a few ways to travel to Argentina:
✈️ Flying to Argentina
The easiest way to travel to this country is by flying into the capital city, Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires has a ton of international flights, so you can fly their direct from different countries throughout the Americas, as well as Europe.
International Flights to Buenos Aires
International cities that fly direct to Buenos Aires include Amsterdam, Asuncion, Atlanta, Barcelona, Bogota, Dallas, Florianopolis, Frankfurt, Houston, Lima, Madrid, Medellin, Mexico City, Miami, Montevideo, New York, Panama City, Paris, Quito, Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Santa Cruz (Bolivia), Santiago, and Sao Paulo.
International Flights to Other Cities in Argentina
Lima and Asuncion also fly to Cordoba, while Santiago flies direct to Cordoba, Mendoza, and Rosario. Panama City in addition flies to Cordoba, Rosario, and to Mendoza. Finally, from Brazil you have flights from Sao Paulo to Rosario, while Rio de Janeiro and Florianopolis fly to both Rosario and Cordoba.
Flight Tip: Using Skyscanner you can put from "your city" to "Argentina". This way you can see which is the cheapest airport in the country to fly. Also, you can check the calendar to see which are the cheapest dates for your destination!
🛳 Cruising to Argentina
Another way to visit Argentina is by taking a cruise. Unfortunately, while working on cruise ships we never had the privilege of doing this route, as it isn't quite as common as Caribbean or European itineraries. However, some of the higher end companies do have South American itineraries, and many of them stop all throughout the coast of Argentina.
A few of the biggest cruise companies that visit Argentina include Celebrity, Norwegian, Princess, and Oceania. The cruises are usually 2-3 weeks, and the months that typically have these types of itineraries are in the summer, from December to March.
Cruising is a great way to visit some of the highlights of Argentina.
⛴ Taking a Ferry to Argentina
Another way to visit Argentina by sea is by taking a ferry from Uruguay. There are two cities that sail to Buenos Aires from Uruguay, which are Colonia and Montevideo.
The trip from Colonia is an hour and 15 minutes and is around 10,000-20,000 Argentinean pesos, and the trip from Montevideo is 2 hours and 45 minutes, with tickets ranging from 24,000-38,000 Argentinian pesos.
🚌 Taking a Bus to Argentina
South America is pretty huge, and renting a car is not always the easiest or cheapest. However, they do have a lot of overnight buses with reclining seats for the long journeys, and they connect many of the different countries throughout the continent.
If you are coming from Paraguay or Brazil, the easiest point of entry is from Iguazu Falls, which is shared by both Argentina and Brazil, and has triple border with Ciudad del Este in Paraguay. If you are coming from Bolivia, you can easily take a bus from Yacuiba across the border to go down to Salta.
From Chile, the most popular routes are from Santiago to Mendoza (an 8 hour ride), or from Puerto Montt to Bariloche (a 6 hour ride), which is one of the most beautiful areas of Patagonia.
What Do I Need to Know Before Traveling to Argentina?: Entry Requirements
One of the most important things to ask yourself in regards to "what do I need to know before traveling to Argentina" is to check any entry requirements you may need. Here are a few of the entry requirements for Argentina in regards to visas and Covid,
🛂 Visa Entry Requirements for Argentina
Argentina is a pretty accepting country when it comes to tourism, and there are many nationalities that can visit visa-free for a period of up to 90 days. The countries from the Americas that can visit Argentina without a visa include Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, St Kitts, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay, and the USA.
European countries that can visit Argentina visa-free include Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, and Vatican City.
Other countries that can stay for up to 90 days include Australia, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Mongolia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. Venezuelans can stay for a period of up to 60 days, and those from Grenada, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, and Malaysia can stay for a period of up to 30 days.
💉 Vaccination Requirements for Argentina
There are currently no vaccination requirements for Argentina.
What Do I Need to Know Before Traveling to Argentina?: Local Adjustments
Whenever you traveling somewhere new there are things that may be different from where you are coming from. Here are a few of the local adjustments to keep in mind while traveling to Argentina.
🗣 Language in Argentina
The official language of Argentina is Spanish.
Is Spanish Spoken in Argentina Different?
While Spanish is what is spoken in Argentina, be prepared for a very different type of Spanish. Argentinians have a particular accent, and the way they speak is kind of sing- songy like the way that Italians speak. They also pronounce the y sound as "sh" which can be particularly confusing for those that don't speak Spanish as a first language.
In more popular areas of the country you will also find plenty of English speakers. However, learning a bit of Spanish will definitely help you get around.
💶 What is Argentina's Currency?
Argentina is one of the most unique places in the world when it comes to converting money, and we're about the explain why.
Unfortunately, the economic situation in Argentina is not in great shape. There is an insanely high inflation rate, and the US dollar is in high demand. This is very sad for the people of Argentina, but is very beneficial for tourists, as everything is much cheaper when paid with cash.
Not only that, but because the dollar is in such high demand, places incentivize you to spend cash over using a credit card, so certain things like excursions are basically 50% off when paid in dollars. You will also need to convert some of your USD to pesos to use in most places. When you arrive in Argentina do no exchange your pesos in an official exchange, but look for the "blue dollar". Currently the blue dollar rate is around 379 pesos for every 1 USD.
🔌 What Plug Adapter Do I Need for Argentina?
Argentina uses different plugs than the rest of the countries in South America. The associated plugs are types C & I.
Plug C is the one that has two round pins (like Europe) and plug type I has three flat pins in a triangular pattern which are curved outwards. The country of Argentina operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.
🚰 Is it Ok to Drink the Water in Argentina?
The tap water throughout Argentina is very pure, and perfectly great to drink from the tap (especially in Patagonia!). We suggest investing in a refillable water bottle to carry with you around while exploring.
💸 How Much Do You Tip in Argentina?
The tipping culture throughout Argentina is typically 10% of the bill. Service is never included in the bill, so it is always great to have some cash to put on the table after your meal.
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What Do I Need to Know Before Traveling to Argentina?: The Best Places to Visit
Now that you know almost everything you need to know about traveling to Argentina, here are the best places to visit around the country.
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Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina, and is the most common place for people to start or end their travels through Argentina. This is not like other South American cities. In fact, Buenos Aires actually has more of a European feel!
Unlike European cities though, Buenos Aires is enormous, and it's not limited to a little city center. There is so much to do and see in Buenos Aires, that we highly recommend you to dedicate quite a few days here.
No trip to Argentina is complete without visiting the capital.
Did you know that we are now running our own personalized tours of Buenos Aires? Come join us!
Iguazu Falls
Did you know that Iguazu Falls is considered to be one of the natural wonders of the world? Move over Niagara Falls, because Iguazu certainly steals the spotlight for some of the most set of waterfalls in the world. Argentina shares the falls with Brazil, but the Argentinian side truly has more to offer.
Iguazu Falls is one of the natural wonders of the world.
Mendoza
Calling all wine lovers! Mendoza is home to the best wine in Argentina. Visit the wineries, dip in the natural hot springs, and climb the picturesque mountains for a truly special getaway.
Mendoza is known for its wine, mountains, and hot springs.
We just had a recent trip to Mendoza, so be sure to check out our brand new travel guide!
Salta
Located all the way in the north of the country, Salta has some of the most wild landscapes in Argentina.
Here you can find giant salt flats, rainbow mountains, thermal baths, and other epic desert landscapes. You can easily get here by a short flight, or by crossing over from the neighboring country of Bolivia.
Mar del Plata
Argentina truly has it all when it comes to landscapes. While most people escape to Brazil for the beach, Argentina does have a long strip of beaches looking for a relaxing getaway.
While we certainly wouldn't put this at the top of the list (Argentina's beaches aren't the best in South America), this can still be a fun weekend getaway from Buenos Aires in the summertime.
With its charming German architecture, cheap surfing, and fun nightlife, we think it's definitely worth exploring for a couple of days!
Mar del Plata is the perfect weekend getaway from Buenos Aires.
Patagonia
Patagonia is one of the biggest regions of Argentina, and actually covers almost the whole bottom half of the country. In addition, the region of Patagonia is shared by the neighboring country Chile.
Patagonia is full of breathtaking landscapes from the bluest waters to marvelous glaciers. This is our favorite part of the country, and one of the most beloved regions of Argentina.
It's important to note though, that because Patagonia is so big, there are a number of top places to visit in Patagonia. Here are some of the highlights of the region, as well as the top places to base yourself.
Patagonia is one of the most beautiful areas of the country.
Calafate
A trip to Calafate was my birthday gift last year, and it was nothing short of magical. This stunning area is home to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, and also right by the majestic mountain "El Chalten".
We spent 5 days here, and felt that it was a perfect taste of the area. There is so much to know about Calafate, which is why we wrote a complete travel guide for you.
Calafate is home to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier.
Bariloche
Bariloche is another one of the most famous Patagonian towns, and a trip here is one of the places I was looking most forward to! Bariloche is in the north west of Patagonia and is known for its skiing in the winter, and its great hiking trails in the summer.
Bariloche is one of the to destinations in Patagonia.
San Martin de los Andes
Here is a region that is less frequented by tourists, but has some of the most stunning nature in the country.
San Martin de los Andes is an area in northwest Patagonia, which can be visited by driving a few hours up from Bariloche. We visited here this year, and it was seriously full of so many hidden gems!
San Martin de los Andes is one of the most underrated places to visit in Argentina.
Ushuaia
Welcome to "the end of the world". Ushuaia is the most southern point of the Americas, and stretches as far as practically reaching Antarctica.
Here you can see penguins, whales, glaciers, and more! Not only that, but there is a famous train ride that you can take called "El Tren del Fin de Mundo" which translates to "the train of the end of the world". Pretty cool right?
What Do I Need to Know Before Traveling to Argentina?: The Top Things to Do While in Argentina
Now that you all you need to know before traveling to Argentina's best locations, here are some fun activities to add to your list.
⚽️ Go to a Football Game
Football (soccer) is not just a game in Argentina, but practically a religion. They just won the World Cup, and I seriously never saw so many men crying at once in my life.
Going to a football game in Argentina is like no other country, and a truly once in a lifetime experience to be had. They are so intense and serious about football that opposing fans are not allowed in the stadiums, the stands tremble with singing and screaming fans on their feet the entire game, and alcohol has even been banned.
Don't worry though- going to a football game is serious fun, and an event you'll definitely want to add to your list. They are super affordable, and something that is a must while in Argentina.
Watching a football game in Argentina is an absolute must.
💃🏻 Watch a Tango Show
The official dance of Argentina is Tango, and Argentinians are great at keeping the tradition alive. Don't miss out on attending a tango show. There are plenty in Buenos Aires that you can see with dinner included.
🌲 Explore the Beautiful Nature
My favorite part of Argentina is the variety of landscapes. Don't miss out on exploring all the great nature that this country has to offer. Grab your hiking shoes, and visit the waterfalls, deserts, mountains, and more.
Laguna Argentina has a beach where you can swim, relax, and catch a great sunset.
🍷 Visit a Winery
Like we said, Argentina is know for their wine, and visiting a winery is definitely a must. The best place for this is certainly Mendoza, but you can also find some great wineries all along the whole mountain region in places such as Salta, Jujuy, Catamarca, or San Juan.
🐳 Go Whale Watching
Argentina is full of amazing wildlife, and if you go at the right time, there is a good chance that you'll see a whale. Puerto Madryn is the best place to go on a whale watching boat tour, and the best time to see them is in the month of October.
What Do I Need to Know Before Traveling to Argentina?: Local Food & Drink
The cuisine of Argentina is an amazing mix of delicious meats, and European inspired foods. Because Argentina is such a big country, the dishes actually can vary quite a bit, from lamb and guanaco dishes in the south, to an international selection in the capital.
The two things that are Argentina are known for are their incredible quality of meat, and their Malbec wine.
So if a big juicy steak and a large glass of wine are your thing, then you're in luck! Not only is the quality great, but so are the prices. This is why we usually save our fancy steak dinners for when we're back in Buenos Aires.
Having a typical asado (barbecue) is a must while in Argentina.
Want to know more about all of the amazing dishes around Argentina? Well, we actually have a full guide with all of our favorite Argentinian foods for you to try.
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What Do I Need to Know Before Traveling to Argentina?: Getting Around the Country
When most people ask us about visiting Argentina, they assume they can see everything in just a week or two. Sadly, this is not the case, as Argentina is enormous, and requires quite some time to visit.
Unlike Europe, there aren't any fast trains, and the only quick and easy way to get around the country is by flight. What many people decide to do is actually base themselves in Buenos Aires, and then do 2-5 day trips to places like Iguazu, Mendoza, or one of the towns in Patagonia.
🚌 Other Ways to Get Around Argentina
If you do want to travel from north to south, it is possible though! Renting a car can be quite expensive, so unless you do it well in advance, and for a solid amount of time, it may not be worth it.
There are plenty of buses that connect different areas throughout the country, so we personally think that renting a car in each place is easier and less expensive than picking up a rental car in one place to drop it off in another.
Here are some popular routes that you can book within Argentina:
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What Do I Need to Know Before Traveling to Argentina?: How Long Should I Spend in Argentina?
Argentina definitely deserves a few weeks. We suggest spending at least 3-4 days to see the highlights of Buenos Aires, and then to pick a few destinations that you'd like to visit from there.
Patagonia is super huge, so if you want to explore all it has to offer we suggest at least two weeks total for Bariloche, Calafate, and Ushuaia. Iguazu Falls can be done on a day trip, although we suggest spending 2 days if you can. Mendoza and Salta can be done in a few days each as well.
If you'd like to explore all of the highlights of Argentina, we think a month is perfect. However, we totally understand not everyone has that kind of time, so if you have a limited amount of time, just shoot us an email and we can help you out!
Argentina has a ton to do, so you'll need at least a few weeks to see the major highlights.
What Do I Need to Know Before Traveling to Argentina?: Is Argentina Safe to Travel to as a Tourist?
If you're still wondering what do I need to know before traveling to Argentina, then this is definitely something that you'll want to be aware of. South America in general has quite some safety issues to cover, Argentina included.
Unfortunately due to the economic situation in the country, petty theft is quite common. While you can definitely visit Argentina and feel safe, it's also important to keep your wits about you.
🔐 How to Stay Safe in Argentina
Always keep a very close eye on your belongings, and stick to well-lit safe neighborhoods. Try to stay with a friend or your partner while exploring, and never wear anything super flashy or expensive (also if you have a diamond wedding ring).
Most Argentinians are so friendly and helpful, and tourists are extremely welcome. But unfortunately, there are certain people roaming the streets who seek to steal from others. If you are on a bus, don't sit near the windows, and try to keep your phone away (I got mine snatched right from my fingers just recently). We also suggest generally keeping your phone in your bag, and having a bag with a secure zipper to avoid being pickpocketed.
Other than petty theft, we never feel in extreme danger in Argentina. However, the most important thing is being aware, and making smart choices while you are traveling.
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What Do I Need to Know Before Traveling to Argentina?: Other Things to Know About Visiting
Now you know almost everything you need to know before traveling to Argentina! But here are just a few more things to keep in mind.
☀️ Weather in Argentina
The weather in Argentina actually varies drastically! The north gets extremely hot, while the south gets frigidly cold. There are mountains, beaches, and glaciers all in one country, so the temperature difference can be immense from one side of Argentina to the other.
Buenos Aires for example experiences all four seasons, with hot and humid summers, with cold winters (no snow though). Head up to Iguazu and it is one of the hottest areas of the country.
Head down to Ushuaia and other places in Patagonia, and the weather is super pleasant and sunny in the summers (with chilly nights), and extremely cold, dark, and snowy in the winters. Summers are very mild and short, while winters are much longer (similar to places like Alaska and Iceland).
You get up close to giant icebergs!
📆 What is the Best Month to Visit Argentina?
It's important to note that being on the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are opposite of the Northern hemisphere. So winters in the US are actually summer in Argentina, and vice versa.
Our favorite time to be in Argentina depends on the area we want to explore. For example, summers are perfect for Patagonia (December to March) or for heading to the seaside, and are a great sunny getaway for those in the winter.
Places like Mendoza, Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Salta are best in spring and fall, so our favorite months are September to November, and April/May.
If you visit Buenos Aires in Spring, you'll get to see it in full bloom.
What to Pack For a Trip to Argentina
Here are some of the things we suggest bringing for when you travel to Argentina:
- Bathing Suit (especially in the summer time)
- Nice Clothes to go out with if you go to Buenos Aires
- 1 Pair of Nice Shoes (you will only need it in certain bars/restaurants in Buenos Aires)
- Flip Flops (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting)
- Sneakers (for all of the adventures)
- Bag/ Backpack that zips
- Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & waterproof)
- Sunscreen (especially in summer)
- Drone (You can get epic shots out in nature! We use the Mavic Mini 4 Pro because it's super light and doesn't sacrifice quality)
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks as they are super long lasting and durable)
- Travel Adapter (we use Tessan travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)
- USD (cash is key in Argentina- forget your credit card completely)
- Travel Pillow Case (to bring extra on your flights and avoid having to purchase a carry on)
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