Get the lowdown on Argentina with my handy travel and backpacking guide – find out the best places to go, important travel information, advice for things to see and do, helpful phrases, the dos and don’ts, plus a load more about Argentina tourism so you can make the most out of your trip!
Argentina is one of the most popular travel destinations in South America and has a great mix of friendly people, delicious food and unforgettable landscapes. It is also home to the 2023 Football World Cup champions!
In Argentina you can tuck into an enormous steak for dinner with a glass of local wine. Learn to tango at one of the lively milongas (tango clubs) and dance the night away.
Snow-lovers will spend their days skiing or snowboarding down the slopes of the Andes.
While in Buenos Aires go wild and give the credit card a pounding. Be dazzled by the sheer power of Iguaçu Falls, a spectacular natural wonder not to be missed.
Argentina Travel Booking Resources
These are my favourite companies to use when I travel.
• Search cheap flights on Skyscanner.
• Find the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
Argentina Tours
Looking to discover more places? Browse small group adventure tours with G Adventures or Contiki. Both offer trips throughout the country/region.
Argentina Facts
Population
45,000,000
Languages Spoken
Spanish is the official language and is spoken by the great majority of Argentinians.
English, French and Italian are also spoken throughout the country.
Currency
ARS Peso $
Electricity
The electrical current in Argentina is 220V and the cycle is 50 Hz. The v-shaped prongs are standard.
Time Zones
GMT –3
Daylight savings means clocks go forward one hour from mid-March to mid-October.
Country Dialling Code
+54
Measurements and Weights
Metric
Getting to Argentina
Argentina is a long way from most worldwide travel destinations. Travel to Argentina, from London to Buenos Aires in 15 hours 50 minutes (via Madrid). To get cheap flights to Argentina book in-advance, you might also like to consider getting a Round the World ticket including a stop in Argentina.
Climate & Best Time to Visit
The Argentine climate tends to be temperate but due to the country’s vast size there are major regional differences. The Northern regions tend to have hot, humid summers with mild dry winters.
The central regions have hot summers and regularly see powerful thunderstorms and tornadoes. (Western Argentina produces some of the world’s largest hail stones.) Winters tend to be cool. The Southern regions tend to have warm summers but bitterly cold winters complete with heavy snowfall.
The highest temperature, 49° C was recorded in the extreme north, and the lowest,–16° C , in the southern tip of the country. Rainfall diminishes from east to west. Rainfall at Buenos Aires averages 94 cm (37 in) annually, and the mean annual temperature is 16° C. Light snowfalls occur occasionally in Buenos Aires. Throughout Argentina, January is the warmest month and June and July are the coldest.
North of the Río Negro, the winter months (May–August) is the driest period of the year. The wide variations of climate are due to the great range in altitude and the vast extent of the country. In the torrid zone of the extreme north, for example, the Chaco area has a mean annual temperature of about 23° C and a rainfall of about 76 cm whereas Puna de Atacama has a temperature average of 14° C and a rainfall of about 5 cm.
The pampas, despite their immensity, have an almost uniform climate, with much sunshine and adequate precipitation. The coldest winters occur not in Tierra del Fuego, which is warmed by ocean currents, but in Santa Cruz Province, where the July average is 0° C.
The Seasons:
Winter – Major winds including the Pampero blow onto the plains of Patagonia bringing in cold frigid weather. The south of the country receives heavy snowfall and extremely cold temperatures. The North is cool but rarely experiences snow except in the mountainous regions.
Spring – In the north, spring is a very short season but the further south you go the longer it lasts. Thunderstorms and hailstorms are frequent at this time of year and many of the country’s plant species burst into bloom.
Summer- In the north temperatures can reach as high as 27°C whilst in the south it will be on average only 9°C. This can however rocket up to a staggering 45°C due to the weather systems in action around the region.
Autumn – Generally mild season which lasts longer in the south than it does in the north. The nights begin to draw in earlier during this season and due to the south’s proximity with the Antarctic those dark cold nights can draw surprisingly quickly.
Transport & How to Get Around
Air
The immense size of the country makes air travel the most convenient of the Argentina transport options. There are a number of airlines servicing the country however be prepared to be routed through Buenos Aires which can cause inconvenience and cost.
Bus
The bus network in Argentina is excellent. Despite the long driving times the buses are fast and very comfortable. There are a number of different classes, even sleepers for overnight journeys. Larger luggage is stowed in the hold and security is generally very good.
Train
While there have been reductions in long-distance train service, the rail network continues to reach Buenos Aires and some surrounding areas, as well as services to Posadas and Cordoba. Trains tend to be cheaper than buses but trains are slower and go to fewer destinations. Buy train tickets in advance during peak periods.
Tours
Organised tours are a great way to see the sites and soak up the local culture – especially if you’re travelling alone or are a first-time traveller. View my top rated tour companies.
Attractions in Argentina
Check out our list of places to see/visit in Argentina, including tourist attractions and all the best places to go sightseeing. This is just a taste of what this great country has to offer!
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is also the second largest metropolitan area in South America after Brazil’s Sao Paulo. It is located on the western shore of the Rio de la Plata River on the south-eastern coast of South America.
The city is not a part of the region also called Buenos Aries; instead it is an autonomous district. The city is often regarded as the most important global city in Latin America and along with Mexico City and Sao Paulo are in the top 20 largest cities list. Residents of the city are often called portenos (people of the port).
There’s heaps going on in Buenos Aires and devaluation has made it a cheap city to explore. Go sightseeing and shopping by day, dining and dancing by night in some of South America’s best clubs. Its Spanish founders and Italian immigrants have given the city a taste of Europe with signs of their culture and cuisine widespread.
With several new museums and a continuous agenda of cultural attractions and events, there’s plenty to keep you occupied.
Cordoba
The second-largest city in Argentina is located at the geographical heart of the nation in the foothills of the Sierras Chicas and on the banks of the Suquia River. It is 435 miles northwest of the capital of Buenos Aires.
Cordoba is one of the oldest cities in the country after it was founded and named by the Spanish in 1573 and it is named after the city of Cordoba in Spain. The city has many historical monuments preserved from the days of Spanish rule and is home to a UNESCO world heritage site.
Facts:
• Cordoba is home to a world class hospital.
• Transport in the city is extremely well developed.
• Cordoba is in competition with Rosario for the title of second city.
• The locals are well known for their wicked sense of humour and are especially good at sarcasm.
Attractions:
The lively central meeting place of Plaza San Martin is home to the city’s cathedral and a plethora of European inspired architecture. Tango and other entertainment are regularly held in the square drawing the attentions of both locals and tourists alike.
Bariloche
If you’re into the outdoors then you’ll find an exhaustive list of activities to keep you busy in Bariloche – horse riding, trekking, paragliding, rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, and in the winter, skiing at Cathedral Hill. The city itself will keep you busy; there are medieval structures to explore along with historic buildings, museums and shops. Head to Nahuel Hupi National Park; home to a plethora of flora and fauna and many ancient Aboriginal rock art sites.
Located in Patagonia and nestled on the shores of the Argentinean Lake is the small village of El Calafate. From here you can see the wildlife of the Nimes Lagoon, hike to the Perito Moreno Glacier (a UNESCO world heritage site) and the border of Chile, see the rock paintings of the Gualicho Caves and swim or fish in the Roca Lake. There are also plenty of rural tourism activities to see such as sheep shearing.
Iguazu Falls
Iguazu, meaning ‘great waters’ is surrounded by national parks on both the Argentina and the Brazil sides. The falls themselves are divided into 275 separate falls, the highest being the Devil’s Throat, higher than Niagara Falls at 70 m. Jump on a boat that will take you right under the falls, an awesome experience. View my Brazil travel tips for more advice on visiting Iguazu Falls.
Mar del Plata
Mar del Plata (Sea of Silver) offers more than 17 km of coast for the water lover. All the usual water sports are on offer from surfing to water skiing, scuba diving to sailing. When you can manage to pull yourself out of the ocean, go and see the Lorenzo Scaglia Municipal Museum of Natural Sciences or the Juean Carlos Castagnino Municipal Museum of Art. The Mar del Plata Aquarium has seal and dolphin shows which are worth a look too.
Mendoza
Mendoza is set at the foot of the Andes Mountains so there is plenty of opportunity for skiing. There is also many wineries around so go on a wine tour while there. Explore the mountains or go to Aconcagua on the Chilean border to take in the view of South America’s highest mountain, the Cerro Aconcagua.
Rosario
Rosario is the birth place of Leonel Messi and this city offers museums of modern art, a blend of Spanish and Italian architecture, parks home to beautiful statues and monuments, beaches along the river front, restaurants with international cuisine and steakhouses where you can get the best and biggest Argentine beef steaks you have ever seen, or taste the local gourmet specialty – fresh river fish.
Salta
Salta mixes its colonial past with modernity, having preserved the architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. Houses with wooden balconies and iron framework, along with engraved entranceways and pillars, interior patios and fountains dot the streets.
Some of the buildings worth a visit are Hernandez House (which houses the City Museum on its lower level), the Arias Rengel Provincial Museum of Fine Arts, Leguizamon House, the Town Hall, and the Northern History Museum. Salta also offers plenty for the adventurous – fishing, trekking, windsurfing and more.
Cafayate is a a hidden gem of Argentina, and one of the best places I visited. This town is located in Salta province, in northwest Argentina. It lies in the Calchaquí Valleys, which is famous for its reddish rock formations. There are lots of vineyards, tasty restaurants and historical cultural attractions to check out.
San Martin de los Andes
San Martin de los Andes sits on the shores of Lake Lacar and is surrounded by the Lanin National Park, meaning there is plenty to do if you’re up for an adventure. In summer you can go mountain biking, horse riding, hiking, canoeing, climbing, trout and salmon fly-fishing. In winter you can go skiing or snowboarding on the slopes of nearby Mount Chapelco. Make sure you indulge in another activity – eating the handmade chocolate the region is famous for.
Tucuman
History lovers will enjoy Tucuman, a city that conserves much of its colonial roots. It was the cradle of the independent movements in 1816, when it declared its independence from Spain and contains a plethora of historical sites.
These days it is one of the world’s biggest producers of sugar cane. Explore the plethora of historical sites, join in one of the many outdoor activities on offer, or see the ruins of the prehispanic indigenous city of Quilmes.
Ushuaia
Ushuaia is the southernmost city of the world and there are plenty of attractions to make the trip worthwhile. The Argentinian government built a jail here that operated until 1947. Today, the ‘jail at the end of the world’ serves as a museum at the natives, the local history, and the disasters of this region.
Fun Things to Do
Day on a Ranch
Visit an authentic Argentinian ranch in the Argentinian countryside, complete with a Gaucho steak and dance performances.
Rio Plate Bike Tour
Get up early and join a guided bike tour along the river for a fun day out with other travellers.
Polo
Argentina is famous for its polo. Make a day trip to the countryside and learn to swing a polo mallet and unwind afterwards in an infinity pool.
Argentina Travel Tips
Have an awesome time while on your trip but remember to respect the local culture in Argentina. Here are a few travel hints & tips to help you with any possible culture shock!
Europeans or Latin Americans?
Many people comment that Argentina seems to be more like Europe than Latin America. Culturally and emotionally this seems to be true, and physically too as most Argentines are primarily of European descent.
Greetings
The Argentinians usually kiss each other on one cheek when they greet. They’re very physical people and their gestures are just as important as words. If you’re meeting an Argentine for the first time or you’ve only met them a couple of times you probably wouldn’t kiss them, however take cues from them.
Expressive Communication Style
Don’t be offended when an Argentine is open, blunt and direct. That’s just the way they are! They’re often able to remain tactful and diplomatic though. Along with their openness comes their warmth and passion and a tendency to be quite physical when speaking. They maintain little distance between speakers, it might be a bit closer than you’re used to but again, that’s just the way they are.
Spanish in Argentina
The Argentinians have put their own twist on the Spanish language, pronouncing their L’s like Y’s. Milanesa (beef schnitzel) for example, is pronounced ‘miyanese’. Be careful when ordering mayonnaise for your burger, you might get a chicken schnitzel instead.
Argentinian Traditions
• Tango: A feeling that is danced, that is felt in all of the one hundred neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. The Argentine version is more divulged one that with insolence has lavished the Argentine name on the way of the land.
• Mate: In Argentina, it is typical of the people to drink mate, the family gathers at a specific hour to drink mate and talk about life and news, like tea time in England. To drink mate is more than drinking a liquid through a special straw, is a sensation, a feeling, a tradition, an institution.
• Truco: Truco is a card game, traditional in the countries that border El Rio de La Plata and some countries of Central America, such as Costa Rica, it is a great after dinner game, especially after “una parrilla.”
Top Argentine Eats and Treats
Take a look at some of the top eats and treats throughout Argentina!
Beef
Argentineans are famed for having a high protein diet with beef forming a particularly large part of the national cuisine. The country is known for the quality of its beef and on average each Argentinean will consume 55 kg every year! Steak and barbecued beef are massively popular and can be found on the vast majority of Argentinean menus. Parrillas are restaurants that specialise in steak.
Chimichurri
All that meat needs a sauce to help wash it down and in Argentina the sauce of choice is the Chimichurri. This tangy sauce is also used as a marinade and is made of minced garlic, oregano, olive oil, parsley and red or white vinegar. A common variation on the sauce includes red bell pepper and tomato although lemon, paprika and cilantro are other ingredients sometimes incorporated.
Dulce de leche
Literally translated this means ‘candy of milk’. Sweetened milk is heated slowly to create a rich, sweet spread or sauce. In Argentina it is a national food, served with ice cream and puddings or as a filling for cakes or pancakes. Alfajores, for example, are shortbread biscuits sandwiched together with liberal quantities of dulce de leche.
Mate
Mate is one of Argentina’s traditional drinks. To make it the dried leaves of the yerba mate plant are infused in hot water. In order to make the bitter natural flavour more palatable mate can be flavoured with herbs or sweetened with sugar. A metal straw known as a bombilla is often used to drink mate and the beverage is a large part of Argentinean celebrations.
Empanada
Empanadas originated in Galicia and Portugal but have become hugely popular in South American nations. They are simply dough stuffed with meat, cheese or vegetables which are then deep fried. Variations of the recipe have existed since the early sixteenth century. In Argentina empanadas are commonly served at festivals and parties as well as in restaurants. The dough is typically made of beef drippings and wheat flour with chicken as the most common filling.
Medialunas
In Argentina medialunas are a breakfast staple. They are very similar to French croissants and derive their name from their half-moon shape. Often they are coated with a butter-based sweet glaze (de Manteca) but they can also be coated with the not sweet lard-based medialuna de grasa.
Milanesa
The Argentinean Milanesa is a breaded and fried seasoned fillet of meat. It is very similar to the American chicken fried steak except more thinly coated. Common meat options include chicken, beef and veal. If the fillet is topped with tomato and mozzarella cheese it becomes Milanesa a la napolitana after the Argentinean pizzeria credited with creating it.