I traveled across Argentina from steamy Buenos Aires to Patagonian glaciers. This giant country spans deserts, vineyards, and snowy peaks. Here are my ten favorites.
Overview
Argentina is huge, varied, and deeply passionate about food and football. I found glamorous cities, wild frontiers, and natural wonders on a grand scale here.
Distances are massive so I planned my route carefully to avoid burnout. The reward is one of the most diverse and dramatic countries in the world. my budget travel guide
When to Go
I visited in the southern summer from December to February and loved it. Buenos Aires buzzed and Patagonia offered warm long days for hiking high.
Autumn in March and April brings lovely mild weather and fewer tourists overall. This shoulder season is my top pick for a balanced country wide trip.
The far south is best in summer when the trails and glaciers are most open. Iona very deliberately to keep every region at its finest.
Top Things to See and Do
Buenos Aires is an elegant city of tango, cafes, and grand boulevards. I explored colorful La Boca, the art galleries, and the historic San Telmo district.
Evenings come alive with live music, steak, and late wonderful local dining. Do not rush this city, since it rewards a few leisurely days beautifully.
The Iguazu Falls on the Brazil border are among the most stunning on earth. I walked boardwalks over thundering waterfalls and felt the spray on my face.
The sheer scale and power of this natural wonder left me completely speechless. Seeing it in Argentina gives you the closest and most dramatic views of all.
Patagonia around El Calafate and El Chalten is pure breathtaking wilderness. I hiked past the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier and watched huge chunks calving off.
The Fitz Roy mountain at El Chalten is a legendary trekking icon for good reason. Wild wind, open skies, and endless blue made this my favorite region.
Mendoza is the heart of Argentina’s world famous wine country region. I toured vineyards, tasted Malbec, and cycled between gorgeous bodegas daily.
Wine tasting here is affordable and the Andes backdrop is absolutely stunning. The nearby mountain passes make perfect scenic day trip adventures too.
The northern region around Salta is colorful and culturally fascinating to me. I rode winding roads through red rock canyons and watched traditional dances.
Villages here keep native customs alive amid spectacular desert landscapes. The famous train to the clouds offers dramatic high altitude mountain views.
The Valdes Peninsula on the coast teems with incredible marine wildlife. I watched southern right whales, sea lions, and adorable penguin colonies up close.
Osprey and elephant seals also gather along these wild Atlantic shores. It is one of the best and most accessible wildlife viewing areas on earth.
Ushuaia at the very end of the world is journey’s final frontier town. I took a boat through the windswept Beagle Channel past seals and cormorants.
Tourists come here to board ships for Antarctica across the Drake Passage. Even just reaching the southernmost city in the world feels hugely rewarding.
Tierra del Fuego National Park near Ushuaia is hauntingly beautiful landscape. I hiked beaver ponds and watched frozen lakes under looming snow capped peaks.
The winds here are wild but the raw scenery is unlike anywhere else on earth. It makes a perfect far southern end to an epic Argentinian journey.
The Argentine asado barbecue culture is a food lover essential experience. I watched gauchos grill huge cuts of meat over open embers each evening.
Sharing a long leisurely asado with wine is a genuine ritual full of joy. Buenos Aires and the countryside both host these unforgettable feasts daily.
Cordoba and its surrounding valleys offer history and gorgeous scenery both. I visited old Jesuit estates and hiked among the pretty sierra hills.
The city has a lively student energy and great inexpensive dining options. It makes a pleasant cultural stop between the larger highlights of the region.
Where to Stay
I mixed stylish city hotels in Buenos Aires with mountain lodges elsewhere. Palermo Soho had great boutique stays near restaurants and cool nightlife.
In Patagonia I chose warm lodges and simple hostels near the trailheads. Everywhere offered friendly hospitality and easy access to the key activities.
Getting Around
Domestic flights are essential for covering Argentina’s enormous distances. I flew between Buenos Aires, Iguazu, Mendoza, and Patagonia to save days. I found this detail worth remembering.
Long distance buses are comfortable and surprisingly good value too. Within cities the metro and casual taxis covered my local travel needs well.
Food to Try
Steak is king in Argentina and I ate it far more than I planned. Grilled to perfection and served with chimichurri it was simply unforgettable daily.
Empanadas stuffed with meat or cheese made perfect quick snacks everywhere. I also loved hearty locro stew and delicious homemade sweet dulce de leche.
Mate, the bitter herbal tea, is a truly social local tradition to try. Locals passed the gourd around and welcomed me warmly into their ritual.
Wine from Mendoza paired beautifully with almost every meal I enjoyed. Gelato at charming Italian style cafes finished my happy days perfectly.
Daily Budget
Argentina offers good value once you understand the exchange rate situation. I spent about forty five dollars a day on lodging, meals, and transport.
Inflation makes cash math tricky, so I always paid attention to the rates closely. Flights between distant regions were my biggest single expense by far. my budget travel guide
Safety Tips
Buenos Aires is generally safe but I used common sense in the crowds. I avoided flashing valuables on public transport in the busier districts.
I stayed alert in the busy tourist areas and kept my bag close always. The countryside and wilderness felt safe and wonderfully peaceful throughout.
Local Tips
Learn some Spanish because outside tourist zones little English is spoken. A friendly greeting in the local language opened many warm doors for me.
Carry both cash and a card because payment options vary everywhere daily. Check the street exchange rate to avoid losing money on unfavorable conversions.
Common Mistakes
Underestimating distance is the biggest mistake travelers make in this land. I built generous buffers between regions and never rushed a long transfer.
Do not try to cover every far flung corner in just a couple of weeks fast. Chile equally rewarding when you allow proper time for each epic region.
Do not forget that seasons flip in the south, so pack for real cold weather. I layered well and stayed comfortable through every wild Patagonian day. more travel tips
