Argentina – Travel Guide
Argentina is a land of endless beauty, where the mountains meet the sea and every corner is filled with its rich culture. Explore its vibrant cities and charming small towns, where you can taste the country’s rich cuisine and learn about its fascinating history. Undoubtedly, from tango in Buenos Aires to wine tasting in Mendoza, Argentina offers a unique and unforgettable experience for all levels and kinds of visitors. Make sure to visit Argentina in 2024 and discover a culture that stretches back centuries, but remains vibrant today.
All about Argentina
Argentina FAQ
What is Argentina known for?
Argentina is the third most populous country in South America and one of the largest Spanish speaking countries in the world. From the distinct and beautiful landscapes of Patagonia to the rich and artsy culture of Buenos Aires, Argentina is famous for many things. Wine, soccer (futbol), Gauchos, and Tango are all things Argentinean. The country has a rich cultural history with lifestyles uniquely their own.
The Argentine people take great pride in the fact that Pope Francis is from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the country boasts one of the highest literacy rates in South America with women leading the way.
What are the best places to visit in Argentina?
In terms of geography, Argentina is an exceptionally diverse country, surrounding everything from harsh deserts to humid jungles. Stretching from the subtropical north to the Subantarctic regions of beautiful Patagonia in the south, Argentina also boasts a rich cultural, artistic, and architectural heritage that has drawn upon many influences from around the world. With its wonderful `barrios,` including colorful arts neighborhoods such as La Boca and trendy districts like Palermo, Buenos Aires has a particularly European feel and is the epicenter, known for its music and dance, for its cuisine, fine wines, and outstanding nightlife. In addition to its many cultural attractions, the country also boasts huge glaciers of the snow-capped Andes and the stunning Iguazu Falls, one of the most popular destinations in all of South America.
A few other highlights include the magnificent city of Mendoza, a gateway to the sprawling Wine Country. The small town of El Calafate – Lago Argentino that sits on the shores of Lake Argentino. Ushuaia, `the End of the World`, with it`s strategic location to explore the sprawling Tierra del Fuego National Park. And the opportunity to experience the Gaucho culture of the Pampas region at Estancias (ranches) near Buenos Aires.
How many days should I spend in Argentina?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Argentina?
By Bus: Bus travel is another means of exploring Argentina, although distances can be long (expect 20+ hour journeys) and if you`re only here for two weeks, it`s probably better to spend a little bit more on flights.
By Rental Car: If you`ve got a bit more time, consider renting a car. Car rental is readily available throughout Argentina, though it is a bit expensive compared with other forms of transportation. Travelling by car allows you to visit locations that are hard to reach by public transportation. Patagonia, in the South of Argentina, is a popular driving location among tourists due to the magnificent views across many miles of open land.
Argentina generally recognizes valid drivers` licenses from foreign jurisdictions. Drivers must be over 21. The rental companies will charge the renters card ARS6000 to be used in the event of an accident. Traffic regulations in Argentina are generally the same as in the US, but the local often ignore the regulations. On roads and highways it`s mandatory to have car lights on, even during daytime. Be aware that the driving style in Argentina is aggressive and chaotic. Pay attention at night.
By Train: There are trains from Buenos Aires to Tucuman, Cordoba, Rosario (from Retiro station), Bahia Blanca and Mar del Plata (from Constitucion station) among others. Also some limited services in and out of Viedma and Bariloche. Tickets are very cheap.
In recent years the government has promoted the re-establishment of long distance passenger trains, although most lines still operate at a low frequency (one or two departures weekly). The rail network is very limited, and intercity buses offer more frequencies in most corridors.
What is the currency of Argentina?
The currency of Argentina is the Argentine peso. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Argentine pesos upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city. For more detailed information, consult our guide by clicking here Tipping in Argentina.
Do people speak English in Argentina?
Spanish is the official language of Argentina and a vast majority of Argentines speak Spanish as their first language. Other minor languages common to Argentina are English and Italian.
Best time to visit Argentina
While December to March are the months in which Patagonia in South Argentina is most efficiently accessible, the complete country can be visited all year round. The weather in Buenos Aires is ordinarily hot over these months but a visit in the cooler, brisk months of July and August can be pleasant.
Read More
The Lake District comes alive with wildflowers over spring (September to November), while autumn in the wine valleys encompassing Mendoza features gold and copper colored vines, simply beautiful against the backdrop of the Andes.
January – February
January – February
The pinnacle of Argentina’s summer, January and February are the preferred months to visit Patagonia; particularly El Calafate and Bariloche. Accommodation here gets busy very fast at this time of year. In January it can be really wet in the northwest of the country and intensely hot in the northeastern wetlands area.
Events and Festivals
– Gualeguaychu Carnival
– Buenos Aires Tango Festival
March
March
A charming month to travel to Argentina. Summer is coming to a conclusion across the country but Patagonia is still achievable and hiking is simple to coordinate.
Events and Festivals
– Tilcara Carnival
– Buenos Aires Tango Festival
– Vendimia Wine Festival
– Ciudanza Music Festival
– Fiesta del Surubí Entrerriano en La Paz
April
Visiting Argentina in April
Autumn is a delightful time of year to visit Patagonia and Mendoza’s wine country. The crowds have diminished and the color saturation of the changing trees provide excellent photo opportunities.
Events and Festivals
– Buenos Aires International Independent Film Festival (BAFICI)
– Easter and Holy Week at the Via Christ
– Surubi National Festival
– Tour around Tandil’s Way of the Cross
– The Salmon Festival
May
Visiting Argentina in May
May is an excellent time to visit Argentina’s wetlands, Esteros de Ibera, May and June are refreshing months here and offer a favorable opportunity to view wildlife.
Events and Festivals
– Buenos Aires Contemporary Art Fair
– Iguazu in Concert
– May 1810 Revolution – National Holiday
June
Visiting Argentina in June
The middle of June generally indicates the start of Argentina’s ski season; concentrated around the Bariloche area where the best snow settles. It is also in late June that the southern right whales show up at the Peninsula Valdes.
Events and Festivals
– Gauchos of Güemes Parade
– Patagonian New Year
– The Longest Night in the World
– Tribute to Juan Martín Miguel de Güemes
July – August
Visiting Argentina in July – August
The middle of June generally indicates the start of Argentina’s ski season; concentrated around the Bariloche area where the best snow settles. It is also in late June that the southern right whales show up at the Peninsula Valdes.
Events and Festivals
– Tango World Championships
– Patagonian New Year
– Snow Festival in Bariloche
– Argentina’s Independence Day
– Whale Watching Peninsula Valdes
September
Visiting Argentina in September
September and October are pleasant months to visit the Peninsula Valdes. It’s a tremendous time for wildlife lovers, and you can look forward to beholding whales, seals, penguins and numerous species of sea birds.
Events and Festivals
– National Immigrants Festival
– National Ski Festival
– Wine and Wineries Fair
– International Theatre Festival
October
Visiting Argentina in October
Spring in the Lake District about Bariloche is a wonderful time to visit and enjoy the carpets of wildflowers. There are considerable prospects for a whole range of outdoor activities, although rainfall here can be slightly higher than the average of the remainder of the year. Southern Patagonia is also rejuvenating.
Events and Festivals
– Oktoberfest
– International Classical Music Festival of Ushuaia
– Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour
– Casa Foa
– Alvear Fashion and Arts
– Eisteddfodau
November
Visiting Argentina in November
The completion of spring and commencement of summer. A visit to Argentina in November ordinarily means bypassing the crowds that begin to multiply in December. It’s one of the greener months to visit the frequently parched landscape of Salta and the northeast.
Events and Festivals
– Fishing Season Opening in Patagonia
– Immigrant Communities Festival
– National Lamb Festival
– Medieval Festival in Villa General Belgrano
– When Buenos Aires Is Invaded by Zombies
– Buenos Aires International Jazz Festival
– Código País
– Gran Premio Nacional – Horse Racing
– Abierto Argentino de Polo
December
Visiting Argentina in December
The middle of Argentina’s summer can be a active time to visit, but also offers the prime chance of warm, sunny weather in Patagonia. The rains that have fallen at the Iguazu Falls means the volume of water roaring over the falls is high and the scenery here is dramatic.
Events and Festivals
– Feast of the Immaculate Conception
– Christmas and New Years Eve
– Tango Day
– Citrus Culture Festival
– Pigue: Giant Omelette Festival
– Virgin of the Valley – Catamarca
– Festival de Chámame
Tipping in Argentina
The questions `when?` and `how much?` can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
Read More
Tipping in Argentina
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use the Argentine peso?
The currency of Argentina is the Argentine peso and US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Argentine pesos upon arrival. In our culture, we can put everything on credit and debit cards, however, in rural areas of Argentina you will find it useful to always keep cash on hand. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the cities.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
In most restaurants in Argentina, a 10 percent tip to the waiter is required. Always check your bill and if 10% is not included, please leave a 10 percent tip. If your service is excellent, feel free to add an additional tip. If you aren`t satisfied with the service, you can forgo a tip altogether. Bartenders receive a tip equivalent to about 50 cents to $1.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
Tipping in hotels in Argentina is generally common. The most commonly tipped employees are the porters and housekeeping. If a porter helps to carry your bag(s) to your room the customary tip is about 2-3 pesos per bag, usually no more than 5 pesos total. It is customary to leave about 2-5 pesos per day for housekeeping. If you tip every day, you may receive better service. Other hotel services are tipped depending on the service provided.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
The usual tip for cab drivers is the give the change or round up to the next peso. You may wish to tip extra if they help you with your luggage or provide you with useful info about getting around. If you hire a taxi driver for the entire day the rate expected is about 150-300 pesos per day. If it is around Christmas or New Year`s Day, a tip is very much appreciated. Needless to say, if your driver was rude or took you on an out of the way route to hike up the fare, do not leave a tip. Always remember when traveling abroad that it is good practice to agree on a final fare before the cab driver begins driving.
Tour Guides: Should I tip?
The normal tip for tour guides is about 10 percent (per day per person). If a tour If a tour guide is particularly enthusiastic or informative do not hesitate to slip them a little extra cash if you wish!
Miscellaneous: Is there anyone I should tip that I would not normally?
Street Performers: Here is one place to splurge a bit. Though you may not actively solicit entertainment from musicians, mimes, artists, and the like, it is polite to tip them if you have enjoyed their trade. These people live off the money they make bringing their talent to the streets of Buenos Aires, Mendoza, San Juan or Santiago. Take some of what you would have left your waitress in the restaurant and give it to one of these artists!
Other Services: In the event that you are in Argentina for a special occasion (wedding, honeymoon, graduation gift, birthday, etc..) and employ the services of a hairdresser, make-up artist, party planner, personal shopper, tailor or spa services and the like, use your best judgment in tipping. Factor in the cost and quality of service and, as a general rule, stay in the 10% range.
Final Thoughts:
Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. Unlike in the U.S. the expectations for tipping are lower in Argentina than in America. This is also true for hotel staff, though if you encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.
When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy, it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.
Top cities in Argentina
More Cities in Argentina
A – Z
What to expect while traveling
