Tango, wine, Patagonia and dramatic natural landscapes
Argentina Travel Guide
Discover a remarkably diverse South American country shaped by cosmopolitan cities, world-famous wine regions, spectacular waterfalls and the vast landscapes of Patagonia. Explore Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Iguazu Falls, glaciers, mountains and Tierra del Fuego while experiencing Argentina’s distinctive culture, cuisine and outdoor adventures.
- Buenos Aires culture and tango
- Patagonia and glaciers
- Malbec wine country
- Waterfalls and scenic routes
Essential travel information
All About Argentina
Find practical information about Argentina’s destinations, transportation, seasons, currency, language and tipping customs before planning your South America vacation.
Argentina FAQ
Learn what Argentina is known for, where to visit, how long
to stay, what currency to use and how to travel around the
country.
What is Argentina known for?
Argentina is one of the largest Spanish-speaking countries in the world. From the landscapes of Patagonia to the rich culture of Buenos Aires, Argentina is associated with wine, football, gaucho traditions and tango.
The country combines cosmopolitan cities with vineyards, subtropical forests, waterfalls, the Andes, glaciers and enormous open landscapes.
What are the best places to visit in Argentina?
Argentina stretches from the subtropical north to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego in the south, giving travelers a wide variety of destinations and experiences.
- Buenos Aires for tango, architecture, cuisine and nightlife
- Iguazu Falls for rainforest scenery and waterfalls
- Mendoza for vineyards, Malbec and Andes landscapes
- El Calafate for glaciers and southern Patagonia
- Ushuaia for Tierra del Fuego and far-southern landscapes
- Bariloche for lakes, mountains and outdoor activities
How many days should I spend in Argentina?
We recommend approximately 7-10 days depending on what you want to see and do. Argentina covers enormous distances, so itineraries combining several regions require additional time.
Tripmasters vacation packages are customizable, allowing travelers to select the number of nights, hotels, transportation and activities included in each destination.
What is the best way to get around Argentina?
Argentina’s long distances mean transportation choices depend heavily on the destinations included in the itinerary.
What currency is used in Argentina?
Argentina uses the Argentine peso. Travelers should review current exchange and payment conditions before departure and have access to local currency when needed.
Do people speak English in Argentina?
Spanish is Argentina’s official and predominant language. English is spoken in portions of the tourism industry, particularly in major hotels, destinations and attractions.
Best Time to Visit Argentina
Compare Argentina’s spring, summer, autumn and winter travel
conditions before choosing your vacation dates.
When is the best time to visit Argentina?
Argentina can be visited throughout the year, but weather, accessibility, visitor numbers and available activities vary considerably between Buenos Aires, northern Argentina, wine country and Patagonia.
December through March provides some of the easiest access to Patagonia. Spring is especially attractive in the Lake District, while autumn brings spectacular colors to Mendoza’s wine country.
September – November
Spring
Spring brings wildflowers to the Lake District and excellent wildlife opportunities around Peninsula Valdes. Temperatures become increasingly pleasant across much of Argentina.
Best for: Wildlife, cities, the Lake District and outdoor activities.
December – March
Summer
Summer provides long days and some of the best access to Patagonia, including El Calafate and Bariloche. Buenos Aires and northern Argentina can be considerably warmer.
Best for: Patagonia, hiking and outdoor travel.
March – May
Autumn
Autumn is an attractive period for Patagonia and Mendoza’s wine country as crowds decrease and changing foliage creates excellent scenery.
Best for: Wine country, Patagonia and photography.
June – August
Winter
Winter brings Argentina’s ski season, especially around Bariloche. Southern right whales also begin appearing around Peninsula Valdes during the colder months.
Best for: Skiing, winter landscapes and seasonal wildlife.
Tipping in Argentina
Understand when gratuities are expected in restaurants,
hotels, taxis and guided tours throughout Argentina.
Is tipping customary in Argentina?
Tipping is common in Argentina, particularly in restaurants, hotels and guided services. Travelers should check whether service has already been included before adding a gratuity.
Should I use U.S. dollars or Argentine pesos?
Argentina uses the Argentine peso. Travelers should review current payment and exchange conditions before departure and keep some local currency available, particularly outside major urban areas.
Restaurants, cafes and bars
A gratuity is commonly left for restaurant service. Travelers should check the bill first to determine whether an amount has already been included.
Hotel staff
Porters, housekeeping staff and other hotel employees may receive a gratuity for personal or particularly helpful service.
Taxi drivers
Passengers commonly round the fare up, particularly when drivers assist with luggage or provide helpful service.
Tour guides
Gratuities may be offered to guides when travelers are pleased with the quality of the tour and service provided.
Gratuities should reflect the service received. Travelers should not feel obligated to tip when service has been unsatisfactory.
Read the complete Argentina tipping guideCities, culture and natural landscapes
Top Cities in Argentina
Explore Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital, spectacular waterfalls, wine country and Patagonia. Each destination offers a different combination of culture, scenery, cuisine and outdoor experiences.
Argentina’s capital
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires combines grand architecture, historic neighborhoods, tango, restaurants, museums and nightlife with Argentina’s distinctive cultural identity.
- Tango and cultural heritage
- Historic neighborhoods
- Parrillas and Malbec
- Museums and nightlife
Misiones
Iguazu Falls
Experience one of South America’s most spectacular natural attractions through rainforest trails, panoramic viewpoints and dramatic waterfalls.
Explore Iguazu Falls
Patagonia
El Calafate
Discover the gateway to Perito Moreno Glacier, Lago Argentino and the extraordinary landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park.
Explore El Calafate
Wine Country
Mendoza
Explore Argentina’s best-known wine region, where Malbec, vineyards and culinary experiences meet spectacular views of the Andes.
Explore MendozaContinue exploring
More Destinations in Argentina
Continue beyond Argentina’s principal destinations with lakes, mountains, northern wine regions, wildlife areas and additional gateways to Patagonia.
Prepare for your vacation
What to Expect While Traveling
Review Tripmasters guides covering flights, accommodations, transportation and sightseeing so you can understand each component of your Argentina vacation.
Before departure
Air Travel
Review check-in, baggage, airline schedules, connections and other preparations for international and domestic flights.
Accommodations
Hotels
Understand hotel categories, room configurations, check-in procedures and services commonly found during your vacation.
Independent travel
Rental Cars
Review rental requirements, insurance considerations, vehicle collection and practical information for self-drive itineraries.
Local connections
Transfers
Find out how airport, hotel and station transfers work and what to verify before meeting your transportation provider.
Rail transportation
Train Travel
Learn about rail tickets, stations, luggage, schedules and connections relevant to travel throughout Argentina.
Activities and experiences
Sightseeing Tours
Review meeting points, vouchers, schedules and practical details associated with booked excursions and activities.
Continue exploring destinations, regions and practical travel information across South America with Tripmasters.
Back to South America – Travel Guide