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South America / South America

Argentina

Buenos Aires tango, Patagonia glaciers, and wine in Mendoza. As part of South America in South America, Argentina suits travelers drawn to nature and historic. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

Argentina

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: Oct – Apr

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Argentina, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Patagonia

Patagonia is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Argentina, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Mendoza

Plan at least a full day in Mendoza to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

Iguazú

Iguazú is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Argentina, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

What it is known for
facts
  • Tango salons and steakhouses of Buenos Aires
  • Perito Moreno Glacier calving in Los Glaciares National Park
  • Mendoza Malbec vineyards beneath the Andes
  • Iguazú Falls thundering on the border with Brazil
  • Patagonian lamb asado and empanadas across the pampas
key City
name
Buenos Aires
label
Capital
why
The Paris of South America blends European boulevards with La Boca color, San Telmo antiques, and late-night milongas before flights south to Patagonia.
Places to visit
  • area
    Buenos Aires
    attractions
    • name
      Plaza de Mayo
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
    • name
      La Boca
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Recoleta Cemetery
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Teatro Colón
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Patagonia
    attractions
    • name
      Perito Moreno Glacier
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Mount Fitz Roy
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Torres del Paine
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Ushuaia
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Mendoza
    attractions
    • name
      Aconcagua Provincial Park
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Plaza Independencia
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
    • name
      Puente del Inca
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Uco Valley Wineries
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Iguazú
    attractions
    • name
      Iguazú Falls
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Devil's Throat
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      San Ignacio Miní
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Wanda Mines
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
Itineraries
  • title
    Argentina Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Buenos Aires
    • Patagonia
    • Mendoza
    highlights
    • Full day discovering Buenos Aires
    • Full day discovering Patagonia
    • Full day discovering Mendoza
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Buenos Aires
      description
      Land in Buenos Aires, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Argentina trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Patagonia
      description
      Dedicate the day to Patagonia: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Mendoza and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Mendoza visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic Argentina
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Buenos Aires
    • Patagonia
    • Mendoza
    • Iguazú
    highlights
    • Cover Buenos Aires and Patagonia
    • Explore Mendoza
    • Explore Iguazú
    best For
    Outdoor lovers and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Buenos Aires
      description
      Land in Buenos Aires, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Argentina trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Patagonia
      description
      Dedicate the day to Patagonia: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Explore Mendoza
      description
      Dedicate the day to Mendoza: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      4
      title
      Iguazú and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Iguazú visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Argentina Beaches & Coast
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Patagonia
    • Iguazú
    highlights
    • Coastal day in Patagonia
    • Coastal day in Iguazú
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Patagonia
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Patagonia.
    • day
      2
      title
      Iguazú and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in Iguazú, visiting Iguazú Falls, Devil's Throat, San Ignacio Miní before you depart Argentina.
  • title
    Argentina Countryside
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Buenos Aires
    • Patagonia
    • Mendoza
    • Iguazú
    highlights
    • Rural stop: Buenos Aires
    • Rural stop: Patagonia
    • Rural stop: Mendoza
    • Rural stop: Iguazú
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Buenos Aires
      description
      Reach Buenos Aires, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      Patagonia countryside
      description
      Explore Patagonia at an easy pace: Perito Moreno Glacier, Mount Fitz Roy, Torres del Paine with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      Mendoza countryside
      description
      Explore Mendoza at an easy pace: Aconcagua Provincial Park, Plaza Independencia, Puente del Inca with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      4
      title
      Iguazú and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Iguazú, stopping at Iguazú Falls, Devil's Throat, San Ignacio Miní before heading home.
  • title
    Argentina Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Buenos Aires
    • Patagonia
    • Mendoza
    • Iguazú
    highlights
    • Must-see: Plaza de Mayo
    • Must-see: La Boca
    • Must-see: Perito Moreno Glacier
    • Must-see: Mount Fitz Roy
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of Buenos Aires
      description
      Start in Buenos Aires with Plaza de Mayo, La Boca, Recoleta Cemetery, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      Patagonia monuments
      description
      Focus on Patagonia's tourist favorites: Perito Moreno Glacier, Mount Fitz Roy, Torres del Paine with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Mendoza monuments
      description
      Focus on Mendoza's tourist favorites: Aconcagua Provincial Park, Plaza Independencia, Puente del Inca with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      4
      title
      Iguazú landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Iguazú, including Iguazú Falls, Devil's Throat, San Ignacio Miní, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
October through April is austral spring and summer, ideal for Buenos Aires tango, Patagonia trekking, and Iguazu Falls at full flow. Mendoza wine harvest peaks in March, while Ushuaia and El Calafate are accessible from November onward.
typical Weather
Buenos Aires Oct-Apr: highs 22-30°C (72-86°F), lows 14-20°C (57-68°F), 80-100 mm rain. Patagonia El Calafate: highs 15-20°C (59-68°F), wind strong. Iguazu: hot and humid, 28-32°C (82-90°F). Mendoza dry, 25-30°C (77-86°F).
details
  • Jan-Feb peak for Patagonia; book Perito Moreno and Fitz Roy camps early.
  • Jun-Aug ski season in Bariloche and Las Lenas; Buenos Aires mild.
  • Shoulder Oct-Nov and Mar-Apr balance weather and rates.
  • Northwest Salta and Jujuy best Apr-Oct; rainy season Dec-Mar.
most Affordable
period
May – Aug
summary
Austral winter outside ski peak offers Argentina's best value, when Buenos Aires hotels discount heavily and Patagonia lodges run low-season rates before spring trekking demand. Mendoza wine country is quiet and affordable in winter months.
details
  • Buenos Aires hotels cut rates 30-40% in Jun-Aug outside ski weeks.
  • Patagonia lodges discount when trekking season is closed.
  • Domestic flights to Ushuaia cheaper outside Dec-Feb peak.
  • Iguazu Falls hotels offer winter promotions with fewer Brazilian day-trippers.
most Expensive
period
Dec – Feb
summary
Austral summer peak fills Patagonia, Bariloche, and Buenos Aires during Argentine holiday season when domestic and international travelers compete for limited accommodation. January especially sees premium rates at El Calafate and Ushuaia.
details
  • Perito Moreno and Fitz Roy area hotels sell out at peak Jan-Feb rates.
  • Buenos Aires rates spike over Christmas, New Year, and January holidays.
  • Domestic flights to Patagonia cost most in summer peak.
  • Mar del Plata and Atlantic coast resorts premium in January.
Airports & arrivals
summary
International flights concentrate in Buenos Aires, with secondary hubs in Córdoba and Mendoza for domestic connections.
airports
  • name
    Ministro Pistarini International Airport
    code
    EZE
    location
    Ezeiza, serving Buenos Aires
    distance From Center
    22 km (14 mi) southwest of central Buenos Aires
    transfer Note
    Tienda León coaches and taxis reach the city
  • name
    Jorge Newbery Airfield
    code
    AEP
    location
    Buenos Aires
    distance From Center
    In the Palermo district near central Buenos Aires
    transfer Note
    Short taxi rides to downtown hotels
  • name
    Ingeniero Aeronáutico Ambrosio L.V. Taravella International Airport
    code
    COR
    location
    Córdoba
    distance From Center
    15 km (9 mi) north of central Córdoba
    transfer Note
    Taxis and buses serve the city
Getting around
overview
Argentines use long-distance coaches, Buenos Aires Subte, and commuter rail; Cabify and Uber operate in cities.
trains
  • name
    Trenes Argentinos
    description
    National and commuter rail across Argentina.
    ticketing
    Buy at station counters or trenesargentinos.gob.ar.
ferries
    subways
    • name
      Subte Buenos Aires
      description
      Buenos Aires underground serving the capital.
      ticketing
      Use SUBE card at station gates.
    public Transit
    • name
      Flecha Bus
      kind
      public
      description
      Major intercity coach operator.
      ticketing
      Buy at terminals or flechabus.com.ar.
    ride Share
    • name
      Cabify
      kind
      rideshare
      description
      Ride-hailing in Buenos Aires and Córdoba.
      ticketing
      Book via Cabify app.
    • name
      Uber
      kind
      rideshare
      description
      Ride-hailing in Buenos Aires.
      ticketing
      Book via Uber app.
    Currency
    code
    ARS
    name
    Argentine peso
    symbol
    $
    note
    Carry some argentine peso in cash for taxis and markets; card acceptance is strongest in major cities and tourist areas.

    Convert your travel budget ↗

    Visas & official entry links
    Local customs
    summary
    Argentines are expressive, late-dining, and passionate about football and mate culture. Personal space is closer than in the U.S., and greetings often include a cheek kiss. Cities are cosmopolitan; Patagonia and the northwest have distinct regional rhythms.
    customs
    • Dinner often starts after 9 p.m.; lunch is the main social meal on weekends.
    • Mate sharing follows ritual; do not move the bombilla if offered.
    • Tango venues and milongas have dress and dance-floor etiquette.
    dos
    • Greet with a single cheek kiss in social settings.
    • Say por favor and gracias in taxis, shops, and restaurants.
    • Carry small bills for taxis, tips, and neighborhood shops.
    • Respect queue order at bakeries and bus stops.
    • Learn basic Spanish; English is limited outside tourist zones.
    donts
    • Do not compare Argentina unfavorably to Brazil or Chile in casual conversation.
    • Do not flash large bills in crowded Buenos Aires neighborhoods.
    • Do not assume US cards work everywhere; carry backup payment.
    • Do not eat on the go in formal cafés; sit and order properly.
    • Do not photograph military installations or border areas without permission.
    Useful travel phrases
    language
    Spanish
    phrases
    • english
      Please
      local
      Por favor
      pronunciation
      por fah-BOR
    • english
      Thank you
      local
      Gracias
      pronunciation
      GRAH-syahs
    • english
      Yes
      local
      Sí
      pronunciation
      see
    • english
      No
      local
      No
      pronunciation
      noh
    • english
      How much?
      local
      ¿Cuánto cuesta?
      pronunciation
      KWAHN-toh KWES-ta
    • english
      Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
      local
      ¿Dónde está el restaurante o bar más cercano?
      pronunciation
      DOHN-deh es-TAH el res-tow-RAHN-teh oh bar mahs ther-KAH-no
    • english
      Where is the airport?
      local
      ¿Dónde está el aeropuerto?
      pronunciation
      DOHN-deh es-TAH eh-ay-ro-PWER-toh
    • english
      I need help
      local
      Necesito ayuda
      pronunciation
      neh-seh-SEE-toh ah-YOO-dah
    • english
      I need a hospital
      local
      Necesito un hospital
      pronunciation
      neh-seh-SEE-toh oon o-spee-TAHL
    • english
      Call the police
      local
      Llame a la policía
      pronunciation
      yah-MAH a la po-lee-SEE-ah
    Longer stays
    visa Summary
    U.S. citizens may enter Argentina visa-free for tourism and business for up to 90 days, extendable once in country in many cases. Temporary residence is available through employment, study, pensioner programs, and the rentista category for those with passive income. Argentina adjusts reciprocity and permit rules from time to time, so confirm requirements with the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones before planning a long stay.

    Practical tips.

    • Pay with a foreign credit card at the official exchange rate or use reputable cuevas only if you understand the risks.
    • Book Patagonia flights and refugios months ahead for peak summer because demand outstrips supply on popular routes.
    • Carry small bills for taxis and tips because change is scarce and many drivers do not accept large denominations.
    More travel tips ↗

    Locate Argentina.

    Location map of Argentina

    Before you go.

    Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for Argentina ↗