Planning Your Trip to Argentina: A Practical Guide

When to go, which vaccines, which itinerary, what to see: here is our practical guide and travel tips to help you plan your stay in Argentina!

At a Glance: Essential Facts Before You Go to Argentina

• Best time to travel: Southern Hemisphere’s spring (October–November) and autumn (March–April)
• Entry requirements: Valid passport for the full duration of the stay (EU citizens)
• Flight duration: 13h30 (direct flight to Buenos Aires) to around 18h with a stopover
• Time difference: Argentina is 4 hours behind the UK in summer and 3 hours behind in winter. Argentina does not observe daylight saving time.
• Languages: Spanish has been the official language since the 16th-century Spanish colonisation. Numerous indigenous languages also survive from the pre-colonial era, including Quechua in the northern Andes and Guaraní in the northeast.
• Population: 46.23 million
• Area: 2.78 million km² – more than five times the size of France!
• Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS). Given Argentina’s economic instability, we recommend checking the exchange rate before departure. US dollars are accepted in tourist areas.
• Plug type: Types C and I – an adapter is required.
• Country code: +54

Climate: When to Travel to Argentina?

Argentine Climate

One important reminder before your trip to Argentina: in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are reversed compared to Europe. The Argentine summer runs from December to February, and winter from June to August. Due to the sheer size of the country (five times the size of France), Argentina has several distinct climate zones.

Buenos Aires, with its subtropical climate, can be visited year-round. However, it can be very hot and humid (30°–35°C) from December to February. June, July and August tend to be rainy in the capital, with temperatures dropping to around 10°–15°C.

Patagonia (Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia, El Calafate and Bariloche) is best visited in the austral summer (October to March) – unless you are visiting Puerto Madryn for whale watching, which runs from June to December. Note that Ushuaia can be very windy during these months. Winter sports enthusiasts can head to Ushuaia and Bariloche from June to September.

The Argentine northwest has a rainy season from late December to late February. Nights at altitude are often cool (5°–10°C), even if days can be warm (20°–25°C).

Iguazú enjoys a tropical climate and can be visited year-round, though we recommend travelling between February and May during the dry season.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Argentina?

Argentina is the second-largest country in South America, which means travellers can visit at any time of year. Patagonia is best from October to March, when days are longer and (slightly) warmer. The northwest is preferable from February to December. The rest of the country can be visited year-round.

Planning Your Argentina Itinerary

Argentina’s Must-See Destinations

From the Andes to the west, the glaciers of Patagonia to the south, the Iguazú jungle to the northeast, and the Andean highlands of the northwest: Argentina has it all. The unmissable highlights:

• Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego: a journey to the end of the world
• The Perito Moreno Glacier: a majestic giant of Patagonia, near El Calafate
• The Iguazú Falls: deep in the jungle on the Brazilian border
• The Salinas Grandes and the Quebrada de Humahuaca: in the Argentine northwest
• Route 40: for an epic road trip across the north or south of the country

How Long Should You Spend in Argentina?

Given the size of the country and the number of wonders to discover, a trip to Argentina could easily last several months! We recommend at least 2 weeks to explore one region: Salta and Iguazú in the north, or Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego in the south. For a highlights circuit covering the whole country, allow 3 weeks.

What Budget Do You Need for Argentina?

Your budget for Argentina depends on the type of trip you choose. Several factors come into play:

1. Regions visited: Patagonia (Ushuaia, El Calafate…) is noticeably more expensive than northern Argentina (Iguazú, Salta, Jujuy…).
2. International flights: From Europe, expect to pay between €1,000 and €1,700 for a direct or connecting flight. The price also depends on the season, day of departure and how far in advance you book.
3. Accommodation: As a general guide, budget between €50 and €150 per night in a double hotel room, varying according to the category and location.
4. Meals: Argentina’s excellent food remains very affordable. Prices vary by type of meal or restaurant: around €5 for street food (empanadas, tamales…), €15–20 for a full meal at a local restaurant, and €50+ at the country’s finest restaurants, including drinks.
5. Transport: Costs vary depending on the mode of transport – domestic flights, long-distance buses, trains, private transfers with a driver or car hire.
6. Activities: This budget line can vary considerably depending on the type of activity (horse riding, hiking, sightseeing…) and the format (private or small group, with or without a guide).

In short, expect a daily budget of €150 to €300 in Argentina, depending on the criteria above.

Health and Vaccines in Argentina

Source: France Diplomatie.

Health Risks in Argentina

There are no major health risks in Argentina. That said, there are some cases of mosquito-borne diseases (malaria, dengue, West Nile virus), mainly in the northeast of the country or in Buenos Aires. Given the low number of cases, no preventive treatment is recommended. Good practice for protection against mosquito bites is advisable: repellent and covering clothing.

Tap water is safe to drink in Buenos Aires and Patagonia – feel free to use a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste. However, tap water is not safe to drink in the Andean northwest or in Iguazú.

Which Vaccines Are Required for Argentina?

No vaccinations are mandatory to enter Argentina. The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for travel to the Argentine northeast (Iguazú). It is also wise to check the validity of your Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations.

No COVID-19 formalities (vaccine certificate, PCR or antigen test) are required to enter Argentina.

Safety in Argentina

As with any capital city, be careful with your personal belongings in Buenos Aires’s busiest tourist areas. Buenos Aires has established a dedicated body to assist and guide foreign tourists: the Defensoría Turística. It has several contact points across the capital. You will also see many police officers on the streets of Buenos Aires: do not hesitate to approach them if needed.

Avoid displaying signs of wealth that could attract attention. Be vigilant about the risk of fake taxis. Opt for remises (pre-booked private cars) or apps such as Uber. On arrival at Ezeiza airport, using a private driver is recommended.

Documents You Need for Argentina

Do You Need a Visa?

For stays of less than 3 months, no advance visa application is necessary for EU citizens. Border control will issue a tourist visa valid for 90 days on arrival.

For stays of more than 3 months, note that Argentina is the first Spanish-speaking country to offer the Working Holiday Visa (Permis Vacances-Travail).

Valid Passport and Driving Licence

You must present a valid passport for the entire duration of your stay. We also recommend making a copy of your identity documents to carry with you during the trip, in case of loss or theft.

If you plan to hire a car during your stay in Buenos Aires, your French driving licence (provided it is current) is sufficient – an international driving licence is not required.

Travel Insurance for Argentina

For a trip to Argentina, we recommend taking out a comprehensive cancellation insurance policy to cover any potential medical expenses. In the event of a problem, treatment at a private hospital can be very costly.

When travelling with Tierra Latina, you benefit from repatriation insurance. Our local team on the ground is available via a WhatsApp group to ensure your stay in Argentina goes smoothly. At each stage of your journey, you will be met by a French-speaking guide and a private driver for a completely stress-free trip.

Packing Your Suitcase for Argentina

Given the size of the country, you will encounter a wide variety of climates during your Argentina circuit. As you may have guessed, what to pack differs enormously between the north and the south! If you plan to visit both regions, we recommend packing both light clothing (t-shirts, vests, shorts) and warm layers (windproof jacket, fleece or thermal base layer).

For an eco-responsible trip to Argentina, consider packing:

• Solid toiletries to reduce single-use plastic waste
• SPF 50 biodegradable sun cream
• An eco-friendly mosquito repellent
• A refillable (and ideally filter) water bottle to avoid buying small plastic water bottles

Culture: Films and Books Before You Go

Documentaries and Films to Watch Before Travelling to Argentina

• The Secret in Their Eyes (El secreto de sus ojos) by Juan José Campanella – 2010 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Available on VOD.
• White Elephant (Elefante Blanco) by Pablo Trapero. Available on VOD.
• Argentina, 1985 by Santiago Mitre. Available on VOD.

Books to Read Before Travelling to Argentina

• Luz or the Time of the Savage by Elsa Osorio
• Buenos Aires Sketches (Eaux-fortes de Buenos Aires) by Roberto Arlt
• The Tango Singer by Tomás Eloy Martínez
• In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin
• Mapuche by Caryl Férey

On the Ground: Transport, Accommodation and Food

Getting Around Argentina

• By plane for long distances – Buenos Aires to Ushuaia (3h30), El Calafate (3h), Bariloche (2h), Salta (2h) or Puerto Iguazú (1h50)
• By long-distance bus with varying levels of comfort for shorter distances – for example El Calafate to El Chaltén (3h) or Salta to the Quebrada de Humahuaca (3h). For more comfort and flexibility, these routes can also be covered by private transfer with a driver.
• By hire car for regions that lend themselves particularly well to road trips: the northern and southern loops of the Argentine northwest, the Route of the 7 Lakes between Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes, Route 40 in Patagonia, and the Mendoza wine valley.
• By train to connect Atlantic Patagonia (Valdés Peninsula) with the Andes (Bariloche).
• In Buenos Aires, the public transport network is excellent and easy to use with the SUBE card (the equivalent of a London Oyster). Be wary of unlicensed taxis – always opt for a vetted taxi or rideshare app.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Argentina?

• Buenos Aires: the San Telmo or Recoleta neighbourhoods
• Patagonia: boutique hotels (2/3-star), estancias (Ushuaia, El Calafate) or homestays in a Mapuche community (Bariloche)
• Salta: in the historic city centre
• Quebrada de Humahuaca: boutique hotels in the villages of Tilcara or Purmamarca, and homestays in an Andean community
• Iguazú: boutique hotel or eco-lodge for full immersion in the heart of the jungle

What to Eat in Argentina?

In Argentina, you are in for a treat – especially if you love meat! The asado, the traditional Argentine barbecue, is a true national institution that you can enjoy at parrillas (grills) and in local homes.

Argentine gastronomy blends the proud heritage of Italian immigration with the ancestral flavours of the Andes. Throughout your trip, you can taste:

• Empanadas – small pastries filled with meat or vegetables, the ultimate street-food icon
• Humita salteña – a speciality from the Andean northwest
• Pasta with various sauces, enjoyed in bodegones (traditional Argentine restaurants)
• Alfajores and dulce de leche – for those with a sweet tooth
• Malbec wine – the famous Argentine red