Natalie
Looking for the ultimate travel experience that has it all? Look no further than Argentina – the destination that has captured my heart and soul!
This South American gem promises to offer you the adventure of a lifetime with its tantalizing tango-filled streets of Buenos Aires, awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls, and majestic Andes mountains. So don’t wait any longer – grab your bags and join me in discovering what Argentina has to offer!
This is the best travel guide in Argentina (in my humble opinion)!
Best Time to Visit Argentina
So, let’s talk about Argentina, one of the most incredible travel destinations out there! With its breathtaking natural beauty, fascinating history and culture, and amazing nightlife, this country truly has something for everyone, no matter what type of vacation you’re looking for. Whether you’re in the mood for an epic outdoor adventure in Patagonia, a wine-tasting experience in Mendoza, or a taste of big city life in Buenos Aires, you can find it all right here in this amazing country. So, in this ultimate Argentina travel guide, we’ll share some tips and tricks for exploring this incredible destination in the best way possible. Can’t wait to see you all there!
Best Time to Visit Argentina
If you’re planning a trip to Argentina, it’s important to know the best time to visit. Since Argentina is located in the southern hemisphere, their seasons are reversed from ours – summer runs from December to February and winter is from June to August. While Buenos Aires and the northern parts of the country are great to visit year-round, if you’re planning a trip to Patagonia, you’ll want to make sure you visit during the summer months.
Another thing to remember when visiting Argentina is the fluctuating Argentinean peso. There are two exchange rates – the official rate and the local rate, which tends to be more favorable (for instance, when I visited, the official rate was 170 pesos for 1 USD, but the local rate was 350 pesos for 1 USD). I recommend using a Western Union to get the local exchange rate or a Visa credit card that follows the local exchange rate to get the best deal.
Transportation in Argentina
When it comes to transportation in Argentina, there are plenty of options to choose from. With an extensive network of airports, buses, and trains connecting the country’s different regions, getting around is relatively easy.
If you’re planning to explore different parts of the country, flying is the most convenient option. You can find flights between major cities like Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, and Mendoza. We flew with Argentinian Airlines for most of our trip without any issues (although I should note that some of the budget airlines have a reputation for canceling flights, which can put a damper on your plans!)
Bus travel is a great way to go if you’re looking for a more affordable option. Many companies offer comfortable, safe, and direct service to major cities, and we even used Omni Lineas to book online for some of our shorter excursions.
Best Places to Visit in Argentina
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina, is a destination you simply cannot miss. This vibrant city is likely to be the starting point of your trip, and it is renowned for its colonial architecture, sizzling tango music, and succulent steak.
The Teatro Colon, Casa Rosada, and Obelisk are absolute must-sees among the many attractions that Buenos Aires has to offer. Exploring the diverse neighborhoods is also an exciting experience, with my personal favorites being Palermo, Recoleta, and La Boca.
I have created a helpful guide to help you plan your trip to Buenos Aires. While I don’t always suggest spending too much time in big cities when traveling to different countries, Buenos Aires is truly exceptional and worth the visit.
Iguazú Falls
Iguazú Falls is another must-visit destination in Argentina, located on the border between Argentina and Brazil. These magnificent waterfalls offer breathtaking views from various angles, with options to take a boat ride underneath the falls or a helicopter tour from above.
I highly recommend visiting the Brazil side too, which can easily be reached via a 45-minute bus ride from the Puerto Iguazú bus station. Buses depart hourly from each side, allowing you to experience the falls from both countries.
To help you plan your perfect visit to Iguazú Falls, I have created a comprehensive guide to simplify your trip planning process.
Patagonia
Adventure seekers cannot miss out on Patagonia, where you can experience trekking on a glacier in El Calafate, hike to see the iconic Mt. Fitz Roy in El Chaltén, and even witness a natural penguin colony in Ushuaia.
Personally, I spent a full ten days exploring Patagonia, and it was an incredible experience.
Mendoza
While Patagonia offers exciting adventures for adventure seekers, the Andes mountains in Mendoza also provide excellent coverage for making some of the world’s finest wines. Mendoza is the ideal destination to explore local vineyards and savor the delicious Argentine wine.
In my opinion, spending four days in Mendoza is a must, as it allows ample time to explore both the city and the vineyards in the beautiful Uco Valley.
Food in Argentina
Let’s discuss the food in Argentina, which means steak, and they do it oh so well. The country is famous for its meats, which are grilled on a traditional Argentine parrilla. Buenos Aires has a steakhouse on nearly every corner, serving up large portions of meat with papas fritas (French fries) for less than USD $10. Don’t forget to try empanadas, dulce de leche, and gelato while you’re there.
Nightlife in Argentina
The nightlife in Argentina is equally vibrant, with an array of bars, clubs, and tango houses. A must-see when visiting Buenos Aires is a tango show in one of the official tango houses or even on the streets of La Boca. The city has a thriving nightlife, especially in neighborhoods like Palermo and San Telmo. Keep in mind that Argentinians stay up late, with dinner starting around 9 pm and people heading out for the night well after 11 pm.
Argentina truly has a bit of everything to offer, and if you need help planning your trip, make sure to check out our guides or feel free to reach out!
