Overview
Argentina runs almost 3,700 kilometers from the subtropical north to Tierra del Fuego, so a first trip means choosing: Buenos Aires plus Iguazú Falls and Patagonia's glaciers is the classic combination, while Mendoza's wine country and the colorful canyons of Salta and Jujuy suit a second trip or a longer one. Flights are the only practical way to cover these distances. Two weeks covers Buenos Aires, Iguazú and one Patagonian region; three weeks adds Mendoza or the northwest.
Main regions
Buenos Aires. Start with our Buenos Aires destination page and the 5-day Buenos Aires itinerary. Palermo's parks and restaurants, San Telmo's Sunday market and tango, Recoleta Cemetery, and La Boca's colorful Caminito street. Evenings start late: dinner at 9 or 10pm is normal.
Iguazú Falls. The Argentine side has the walkways that take you right to the Devil's Throat; the Brazilian side has the panoramic view. Allow two days to see both.
Patagonia. El Calafate for the Perito Moreno Glacier, with walkways just across the water from its face; El Chaltén, Argentina's trekking capital, for the Fitz Roy hikes; Ushuaia for the Beagle Channel and Antarctica cruises; and Península Valdés for southern right whales from June to December.
The Lakes District. Bariloche for lakes, mountains, chocolate and skiing, and the Route of the Seven Lakes to San Martín de los Andes.
Mendoza. Malbec wineries at the foot of the Andes, with cycling tours through vineyards in Maipú and high-altitude estates in the Uco Valley. Aconcagua, the highest peak outside Asia, is nearby.
Salta and Jujuy. Rainbow-striped mountains in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, the Salinas Grandes salt flats, and the vineyards of Cafayate, best explored by rental car.
Best time to visit
Seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere's.
- Buenos Aires: March to May and September to November bring mild weather. January and February are hot and humid, and many locals leave the city.
- Patagonia: November to March is the main season, with long days but strong winds. Many services in El Chaltén close from about May to September.
- Iguazú: year-round; the falls carry the most water in the southern summer, but it's hot.
- Mendoza: March and April for the grape harvest and the Vendimia festival.
- The northwest: April to November, the dry season.
- June to August: ski season in Bariloche; whales at Península Valdés from June.
Getting around
- Domestic flights: Aerolíneas Argentinas, Flybondi and JetSMART connect Buenos Aires with Iguazú (about 2 hours), El Calafate (about 3 hours 15 minutes), Bariloche, Ushuaia, Mendoza and Salta. Book early for the southern summer.
- Long-distance buses: comfortable "cama" (flat or near-flat) seats make overnight buses a good option for trips such as Mendoza to Salta, and for El Calafate to El Chaltén (about 3 hours).
- In Buenos Aires: load a SUBE card for the subway (Subte) and buses; Uber and Cabify work well.
- Driving: the best way to explore Salta and Jujuy, the Lakes District or Ruta 40, but distances are vast and fuel stations sparse in Patagonia.
Visa basics
Citizens of the US, UK, EU countries, Canada, Australia and most of the Americas can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. The old reciprocity fee for some nationalities no longer applies. Your passport must be valid for your whole stay.
Money
Argentina's money situation has changed a lot. Since currency controls were lifted in April 2025, the official, "MEP" and informal "blue" dollar rates have converged to within a few percent. Foreign Visa and Mastercard payments now get a fair rate, so you no longer need to carry large amounts of US cash to exchange on the street. ATMs work but have low withdrawal limits and high fees.
Typical daily costs
Prices as of September 2026, at about 1,515 pesos to the US dollar:
- Budget (ARS 60,000–90,000, about $40–60): hostel dorm, empanadas and set lunches, buses.
- Mid-range (ARS 150,000–240,000, about $100–160): a 3–4 star hotel, steak dinners with wine, a tour or winery visit.
- Comfort (ARS 400,000+, about $265+): boutique estancias and hotels, fine dining and private guides.
Argentina is no longer the bargain it was a few years ago, especially Buenos Aires and Patagonia. Budget separately for Patagonian excursions: entry to Los Glaciares National Park (for Perito Moreno) is ARS 50,000 for foreigners, and glacier boat trips and ice treks cost much more. Tip about 10% in restaurants, preferably in cash.
Top destinations
- Buenos Aires: start with the Buenos Aires destination guide and the full Buenos Aires travel guide for neighborhoods, tango and parrillas.
- Iguazú Falls: the Devil's Throat walkway and the Brazilian panorama.
- El Calafate: the Perito Moreno Glacier.
- El Chaltén: day hikes to Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre.
- Mendoza: Malbec, mountains and long winery lunches.
Continuing through South America? Rio de Janeiro is about three hours from Buenos Aires by air, and Lima, the gateway to Machu Picchu, about four and a half. Or let our trip planner build a day-by-day Argentina route around your dates.