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Lonely Planet's  Argentina  is our most comprehensive guide that extensively covers all the country has to offer, with recommendations for both popular and lesser-known experiences. Marvel at Iguazu Falls, hike through Patagonia, and immerse yourself in the culture of Buenos Aires; all with your trusted travel companion.

Inside  Lonely Planet's  Argentina  Travel Guide:

Lonely Planet's Top Picks  - a visually inspiring collection of the destination's best experiences and where to have them

Itineraries  help you build the ultimate trip based on your personal needs and interests Local insights  give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - whether it's history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, politics

Eating and drinking  -  get the most out of your gastronomic experience as we reveal the regional dishes and drinks you have to try

Toolkit  - all of the planning tools for solo travelers, LGBTQIA+ travelers, family travelers and accessible travel

Color maps  and images throughout Language  - essential phrases and language tips

Insider tips  to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots

Buenos Aires, Iquazu Falls, Salta, Patagonia, Cordoba, Mendoza, Pampas, Tierra del Fuego and more

ISBN: 9781838696689

Edition: 13th

Publication Date: May 2024

Language: English

Writers: Albiston, Isabel

Bartlett, Ray Gilbert, Christine Gill, Victoria Jemio, Diego Moseley-Williams, Sorrel Perelmuter, Federico Tolosa Paz, Rachel Triebe, Madelaine

528 pages | Dimensions: 128mm width × 197mm height

Next edition due: October 2026

Lonely Planet Argentina

Lonely planet.

1676 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 1992

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The Rough Guide to Argentina

Practical travel guide to Argentina featuring points-of-interest structured lists of all sights and off-the-beaten-track treasures, with detailed colour-coded maps, practical details about what to see and to do in Argentina. The Rough Guide to Argentina also includes details on how to get there and around, pre-departure information, as well as top time-saving tips, like a visual list of things not to miss in Argentina, expert author picks and itineraries to help you plan your trip.

The Rough Guide to  Argentina covers: Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires Province; Cordoba and the Central Sierras; The Litoral and the Gran Chaco; The Northwest; Mendoza and El Cuyo; The Lake District; Patagonia; Tierra del Fuego.

Inside this travel guide you'll find:

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELLER

Experiences for every kind of trip to Argentina, from off-the-beaten-track adventures in Quebrada de Humahuaca to family activities in child-friendly places, like Talampaya or chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas, like Glaciar Perito Moreno.

PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS

Essential pre-departure information including Argentina entry requirements, getting around, health information, travelling with children, sports and outdoor activities, food and drink, festivals, culture and etiquette, shopping, tips for travellers with disabilities and more.

TIME-SAVING ITINERARIES

Carefully planned routes covering the best of Argentina give a taste of the richness and diversity of the destination, and have been created for different time frames or types of trip.

DETAILED REGIONAL COVERAGE

Clear structure within each sightseeing chapter includes regional highlights, brief history, detailed sights and places ordered geographically, recommended restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs and major shops or entertainment options.

INSIGHTS INTO GETTING AROUND LIKE A LOCAL

Tips on how to beat the crowds, save time and money and find the best local spots for cycling, visiting breweries or exploring wild moors, headlands and cliffs.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THINGS NOT TO MISS

Rough Guides' rundown of Buenos Aires, Salta, Mendoza, Ushuaia's best sights and top experiences helps to make the most of each trip to Argentina, even in a short time.

HONEST AND INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Written by Rough Guides' expert authors with a trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, to help to find the best places in Argentina, matching different needs.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Comprehensive   'Contexts' chapter features fascinating insights into Argentina, with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary.

FABULOUS FULL COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY

Features inspirational colour photography, including the stunning Ruta de los Siete Lagos and the spectacular Iguazu Falls.

COLOUR-CODED MAPPING

Practical full-colour maps, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys for quick orientation in Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and many more locations in Argentina, reduce need to go online.

USER-FRIENDLY LAYOUT

With helpful icons, and organised by neighbourhood to help you pick the best spots to spend your time.

Description

Book details.

This title is a part of Rough Guides Main Series

Practical travel guides series covering countries, cities and regions, with detailed factual travel tips, perfect for independent, long-stay, backpacking and budget-conscious travellers seeking comprehensive travel information and off-the-beaten track experiences

Extensive practical travel information including getting there, getting around, climate information, safety tips, accommodation explanations, food & drink advice and shopping essentials 

Curated author picks with destination highlights at the beginning of each guide

Ready-made itineraries covering every corner of the destination

Colour-coded places chapters with detailed coverage of places and sights, presented in a points-of-interest structure 

Extensive recommendations for accommodation, restaurants, shops and leisure activities for all budgets

Colour-coded detailed maps with marked-up key sights 

Insights on history and nature highlights  

Easy to use, newspaper-style layout

All guides published from January 2021 are printed on paper from responsible sources verified to meet FSC’s strict environmental and social standards

Free eBook with each printed guide published from May 2019 

Format: 129 x 198mm

Price: £14.99-£26.99 | $13.99-$34.99

Extent: 616–1208 page

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Argentina Travel Guide: A Guidebook to Explore Buenos Aires, Patagonia, the Andes Mountains, Iguazu Falls, and more of This Wonderful Country

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Explore the hidden beauty of Argentina with this essential travel guide for the modern tourist!

Packed with a wealth of practical tips and advice for visiting Argentina as a first-time traveler, this brilliant handbook is a fun and tourist-friendly guide to the beautiful landscape and fascinating culture of this South American gem. From the soaring Andes mountains to the amazing Iguazu Falls and the bustling streets of their capital city, Buenos Aires, the Argentina Travel Guide shows you the best places to stay, the top spots to visit, and how you can create a perfect vacation that the whole family can enjoy!

With answers to all of your burning travel questions, now you can feel confident about planning your dream getaway. Even if you're traveling on a budget, inside you'll find a mix of free and inexpensive options for lodging, eating out, and exploring the rich jungles and snow-capped mountains of this amazing country in style.

So if you want to soak up the local culture, sample a variety of fantastic dishes, and let your wild side run free with local dances and celebrations, the  Argentina Travel Guide  is an essential tool to help you make the most of your stay.

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7 Best Travel Books About Argentina 

“That’s what they do in Argentina. Have a little wine and talk. Then have some coffee and talk. Then, go back to the wine.”

From the mountainous north to the Southern Cone, Argentina is the second-largest country in South America and home to 47 million people. Its love of football, Malbec wine and barbecued beef makes it one of the most culturally rich parts of the Americas with a blend of African and European influences inspiring its architecture, art, music and literature. Countless natural wonders are hidden inside its borders, such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jesuit Block in Córdoba, southern Patagonia’s wilderness of glaciers and mountains, and Tierra del Fuego, known as “ The End of the World “. Join us at What We Reading for inspiration ahead of your next South American travel adventure with the best Argentina books! 

Backpacking In Argentina: Travel Guide & Trekking Guide For Independent Travelers – Steve Hänisch

Steve Hänisch’s ebook, Backpacking in Argentina , is the ultimate resource for planning a trip across Patagonia to explore the country’s most incredible spots. Based on his multiple trips across the country, Hänisch condenses the most invaluable insights on outdoor activities, places to stay and spots to visit in just 100 pages. 

Planning everything from documentation to cultural expectations to tailoring travel guides around Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Iguazu Falls, and El Calafate, Backpacking in Argentina aims to take the hassle out of experiencing the country.

In Patagonia – Bruce Chatwin

In Patagonia is an exhilarating insight into a land many still consider to be an exotic unknown. Bruce Chatwin chronicles his adventures across the region, filling the pages of this travel memoir with vivid descriptions, remarkable historical insights and evocative anecdotes that are sure to fuel your wanderlust. 

Described as the “uttermost part of the earth”, In Patagonia brings to life stories of bandits being made to feel welcome, lost ancient legends and log cabins built by Butch Cassidy . An undoubted classic travelogue, Chatwin succeeds in capturing the remote and captivating landscapes of the Argentine Patagonia. 

The Motorcycle Diaries – Ernesto Che Guevara

The Motorcycle Diaries is a memoir from socialist revolutionary Che Guevara about his continental motorcycle trip across South America. Undoubtedly one of the most enigmatic and polarising figures of the twentieth century, Che’s lively diary is a New York Times bestseller and a popular movie. 

Not only does it capture the life and times of a gigantic figure in the history of the Americas, but also the spirit and essence of the continent he traversed through. With the updated edition including unpublished photos taken by the then-twenty-three-old Che as well as detailed maps of his journey, The Motorcycle Diaries offers an intimate portrait of the man, his life and Latin America, making it one of the best Argentina books for inspiration ahead of your next trip. 

The Vineyard At The End Of The World: Maverick Winemakers And The Rebirth Of Malbec – Ian Mount

Argentina is renowned as a utopia for the wine world . Ian Mount offers all wine lovers one of the best Argentina books for understanding how the South American country came to house the finest vineyards and deliver the best-tasting flavours in The Vineyard at the End of the World . 

Mount tells the fascinating story of a four-hundred-year history of how the Malbec revolution was forged high in the Andean desert. Profiling a cast of colourful characters and describing in detail the nefarious schemes, innovative business plans and outlandish deeds that helped put Argentine wine back on the map, it is a unique perspective on the country, its inhabitants and one of its greatest exports. 

Argentina – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide To Customs & Culture – Robert Hamwee

A country that has undergone plenty of changes in recent times, with Argentina’s political minefields having a profound impact on its culture, people and relationship with the wider. And yet, through their strength and resilience, the Argentine people have still forged a culture filled with warmth, colour and a unique joie de vivre.

Robert Hamwee’s Argentina – Culture Smart! serves as the ultimate guide to getting to grips with the richness and complexity of Argentine society. From the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the stunning beauty of glaciers and the Andes Valleys, Hamwee guides travellers, expats and other visitors on how to behave and what to expect from the second-largest country in South America. 

Lonely Planet Trekking In The Patagonian Andes – Clem Lindenmayer And Nick Tapp

The Patagonia Andes are some of the most striking and stunning natural landscapes in the world. And, from steaming thermal springs to pristine glaciers, Lonely Planet helps readers discover all there is to see with their essential guide on this truly remote region.

The book has 31 treks across Argentina and Chile, including alternative routes and bonus side trips. The world’s leading authority when it comes to travel planning, Trekking in the Patagonian Andes guides readers with all the must-know information when it comes to transport, accommodation, safety, and equipment as well as insights on how to trek sustainably. With two-colour contour maps and information on local wildlife, it is the essential Argentina book for uncovering the extent of the rugged beauty behind the country. 

Buenos Aires: A Cultural And Literary Companion – Jason Wilson 

One of the most invaluable Argentina books for getting to the heart of its capital comes from Professor Jason Wilson. In Buenos Aires: A Cultural and Literary Companion , Wilson offers readers an in-depth guide to the cultural, historical and literary legacy of Argentina’s capital city.

Linking its present-day identity with its variants from the past, Wilson weaves through Buenos Aires’ growth from a remote settlement to a massive metropolis. Illuminating the colourful and sometimes contradictory culture of the city, he takes readers on a tour of both renowned and hidden landmarks across the city, delving into the events, people and writing that have made Buenos Aires one of the most culturally rich destinations on the planet. 

Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).

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DK Eyewitness Argentina

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Published by DK Eyewitness Travel

Rrp:  $25.00, about dk eyewitness argentina.

Explore Argentina's cathedrals, miles of pristine beaches, and exciting culture. Experience Buenos Aires and the Beagle Channel and hike Aconcagua. Discover DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Argentina . + Detailed itineraries and "don't-miss" destination highlights at a glance. + Illustrated cutaway 3-D drawings of important sights. + Floor plans and guided visitor information for major museums. + Guided walking tours, local drink and dining specialties to try, things to do, and places to eat, drink, and shop by area. + Area maps marked with sights. + Detailed city maps include street finder indexes for easy navigation. + Insights into history and culture to help you understand the stories behind the sights. + Hotel and restaurant listings highlight DK Choice special recommendations. With hundreds of full-color photographs, hand-drawn illustrations, and custom maps that illuminate every page, DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Argentina truly shows you this country as no one else can. Series Overview: For more than two decades, DK Eyewitness Travel Guides have helped travelers experience the world through the history, art, architecture, and culture of their destinations. Expert travel writers and researchers provide independent editorial advice, recommendations, and reviews. With guidebooks to hundreds of places around the globe available in print and digital formats, DK Eyewitness Travel Guides show travelers how they can discover more. DK Eyewitness Travel Guides: the most maps, photographs, and illustrations of any guide. Reviews: "Known... for its four-color maps, photos and illustrations, the [DK] Eyewitness Guides are extremely user-friendly for travelers who want their information delivered in a concise, visual way." - Chicago Tribune "The best option... Color photos, maps, and diagrams bring the place to life." - The Philadelphia Inquirer Awards: Wanderlust Travel Awards 2009-2016

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11 best books about argentina to read before your travels.

Louisa Smith is the founder and editor of the Epic Book Society, a book blog and haven for book-lovers who love to share their passion for reading. In this guest article, she writes about the best books in Argentina to inspire your travels and read before you visit the country.

This site contains links to travel services we love, from which we may make commission at no extra cost to you.

Argentina is a fascinating country known for its fine table wines, Argentinian BBQ and alluring tango dancing. Its history is expansive, dating all the way back to the time of the Incas. Not to mention the landscapes of Patagonia, where the Andes meet the Pacific Ocean, which is brimming with lakes, mountains and jaw-dropping glaciers.

It’s no wonder that Argentina is on the top of many travellers’ bucket lists, and what better way to get in the mood for your adventure than to read a book about Argentina? By diving into an engrossing novel set in Argentina, you feel like you have been transported into another country, as well as getting a better understanding of its landscapes, its history and its culture.

So, when you’re ready, let’s take a look at the best Argentinian novels.

Non-fiction books about Argentina

To fully understand the country and its people, there is no better way to learn about them than to immerse yourself in the pages of a non-fiction novel about Argentina. 

1.  In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin

Bruce Chatwin’s classic travel book In Patagonia is probably the most celebrated travel memoir of all time. It received the 1978 Hawthornden Prize and the 1979 E. M. Forster Award, given by the American Academy of Arts and Letters. It was also nominated for the 1988 Booker Prize.

As a child, Chatwin stayed with his grandparents who had a cabinet full of historical items that fascinated him, including a “piece of brontosaurus”, which turned out to be from a giant sloth found in a cave in Chilean Patagonia, which he later sold to the British Museum.

Years later, when Chatwin was working as a journalist, he was tasked with interviewing a 93-year-old architect and designer, where he noticed a map of Patagonia on her wall. He told her he had always wanted to go, and she replied “so have I, go there for me.”

And so he did. In 1974, he travelled to Lima, Peru, and then on to Patagonia, where he spent six months travelling around and collecting stories from people he met. He told his editor he was looking for his own “piece of brontosaurus”, but what he actually found was more symbolic than that.

Buy In Patagonia on Amazon

2.  The Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara

Che Guevara is most commonly known as the Marxist revolutionary minister of Cuba, but before this, he was a mere medical student living in Buenos Aires , his home, who wanted little more than to see the world. With his friend, Alberto Granado, at the young age of 23, he set off on a motorcycle journey across South America with plans to see all the sites they had only ever read about in books.

What they ended up seeing was social injustice, poverty, and ostracised communities. His story revealed how Chilean miners were exploited, how communists were persecuted, and how the tattered descendants of a once-great ancient Inca civilisation had crumbled into ruin.

In the nine months of travelling across the Andes and the Atacama Desert, he finds himself in the Amazon jungle, volunteering as a nurse in a leper colony. It is here where he has the eye-opening experience that teaches him about true social injustice and how society treats and cares for one another. It is a classic coming-of-age tale of adventure, travel and self-discovery .

Buy The Motorcycle Diaries on Amazon

3.  Enduring Patagonia by Gregory Crouch

Patagonia is a vast, expansive network of mountains, lakes and glaciers, that is shared by Argentina and Chile. Here, you can expect year-round harsh weather environments, from gale-force winds to biting snow. It is also a place that has inspired and fascinated explorers for centuries. Ferdinand Magellan and Charles Darwin were some of the most famous explorers to venture here, but even after all these years, the Patagonian Andes still remain a mystery.

And that is why Gregory Crouch decided it was time to unravel it. Over seven expeditions, he braved weather, gravity, fear, and doubt to explore the lands of Patagonia. In this novel, he recounts how he prepared for the expeditions, how he dealt with the tremendous highs and crippling lows, from celebrations of successful climbs to the boredom of forced encampments. If you have ever wanted to explore the mountains of Patagonia, this book is a pretty thorough illustration of it. It also includes more than two dozen colour photographs from his expeditions.

Buy Enduring Patagonia on Amazon

4.  The Argentina Reader: History, Culture, Politics edited by Gabriela Nouzeilles and Graciela Montaldo

Argentina is a country that is vastly different from any other in South America. Often referred to as “like Europe but not Europe, like Latin America but not Latin America”, the real essence of what makes Argentina’s culture is both diverse and unique at the same time.

In short, Argentina is a complicated country, and The Argentina Reader is the best introductory book about Argentina to break it down for you. It compiles songs, articles, comic strips, scholarly essays and short stories from Argentines, sharing what they know about Argentina’s history, culture, and how it came to be such a paradoxical Latin American nation.

It was once among the richest nations in the world, but all that ended when it entered the twenty-first century, seeing its economy crumble into shambles and its citizens seething with anger and frustration. It covers the Spanish colonial regime; the decades of nation-building after its independence from Spain in 1810 and the progress of economic growth and cultural change that made Argentina, by the turn of the twentieth century, the most modern country in Latin America.

Buy The Argentina Reader on Amazon

5.  Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors by Piers Paul Read

This unsettling account of how 45 people, including the rugby team and their friends and family, came to a crash in the Andes, and after eight solid days of searching from three neighbouring countries, no wreckage was found. Ten weeks later, two men came wandering in a remote valley where they met a Chilean peasant on the other side of a river. They threw the peasant a note saying “I come from a plane that fell in the mountains…”

Out of the 45 passengers, 16 survived. They spent weeks in the remote, glacial wilderness camping in the plane’s fuselage. Here they endured freezing temperatures, life-threatening injuries, near starvation, and an avalanche. Their food supplies were thin, and they knew no one was looking for them. This is a remarkable tale of endurance and determination, and one of the most harrowing quests for survival in our history.

Buy Alive on Amazon

6.  Angels with Dirty Faces: How Argentinian Soccer Defined a Nation and Changed the Game Forever by Jonathan Wilson

Argentinians love soccer. Some of the biggest names in soccer have come from Argentina; Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona and Alfredo Di Stefano, to name just a few.

Every year, a new Argentina soccer talent comes to light in Argentina. In Angels with Dirty Faces , Jonathan Wilson tells of how Argentinian soccer has progressed throughout the years, how the exuberant style of playing has transformed the country, and the emergence of the most famous soccer players in Argentinian history.

Buy Angels with Dirty Faces on Amazon

Fiction books About Argentina

Argentina is truly blessed with some great novelists. These Argentinian authors are some of the most celebrated writers in Latin America, whose literary works have been loved for decades.

7.  The Tango Singer by Tomás Eloy Martínez

Argentina is the birthplace of tango. It was once the dance known in 1880s brothels and lower class back alleys. It was fast, sensual, and disreputable. The Tango Singer follows the life of Bruno Cadogan, who flew from New York to Buenos Aires in search of the legendary tango singer, Julio Martel.

It is said that Martel’s voice is so beautiful it is almost supernatural. But Martel does not want to be found, and Bruno is increasingly drawn to the mystery of this tango singer and his strange and evocative performances around the city.

As he tries to find Martel, he learns the story of the singer’s life and uncovers a dark labyrinth of the city’s past.

Buy The Tango Singer on Amazon

8.  Ficciones by Jorge Luis Borges

Jorge Luis Borges is one of the most celebrated Argentinian novelists in Latin America. He is famous for his short stories, in which his most famous collection is pulled together in Ficciones . The collection was first published in 1941 and is a selection of tales around the theme of labyrinth, or complex issues and abstract concepts.

He is known for writing magical elements that are perceived as real. Though he does not often refer to a location in his stories, his tales often reference Argentina, his home. Ask any Argentinian what stories they have read as a child, and they will no doubt be able to recall a story from him.

Buy Ficciones on Amazon

9.  El Túnel by Ernesto Sábato

He is obsessed with her from the first moment he sees her and fantasises about her for months about their next meeting. When the pair eventually meet again, a relationship develops and he is convinced she feels the same.

But his growing paranoia leads him to eventually destroy everything he loved so dearly.

Buy The Tunnel on Amazon

10.  Hopscotch by Julio Cortázar

Julio Cortázar is a celebrated Argentinian writer, whose translated version of Hopscotch won the first National Book Award to recognise the work of a translator. Hopscotch is the story of an Argentinian writer, Horacio Oliveira, living in Paris with his mistress, La Maga. They surround themselves with a bunch of loose-knit, bohemian friends, who call themselves “the Club.” When a child dies and La Maga disappears, so too comes the end of their social engagements.

Oliveira promptly returns to Buenos Aires where he works in various different roles, including a salesman, a cat sitter for the circus and an attendance at a mental asylum. It is written as an internal monologue and has been praised for its humourous slang, and use of different languages. It’s an entertaining read with profound storytelling techniques.

Buy Hopscotch on Amazon

11.  My Father’s Ghost is Climbing in the Rain by Patricio Pron

As one of the best young Spanish-language novelists of the 21st century, Patricio Pron’s deeply emotional story of My Fathers’ Ghost Is Climbing in the Rain is one of the finest books about Argentina today.

It tells the story of an Argentine family’s buried secrets. Following a young writer who returns to Argentina to visit his dying father, only to find himself drawn into a search for a local man who is missing.

As the truth of generation after generation comes to light, the writer is forced to confront Argentina’s political past, as well as his own family’s long-hidden history. This semi-autobiographical novel set in Argentina is about corruption, responsibility, and remembrance.

Buy My Fathers’ Ghost Is Climbing in the Rain on Amazon

Final words on books about Argentina

Argentina is a country full of passion, adventure, and exploration. With such a varied and unique culture, unlike anywhere else in the world, there is much to learn and love about this fascinating Latin American country.

If you are looking to travel to this fascinating land, then these books about Argentina will transport you there in no time.

You can read more of Louisa’s writing on literature at the Epic Book Society . Have you read any books about Argentina that aren’t featured on this list? Let us know about your recommendations in the comments below.

Looking for more inspiring travel literature? Check out our compilation of the best books about travel , chosen by bloggers.

Love this? Pin it for later!

Louisa smith.

Louisa is the founder and editor of Epic Book Society, a book blog and haven for book lovers who love to share their passion for books. She believes that books are the gateway to adventure, having been inspired to quit her job as a company director at the age of 25 to explore off-the-beaten-track locations around the world, only after reading a travel book about backpackers living in Thailand. Four years later, she is still on the road, with no regrets. Her mission is to help her readers also find that novel that changes their life for the better. You can find Louisa adventuring around the world, with a book in one hand and her passport in the other.

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Argentina Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 29, 2024

Argentina is one of the most popular countries to visit in South America. Whether you’re backpacking the entire country or just visiting on a short holiday looking to drink wine, eat steak, and do some hiking, Argentina will not disappoint you. I love the place to death.

From the relaxed café culture of Buenos Aires to the natural beauty of the massive Iguazu Waterfalls, the stunning Perito Moreno glacier to the charming vineyards of Mendoza , Argentina is a wonderfully beautiful country with world-class landscapes to match the delicious steaks, award-winning wine, and lively and welcoming people you’ll find here.

Argentina blew away all of my expectations.

This travel guide to Argentina can help you plan your trip, stay safe, stay on a budget, and ensure you make the most of your visit here.

Note : Argentina suffers from incredible inflation and prices vary widely and increase without notice. The prices here might be accurate as of the day we publish but could be dramatically different by the time you get there. Keep that in mind as you plan your expenses.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Argentina

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in argentina.

1. Enjoy the culture of Buenos Aires

Nicknamed the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires is an amazing and fun city with a lot of culture, fantastic nightlife, food, and shopping. Stay in the trendy Palermo neighborhood and walk the tree-lined streets, visit the Museum of Latin American Art in Buenos Aires (aka MALBA), and explore Palermo Soho which has a more youthful vibe and is crammed with cool shops and boutiques.

Additionally, on the southern border of Palermo is La Recoleta Cemetery, one of the most atmospheric graveyards on the planet and home to several famous Argentines, including Eva Peron, several past presidents, patriots, poets, and other VIPs of Argentine history. El Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, the National Museum of Fine Arts, is nearby as well. Opened in 1895, the museum houses works by Goya, Monet, Rubens, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and many other masters.

2. Marvel at Iguazu Falls

With 450,000 cubic feet of water thundering down the 275 cascades every second, it’s easy to see why this massive waterfall is so popular. The water plunges below in a powerful and sensational flurry of white water and mist with rainbows stretching above it all. The uneven cascades are also some of the tallest in the world, as they measure between 62-85 meters (210-269 feet). A sturdy wooden walkway allows visitors to wander out to get a closer, face-to-face look at the falling water. Some might remember the falls played a supporting role in the films Indian Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Captain America: Civil War, and The Mission, among many others.

You can find several types of guided trips leaving from Buenos Aires or just go on the local bus yourself. Stay in Argentina and get drenched on a boat ride around the falls or spring for a tour that includes Brazil on the opposite shore. The view from Brazil is arguably better, since you’re on a narrow ridge surrounded by the falls in Argentina. The entry fee for Iguazú Falls National Park on the Argentine side is 20,000 ARS.

3. Wander Salta

Located in the northwest of the country, Salta is a small city with outstanding museums, plaza-side cafes, and a lively folk music tradition. The colonial architecture of the city is well preserved here too. The most popular museum is Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña (MAAM), opened in 2004 for the mummies of three children sacrificed by the Inca and discovered in 1999. Don’t miss the Teleférico San Bernardo, a cable car that glides through the air to a hilltop with a gorgeous view of the whole city. A round-trip ticket for San Bernardo is 8,000 ARS.

4. Learn the tango

Argentina is famous for its national dance, the tango. You’re bound to run into it everywhere you go with people quite literally practicing in the streets. Throughout the country there are studios that offer lessons if you want to learn and free public places to watch the locals dance away. In Buenos Aires, splurge on a tango show at the historic Teatro Tabarís or Gala Tango. A more budget option is the outdoor shows in Plaza Dorrego, where the best dancers can be found every Sunday afternoon.

5. Explore Mendoza

Other things to see and do in argentina, 1. take the train to the clouds.

Sure, it’s a train built for tourists and super overpriced, but taking this train through the clouds and lush forest is so breathtaking I don’t mind. This is a 400-kilometer (250-mile), 16-hour round trip into the Andes from the town of San Antonio de los Cobres. You can buy the train ticket with the bus ride between Salta and San Antonio de los Cobres included, or via just the train. Consider buying just the train ticket so you can spend a little time checking out the Andean culture (and llamas) in San Antonio. As the train climbs to 4,200 meters (13,779 feet), you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views overlooking mountains, forests, and valleys. It only operates seasonally and on specific days of the week, so be sure to check the schedule before you go. The website only shows prices once you pick a date for the reservation.

2. Climb Cerro Aconcagua

At almost 7,000 meters tall (23,000 feet), Cerro Aconcagua is not only the country’s highest mountain but also the highest in the Western Hemisphere. This climb isn’t for the faint-hearted as it’s estimated to take a couple of weeks to acclimatize to the altitude and reach the summit. However, it’s a challenging hike, not a technical climb. Many hikers set their sights on part of the mountain, without risking the dangers of oxygen deprivation near the summit. If you love a challenge and are a practiced hiker, it’s an adventure worth considering! Due to the instability of the peso, many trekking companies post prices in USD. Guided summit hikes cost around $5,000 USD while an 8-day trek around the mountain (not to the summit but around the various camps) costs around $2,000 USD. The most popular option is a 4-day hike around the mountain, which costs $700 USD per person. Not into hiking? Nearby Los Horcones Lake is only 2,900 meters (9,514 feet) above sea level and a popular fishing destination.

3. Explore Valle de la Luna

Translated as “Valley of the Moon,” this dramatic landscape dates to the Triassic period. Winds and rain have carved the rocks into strange formations that give this place the look of a lunar landscape. Despite the arid conditions, the area is great for wildlife spotting as it’s home to foxes, owls, armadillos, condors, and guanacos. A wild cousin of the llama, guanacos will give your landscape photos a decidedly South American flair. The unique geological formations and fossil beds have earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the Museo de Sitio William Sill, built over impressive dinosaur fossils where you can watch archeologists at work.

The best way to explore the park is via a rental car. Once you have that, you can take the 25-mile circuit tour, stopping at five different points along the way, each one offering stunning sights and views of the park. The circuit should take approximately three hours. There are also hikes through the park. One of the most popular is the trek up to Cerro Morado, the tallest mountain in the park at nearly 1,900 meters (6,000 feet). The walk takes about three hours and, once at the top, offers wow-inducing views of the natural landscape below. Admission to the park is 5,000 ARS.

4. Hike on Perito Moreno Glacier

Located within the expansive Los Glaciares National Park is the impressive Perito Moreno glacier. At almost 4,570 meters (15,000 feet) wide and 61 meters (200 feet) tall, it’s one of the coolest sights I’ve ever seen. You can hike on the glacier (which is an epic experience) or walk on the metal platforms constructed a stone’s throw from the massive wall of ice. You’ll need a licensed guide, ropes, and crampons to hike on the glacier but you can take the bus from El Calafate and do the platform walk on your own. Boat rides to Perito Moreno get you even closer and can include other nearby glaciers like Spegazzini and Upsala. Depending on the season, a full-day tour including a boat ride costs around 99,000 ARS. Austral summer, from December to February, has higher prices.

5. Day trip to San Rafael

Located a few hours from Mendoza, this tiny little town is a wonderful place to see wineries. Try the local Malbecs and other reds that go perfectly with an Argentine asado. Like Mendoza, this is a great place to go on a bike ride through the picturesque vineyards. Don’t miss out on the nearby stunning Atuel Canyon, where you can go whitewater rafting in the summer. San Rafael is a charming little place to relax and slow down to enjoy the local pace of life. A bus from Mendoza to San Rafael costs 2,500 ARS for a one-way ticket.

6. Visit Ushuaia

Ushuaia is the most southerly city in the world and the largest city in Tierra del Fuego. This is a very popular town for travelers coming to the end of their South American journey, or for those traveling to Antarctica. This is the launch point for all Antarctica cruises, as the continent is only 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) away. Plan at least three days here to go hiking in the national park, walk among the penguins on Hammer Island, and try one of the local tea houses. The most popular is La Cabaña, at the foot of the Martial Glacier ski resort. If you’re there in winter, visit one of the three local ski resorts or go on a dog-sledding tour. Overall, it’s an adventure travel hub that deserves a few days before or after your other adventures.

7. Go whale watching

From June to December, whale watching season in Patagonia is at its peak as the whales make their way to the coast to mate. Whale watching is an expensive excursion, but it’s well worth it during migration time as you’re guaranteed to spot a few whales. The Valdes Peninsula is the best place to go on a tour. Only six companies are allowed to operate here so as not to disturb and overwhelm the whales. Expect to see orca, humpback, southern right whales, and blue whales. This is a remote area of Patagonia and the best place to stay nearby is Puerto Madryn. Due to the instability of the Argentine peso, most tour agencies post prices in US dollars. A full day wildlife and whale watching tour costs $145 USD.

8. Discover Quebrada de Humahuaca

The Quebrada de Humahuaca is a 155-kilometer-long (96 mile) valley carved out by the Rio Grande. The deep valley is covered in unique rock formations and has been populated for at least 10,000 years, making the area rich in ancient Incan history and culture. Visit the ancient Inca ruins at Tilcara and see just how much Andean culture still permeates the area. Explore the colonial streets and architecture of the tiny town of Humahuaca, with its bright orange mountain backdrop or walk around behind the mountain on an easy one-hour hike to see dramatic red and purple cliffs.

9. Visit Cajon del Azul

Located in El Bolson, a bohemian town near the Andes Mountains, The Blue Canyon boasts beautiful translucent turquoise waters flanked by rustic suspension bridges, alcoves, and cliffs. It’s a little more deserted than other nature reserves in Argentina, though it’s growing in popularity amongst climbers and fly fishers. If you go, it’s worth spending at least a few days in this area taking advantage of all the outdoor activities.

If you want to hike, there are a myriad of trails you can take, all of varying degrees of difficulty and length. The trails also have the most amount of refugios, or huts, than anywhere else in South America. This means you can plan a single-day trek or a multi-day hike, going from one hut to another for several days until you want to trek back to El Bolson. Before you head out on a hike, though, make sure you stop into the Mountaineering Information Office, or Oficina de Informes de Montañas, to get information about the hike you’re doing. It’s the best way to prepare for a trek here. There’s also a Tourist Information Office that should be helpful too.

10. See Casa Rosada

Dominating the Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires is Casa Rosada, the Office of the President and arguably the city’s most notable landmark. The distinctive pink color is said to be due to the mixing of cows’ blood into the paint, to preserve the building. First Lady and labor activist Eva Perón (aka Evita) famously addressed crowds of workers from the building’s balcony (there’s a 1996 film starring Madonna based on her life).

Easily accessible on the city’s Subte metro system, the area around the Casa Rosada is worth visiting for its colonial architecture and famed masterpiece mural by Mexican artist David Alfaro Siquieros in the Casa Rosada Museum. There are, in all, 11,000 pieces of art in the museum. Admission is free but you must register and pick a time and date for your visit.

11. Stroll La Recoleta Cemetery

It might seem a bit morbid to visit a cemetery for pleasure, but Recoleta is one of the city’s most visited attractions. The cemetery is the final resting place of many of the city’s most notable citizens, including Eva Perón and the Paz family. Also worth seeing is the tomb of Rufina Cambaceres, who was tragically buried alive according to legends. It’s open daily from 8am-6pm. Afterwards, walk along Calle Vicente Lopez on the southwest side of the cemetery. It has become one of the hotspots in Buenos Aires for micro-breweries and is a great place to rest your feet after all the walking through the cemetery.

12. Discover San Ignacio Miní

Located in San Ignacio, these 17th-century mission ruins are the most complete in Argentina, with a significant amount of carved ornamentation still visible. Constructed in the Spanish Baroque style and heavily influenced by indigenous designs, the ruins are a beautiful and distinctive reddish color. The visitor center has a lot of background information on the fascinating history of the old mission, and the ruins have interactive panels for more information as well. San Ignacio is the perfect place to stop on your way to or from Iguazú, which is only four hours away. The town is on the Paraná River, near Posadas, where you can easily hop the border to Encarnación in Paraguay. Admission is 1,000 ARS.

13. Take a dip in the Termas de Colón

Located north of Buenos Aires not far from the border with Uruguay, the hot springs here have been a hot secret with in-the-know Porteños (people from BA), for many years. There are 10 different pools to choose from, each one a different temperature and health benefits. If you have kids the Termas de Colón also features kiddie pools and various water slides. The drive from Buenos Aires takes about four hours, making this either a very long day trip or a multi-day trip to the north to relax in the charming town of Colón.

14. Attend a fútbol match at La Bombonera

Visiting the legendary soccer stadium of Boca Junior, one of Buenos Aires’ two professional teams, in the La Boca district is a local experience you won’t want to miss. If they’re playing cross-town rivals, River Plate, even better, but if you’re in town during the soccer season, go to see La Boca playing any team. It’s a lively and sometimes crazy experience. Expect to spend a couple hundred dollars on tickets if you want to see a match. There are also tours of the stadium available too, though those also aren’t cheap at around 82,000 ARS.

15. Browse for books at a world-class bookstore

In Buenos Aires’ Barrio Norte, you’ll find El Ateneo Grand Splendid. Housed in an old theater from 1919, this bookshop has plenty of remnants left over from its days in the performing arts, such as murals on the walls and ceilings, and even balconies. The books on the shelves are mostly in Spanish, though there’s a small English-language section. That said, shopping for a good read here is not really the point. Just stroll around and admire the high ceilings and ornate design of the place. It’s one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.

  For more information on specific cities in Argentina, check out these guides:

• Mendoza Travel Guide
• Buenos Aires Travel Guide

Argentina Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels are widespread throughout the country. Expect to pay 15,000-30,000 ARS for a 6-8-bed dorm room in Buenos Aires, depending on the neighborhood. In smaller towns like Mendoza, expect to pay 8,000-20,000 ARS depending on amenities. Private rooms in a hostel with a shared bath are generally double the price of dorm rooms, costing 20,000-50,000 ARS per night.

Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities.

Hotels cost 40,000-60,000 ARS and always include free Wi-Fi, though other perks are generally pretty limited. At a two- or three-star hotel in Argentina you can expect TV (sometimes with international channels), daily housekeeping, bathroom toiletries, and, in some cases, an in-house restaurant, to varying degrees of quality.

Airbnb no longer posts prices in Argentine pesos, but averages $20-$50 USD per night for a private room and $30-$80 for an entire apartment.

Camping is widespread all around the country (including the world-famous Patagonia region), especially near the national parks. Expect to pay around 12,000 ARS for a basic plot for two without electricity.

Food – Argentine food is a mix of Mediterranean influences: first from Spanish colonizers, and later European immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially from Italy and Spain. Empanadas, pizza, polenta, and pasta all heavily feature in Argentine cuisine.

Argentines are famous for their asado (barbeque) and tremendous consumption of beef, especially steak and ribs. Tomatoes, onions, lettuce, eggplants, squashes, and zucchini are the most common vegetables. Dulce de leche , a caramel sauce made from condensed milk, is a popular sweet.

Yerba mate is the favorite national drink. It’s a caffeinated herbal drink that is prepared in a traditional gourd. It is consumed in social settings by passing around the gourd and its accompanying metal straw.

Overall, food is fairly expensive in Argentina, especially in popular resort and outdoor adventure towns. Take advantage of eating breakfast and lunch specials to get the most out of your money. Breakfast deals go for 1,000-2,000 and usually consist of a coffee and two media lunas, which are like a bready croissant.

Lunch specials vary greatly but are generally around 3,500-4,000 ARS. Meals at a cheap cafe begin at around 2,000-3,000 ARS for a light lunch of a sandwich or salad.

In terms of street food, empanada, choripán (sausage on bread) stands, and local hole-in-the-wall burger and pizza shops are economical and tasty. Empanadas go for around 700 ARS each, choripán for 1000 ARS, and fast food pizza or burgers for around 1500-2000 ARS. Fast food (think Mcdonald’s) is around 2,000 ARS for a combo meal.

In major cities, a dish at a Chinese takeout restaurant is around 8,000 ARS, while a dish at a sit-down Indian restaurant is around 8,000-12,000.

At a nice traditional Argentinian steakhouse, expect to pay 20,000-25,000 ARS for a good steak and wine. At more casual restaurants, steaks cost around 10,000-15,000 ARS, while vegetable-based pasta dishes cost 7,000-8,000 ARS.

In terms of drinks, beer is around 3,000 ARS while a glass of wine is also 3,000 ARS. A cocktail is around 4,000-5,000 ARS and a cappuccino is 3,000 ARS.

If you’re going to grocery shop, expect to spend about 25,000-35,000 ARS per week for groceries, including bottles of wine. This gets you basic staples like rice, beans, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Argentina Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker’s budget, expect to spend at least 31,500 ARS per day. On this suggested budget, you’re staying in a hostel dorm, eating out at the cheap food stalls, cooking most of your meals, using public transportation, limiting your drinking, and doing mostly free activities like hiking and taking free walking tours.

On a mid-range budget of at least 70,000 ARS per day, you can stay in an Airbnb, hotel, or private hostel room, enjoy a few drinks and eat out more, take the occasional taxi, and do whatever tours and activities you want, such as wine tours and dance lessons.

On an upscale budget of at least 135,000 ARS per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, go hiking in Patagonia, fly between cities, and do whatever else you want to do. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in ARS.

Argentina Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

While Argentina’s hyperinflation works in most travelers’ favor, it makes certain things in this country more expensive. Tours, food, and alcohol add up quite a bit. There’s a lot of price instability in the country. Here are a few hacks to cut down your costs and not let inflation ruin your fun:

• Use discount cards – Student and teacher discounts can get you incredible savings. You can also use the La Nacion Club and La Nacion Premium Club Cards, associated with La Nacion Newspaper, for discounts. Every week, the La Nacion Club Card website lists participating establishments that give discounts to cardmembers. This is good for travelers spending a long time in the country as you have to sign up for the newspaper.
• Hitchhike – While not common in the north of the country, if you’re in Patagonia, you’ll see many locals and tourists alike hitchhiking, as long-distance buses in that part of the country can be very expensive and infrequent. It’s simply more convenient to hitchhike. This common way to get around is highly recommended.
• Travel off-season – March-June and September-November are the low season when you can find cheaper accommodations and enjoy fewer crowds at attractions.
• Find the cheap eats – Empanada, choripán (sausage on bread) stands, and local hole-in-the-wall burger and pizza shops are your best options for cheap eats. It’s not the healthiest food, but it’s economical and tasty!
• Rent a bike – You can rent bicycles from hostels and rental shops for around 12,00 ARS per day in most major cities. This is especially useful when you’re in Mendoza’s wine country and you’re trying to get from winery to winery.
• Bring a tent – As you start to travel south to Patagonia, accommodation costs get expensive. Hostels are often 20,000 ARS or more a night here (as opposed to as cheap as 10,000 ARS a night in Buenos Aires). Look for camping opportunities as often as possible. When you aren’t in the national parks (where you can obviously camp), many hostels let you pitch your tent for a small fee.
• Stick to wine – 2,000 ARS bottles of wine in the supermarket is a phenomenal deal. Grab a bottle, drink it up. It’s really good too!
• Pack a water bottle – The tap water here is generally safe to drink so bring a water bottle with a filter to save money and reduce your single-use plastic usage. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw as it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Explore the outdoors – Hiking is free, and throughout the country, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy this and other outdoor activities since Argentina is blessed with many city parks and nature reserves where you can spend the day wandering around and relaxing. (And, of course, there are a plethora of national parks where you can do multi-day treks!).
• Don’t fly domestically – Thanks to a tax on foreigners, airfare in Argentina for non-residents is quite expensive. Unless you are in a rush, don’t fly. Take the overnight buses. It’s slower but affordable (and often a lot more comfortable).
• Dance for free – If you find yourself in Buenos Aires on a Sunday, you can find free tango events in San Telmo. (On Monday nights, there’s the famous La Bomba de Tiempo, a music and dance event that is well worth the minimal price for admission.)
• Take a free walking tour – There are a number of free walking tours in major cities. They are the best way to get the lay of the land on a budget and connect with a local guide. Just remember to tip your guide at the end. Two companies to try out in the capital city are Buenos Aires Free Tour and Free Walks Buenos Aires.

Where to Stay in Argentina

Looking for budget-friendly accommodation? Here are some of my suggested places to stay in Argentina:

• Milhouse Hostel (Buenos Aires)
• Up Viamonte Hotel (Buenos Aires)
• Sabatico Travelers Hostel (Buenos Aires)
• Villaggio Hotel Boutique (Mendoza)
• Gorilla Hostel (Mendoza)
• Alto Andino Hotel (Ushuaia)
• Cruz del Sur Hostel (Ushuaia)
• Antarctica Hostel (Ushuaia)

How to Get Around Argentina

Public transportation – Buenos Aires is the only city in Argentina with a subway system (the Subte). The subway runs from 5:30am-11:30pm on weekdays, 6am-midnight on Saturdays, and 8am-10:30pm on Sundays.

Public buses are the most common way to travel within the cities. In Buenos Aires, a one-way fare is around 1,000 ARS per trip. In Mendoza, fares start at 800 ARS.

In Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Mar del Plata you need a transit card to use the public transit, while smaller areas take cash. You can find these cards at kiosks all over the place.

Taxis – Taxis are very affordable in Argentina. Prices start around 500 ARS and go up by around 300 ARS per kilometer. That said, public transportation can usually get you anywhere you need to be so you can likely skip the taxis here.

Buses – Argentina boasts an outstanding short and long-distance bus network. It is common to have food served on board as well as Wi-Fi and alcohol on long-distance buses. For example, the ride from Buenos Aires to Mendoza takes about 14.5 hours and tickets begin at 10,000 ARS. A 10-hour trip from Bariloche to El Calafate (in Patagonia) starts from 20,000 ARS, while the bus from Buenos Aires to El Calafate is 50,000 ARS.

A “shorter” journey like Mendoza to Salta in 7 hours costs about 35,000 ARS. You can take the overnight bus and then save on accommodation since you’ll be sleeping on the bus.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Flying – Flying around South America isn’t very cheap, and Argentina is no exception as fares are taxed highly for foreigners (it subsidizes cheap fares for residents). However, it might be worth it for you if you’re short on time as those 14-hour bus rides are not an efficient way to travel. Argentina’s two most popular airlines are Aerolíneas Argentinas (the domestic carrier) and LATAM.

You can fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate for 340,000 ARS return, or Buenos Aires to Bariloche for 190,000 ARS return. You’ll get better deals the further out that you book your tickets.

Train – Argentina’s rail system only goes to three places: Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Rosario. The train from Buenos Aires to Cordoba costs about 28,400 ARS. There are also train journeys aimed specifically at travelers, like the epic Train to the Clouds that begins in Salta and passes through the Andres. It’s one of the highest railways in the world. There’s also La Trochita, the Old Patagonian Express between Esquel and El Maiten for 30,000 ARS.

Hitchhike – Argentina is easy and safe for hitchhikers. You can find rides throughout the country, and Argentines are naturally curious about foreigners. There’s a good chance you’ll end up crammed into a car with an entire family! Hitchwiki has information on hitchhiking in Argentina if you want to give it a try.

When to Go to Argentina

Argentina is enormous. The best time of year to visit entirely depends on what regions you plan on traveling around.

Argentina’s spring is from September to November. This is one of the best times to visit overall (although it’s still very cold in Patagonia). Average temperatures range from 14°C (57°F) in the center, 8-14°C (46-57°F) in Patagonia, and about 20°C (68°F) in the north.

Summer is from December to February. This is the best season for spending time in the Andean mountains. It’s also the best time to travel to Tierra del Fuego, although there still might be snow. The north is a lot warmer, and Buenos Aires can get hot and sticky. Temperatures can get as high as 26°C (79°F).

Autumn (March-April) is another great time to visit, especially in the San Juan and Mendoza regions for the wine harvests. Temperatures here are 6-14°C (42-58°F). Patagonia is stunning this time of year with its bright autumn colors as well.

Winter is from June to August when temperatures dip to 8–13°C (46–55°F). This is the ideal time to visit if you’re a skier hoping to hit up the ski resorts. It’s not a great time for visiting Patagonia, however; bad weather can leave you stranded, and a lot of places are closed from Easter to October.

How to Stay Safe in Argentina

Argentina is a safe place to backpack and travel. While violent crime here is rare, petty theft and pickpocketing is on the rise so you’ll need to be vigilant. Don’t flaunt expensive jewelry or belongings while you’re out and about and always keep your wallet secure and out of reach. Cell phone theft is incredibly common and thieves sometimes literally snatch the phone right from your hand in broad daylight so be on guard and never bring your phone out in public. If you need to use it, step inside a shop just to be safe.

If taking an overnight bus, lock your bag and make sure your valuables are secure. If you rent a car, always keep it locked and never store anything in it overnight as break-ins can occur.

Female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (don’t walk around at night intoxicated, never leave your drink unattended at the bar, etc.). Whenever possible, avoid walking around at night (especially if you’re alone). Even during the day, it’s best to walk around in groups when you can as you’ll be less of a target that way. If you’re carrying a purse, wear it across your chest so it can’t easily be snatched (a backpack is a better/safer choice, though).

When taking out money from an ATM, make sure to use a machine inside the bank so that you can safely access your money without prying eyes or people ready to rob you.

Scams here are rare, but they can occur. To avoid getting ripped off, read about common travel scams to avoid here .

Always check the weather before you go hiking and make sure you dress appropriately and bring enough water.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Argentina Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Argentina Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Argentina travel and continue planning your trip:

18 of the Best Spots in Patagonia

Patagonia: Thoughts on Getting Offline and Trying to Camp

12 Ways to Save Money in Argentina

16 Amazing Photos from My Visit to Torres Del Paine

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9 of the best places to visit in Argentina

Jun 10, 2024 • 8 min read

Plan your trip to Argentina with this guide to the very best places to visit © sunsinger / Shutterstock

A can’t-miss destination in South America,  Argentina will not disappoint even the most demanding traveler. 

There is so much to see – from the southernmost city in the world to a desert plateau, from ski slopes to rainforests – and you must spend time in the glamorous and bustling metropolis of Buenos Aires.

Unless you have a couple months to spare, we suggest you pick out a couple destinations from our list, making sure that it’s the right season , and head out to discover the eighth-largest country in the world. There’s always something wonderful to do in Argentina.

1. Buenos Aires

Best city in Argentina

Whatever you want, the city of Buenos Aires has it in droves. From Anchoita restaurant, serving the best ingredients (and wines) from across the country, to raucous football matches almost every day, glamour and fun are never far. 

The capital boasts the most bookstores per capita in the world: Eterna Cadencia and Notanpuán are just two of dozens peppered throughout the city, while Plaza Italia and Parque Rivadavia host booksellers every day. 

If you're looking for English-language titles, Walrus Books , in the old formerly aristocratic neighborhood of San Telmo, will not disappoint, though most bookstores have at least a small section in English, French and German. 

There’s world-class opera, ballet and symphonic music at the Teatro Colón , and Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA), Museo de Arte Moderno de Buenos Aires (MAMBA) and the Museo de Bellas Artes hold some of the very best art from Latin America and the world. Avenida Corrientes, with its pizzerias, late-night bookstores, and Broadway-caliber theaters, will never fail to entertain.

Local tip: Though Buenos Aires is lovely year-round , springtime – with purple jacaranda blossoms lining the streets – is particularly unforgettable, and the weather is usually perfect. Palermo and San Telmo are the best neighborhoods to stay for their convenience and density of restaurants and other attractions.

Heading to Buenos Aires? Plan where you'll go with our neighborhood guide

Best place for wine

The Andean province of Mendoza , with its hundreds of bodegas (winemakers) and delicious malbecs, cabernet sauvignons and syrahs measures up against just about any wine hot spot around the world. 

Combine excursions to vineyards that offer daily tastings and workshops with some of the best cuisine in Argentina – the city of Mendoza received half of the country’s Michelin stars after the guide arrived in the country in 2023 – and some excellent outdoors activities like rafting and hiking, and you have the recipe for an excellent trip.

Planning tip: Bodegas and hotels fill up quickly, especially in the summer when Argentines travel, so be sure to book your slots at least a month in advance.

Deciding when to visit Argentina? Our seasonal guide is here to help

3. El Chaltén

Best place for hiking

The small Patagonia town of El Chaltén , in the province of Santa Cruz, is one of the premier trekking destinations of the world. Close to the imposing Fitz Roy mountain and the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares , those who want to give their journey South an exploratory twist cannot miss its truly unrivaled vistas and hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails. 

Inside the same massive national park, accessible through the nearby city of El Calafate , is the 30km-long, 5km-wide and 60m-high (18-miles-long, 3-miles-wide, 197ft-high)  Glaciar Perito Moreno , famous for the massive sheets of ice that break off in the summer near the viewing platform and into the water below.

Planning tip: Avoid going in the wintertime if at all possible as a lot of trails will be closed and the weather conditions can be truly inhospitable. No matter the season, pack a windbreaker – you won’t regret it.

4. Mar del Plata, the Atlantic Coast

Best place for a summer escape

Though Argentina is not famous for its beaches, Mar del Plata  is Argentina’s favorite summer holiday destination, its central hotel-casino a symbol of Argentina’s modernization in the 1930s and '40s.

The city hosts an iconic film festival  and is the beloved birthplace of the alfajores (cookie-type sandwiches usually stuffed with dulce de leche).

Most Argentines will have beloved childhood memories in the city’s center, surrounded by shops, panqueques (like a dulce de leche crepe), and churros filled with dulce de leche.

Planning tip:  If the city is a little too much, smaller towns like Cariló are more intimate and no less beautiful, and only a few hours’ drive from the city of Buenos Aires.

5. Iguazú Falls

Best place for waterfalls

Located at the “triple border” between Argentina, Brazil , and Paraguay , the Iguazú region has the most impressive network of waterfalls in the world. 

Accessible from both Argentina and Brazil and in the middle of a dense, luxuriant rainforest, there’s a reason the falls were selected as one of seven “Natural Wonders of the World” in 2011 and UNESCO declared them a World Heritage Site in 1984. 

Be ready to move across the Argentina–Brazil border, and don’t miss the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s throat), the Falls’ gargantuan centerpiece. Though the central chute of the falls falls technically on the Brazilian side, the Argentina viewing platform is better located.

Planning tip: Many of the attractions are on the Brazilian side. The land border between Brazil and Argentina is breezy to cross, though there’s often a line, especially around 6pm – tourists sometimes cross it multiple times a day. Do not forget your passport! 

6. Bariloche

Best place to spend time by the lake

Located on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, and nested in an Andean valley, the city of Bariloche is the premier tourist destination in the Argentine Patagonia .

Trust us, there’s no dreamier sight than temperate forests and pristine lakesides hidden in between the mountains.

Camping in the Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes) district, organized around a road headed from neighboring hippie hot spot Villa la Angostura to San Martín de los Andes, is a rite of passage for Argentines, and with the world’s best chocolate to boot, a trip to Bariloche is well worth your time. 

Bariloche is next to to Cerro Catedral, the largest winter sports resort in South America and the legendary home of winter sports in Argentina. Endless trails, abundance of food options and scenic landscapes – overlooking the many lakes in the area – make it a destination not to be missed.

Planning tip: Drive the Seven Lakes Scenic Road, or take the bus, for an unforgettable excursion into some jaw-droppingly beautiful mountainous lakes in the middle of the Andes, between Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes. The drive only takes a few hours.

Planning a road trip in Argentina? Here's our guide to the best driving routes

7. Quebrada de Humahuaca and Salinas Grandes, Jujuy

Best place for unforgettable mountains and salt flats

Though less famous than their Patagonian counterparts, the Andes in Northwestern Argentina are just as breathtaking. Quebrada de Humahuaca in the province of Jujuy, near the border with Bolivia , has a plethora of unforgettable sights to behold, from grazing guanacos to striped mountains that range in color from almost white to deep purple. 

From the Hornocal mountain range’s almost psychedelic hues to the Salinas Grandes salt flats, one of the largest in the world, Jujuy will challenge your sense of nature’s possibilities. 

And it has the history to match, with some of the earliest evidence of human habitation in the Southern Cone and a rich indigenous cultural influence to this day.

Having been near the Southern edge of the Inca empire, the Kolla, Atacama, Quechua, and Omaguaca people carry on their traditions despite centuries of colonialism.

The cuisine is not to be missed. The town of Tilcara hosts El Nuevo Progreso , an award-winning restaurant that elevates ancestral dishes like Humita en Chala –  a mix of cheese and corn wrapped in a corn husk and steamed – and tamales to gourmet exquisiteness with avant-garde techniques. Llama meat is a unique delicacy of the region, often made into salami.

Planning tip: The Humahuaca Valley is over 3000m (9843ft) above sea level, and some attractions are up to 4350m (14,272ft) above sea level. Make sure you’re prepared for the low oxygen. Locals chew coca leaves, a natural energetic, for help with the height, but candies made with coca flour are on sale everywhere in Jujuy. Painkillers can help with headaches. 

Best place for reaching Antarctica

The city of Ushuaia (population: 82,000) is the southernmost city in the world. Underneath the Andes and just 1000km (620 miles) from Antarctica  to the south, Ushuaia’s austere and often stormy beauty cannot be understated. 

The city is a major global nexus for hiking in the summer and draws snow sports enthusiasts to Cerro Castor Ski Resort in the winter. There’s excellent local cuisine like world-famous cordero patagónico – lamb cooked low and slow over an open fire – and crab, caught nearby and always as fresh as can be.

Planning tip: Make sure you pack a winter jacket – even in summer, the temperature rarely breaks 15°C (59°F).

9. Parque Nacional Iberá

Best place for bird-watching

The Iberá Estuary in the northeastern province of Corrientes, has some of the most extraordinary bird populations in the world. 

Arrange a kayak or boat trip from the small town of Carlos Pellegrini to see the over 360 bird species, such as the majestic southern screamer, various types of heron, and the grumpy-looking guira cuckoo, as well as monkeys and unique reptiles that thrive in the area.

The Iberá also bears the marks of centuries of colonization and ruins of Jesuit “missions” – where Guaranís and other indigenous groups were taught Spanish and Catholic doctrine – that were abandoned in the 18th century following the order’s expulsion from the region.

This article was first published Oct 22, 2021 and updated Jun 10, 2024.

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13 Best Books Set in Argentina

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The best books set in Argentina, ranging from fiction to nonfiction on the country’s history or autobiographical stories, are guaranteed to transport you there!

Dreaming of visiting Argentina? Here are the best books set in Argentina that will take you there, without even having to leave home!

Argentina is the southernmost country in South America. It is a country with deep-rooted customs and traditions. Its people are characterized by being nice, friendly, and fun, passionate about football, and fanatical about its clubs and players.

Another must-see is its traditions and the typical foods of the country, with its characteristic yerba mate with or without sugar, roasts with friends or family, and alfajores with dulce de leche.

Another aspect to take into account is that Argentina, due to its location presents a great diversity of climates: warm subtropical in the north, temperate in the center, arid in the foothills, and cold in the south.

For example, among its attractions you can visit the Iguazú Falls, the Aconcagua, a mountain in the Cordillera de Los Andes at 6962m high, the Perito Moreno glacier and you can even sail in the waters of the end of the world in Ushuaia.

If we talk about literature, it is one of the most relevant Spanish-speaking countries in literature. Many literary works by Argentine writers reflect the memory and history of the country and the struggles and ideals of society.

Some of the best known are Jorge Luis Borges, José Hernández, Julio Cortázar, Roberto Arlt, Alejandra Pizarnik, Ernesto Sábato.

Are you interested in learning more about Argentine culture? These are the best books set in Argentina, ranging from fiction to nonfiction on the country’s history or autobiographical stories, that are guaranteed to transport you there!

We update our book lists frequently, so please share your favorite Argentinean novels. Let’s get started!

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Novels and Fiction set in Argentina

The Gaucho Martin Fierro by José Hernández

Translated by: Frank G. Carrino, Alberto J. Carlos, and Norman Mangouni

Martín Fierro is an example of the historical Argentine gaucho and narrates the stories of his life in the Pampa wandering aimlessly in poverty and being discriminated against and excluded by society that at the same time is in charge of using him for tasks that nobody wants to do.

This book, written in verse, is a critique of the harsh reality that the men sent to the border had to experience and the contempt for the Argentine gaucho. It is the protest expressed through the life of a gaucho, forced to resign his freedom due to the socio-economic changes that invaded his territory.

The book was written in 1872 and is considered a masterpiece of Argentine literature.

Buy on Amazon | View in Goodreads

The Wind That Lays Waste by Selva Almada

Translated by: Chris Andrews

In this novel, the characters are clear, corporeal and make their voices heard. The same thing happens with the context: the living mountain, the strong sun, the stunted trees, the broken cars, the sweaty shirts, and the destroyed lives.

It tells the story of Reverend Pearson and his daughter, who live traveling in their car, from town to town, preaching the word of the Lord. Due to a mechanical failure, they will be stranded in the oppressive heat of Chaco, in northern Argentina. There, Gringo Brauer, the local mechanic, will try to fix the vehicle together with Tapioca, his assistant, who will be enchanted by the foreigner’s bewitching speech when he speaks to him about God.

It is the first novel by Argentine writer Selva Almada and has been translated into 5 languages since its publication.

The Dangers of Smoking in Bed by Mariana Enríquez 

Translated by: Megan McDowell

This novel is made up of twelve stories where terror infiltrates everyday life and not science fiction. Each story disturbs the reader and invites him to take a walk in the museum of horrors.

But in addition to showing us the darkest and gloomiest side of human beings, Enríquez also criticizes the political, economic, and social situation in Argentina.

If we talk about themes, we could group the stories into four categories:

1) the world of popular legends, pagan gods, witches who carry out mysterious curses; 2) body horror, with deformations, cannibalism, and mutilations; 3) real horrors that have permeated Argentine society, albeit with a supernatural twist; and 4) the apparition of ghosts and supernatural terror.

Written against the backdrop of contemporary Argentina, and with resounding tenderness towards those in pain, in fear, and in limbo, this new collection from one of Argentina’s most exciting writers finds Enriquez at her most sophisticated, and most chilling.

Bad Girls by Camila Sosa Villada

Translated by: Kit Maude

Bad Girls is a mix between autobiography and fiction, a story of survival and memory.

In this book, Camila Villada tells us about her life from her poor and violent childhood, arriving in Córdoba where she will start university and find her place of belonging among the trans sex workers of Parque Sarmiento.

It grips and entertains us while also challenging ideas about love, sexuality, gender, and identity. It is a cry of fury and denunciation, but also of hope, of giving light where there is only darkness, exclusion, dehumanization, and loneliness.  

Expected publication: May 3rd, 2022

Things We Lost in the Fire by Mariana Enríquez

Enriquez takes the reader into a world of Argentine Gothic. Things We Lost in the Fire is a powerful exploration of what happens when our darkest desires are left to roam unchecked, and signals the arrival of an astonishing and necessary voice in contemporary fiction.

As in “The Dangers of Smoking in Bed” this book also contains 12 stories that are not related to each other but do have things in common. All the stories take place in Argentina, characterized by its long road trips, its crowded streets, its dark past with the dictatorship, and the ever-present cry of the protest. And all the stories, except for one, have women as protagonists.

The Mad Toy by Roberto Arlt

Translated by: James Womack

It is Arlt’s first novel and is partly considered autobiographical. The life story of Silvio Astier takes place in the slums of Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the beginning of the 20th century.

The novel deals with the growth and life experience of Silvio, who constantly tries to get out of poverty and the humiliation that living in those conditions means to him.

However, the common denominator for him is the failure to carry out any of the projects he undertakes and also the limitations of a person born in humble conditions, and the lack of possibilities to escape.

This book also represents a critique of the accessibility of culture in the lower class, and also shows how the impossibility of improving his quality of life leads Silvio to a cesspool identical to his neighborhood, a sad world, without values and full of injustices.

Thursday Night Widows by Claudia Piñeiro

Translated by: Miranda France

If what you are interested in reading is a mystery, Piñeiro does an excellent job in this book. The story takes place 50 kilometers from Buenos Aires at the beginning of the year 2000, revealing the relentless social decline of Argentina at the turn of the century.

Behind high walls, hidden from the poverty, crime, and filth of the people on the streets, live a group of wealthy families in the private neighborhood Altos de la Cascada.

While happy lives are seen on the outside, inside the walls of their homes the reality is very different.

In this neighborhood, on Thursday nights, a group of friends gathers away from the eyes of their children, their maids, and their wives, who, excluded from the manly encounter, call themselves “the widows of Thursdays.” But one night the routine is broken and that fact allows us to discover the dark side of a perfect life.

This novel is a critique of the prevailing hypocrisy within the wealthy class, and its desire to succeed and appear, revealing racial conflicts and fears based on prejudice.

Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez

This young adult novel set in Argentina follows a teenage girl, Camila, who lives a double life.

At home, she is a careful daughter, living within her mother’s narrow expectations, in her rising soccer-star brother’s shadow, and under the abusive rule of her short-tempered father. But on the field, she is La Furia, a powerhouse of skill and talent with big dreams.

Buy on Amazon  |  View in Goodreads

Fictions (Ficciones) by Jorge Luis Borges

Translated by: Anthony Kerrigan and Anthony Bonner

The seventeen pieces in Ficciones demonstrate the whirlwind of Borges’s genius and mirror the precision and potency of his intellect and inventiveness, his piercing irony, his skepticism, and his obsession with fantasy.

Borges sends us on a journey into a compelling, bizarre, and profoundly resonant realm; we enter the fearful sphere of Pascal’s abyss, the surreal and literal labyrinth of books, and the iconography of eternal return. To enter the worlds in Ficciones is to enter the mind of Jorge Luis Borges, wherein lies Heaven, Hell, and everything else in between.

Please note: this is a collection of short stories by an Argentine author.

Nonfiction Books about Argentina

Nunca Mas Never Again: The Report of the Argentine National Commission on the Disappeared

This book collects and adapts the report issued by the commission regarding the disappearances, kidnappings, torture, and crimes that occurred in Argentina during the military dictatorship between 1976 and 1983.

The darkest time in Argentine history. It testifies to the disappearance and death of more than 8,961 people and maintains that human rights were systematically and organically violated by state repression, using a terror methodology planned by the Armed Forces.

The title “Never again” was proposed by Marshall Meyer, because it had been the slogan used by the survivors of the Warsaw Ghetto to repudiate the atrocities of Nazism. Likewise, the book is also known worldwide as the “Sabato Report” since it was Ernesto Sabato who presided over the commission and delivered the report in 1984 to then-President Raúl Alfonsín.

The Argentina Reader: History, Culture, Politics by Gabriela Nouzeilles and Graciela Montaldo 

A literary work that will make you discover the country in all its complexity, narrating its history, illustrating its culture, and talking to its people.

The story of a country that was one of the richest nations in the world, and yet ended up with an unbalanced economy and its society in constant tension and frustration.

This book will take you on a journey from the Spanish colonial regime, going through more than 200 years of history since its independence, until reaching the emergence of Peronism, then the period of the military dictatorship that marked the darkest and most terrifying time in the country and, finally the new global economy and the principles of neoliberalism.

In addition, the book contains photographs, poems, and excerpts from writings that have never before been translated into English.

In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin

If what you are looking for is to read about tourism in Argentina, Bruce Chatwin, an English novelist, and travel writer, recounts his experience of the trip in 1977 that lasted six months.

The story is full of descriptions, fragments of history, and unforgettable anecdotes, which bring us a little closer to the landscape and life in Patagonia. Chatwin conveys his desire for life, adventure, and the search for almost forgotten legends, the descendants of Welsh immigrants, and the log cabin built by Butch Cassidy.

Children’s Books Set in Argentina

The Magic Bean Tree: A Legend from Argentina by Nancy Van Laan

Illustrated by: Beatriz Vidal

The evil bird who lives on top of the magic tree that grows in the Argentine pampas has the power to stop the rain, so one summer, a little boy risks everything to save his village from dying of thirst by taking a stand against the powerful bird.

Illustrated with charming folk-art-like paintings and retold with simplicity and drama, this legend of a child’s courage and faith explains why Argentineans believe that good luck can be found in the shade of a carob tree.

Best Books Set in Argentina

These are some of the best books set in Argentina.

Have you read any of these books set in Argentina? Do you have any favorite books set in Argentina that I should add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!

Related:  19 Exciting Books Set in South America

Know someone else who wants to read books set in Argentina? Then please do pin this post.

Where next?

Start with this list of the very best  travel adventure books . It includes great reads that will fuel your wanderlust and have you staying up late to finish them.

You should also check out the following series of book lists set in specific destinations:

Egypt | India | Alaska | Africa

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