Argentina

1. What are the best places to visit in Argentina?
Buenos Aires offers tango in San Telmo, the colorful La Boca neighborhood, and the historic Plaza de Mayo. Iguazu Falls, on the border with Brazil, is a must-see with 275 waterfalls. Patagonia’s Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park is stunning for hiking and boat tours. Mendoza is famous for wine tasting in the Malbec region. Bariloche, in the Lake District, is ideal for skiing and chocolate tasting. Visit Salta for its colonial architecture and the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO-listed valley with vibrant landscapes. Don’t miss Ushuaia, the “End of the World,” for Antarctic cruises.

2. Is it safe to travel to Argentina?
As of March 2025, Argentina is generally safe for tourists, but caution is needed in big cities like Buenos Aires. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in tourist areas like La Boca or Retiro—keep valuables secure. Avoid protests, as they can turn violent. Rural areas like Patagonia and Mendoza are safer, with low crime rates. Tap water is safe in most cities, but bottled water is recommended in remote areas. Road conditions vary—be cautious on rural routes. Medical facilities are good in cities but limited elsewhere, so travel insurance is advised. Check for health advisories, as dengue can occur in the north.

3. Do I need a visa to visit Argentina?
Citizens of the U.S., EU, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days with a passport valid for 6 months. A reciprocity fee is no longer required for U.S., Canadian, or Australian citizens as of 2025. Extensions up to 90 days are possible at the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones in Buenos Aires ($50). Other nationalities may need a visa, obtainable through an Argentine embassy or consulate ($50–$150). Ensure you have a yellow fever certificate if coming from an affected area, especially if visiting Iguazu. Confirm requirements before travel, as policies can change.

4. What is the best time to visit Argentina?
The best time depends on the region. Spring (September–November) and fall (March–May) are ideal for Buenos Aires and Mendoza, with mild temperatures of 15°C–25°C (59°F–77°F). Summer (December–February) is perfect for Patagonia and Ushuaia, with long daylight hours for hiking, though temperatures can drop to 5°C (41°F) in the south. Winter (June–August) is best for skiing in Bariloche, with temperatures around 0°C–10°C (32°F–50°F). Iguazu Falls is humid year-round but best visited in spring or fall to avoid summer crowds. Avoid Patagonia in winter due to harsh weather.

5. How do I get to Argentina?
Fly into Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires. Direct flights from the U.S. (Miami, New York) take 9–11 hours ($800–$1,500 round trip) with airlines like American Airlines or Aerolíneas Argentinas. From Europe (Madrid, Paris), flights take 13–15 hours ($900–$1,800) with Iberia or Air France. Domestic flights with Aerolíneas Argentinas or LATAM connect Buenos Aires to Mendoza, Bariloche, or Ushuaia ($50–$150 one-way, 2–3 hours). Long-distance buses like Andesmar are reliable for intercity travel (Buenos Aires to Mendoza, 14 hours, $40–$70). Taxis in Buenos Aires cost $5–$10 per ride, or use the subway for $0.50.

6. What are traditional Argentine foods to try?
Try asado, a barbecue of grilled beef, chorizo, and morcilla (blood sausage), often paired with chimichurri sauce. Empanadas are savory pastries filled with beef, chicken, or cheese—Salta’s are famous. Milanesa is a breaded beef cutlet, similar to schnitzel. For dessert, sample dulce de leche, a caramel spread, in alfajores (cookie sandwiches). Sip mate, a traditional herbal tea shared socially. In Mendoza, pair Malbec wine with your meal. In Patagonia, try cordero al palo (spit-roasted lamb). For a snack, grab a choripán, a chorizo sandwich, at a street stall. Portions are large, so come hungry.

7. What are the best cultural experiences in Argentina?
Watch a tango show in Buenos Aires’ San Telmo or La Boca, or take a dance class ($20–$50). Attend the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia in Mendoza (March) for wine harvest celebrations with parades and concerts. Visit a gaucho festival in the Pampas, like the Fiesta de la Tradición in San Antonio de Areco (November), for horseback riding and folk music. Explore the Jesuit ruins in Misiones, a UNESCO site near Iguazu. In Salta, join the Carnival celebrations (February) with water fights and traditional dances. Experience a fútbol match at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires—Boca Juniors games are electric ($50–$100/ticket).

8. What are the best outdoor activities in Argentina?
Hike in Los Glaciares National Park to see Perito Moreno Glacier ($30 entry, $100 for boat tours). Trek in Aconcagua Provincial Park near Mendoza to summit Aconcagua, South America’s highest peak (6,959m, $800 permit). Raft on the Atuel River in San Rafael ($50–$80/tour). Ski in Bariloche at Cerro Catedral (June–August, $60/day lift pass). Explore Iguazu Falls via the Devil’s Throat trail ($25 entry, $50 for boat rides). Horseback ride with gauchos in the Pampas ($80/day). In Ushuaia, kayak in the Beagle Channel to spot penguins and seals ($100/tour). Birdwatch in the Iberá Wetlands for capybaras and caimans ($40/tour).

9. What should I know about Argentine culture before visiting?
Argentines are warm and social, often greeting with a kiss on the cheek. Spanish is the main language; English is limited outside tourist areas. Meals are late—dinner often starts at 9 PM. Tipping 10% is customary in restaurants. Soccer is a religion—expect passionate discussions about teams like Boca Juniors or River Plate. Public displays of affection are common and accepted. Be prepared for inflation—carry small bills, as change can be scarce, and use ATMs in banks for safety. Respect local customs, like sharing mate if offered, and avoid sensitive topics like the Falklands/Malvinas conflict. Dress is casual, but Buenos Aires can be stylish.

10. What are the accommodation options in Argentina?
In Buenos Aires, stay at luxury hotels like Alvear Palace ($200–$400/night) or budget hostels like Milhouse Hostel ($20–$40/night). In Mendoza, the Park Hyatt ($150–$300/night) is near wineries, while Posada Verde Oliva ($80–$150/night) offers a boutique experience. Bariloche’s Llao Llao Resort ($200–$500/night) has lake views, or try Hotel Tirol ($60–$120/night). In Ushuaia, Los Cauquenes Resort ($150–$350/night) is ideal for Antarctic trips, or book Hosteria Patagonia Jarke ($50–$100/night). In Iguazu, the Melia Iguazu ($200–$400/night) is inside the park, while budget options like Hostel Iguazu Falls ($15–$30/night) are in town. Book early for Patagonia in summer.