9 Premier Places to Visit in Argentina: A Local’s Curated Sampler
As a local who’s crisscrossed this vast land from tango-filled streets to glacial frontiers, I’ve handpicked these 9 spots that capture Argentina’s soul.
Each offers unique thrills, and I’ve poured my personal treks into detailed guides below.
1. Buenos Aires: The Pulsing Heart of Tango and Culture
I first fell for Buenos Aires during a rainy evening stroll in San Telmo, where street performers danced under flickering lights. This city blends European elegance with raw passion; wander La Boca’s colorful Caminito for vibrant murals, then hit Recoleta Cemetery for Eva Peron’s tomb amid marble mausoleums. Palermo’s trendy cafes serve medialunas that melt in your mouth, perfect after biking through parks.
2. Iguazú Falls: Nature’s Thunderous Masterpiece
Standing at Devil’s Throat during my solo trip, the roar drowned my thoughts as 275 cascades plunged into mist-shrouded abyss. Hike upper and lower circuits for rainbows over basalt cliffs, then boat to San Martín Island for up-close spray. Nearby Puerto Iguazú offers guarana sodas at family-run stalls.
3. Patagonia: Bariloche’s Alpine Lakes and Trails
Circumnavigating Nahuel Huapi Lake on a windy afternoon, I discovered Bariloche’s chocolate factories rival Swiss ones, with creamy alfajores as trail fuel. Cable car to Cerro Otto for 360-degree Andes views, or kayak amid arrayanes forests.
4. Mendoza: Wine Haven Amid Andean Vines
Biking Malbec rows at sunset in Luján de Cuyo, I savored bold torrontés that pair perfectly with asado barbecues. Visit Bodega Catena Zapata’s pyramid winery for tours starting at 5000 ARS.
5. Salta: Northwest’s Colonial Charms and Quebrada
Trekking Purmamarca’s seven-colored hill, the Andean sun baked salt flats into psychedelic stripes. Train to the Clouds climbs 4200m for Puna plateaus.
6. Córdoba: Jesuit Heartland and Sierra Escapes
Hiking Alta Gracia’s sierras, I picnicked amid Jesuit ruins now UNESCO gems, cooling off in Villa Carlos Paz waterfalls.
7. Ushuaia: Tierra del Fuego’s End-of-World Drama
From my Beagle Channel cruise, penguins dotted waves as Martial Glacier hikes offered snowy panoramas.
8. El Calafate: Perito Moreno’s Advancing Ice
Boardwalks vibrated under Perito Moreno’s calving thunder; mini-trekking crampons gripped 70m blue walls.
9. Aconcagua: Americas’ Highest Summit Base
Plaza de Mulas camp at 4300m tested my lungs amid rocky spires; even non-climbers day-hike Horcones Valley.
Personal Insights and Pro Tips from My Journeys
“On my Patagonia road trip, packing layers saved me from 20C days to subzero nights,” I recall. Pro tip: Download offline maps; cell service vanishes in wilds.
Pros of Argentina Travel
- World-class wines at vineyard-direct prices, often 2000 ARS per bottle.
- Diverse climates from subtropical north to Antarctic south in one trip.
- Generous locals sharing empanadas unasked.
Cons and How I Navigated Them
- Inflation spikes prices; I hedged with USD cash exchanges at cuevas for 20% better rates.
- Long distances; buses like Andesmar offer sleeper pods for overnight hauls.
- Pickpockets in crowds; money belts under clothes were my stealth guard.
How to Stay Safe: My Tested Strategies
Stick to well-lit areas post-sunset, using Uber over street taxis. In parks, pre-book transport and pack first-aid. Emergency lines: Police 101, Ambulance 107, Fire 107, Tourist Police 4312-5748.
Where to Stay: Local Favorites by Region
Buenos Aires: Recoleta’s Loi Suites (from 150 USD/night). Patagonia: Bariloche hostels at 40 USD. Book via Booking.com for flexible cancels.
Budget Stays Card
Hostels 20-50 USD/night; book Hostelworld.
Mid-Range
Boutiques 80-150 USD; Palermo vibes unbeatable.
Typical Costs, Budgets, and Money-Saving Tips
Daily budget: Backpacker 50 USD (hostel, street eats), Comfort 100-150 USD. Meals: Empanadas 3 USD, Parillas 20 USD. Save by cooking milanesas, using buses (10-hour BA-Mendoza 40 USD).
Suggested Budgets Card
10 days: 800 USD excl. flights. Internal flights LATAM from 80 USD.
How to Get Around Efficiently
Buses via Crucero del Norte for comfort, domestic flights Aerolíneas. Buenos Aires Subte 0.50 USD/ride.
Best Time to Visit and How to Get There
Spring (Sep-Nov) or fall (Mar-May) for mild 20C weather. Fly into EZE from US 900 USD roundtrip.
Recommended Tours and Ideal Length of Stay
Iguazú boat tour 100 USD. Patagonia multi-day 500 USD. Stay 2-3 days/spot, 14-21 days total.
Frequently Asked Questions About Argentina Travel
What is the best time to visit Argentina for first-timers?
Spring or fall avoids summer rains and winter chills, offering 20C averages nationwide.
Is Argentina safe for solo travelers?
Yes, with vigilance in cities; I traveled solo safely by blending locals.
How much should I budget per day in Argentina?
50 USD covers basics; 100 USD adds comfort like wine tastings.
What are must-do tours in Patagonia?
Perito Moreno trek and Bariloche circuito chico for lakeside hikes.
