Ultimate Argentina Travel Guide
I have spent one year total exploring Argentina. There are a ton of incredible must-see places from the Northern border to the Southern most tip.
At least once a week, I look up flights to go back. It’s safe to say I’m obsessed. And you should be too. I’ve written a full list of things Argentina is known for as well as my favorite activities to do while there.
Landscapes
People always ask what makes Argentina so special. To me, the #1 thing is the diversity in landscapes. Argentina is a rare gem with nearly every biome including desert, rainforest, mountains, evergreen forests, and glaciers.
Every state looks like an entirely different place. Whether you want to lounge poolside in the jungle or going skiing on a mountaintop, Argentina has you covered.
People
Argentinians are infamous for being the least friendly Latinos. I find their directness refreshing. There are no false pretenses.
As dry as they are, they are also wildly passionate about the things they love such as mate, good food, and fútbol. I have seen everyone from punk teenage girls to elderly men weep in public while watching soccer.
Fútbol
Big name tickets (i.e. Bocas & River in Buenos Aires) are nearly impossible to get. You have to be a member of the club and show ID to prove it at the door. The way to get around this is to know a member and/or buy tickets on the street but it can be sketchy.
A great alternative to a live game is watching at a bar/cafe where crowds gather to yell at TVs in unison. I have done this many times and highly recommend it.
Money
Argentina has been in an economic crisis for many years. Due to this, there is an official dollar exchange rate and an unofficial “blue dollar” rate.
For example: an official ATM may exchange your money at $1 to $900 pesos while the blue dollar rate is $1 to $1300. That’s over 40% more per dollar.
This means it is better to exchange money unofficially (on the street) with a trusted person. Western Unions are another fine alternative.
Better yet, the government passed a bill in 2023 that allows international credit cards to use the “blue dollar” rate. So you get more value per dollar when you use a credit card over cash.
Transportation
The government subsidises public transportation which means its a fraction of the cost. A bus or metro ride is about 10 cents. Cabs are also pretty affordable. The best apps to use are Didi (offers motorcycles too), Uber, and Cabify.
Tipping & Service
Most people do not tip or tip very little in Argentina. I always add 10% but that is not expected. Waiters get paid hourly and their service reflects it, if you know what I mean … Be prepared to take a seat and get comfortable.
Personally, I don’t need my waiter to be very attentive and/or sweet. But I have seen many foreigners get frustrated by slow, impersonal service.
Food Culture
Service is slow because unlike the U.S., where restaurants rush you in and out, food culture in Argentina is SLOW. I have sat for HOURS at restaurants without purchasing anything extra, just talking to friends.
As far as the food itself, its usually fresh, high-quality, and seasonal. It is also less processed. I once had a waitress tell me there wasn’t any ketchup because tomatoes were out of season. I have a full list of Working Cafes and Hidden Gems for some of the best food spots in Buenos Aires.
Groceries
Groceries are not purchased in one big supermarket. Fruits & veggies are at one shop, meat at the butcher’s, homemade pasta at a third, and so forth and so on. Every store has a specialty and they take pride in quality products.
Wine & Beer
The biggest population of immigrants to Argentina were Spaniards & Italians – hence amazing wine. But there was also a huge influx of Germans & Swiss – hence amazing beer.
Vineyards and microbreweries are all over the country. Instead of importing big name brands, most people drink Argentinian-made. Go into any small grocer and the shelves will be full of domestic cans & bottles.
It is such a major part of the culture that when people visit Mendoza, the wine capital, they bring bottles home on the plane as their carry on.
Domestic Travel
The most convenient way to travel around the country is to catch domestic flights on FlyBondi, Aerolineas Argentinas, or JetSmart. I’ve flown all of them. They’re pretty comparable for comfort and cost.
You can also drive or take buses but you’re looking at 10+ hour long commutes between major cities.
Popular Cities
Here is a list of some of the best Argentinian cities to visit: Bariloche, Buenos Aires, El Chalten & El Calefate, Iguazu, Jujuy, Mendoza, and Ushuaia. I’ve only included cities I’ve been to, but there are definitely more.
