Argentina
the land of silver
Travel from Buenos Aires tango halls to red desert canyons, Mendoza vineyards and Patagonia's glaciers.
Martin St-Amant (S23678) / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Image licence
The honest overview
Glaciers, steak and wine. Plan for more time than usual.
Known as the Land of Silver, Argentina is famed for its Patagonian glaciers, steak and wine, and a football and tango culture that runs through everyday life, attracting trekkers, wine lovers and culture seekers from across the globe. It suits a slower, longer trip rather than a quick backpacking stop, thanks to the distances between highlights, travel costs that sit above its Andean neighbours and a culture that rewards lingering over rushing.
Part of the joy of backpacking in Argentina is immersing yourself in a vast array of locations and landscapes. Keep space for weather changes, longer travel days and recommendations from people you meet on the road.
Cards now work in most places, but cash is still useful. Some hostels, tours and small shops offer a discount for cash, and markets and rural areas rely on it, so keep some pesos aside in case you need them.
Argentina is too big for one fixed route, so stay flexible and be open to changing plans. Backpackers often team up with people they meet in hostels to share costs, which works well in Salta, Jujuy and Bariloche, where a shared hire car makes a big difference.
Season by season
What each month means for your trip
Argentina's weather varies sharply between the north, the wine country and Patagonia. These are useful planning patterns, not guarantees.
Patagonia's short summer
Long daylight hours and the mildest temperatures make this the main window for El Chaltén, El Calafate and Ushuaia. It's also peak season, so book beds and long-distance buses early. Buenos Aires and Iguazú are hot and humid, and summer storms can close roads around Salta and Jujuy.
Harvest season and autumn colour
Comfortable temperatures suit Buenos Aires and Mendoza, where the Vendimia harvest festival usually falls in early March. The northwest dries out as the rains ease, and Patagonia turns gold with quieter trails. Days in the south get shorter and less predictable towards late April.
Quieter, cooler and better value
The north is dry and pleasant by day, making this a good time for Salta, Jujuy and Iguazú. Many Patagonian trekking services close for winter, so check what's open before heading south. Prices drop and cities are calmer.
Ski season and winter holidays
Bariloche and the Lake District become ski bases, and Argentine school holidays make July busy, so book early. The northwest stays dry, though nights at altitude drop well below freezing. Buenos Aires is cold but very walkable.
Spring, whales and a waking south
Península Valdés is a strong choice for whale watching, and wine country is pleasant before the heat arrives. Jacaranda blossom colours Buenos Aires in late spring. Patagonian towns reopen through October and November, but expect cold, windy days early on.
Check the forecast for the exact region and elevation on your route, then leave room to change outdoor plans when conditions move.
Cost of day to day travel
Budget more for Patagonia and activities
Argentina costs more than its Andean neighbours, and a Buenos Aires or northern budget doesn't stretch as far in Patagonia or on tour days.
Dorm bed, supermarket or empanada meals, local buses and free sights when you travel slowly.
Well-located hostel, a sit-down meal or asado, some wine and room for a paid activity.
Park fees, glacier tours, long-distance buses and higher southern prices can move the total quickly.
A fee-free card works in most places. Keep some pesos for taxis, markets and tips, and store the rest separately. Western Union is the most cost effective way to get Argentine Pesos.
Key backpacker routes
Find the route that feels right for you
Argentina is too big to cover in one go, so most backpackers pick a region rather than chase the whole map. Buenos Aires is the natural hub, with a northern loop through Salta, Jujuy and Iguazú, and a southern loop into Patagonia. Let your timeframe, interests and season shape the journey, and leave room for a change of plan.
Two to three week first trip
One region, done well
Spend a few days in Buenos Aires, then choose one direction. Head north for Salta, Jujuy and Iguazú, or fly south for Bariloche, El Chaltén and El Calafate. Trying to fit in both usually means more time on buses and planes than exploring.
Three to four week route
More variety
Combine Buenos Aires with one full loop and add Mendoza for wine country. Mendoza works as a stop on the way to Bariloche, or as a few days on its own. Domestic flights will save you days, so budget for at least one.
One to two month slow route Room to improvise
Cover the north, the wine country and Patagonia at a comfortable pace, with time for Córdoba, Ushuaia or Península Valdés. Travel slowly between regions and leave unscheduled days for trekking weather and places you want to stay longer.
Argentina and its neighbours Wider South America
Many backpackers cross into Chile from Bariloche to Puerto Varas via the lake crossing, or from El Calafate towards Torres del Paine. Iguazú is a gateway to Brazil, and a Buquebus ferry from Buenos Aires reaches Colonia or Montevideo in Uruguay. Check current border and ferry arrangements before committing.
Main destinations and attractions
Where to spend your days
Pick a connected group and leave room for hostel friendships and changing plans. Argentina rewards depth more than a checklist of stops.
Buenos Aires. Photo: kevin dooley / Flickr, CC BY 2.0.
Buenos Aires
The capital sets the tone for the whole trip, with grand European-style architecture, tango and a nightlife scene that barely starts before midnight.
Iguazú Falls. Photo: Claudio.Ar / flickr, BY-NC-SA 2.0.
Iguazú Falls
A vast waterfall system on the border with Brazil. The Argentine side takes you close on walkways, including the Devil's Throat, while the Brazilian side gives the wider panorama. Arrive early to beat the tour groups.
Salinas Grandes, Argentina. Photo: Benjamin Morbey / Outpacker
Salta, Jujuy and the Northwest
Known as Salta la Linda for its colonial centre, the city is a base for the red canyons of Cafayate, the coloured hills of Jujuy and the white salt flats of Salinas Grandes. Take the altitude slowly and consider sharing a hire car.
Mendoza and Argentina's Wine Country. Photo: Justin Ornellas / flickr, BY-NC 2.0.
Mendoza and Argentina's Wine Country
The heart of Argentine wine country, with bodegas you can reach by bike and Aconcagua, the highest peak outside Asia, within day-trip reach. Book popular tastings ahead in harvest season.
Córdoba. Photo: Juan Montiel / flickr, BY 2.0.
Córdoba
A lively student city with Jesuit heritage, a busy nightlife and easy trips into the surrounding hills. It's a cheaper, more relaxed stop than Buenos Aires.
Patagonia
The vast southern third of the country and the reason a lot of people come to Argentina in the first place, running from the Lake District down through glacier country to the tip of Tierra del Fuego. It works as a separate trip within the trip. Distances between stops are long, the weather calls the shots, and a slower pace pays off.
Bariloche and the Lake District. Photo: Benjamin Morbey / Outpacker
Bariloche and the Lake District
Chocolate shops, alpine lakes and Nahuel Huapi National Park. Hike or ski at Cerro Catedral depending on the season, or drive the Seven Lakes Route towards San Martín de los Andes.
El Chaltén. Photo: Mauro Travieso / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
El Chaltén
El Chaltén is Argentina's national trekking capital, with well-marked trails from town to Laguna de los Tres beneath Fitz Roy and Laguna Torre beneath Cerro Torre. The trails now need a paid national park ticket, and the weather changes fast, so plan hikes around the forecast rather than fixed dates.
Perito Moreno Glacier. Photo: mckaysavage / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.
El Calafate
El Calafate is the base for the Perito Moreno Glacier, where walkways let you watch ice break off into the lake without a guide. Boat trips get you closer to the ice face, and the glacier has been retreating fast in recent years.
Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. Photo: Atsme / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Ushuaia
Known as the End of the World, Ushuaia is the main departure point for Antarctica cruises and the base for Tierra del Fuego National Park. It's a detour rather than a stop on the way anywhere, so budget extra time and money for the flight or long bus to get there.
Whale near Península Valdés. Photo: Edith Schreurs / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Península Valdés
Península Valdés is a wildlife reserve known for sea lions, orcas and, in season, southern right whales close to shore. It's remote and costs more than most of the country, so book tours and transport from Puerto Madryn ahead.
Use a tip based walking tour through GuruWalk, or a hostel walking tour when one is available. Use Outpacker Chat for itinerary help and browse Articles for more ideas.
Getting around
Compare time, comfort and cost
Distances in Argentina are huge, so compare journey time as well as price. Busbud is commonly used to compare long-distance buses.
Rideshare, taxi and Subte
Uber and Cabify work in Buenos Aires and other major cities and give a quoted fare. For street taxis, use official ones and make sure the meter is running. The Buenos Aires subte is often quicker in traffic.
Long-distance bus
Coaches connect every major city, and cama seats recline almost flat, so overnight routes save a hostel night. Semi-cama is cheaper but less comfortable over long distances.
Train
Long-distance rail is limited and slow. The Tren a las Nubes near Salta is a scenic trip rather than practical transport, so plan around buses and flights.
Domestic flights
Flying often saves a full day or more, especially to Patagonia. Aerolíneas Argentinas covers the most routes, and budget carriers such as Flybondi and JetSMART can be cheaper but also less reliable. Compare baggage fees with the headline fare.
Download the next area in Google Maps for offline use, and keep booking details saved without data. Allow a buffer before flights from Patagonia, where wind can cause delays.
Culture and events
Events worth knowing about
Dates can move, accommodation can fill quickly and local customs matter. Confirm the current programme before building a route around an event.
Gualeguaychú hosts Argentina's best-known carnival, with costumed parades, floats and drumming on summer Saturdays and over the Carnaval long weekend. Book early for the long weekend.
Mendoza celebrates the grape harvest with parades, a queen's coronation and a large outdoor show. Book accommodation early for the main weekend.
Bariloche marks the ski season with a torchlit descent at Cerro Catedral, free concerts and street events. Hotels fill quickly, so book early.
Free classes, concerts and milongas across Buenos Aires, with the dance world championship finals at the end. Some events need booking a few days ahead.
San Antonio de Areco celebrates gaucho heritage with a parade, horsemanship displays, asado and folk music. Sunday is the main day for the parade.
Confirm the official programme, accommodation pressure and transport changes before committing non-refundable plans.
Argentine food
Discover the flavours that make Argentina memorable
Argentina's food culture centres on beef, cooked simply over wood or charcoal. Don't expect much spice, as the flavour comes from the quality of the ingredients. Meals run late, and dinner rarely starts before 9pm.
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AsadoArgentina's barbecue and a proper social occasion, with slow-grilled beef and sausages. Don Julio in Palermo, Buenos Aires, is one well-known place to try it, though it's pricey and books up early.Photo: Diego3336 / flickr, BY 2.0 -
EmpanadasHandheld pastries with regional fillings, sold everywhere and cheap enough to try a few in one sitting. Salta and Tucumán are known for their versions.Photo: morrissey / flickr, BY 2.0 -
MilanesaA breaded, fried cutlet, often served "a caballo" with a fried egg on top.Photo: Los viajes del Cangrejo / flickr, BY 2.0 -
ChoripánA grilled chorizo sandwich and the classic street food and match-day snack. Add chimichurri.Photo: Nicola since 1972 / flickr, BY 2.0 -
LocroA hearty corn and meat stew, traditionally eaten around national holidays such as 25 May.Photo: WanderingtheWorld (www.ChrisFord.com) / flickr, BY-NC 2.0 -
ProvoletaGrilled provolone cheese, usually served as a starter before the asado arrives.Photo: jlastras / flickr, BY 2.0 -
AlfajoresTwo soft biscuits sandwiching dulce de leche, often dipped in chocolate.Photo: Nicola since 1972 / flickr, BY 2.0 -
Dulce de LecheA caramel spread that turns up in everything from breakfast toast to ice cream.Photo: Nicola since 1972 / flickr, BY 2.0 -
MateA bitter herbal tea sipped through a metal straw from a shared gourd. If you're offered one, drink it all and hand it back, and only say thanks when you've had enough.Photo: [Chalito] / Flickr, CC BY 2.0
Vegetarian options are easy to find in Buenos Aires and Mendoza but thinner in rural areas and parrillas. Gluten-free food is labelled "sin TACC". Name the exact ingredient and carry translated allergy information when needed.
Hostels
Choose the atmosphere, not just the bed
Discover four Argentine hostels recognised in the 2026 HOSCAR awards, run by Hostelworld. From a Patagonian base with lake views to social stays in Buenos Aires, they offer a range of backpacker experiences. Award categories are shown below; check recent reviews, room details and the atmosphere before booking.
America del Sur Hostel
El Calafate, ArgentinaProperty image from Hostelworld's official HOSCAR record.View photos and details →Che Juan BA
Buenos Aires, ArgentinaProperty image from Hostelworld's official HOSCAR record.View photos and details →Hostel La Angostura
Villa La Angostura, ArgentinaProperty image from Hostelworld's official HOSCAR record.View photos and details →Viajero Buenos Aires Hostel
Buenos Aires, ArgentinaProperty image from Hostelworld's official HOSCAR record.View photos and details →What you need to pack
Pack for the route, not every possibility
The gear you need depends heavily on which regions you're covering and when, so run your dates through our trip planner – it'll build a kit list based on exactly where you're going.
Wind and changing temperatures
Build layers you can add or remove as you move between regions.
- Merino or quick drying base layers
- Warm fleece or insulated jacket
- Windproof and waterproof shell
- Buff or neck gaiter
- Warm hat and light gloves
Trekking and terrain
Patagonian trails are long, exposed and often muddy.
- Broken-in hiking boots or trail shoes
- Lightweight daypack
- Reusable water bottle
- Walking poles if you're doing multi-day treks
Hostels and travel days
Keep long bus journeys and flights comfortable, and store valuables separately.
- Small padlock
- Universal adapter (Argentina mainly uses Type I sockets)
- Reliable power bank
- Simple packing cubes
- Warm layer for overnight buses
Sun, altitude and health
UV is strong in Patagonia and at altitude, even on cool days.
- High SPF suncream and lip balm
- Good sunglasses
- A plan for acclimatising in the northwest
- Basic first aid kit
- Personal medication
Language
A few Spanish phrases go a long way
English is common in Buenos Aires hostels and tourist areas, but less reliable on buses, in markets and in rural areas. Save key addresses in your translation app and download an offline language pack.
| English | Say it in Spanish | Spanish Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hola | oh-lah |
| Goodbye | Chau | chow |
| Yes / No | Sí / No | see / noh |
| How much? | ¿Cuánto sale? | kwan-toh sah-leh |
| How are you? | ¿Cómo andás? | koh-moh an-dahs |
| Please | Por favor | por fah-vor |
| Do you speak English? | ¿Hablás inglés? | ah-blahs een-glehs |
| Help, please | Ayuda, por favor | ah-yoo-dah por fah-vor |
| Where are you from? | ¿De dónde sos? | deh don-deh sos |
| What is your name? | ¿Cómo te llamás? | koh-moh teh yah-mahs |
| My name is... | Me llamo... | meh yah-moh |
| Thank you | Gracias | grah-syahs |
| Argentine Spanish sounds different: locals use "vos" instead of "tú" for "you", which changes some verb endings, and "ll" and "y" sound closer to an English "sh", so "yo" sounds like "sho". | ||
Visa requirements
Check the rule for your passport
Entry rules depend on nationality, journey and length of stay. Confirm the current rule before booking, then check it again shortly before departure.
Check your exact requirements
Use Sherpa to review entry requirements for your passport and journey. Also confirm passport validity, permitted stay, proof of onward travel and any current arrival-form requirements.
Vaccinations
Make the advice fit your route
Vaccination and health advice depends on your route, duration, medical history and activities.
Review current CDC guidance
Read the current CDC Argentina traveller guidance, then discuss personal recommendations with a qualified clinician.
Arrange appropriate travel insurance and keep policy details available offline. Consider the practical risks created by climate, altitude, insects, animals, water activities and road travel on your specific route.
Safety and common scams
Standard caution, specific habits
Argentina is broadly safe for solo travellers, and violent crime against tourists is rare – most of what you'll encounter is opportunistic and avoidable with a bit of awareness.
The mustard (or similar) trick
Someone squirts a substance on your clothes or bag, then a "helpful" stranger appears to help you clean it off while an accomplice goes through your pockets or bag. If something gets spilled on you unexpectedly, walk away and check your belongings before accepting help.
Street money changers
People calling "cambio" on busy streets, especially Florida Street in Buenos Aires, may use rigged calculators or pass counterfeit notes. With the informal rate now close to the official one, there's little to gain, so use a card, an ATM at a bank branch or an official exchange office.
Fake police checks
Someone posing as plainclothes police asks to see your wallet or passport "to check for counterfeit notes", then swaps or pockets cash. Real officers won't ask to handle your money, so ask to see ID and suggest walking to the nearest station instead.
Taxi long-routing and fare disputes
Especially from the airport, some drivers take deliberately long routes or claim they can't break large notes. Use Uber, Cabify or a pre-booked remise instead, and carry smaller denominations.
ATM skimming
Skimming devices show up on street ATMs in tourist areas. Stick to machines attached to bank branches and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
Distraction theft on public transport
Crowded buses and the subte (metro) are prime spots for pickpocketing, particularly around Retiro and other transport hubs. Keep bags zipped and in front of you.
None of this should put you off the trip. Most travellers have no problems, so stay alert around cash and crowds, especially in Buenos Aires, and walk away from pressure.
Sources and feedback
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