South America · 32 Places · Best December to February (summer), July (ski season)
Argentina
Argentina captivates with dramatic landscapes from Patagonian glaciers to thundering Iguazú Falls, vibrant tango culture in Buenos Aires, world-class wines in Mendoza, and passionate football fervor. This vast South American nation offers gauchos on the pampas, stunning Andean peaks, and cosmopolitan cities blending European elegance with Latin American warmth.
Argentina captivates with dramatic landscapes from Patagonian glaciers to thundering Iguazú Falls, vibrant tango culture in Buenos Aires, world-class wines in Mendoza, and passionate football fervor. This vast South American nation offers gauchos on the pampas, stunning Andean peaks, and cosmopolitan cities blending European elegance with Latin American warmth.
Capital
Buenos Aires
Largest city
Buenos Aires
Population
46,281,000
Languages
Spanish (official), English (limited in tourist areas), Italian (some communities), German (some communities)
The 32 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Iguazú Falls
One of the world's most spectacular natural wonders, this massive waterfall system straddles Argentina and Brazil with 275 individual cascades. The Argentine side offers intimate walkways including the thrilling Devil's Throat lookout where water thunders 80 meters below.
Perito Moreno Glacier
This stunning glacier in Los Glaciares National Park is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world. Watch massive ice chunks calve into Lake Argentino with thunderous cracks from viewing platforms, or take an ice trekking tour on the glacier itself.
Recoleta Cemetery
This hauntingly beautiful Buenos Aires cemetery is a maze of elaborate mausoleums housing Argentina's elite including Eva Perón. The Gothic and Art Nouveau tombs create an otherworldly atmosphere perfect for photography and history exploration.
Teatro Colón
One of the world's finest opera houses, this 1908 Buenos Aires landmark showcases stunning architecture with Italian Renaissance style, incredible acoustics, and opulent interiors featuring gold leaf, marble, and crystal chandeliers.
Mount Fitz Roy
This jagged granite spire near El Chaltén is Patagonia's most iconic peak and a trekker's paradise. The dramatic needle-like summit offers world-class hiking with stunning turquoise lagoons and panoramic Andean views.
La Boca Neighborhood
Buenos Aires' most colorful neighborhood features vibrant corrugated metal houses on Caminito street, tango dancers in the streets, and the legendary La Bombonera stadium home to Boca Juniors football club.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Argentina Explorer
Day 1Arrive in Argentina, explore city center
Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Argentina
Days 1-2Argentina city highlights
Days 3-4Regional exploration
Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Argentina
Days 1-3Argentina comprehensive city tour
Days 4-6Northern region exploration
Days 7-9Eastern highlights
Days 10-12Southern attractions
Days 13-14Return to Argentina, departure
Where to stay in Argentina
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $40-60
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $100-180
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $300-600+
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Alvear Palace Hotel
· $450-800 — $600-1200
Buenos Aires' most prestigious hotel since 1932 features opulent French architecture, a world-class spa, Michelin-caliber dining, and impeccable service in the elegant Recoleta neighborhood. The ultimate in Argentine luxury with butler service and antique-filled suites.
Design-forward boutique hotel in trendy Palermo featuring contemporary art, rooftop pool, and excellent cocktail bar. Popular with creative travelers seeking style without extreme luxury pricing.
Popular Buenos Aires hostel in Microcentro with great social atmosphere, rooftop terrace, and daily activities. Clean dorms and private rooms with excellent location for sightseeing.
This iconic Patagonian resort in Bariloche offers spectacular lake and mountain views, championship golf, world-class spa, and gourmet dining. The stunning alpine setting and impeccable service make it Argentina's premier mountain resort.
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Don Julio
Argentine Steakhouse · $$$
Legendary Palermo parrilla serving the finest beef in Buenos Aires with an exceptional wine list. Consistently ranked among the world's best steakhouses with perfectly grilled cuts and impeccable service.
La Cabrera
Argentine Steakhouse · $$
Famous Palermo parrilla known for enormous portions and complimentary appetizers. Excellent quality beef at reasonable prices with lively atmosphere and no reservations.
El Cuartito
Pizza · $
Iconic Buenos Aires pizzeria since 1934 serving thick, cheesy fugazzeta and traditional Argentine pizza. Walls covered in football memorabilia and celebrity photos.
Choripán Stands - Plaza Serrano
Street Food · $
Weekend choripán (chorizo sandwich) stands in Palermo's Plaza Serrano serving grilled sausages with chimichurri. Authentic Buenos Aires street food experience.
Café Tortoni
Historic Café · $$
Buenos Aires' most famous café since 1858 with Art Nouveau decor, live tango shows, and traditional atmosphere. Literary and political figures have gathered here for over 160 years.
Tegui
Contemporary Argentine · $$$
Michelin-level tasting menu restaurant showcasing innovative Argentine cuisine with seasonal ingredients. Hidden gem in Palermo with just 34 seats offering creative dishes that reinterpret traditional flavors.
Getting around Argentina
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
Carry cash as cards may not be accepted everywhere
Respect local customs and dress codes
Purchase travel insurance before departure
Hidden gems
Off-the-beaten-path corners most travellers miss.
Cafayate Wine Route
Northwest Argentina's answer to Mendoza with high-altitude Torrontés white wine. Dramatically less touristy than Mendoza with stunning Quebrada de las Conchas canyon between Salta and Cafayate.
Cuesta del Obispo
Spectacular mountain pass near Salta climbing through cloudforest to 3,348 meters with hairpin turns, condors, and Parque Nacional Los Cardones cactus forests. Drives don't get more dramatic.
Villa Traful
Tiny Lake District village on impossibly blue lake surrounded by forest. Underwater forest snorkeling, kayaking, and complete tranquility without Bariloche's crowds.
Monte León National Park
Patagonian coastal park with massive sea lion colonies, penguin rookeries, dramatic cliffs, and fossils embedded in beach rocks. Far less visited than Peninsula Valdés.
Parque Nacional El Leoncito
Dark sky reserve in San Juan province with world-class stargazing, astronomical observatories, and alien desert landscapes. Some of the clearest skies in the Americas.
Iruya
Remote mountain village in Salta province accessible only by dramatic winding road
Tandil
Rolling hill country town southeast of Buenos Aires with mysterious moving rock (until it fell in 1912), artisan cheese producers, and outdoor activities
Cachi
Pristine colonial town in Salta's Calchaquí Valleys with whitewashed adobe buildings, cactus-covered hills, and indigenous culture
Safety information
INFO
Watch for pickpockets on public transport and in crowded tourist areas
INFO
Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, cameras, or electronics openly
INFO
Use official taxis or rideshare apps rather than hailing cabs on the street
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Don't leave drinks unattended in bars to prevent drink spiking
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Be aware that demonstrations are common and can occasionally turn violent
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Exchange currency at official cambios rather than street money changers
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Keep copies of passport and important documents separate from originals
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Be cautious with your belongings on the Buenos Aires Subte (metro) and crowded markets — pickpocketing is common on Line D and at San Telmo Market.
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Avoid displaying expensive cameras, phones, and jewelry in Microcentro and La Boca tourist areas, particularly after dark.
INFO
Register your trip with your country's embassy before visiting remote Patagonia regions where cell coverage is sparse and rescue operations can take days.
Frequently asked questions
Is Argentina safe to visit in 2026?
Argentina is generally safe for tourists, particularly in Buenos Aires and major tourist areas. Standard urban precautions apply — pickpocketing and bag-snatching are the main risks in crowded areas, but violent crime against tourists is rare. Emergency services: police at 911, medical at 107 or 911.
What is the best time to visit Argentina?
The best time to visit Argentina is December to February (summer), July (ski season). Argentina's vast geography creates wildly different climates across the country. Buenos Aires has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers (Dec-Feb, 28-35°C) and mild winters (Jun-Aug, 8-15°C). Pa
Do I need a visa to visit Argentina?
No visa required for stays up to 90 days. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date. Reciprocity fee suspended for tourist visits. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Argentina?
The currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso (ARS) (ARS). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Argentina?
The main language(s) spoken in Argentina: Spanish (official), English (limited in tourist areas), Italian (some communities). In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in Argentina?
The top attractions in Argentina include Iguazú Falls, Perito Moreno Glacier, Recoleta Cemetery, Teatro Colón, and Mount Fitz Roy. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
Explore Argentina by region
Each region has its own character — coastal, alpine, vineyard, capital. Pick a starting point.