Open Travel Guide
Argentina

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.

Capital
Buenos Aires
Currency
Argentine Peso (ARS)
Language
Spanish (official)
Time zone
UTC-3 (Argentina Standard Time)
Best time
December to February (summer), July (ski season)
Places
32 curated
On this page

About 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.

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)
Currency
Argentine Peso (ARS)
Time zone
UTC-3 (Argentina Standard Time)

Explore Argentina by topic

Jump straight to the experience you're planning.

Best places to visit in Argentina

The 32 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.

Iguazú Falls

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Check rates on Booking.com

Fierro Hotel Buenos Aires

· $150-250 — $200-350

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.

Check rates on Booking.com

Milhouse Hostel Avenue

· $15-45 — $20-60

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.

Check rates on Booking.com

Llao Llao Hotel & Resort

· $500-900 — $700-1400

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.

Check rates on Booking.com

Where to eat in Argentina

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.

Category Budget Mid-range Luxury
Accommodation $12-20 (hostel dorm) $50-80 (budget hotel or private hostel room) $150-400+ (4-5 star hotels, boutique properties)
Food (per day) $15-25 (street food, cheap restaurants, supermarket) $35-60 (casual restaurants, café meals) $80-150 (fine dining, wine tastings)
Transportation $5-8 (public transport) $10-20 (mix of public transport and taxis) $30-50 (taxis, private transfers, car rental)
Activities $8-15 (free attractions, occasional paid entry) $20-40 (paid attractions, some tours) $60-120+ (private tours, premium experiences)
Daily total $40-60 $100-180 $300-600+

Best time to visit Argentina

Essential travel tips

  • Research visa requirements before your trip
  • Learn a few basic phrases in the local language
  • 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

INFO

Don't leave drinks unattended in bars to prevent drink spiking

INFO

Be aware that demonstrations are common and can occasionally turn violent

INFO

Exchange currency at official cambios rather than street money changers

INFO

Keep copies of passport and important documents separate from originals

INFO

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.

INFO

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.