Argentina travel advice. Helping Dreamers Do.

2 min summary When to go Map & highlights Things to do Patagonia Buenos Aires Iguazu Falls Culture Families Tips Responsible tourism

Argentina travel advice

Roaming beneath big skies

Kathy Jarvis from our supplier Andean Trails goes misty-eyed about vast skies and cowboy culture in her Argentina travel advice: “Immense skyscapes are one of Patagonia’s key features. Though traveling distances can be long these amazing skies and vast empty scenery are so different you switch into a different time mode – hours float by. Glacier lakes and granite spires are oases in the landscapes. Spit roasted lamb and huge chunks of beef accompanied with a fabulous Malbec epitomises the Argentinian attitude to food: plenty of it, tasty, nourishing and uncomplicated.”

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Getting together round the fire

Fernando Rodriguez from our supplier Real Food Adventure offers Argentina travel advice on treating mealtimes as an opportunity to bond with the locals: “Having a food experience in Argentina is about the moments you share with the people. The food is fantastic, but strongly linked with relationships. We spend hours choosing ingredients, making the fire for asado (barbecue), preparing, cooking, eating and relaxing after – always with a nice wine in our hands! We solve the world's problems as we eat. In a restaurant, in someone's house or in the middle of the Patagonia, food unites us.”

A little town on the prairie

In his Argentina travel advice, Myer Henderson from our supplier Say Hueque picks out a favourite Patagonian town as a base for exploring: “El Chaltén is my favourite spot, a center for hiking and trekking four hours from Calafate – a sleepy town nestled in the heart of lovely mountains. It has some lovely microbreweries, tasty restaurants, small hotels and some nice lodges. But it’s so small that you can wake up in the morning, walk ten minutes out of town and you’re at the trailhead to go off and start exploring. There’s Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, and you can do horse riding too. It’s basically the quintessential Patagonian experience, especially for outdoorsy folks. I love it!”

Liking Lakes

Matt Cain from our cycling supplier Saddle Skedaddle picks out the Lake District's scenery and traditions in his Argentina travel advice: “Cycle alongside the beautiful Lago Llanquihue, exploring its densely wooded surrounds and discovering the impressive rock formations of this incredible landscape. Another feature is the traditional wooden houses which make up the villages. These alpine-like structures provide an old-world charm and transport you to an alternate time and place.”

Health & safety

Public health care in Argentina is generally good – and free, even for foreigners. Waiting times at public hospitals can, however, be long. If you prefer a private doctor/hospital, most will expect payment in cash. Obviously, all travelers should have good travel health insurance to cover emergencies and repatriation. Visit your GP 6-8 weeks before traveling to ensure you have necessary vaccinations – including Yellow Fever, which can affect the regions around Iguazu. Though there is no malaria in Argentina, long sleeves and insect repellent are recommended to prevent the discomfort of bites and stings – we well as other insect-borne diseases such as dengue, which is more prevalent in urban areas. And those planning onward travel to Brazil, Bolivia or Paraguay will need to take extra precautions. Tap water is generally safe to drink anywhere in Argentina. If in doubt, ask. The Spanish would be: 'Se puede tomar el agua de la canilla?’ Dial 107 or 911 to request an ambulance.

SAFETY

Buenos Aires is generally as safe as any big city, and it is usually fine to walk around most areas even late at night (or as a lone woman) since many locals will be out on the street enjoying late night Argentine life. Take usual precautions against pickpocketing and bag snatching, particularly at bus stations, busy markets and on the subway, plus the following areas of the city: Constitucion, around the train station; east side of San Telmo; La Boca. You can report theft or other petty crime to the tourist police office at 436 Avenida Corrientes (interpreters available).
Hikers need to be well-prepared in Argentina – trails can be challenging, with few other hikers if you get into any problems. Weather can be very changeable too, especially in areas like Patagonia. Take all usual precautions in terms of water, sun protection, good maps and compass – and inform others where you are going and when you expect to return, if going off on a solo hike. Also carry extra layers of warm clothing, as temperatures can drop suddenly, particularly after sundown. Demonstrations against austerity and associated economic/political issues are quite common, especially in Buenos Aires' Plaza de Mayo. There are ongoing protests in central Buenos Aires over what Argentina sees as the illegal British claim to Las Malvinas (The Falkland Islands), which remains hugely sensitive. Try to keep away from such demonstrations, and avoid speaking English loudly nearby to avoid unnecessary provocation. You are unlikely to experience any real problems other than the crowds but if you want to avoid these keep an eye on local news. To call the police, dial either 101 (24 police helpline in English) or 911. Police can demand identification at any time, so always carry photo ID or a copy of your passport. And always be courteous and helpful to avoid discovering the labyrinthine intricacies of the Argentina legal system.

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about Argentina or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.

Toll free 1-866-821-6866

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Toll free 1-866-821-6866

Calling us from outside the US?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Tips from our travelers in Argentina

At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travelers are often... other travelers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.

We have selected some of the most useful Argentina travel advice that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation - and the space inside your suitcase.

Make sure you're in good shape for long and sometimes challenging hikes in Patagonia.

– Karen Cutler

“Learn some basic Spanish as it really helps understand the people a little more and allows you to fit in a little more easily.” – Douglas Pickles

“Be prepared for early starts in the morning but you are rewarded with some breath-taking views. Having US Dollars to exchange was helpful.” - Mala Mistry

“[If hiking in Patagonia] make sure you have all the right equipment including a lightweight towel and rain jacket because some parts of the trip involve having to walk with your own stuff. Also the microbrewery at El Chaltén was extremely good!” - Karen Simecek

“Variable exchange rates mean a trip to Buenos Aires is a must for changing money. It was not always easy to find places to change money in other parts of the country.” - Jerry Stewart

“Consider going to other parts of Argentina to also take in the less-touristy areas.” - Nicole Lindsey

“In Iquazu, all payments for tours are required in cash - no cards accepted. And the US dollar is in favour - but in the shops/restaurants cards are OK.” - Vera Alladitta

If you want to see Buenos Aries (and it is worth seeing!!) make sure you book some extra days before or after the tour.

– Carol Clutton

More about Argentina

Best time to visit Argentina

From Buenos Aires and Northern Argentina to the staggering landscapes of Patagonia, the best time to visit Argentina can often depend on just where it is you’d like to go to first.

Argentina travel guide

Come and rummage through the roots of Carnaval, Chamame, Salta and Patagonia as you find out what we rate & what we don’t in our Argentina travel guide.

Argentina highlights

The best way to make the most of your time in Argentina is to turn to our highlights page as not only does it contain information on everywhere from Iguazu and Esteros el Ibera to Ushaia & Tierra del Fuego, but you’ll also find three classic itineraries as well as travel times in Argentina stemming from Buenos Aires.

Things to do in Argentina

Things to do in Argentina should always include the natural world, expressly Patagonia and the long and ‘wining’ road that leads to Argentine Malbec.

Argentine Patagonia

With towering glaciers, vast open steppe and jagged fairytale mountains, Argentine Patagonia is a siren that calls to adventurers, hikers and lovers of the great outdoors.

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires dances to heady tango rhythms and to the bustle of its chic cafes.

The Iguazu Falls

The Iguazú Falls span the frontier between Argentina and Brazil, and what a sight it is - the largest waterfall system on Earth, a ceaseless spectacle of foaming river plunging over hundreds of cascades.

Culture in Argentina

From tango in Buenos Aires to traditional gaucho life on the sweeping Patagonian plains, culture in Argentina is the bright undercurrent which colours all vacations here.

Traveling in Argentina with kids

If you’ve got plans to go traveling in Argentina with kids then you’ll find plenty of activities for families in Argentina as well as lots of expert advice to help you discover what to do with little ones whilst away from home.

Responsible tourism in Argentina

Learning about responsible tourism in Argentina is an essential piece of research because when it comes to deforestation & water supplies and indigenous rights & the fight for justice, it’s always best to equip yourself with all information possible to help you know what you can do to travel right in Argentina.

More relevant guides

Written by Norman Miller

ABTA member P7085 so you are fully protected

Photo credits: [Page banner: Juanedc] [Roaming beneath big skies: Rachel Jarboe] [Getting together round the fire: nwhitford] [Health & Safety: pxhere] [Karen Cutler quote: Nico Caramella] [Carol Clutton quote: pxhere]

Argentina travel advice

Argentina travel advice

Roaming beneath big skies

Our Argentina Vacations

Getting together round the fire

A little town on the prairie

Liking Lakes

Health & safety

SAFETY

Tips from our travelers in Argentina

More about Argentina

More relevant guides

Vacations

Why book

Activism

History

Other stuff

Get in touch

Argentina travel advice

Argentina travel advice

Roaming beneath big skies

Our Argentina Vacations

Getting together round the fire

A little town on the prairie

Liking Lakes

Health & safety

SAFETY

Our top Argentina Vacation

Tips from our travelers in Argentina

More about Argentina

More relevant guides

More relevant guides

Vacations

Why book

Activism

History

Other stuff