Argentina Vacation

You’re about to embark on a travel adventure to “the land of silver”. Discover the cultural and natural richness of the southernmost country in South America in this Argentina travel guide. Live a close encounter with people and nature in Iguazú and Patagonia. 

Argentina is one of the southernmost countries in the world. Located in South America, its populations arise up to more than 40.000.000 people whose mother tongue is Spanish in its Argentinian version (with a slight difference in pronunciation and words from Spain). Is the second largest country in the region after Brazil (in its territory France could be fit 3 times!), and all kinds of weather and natural landscapes can be found all over the country. 

From the sophisticated Buenos Aires and its tango and soccer culture to the vastness of the Pampas, the multicolored mountains and Falls of the North to mighty Patagonia and its glacier, the Argentina vacation is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Argentina was born as an independent country in 1810 and was named after the Latin word argentum, which means “silver”, the color of the Río de La Plata which can be seen in Buenos Aires. It has 24 provinces and its currency is the peso argentino. We invite you to read our Argentina travel guide!

Attractions
Attractions

Attractions

Eating & Drinking
Eating & Drinking

Eating & Drinking

Tips & Advice

Tips & Advice

Best time to travel to Argentina

Argentina is located in the southern hemisphere. For that reason, our seasons are the other way roundabout North America. Depending on which destination you are interested in, the best season to take an Argentina vacation changes. Check our travel guide and learn about the weather in the destination you want to visit:

  • Misiones, in the Iguazu Falls area, has a tropical climate with humid and warm weather, in general, all year. 
  • Buenos Aires can get quite humid and heavy during the summer, and chilly in the winter like any other city, but, fortunately, there is no snow around. 
  • El Calafate can be visited all year round but like happens in all destinations in Patagonia, the best to visit is between October and April. 
  • El Chaltén is a great combination, the best time to visit is from September to March.
  • Ushuaia’s best time of the year to visit is between October and early April because it’s also the only time of the year when you will be able to see the Magellanic Penguins in their breeding season! 
What to Pack for Argentina
  • Bring a variety of clothes

Because Argentina makes up a huge stretch of geography,  with a wide range of climates, depending on where you go. If you are traveling all over the country, be prepared to re-wear a lot of clothes and to bring layers so that you can adjust accordingly for the weather. 

  • Bring comfortable clothes

Make sure the majority of the clothes you bring to your Argentina vacation are comfortable. You will be traveling, sightseeing, and walking a lot. In different parts of the country, you’ll be walking on different kinds of soil. 

  • Bring at least one nicer outfit

For a tango show, you might want to dress up, in which case you could go with heels, or formal shoes for men. However, it is not necessary to do all this to seem classy in Buenos Aires. 

  • Bring Sunglasses & Sun Hat

Sunglasses are a must: the sun is very strong down here, and if you don’t have eye protection you will spend a lot of time squinting. Don’t only protect your eyes from the sun, don’t forget your sunscreen, and a sun hat.

  • Adapter and/or converter for outlets.

Be sure to remember to bring an “international plug adapter” to charge your electronics when packing for Argentina and Chile. In Argentina, the three-wire type “I” plug with rectangular prongs is used. In some places, you’ll find a combination of a C and I plug in Argentina, but it’s best to bring an adapter to be sure. 

  • Bring a small bag or backpack

The safest possible way to carry your valuables when you’re sightseeing and walking around is to always wear your backpack or purse in front of you, especially in crowded places such as public transport and markets. 

Argentina travel for US citizens

Americans are allowed and welcomed to visit Argentina.

U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter Argentina. Private U.S. citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days for tourism or business. Diplomatic or official passport holders must get visas prior to arrival. 

If you are planning to rent a car for your trip, remember you need an Argentine or international driver’s license to drive, but this should be verified at the moment of the rental.

Check all requirements to enter the country here.

Travel argentina with baby

The key to traveling with babies is choosing a destination that offers the right accommodation both for the baby and for their parents. Iguazú Falls in Argentina is an excellent choice for your Argentina vacation as it provides kid-friendly accommodation, accessibility for strollers, and close encounters with nature in a safe and controlled environment.

Argentina travel, is it safe?

The answer is absolutely yes! Argentinian people know how to welcome people and make them feel at home. Traveling alone, with friends or the whole family, Argentina will for sure be a memorable trip developed in a controlled and safe environment. Hiking and sailing activities and close encounters with local wildlife are guaranteed within a safe environment that follows the right safety measures and protocols.

Women and men traveling alone are very common in Patagonia or in Northern Argentina so this speaks for itself! Like in every country in the world, following the rules and taking local considerations into account you will for sure have the trip of a lifetime.

Travel Argentina and Chile: Is it possible?

Since 2021, the use of a face mask is not mandatory outdoors, social gatherings are allowed and restaurants, bars, and even nightclubs are open. For further information, you can visit Argentina’s official website. 

Here are some recommendations:

  • Always wash your hands.
  • Carry with your hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes and mouth if your hands aren’t clean.
  • Avoid being in contact with people who present Covid symptoms.

Read about the latest updates here

Travel Argentina by train

There are several touristic trains such as the End of the World Train in Ushuaia, the Ecological Jungle Train in Iguazú Falls, or the Train to the Clouds in Northern Argentina. All of these trains are equipped with safety measures in order to enjoy a memorable and safe trip. Accessibility is guaranteed in stations and onboard.

Public transportation by train is also used in Buenos Aires, to connect the capital city with nearby neighborhoods. Subways are key to moving fast along the capital city of Argentina, but in order to appreciate the beautiful architecture of Buenos Aires, you may discover it by foot or by the Turistic Bus that is prepared with an open ceiling for panoramic views.

How long does it take to travel to Argentina?

If you visit Argentina from the U.S., it’s usually a 10 – 9 hours flight. From Europe, also depending on which country you are visiting it’s usually a 14-hour flight.

Travel Argentina in 2 weeks

An Argentina vacation is better if you have days to travel because the distances are long. However, you can discover Argentina’s highlights within 2 weeks. Our Best of Argentina 15-day trip starts in Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina. From here, visit Patagonia and the world’s famous Perito Moreno’s Glacier. Traveling to the End of the World has never been so easy, next stop: Ushuaia. Iguazú Falls, named one of the 7 wonders of the natural world, is your next stop. Finish your trip enjoying Mendoza’s wine region and tasting a delicious Malbec wine.

Travel Argentina Patagonia

A true paradise for adventurers and awe-inspiring landscape lovers. Patagonia is the southernmost region of South America and it is shared between Chile and Argentina. Argentine Patagonia offers breathtaking destinations such as the Lake District, El Calafate, the drop-jaw Perito Moreno’s Glacier, Ushuaia and its penguins, and the mountain village of El Chalten and its gem, Mount Fitz Roy.

For this Argentina travel guide, you can choose to meet the Argentinian side on a self-drive tour to El Calafate to see Perito Moreno’s Glacier and do some hiking in the national capital of Trekking, El Chalten.

Patagonia is one of the best destinations to travel with the whole family. Our 10-day family adventure tour in Patagonia will for sure be the adventure of a lifetime! Walking through Perito Moreno’s Glacier and having a close encounter with penguins in Ushuaia sounds awesome, doesn’t it?

If you are looking for a Patagonia Argentina whole package, our 12-day tour visiting its highlights spots is your call!

Best time to travel to Argentina

Argentina is located in the southern hemisphere. For that reason, our seasons are the other way roundabout North America. Depending on which destination you are interested in, the best season to take an Argentina vacation changes. Check our travel guide and learn about the weather in the destination you want to visit:

  • Misiones, in the Iguazu Falls area, has a tropical climate with humid and warm weather, in general, all year. 
  • Buenos Aires can get quite humid and heavy during the summer, and chilly in the winter like any other city, but, fortunately, there is no snow around. 
  • El Calafate can be visited all year round but like happens in all destinations in Patagonia, the best to visit is between October and April. 
  • El Chaltén is a great combination, the best time to visit is from September to March.
  • Ushuaia’s best time of the year to visit is between October and early April because it’s also the only time of the year when you will be able to see the Magellanic Penguins in their breeding season! 
Argentina travel for US citizens

Americans are allowed and welcomed to visit Argentina.

U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter Argentina. Private U.S. citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days for tourism or business. Diplomatic or official passport holders must get visas prior to arrival. 

If you are planning to rent a car for your trip, remember you need an Argentine or international driver’s license to drive, but this should be verified at the moment of the rental.

Check all requirements to enter the country here.

Argentina travel, is it safe?

The answer is absolutely yes! Argentinian people know how to welcome people and make them feel at home. Traveling alone, with friends or the whole family, Argentina will for sure be a memorable trip developed in a controlled and safe environment. Hiking and sailing activities and close encounters with local wildlife are guaranteed within a safe environment that follows the right safety measures and protocols.

Women and men traveling alone are very common in Patagonia or in Northern Argentina so this speaks for itself! Like in every country in the world, following the rules and taking local considerations into account you will for sure have the trip of a lifetime.

Travel Argentina by train

There are several touristic trains such as the End of the World Train in Ushuaia, the Ecological Jungle Train in Iguazú Falls, or the Train to the Clouds in Northern Argentina. All of these trains are equipped with safety measures in order to enjoy a memorable and safe trip. Accessibility is guaranteed in stations and onboard.

Public transportation by train is also used in Buenos Aires, to connect the capital city with nearby neighborhoods. Subways are key to moving fast along the capital city of Argentina, but in order to appreciate the beautiful architecture of Buenos Aires, you may discover it by foot or by the Turistic Bus that is prepared with an open ceiling for panoramic views.

Travel Argentina in 2 weeks

An Argentina vacation is better if you have days to travel because the distances are long. However, you can discover Argentina’s highlights within 2 weeks. Our Best of Argentina 15-day trip starts in Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina. From here, visit Patagonia and the world’s famous Perito Moreno’s Glacier. Traveling to the End of the World has never been so easy, next stop: Ushuaia. Iguazú Falls, named one of the 7 wonders of the natural world, is your next stop. Finish your trip enjoying Mendoza’s wine region and tasting a delicious Malbec wine.

What to Pack for Argentina
  • Bring a variety of clothes

Because Argentina makes up a huge stretch of geography,  with a wide range of climates, depending on where you go. If you are traveling all over the country, be prepared to re-wear a lot of clothes and to bring layers so that you can adjust accordingly for the weather. 

  • Bring comfortable clothes

Make sure the majority of the clothes you bring to your Argentina vacation are comfortable. You will be traveling, sightseeing, and walking a lot. In different parts of the country, you’ll be walking on different kinds of soil. 

  • Bring at least one nicer outfit

For a tango show, you might want to dress up, in which case you could go with heels, or formal shoes for men. However, it is not necessary to do all this to seem classy in Buenos Aires. 

  • Bring Sunglasses & Sun Hat

Sunglasses are a must: the sun is very strong down here, and if you don’t have eye protection you will spend a lot of time squinting. Don’t only protect your eyes from the sun, don’t forget your sunscreen, and a sun hat.

  • Adapter and/or converter for outlets.

Be sure to remember to bring an “international plug adapter” to charge your electronics when packing for Argentina and Chile. In Argentina, the three-wire type “I” plug with rectangular prongs is used. In some places, you’ll find a combination of a C and I plug in Argentina, but it’s best to bring an adapter to be sure. 

  • Bring a small bag or backpack

The safest possible way to carry your valuables when you’re sightseeing and walking around is to always wear your backpack or purse in front of you, especially in crowded places such as public transport and markets. 

Travel argentina with baby

The key to traveling with babies is choosing a destination that offers the right accommodation both for the baby and for their parents. Iguazú Falls in Argentina is an excellent choice for your Argentina vacation as it provides kid-friendly accommodation, accessibility for strollers, and close encounters with nature in a safe and controlled environment.

Travel Argentina and Chile: Is it possible?

Since 2021, the use of a face mask is not mandatory outdoors, social gatherings are allowed and restaurants, bars, and even nightclubs are open. For further information, you can visit Argentina’s official website. 

Here are some recommendations:

  • Always wash your hands.
  • Carry with your hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes and mouth if your hands aren’t clean.
  • Avoid being in contact with people who present Covid symptoms.

Read about the latest updates here

How long does it take to travel to Argentina?

If you visit Argentina from the U.S., it’s usually a 10 – 9 hours flight. From Europe, also depending on which country you are visiting it’s usually a 14-hour flight.

Travel Argentina Patagonia

A true paradise for adventurers and awe-inspiring landscape lovers. Patagonia is the southernmost region of South America and it is shared between Chile and Argentina. Argentine Patagonia offers breathtaking destinations such as the Lake District, El Calafate, the drop-jaw Perito Moreno’s Glacier, Ushuaia and its penguins, and the mountain village of El Chalten and its gem, Mount Fitz Roy.

For this Argentina travel guide, you can choose to meet the Argentinian side on a self-drive tour to El Calafate to see Perito Moreno’s Glacier and do some hiking in the national capital of Trekking, El Chalten.

Patagonia is one of the best destinations to travel with the whole family. Our 10-day family adventure tour in Patagonia will for sure be the adventure of a lifetime! Walking through Perito Moreno’s Glacier and having a close encounter with penguins in Ushuaia sounds awesome, doesn’t it?

If you are looking for a Patagonia Argentina whole package, our 12-day tour visiting its highlights spots is your call!

Park Entrances & Fees

Park Entrances & Fees

Iguazú Falls
  • Iguazú Eco Fee: 5 USD per guest per hotel and it varies depending on the hotel category. This fee can only be paid at the hotel in cash.
  • Iguazú National Park (Argentina side): 28USD
  • Iguazú National Park (Brazilian side): 28 USD
  • San Ignacio Miní Ruins: 7 USD

These fees can only be paid in the equivalent of local currency or dollars in cash, credit, or debit card.

 

Bariloche
  • Bariloche Eco Fee: Between 5 USD per guest per hotel and it varies depending on the hotel category. This fee can only be paid at the hotel in cash.
  • Nahuel Huapi National Park: 15 USD

Some tours require paying an entrance fee like Puerto Blest, Arrayanes Wood, Los Alerces, Chairlift of Cerro Catedral or Tronador, etc…

These fees can only be paid in the equivalent of local currency or dollars in cash, credit, or debit card.

 

El Calafate
  • Los Glaciares National Park: 23 USD. This fee can only be paid in the equivalent of local currency in cash.
Ushuaia
  • Ushuaia Port Tax: 4 USD
  • Tierra del Fuego National Park: 23 USD. This fee can only be paid in the equivalent of local currency in cash.
  • Harberton Entrance: 18 USD.

 

Puerto Madryn
  • Península Valdés: 15 USD
  • Punta Tombo: 10 USD

These fees can only be paid in the equivalent of local currency or dollars in cash.

 

Hotels in Argentina

Prices are excluding VAT from the accommodation in Hotels in Argentina (except Ushuaia). Guests must provide a copy of their passport to prove they are not residents of Argentina, also they may be asked to show during their check the stamp of entry to Argentina. If these conditions haven’t been complied with, they will be asked to pay the VAT from the accommodation.

Sustainability

Sustainability

Argentina

We believe that travel can be a force for good that’s why we are committed to several sustainable projects in order to provide a memorable journey to our explorers in harmony with nature and local communities.

 

Reforestarg: Planting trees in Patagonia­

In Partnership with Reforestarg, we stand against deforestation, planting and donating trees in damaged zones (consequence mainly of forest fires) helping at the same time to compensate for our carbon footprint. To plant a tree is leaving a part of your legacy in Argentina, and promoting hope for future generations. 

You can take part in this initiative by volunteering at tree-planting ceremonies (which can be arranged at specific destinations in your itinerary)  or you can also donate a native tree for each passenger who travels to Patagonia.

­

Compensation for CO2 Emissions 

  • In Partnership with the South Pole, we are the first travel company in Argentina to compensate for all the CO2 emissions you’ll make during your trip when traveling by land.
  • We plant trees to compensate for our CO2 Emissions and so far, between 2018 and 2020 we sowed 60.660.550.

 

Sustainable tourism in Isla Maciel, Buenos Aires

Maciel Island is located in Buenos Aires, literally, a 2 min boat ride across the river from the famous tourist district of La Boca. While thousands of international tourists walk the colorful streets of La Boca each year, this island, a local community of families has been forgotten in the eyes of the tourist and is rarely visited.

In the last 5 years with help from local tourist agencies and community and political

leaders they have trained local youth to organize tourist visits to this local community. The local tourism program has had many positive results: creating jobs for the youth of their community and bringing in outside local and international interests and investments into the community.

Say Hueque is proud to be involved in this program and to actively work with

the community to bring groups of tourists to visit this interesting local neighborhood. 

To learn more about Isla Maciel’s sustainable project make click here.

Sumando Energías (“Combining Energies”) 

This project features the creation of solar-powered hot water heaters to provide hot water day and night to residents of villages like Garin. The NGO works alongside locals and volunteers to build their panels on-site.

The full hot water system consists of an array of leftover cans, bottles, and cartons, piping to carry water, and an insulated storage tank.

Say Hueque has been part of these encounters where our agents help the community build their heaters. 

To learn more about Sumando energías make click here.

 

Other initiatives we are supporting

 

Plastic Free

  • We decided to encourage our local operators and travelers to bring their own reusable bottles and gear to reduce this impact.

 

Say Hueque’s Offices

  • We collect and recycle non-reusable batteries.
  • Nearly 60 people work in our offices, and we all decided to bring reusable bowls to have lunch.
  • We compost! Reduce waste, please

 

Local Community

  • We are committed to helping our travelers connect with locals and encouraging local businesses by working with local operators.

 

Climate Emergency Declaration & Future of Tourism

 

Sustainability tips

Useful tips to be a responsible traveler:

  • Take your reusable bag when you go shopping.
  • Choose to consume local products from artisans and small producers.
  • Use a bike or walk to explore the city, it is healthy and reduces carbon footprints.
  • When you go on an excursion, ask for food without plastic wrap.
  • Don’t leave trash in nature.
  • Take a reusable bottle with you.
  • Don’t feed native wildlife.
  • Use rechargeable batteries.