Then you need the essentials.
Keep reading to find out what you need to know before visiting.
It is impossible to give an answer to the question: “Why should you go to Argentina?”
Why? Because the list of reasons is simply too long…
Argentina is a land of immense landscapes, a lively culture, once in your life wildlife encounters, and more. Plus, it holds a certain romantic allure, doesn’t it? I’m guessing it has a solid spot on your bucket list, so perhaps now is the time to finally tick it off one of your must see countries.
To inspire you, this email contains a short guide on all you need to know before travelling to Argentina – or click below to get in touch with me, Val – Fleewinter’s Argentina expert.
Argentina is a big country, in fact, the world’s eighth largest! But luckily, most of it can be visited all year round. Things get a little trickier in Patagonia, the southern part of the country. Here the winter months are just a bit too unpredictable and harsh to entertain all the outdoor activities you want to enjoy amidst some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.
So the essential takeaway?
Go in the shoulder season if you can: Sept to Nov, and March to April, because the weather will be favourable throughout the country and it will be less busy – especially in Patagonia – and cheaper!
Spend a month and go everywhere if you can!
But, let’s be realistic, there aren’t many of us that have unlimited time – and we’ll make no bones about it, it’s not cheap to visit Argentina.
So our essential recommendation? In two weeks you can see a lot, but we suggest not to try and fit too much in: choose 3 or 4 different regions for a holiday at a relaxed pace, and one you can truly enjoy. You can always go back.
If you want a more off the beaten path holiday, why not do a northern loop that includes the Mendoza and north west region, adding Iguazu falls and Buenos Aires of course.
Or if you have always wanted to go to Patagonia, spend all your time here after a few days in the capital. There are so many different highlights! The lakes, the glacier region of El Calafate and El Chalten, the wildlife of Peninsula Valdes and Bahia Bustamante, and Tierra del Fuego in the very south.
If you are one of the lucky ones with an open calendar, and feel like going for a full Patagonia immersion, we suggest combining Argentina and Chile. You can cross between the two countries by land making it so easy to experience this amazing place from two different perspectives.
You love: food and wine, culture and amazing landscapes.
Well, you’re in luck.
Mendoza needs no introduction and the lesser known region of Salta and Jujuy is home not only to dramatic scenery but is also the most culturally rich part of Argentina.
Enquire if you fancy an off the beaten path holiday here.
You’re looking for: lakes, glaciers, amazing mountain ranges, remote national parks and abundant wildlife.
Patagonia is a nature lover’s dream and a once in your life experience.
We love it in April, when the tourist crowds have gone, prices are cheaper and the warm autumn colours are magical.
Enquire if you to tick Patagonia off your bucket list.
As of late 2023 there isn’t a direct flight anymore, but British Airways is still one of the best options.
They operate a daily flight from London Heathrow to Buenos Aires, with a stopover in Rio de Janeiro. A few days in Ipanema on the way home doesn’t sound too bad, does it!?
Most European airlines are also a good alternative and LATAM via Sao Paulo can often be price competitive.
The total journey time is a bit longer than it used to be, at around 16 hours in total.
Distances are huge in Argentina, and flying domestically is often the best option especially if you are short on time.
The country has a good network of buses, and they are modern and comfortable, but we do not recommend them for long distances.
Buenos Aires to Iguazu: 2-hour flight or 18 hours on a bus? You can guess which gets our vote.
There are tourist trains but not a long-distance railway network worth mentioning. Flying really is the best way to get around.
VISA
The good news is visitors from most countries, including the UK and the US, do not need a visa and will be granted a 90-day stay upon arrival.
You will need to present a valid passport with at least two empty pages and with an expiration date of 6 months from the date of arrival.
MONEY
The peso is the official currency (1065 peso = 1 GBP) and the local president has plans to Dollarize the country – though tbc if and when this happens.
You can use your credit card in most places, but our hot tip is that the best way to get cash is to use the ‘unofficial’ exchange rate. We can help with this.
LANGUAGE
Spanish is the official language but English is widely spoken in the more touristy areas. So if you are planning a holiday to Argentina’s hotspots, chances are you will be able to communicate with most locals.
Of course some basic Spanish can be helpful as is a bit of Italian in Buenos Aires, that’s probably why I feel at home there!
CULTURE
Argentinians might appear quite forward, expect to be greeted with a hug or a kiss on the cheek and don’t be offended by the frequent swearing, it is all part of the local folklore!
Just go with the flow and embrace the native customs, and if you are offered a mate, do accept and enjoy this very Argentinian tradition.
SAFETY
Argentina is generally a very safe country, indeed, one of the safest in South America.
Buenos Aires is a big city, but areas like Recoleta, Retiro, Palermo, San Telmo, where most hotels are and where you will spend your time, are perfectly fine to walk around even at night.
La Boca is another area worth visiting but we suggest to do so during the day.
GLORIOUS ASADO
If you are not vegetarian, the asado will be on your list of things to look forward to in an Argentina holiday. Argentine meat’s fame is truly deserved!
Learn to order it right: jugoso, a punto, bien cocido, vuelta y vuelta… Have fun learning a few key words on our essentials page so that when your bife de lomo or ojo de bife arrives, it is just like you want it! !Buen provecho!
SOME FINAL THOUGHTS FROM VAL…
I LOVE Argentina, and I hope it shows in the itineraries you can find on Fleewinter’s Argentina website, but do remember they are there to simply inspire you.
If you want to travel to this magnificent country, I will listen and understand what makes you tick, and will translate that into a perfectly bespoke Argentina holiday, whether you are travelling alone, with your family or partner, or with friends.
I am delighted to be going back in April, too, so I will keep you posted on the new amazing places I discover…
Get in touch by phone on 0207 112 0019 or email to start planning…
Top Travel Tip
“Travel is about discovery and digging under the surface of a country. Take your time, go off the beaten track and plan ahead if you can.”
– Valeria Garibotti – Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay expert
