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South America

ArgentinaTravel guide

Explore Argentina visa rulesCommon scams in Argentina

Argentina is a large country in southern South America. It has northern jungles, central grasslands, southern mountains and a mix of cultures shaped by immigration.

Why go

  1. Buenos Aires is the capital and a common arrival point.

  2. Patagonia offers open landscapes, mountains and lakeside lodges.

  3. Mendoza is Argentina's best-known wine region.

  4. Argentine food includes barbecue, empanadas and dulce de leche.

  5. The country is known for tango.

Getting there

By air

  • Buenos Aires has two main airports: Ministro Pistarini International Airport, called Ezeiza (EZE), and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP). Check your ticket carefully before travelling to either airport.
  • Ezeiza is about 40 km southwest of central Buenos Aires and handles intercontinental flights. Many onward domestic flights leave from Jorge Newbery.
  • Shuttle buses between the airports take about an hour, but traffic can make the trip much longer.

By land

  • International coaches run from all neighbouring countries. Buy long-distance bus tickets several days ahead where possible.
  • At Buenos Aires' Retiro bus terminal, arrive at least 45 minutes before departure. Ask the information desk to confirm your platform.
  • There are no long-distance international passenger trains. A short train connects Encarnación in Paraguay with Posadas.

By sea

  • Ferries connect Buenos Aires with Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo in Uruguay.
  • Buquebus offers crossings to Colonia taking either one or three hours. Colonia Express and Seacat Colonia also offer one-hour crossings.

Getting around

  • Bus

    Buses are the most common way to travel between cities. Tickets can be bought at bus terminal counters. Bring identification when buying long-distance tickets. Drivers may also ask to see your passport when you board. Long-distance buses often arrive late but usually leave on time. Leave plenty of time for connections. Cama seats recline into beds, while semi-cama seats recline only partway. Better services are especially useful for trips longer than 12 hours. Bring food, drinks, toilet paper and earplugs on basic services. Some provinces restrict fresh fruit and vegetables. Police may search buses and luggage.

  • Plane

    Flying saves time over Argentina's long distances, but domestic tickets can be expensive. Many domestic flights pass through Jorge Newbery airport in Buenos Aires. Check which airport your flight uses. Advertised fares may be for residents; the source states that non-resident fares are double. Plan to reach the place where your flight home departs two or three days early because travel delays and cancellations occur.

  • Train

    Long-distance routes are limited and often run only a few times a week. Journeys are generally slower than buses and can run hours late. Buy tickets in person at designated ticket offices, often inside stations. Their opening hours are generally normal business hours. Primera Clase is the cheapest class, despite its name. Pullman has wider seats, while Camarote is a private cabin with two bunk beds. Local trains can help you avoid road traffic around Buenos Aires.

  • City transport and taxis

    The SUBE transport card works on the Buenos Aires underground railway and some other services, including buses in Bariloche. In Buenos Aires, city buses are often called colectivos or bondis. Long-distance buses are often called micros or ómnibus. Avoid taxis waiting outside major tourist sights. Hail one a block or two away and carry small notes.

What to see and do

  • Cerro Aconcagua

    At 6,960 m, it is the tallest mountain in the Americas.

  • Laguna del Carbón

    This place in Santa Cruz Province lies 105 m below sea level, making it South America's lowest point.

  • Patagonia

    The region has wide open landscapes, forests in its wetter western areas and strong, persistent winds.

  • San Ignacio Miní

    It is one of the World Heritage-listed Jesuit missions in northern Argentina.

  • Taste wine

    Wine tasting events help visitors explore Argentine wines. Mendoza is the country's best-known wine region.

  • Ride the Train to the Clouds

    The Tren a las nubes offers a scenic journey in Salta Province. It is expensive, and the altitude can cause sickness.

Food and drink

  • Asado or parrillada

    Argentine barbecue featuring grilled meats. Beef cuts include lomo, bife de chorizo and ribs called costillas.

  • Empanadas

    Pastries filled with meat, cheese, vegetables or other ingredients. Restaurants and lunch counters sell them.

  • Milanesa and lomito

    Milanesa is breaded meat, while lomito is a steak sandwich. Some cafés serve these outside normal meal hours.

  • Pizza and pasta

    Italian food is widespread. Pasta and its sauce are often priced separately.

  • Medialunas

    Croissants commonly eaten at breakfast with coffee, tea or milk.

  • Alfajores

    Two biscuits with a dulce de leche filling. They can be bought at local kiosks.

Money

Argentine peso (ARS), shown as $. One peso has 100 centavos.

  • Exchange rates change, and Argentina has several different rates. Check the rate before changing money.
  • Foreign debit and credit cards can receive a more favourable rate than the official cash exchange rate.
  • Banks and official exchange offices change money. You may need your passport at a bank.
  • Cash machine fees can be high. Carrying large amounts of cash also brings a theft risk.

Tipping: Tipping is customary but optional. A tip of at least 10% is considered polite in restaurants and cafés, but is not expected where a table-service charge is already included; taxi drivers and bartenders do not normally expect tips.

Typical costs

  • The source lists a prepaid taxi from Ezeiza to Buenos Aires at AR$50,000 in 2026.
  • Long-distance buses are listed at about US$4–5 for each hour of travel. Puerto Iguazú to Buenos Aires is given as about US$100.
  • Colonia Express tickets to or from Colonia or Montevideo are listed at US$25–50, depending on the day and time.

Language

  • Spanish is the official language, with local speech and pronunciation varying by region.
  • Basic English is usually understood in tourist areas.
  • Some people understand Portuguese or Italian. Smaller numbers speak German, French or Welsh.
No, gracias
No, thank you.
No tengo nada
I don't have anything.
Plato principal
Main course.
Alquiler
Rental.
Che
An informal word similar to hey.
Cervezas artesanales
Locally made craft beers.

Staying safe

  • Keep cash and valuables secure, and avoid going to Western Union alone. Take extra care when exchanging money.
  • Watch your belongings on crowded streets, underground trains and at Retiro terminal. Carry bags in front of you.
  • Never hang a bag on the back of a restaurant chair. Keep it between your legs while eating.
  • Ask hotel staff or police about areas to avoid. Be especially careful on quiet streets at night.
6 common scams in Argentina, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Ask before adding sugar to shared mate.
  • Expect lively, expressive conversation and frequent hand gestures.
  • Ask before smoking; smoking is banned in many public indoor places.

Don't

  • Do not assume affectionate slang used between friends is suitable for speaking to strangers.
  • Do not smoke in restaurants in Buenos Aires or Mendoza.
  • Avoid drug use, which most residents frown upon.

Laws to know

  • Street currency exchange is illegal and carries risks of fraud and confiscation.

Staying healthy

  • Vaccination needs depend on where you travel. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for visitors to the northern forests.
  • Prevent mosquito bites because dengue can be serious or fatal. Repellent is sold at many kiosks and pharmacies.
  • Use sunscreen and guard against dehydration in hot weather.
  • Pack layers for Patagonia, where strong winds and sudden temperature changes are common.

Where to stay

  • Accommodation ranges from budget hostels and bed and breakfasts to boutique and luxury hotels.
  • Bring identification when checking in; this is a government requirement.
  • Patagonia has lakeside lodges, while rural areas offer stays on farms called estancias.
  • Cabins and holiday houses can be rented directly from owners. Look for alquiler signs, meaning rental, or newspaper advertisements.

Outdoor adventures in Argentina

Argentina offers mountain walks, glaciers, wetlands, beaches and skiing in the Andes. Patagonia is a major trekking region, while Mendoza and Salta offer mountain adventures. Weather varies widely, and Patagonia can be windy with sharp temperature changes.

  • Perito Moreno Glacier

    More to doPatagonianear El Calafate

    Start in El Calafate, the main base for visiting Los Glaciares National Park and Perito Moreno Glacier.

    • Pack layers for strong winds and sudden temperature changes.

  • Iguazú Falls

    More to doMesopotamia

    Visit the falls in the far northeast of Argentina.

    • Prevent mosquito bites.
    • Expect a humid climate with rain throughout the year.

  • El Chalten trekking

    TrekPatagonianear El Chalten

    Head to El Chalten to explore its hiking trails.

    • Trails vary in quality and difficulty.
    • Pack layers for strong winds and sudden temperature changes.

  • San Carlos de Bariloche hiking

    TrekPatagonianear San Carlos de Bariloche

    Use San Carlos de Bariloche as a starting point for local hiking trails.

    • Trails vary in quality and difficulty.
    • Pack layers for changing weather.

  • Iberá Wetlands wildlife watching

    WildlifeMesopotamianear Colonia Carlos Pellegrini

    Head to Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, a village in the heart of the wetlands reserve.

    • Prevent mosquito bites.

  • Las Leñas

    SkiingMendoza province

    June–September; sometimes longer, depending on snow and temperatures.

    Visit Las Leñas ski resort in Mendoza province for downhill snow sports.

    • The Andes are very cold in winter.

  • Catedral Alta Patagonia

    Skiing

    June–September; sometimes longer, depending on snow and temperatures.

    Visit Catedral Alta Patagonia ski resort for downhill snow sports.

    • The Andes are very cold in winter.

  • Nahuel Huapi National Park

    More to doAndean foothills

    Visit Nahuel Huapi National Park in the foothills of the Andes.

  • Mar del Plata beaches

    Beachenear Mar del Plata

    Head to Mar del Plata for a beach visit.

  • El Bolsón hiking

    Treknear El Bolsón

    Head to El Bolsón to explore its hiking trails.

    • Trails vary in quality and difficulty.

  • Quebrada de Humahuaca

    More to doJujuy, Andean Northwest

    Visit this narrow mountain valley in Jujuy province.

  • Cerro Bayo

    Skiing

    June–September; sometimes longer, depending on snow and temperatures.

    Visit Cerro Bayo ski resort for downhill snow sports.

    • The Andes are very cold in winter.

  • Cerro Castor

    Skiing

    June–September; sometimes longer, depending on snow and temperatures.

    Visit Cerro Castor ski resort for downhill snow sports.

    • The Andes are very cold in winter.

  • Chapelco

    Skiing

    June–September; sometimes longer, depending on snow and temperatures.

    Visit Chapelco ski resort for downhill snow sports.

    • The Andes are very cold in winter.

  • La Hoya

    Skiing

    June–September; sometimes longer, depending on snow and temperatures.

    Visit La Hoya ski resort for downhill snow sports.

    • The Andes are very cold in winter.

  • Mendoza whitewater rafting

    RaftingCuyonear Mendoza

    Book a rafting outing with one of the companies arranging outdoor trips in Mendoza.

  • Mendoza desert and mountain trekking

    TrekCuyonear Mendoza

    Book a trek or expedition through a company in Mendoza. Mountain cabins can also be rented through the city.

    • Cuyo's deserts can reach 45°C in summer.
    • Spring and autumn can bring rapid temperature changes.

  • Mendoza horseback riding

    More to doCuyonear Mendoza

    Arrange a desert or mountain horseback outing through a company in Mendoza.

    • Cuyo's deserts can be extremely hot and dry in summer.

  • Rosario kayaking

    KayakingPampasnear Rosario

    Arrange kayaking through the outdoor activity services available in Rosario.

  • Rosario sailboating

    SailingPampasnear Rosario

    Arrange a sailboat outing through the activity services available in Rosario.

  • La Florida and Rosario island beaches

    BeachePampasnear Rosario

    A day for an island beach visit. Summer

    Visit La Florida on the riverbank, or take a boat to the islands from the passenger terminal near the Flag Memorial.

  • Salta mountain and volcano climbing

    ClimbingAndean Northwestnear Salta

    Experts only

    Plan a climb in the Salta region with the necessary equipment and trip arrangements. Previous climbing experience is required.

    • Mountains and volcanoes range from 3,500 to 6,740 metres.
    • Previous experience, equipment and careful trip arrangements are required.

  • Salta mountain trekking

    TrekAndean Northwestnear Salta

    Short strolls to several days.

    Choose a short walk in the mountains bordering Salta or a longer trek through the region.

    • Routes have different levels of difficulty.
    • Conditions vary with altitude, with ice in the highest areas.

  • Salta mountain-track cycling

    CyclingAndean Northwestnear Salta

    Choose a mountain-track bicycle ride from the cycling options available in Salta.

  • Salta horseback riding

    More to doAndean Northwestnear Salta

    A couple of hours to several days.

    Book a horseback outing from Salta. Options include short rides and longer trips with country-house or camp stays.

Airports, metros and trains in Argentina

Airports with scheduled flights

  • AEPAeroparque Jorge NewberyBuenos AiresMain international airport
  • EZEEzeiza International Airport - Ministro PistariniBuenos Aires (Ezeiza)Main international airport
  • CRDGeneral Enrique Mosconi International AirportComodoro RivadaviaMain international airport
  • JUJGobernador Horacio Guzman International AirportSan Salvador de JujuyMain international airport
  • MDZGovernor Francisco Gabrielli International AirportMendozaMain international airport
  • CORIngeniero Aeronáutico Ambrosio L.V. Taravella International AirportCordobaMain international airport

Metro and subway

  • Buenos AiresBuenos Aires Underground78 stations56.7 kmsince 1913

Trains

Rail network
17,866 km
Electrified
190 km

People and safety in Argentina

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian85%
  • No religion12%
  • Muslim1%
  • Folk religions<1%
  • Jewish<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal and protected

  • Same-sex couples can marry.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.
  • Some laws protect against discrimination.

Women travellers

Ranked #47 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

41% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 90 of 198 countries can visit Argentina easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required86
  • Freedom of movement4
  • Visa required108

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe43 of 46 countries
  • Americas28 of 34 countries
  • Asia15 of 50 countries
  • Oceania3 of 14 countries
  • Africa1 of 54 countries

Questions

When should I visit Argentina?

The climate depends on the region. Buenos Aires has hot, humid summers and cold winters, while Patagonia has strong winds and large temperature changes, so pack layers.

Can I buy transport tickets without booking online?

Yes. Buy bus tickets at terminal counters and train tickets at designated ticket offices, often inside stations.

Will I need to change airports in Buenos Aires?

Possibly. International flights commonly use Ezeiza, while many domestic flights use Jorge Newbery; shuttle journeys take about an hour but depend heavily on traffic.

Can I pay with a foreign bank card?

Foreign debit and credit cards can receive a more favourable exchange rate than the official cash rate. Exchange rates change, so check before paying or exchanging money.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

Spanish is the official language. Basic English is usually understood in tourist areas.

What time do people eat dinner?

Dinner is late, often around 22:00 or later. Many restaurants do not serve dinner before 20:30 or 21:00.

Do I have to leave a tip?

No, but tipping is customary. At least 10% is considered polite in restaurants and cafés, unless a table-service charge is already included.

What identification do I need?

Identification is required for accommodation check-in and when buying plane or long-distance bus tickets. Carry a passport copy for everyday use, but bring your passport when a bus operator requires it for boarding.

Is tap water safe to drink?

The source describes tap water as safe, though sometimes heavily chlorinated. It advises extra caution in rural areas in the north.

Will shops close during the day?

Outside Buenos Aires, many businesses close for an afternoon break from about noon to 16:00. They often reopen into the evening, though hours vary.

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