Complete travel guide to Argentina: destinations, routes and tips to explore the country

Argentina is a country of extreme geographical contrasts. From towering mountains, forests, vast lakes and glaciers in the south, to jungles, deserts, endless plains and Atlantic beaches. Traveling through Argentina means crossing very different climates, cultures and rhythms within a single territory.

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Complete travel guide to Argentina: destinations, routes and tips to explore the country

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Must-visit destinations in Argentina
Geographic profile: a country of extremes
What to eat in Argentina (must-try dishes)
Regional dishes to try
Practical travel information for Argentina
How to get around Argentina
Weather and best time to visit
Useful travel notes for Argentina
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Bariloche – Lakes, mountains and the perfect base to explore northern Patagonia.
Buenos Aires – Culture, gastronomy, tango and vibrant city life.
Mar del Plata – The country’s main seaside city and one of its most classic tourist destinations.
El Calafate – Glaciers, lakes and the gateway to Perito Moreno.
El Chaltén – Trekking, mountains and pure nature.
Ushuaia – The southernmost city in the world and gateway to Tierra del Fuego.
Puerto Madryn – Marine wildlife and Patagonian nature.
El Bolsón – A valley surrounded by mountains, forests and meltwater rivers. A much calmer and alternative destination.
Mendoza – Wines, vineyards and the Andes mountain range.
Salta – Andean landscapes, historic towns and northern culture.
Jujuy (Quebrada de Humahuaca) – Colorful mountains and ancestral traditions.
Lago Puelo – A town surrounded by mountains, native forest and one of Patagonia’s most accessible lakes.
Esquel – National parks, mountains and charm in a peaceful town.
Iguazú – One of the natural wonders of the world.

Bariloche, in Argentine Patagonia, offers landscapes of native forests, giant mountains and glacial lakes.

Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world. It is mainly divided into these regions:

The North (NOA): Arid region with colorful mountains (such as the Hill of Seven Colors) and high-altitude salt flats.
The Litoral: Subtropical jungle and large rivers. Here are the Iguazú Falls, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.
The Pampas: Agricultural heartland; endless plains where gaucho culture and barbecue tradition are born.
Cuyo: At the foothills of the Andes. This is wine country (Mendoza) and home to Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas.
Patagonia: Turquoise lakes, Andean forests and glaciers in the west; steppe and marine wildlife (whales and penguins) in the east.

Buenos Aires, the capital of the country. It is a passionate city, reflected in tango (melancholic and dramatic), football (a collective obsession) and the way locals speak (use of 'voseo' and expressive gestures). That vibrant energy is what makes travelers fall in love with it.

Argentine cuisine is simple, hearty and deeply rooted in tradition:

Asado – Grilled beef, more than a meal: a social ritual.
Empanadas – Vary by region (Salteñas, Tucumanas, Mendocinas), each with its own style.
Milanesas – Breaded meat or chicken, classic or “a la napolitana”.
Choripán – Grilled sausage in bread with chimichurri or salsa criolla. Iconic street food.
Provoleta – Grilled cheese, perfect as an appetizer.
Argentine pizza – Although originally Italian, Argentina developed its own strong pizza culture.
Facturas and medialunas – Classic breakfast and afternoon snacks.
Artisan ice cream – Strong Italian influence; to be honest, we haven’t found a country with better ice cream than Argentina (except Italy, out of respect for tradition).
Dulce de leche – Sweet milk cream, an Argentine icon.
Alfajores – The country’s most emblematic sweet.
Argentine wines – Especially Malbec from Mendoza.
Mate – More than a drink, it is a social tradition. Prepared with yerba mate and hot water, shared in a circle as a symbol of connection and affection. A daily companion for many people.
Fernet with cola – Very popular, especially in Córdoba and Buenos Aires.

Argentine barbecue, a classic of the country’s gastronomy and a social gathering tradition.

Locro – Traditional northern dish, ideal for winter.
Humita – Corn-based preparation.
Tamales – Very common in the north.
Chivito – Specialty from the Cuyo region.
Patagonian lamb – Slowly cooked over fire.
Trout – Very common in Patagonian cuisine.

A glass of wine in front of vineyards in Mendoza: where landscape, climate and tradition combine into one of Argentina’s most iconic wines.

Currency: Argentine peso (ARS).
Language: Spanish. (English is not widely spoken outside major cities).
Plugs: Type C and I, 220V.
Tipping: Not mandatory; usually around 10%.
Connectivity: Good in major cities.
Payments: Cash widely used; cards accepted in cities; digital wallets (Mercado Pago widely used in shops and street vendors).

Southern right whale watching, the largest mammal, in Península Valdés, Puerto Madryn, Argentina.

Flight – Best for long distances.
Long-distance buses – Widely used, generally good service.
Car – You can travel the country by car. Roads between cities are good (including scenic routes like the Seven Lakes Route in Patagonia and northern routes in Salta and Jujuy).
Urban transport – Buses, metro, taxis and ride apps.

Aerolíneas Argentinas is the national airline. There are also low-cost airlines operating in the country such as JetSmart, which offers good service.

Being in the Southern Hemisphere, seasons are opposite to Europe and the US.

Summer (Dec–Mar): Best for Patagonia, Ushuaia and the Atlantic coast. The north can be very hot and humid.
Winter (Jun–Sep): Ski season in places like Catedral (Bariloche) and Cerro Castor (Ushuaia). Also good for the north.
Autumn/Spring: Generally the best seasons. Ideal for Buenos Aires and Mendoza (harvest season).

Weather varies greatly by region.

View of Iguazú Falls, declared one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World in 2011, located in Misiones, Argentina.

Documentation: Most Western countries do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days.
Currency: Argentina has a complex exchange system. Tip: In 2026, digital payments are widely used, but tourists often benefit from the MEP exchange rate applied automatically to foreign cards.
Health: Public healthcare is free in emergencies, but travel insurance is recommended.
Safety: Generally safe for tourists, but caution is advised in big cities like Buenos Aires or Rosario.
Plan distances carefully. Traveling between Buenos Aires and Patagonia or the north can take more than ten hours.
Carry cash outside major cities. Cards are widely accepted and convenient.
Book in advance during peak season.
Try mate, dulce de leche, barbecue, milanesas and local food.

Northern Argentina (Salta and Jujuy) features some of the most spectacular scenic routes in the country.

Football is a religion in Argentina. Visiting stadiums like La Bombonera is a cultural, not just sporting, experience.

Tango, symbol of Argentina. In Caminito, every step reflects history, passion and porteño tradition.

Ushuaia, the city at the end of the world; it is the gateway to Antarctica. It is surrounded by the Martial Mountains and washed by the waters of the Beagle Channel. The weather is unpredictable: you can experience all four seasons in a single day.

We spent a large part of the year in Argentina. Sophie loves it, so we often travel across many places in the country. We have spent almost two years in Patagonia, several months in the north of the country, quite a lot of time in Buenos Aires and along the Atlantic coast, as well as brief visits to other regions.

Argentina is a truly beautiful country. Its identity is reflected both in its landscapes and its people: the passion for football, mate, music, barbecue and a very particular way of relating make every place feel close and authentic.

Mar del Plata, my hometown and the main summer tourist destination in Argentina, has nearly 47 km of coastline, offering a wide variety of beaches: from broad urban ones ideal for families to wilder, more open beaches perfect for surfing and nature lovers.

Must-visit destinations in Argentina

Bariloche – Lakes, mountains and the perfect base to explore northern Patagonia.
Buenos Aires – Culture, gastronomy, tango and vibrant city life.
Mar del Plata – The country’s main seaside city and one of its most classic tourist destinations.
El Calafate – Glaciers, lakes and the gateway to Perito Moreno.
El Chaltén – Trekking, mountains and pure nature.
Ushuaia – The southernmost city in the world and gateway to Tierra del Fuego.
Puerto Madryn – Marine wildlife and Patagonian nature.
El Bolsón – A valley surrounded by mountains, forests and meltwater rivers. A much calmer and alternative destination.
Mendoza – Wines, vineyards and the Andes mountain range.
Salta – Andean landscapes, historic towns and northern culture.
Jujuy (Quebrada de Humahuaca) – Colorful mountains and ancestral traditions.
Lago Puelo – A town surrounded by mountains, native forest and one of Patagonia’s most accessible lakes.
Esquel – National parks, mountains and charm in a peaceful town.
Iguazú – One of the natural wonders of the world.

Geographic profile: a country of extremes

Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world. It is mainly divided into these regions:

The North (NOA): Arid region with colorful mountains (such as the Hill of Seven Colors) and high-altitude salt flats.
The Litoral: Subtropical jungle and large rivers. Here are the Iguazú Falls, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.
The Pampas: Agricultural heartland; endless plains where gaucho culture and barbecue tradition are born.
Cuyo: At the foothills of the Andes. This is wine country (Mendoza) and home to Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas.
Patagonia: Turquoise lakes, Andean forests and glaciers in the west; steppe and marine wildlife (whales and penguins) in the east.

What to eat in Argentina (must-try dishes)

Argentine cuisine is simple, hearty and deeply rooted in tradition:

Asado – Grilled beef, more than a meal: a social ritual.
Empanadas – Vary by region (Salteñas, Tucumanas, Mendocinas), each with its own style.
Milanesas – Breaded meat or chicken, classic or “a la napolitana”.
Choripán – Grilled sausage in bread with chimichurri or salsa criolla. Iconic street food.
Provoleta – Grilled cheese, perfect as an appetizer.
Argentine pizza – Although originally Italian, Argentina developed its own strong pizza culture.
Facturas and medialunas – Classic breakfast and afternoon snacks.
Artisan ice cream – Strong Italian influence; to be honest, we haven’t found a country with better ice cream than Argentina (except Italy, out of respect for tradition).
Dulce de leche – Sweet milk cream, an Argentine icon.
Alfajores – The country’s most emblematic sweet.
Argentine wines – Especially Malbec from Mendoza.
Mate – More than a drink, it is a social tradition. Prepared with yerba mate and hot water, shared in a circle as a symbol of connection and affection. A daily companion for many people.
Fernet with cola – Very popular, especially in Córdoba and Buenos Aires.

Regional dishes to try

Locro – Traditional northern dish, ideal for winter.
Humita – Corn-based preparation.
Tamales – Very common in the north.
Chivito – Specialty from the Cuyo region.
Patagonian lamb – Slowly cooked over fire.
Trout – Very common in Patagonian cuisine.

Practical travel information for Argentina

Currency: Argentine peso (ARS).
Language: Spanish. (English is not widely spoken outside major cities).
Plugs: Type C and I, 220V.
Tipping: Not mandatory; usually around 10%.
Connectivity: Good in major cities.
Payments: Cash widely used; cards accepted in cities; digital wallets (Mercado Pago widely used in shops and street vendors).

How to get around Argentina

Flight – Best for long distances.
Long-distance buses – Widely used, generally good service.
Car – You can travel the country by car. Roads between cities are good (including scenic routes like the Seven Lakes Route in Patagonia and northern routes in Salta and Jujuy).
Urban transport – Buses, metro, taxis and ride apps.

Weather and best time to visit

Being in the Southern Hemisphere, seasons are opposite to Europe and the US.

Summer (Dec–Mar): Best for Patagonia, Ushuaia and the Atlantic coast. The north can be very hot and humid.
Winter (Jun–Sep): Ski season in places like Catedral (Bariloche) and Cerro Castor (Ushuaia). Also good for the north.
Autumn/Spring: Generally the best seasons. Ideal for Buenos Aires and Mendoza (harvest season).

Weather varies greatly by region.

Useful travel notes for Argentina

Documentation: Most Western countries do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days.
Currency: Argentina has a complex exchange system. Tip: In 2026, digital payments are widely used, but tourists often benefit from the MEP exchange rate applied automatically to foreign cards.
Health: Public healthcare is free in emergencies, but travel insurance is recommended.
Safety: Generally safe for tourists, but caution is advised in big cities like Buenos Aires or Rosario.
Plan distances carefully. Traveling between Buenos Aires and Patagonia or the north can take more than ten hours.
Carry cash outside major cities. Cards are widely accepted and convenient.
Book in advance during peak season.
Try mate, dulce de leche, barbecue, milanesas and local food.