Argentina tours & holidays
Dance, eat and sip your way through Argentina
From saucy cities brimming with tango bars to monster waterfalls and all the steak you can eat, Argentina promises (and delivers) good times to all who come. Sample some of the world’s best wine in Mendoza, be blown away by Iguazu Falls, or follow the footsteps of the Buenos Aires portenos during a traditional asado feast at a local home, paired with a lively tango dancing lesson. It’s hard to imagine the continent of South America (or the world) without that flaming wedge known as Argentina.
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Argentina at a glance
CAPITAL CITY
Buenos Aires (population 15.5 million)
POPULATION
46 million
CURRENCY
Argentine Peso (ARS)
LANGUAGE
Spanish
TIME ZONE
(GMT-03:00) Buenos Aires
CALLING CODE
+54
ELECTRICITY
Type C (European 2-pin) Type I (Australian/New Zealand & Chinese/Argentine 2/3-pin)
Learn more about Argentina
Best time to visit
Argentina spans over 2485 miles from subtropical north to subpolar south, so the climate is as diverse as its landscapes, offering something for every type of traveller. For Patagonia, the best time to visit is during summer (December to February) when the weather is sunny and dry, perfect for hiking. But this also means it’s the busiest season.
In Buenos Aires, skip the hot, humid summer and visit in the fall (March to May) or in spring (September to November). These seasons offer mild weather and fewer crowds, making it ideal for exploring the city’s neighbourhoods, cafes and tango shows at a more relaxed pace.
Iguazu Falls is incredible year-round, but during the wet season (December to March), the monsoon rains make the falls even more dramatic.
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds but still enjoy mild, beautiful weather, consider visiting in October to November or February to April, which are ideal times for outdoor adventures with a little more solitude.
Eating and drinking
Things to try in Argentina
Asado
With Spanish origins, asado describes succulent barbequed meat, slow-cooked on a metal frame over an open fire or a bed of hardwood charcoal. Essentially the Argentine version of barbecue, asado is equal parts a dish and a social gathering.
Provoleta
Soft provolone cheese is grilled in a skillet and topped with oregano, chilli flakes or other herbs. A typical asado starter, provoleta is crisp on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside and delicious all around.
Chimichurri
A piquant combination of diced garlic, chopped parsley and oregano, olive oil and vinegar, this classic Argentinean condiment is the quintessential accompaniment to grilled meat.
Malbec wine
Argentina has one of the world’s most renowned wine regions. Malbecs from the wineries of Mendoza are famous around the world (and happen to pair well with steak), though other provinces also produce quality wines, including Torrontes from Cafayate and Syrahs from San Juan.
Alfajores
Argentina’s favourite sweet biscuit. Take two round shortbreads, fill them with dulce de leche (a decadent caramel made from condensed milk) coat them in chocolate... et voila.
Helado
Argentineans take ice cream seriously. Don't miss helado de dulce de leche, the national flavour of Argentina.
Dulce de leche
Condensed milk is slowly reduced and sweetened to create a thick, sticky caramel. Find it in alfajores, dessert empanadas, drizzled on ice cream or just eat it by the spoonful!
Yerba maté
This is Argentina's national drink. A caffeine-rich concoction of chopped and dried yerba maté is prepared in a gourd (maté) and drunk through a silver straw (bombilla). It's rich in antioxidants and polyphenols and has long been used by Indigenous people in South America.
Geography and environment
Argentina, the second-largest country in South America, presents a revolving door of terrain and landscapes. Bordered by Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay, it spans everything from the ice-capped peaks of Patagonia to the lush Pampas grasslands. A quick hop from one region to the next can take you from glaciers and towering waterfalls to rolling hills and vast wetlands.
Whether you’re trekking the rugged Andes, sipping wine in Mendoza’s sun-soaked vineyards or spotting wildlife in the wetlands, Argentina offers an adventure for every type of traveller.
Top places to visit in Argentina
1. Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is an elegant metropolis of colourful buildings, charming boulevards and cobbled laneways that lead to huge street murals. This city offers something for everyone from traditional cafe bars to trendy closed-door restaurants, speakeasy bars to tango clubs, and mercados to shopping malls.
2. Ushuaia
Welcome to the southernmost city in the world! Ushuaia is also the gateway to the seventh continent, AKA Antarctica. After taking in the spectacular sights of Tierra del Fuego National Park, wander the craft markets or feast on delicious Fuegian cuisine.
3. Mendoza
With leafy streets and direct access to one of the world's best wine regions, Mendoza has a more relaxed vibe than Buenos Aires. Indulge in the city's brilliant food scene or venture a little further to enjoy a glass of wine while the sun sets over the Andean mountain range.
4. Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls is a must-see when you’re in Argentina. Stretching nearly 3 km along the Argentina-Brazil border, it boasts more than 270 powerful cascades that tower up to 80 meters high, making it taller than Niagra Falls and wider than Victoria Falls, which makes it the largest waterfall system in the world. Get even closer with a Zodiac boat ride right up to its roaring base then step back in time with visit to a Guarani community, where you’ll learn about the tools, traditions and stories of one of the region’s original cultures.
5. Ibera Wetlands
The Ibera Wetlands in northern Argentina is a vast, wild wonderland covering over 15,000 square kilometres – about the size of Belgium, for reference. Its swamps, lakes and lagoons are teeming with biodiversity, from capybara to hundreds of bird species. Whether you’re taking a walking tour or a car safari, you might even spot an anaconda if you're lucky.
History and culture
Argentina’s history is a blend of indigenous culture, European colonization and a quest for independence. After centuries under Spanish rule, the country declared its independence in 1816; However, it wasn’t until 1983, following a military dictatorship, that democracy was finally restored.
The country’s culture is vibrant, to say the least. Known for their warmth and passion, Argentinians live and breathe soccer (futbol), where the sport is more than just a pastime – it's a way of life. The country also boasts significant contributions to art, music and cuisine, with the tango standing out as one of its most iconic cultural exports as both a music genre and a dance. The catholic religion and food also play central roles in social life, with family and friends often gathering around a parrilla (grill) to share a meal.
Festivals and cultural events add even more colour to their vibrant lives, with highlights such as the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia, the Buenos Aires Tango Festival and Carnival – a multi-cultural celebration brimming with extravagant costumes, dances and parades, all fueled by a deep love of their country and culture.
Money matters
The official currency of Argentina is the Argentine Pes (ARS).
Major credit cards are widely accepted in Argentina’s large cities and towns but may not be accepted in small towns and rural areas. Your best bet is to make sure you have enough cash before visiting these smaller areas in case cards are not an option.
ATMs are widely available in larger cities but are less common in smaller villages or rural areas, so visit an ATM before leaving urban areas.
Argentina travel FAQs
Many nationalities do not need a visa to enter Argentina. This includes travellers from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, the UK, Ireland and most other Western European countries.
Visa-exempt travellers will usually receive an entry stamp valid for 90 days on arrival. For more information, please visit the government of Argentina's website or the Essential Trip Information.
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it is important that you check for the latest information. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government’s foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our visa and entry requirements page.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
It is customary to tip about 10% at bars and restaurants. Some restaurants will add a ‘cover charge’ to your bill, but a tip is still expected in addition to this.
What you pack for a trip to Argentina depends on where and when you travel.
For comfort, it’s recommended to pack lightweight, breathable, quick-drying clothing for both humidity and rain. If you are travelling during the warmer months, then light clothing like t-shirts, shorts and pants are your best bet. However, it is always smart to have layers that can easily be added or removed.
For more information on what to pack, please visit the Essential Trip Information for your trip of choice.
Tap water is safe to drink in Argentina unless otherwise marked. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water and fill a reusable bottle instead!
Internet is easy to access in cafes, bars, restaurants and hotels in large cities and towns, but it may be limited in rural and remote areas.
Cell phone coverage is very good in Argentina’s cities, but may not be available in rural and mountainous areas. Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before leaving home.
Western-style flushable toilets are the norm in Argentina. It’s a good idea to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as they are not always provided. Some hotels and restaurants might have signs asking you to not flush toilet paper – the toilets are modern but the plumbing is not and clogs easily.
As a whole, Argentina is a welcoming destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers. In 2010, the country became the first Latin American nation to legalize same-sex marriage and Buenos Aires hosts the largest annual gay pride parade in South America.
A number of hotels, B&Bs, bars and nightclubs catering to the LGBTQIA+ community can be found in Buenos Aires as well. Though parts of the country, particularly smaller towns, are less tolerant. When in doubt, use discretion outside of large cities.
For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.
From Australia?
Go to: Smart Traveller
From Canada?
Go to: Canada Travel Information
From the UK?
Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice
From New Zealand?
Go to: Safe Travel
From the US?
Go to: US Department of State
The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
World Bicycle Relief
World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most.
We are committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations.
We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.