Argentina Travel Guide: Tango Glaciers Wine & Essential Tips

Experience the passion and diversity of Argentina, a vast South American nation stretching from the thundering Iguazu Falls in the north to the glaciers and peaks of Patagonia in the south. Discover the European elegance and tango rhythms of Buenos Aires, sip world-class Malbec in Mendoza, witness incredible wildlife, and explore landscapes ranging from Andean deserts to pristine lakes. Argentina offers unforgettable adventures, but its size and unique economic situation require careful planning. This guide provides essential information for UK travellers, covering highlights, travel times, flights, and crucial tips on currency and safety.

Important Note on Currency: Argentina has a complex economic situation with significant inflation and often a large difference between the official exchange rate and the informal ‘Blue Dollar’ rate. Using USD cash exchanged at the ‘Blue’ rate can significantly affect your travel costs. Research the current situation thoroughly close to your travel dates using reliable sources, and exercise caution. Always check the latest FCDO travel advice for safety and economic conditions.

Navigate this guide:

• Best Time to Travel
• Getting There & Around
• Top 10 Places & Activities
• Accommodation in Argentina
• Why Book With Me?
• FAQ About Traveling to Argentina
• Plan Your Trip

Best Time to Travel to Argentina

Argentina’s vast size means the best time depends heavily on the region:

• Buenos Aires: Spring (September-November) and Autumn (March-May) offer pleasant temperatures, ideal for exploring the city. Summer (December-February) is hot and humid. Winter (June-August) is cool and sometimes grey.
• Patagonia (El Calafate, El Chaltén, Ushuaia): Summer (December-March) is peak season, offering the best weather for hiking, glacier viewing, and longer daylight hours. Winter (June-August) is very cold but suitable for skiing in resorts like Bariloche. Shoulder seasons (Oct-Nov, Apr-May) have fewer crowds but more variable weather.
• Iguazu Falls (North East): Can be visited year-round. December-February is the hottest and wettest season (falls are powerful). March-May and September-November often provide a good balance of warm weather and fewer extremes.
• Mendoza (Wine Region): March-April is the harvest season (Vendimia festival). Spring (Sep-Nov) and Autumn (Mar-May) offer pleasant weather for vineyard visits and outdoor activities.
• Northwest (Salta, Jujuy): Year-round potential, but April-November (dry season) is generally preferred to avoid summer rains (Dec-Mar). High altitude means cool nights year-round.

Getting There & Around

International flights arrive mainly at Ezeiza Airport (EZE) near Buenos Aires:

• Flights from UK: British Airways operates direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Buenos Aires (EZE). Connecting flights via European hubs (Madrid, Paris, Amsterdam) or Sao Paulo are also widely available from various UK airports.
• Flight Times: Direct flights take around 13-14 hours.
• Getting Around: Argentina is huge, making internal flights almost essential for covering large distances efficiently. Aerolíneas Argentinas is the main domestic carrier; budget airlines like Flybondi and JetSMART also operate. Long-distance buses (colectivos) are comfortable and extensive but involve long journey times. Car hire is possible but less practical for very long distances.

Top 10 Places & Activities in Argentina

1. Buenos Aires: The vibrant capital. Explore diverse neighbourhoods: colourful La Boca, historic San Telmo (Sunday market, tango), chic Recoleta (Cemetery, Evita’s grave), trendy Palermo. Experience a tango show, enjoy world-class steak (parrilla) and wine.

   Best Hotels in Buenos Aires: Budget (Milhouse Hostel Hipo £15-£30/dorm), Mid-Range (Mine Hotel Boutique Palermo £100-£180), Luxury (Alvear Palace Hotel Recoleta £350+).

   Buenos Aires for Families, Solo Travellers & Wheelchair Users: Great for solos (cafes, culture). Families enjoy parks, markets. Accessibility is improving but variable; pavements can be uneven, older buildings/subte (metro) often lack lifts. Recoleta/Palermo generally easier than San Telmo/La Boca.

   Top things to do in Buenos Aires: Recoleta Cemetery, La Boca (Caminito), San Telmo market, watch Tango (show or street), Palermo parks & cafes, MALBA (Latin American Art Museum), Teatro Colón tour.

   Where to stay in Buenos Aires: Palermo (boutique hotels, nightlife, cafes), Recoleta (upscale, museums), San Telmo (historic, tango, hostels), Microcentro (central, business hotels).

2. Iguazu Falls: Witness the awe-inspiring power of these magnificent waterfalls on the border with Brazil. Explore the extensive network of walkways on the Argentinian side (lower and upper circuits, Devil’s Throat viewpoint). Consider a boat trip to the base of the falls.

   Best Hotels near Iguazu (Argentinian side): Budget (Hostel Bambu Puerto Iguazu £15-£25/dorm), Mid-Range (Mérit Iguazú Hotel £80-£140), Luxury (Gran Meliá Iguazú – *inside the park* £300+).

   Iguazu Falls for Families, Solo Travellers & Wheelchair Users: Amazing for all ages. Easy for solo travellers to join tours or explore independently. Main walkways within the park are generally well-maintained and accessible for wheelchairs, including access to Devil’s Throat viewpoint via train.

   Top things to do at Iguazu: Walk Upper & Lower Circuits, visit Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo), take Gran Aventura boat trip, explore surrounding rainforest.

   Where to stay near Iguazu: Puerto Iguazú town offers most options; Gran Meliá is the only hotel inside the national park boundaries.

3. Perito Moreno Glacier (Patagonia): Located near El Calafate in Los Glaciares National Park. Witness huge chunks of ice calving from this advancing glacier from viewing platforms. Options for boat trips near the glacier face or even ice trekking on the glacier itself.

   Best Hotels in El Calafate: Budget (America Del Sur Hostel Calafate £20-£40/dorm), Mid-Range (Hotel Kosten Aike £100-£180), Luxury (EOLO Patagonia’s Spirit – Relais & Châteaux *outside town* £700+).

   Perito Moreno for Families, Solo Travellers & Wheelchair Users: Impressive sight for all. Families enjoy the spectacle. Easy for solo travellers (many tours available from El Calafate). The main walkways/viewing platforms are designed to be accessible for wheelchairs.

   Top things to do Perito Moreno: View from walkways, take a boat trip (Safari Náutico), go ice trekking (Minitrekking or Big Ice – age/fitness limits apply).

   Where to stay for Perito Moreno: El Calafate is the main base town.

4. El Chaltén (Patagonia): Argentina’s hiking capital, also within Los Glaciares NP. Base for incredible day hikes to view Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre (weather permitting).

5. Mendoza: The heart of Argentina’s wine country, famous for Malbec. Tour vineyards (bodegas) by bike or car, enjoy wine tasting, and admire the Andes backdrop.

6. Ushuaia (Patagonia / Tierra del Fuego): The southernmost city in the world. Gateway to Tierra del Fuego National Park and Antarctic cruises. Take the ‘End of the World’ train, hike coastal trails, see penguin colonies (seasonal).

7. Bariloche (Lake District / Patagonia): Stunning scenery reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. Enjoy hiking, kayaking, scenic drives (Route of the Seven Lakes), and skiing in winter (Cerro Catedral).

8. Salta & Jujuy (Northwest): Explore dramatic desert landscapes, colourful mountains (like Hornocal, the ‘Hill of 14 Colors’), salt flats (Salinas Grandes), and traditional Andean culture.

9. Peninsula Valdes (Patagonia Coast): UNESCO site for wildlife viewing. See southern right whales (Jun-Dec), orcas, sea lions, elephant seals, and Magellanic penguins (Sep-Mar).

10. Experience Gaucho Culture: Visit an estancia (ranch) near Buenos Aires or elsewhere for horse riding, traditional barbecue (asado), and folk music/dance.

Accommodation in Argentina

A wide variety exists across the country:

• Budget: Hostels are common in tourist areas (£15-£30 dorm bed). Simple hotels (residenciales) or guesthouses (hospedajes) offer basic private rooms (£30-£60).
• Mid-Range: Comfortable 3-star and 4-star hotels, boutique hotels (especially in BA and Mendoza), cabins (cabañas) in Patagonia/Lake District, and well-located apartments (£70-£150).
• Luxury: High-end international and local hotels in major cities and tourist hubs, luxury wine lodges in Mendoza, exclusive Patagonian lodges, and historic estancias (£180 – £500+).

Why Book With Me?

Argentina’s scale, diverse regions, and unique economic factors make expert planning invaluable. Travelistry can create your ideal Argentinian journey.

• Personalised Service: Custom itineraries matching your interests – city life, nature, wildlife, wine, adventure, culture.
• Expert Knowledge: Navigating internal flights vs buses, understanding regional best times, estancia stays, Patagonia logistics, and guidance on current currency situation.
• Stress-Free Planning: We handle international and internal flights, accommodation (hotels, lodges, estancias), tours (glaciers, falls, cities, wine), transfers, and tango shows.
• Value for Money: Advising on budget strategies considering exchange rates and providing access to reliable local partners.
• Support: Assistance throughout your complex Argentinian adventure.

FAQ About Traveling to Argentina

• Do I need a visa to travel to Argentina from the UK? No, currently UK citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. A valid passport is required. Entry requirements can change, so always check official sources before travel.
• What is the currency? The official currency is the Argentine Peso (ARS). However, the economic situation is volatile. There is often a significant difference between the official exchange rate and an informal, parallel rate known as the ‘Blue Dollar’. Many travellers find bringing USD cash and exchanging it cautiously via reliable informal means (ask trusted locals/hotels for guidance, avoid street changers) offers much better value. Using credit cards or ATMs typically uses the official rate, making things more expensive. This situation changes rapidly – research extensively just before your trip.
• Is Argentina expensive? It depends heavily on the exchange rate you access. If using the Blue Dollar rate effectively, accommodation, food, and activities can be very affordable for foreign tourists. If relying solely on official rates/credit cards, it can feel expensive. Internal flights add to the cost.
• Is it safe? Tourist areas are generally safe during the day, but be highly vigilant about street crime, especially in Buenos Aires. Pickpocketing, distraction thefts (‘mustard scam’), and bag snatching are common. Use licensed radio taxis or ride-hailing apps; avoid hailing street cabs in BA. Check FCDO advice for specific regional warnings.
• What language is spoken? Spanish is the official language. Argentinian Spanish has its own distinct accent and vocabulary (e.g., ‘vos’ instead of ‘tú’). English is spoken in major tourist centres and hotels but is not widespread. Learning basic Spanish phrases is extremely useful.

Ready for an Argentinian Adventure?

From the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to the icy wilderness of Patagonia and the thundering Iguazu Falls, Argentina promises diverse and unforgettable experiences.

Contact Travelistry today to craft your personalised journey through Argentina!

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