Argentina travel guide
Argentina stretches from subtropical waterfalls to the glaciers of the far south, and its scale rewards a well-planned trip. You can dance tango in Buenos Aires, taste Malbec beneath the Andes in Mendoza, stand before the Perito Moreno Glacier and watch the thunder of Iguazú Falls in a single journey. Buenos Aires is the natural start, with its European-style boulevards, cafes and steakhouses. From there, choose between wine country around Mendoza, the colourful canyons and colonial towns of Salta and Jujuy, the lakes of Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes, or Patagonia, where El Calafate, El Chaltén and Ushuaia lead to some of the most dramatic scenery in South America. Puerto Madryn adds whales and penguins on the Atlantic coast. The seasons run opposite to the northern hemisphere, so November to March suits Patagonia and the south, while autumn and spring are good for Buenos Aires and wine country. It suits food lovers, hikers and slow travellers alike. Plan your Argentina itinerary city by city with Zippy Trips.
Capital: Buenos Aires.
Before you go to Argentina
- Currency
- ARS $
- Emergency number
- 911 / 101
- Plug type
- Type C, I
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe
- Tipping
- Expected
- Bargaining
- Not expected
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa, Mastercard, Amex (limited)
- ATM fees
- High flat foreign-card fee with low per-transaction caps — ATMs are the expensive option here
Cities in Argentina
- Buenos Aires Argentina's vibrant capital blending European architecture with Latin passion — tango, world-class steak, Recoleta cemeteries, and…
- Puerto Iguazú Gateway to Iguazú Falls — one of the world's great natural wonders straddling Argentina and Brazil amid Atlantic rainforest.
- Mendoza Argentina's wine capital at the foot of the Andes — Malbec vineyards, olive groves, and a gateway to Aconcagua and ski resorts.
- Salta The "Fair City" — colonial churches, Andean festivals, llamas, the Cloud Train to the Puna, and a gateway to Jujuy's rainbow valleys.
- San Martín de los Andes Charming Andean village on Lago Lacar — Lanín Volcano, fly-fishing, Chapelco ski resort, and the scenic Seven Lakes Route.
- San Miguel de Tucumán Argentina's Declaration of Independence was signed here — a sugar-cane city with colonial heritage and gateway to cloud forests of Tafí del…
- San Carlos de Bariloche Switzerland of South America — chocolate shops, ski slopes on Cerro Catedral, turquoise Nahuel Huapi lake, and Patagonian lamb.
- Ushuaia The southernmost city on Earth — dramatic Beagle Channel fjords, penguin colonies, Tierra del Fuego National Park, and cruises to…
- El Calafate Gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and the thundering Perito Moreno Glacier — one of Patagonia's most iconic destinations.
- Córdoba Argentina's second city with a thriving university scene, colonial Jesuit heritage, and gateway to the Sierras Chicas hill country.
- El Chaltén Argentina's trekking capital at the base of Mount Fitz Roy — world-class hiking trails, epic granite spires, and authentic Patagonian…
- Mar del Plata Argentina's most popular beach resort — Atlantic beaches, fresh seafood, a bustling casino, and lively summer nightlife.
- Puerto Madryn Patagonia's whale-watching capital — southern right whales in Golfo Nuevo, Valdés Peninsula penguins, sea lions, and orcas.
- San Salvador de Jujuy Gateway to Argentina's Andean northwest — Quebrada de Humahuaca UNESCO site, colorful Purmamarca hill, and indigenous Andean culture.
- Rosario Birthplace of Che Guevara and Lionel Messi — a cosmopolitan riverside city with a vibrant art scene, murals, and excellent restaurants.
Frequently asked questions about Argentina
- What currency is used in Argentina?
- The currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso ($). ₹1 is about 16 $.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in Argentina?
- Accepted card networks: Visa, Mastercard, Amex (limited). Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in Argentina?
- Tipping in Argentina: expected. Typically about 10% in restaurants.
- Is tap water safe to drink in Argentina?
- Tap water is safe. Safe — tap water is drinkable throughout Argentina including all Patagonian towns.
- What plug type does Argentina use?
- Argentina uses Type C, I plugs.
- What is the emergency number in Argentina?
- Emergency: 911. Police: 101. Ambulance: 107. Tourist helpline: 0800-999-5065.
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in Argentina?
- SIM and eSIM available in Argentina.
- What is the capital of Argentina?
- The capital of Argentina is Buenos Aires. Time there: IST - 8 h 30 min.