How to Plan a Trip to Argentina: Frequently Asked Questions

Reviewed: September 15, 2021

Argentina has not yet announced its re-opening to American travelers, however our travel specialists anticipate opening around October 1, 2021.

While we await opportunities for international travelers, our travel specialists advise putting plans in motion for late 2021 and early 2022 as pent-up demand will be significant. If you are interested in traveling to Argentina, working with a travel specialist now will put you in an excellent position to book when the time is right.

Related: Countries Open to American Travelers

Buenos Aires defines the glamour of Argentina with a sense of European grandeur and South American spirit. The city’s streets pulse with a seductive rhythm that originates from art, music, architecture, lively cafes and charming neighborhoods. You can enjoy the following essential experiences in Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires | Salta | Bariloche | Iguazu Falls

• Experience the history and heritage of Argentina with a private tour of Recoleta Cemetery, the resting place of the rich, famous and influential, including Eva Peron
• Embrace the passionate rhythm and beauty of the tango at a milonga, a tango show, to experience an authentic part of Argentina’s national heritage
• Delight in the savory flavors of a traditional parilla and the rustic tastes of an asado, the celebrated steakhouse and steak for which Argentina is known
• Enjoy the diverse cuisine of Buenos Aires with a cooking class that uncovers the secrets of comforting delicacies, such as savory empanadas and sweet alfajores.
• Discover the cafe culture of the city which brings European ambiance to each neighborhood
• Witness the fascinating shopping culture in the most fashionable city in South America, where leather, jewelry, and handmade goods fill elegant boutiques
• Step into the natural beauty of Nahuel Huapi National Park with a kayaking excursion on the glassy water of the eponymous lake
• Enjoy the fresh air with views of surrounding forests and snow-capped mountains when hitting one of the many hiking routes
• Indulge in the rich culture of the Argentine alps by sampling the delicious chocolates that can be found in the Centro Civico
• Explore the fascinating blend of Argentine and European alpine culture, which can be seen in the architecture and customs of the city that resembles a Swiss village
• Learn about the natural history of Patagonia and the development of Bariloche at the Museo de la Patagonia, which displays natural and indigenous artifacts
• Revel in a fascinating ascent into the clouds on the scenic Tren a las Nubes, which travels to the top of Quebrada del Toro at over 13,845 feet above sea level
• Venture to the countryside in Cafayate for a spectacular wine-tasting excursion and visit to vineyards
• View the unique salt sea of the Salinas Grandes Salt Flats, a former high-altitude lake that now features blinding white plains
• Find the most extensive collection of public art in the galleries of Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, where European and Argentine masters are displayed
• Discover the contemporary art scene that has the world talking by visiting a network of galleries and street art that decorate Mar del Plata
• Experience dancing as an artform when you move to the rhythms of tango, registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 2009
• Mendoza highlights how Argentina has become an internationally-renowned winegrowing region, while also contributing to the rise of the nation’s vineyards
• The wilds of Argentina’s northwest provide winegrowers outside Salta with contrasting microclimates for a unique blend of grapes that shape high-quality wines
• El Chalten, the small town near the foothills of Mt. Fitz Roy, offers a stunning array of hiking trails that lead through Los Glaciares National Park and up to Laguna Torre
• Take a thrilling trek over the undulating surface of Perito Moreno Glacier
• Embrace vistas that sweep across the snowy peaks and patchy grasses of the Andean foothills when horseback riding through grand terrain
• Enjoy a private tango class in the home of a history-of-tango instructor. This includes a delicious meal, before dancing in an authentic milonga
• Witness the remarkable sight of whales as they pass through the Valdes Peninsula during a whale-watching excursion on a private boat
• Venture into the rainforest of Puerto Iguazu with a naturalist guide to discover the sensational diversity of colorful bird species

Seven to ten days is a great start for visiting Argentina, with a good amount of time to explore, discover and experience the highlights of the country. Your travel specialist can also find the perfect balance between the north and south for a more comprehensive trip that will take you from Puerto Iguazu to Buenos Aires and down to Bariloche and Ushuaia.

The best time to visit Argentina is in March or November. These months lie in the shoulder season and offer the best weather to experience the country’s highlights.

The months from March to November bring summer and the edges of spring and fall. These months are great for visiting destinations in the central or northern regions of Argentina, such as Puerto Iguazu or Mendoza. The cooler weather makes the climate more pleasant and there is less rain, especially in the tropical climate of Puerto Iguazu.

The summer months of December, January and February are also great for visiting destinations in Patagonia, such as Bariloche, El Calafate and Ushuaia. The weather is fantastic and offers great summer activities, such as hiking, cycling and kayaking. In July, Bariloche becomes a winter wonderland that is great for skiing or snowboarding.

Your Zicasso travel specialist can ensure you schedule your itinerary wisely.

When planning your Argentina trip you should book your tour up to 12 months in advance if you are considering popular destinations such as El Calafate, El Chalten, Bariloche, and Ushuaia. Booking and traveling around Argentina tend to be flexible, but to ensure you have your choice of accommodations in destinations with limited options, especially those such as Patagonia, you should book at least three to six months in advance.

Argentina is very safe for tourists. Smaller cities on the Pampas, in Patagonia, and along the foothills of the Andes are welcoming and offer visitors unique perspectives on the culture, history and heritage of the nation. Buenos Aires acts as a microcosm of the country and offers a safe and vibrant ambiance for locals and visitors. As in any capital city, there are neighborhoods in Buenos Aires that can seem uncertain. On a trip with Zicasso, a traveler will never visit districts where incidents have occurred. As with many large cities, petty theft or questionable cab drivers can be an issue. By keeping your possessions close and making sure you use government taxis or booked car services your safety is in hand.

The best airport to fly in and out of when visiting Argentina is Buenos Aires’s Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE). The majority of flights from North America will stop in Buenos Aires, but a growing number of flights from South America fly directly to Cordoba’s Ingeniero Aeronáutico Ambrosio L.V. Taravella International Airport (COR).

For most travelers, the most convenient airport is Ministro Pistarini International Airport Buenos Aires (EZE). The second-most convenient airport is Jorge Newbery Buenos Aires (AEP). The busiest airports in Argentina are:

• Buenos Aires (EZE)
• Cordoba (COR)
• Bariloche (BRC)

Zicasso Flights is an international air ticketing service that eliminates the stress of finding and booking the right flights for your upcoming vacation. By employing the same personalized service you can expect from planning a trip with Zicasso, our competitive flight pricing, 24x7 service and support, and complimentary consultation of routing versus pricing with an expert flight specialist make finding the perfect flight for your trip effortless.

You’ve booked your dream vacation, now protect it with travel insurance. A wide range of factors can leave your vacation in limbo. Medical emergencies, inclement weather and unexpected cancellations can cause turmoil for your trip, so in the unlikely event of a disaster, get the travel insurance coverage that provides peace of mind. To get a quote, visit our travel insurance page.

Intense, enchanting and secluded capture Argentina’s diverse topography and distinctive cultures, from Iguazu to Mendoza, Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. Whether eager to trek across a glacier or sip wine overlooking arid foothills, tango until daybreak or visit the southern edge of the American continent, you can find inspiration for your trip with Argentina Tours & Vacation sample itineraries. Zicasso’s Argentina Travel Guide can also give you helpful information and tips for your next trip. You can speak to an Argentina travel expert by filling out a Trip Request or by calling our team at 1-888-265-9707.