A Map Shop Travel Guide
ARGENTINA

Picking a travel destination is no easy task, particularly for families or travel partners with completely opposite priorities. Some might want to enjoy everything nature has to offer while others look forward to only the best shopping or are maybe hoping for a tour of all the important historical sites. Many countries aren’t up to the task, better for one of these than the others. 

Argentina is one of the exceptions, though. With outdoor adventures aplenty, awesome metropolitans to explore, Andrean culture to learn about, and all the food and wine you could want, there’s a little something here for everyone. However, a quick guide might come in handy before going all-in on this Latin American paradise, and we’ve got you covered.

The Best Time To Travel

Argentina is a beautiful country full of beautiful people, and any time you can spare to visit is certainly time well spent. That being said, this can make it difficult to nail down when and where is best to travel. For those who need a little guidance in this area, know that the answer will rely on two factors: what you’re hoping to do during your stay and how the country’s economy is doing. The latter is especially prevalent for anyone looking to experience Argentina on a budget since costs vary dramatically depending on whether it’s in an upswing or currently struggling.

If you’re having to closely watch your pocketbook, try to look at updated news pieces and financial articles before booking your trip, and jump on it when prices are seen to be low. Budget not a concern? Instead, tailor your trip timing to your interests. For those who really love Buenos Aires or other major cities and aren’t afraid to experience the regular rush, December to February is an ideal time to travel. Meanwhile, all lovers of the great outdoors (or simply those who hate crowds) are better off avoiding the heat of the summer. September and April will be best for you because of this thanks to its more mild weather and decreased popularity.

What to Expect

The Argentinian people go at their own pace. In some countries like the US, UK, and Canada, productivity is king. We’re expected to constantly be on the go and getting things done as quickly as humanly possible, often even if it comes at the expense of our happiness or health. Argentina is a world apart from this and functions on a very different clock. The country moves in a languid, relaxed manner across the board. 

This means service out may lag, lunches and dinners are long and leisurely, local events often start late, and you’ll find most people (business owners/workers included!) take a nice siesta in the afternoon. While that may be frustrating for newcomers to the country, try not to fight it. Use it as an opportunity to take it easy for once and learn the value of going at a more reasonable clip.

Expenses are bound to be confusing. Argentina may be a powerhouse in some respects, but its financial stability is – unfortunately – not one of them. The country has had a very long history of economic turmoil with the value of money and accessibility to good work on a constant up and down track. That translates to near-inevitable changes in prices for everything from milk to hotel rates. 

Your high school Spanish probably won’t be enough. Generally, many who visit any sort of Latin American country immediately assume that the Spanish they learned in high school or college will get them by. And in many cases, they’re not too far off base. With some English knowledge becoming increasingly common amongst the world’s populations, excellent Spanish is no longer the total necessity it once was. The basics are often enough to fill in any gaps. In Argentina, though? Not so much. 

Activities Not To Miss

You’ll need to carefully plan all travel within Argentina. Traveling anywhere, catching all the sights, and enjoying a ton of activities is something that never seems to get old for those of us who love exploring the world. But it’s also a lot to put on your plate. This is especially true when Argentina is your destination. 

Why? Because the country is far more massive than most people fully realize. It’s actually the eighth-largest country in the world, stretching over 1.07 million miles. That’s a lot of ground to cover if you want to pack the most into your trip that you possibly can. Be sure to carefully plan your travel to ensure you don’t miss some of the more memorable items on the itinerary – prioritizing will come in handy here!

  • Make time in your schedule to visit one of the world’s most famous ice chunks, the Perito Moreno Glacier.
  • Embrace Argentina’s love of dance by learning the Argentine tango in Buenos Aires.
  • Need a little excitement in your life? Take a speedboat to Iguazu Falls.
  • Travel to Puerto Pirámides between June and December to see some whales up close.
  • See one of the cutest things ever by visiting the penguins on Martillo Island.
  • Tap into old Argentine tradition by going horseback riding with the gauchos.
  • Hike the Patagonian Andes. It’ll no doubt be one of the best treks you’ll ever take, equal parts gorgeous and challenging.
  • Literally see the end of the world by traveling to Ushuaia.
  • Catch a train ride on the El Tren del Fin del Mundo.

×