- Patagonia is best from October to April; much of it shuts down in the southern winter
- Fly between regions, as Buenos Aires to El Calafate alone is over 2,000km
- Prices have risen sharply in recent years, so do not assume Argentina is a bargain
- Ushuaia is the main departure port for Antarctic expedition cruises
- Airports
- Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE), Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP), El Calafate (FTE), Puerto Iguazú (IGR), Ushuaia (USH)
- Flight time
- about 16-18h with one stop from London to Buenos Aires
- Best time to go
- October-April for Patagonia; March-May and September-November for Buenos Aires and the north
- Currency
- Argentine peso (ARS)
Argentina stretches from subtropical rainforest on the Brazilian border to the end of the Andes at Tierra del Fuego. In between you will find Buenos Aires, one of the most enjoyable cities in the Americas, the vineyards of Mendoza, red-rock canyons in the north-west and the glaciers and granite spires of Patagonia. It is one of our South America guides and pairs naturally with Chile, Brazil or an expedition to Antarctica.
It is a long way from the UK and a big country, so most trips are built around two or three regions joined by domestic flights. This guide covers where to go, when, how to get there and what Argentina costs in 2026, when the economy and prices are still changing fast.
Where to go in Argentina
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is grand, leafy and lively late into the night. Spend a few days walking its neighbourhoods, from colourful La Boca and the antiques market in San Telmo to the cafés and parks of Palermo, and eating steak at a traditional parrilla. Dinner rarely starts before 9pm.
Patagonia
Argentine Patagonia is the reason many people make the trip. From El Calafate you can walk the boardwalks in front of the Perito Moreno Glacier; a few hours north, El Chaltén is the trekking capital, with trails to the foot of Monte Fitz Roy. Many visitors also cross into Chile for Torres del Paine.
Iguazú Falls
On the border with Brazil, the Iguazu Falls are among the most impressive waterfalls on earth. The Argentine side, reached from Puerto Iguazú, has most of the walkways and the dramatic Devil's Throat viewing platform. Allow at least a full day.
Mendoza and the north-west
Mendoza, in the shadow of Aconcagua, is Argentina's wine capital and the home of Malbec; cycle or drive between bodegas in the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo. In the north-west, Salta is the base for the multicoloured hills of the Quebrada de Humahuaca and the high-altitude vineyards of Cafayate.
Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego
Ushuaia calls itself the southernmost city in the world. It has hiking and boat trips on the Beagle Channel, and between roughly November and March it is the departure port for most expedition cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Best time to visit Argentina
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (September-November) | Pleasant in Buenos Aires and Mendoza; Patagonia opens up from October, still windy |
| Summer (December-February) | Peak season in Patagonia with long days; Buenos Aires hot and humid |
| Autumn (March-May) | Grape harvest in Mendoza, golden colours in Patagonia, quieter trails |
| Winter (June-August) | Cool in Buenos Aires; skiing in Bariloche; many Patagonian services closed |
For a combined trip, October-November or March-April balances good weather in the south with comfortable temperatures in the city and fewer crowds than midsummer.
Getting to Argentina from the UK
There are currently no direct scheduled flights from the UK to Argentina. Popular one-stop routes are Iberia via Madrid, Air Europa via Madrid, Air France via Paris, KLM via Amsterdam, LATAM via São Paulo and US carriers via Miami or Dallas. Allow about 16 to 18 hours door to door to Buenos Aires Ezeiza. Domestic flights to El Calafate, Iguazú and Ushuaia mostly leave from Aeroparque, the city airport, so leave time to transfer across town.
Entry requirements
British passport holders do not currently need a visa to visit Argentina as tourists and can usually stay up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for the whole stay. Rules can change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Argentina before you book and again before you travel.
Getting around
Fly between regions: Aerolíneas Argentinas has the widest domestic network, with Flybondi and JetSMART offering cheaper fares on main routes. Long-distance buses are comfortable, with reclining cama seats on overnight routes, but distances are huge. Hire a car for Mendoza wine country or the north-west. In Buenos Aires, the Subte metro and buses use a rechargeable SUBE card.
Money and costs
The currency is the Argentine peso. Inflation and exchange rate policy have changed dramatically in recent years, and Argentina is no longer the bargain it once was for UK visitors; prices in Patagonia in particular can feel close to UK levels. Allow roughly £60-100 per person per day for mid-range travel excluding flights and excursions. Cards are widely accepted and foreign cards now usually get a fair rate, but carry some pesos for small shops and taxis. Tipping around 10 per cent in restaurants is customary.
Top attractions in Argentina
NatureIguazú Falls
Hundreds of waterfalls thundering through subtropical rainforest on the Argentina-Brazil border.
NaturePerito Moreno Glacier
A wall of ice up to 70 metres high, close enough to hear it crack and crash into Lago Argentino.
Argentina on the map
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Argentina?
Two weeks is a good minimum for Buenos Aires, Iguazú and one area of Patagonia. Three weeks lets you add Mendoza or Ushuaia, or cross into Chile.
When is the best time to visit Patagonia?
From November to March for the longest days and most reliable services, with December to February the busiest. October and April are quieter and cheaper but colder, and wind is a feature at any time.
Is Argentina expensive?
More than it used to be. Buenos Aires is moderately priced by UK standards, but domestic flights, Patagonian hotels and excursions add up. Check current prices rather than relying on older guidebooks.
Can I go to Antarctica from Argentina?
Yes. Most Antarctic expedition cruises leave from Ushuaia between November and March, usually crossing the Drake Passage in about two days. Some trips fly over the Drake from Punta Arenas in Chile instead.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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