This travel story is an insider’s perspective on exploring Argentina, with expert tips on must-see attractions, culinary delights, and essential travel advice. It’s a perfect itinerary for anyone looking to experience Argentina like a local.

Argentina is my home, and I come back every year to visit friends and family, so I know the ins and outs of this amazing country. Whether you want to dive into the culture of Buenos Aires or explore the natural wonders of Patagonia, this Argentina travel itinerary will help you experience Argentina like a local.

Best Time to Visit Argentina and Where to Stay

I have traveled to Argentina every season, but if you want the perfect weather, I highly recommend visiting in spring. The temperatures are just right, not too hot and not too cold, so you can enjoy everything the country has to offer.

If you want to experience Argentina like a local I recommend staying in an Airbnb. There are options for all budgets and staying in a neighborhood will give you a more local feel of the city. Of course, hotels are an option, but I find Airbnbs offer a more personal experience.

Argentinian Culinary Delights and Dining Tips

Argentinian food is heavily influenced by European food due to the large number of European immigrants that arrived in the late 1800s and after World War II. About 80% of our food has roots in Spain, Italy and France.

One of my favorite dishes is Fugazzotto, an Argentinian version of pizza that is unlike anything else. It’s a thin crust pizza with a super thick layer of cheese, topped with oregano, onions and black olives. You must try it when you’re here. And don’t miss our ice cream, I think it’s even better than Italian gelato. It’s so part of our culture that you’ll find ice cream shops everywhere, as common as coffee shops in other countries.

Dining in Argentina can be a unique experience, especially if you're aiming for high-end restaurants. With the rise of gourmet dining, reservations are often required months in advance, particularly for those on the prestigious Top 50 list in Latin America.

If you're spontaneous and don't mind a wait, you can try walking into some of the fancier spots late at night, though be prepared to wait for a couple of hours. Most restaurants here are all about the food, so bars within the establishments are rare, though some modern places are starting to include them.

Must Do’s in Your Argentina Travel Itinerary

Bar Hop in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires never sleeps, and the nightlife is a must-experience. After dinner, I recommend bar hopping… but make sure to check which bars are hot at the time of your visit. There’s enough to do in this city to keep you busy for a whole week. Don’t miss out on visiting historic sites like Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, the Obelisco, and Cementerio de la Recoleta. These places to travel in Argentina’s capital not only give you a glimpse of our history but are also beautiful to look at.

Enjoy the Nature in Patagonia

If you’re a nature lover, your Argentina travel itinerary would be incomplete without a visit to the breathtaking Patagonia. Whether you like skiing or just want to see one of the world’s biggest glaciers, this region has it all. I personally like to visit in the spring or summer when the weather is milder, and the landscape looks like the Swiss Alps. It’s beautiful, and you won’t regret it.

Get A Taste of Mendoza in Wine Country

For wine lovers, Mendoza in the northwest is heaven. The climate is like Arizona, so a unique wine-growing environment. Thousands of wineries to choose from, so you’ll be spoiled for choice. Just remember the terrain is hot, so plan accordingly.

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls is Argentina’s number one tourist attraction, and for good reason. This amazing series of waterfalls on the border of Brazil and Argentina is a must-see. Tickets are around $40, and I would highly recommend going in summer or spring when the weather is nice. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this natural wonder.

Countryside and Ranch

Argentina’s countryside is full of ranches where you can have a true farm-to-table experience. If you love steak, this is where you’ll find the best cuts of meat prepared with the freshest ingredients. It’s a great way to see the rural side of Argentina and eat some of the best food in the country.

Travel Tips For Argentina

Buenos Aires is a big city, and the traffic can be crazy. I recommend using the metro, especially when visiting historic sites near downtown. If you prefer taxis, I suggest using Cabify or BA Taxi; they are safer and have nicer cars than other services, including Uber.

If you don’t speak Spanish, it’s best to have a local company help with your transportation and bookings so you get the best service and experience. Knowing the language is also important for safety, so you can navigate the city better.

Argentina’s healthcare is great, even if you don’t have the money to pay for private care. The government has free healthcare, although the facilities may not be the best. But it’s open to travelers, and while non-locals may pay a bit more, it’s super cheap.

One of Argentina’s quirks is the Rio de la Plata, the widest river in the world. It looks like an ocean because of its size and the brownish color of sand and clay. This is where most of the country’s fresh seafood comes from, although Argentina is more famous for its beef than its seafood.

How to Best Embrace the Argentine Experience

Argentina is a country of many faces, from the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the peaceful landscapes of Patagonia. Whether you’re here for the food, the wine, or the natural wonders, there’s something for everyone. As someone who knows this country inside out, I hope you explore Argentina like a local and get lost in it all. ¡Buen viaje!