Argentina is a country with diverse and breathtaking landscapes that are perfect for exploration. The best sceneries to explore in Argentina include the stunning glaciers of Patagonia, such as the Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National …
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Backpacking Argentina in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Argentina with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Argentina
Welcome to Argentina, where tango rhythms meet stunning landscapes, offering backpackers a diverse and dynamic adventure. Pros? Revel in the vibrant culture of Buenos Aires, trek the Andes, and enjoy affordable living costs. Argentina's extensive bus network makes it a budget-friendly destination. However, the country's vast size may require longer travel times. For backpackers seeking a blend of cultural richness and natural wonders, Argentina stands out, offering a unique South American experience where each region tells a different tale, making it an enticing and multifaceted destination for the adventurous traveler.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Argentina
Scenery
Mountains
The mountains in Argentina offer breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventures for explorers. One of the must-visit mountain ranges is the Andes, which stretches across the western border of the country. Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the …
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Wildlife
Argentina is great for seeing wildlife because of its diverse ecosystems and abundant natural habitats. From the vast wetlands of the Iberá Marshes to the rugged landscapes of Patagonia, Argentina offers a wide range of environments that support a …
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Backpackers
The backpacker scene in Argentina is vibrant and diverse, with a wide range of options for budget travelers. Hostels are plentiful in popular destinations such as Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Bariloche, offering affordable accommodation and a social …
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Cheap
The average cost for backpacking in Argentina can vary depending on the traveler’s preferences and travel style. On average, budget travelers can expect to spend around $30-50 per day, which includes accommodation in hostels or budget hotels, …
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Food
The food in Argentina is so good because of the country’s rich culinary traditions, diverse influences, and high-quality ingredients. Argentine cuisine is a blend of European, Indigenous, and African flavors, resulting in a unique and delicious …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Argentina
- Visit Buenos Aires: Explore the vibrant capital city known for its European charm, lively tango scene, and stunning architecture.
- Experience Iguazu Falls: Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of one of the world’s largest waterfalls, located on the border between Argentina and Brazil.
- Discover Patagonia: Explore the stunning landscapes of Patagonia, including the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier and the awe-inspiring Torres del Paine National Park.
- Explore the Wine Regions: Indulge in Argentina’s renowned wine culture by visiting the vineyards of Mendoza or Salta, and enjoy wine tastings surrounded by picturesque landscapes.
- Go Wildlife Spotting in Peninsula Valdes: Observe a diverse range of marine wildlife, including whales, penguins, sea lions, and elephant seals, in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
But Argentina offers more...
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Traveled route: Puerto Igúazú, Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn, Punta Delgada, San Carlos de Bariloche, Villa la Angostura, Paso Cardenal Antonio Samoré
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Argentina
The best time to visit Argentina for backpacking is during the spring and fall seasons, which are from September to November and March to May, respectively. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, with fewer crowds and lower prices compared to the peak summer season. This allows backpackers to explore popular destinations such as Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Mendoza, and the Iguazu Falls without the overwhelming tourist influx. Additionally, the shoulder seasons offer ideal conditions for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting.
Risk level: low (0%)Safety advice for Argentina
- Petty crime, including robbery and bag snatching is common. Take care on public transport and in tourist areas or crowded places. Thefts and robberies in Buenos Aires and other major cities are increasing. Popular tourist areas such as La Boca, San Telmo and Palermo are hotspots for robberies and theft. Always keep personal belongings, including mobile phones, close to you or out of sight. Don't leave wallets or mobile phones on tables in restaurants, especially if you're seated on sidewalks.
- Exercise a high degree of caution in the city of Rosario due to higher levels of crime and violence.
- Violent crimes occur in Buenos Aires, Rosario and Mendoza tourist areas. These may include armed robbery and express kidnapping. Only use ATMs in banks and shopping centres and try to avoid them after dark. If you're held up, don't resist.
- Thieves often target cars stopped at traffic lights. Crime also occurs in taxis. Keep doors and windows locked when driving.
- Protests, demonstrations and other disruptions such as strikes, may occur anytime. Peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Avoid large public gatherings.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
ArgentinaMy tips to get you on the way!Does Argentina sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Argentina. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Argentina may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Argentina. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Argentina may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Argentina, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Argentina, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 28 September 2024