How many regions to visit: Two to three regions is the right number for most trips of two to four weeks. Each additional region adds 12 to 24 hours of transit, roughly one lost day on each side, and that time yields nothing except a bus window. A backpacker with three weeks gets far more from three well-chosen areas than from five rushed ones. With under ten days, pick one region plus Buenos Aires and stop there. Trying to add a fourth is the least worthwhile decision you can make in this country.
Choosing between kinds of regions: Argentina’s regions fall into a few types: mountain and glacier country, high desert and canyon villages, wine country, wetlands and waterfalls, and the capital with its surrounding plains. Hikers and photographers get the most from the mountain south, but it costs …
read more 👉 How many regions to visit: Two to three regions is the right number for most trips of two to four weeks. Each additional region adds 12 to 24 hours of transit, roughly one lost day on each side, and that time yields nothing except a bus window. A backpacker with three weeks gets far more from three well-chosen areas than from five rushed ones. With under ten days, pick one region plus Buenos Aires and stop there. Trying to add a fourth is the least worthwhile decision you can make in this country.
Choosing between kinds of regions: Argentina’s regions fall into a few types: mountain and glacier country, high desert and canyon villages, wine country, wetlands and waterfalls, and the capital with its surrounding plains. Hikers and photographers get the most from the mountain south, but it costs the most in money and weather risk. Travelers on a tight budget get the best value in the northwest, where daily costs run lower and the landscapes are just as dramatic. Wine country suits those who want comfort and easy days, and it is the best place to cycle between tastings. The northeast waterfalls are worth a short, focused stop but not a long stay, as there is little to do beyond the park once you have seen it. The capital is worth three or four days for food, football and nightlife, and not much beyond that unless you enjoy cities.
What it costs: Budget varies sharply by region and by season. A frugal backpacker can manage on US$35 to 55 a day in the northwest and Cuyo, using dorm beds at US$10 to 18, cooking some meals and taking buses. In Buenos Aires, plan US$40 to 65. In the far south, expect US$60 to 100 a day in peak months, since dorms often run US$25 to 40 and food and park fees climb. These figures swing with the exchange rate, so check what dollars buy on arrival.
Per visit costs add up. National park entry in the south can reach about US$20 to 45 for foreigners at the major parks, and the glacier and waterfall parks sit at the upper end. Guided day trips such as glacier treks run roughly US$100 to 250, and a wine tour with tastings sits around US$40 to 120. Long buses cost about US$30 to 90 per leg depending on distance and class, and cama (fully reclining) seats are worth the extra US$10 to 20 on any journey over 10 hours. Flights can cost US$60 to 200 on shorter hops and more at peak times. Over 12 to 20 hours, the flight often gives the most for the money if it saves a night of lodging, but only when booked well ahead. Otherwise, a cama bus gives a backpacker the most value, since it combines transport and a bed.
Do not pay for guides where trails are well marked and permits are not required. Pay for them on glacier ice, in high-altitude terrain where rescue is far away, and for wildlife areas where access is restricted.
Safety and cultural considerations: Argentina is generally safe for travelers, and most regions feel relaxed. Petty theft is the main risk, concentrated in the capital and busy bus terminals, so keep phones out of sight on the street and bags between your feet. Hikers face real hazards instead: wind, fast weather changes, and cold water, so carry layers and check forecasts. At altitude in the northwest, ascend gradually and drink coca tea or water, since sleeping above 3,500 m too quickly brings headaches and nausea.
The cultural calendar affects practical decisions. Dinner starts late, often after 9 pm, and many shops close for a midday break in provincial areas. Sunday is quiet. Greeting people with a single cheek kiss is normal, and sharing mate is a gesture of welcome, so accept the first round and pass it back when you are done without saying thanks, as thanks signals you want no more. Tipping around 10 percent in restaurants is standard.
Money habits matter. Carry some cash in small notes, because smaller towns and hostels in remote regions may not take cards, and ATMs often limit withdrawals and charge high fees. Keep a reserve of a few days’ cash in more than one place.
One last practical point from experience: book the long southern buses and park campsites early in peak months, because walking up rarely works there.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.