Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition

Though Argentina is not among the cheapest countries to visit, if you’re bringing in a higher-value currency, it will not seem very expensive. If budget is a constraint, it is possible to squeeze in a trip for as little as USD 40 a day (we’re talking hostel accommodation, public transport, etc). But for a more comfortable trip, be prepared to shell out upwards of USD 100. Typically, coastal towns like Del Plata and popular tourist destinations like Patagonia are more expensive. Pro tip: think US dollars and not Argentine pesos because the value of the local currency may not be what you’ve researched online.

Argentina is the world’s eighth-largest country, with a wide variety of landscapes. So, depending on the kind of trip you have in mind, you can visit the country throughout the year. Overall, the best time to visit Argentina is between December and February—the beaches are warm and welcoming. If you want to explore the spectacular wilderness of Patagonia, the ideal time is between December and March, though it can get crowded. March to May is perfect to cover Buenos Aires and the Lake District. Mid-June through to October in Argentina is great for winter-sports enthusiasts. The best ski conditions are from mid-July till early September. However, do note that July is the winter vacation month and sees local crowds in many ski resorts. More information here.

English is not spoken widely in Argentina. You might meet younger people in big cities who speak English, and it is generally understood in the tourist industry, but beyond that don’t expect to find too many English speakers. Argentina’s official language is Spanish and most of the country’s 45 million people speak it. Anyone visiting from Spain or other Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico will not find it too hard to navigate the language barrier, though dialects and pronunciations are different. Italian comes second, with around 1.5 million speakers. Other languages with a significant number of speakers include Arabic, German and Yiddish. 

Though Argentina is not among the cheapest countries to visit, if you’re bringing in a higher-value currency, it will not seem very expensive. If budget is a constraint, it is possible to squeeze in a trip for as little as USD 40 a day (we’re talking hostel accommodation, public transport, etc). But for a more comfortable trip, be prepared to shell out upwards of USD 100. Typically, coastal towns like Del Plata and popular tourist destinations like Patagonia are more expensive. Pro tip: think US dollars and not Argentine pesos because the value of the local currency may not be what you’ve researched online.

Political protests and anti-government rallies are not uncommon in Argentina, especially in capital Buenos Aires. Like elsewhere in the world, these can turn violent at times, so avoid being around such demonstrations. While daytime is fun to explore cities, avoid walking on the streets at night. If you’re stuck somewhere, it’s best to wait for a taxi. Pickpocketing and mugging are among the more common crimes in Argentina. Make sure your valuables are hidden and not easily visible in open pocket areas. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying fancy accessories and electronic gadgets—this marks you out for petty thieves.