Argentina is the world's 8th largest country and one of the most diverse — 4,000 km from the tropical north (Iguazú Falls, Misiones jungle) to the Antarctic south (Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego), between the Atlantic Ocean and the Andes. Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, nicknamed 'South America's Paris' with its Haussmannian architecture, literary cafes, and tango milongas. Patagonia, one of the planet's last great wildernesses: Perito Moreno glacier calving into Lake Argentino, vertiginous Fitz Roy peaks in El Chaltén, Cerro Torre glaciers, Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia 'the end of the world'. Mendoza, world Malbec capital at the foot of Aconcagua. The Andean northwest (Salta, Jujuy) and its multicolored villages. A cultural and geographical diversity that makes Argentina one of the world's most complete destinations.
Duration : 12 days
Route : Buenos Aires (3 nights) → flight El Calafate (2 nights, Perito Moreno) → flight-bus El Chaltén (3 nights, Fitz Roy treks) → flight Ushuaia (2 nights, Tierra del Fuego) → return flight Buenos Aires (1 night)
Duration : 18 days
Route : Buenos Aires (3 nights) → flight Iguazú (2 nights, falls) → flight Salta (2 nights) → Quebrada de Humahuaca / Purmamarca (2 nights, Cerro de los Siete Colores) → flight Mendoza (3 nights, wines) → flight El Calafate (2 nights) → El Chaltén (2 nights) → return Buenos Aires (2 nights)
Duration : 16 days
Route : Buenos Aires (2 nights, Alvear Palace) → flight El Calafate → EOLO Patagonia (4 nights, 5★ lodge between Calafate and glacier) → El Chaltén (2 nights, Aguas Arriba Lodge) → flight Ushuaia (1 night) → Antarctic cruise 5-7 days (Ponant or Hurtigruten) → return
Argentina, located in the southern hemisphere, offers seasons inverse to France. For Patagonia: October to March (austral summer, long days, positive but variable temperatures), ideal December-February. For Buenos Aires: September-November (austral spring) or March-May (autumn) — avoid December-February (stifling heat 35 °C+). For Mendoza: March-April (harvests), October-December. For northwest (Salta): April-October (dry season, clear skies). For Iguazú: April-June and September-November (mild climate), avoid July-August (very humid) and December-February (tropical heat). Avoid Patagonia in austral winter (June-August, closures, short days).
Argentina is generally safe for tourists. In Buenos Aires: vigilance in some neighborhoods (avoid La Boca evenings outside El Caminito, Once, Constitución). No flashy jewelry. No visa for French citizens (stay < 90 days). The Argentine peso is very volatile — prefer 'blue rate' via Western Union or informal changers (50-70% more advantageous than official). Cards accepted (Visa, Mastercard) but with 'MEP' in official peso; some hotels accept USD. Tap water drinkable in Buenos Aires and Mendoza, avoid in remote Patagonia and northwest. Tipping 10% in restaurants. Recommended vaccines: DTP, hepatitis A.
October to March (austral summer) for Patagonia. Buenos Aires: September-November or March-May. Mendoza: March-April (harvests). Salta: April-October. Iguazú: April-June and September-November.
Minimum 12 days for Buenos Aires + Patagonia (Calafate, Chaltén, Ushuaia). 16-18 days to add Mendoza or Iguazú. 21 days for the grand tour with Salta + Iguazú.
As a guideline, €3,200-€4,500 per person for 12-14 days in comfort, excluding flights. For an upscale trip with EOLO/Awasi: €7,000-€16,000. Paris-Buenos Aires flights: €1,000-€1,600.
No visa for French citizens for tourist stays under 90 days. Passport valid 6 months after return.
Domestic flights essential (Aerolíneas Argentinas, Flybondi, JetSmart) — Buenos Aires-Calafate 3 h, Buenos Aires-Iguazú 1 h 45. Private car in Buenos Aires and Mendoza. Efficient public bus in Patagonia (El Calafate-El Chaltén = 3 h).
Several levels: Mirador Fitz Roy 1 h round trip (all), Laguna Capri 4 h (moderate), Laguna de los Tres 8-10 h, 22 km, 800 m elevation (sporty, last km steep). No technical difficulty but good fitness required.
Generally safe for tourists. Vigilance in Buenos Aires (avoid La Boca evenings outside El Caminito, Once, Constitución). No flashy jewelry. Patagonia and Mendoza are very safe.
The peso is very volatile — official and 'blue' rates differ by 50-70%. Prefer 'blue rate' via Western Union or informal changers (cuevas) — legal and much more advantageous. Cards accepted with 'MEP' in official peso. Some hotels accept USD or EUR.
Yes, classic: Argentina + Chile (Atacama, Torres del Paine, 5 h by bus from Calafate), Argentina + Brazil (Rio + Iguaçu Brazilian side), Argentina + Uruguay (Punta del Este). Antarctic cruise from Ushuaia (5-10 days).
From age 10 for Patagonia (treks and conditions). For Buenos Aires + Iguazú + estancia: from age 6, accessible. Safe country, warm welcome for children, comfortable family hotels.