Custom travel to Argentina

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.

Highlights

  • Buenos Aires: tango, milongas, San Telmo, Palermo
  • Perito Moreno Glacier: 30 km of moving ice (UNESCO)
  • El Chaltén: Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre trek
  • Ushuaia: world's southernmost city, Tierra del Fuego
  • Iguazú Falls: world's largest (UNESCO)
  • Mendoza and the Cordillera: Malbec and Aconcagua (6,962 m)

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for an Argentina trip?

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.

How long for an Argentina trip?

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.

What budget for an Argentina trip?

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.

Do I need a visa for Argentina?

No visa for French citizens for tourist stays under 90 days. Passport valid 6 months after return.

How to get around Argentina?

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).

Is the El Chaltén trek for everyone?

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.

Is Argentina safe?

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.

How to pay in Argentina (volatile peso)?

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.

Can I combine with other countries?

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).

Is Argentina suitable for a family trip?

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.