🇦🇷 Argentina Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Argentina is a country of huge distances, strong traditions and a rhythm of life that can feel very different to Europe, Australia or North America. During my visit, I spent a short amount of time in Buenos Aires, with one night on the way south and one night plus a full day on the return, before and after flying to Ushuaia to join a HX Antarctica expedition cruise.
Even with limited time, I picked up some useful insights that are worth knowing if Argentina is on your itinerary. These tips are based on my firsthand experience, along with practical planning advice to help first-time visitors understand a little bit about how travel works here.
Argentina Travel Tips
Respect the Scale
Argentina’s size is hard to grasp until you experience it. Even travelling between just two points can involve long journeys.
Flying from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia takes about 3.5 hours. Overland travel would take a few days. This alone shows why internal flights are often essential and why trying to fit too much into one trip quickly becomes unrealistic.
Buenos Aires for a Very Short Stay
Buenos Aires works surprisingly well even with limited time. In my case, I had one night on the way to Ushuaia and one night plus a full day on the return.
If you only have a day, a guided day tour is a great way to get an overview of the city, its neighbourhoods and history without trying to piece everything together yourself. I found this especially helpful given how little time I had.
I booked this Buenos Aires private city tour with a local guide for myself and 2 others in my travel group and we found it an excellent introduction to the city.
As with any large city, basic awareness matters. Keep bags zipped, avoid flashing valuables and use ride-sharing apps or registered taxis at night.
Ushuaia as a Gateway
My time in Ushuaia was brief, limited to a few hours on arrival and departure, as I was using it primarily as a gateway to Antarctica.
Even in that short window, it was clear that Ushuaia operates very differently from Buenos Aires. Weather is a constant factor, wind is strong, and conditions can change quickly. Anyone spending longer here should plan with flexibility and pack for cold, wet and windy conditions, even in summer.
Ushuaia is well set up for expedition travel, but schedules can be affected by weather, so allow buffer time if connecting to flights or onward journeys.
Internal Flights Are Often Essential
Given the distances involved, flying is often the most practical way to get around Argentina. Many domestic routes connect through Buenos Aires, even when it feels indirect.
Build generous connection times into your plans and avoid tight schedules, especially if you are linking flights with tours or cruises.
Currency Can Be Confusing
Argentina’s currency situation changes frequently. What works best for travellers one year may not be the same the next.
Before travelling, check up-to-date advice on using cards versus cash and how to access money efficiently. Staying informed close to your travel dates makes a noticeable difference.
I used my phone to pay for every purchase – even for food in the market – the only time I needed cash was to tip our tour guides.
Dinner Runs Late
Argentina runs on a late schedule, particularly in Buenos Aires. Many restaurants do not open for dinner until 8:00 pm, and locals often eat at 10:00 pm or later.
If your body clock is still adjusting, look for cafés serving merienda in the late afternoon. This helps bridge the gap between lunch and late dinner.
Mate Is Part of Daily Life
You will see people carrying thermoses and small gourds everywhere. This is mate, a herbal drink that is deeply woven into social life.
If you are offered mate know that there are customs around how it is shared, but thankfully visitors are not expected to know all the rules!
Spanish Sounds Different Here
Argentine Spanish has a distinctive accent, particularly in Buenos Aires. Even travellers who speak Spanish may need time to adjust.
English is common in tourist-facing businesses, but basic Spanish is helpful and appreciated.
Food and Portions
Beef plays a central role in Argentine cuisine, and portions are generous. Very generous!
Buenos Aires also has a strong café and bakery culture and there were plenty of delicious snacks to be had on our tour which included a visit to San Telmo Market!
Tipping Expectations
In restaurants and cafés, tipping around 10% is standard and usually left in cash. Service is not always included in the bill.
Rounding up taxi fares is common, but tipping is not expected everywhere.
Pack for Contrast
Even on a short trip, the contrast between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia is noticeable. City sightseeing and cold southern weather can exist within the same itinerary.
Layered clothing is essential, especially if travelling south. Remember that seasons are reversed compared to Europe and North America.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it worth visiting Buenos Aires for just a day?
Yes. While it deserves longer, even a single full day gives you a good feel for the city, especially if you join a guided tour.
- Is Ushuaia only for Antarctica trips?
No, but it works extremely well as a gateway city. Many visitors also use it as a base for national parks and boat trips, which I plan to explore on a future visit.