Amazing  Argentinaholidays & tours

The climate varies across the country but spring (September to November) and autumn (March to June) are the best months to visit Argentina, with fewer crowds and milder weather than peak summer. These months also see some of the loveliest scenery and best hiking weather in Patagonia. Summer (December to February) can be hot and humid and winter (July/August) can be cold outside the cities. The Iguazu Falls are fullest in the summer months but temperatures can be very high. Autumn is a great time to appreciate the cascades, although these are spectacular year-round.

Buenos Aires is one of the biggest draws for tourists, with the city often forming the start or end point to Argentina tours. But it’s the natural attractions which top the list of top tourist destinations in Argentina, including the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls in the north and Patagonia in the south, with its mountains, glaciers and Lake District. Further afield, Cerro Aconcagua is one of the world’s highest mountains, not far from the rich Mendoza vineyards, while in the north-west, Salta’s salt flats, Seven Coloured Mountain and Inca heritage provide more reasons to explore the country.

UK citizens do not currently need a visa for trips to Argentina of 90 days or less. Requirements can change, though – for the most up-to-date information on visas, please use the quick-check tool on our visa requirements page.

Spring and autumn are the best time to visit Argentina – bear in mind that the seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere, so it’s best to plan your Argentina holidays for September to November or March to June to enjoy the best weather. Buenos Aires loses some of its usual buzz in mid-summer as its residents escape the humidity, while high temperatures at the Iguazu Falls can be punishing in summer. Spring sees beautiful wildflowers in Patagonia as well as jacaranda season in Buenos Aires in November, while autumn’s grape harvest runs from around February to April.

The official currency in Argentina is the peso, which replaced the Austral in 1992. It is technically divided into 100 centavos, but while various small value coins were minted these are rarely accepted today. The most common notes used are 1,000, 2,000 and 10,000 pesos, and high inflation means that denominations of 500 pesos or less are rarely circulated. Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas although not everywhere and you may get better rates for cash. US dollars are also often accepted in tourist areas though they are not legal tender.

As a general rule, you can expect to tip around 10% of the bill. If you get very good service, say thank you with a tip of around 15-20%.

Argentina is best-known for its steak, and while there’s plenty more to tempt foodie travellers, asado (or grilled meats) is a classic, using various meats topped with tangy chimichurri. Matambre arrollado is traditionally the first one to cook (the name means ‘rolled up hunger killer’), a thin cut of beef stuffed with hard-boiled eggs, olives, vegetables and herbs. 

Vegetarians should look out for grilled provoleta cheese, while empanadas can be stuffed with meat, vegetables or sweet fillings. Finish with dulce de leche, the thick caramel made from condensed milk found in desserts, biscuits and drizzled over ice cream. 

Spanish is spoken as a first or second language by nearly everyone in Argentina. English is very widely spoken as well, especially in tourist areas and by the younger generations. Argentina’s melting pot of cultures means other European languages including Italian and German are spoken in some areas, while Guarani and Quechua are both important languages, although spoken by more limited numbers.

There are no specific vaccination requirements to enter Argentina, including no need for a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Travellers are recommended to have the usual course of vaccinations for life in their home country, including boosters for diphtheria and tetanus. Those who may be at higher risk should also consider Hepatitis A vaccinations. 

Malaria is not normally present in Argentina but other mosquito-borne diseases are found, including dengue fever and Zika, which is most harmful for pregnant women and their unborn children, so it is important to take insect repellent.