Those on the lookout for hidden travel gems have likely seen a new destination in their searches lately: Argentina. After all, the country has a lot to offer.
Skiers and hikers love the arresting mountains. Beach bums love the chance to get someplace warm when US temperatures are cold. But, when you’re traveling abroad, you have to figure out if the costs are going to be doable.
The average cost of a trip to Argentina will depend on a lot of factors that include the exchange rate, the time of year, and what activities you enjoy. But don’t worry — we’ve done the hard work for you.
We’ll show you the factors that affect your trip, what the average prices of each piece of your trip cost, and more. Let us be your guide!
Average Trip to Argentina Cost in 2024
A week in Argentina costs around $2,500 for two people:
- Average Accommodation Cost: $90/night
- Average Flight Cost: $850 per person
- Food, Drink & Activities: $50 per person per day
- Transportation: $25/day
- Total Cost: $2,500
Costs are affected by many factors. These can include the time of year, the part of the country you visit, and even local issues like inflation.
We’ll break down those costs so you can get a better idea how much you’ll have to spend to enjoy a Southern hemisphere adventure.
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Pricing out a trip to Argentina can be tricky because of factors like inflation. Double check any numbers you see, even if they are only a few months old.
This way, you know you are working with the most recent data. We break the costs down by category so you have a better idea what to research when it’s time for you to plan your getaway.
Accommodation Costs
What kinds of accommodations are you into? Your answer will have a big effect on how much you’ll pay for hotels or B&Bs when you visit Argentina. On the posh side, there’s Hilton Buenos Aires, located inside a tower in the capital city.
A stay there will run you anywhere from $200 to $450 a night, depending on occupancy. Guests rave about the safe neighborhood with many restaurants within walking distance.
Too rich for your blood? Check out discount hotels like the nearby Hotel Solans Carlton. For around $100 per night, you’ll get a clean but basic room with breakfast included.
If you want to cut lodging prices to the lowest possible price point, consider one of the many hostels in Argentina. Most cost between $10 and $25 a night.
When looking at hostels, check the listings carefully to see what is included. While some will even offer basic private rooms, others house guests in dormitory-like settings.
Flight Cost
The cost of your flight will depend largely on where you land and what time of year you choose to visit. Argentina’s two largest airports are both located in the capital city, Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini Airport is used for international flights and Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery Airport for domestic flights and ones coming from Uruguay.
If you are flying from New York to Buenos Aires, expect to pay around $850 round trip for two people. If you are looking for arrivals in other parts of the country, though, it will greatly increase your expenses.
A flight to Viedma, for instance, will cost between $1,000 and $1,350 if booked during the same time period as the Buenos Aires flight above.
Food, Drink & Activity Costs
Food and drink are one of the areas where a savvy traveler can cut costs and still get an adventurous experience. Eat breakfast like a local by pairing café con leche with a medialuna pastry or two and you’ll probably spend less than $5 on your meal.
Empanadas are popular in Argentina and are typically filled with meat, vegetables, and cheese. They can often be purchased for the equivalent of a dollar a piece.
If you want to splurge on a meal, consider visiting an Argentinian steakhouse for Asado. Asado is Argentinian barbecue, which involves a seemingly endless parade of grilled meats.
At the highly rated Fogón Asado, you can expect to pay between $60 and $120 per person for their eight-course tasting menu. There are also many mid-range steakhouses that still offer great meat-centered meals at lower cost.
A lunch at a moderately priced steakhouse may run you $25 per person for your entree, a couple of sides, and a house wine.
Beer and wine can be purchased for around $1 per half-liter bottle of domestic or a little under $2 for a 12 ounce import. A midrange bottle of wine is priced around $3.
One of the things Argentina is famous for is gaucho or cowboy culture. You can get a taste of this at estancias or ranches located throughout the country. At an estancia, you’ll be treated to horseback rides, gaucho demonstrations, and traditional Argentinian food.
A stay at one will cost around $150 per night, all inclusive. Argentina is also famous for its many bookstores. Buenos Aires is said to have the highest number of bookstores per person in the world, with over 700 to choose from.
A visit to a famous one like El Anteneo Grand Splendid is free if you only browse. And, books make an affordable and enjoyable souvenir of your trip.
The best place to see some of Argentina’s natural scenery is in the national parks. Recent visitors report that a trip to Tierra Del Fuego costs around $20 per day. Skiing in Argentina is so popular that Olympic teams come to train here.
During the season, you can expect to pay around $60 to $90 for a daily lift ticket. If you are in Argentina in the summer months, a trip to the beach is in order. Beaches in the country are generally public and free to visit.
Transportation Costs
Buses are the most common form of public transportation in Argentina. Visitors report that they are clean, reliable, and cheap. Within the cities, expect to pay about 25 cents a ride.
If you are going outside the cities, fares will slowly increase, with most around 50 cents to a dollar. You can economize further by buying a month-long pass. Expect to pay between $15 and $20 for a pass good for a month of travel within Buenos Aires.
Taxis are also an option when visiting cities in Argentina. The rates run around $1 per mile according to Numbeo. Uber is also available in most Argentinian cities. The prices change frequently due to driver availability and other factors.
If you are planning to see multiple places in Argentina, you may wish to rent a car during your stay. Car rental prices can vary greatly depending on availability and time of year.
Look before you go, but expect prices anywhere from $25 to $75 per day.
Fuel prices can also vary widely. At the time of this writing, they’re just under 80 cents per liter, which translates to about $3.50 a gallon. However, history has seen them as low as $2.25 a gallon and as high as $6.
Things to Consider
Buenos Aires, Argentina – January 5, 2020: Crowds at the traditional San Telmo Market in Buenos Aires, Argentina/R.M. Nunes/Shutterstock
Here are some things to consider before going to Argentina:
- You can get a better exchange rate at kiosks in the shopping districts than you can at the bank. This rate is known as the “blue rate.” Look for barkers calling “Cambio, cambio!”
- If you want to use credit cards during your stay, rely on MasterCard and Visa. American Express is not accepted in most places.
- For online purchases like AirBnb rooms, switch your currency to Argentine pesos. You’ll get a better exchange rate.
- Banks sometimes run out of money. Redditors who visit the country suggest downloading the Western Union app to your phone. You’ll be able to get cash by making a transfer to yourself and picking it up in an Western Union office.
- Carry cash with you. Some stores and restaurants do not accept credit cards.
- You’ll need a Sube card to ride the bus. Recent visitors report that kiosks are often out of cards. However, loterías, the local lottery shops, typically have a good supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is Argentina expensive to visit?
Exchange rates between the Argentinian peso and the U.S. dollar are highly favorable. This makes Argentina an inexpensive option to visit.
How much USD should I bring to Argentina?
According to the writers at the Cheapest Destinations Blog, you should bring as much cash as you feel comfortable with. This is because you’ll get a better exchange rate at the exchange kiosks in the markets than you will at an ATM.
Many experts say around $1,500 cash will be more than enough for a week. Bring your money in recently minted $100s to get the best exchange rate.
What is the best month to fly to Argentina?
The best time to travel will depend on where you want to go and what you want to do. If you want summer beach escapes, go between December and February. If snow skiing is your thing, you’ll find the highest quality powder from July through September.
Savvy travelers can split the difference by going in spring or fall to catch mild weather, cheaper airfare, and smaller crowds.
What do US citizens need to travel to Argentina?
All you need is your passport and a return ticket. Tourists can stay in Argentina without a visa for up to 90 days. The CDC has a list of recommended vaccinations based on individual destinations and risks.
So, What Is the Average Trip Cost for Argentina?
| 🛎️ Average Accommodation Cost | $90 per night |
| ✈️ Average Flight Cost | $850 per person |
| 🍽️ Food, Drink & Activities | $50 per person per day |
| 🚕 Transportation | $25 per day |
| 💲 Total Cost | $2,130 |
While there are many factors that can change your costs, a weeklong trip to Argentina for two will cost around $2,500. Research your must-see attractions and what you would be comfortable economizing on or even giving a miss.
By putting your money into the areas that matter most to you, you can get the trip you want. So, with so much to see and do, what are you waiting for — book your trip to this gorgeous country today!