Cost To Visit Argentina: Complete 2026 Budget Guide

Is Argentina Expensive to Visit?

Not anymore. Thanks to a favorable exchange rate for foreigners and a turbulent local economy, Argentina has become one of the most affordable countries to visit in South America. Compared to U.S. travel costs, Argentina offers excellent value, especially for dining, lodging, and transportation.

Regionally, it’s cheaper than Chile and Brazil, and on par with places like Colombia or Peru, depending on the location. You can travel comfortably on a budget or splurge on wine-country luxury for less than you'd expect.

This guide will help you break down:

• The cheapest and most expensive seasons
• What it costs to eat, sleep, and explore
• Where to stay (budget vs. luxury areas)
• Full daily and weekly budget breakdowns

Seasonal Cost

Argentina’s size means seasonal prices vary by region, but here's a general overview.

Peak Season (December – February)

• Summer in the Southern Hemisphere
• Most expensive in Patagonia, Buenos Aires, and Bariloche
• Ideal for glaciers, hiking, and beach escapes

Shoulder Season (March – May & September – November)

• Pleasant weather in most areas
• Great for visiting Mendoza, Salta, and Buenos Aires
• Fewer crowds and better prices on lodging and tours

Off-Season (June – August)

• Winter in Argentina
• Cheapest time for most regions except ski towns, where prices spike
• Great for exploring cities or enjoying winter sports

Most Expensive Times To Visit Argentina

• Christmas and New Year (late December–early January)
• Summer holidays (January–February) – peak domestic travel
• Holy Week (Semana Santa – March/April)
• July (for skiing in Bariloche or Mendoza)

Cheapest Months To Visit Argentina

• May and June – off-season in most places
• August and September – cooler weather, good value
• Early November – spring with lower prices than December

If you're visiting ski destinations like Bariloche, San Martín de los Andes, or Las Leñas, July is peak season, and prices are high. June and August are better if you want winter sports with fewer crowds and lower accommodation costs.

Where You Stay

Where you base yourself in Argentina can greatly affect your travel costs. Here's a breakdown by affordability.

Most Expensive Areas To Stay

• Bariloche (during ski season)
  • Luxury ski lodges and lakefront resorts
  • Near: Cerro Catedral, Nahuel Huapi Lake, hiking trails
• Mendoza (wine country villas)
  • High-end wineries and vineyard stays
  • Near: Malbec wine tastings, Andes day trips
• Buenos Aires (Recoleta, Puerto Madero)
  • Luxury hotels and high-end apartments
  • Near: Parks, art museums, fine dining, shopping

Affordable Areas To Stay

• Buenos Aires (Palermo, San Telmo)
  • Boutique hotels, mid-range Airbnbs, hostels
  • Near: Cafés, nightlife, historic markets, parks
• Salta or Jujuy
  • Andean towns in the north with a lower cost of living
  • Near: Salt flats, colorful mountains, colonial architecture
• Córdoba
  • University town with budget stays and modern amenities
  • Near: Sierras de Córdoba, historic sites

Cheapest Areas To Stay

• Rosario
  • Budget-friendly riverfront city with a laid-back vibe
  • Good for long-term stays
• Puerto Madryn (outside whale season)
  • Cheaper in off-season, ideal for coastal exploration
  • Near: Peninsula Valdés, penguin and whale tours
• Tigre Delta (near Buenos Aires)
  • Peaceful retreats, cabins, or guesthouses for cheap
  • Near: River tours, markets, nature escapes

Argentina Vacation Costs

Here’s what you’ll spend on accommodation, meals, transport, and top activities.

Average Accommodation Cost (Per Night)

• Budget Traveler
  • Hostels, family-run guesthouses, basic Airbnbs
  • ARS $6,000–$15,000 / USD $6–$15 (cash often gets better rates)
• Moderate Traveler
  • Boutique hotels, wine lodges, quality Airbnbs
  • ARS $20,000–$45,000 / USD $20–$45
• Luxury Traveler
  • 4–5 star hotels, vineyard resorts, lakeview villas
  • ARS $60,000–$150,000+ / USD $60–$150+

Food Cost (Per Person, Per Day)

• Budget
  • Empanadas, bakeries, street food, local cafés
  • ARS $2,000–$4,000 / USD $2–$4
• Moderate
  • Sit-down meals at parrillas (steakhouses), pizza, pasta, desserts
  • ARS $6,000–$10,000 / USD $6–$10
• Luxury
  • Wine pairings, high-end steakhouses, rooftop bars
  • ARS $15,000+ / USD $15+

Transportation Cost

• Public Buses/Subte (Buenos Aires)
  • ARS $200–$500 / USD $0.20–$0.50
• Long-Distance Buses (Sleeper Class)
  • ARS $20,000–$40,000 / USD $20–$40
  • Great for budget travelers and overnight savings
• Domestic Flights
  • ARS $30,000–$70,000 / USD $30–$70 one-way
  • Consider flying for long distances like BA to Patagonia
• Taxis / Uber (Buenos Aires, Mendoza)
  • ARS $1,500–$4,000 / USD $1.50–$4 per ride

Attractions

• Perito Moreno Glacier (El Calafate) – Entry: ARS $6,000 / USD $6, boat tour: ARS $20,000+ / USD $20+
• Tango Show (Buenos Aires) – ARS $15,000–$25,000 / USD $15–$25
• Wine Tours (Mendoza) – Day tour: ARS $30,000+ / USD $30+
• Quebrada de Humahuaca (Salta/Jujuy) – Self-guided or tour from ARS $15,000+ / USD $15+
• Iguazú Falls – Entry: ARS $12,000 / USD $12 (Argentine side), tours from ARS $20,000 / USD $20

Day Trips From Major Cities

• From Buenos Aires
  • Tigre Delta boat tour – ARS $10,000 / USD $10
  • Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay (by ferry) – ARS $35,000+ / USD $35+
  • Estancia (ranch) day trip – ARS $25,000+ / USD $25+
• From Mendoza
  • Wine tasting in Maipú or Uco Valley – ARS $25,000–$40,000 / USD $25–$40
  • Aconcagua National Park hike – ARS $30,000 / USD $30
• From Salta
  • Purmamarca & Seven Colors Hill – ARS $15,000+ / USD $15+
  • Salinas Grandes (Salt Flats) – Full-day tour: ARS $20,000 / USD $20

Daily Budget (Per Person)

• Budget Traveler
  • Hostels, street food, buses, free walking tours
  • $25–$40 USD per day
• Moderate Traveler
  • Hotels, steak dinners, taxis, guided tours
  • $60–$100 USD per day
• Luxury Traveler
  • Resorts, wine tours, private drivers, fine dining
  • $150–$300+ USD per day

Weekly Budget (7 Days)

Flight Cost

Round-trip flights from the U.S. to Buenos Aires (EZE or AEP):

• Peak Season: $1,100–$1,400
• Shoulder Season: $850–$1,100
• Off-Season: $600–$850

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