Argentina FAQs

Thinking of travelling to Argentina?

Argentina is a country of dramatic landscapes, vibrant cities and excellent food and wine. From the elegant streets and tango culture of Buenos Aires to the glaciers of Patagonia and the subtropical rainforest around Iguazu Falls, Argentina holidays combine some of South America’s most iconic sights.

Llama Travel holidays to Argentina are designed to show the country at a comfortable pace, with plenty of opportunities to tailor your trip through extensions and optional excursions. Many people combine Buenos Aires with Patagonia and Iguazu Falls, whilst others choose to add Chile, Brazil or Tierra del Fuego. Optional excursions such as tango shows, glacier cruises and wildlife boat trips can also be included along the way.

Before You Go

Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Argentina from the UK?

A: British passport holders do not currently require a visa to visit Argentina for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your return date. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the appropriate consulate.

Immigration officials may ask for proof of onward travel and accommodation details on arrival, so it is worth keeping copies of your itinerary and booking confirmations handy.

We recommend checking the latest Foreign Office advice before travel, as entry requirements can change.

Q: What vaccinations do I need for Argentina?

A: Before travelling, please speak to your GP or travel clinic about vaccinations and health advice for your trip.

If you are visiting Iguazu Falls or combining Argentina with Brazil, yellow fever precautions may be recommended.

We also suggest checking the TravelHealthPro website before departure for the latest travel health information.

Q: What should I pack for a holiday in Argentina?

A: Argentina’s climate varies hugely depending on where you are travelling. Daytime temperatures in Buenos Aires from October to May are around 18°C - 30°C and night-time temperatures are around 10°C - 20°C. Daytime temperatures in El Calafate in Patagonia from October to April are around 10°C- 18°C and night-time temperatures are from freezing to 7°C, so packing layers is essential.

Dress on Llama Travel tours is generally relaxed and informal, both during the day and at dinner in the evenings. As there are often walks on uneven ground, sturdy and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. You should also bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, sunglasses, a waterproof jacket, warm layers for southern regions, and any prescription medication or medicine you may need from the UK.

Some places you visit may have a more conservative approach to dress than we are used to in the UK. When visiting churches, religious sites or sacred places, we recommend covering your shoulders and knees. Women may also wish to take a shawl to cover their shoulders and all visitors should wear long trousers, or skirts or shorts that reach below the knee.

It is a legal requirement to carry identity documentation when in Argentina and Brazil (when visiting Iguau Falls). Therefore, having a copy of your passport with you at all times is recommended.

Q: What plug sockets do I need for Argentina?

A: Electricity in Argentina is 220V, and plugs are either of the European two-pin type or Australian flat 3-pin type. We recommend taking a universal adaptor.

Practical Information

Q: Where is Argentina?

A: Argentina is located in southern South America and borders Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay. It stretches from subtropical rainforest in the north to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego in the far south.

Q: What is the population of Argentina?

A: Argentina has a population of around 46 million people.

Q: Is there a time difference between the UK and Argentina?

A: Argentina GMT -3.

Q: How long does it take to fly from the UK to Argentina?

A: Flight times vary depending on the airline and route, although journeys are typically around 16–20 hours including connections. Most international flights arrive into Buenos Aires.

Q: What language is spoken in Argentina?

A: Spanish is the official language of Argentina, although English is widely spoken in hotels and tourist areas. All guides used on Llama Travel holidays speak English.

Q: What currency is used in Argentina?

A: The currency of Argentina is the Argentine Peso.

Q: Can I use credit cards and cash machines in Argentina?

A: Yes. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, and cash machines are available throughout most of the country. However, in more remote areas of Patagonia and smaller towns, carrying some cash is recommended.

Q: Is Argentina expensive?

A: Argentina can offer very good value compared with many other long-haul destinations, particularly for food, wine and dining out. Prices can vary depending on the region and exchange rates. Patagonia is generally more expensive than Buenos Aires due to its remote location and smaller infrastructure.

Q: When is the best time to visit Argentina?

A: The best time to visit Argentina depends on which regions you are planning to visit.

Buenos Aires and Patagonia are best visited between October and April, when temperatures are warmer and days are longer. Iguazu Falls can be visited year-round, although conditions are hottest and most humid between December and February.

Llama Travel operates Argentina holidays during the best seasons for each region included in the itinerary.

Q: What’s the weather like in Argentina?                                                 

A: Argentina’s climate varies enormously due to the country’s size. Buenos Aires and northern Argentina are generally warm and humid during the southern hemisphere summer from December to March. Patagonia is cooler and windier, with the main travel season running from October to April. Iguazu Falls has a subtropical climate and remains warm throughout the year.

As many Argentina holidays combine several regions, it is common to experience different climates during the same trip.

Health & Safety

Q: Is Argentina safe to travel to?

A: Most visitors to Argentina have a completely trouble-free holiday. Buenos Aires is generally safe and easy to explore, although sensible precautions should still be taken in busy tourist areas and at night. We recommend avoiding displaying valuables openly and using hotel safes where available.

Q: Do I need travel insurance for Argentina?

A: Yes. You should have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, cancellation and emergency repatriation.

Connectivity & Communication

Q: Will my phone work in Argentina?

A: Most UK mobiles will work in Argentina, although we recommend checking with your provider before travel if you are unsure. eSIMs, such as Airalo or Holafly, are becoming an increasingly popular and often cost-effective way to access mobile data abroad. Local SIM cards are also widely available in Argentina.

To call the UK from Argentina, dial +44 followed by the UK number, leaving out the first ‘0’. To call Argentina from the UK, dial +54 followed by the Argentinian number.

Q: Will I get Wi-Fi in Argentina?

A: Most hotels, cafés and restaurants in Argentina offer Wi-Fi, particularly in Buenos Aires and larger tourist areas. Connections can sometimes be slower in remote parts of Patagonia.

Getting Around

Q: How do I get around in Argentina?

A: Argentina is a very large country, so most longer journeys are by domestic flight. Within cities, taxis and Uber are widely available and relatively inexpensive. Most journeys on Llama Travel holidays are by private transfer, internal flight or organised excursion.

Q: Can I combine Argentina with Chile or Brazil?

A: Yes. Argentina combines particularly well with both Chile and Brazil. Patagonia in Argentina can easily be combined with Torres del Paine in Chile, whilst Iguazu Falls pairs well with Rio de Janeiro and Brazil’s Atlantic coast.

Q: How many days do I need in Argentina?

A: We recommend allowing at least 10–14 days to experience Argentina comfortably, particularly if combining Buenos Aires, Patagonia and Iguazu Falls. Extensions to Chile, Brazil or other regions in Argentina can also be added for a longer trip.

Food & Drink

Q: What’s the food like in Argentina?

A: Argentina is famous for its beef, wine and relaxed dining culture. Steakhouses, known as parrillas, are found throughout the country and are one of the highlights for many visitors.

Popular dishes include empanadas, pastries usually filled with meat or cheese; choripán, a grilled chorizo sausage served in bread; and Milanesa, breaded meat similar to a schnitzel. Italian influences are also very strong, particularly in Buenos Aires, where pizza, pasta and excellent ice cream are extremely popular.

Buenos Aires has an excellent food scene, with everything from traditional parrillas to international cuisine. Neighbourhoods such as Palermo and Puerto Madero are particularly known for their restaurants.

Near Iguazu Falls, freshwater fish is a local speciality alongside Argentina’s famous steaks. In Patagonia, local dishes often include lamb, trout and seafood, whilst Ushuaia is particularly known for its king crab.

Q: What drinks is Argentina known for?

A: Argentina is best known for its Malbec wine, particularly from the Mendoza region, which is considered one of the world’s great wine-producing areas.

Yerba mate, a traditional herbal drink shared socially from a metal cup, is also deeply associated with Argentine culture.

Q: Can I drink tap water in Argentina?

A: Tap water is generally safe to drink in Buenos Aires and most major cities, although bottled water is often preferred in more remote regions.

What to See

Q: What are the highlights of Argentina?

A: Argentina has an enormous variety of highlights, ranging from vibrant cities and wine regions to glaciers, mountains and waterfalls. Exactly what you see will depend on the regions and extensions included in your holiday.

Many people focus on Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls, whilst popular extensions include Tierra del Fuego, Chilean Patagonia, Easter Island, and Brazil.

Q: What is Buenos Aires like

A: Buenos Aires is often described as one of the most European cities in South America, known for its elegant architecture, café culture and lively atmosphere.

Neighbourhoods such as Palermo, Recoleta and San Telmo are popular for their restaurants, markets and nightlife, whilst La Boca is famous for its colourful streets and tango culture.

Q: Are tango shows worth it in Buenos Aires?

A: Yes. Tango is an important part of Argentine culture, and many visitors enjoy seeing a traditional tango performance during their stay in Buenos Aires.

There is a wide variety of tango shows available, ranging from intimate local venues to larger dinner shows, and Llama Travel passengers can add a tango dinner show excursion to their holiday.

Q: What are Iguazu Falls like?

A: Iguazu Falls are among the largest and most impressive waterfalls in the world, stretching across the border between Argentina and Brazil. The falls are surrounded by lush subtropical rainforest, and visitors can explore a network of walkways offering spectacular viewpoints close to the waterfalls themselves.

Q: What is Patagonia like?

A: Patagonia is known for its dramatic scenery, glaciers, mountains and wide-open landscapes. One of the highlights is the Perito Moreno Glacier, where enormous sections of ice regularly break away into the water below. Patagonia is also excellent for walking, wildlife and scenic drives.

Q: Can I visit Tierra del Fuego?

A: Yes. Tierra del Fuego is one of Argentina’s most remote and spectacular regions, located at the southern tip of South America. Ushuaia, often described as the world’s southernmost city, is known for its dramatic scenery, wildlife and boat trips along the Beagle Channel.

Q: Is Argentina good for wildlife?

A: Yes. Depending on where you travel, wildlife experiences can include penguins, sea lions, whales, guanacos and a wide variety of birdlife. Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego are particularly well known for wildlife viewing.

Still have questions about travelling to Argentina?

Our team is happy to help. Call us on 020 7263 3000 or explore our Argentina holidays to start planning your trip.