Must-Visit Spots in Argentina

1. Buenos Aires: Argentina’s European Soul ($30-60 daily)

Buenos Aires Argentina delivers world-class urban experiences at budget prices that would cost triple in actual European capitals. The Buenos Aires Argentina combination of free walking tours through Palermo Buenos Aires and San Telmo Buenos Aires neighborhoods, $4-25 hostel dormitories providing social atmosphere and kitchen access, $0.30 subway rides via SUBE card, and $15-25 Argentina steaks at local parrillas creates extraordinary Buenos Aires budget value. Free Buenos Aires attractions include Recoleta Cemetery where Evita Peron rests among elaborate mausoleums (under $4 entry with optional guided tour explaining historical figures and architecture), Sunday San Telmo antiques market stretching blocks with tango dancers performing in streets, and Buenos Aires neighborhood exploration revealing architectural gems, street art murals in Palermo Hollywood, and café culture allowing hours-long coffee sessions for $2-4.

Buenos Aires budget essentials: Stay in Palermo Buenos Aires or San Telmo Buenos Aires hostels ($10-20 nightly dorms) allowing walkable access to major Buenos Aires attractions while maintaining budget accommodation costs, purchase SUBE card immediately for public transportation eliminating expensive taxi reliance, eat empanadas from bakeries ($1-3 each) for cheap lunches while splurging on one memorable Argentina steak dinner ($25-40 at budget parrilla like El Sanjuanino), and join free Buenos Aires walking tours providing historical context and neighborhood orientation impossible to achieve solo wandering. Buenos Aires tango shows range from $40 budget La Boca neighborhood performances to $100+ dinner-show packages at famous venues—budget travelers should attend at least basic tango show as quintessential Argentina cultural experience justifying splurge.

2. El Chalten & Fitz Roy: Patagonia Hiking Paradise ($25-50 daily)

El Chalten Argentina, self-proclaimed “trekking capital of Argentina,” provides world-class Patagonia hiking completely free via trails accessing Fitz Roy mountain range’s dramatic granite peaks, glacial lakes, and wilderness scenery rivaling anywhere on Earth. The El Chalten budget advantage: trails depart directly from town eliminating tour costs, free designated camping areas near trailheads allow zero accommodation expense, and supermarket grocery shopping combined with camping stove cooking reduces food costs to $10-20 daily versus $30-60+ at El Chalten’s limited restaurants.​

Essential El Chalten hikes (all free): Laguna de los Tres trail (8-10 hours round-trip, 25km) reaches Fitz Roy viewpoint with glacier and turquoise lake panorama creating Argentina’s most iconic Patagonia photograph; Laguna Torre trail (6-8 hours, 18km) visits Cerro Torre base with hanging glaciers and dramatic spires; Loma del Pliegue Tumbado (8-10 hours) climbs to panoramic viewpoint showing entire Fitz Roy massif. El Chalten budget reality: While hiking costs nothing, El Chalten accommodation and restaurants charge premium prices due to remote location and limited infrastructure—budget travelers must camp (free) and self-cater to maintain $25-50 daily costs, otherwise expect $100-200+ daily with hotels and restaurant meals.​

Getting to El Chalten: 3-hour bus from El Calafate Argentina ($30-40 one-way), or 30-hour bus marathon from Buenos Aires ($70-120)—most budget travelers fly Buenos Aires to El Calafate ($50-100), bus to El Chalten, then return to El Calafate for Perito Moreno Glacier before departing Patagonia.

3. Perito Moreno Glacier: Ice Wall Wonder ($80-150 experience)

Perito Moreno Glacier near El Calafate Argentina represents Patagonia’s most accessible and dramatic glacier, with massive advancing ice wall calving house-sized chunks into Lago Argentino creating thunderous crashes and spectacular ice displays. Unlike most Patagonia glaciers requiring multi-day treks, Perito Moreno provides boardwalk viewing and optional glacier walking tours just 80km from El Calafate, making this bucket-list Argentina experience achievable for budget travelers willing to allocate $80-150 for once-in-lifetime glacier encounter.​

Perito Moreno budget options: Basic national park entry and boardwalk viewing costs $30-40, providing multiple viewpoints of the 5km-wide, 60m-high glacier face plus possibility of witnessing dramatic calving events where ice sections collapse into lake—budget travelers on strict limits can experience Perito Moreno Glacier for this minimal cost. However, “I would definitely recommend splurging for the Perito Moreno glacier walking tour” advises budget guide, as $80-150 tour includes crampons, guide, ice hiking across glacier surface, and close-up ice formations creating “once in a lifetime experience” impossible from viewpoint alone.​

El Calafate budget base: El Calafate hostels cost $20-40 nightly with several offering Perito Moreno tour bookings and transportation coordination, while El Calafate restaurants and services price higher than northern Argentina—budget $40-80 daily in El Calafate including accommodation, food, and local transport but excluding Perito Moreno tours. Combination El Calafate (Perito Moreno) and El Chalten (Fitz Roy hiking) creates comprehensive Patagonia Argentina experience achievable in 5-7 days total for $400-800 budget including transportation between locations.​

4. Mendoza Wine Region: Malbec at $10 Tastings ($30-60 daily)

Mendoza Argentina produces world-class Malbec wine with vineyard tours and tastings costing just $10-30 versus $50-100+ at comparable Napa Valley or European wine regions, creating extraordinary budget wine tourism value. The Mendoza wine budget strategy: rent bicycle in Mendoza city ($10-15 daily), ride to nearby vineyards in Maipu region (flat 1-2 hour ride from city center), visit 3-5 wineries in single day paying $5-15 per winery for tastings of 4-6 wines, then ride back to Mendoza for total daily cost under $40 including bike rental, wine tastings, lunch at winery, and snacks.

Budget Mendoza wineries: Maipu region concentrates numerous family-owned wineries within bicycle-accessible distances, many offering free or low-cost tastings when purchasing bottle ($5-15 for excellent Mendoza Malbec to take back to accommodation), while upscale Uco Valley wineries charge $20-40 tastings but require tour transportation adding costs. Mendoza accommodation: Hostels $15-30 nightly, budget hotels $40-80, with central Mendoza location allowing walkable access to tree-lined downtown, plazas, restaurants, and bicycle rental shops.​

Beyond wine Mendoza activities: Aconcagua viewpoint day tours ($30-50) show South America’s highest peak without multi-day trekking commitment, Andes foothills hiking offers free trails with mountain views, and Mendoza’s pleasant urban atmosphere with outdoor cafés, parks, and surprisingly good vegetarian restaurant (El Vegetariano de Bibi) creates relaxing multi-day Mendoza stays balancing wine indulgence with active exploration.​

5. Iguazu Falls: 275 Waterfalls Wonder ($100-150 for 2 days)

Iguazu Falls Argentina ranks among world’s most spectacular waterfalls with 275 individual cascades stretching 1.7 miles creating wall of water visible from both Argentina and Brazil sides—Eleanor Roosevelt reportedly exclaimed “Poor Niagara!” upon first seeing Iguazu Falls, capturing the dramatic scale difference. Argentina vs Brazil Iguazu Falls: Argentina side provides close-up waterfall views via extensive elevated walkway system allowing intimate contact with cascades and wildlife (coatis, toucans), while Brazil side offers sweeping panoramic vistas—budget travelers should allocate 2 days visiting both sides despite requiring border crossing (straightforward for most nationalities).​

Iguazu Falls budget costs: National park entry approximately $20-30 per side, accessible from Puerto Iguazu Argentina town with budget hostels $15-30 nightly and restaurants $10-25 meals creating total 2-day Iguazu budget of $100-150 including accommodation, meals, both park entries, and local transport. Iguazu Falls budget timing: Visit June-August Argentina winter for sunset viewing opportunities (summer sunset occurs after park closing) and reduced tourist crowds versus December-February peak season when trails fill with visitors and humidity reaches oppressive levels.

Getting to Iguazu Falls: Flights from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls cost $50-100 (1.5 hours) making flying worthwhile to avoid 18-hour bus journey, or budget travelers continuing to/from Brazil can bus from Iguazu to Rio de Janeiro/São Paulo incorporating Iguazu Falls into broader South America trip.​

Sample 7-Day Budget Argentina Itinerary ($500-900 Total)

Overview: Buenos Aires + Patagonia Highlights

This 7-day Argentina budget itinerary focuses on Buenos Aires Argentina for urban culture and Patagonia Argentina for nature, skipping Mendoza and Iguazu Falls to maintain feasible budget and realistic travel distances within one week. Total budget: $500-900 per person including domestic flights, accommodation, food, activities, and local transport—achievable by mixing Argentina hostels, strategic free activities, camping, self-catering meals, and selective splurges on essential Argentina experiences.

Day 1-2: Buenos Aires Argentina ($60-120 total)

Day 1: Arrival & Buenos Aires Orientation

• Morning: Arrive Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport, take Tienda Leon shuttle bus to downtown Buenos Aires ($8-12, 1 hour) rather than expensive taxis
• Afternoon: Check into Palermo Buenos Aires hostel ($10-20 dorm bed at Malevo Muraña Hostel or similar), purchase SUBE card for public transportation ($5 card + $10 initial load)
• Activity: Join free Buenos Aires walking tour departing Plaza de Mayo covering downtown, historic neighborhoods, and Buenos Aires history (tip guide $5-10 based on satisfaction)
• Evening: Dinner at budget parrilla like El Sanjuanino for first Argentina steak experience ($20-30 including wine), wander Palermo Soho streets viewing street art and nightlife atmosphere

Day 1 costs: Accommodation $10-20, transport $15, food $25-35, tips/misc $10 = $60-80

Day 2: Buenos Aires Neighborhoods & Culture

• Morning: Breakfast at hostel (self-catered from supermarket purchases: coffee, bread, cheese, fruit $5-8), subway to San Telmo for Sunday antiques market (if Sunday) or weekday browsing historic neighborhood
• Midday: Walk to La Boca neighborhood viewing colorful Caminito street and tango dancers (free, but exercise caution with belongings), avoid expensive tourist trap restaurants
• Afternoon: Visit Recoleta Cemetery ($3-4 entry) seeing Evita Peron’s grave and elaborate mausoleums, walk through upscale Recoleta neighborhood viewing French-style architecture
• Evening: Budget tango show in La Boca ($40-50) or skip show splurge to save budget for Patagonia activities, dinner empanadas from bakery ($5-8)

Day 2 costs: Accommodation $10-20, transport $2, food $15-25, cemetery entry $4, optional tango $40-50 = $31-99

Day 3-5: El Calafate & Perito Moreno Glacier ($200-350 total)

Day 3: Fly to El Calafate Patagonia

• Morning: Early domestic flight Buenos Aires to El Calafate ($60-100 booked 2-3 weeks ahead), 3-hour flight reaching Patagonia Argentina by midday
• Afternoon: Check into El Calafate hostel ($25-40 per night), purchase groceries at El Calafate supermarket for self-catering dinners saving $20-30 daily on restaurant costs
• Evening: Walk El Calafate waterfront on Lago Argentino, organize next day’s Perito Moreno Glacier tour through hostel or local agency

Day 3 costs: Flight $60-100, accommodation $25-40, food $15-20, transport $5 = $105-165

Day 4: Perito Moreno Glacier Full-Day Tour

• Full Day: Perito Moreno Glacier tour including park entry, boardwalk viewing, and optional glacier walking with crampons ($80-150 depending on tour level)—this splurge represents essential Argentina Patagonia experience worth budget allocation
• Evening: Return to El Calafate, self-cooked pasta dinner at hostel using purchased groceries ($5-8), organize next day bus to El Chalten

Day 4 costs: Accommodation $25-40, Perito Moreno tour $80-150, food $10-15 = $115-205

Day 5: Bus to El Chalten & Hiking Prep

• Morning: Bus El Calafate to El Chalten ($30-40, 3 hours through Patagonia landscapes)
• Afternoon: Arrive El Chalten, set up tent at free designated camping area near town (bring camping gear or rent in El Calafate), visit ranger station for hiking maps and trail conditions
• Evening: Prepare camping dinner on camp stove using groceries ($8-12), review next day’s Fitz Roy hike route and packing list

Day 5 costs: Bus $30-40, camping free, food $15-20, misc $5 = $50-65

Day 6-7: El Chalten Fitz Roy Hiking ($40-80 total)

Day 6: Laguna de los Tres (Fitz Roy) Day Hike

• Full Day: Epic 8-10 hour hike to Laguna de los Tres viewpoint showing Fitz Roy’s granite spires, glaciers, and turquoise lake—pack substantial lunch, 3+ liters water, warm layers for summit conditions despite valley warmth
• Trail details: 25km round-trip, 1,200m elevation gain, start by 7:00 AM for ideal lighting at viewpoint and complete hike before dark
• Evening: Return to El Chalten camping, hot camping stove dinner earning celebration after long trail ($10-15), early sleep recovering for next day

Day 6 costs: Camping free, hiking free, food $20-30, misc $5 = $25-35

Day 7: Laguna Torre Hike & Return Buenos Aires

• Morning: Shorter Laguna Torre hike (6-8 hours, 18km) visiting Cerro Torre base with hanging glaciers—alternative if exhausted from Day 6: rest morning, explore El Chalten town
• Afternoon: Late afternoon bus El Chalten to El Calafate ($30-40), evening flight El Calafate to Buenos Aires ($60-100)
• Evening: Arrive Buenos Aires late, final night budget accommodation or red-eye international departure

Day 7 costs: Camping free (or El Calafate hostel if leaving early $25-40), hiking free, food $15-20, bus $30-40, flight $60-100 = $105-200

7-Day Budget Argentina Total: $486-859

Cost Breakdown by Category:

• Accommodation: $80-160 (mix hostels and camping)
• Domestic flights: $120-200 (Buenos Aires-El Calafate round-trip)
• Food: $110-165 (self-catering plus occasional restaurants)
• Activities: $84-158 (Perito Moreno tour, tango show optional, cemetery entry, hiking free)
• Transportation: $77-126 (airport shuttle, buses, local SUBE transport)
• Miscellaneous: $15-50 (tips, emergencies, sim card)

Money-Saving Tips Applied:

✓ Mixed hostel dormitories with free Patagonia camping
✓ Self-catered breakfasts and dinners, budget lunches
✓ Free hiking as primary Patagonia activity
✓ Strategic splurge only on Perito Moreno (worthwhile)
✓ Skipped expensive El Chalten hotels and restaurants
✓ Advance domestic flight booking for lowest fares

What This Itinerary Delivers:

• Buenos Aires Argentina culture, neighborhoods, tango, steak
• World-class Patagonia hiking at Fitz Roy completely free
• Bucket-list Perito Moreno Glacier walking experience
• Realistic 7-day timeline without exhausting travel marathons
• Budget allowing $500-900 to experience Argentina highlights mixing urban sophistication with raw Patagonia wilderness at costs impossible elsewhere globally

This Argentina budget itinerary proves that extraordinary Argentina travel remains achievable on backpacker budgets by prioritizing free Argentina hiking over expensive tours, camping over hotels in Patagonia, and strategic splurges on truly unmissable Argentina experiences like Perito Moreno Glacier while maintaining daily costs of $70-120 throughout the week.