Published on March 23, 2008

Argentina Travel Tips

• The bus system in Argentina is extensive. Busses go from Buenos Aires to virtually any place in the country and even in Uruguay.
There are two types of tickets, the equivalents of first class and second class. In first class the seats recline to a horizontal and you are served champagne. Second class is comfortable enough and you are served meals and drinks (no champagne though). If you travel on a budget, second class would be sufficient.

• If traveling in summer months you should buy your ticket a few days in advance, especially if you are going to popular summer destinations such as anywhere on the coast or San Carlos de Bariloche or Mendoza.
Different companies have different prices for tickets so it might be a good idea to shop around, though it will not save you a considerable sum. A ticket from Buenos Aires to Bariloche (a 20 hour trip) is about US$40 and US$35 to Mendoza (14hours). For every 10 hours of the trip, assume the bus will be at least one hour late getting to the destination.

• There are about 5 airlines within Argentina, Aerolineas Argetinas is most likely to have a domestic route to wherever you are trying to go. Tickets are somewhat expensive and there is not a daily service between some cities.

There is also a fee when departing an airport, no matter if it is a domestic or international flight. Fees can be anywhere between US$2 and US$7 for domestic flights, and as high as US$18 for international, so make sure you do not spend all your money before that final flight back home.

• Route 40 is the only way to travel through Patagonia, if you are going from north to south or vice versa. There are no bus companies doing this Route as it is unpaved. You can find travel agencies that organize trips on Route 40 though. It takes 2 days to get from one end to another and you most probably will not find anything for less that US$120. A flight might be more convenient. If only going to Calafate and El Chalten, another way is by the coast and changing busses in Rio Gallegos.

• Hostels should never cost you more than US$10 anywhere in Argentina, unless they have air-conditioning. For this price you should find hostels with private bathrooms and shower and sheets included. Breakfast is usually included in the price but you have to wake up in time for it. We found hostels to be the best way to meet locals as well.

• Meals in a decent restaurant are on average about US$3 for lunch and US$5 for dinner. A lot of restaurants have fixed menus for tourists as well, for a slightly higher price. Argentina is also known for its "carne asada" so you will find a lot of meat dishes. Vegetarians will find a rather short menu.

• ATMs are widespread in all major cities. However, remote places in Patagonia will not have one. Internet access is relatively widespread and cheap, US$1 per hour, in large cities. Getting a cell phone while there is cheap again, but the wait to even get a SIM card might not be worth it (I waited 2.5 hours to get one).

• If booking any type of tours, a tango show in Buenos Aires or a horseback riding trip in Patagonia, your hostel can book it for you. They usually only work with one travel agency though, so shopping around could cut your costs significantly.