What to do, how to do it, and where to stay
Argentina is a country blessed with incredible natural landscapes and urban centres. From waterfalls and rainforests to street art and tango dancing, it’s a brilliant destination for backpackers.
First-time travellers arriving in Argentina usually want to see the must-see sites: the stylish capital Buenos Aires, the Perito Moreno glacier in Patagonia, and the wonderful Iguazú Falls.
With such a spectacular range of things to see and do, there’s no shortage of itinerary options when you're in the country. If you want to explore the country on a budget, then here are six ways to make the most of your adventure in Argentina.
1) Spend a day at the “devil's throat” of Iguazu Falls
Image by slack12 (Flickr/Creative Commons)
Argentina’s most popular tourist site is one of world’s greatest natural wonders and a must-see when visiting the country. Iguazu Falls is located inside two national parks: Iguazu National Park (Argentina) and Iguacu National Park (Brazil) and is visited by an estimated one million people every year, but most people stay for one day before moving elsewhere.
2) Drink Malbec every night
Image by David (Flickr/Creative Commons)
Argentina is famous for the quality of their red wines and it’s custom to drink it every night over meals. It’s much cheaper than imported beer and you can order an excellent bottle of red for about €5 at supermarkets and steakhouse restaurants.
3) Go tango dancing in Buenos Aires
Image by Abigail King (Flickr/Creative Commons)
Buenos Aires is one of the most stylish South American cities and they don’t call it the ‘Paris of the South’ for nothing. If you love people watching on holiday then its tango club scene will be right down your street.
The vintage dance and musical form is a highlight of any trip to Buenos Aires and the dance clubs are open until the early hours if you want to take part in a twist or two.
4) Visit the Perito Moreno glacier
Image by Douglas Scortegagna (Flickr/Creative Commons)
If you have never been to a glacier in your life, then make sure you see Perito Moreno before it ends. The spectacular glacier is one of the few in the world that is actually still growing and towers above the turquoise glacial water of Patagonia’s Los Glaciares National Park.
5) Eat out in budget parillas in Buenos Aires
Image by Christian Haugen (Flickr/Creative Commons)
If you're staying in the steak capital of the world, it makes sense to tuck into a slice of beef at a budget parilla (steak restaurant). Whether you like your asado (cut of meat) bloody, medium rare or well done, there will be plenty of barbeque restaurants available, so get your money’s worth and wash it down with a sweet bottle of Malbec.
6) Go off the beaten track in Cordoba
Image by Carlos Adampol Galindo (Flickr/Creative Commons)
The second largest city in Argentina is a thriving student centre full of beautiful colonial-era churches, monasteries, theatres and vintage buildings. Bustling with energy, the northern Argentinian city is the gateway to the Andes and is popular with backpackers looking for unspoilt, panoramic scenery.
Budget accommodation options in Argentina
If you want to get a bargain on your South American travels, then why not book a hostel stay in Cordoba or Buenos Aires? Book with us and save more on your travels with HostelsClub.
*Header image by Jose Borelli (Flickr/Creative Commons)