The ultimate solo travel guide to Argentina: Everything you need to know
Solo travel in Argentina has gained popularity due to the nation’s accessible abundance of scene-stealing natural landmarks and varied cities, each standing at the centre of wild surrounding regions. As the world’s eighth largest country, Argentina covers a giant sweep of South America, from its central core, right down to the continent’s southern tip. The country’s official language is Spanish, but pockets of Italian, German, French and English all flavour the culture, too – especially in Patagonia, where curious satellite communities exist, including pockets of Welsh speakers around Gaiman and Trelew.
Most journeys begin in the vibrant capital Buenos Aires, where historic and distinguishable barrios (neighbourhoods) make for an eclectic entry point to Argentina. Then, it’s on to dramatic landscapes: salt flats and rainbow-coloured mountains in the northwest near Salta; high-altitude winelands around Mendoza; sprawling gaucho-farmed Pampas, circling an area west of the capital; and alpine lakes, blue-tinged glaciers and puma-roamed plains of Patagonia in the south. The Andes Mountains also form a natural border in the west with Chile, and the thunderous Iguazú Falls spills over from Argentina into Brazil.
Food and drink is fiercely celebrated and a firm fixture of local culture. Don’t miss asados (barbecues), empanadas (filled pastries) and steak sizzled to perfection with chimichurri sauce, washed down with inexpensive palate-pleasing wines. If you’d rather clink glasses with others, a group solo travel adventure with Flash Pack sets you up with other like-minded solo travellers. Here’s everything you need to know about a group solo trip to Argentina.
Argentina travel facts
Commandeering a large meaty chunk of South America, Argentina doesn’t exactly do small. From the steaks to the scenery, each moment strives to outdo the next. There are recognisable landmarks: the pounding Iguazú Falls, where 275 cascades converge across the Argentinian and Brazilian borders; the expansive vines that graze the foothills of the Andes in wine-making Mendoza; and the vast hunk of the Perito Moreno glacier in Argentina’s side of Patagonia.
There are 11 Unesco World Heritage Sites, including the valley of Quebrada de Humahuaca in the north where indigenous Quechuan villages sidle up against the marbled Cerro de los Siete Colores (Seven Colours Hill), and Los Glaciares National Park in the south, which runs from Mount Fitz Roy to the climbing and adventure capital of El Chaltén, flowing out across Lake Viedma.
Is Argentina good for solo travel?
Argentina is one of the safest countries for solo travel in Latin America. Brimming with natural spectacles and noteworthy neighbourhoods, it’s an alluring option for the solo traveller. But there’s a lot of ground to cover, especially in a short space of time, so it’s worth considering a group solo holiday to Argentina with Flash Pack.
As well as covering a host of must-sees, there’s also the chance to experience one-offs, such a nine-hour hike to the foot of Mount Fitz Roy in Patagonia, producing your own red wine at a family-owned vineyard in Mendoza and accessing a locals-only milonga dance club in Buenos Aires. Find out more about solo travel with Flash Pack.
Best places to visit in Argentina
It’s hard to know whether to travel north, south, to the central plains, or to cover it all. So, what should you do on a solo trip to Argentina? Flash Pack’s 10-day Ultimate Argentina adventure is a chance to tick off some of the big hitters, casting a wide net from Buenos Aires, south to Patagonia and then back up to Mendoza. You’ll explore Buenos Aires’ eclectic barrios by bike and enjoy an immersive dining experience with your fellow Flashpackers.
From here, you’ll fly to El Calafate in Patagonia, the gateway to the Los Glaciares National Park, where you can hike glaciers, go kayaking and refuel with some curious cave dining. If you only have a week and want to cover two of South America’s finest countries, Flash Pack’s seven-day Argentina & Brazil: Buenos Aires to Rio includes Chevrolet rides, caipirinha workshops and views from Christ the Redeemer.
Where to stay as a solo traveller in Argentina
Argentina’s different landscapes bring with them a varied mix of cool and quirky places to stay. So, what are the hotels like in Argentina? In Buenos Aires, small characterful hotels sit alongside swish converted palaces; head to hip Palmero to be surrounded by the city’s best bars, restaurants and nightlife. In the wilds, you’ll find estancias (farmstays), where you can learn about gaucho (cowboy) culture, ride horses and feast on flame-cooked asado meat.
Around Mendoza, it’s all about vineyard stays and wine retreats. In Patagonia, accommodation ranges from mountain refugios (huts) to super-luxe adventure lodges. On a group solo holiday to Argentina with Flash Pack, luxury accommodation is arranged for you. Typically, you’ll share a room with a fellow Flashpacker, thereby swerving the single supplement. But if you want your own private space, that’s fine, too.
How to get to Argentina
Most direct international flights arrive at the main Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires (also known as Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini Airport). From there and the domestic airport of Jorge Newbery Airport near Palermo, you can reach all parts of the country via domestic carriers Aerolineas Argentinas and LATAM Argentina. It’s just under two hours from the capital to Iguazú Falls.
Fly to Salta for Humahuaca, Cerro de Catorce Colores (Hill of Fourteen Colours or “Hornacal”, as locals call it) and the salt flats. For the vineyards, fly to Mendoza. In Patagonia, fly to Bariloche for the Lake District, El Calafate for Los Glaciares National Park, home to Perito Moreno Glacier, and Ushuaia for cruises around the islands of Tierra del Fuego.
How to get around Argentina
Flying is not the cheapest way to travel internally but it’s one of the best modes of transport for solo travel in Argentina, as road distances between cities and regions mean super long journeys. Flights with Aerolineas Argentinas and LATAM Argentina are, for the most part, reliable.
The bus network is extensive, also reliable and inexpensive, too. Via bus, there are few quick journeys between major areas. For example, Buenos Aires to Iguazu is 19 hours, so it’s best to opt for at least a cama (sleeper) class, which has air-conditioning, reclining seats, Wifi and refreshments on board.
If you really want to see Argentina’s furthest reaches, hiring a car is an adventure (make sure you book a 4×4). The legendary Ruta 40 road trip route – from the northernmost point at Ciénaga on the Bolivian border to the southernmost point of the Argentine mainland at Cabo Vírgenes – is an spectacular, albeit dusty and bumpy, highway to follow, with the Andes in touching distance for most of the 5,224 kilometres.
Best time to visit Argentina
Due to its location in the Southern Hemisphere, Argentina experiences different weather conditions and patterns to those in the Northern Hemisphere. The winter months fall between June and August, spring is September to November, summer is December to February and autumn March to May. In the northern reaches, the weather is uncomfortably humid in summer when the rains come. Winters in Patagonia see temperatures plummet and many lodges and activity providers simply shut up shop, so it’s much better to go from October to March. The best time to visit the whole country is spring, when most areas, including Buenos Aires, Mendoza and Bariloche are pleasantly warm and dry.
Argentina travel itineraries
Argentina’s vast expanses between cities and regions can make travelling arduous on your own, especially if you’re a first-timer trying to fit lots in. On Flash Pack’s 10-day Ultimate Argentina adventure, you’ll cover the main sights in the central and southern reaches. Starting in Buenos Aires, you’ll feast on local food and drink, before heading to Patagonia where you’ll experience a 4×4 adventure, share a picnic lunch on a glacier hike and trek in the wilderness. And, naturally, there’s an immersion into Mendoza’s winelands where you’ll learn to make your own blend to toast the trip.
Flash Pack’s seven-day Argentina & Brazil: Buenos Aires to Rio takes in the highs of the capital, along with the 400-year-old tunnels of El Zanjón de Granados, a traditional porteño bar and visits to speakeasies in a vintage Chevrolet – the ideal introduction to solo travel in Argentina.
What to pack for solo travel in Argentina
Take a comfortable pair of shoes for Buenos Aires as you’ll spend a lot of time walking or cycling between barrios, parks and sites, such as Recoleta Cemetery, the resting place of Eva Perón, trendy Palermo and historic San Telmo market. If you’re visiting different parts of the country on your solo trip to Argentina, make sure you pack cooler clothes for the northern regions and lots of layers for the south, including a base layer, thermals, a fleece and waterproof jacket.
Don’t bring bulky ski wear; you’ll spend the whole time peeling it on and off – then having to carry it on hikes – as the weather changes almost hourly in Patagonia. Lightweight layers are best. Hiking boots and thick socks are also essential; but again, lightweight ones will do. Sunscreen is necessary, too. You’ll need an adapter to fit plug sockets C and I (or a universal one). And, bring a good camera for capturing all those bucket list moments.
Solo travel advice for Argentina
Argentina is a welcoming place for solo travellers, with much of the country’s main attractions focused around tourism. But, with vast distances to travel, it can be isolating if you’re travelling on your own. Evenings out start later than you’d expect, with people heading out for dinner well into the evening and bars starting to get busy when you’d normally be heading home, so ensure you know your route back and take official transport. With Flash Pack, solo travellers have the security of a Pack Leader and the social aspect of the group to travel and explore with, making any journey part of the adventure.
Is it safe to travel solo in Argentina
Millions of visitors experience solo travel to Argentina every year and most trips are trouble-free. However, do check out the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (UK), the Department of State Travel Advisories (US) or your country’s local government guidelines for the latest advice before travelling. Once there, follow local advice and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
In busy cities like Buenos Aires, make sure your phone and wallet are tucked away and avoid walking in quiet areas alone. Always use official black and yellow taxis; look for ones with Radio Taxi on the roof. If you’re driving, headlights must be on at all times and there are lots of police checkpoints, so always pull over and cooperate. A group solo adventure will add an additional layer of safety to any trip, meaning you can travel through Argentina’s enigmatic landscapes without having to worry about anything other than taking it all in.
Ready for your next adventure? Try group solo travel to Argentina with Flash Pack – designed exclusively for people in their 30s and 40s, seeking the independence of solo travel within the safety of a group.
A cool 98% of Flashpackers arrive solo to join our group adventures. So, you’ll be in good company – whether a first time solo traveller or a seasoned pro looking for like-minded new friends.
Images: Flash Pack
