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Argentina is an amazing country with some world class destinations that are unlikely to be beaten. However, it is an expensive country, but for us we found it was worth spending the extra pesos.


At the time of writing, it is a difficult country to budget costs for as over the past few years it has suffered from high inflation of up to 30% per year. The day after we arrived the currency was devalue by a third. There is also the unofficial Blue market where you can convert dollars to get better exchange rates. Our advice would be to check prices and exchange rates before you travel. The costs below are correct as of December 2015 - January 2016.


Average Cost per Day for a Couple – Argentinian Paso AP$1,750


Our average cost includes;

 

  • Transport 
  • Hotels/Hostels
  • Daily spends 
  • Treks/excursions


In total we spent 25 days in Argentina, spending most of our time in Buenos Aires and Patagonia.


Typical Costs


Hotels/Hostels:

The cost for a double private room can be anywhere between US$50-$100 in Buenos Aires and during the peak tourist season in Patagonia. To save money and be able to spend more time in Argentina we decided to stay in dorm rooms. Prices for a dorm bed averaged at around AP$200 pp. Quality varied so it’s worth looking around and booking in advance, especially if you plan on travelling during the peak tourist season Dec-Feb.


Food:

Once you have ate your body weight in steak the food becomes limited and bland. It is expensive to eat out, at around AP$600-800 for two steaks and a bottle of wine. In places such as Ushuaia and El Chalten the cost of fruit and veg can also be expensive. Sandwiches are a good option if you are trekking but even then the choice of fillings can be limited to ham, cheese, or if you are feeling adventurous, ham and cheese.


Beer:

A bottle of beer can found anywhere between AP$30- $80 in restaurants. 

 

Entrance Fees and Activities


In order to make your budget last it is advisable to plan in advance and check the latest prices. If you don’t have a car make sure to include the cost of transport to and from the national parks.

 

  • Iguazu Falls – AP$260pp
  • Yamama Museum, Ushuaia – AP$110pp 
  • Beagle Boat Tour, Ushuaia – AP$850pp
  • Tierra del Fuego Entrance Fee – AP$170pp
  • Glacier Perito Moreno Entrance Fee – AP$260pp
  • Circuito Chico Tour, Bariloche – AP$395pp 
  • Bike Rental, Maipu Mendoza – AP$80pp per day 
  • Wine tour and tasting, Mendoza – AP$50-80pp


Transport


Transport is expensive and unless you plan on hitchhiking there is no way round it. The country is huge so bus journeys are long. The coaches are comfortable and most will include meals but they will take a huge chunk out of your budget. If you are limited with time flying may be a better option.

  • Flight Buenos Aires to Ushuaia – AP$2,500pp
  • Bus Ushuaia to Lagoon Esmerelda (return) – AP$250pp
  • Bus Ushuaia to Tierra del Fuego (return) – AP$300pp
  • Bus Ushuaia to Punta Arenas and then onto Puerto Natales – AP$1,100pp (two bus journeys)
  • Bus El Calafate to Glacier Perito Moreno (return) – AP$450pp
  • Bus El Calafate to El Chalten (3hrs) – AP$420pp
  • Bus El Chalten to Bariloche (20hrs) – AP $2,020pp
  • Bus Bariloche to Mendoza via Nequen (20hrs) – AP$1,184Ppp
  • Bus Mendoza to Santiago (7hrs) – AP$500pp


Highlights

 

  • Buenos Aires- Vibrant city, excellent architecture and world famous nightlife.
  • Ushuaia – Reaching the “End of the Earth” has to be a highlight on any itinerary 
  • El Calafate – Breath-taking glacier. 
  • El Chalten – Trek the stunning Fitzroy Mountains.
  • Mendoza – Delicious wines. A must stop destination for any inspiring sommeliers (or anyone who just really likes wine). 
  • Iguassu Falls – One of the biggest waterfalls in the world
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