Pass The Passport

Places / South America

Argentina

Visited

At a glance

Region
South America
Capital
Buenos Aires
Population
45.9 million (2025)
Area
2,780,400 km²
Languages
Guaraní, Spanish
Currency
Argentine peso (ARS)
Drives on the
right
Calling code
+54
Visited: Argentina

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Before you go

Overview

Argentina is the second-largest country in South America, stretching from subtropical forests in the north to glaciers in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Buenos Aires, its capital, is known for its European-style architecture and tango.

History

Spain colonised the area in the 16th century, and Argentina declared independence in 1816. The 20th century saw Peronism, military dictatorships and the 1982 Falklands War.

Food & culture

Asado, the Argentine barbecue, is central to social life, along with empanadas, dulce de leche, Malbec wine and mate tea.

Wildlife

Península Valdés has southern right whales, elephant seals and orcas, and the Iberá Wetlands are home to capybaras and caimans.

Festivals & events

The Mendoza Grape Harvest Festival, Buenos Aires Tango Festival and Carnival in Gualeguaychú are highlights.

Things to see

Iguazú Falls, the Perito Moreno Glacier, Buenos Aires, the Andes around Mendoza and Salta, and Ushuaia.

Interesting facts

Aconcagua is the highest mountain outside Asia. Ushuaia is often called the southernmost city in the world.

City guides

Cities & towns I’ve visited

Famous hikes in Argentina

Laguna de los Tres (Fitz Roy)

Distance
About 22 km return
Time
8 to 10 hours
Best time
November to March

How to do it: Walk straight out of the town of El Chaltén, no permit or fee needed. The last kilometre is a steep scramble to the lake at the foot of Fitz Roy. Start early for the best chance of clear views.

Run a marathon in Argentina

Buenos Aires Marathon

Buenos Aires · usually September

A flat course through the city's grand avenues and parks.

Dates move from year to year, so check the race website before you book.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Argentina

2 of 12 visited. See every site I've been to.

My videos from Argentina

  • Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
    Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

My photos from Argentina

From 2 trips, newest first, so you can see which places each set of photos came from.

2024–2025 Argentina: Ushuaia and Ezeiza

Ushuaia, Ezeiza

Whole trip gallery
  • A man standing next to the colourful Ushuaia end-of-the-world sign.
  • Outdoor exhibition boards and white and bronze sculptures on a lawn in front of buildings.
  • Two blue double-decker sightseeing buses labelled Ushuaia parked by the roadside.
  • Blue-hulled expedition ship named Hondius moored at a quay under a cloudy sky.
  • Small town along a calm bay reflecting mountains and clouds.
  • Aerial view of a vast sprawling city grid and green land stretching to the horizon.

January 2016 Overlanding South America - Tucan

Perito Moreno Glacier, Glaciar Perito Moreno, Puerto Iguazú, Ushuaia

Whole trip gallery
  • The jagged blue-white wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier beneath snowy peaks
  • Dan in sunglasses with the Perito Moreno Glacier filling the view behind him
  • A smiling man in a blue jacket in front of the jagged blue ice wall of Perito Moreno Glacier.
  • A man leaning on a railing with the huge ice face of Perito Moreno Glacier behind him.
  • A man in sunglasses giving a thumbs up in front of misty Iguazú Falls.
  • A man crouching on a rock with the wide curtain of Iguazú Falls behind him.
  • The rusting wreck of a ship on the shore at Ushuaia.

Plan your trip to Argentina

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Neighbours

Bucket List goals in Argentina