Argentina trips & educational tours

Argentina Trips: Passionate cultures & breakthtaking scenery

Argentina is the ideal location for an educational tour with its heady mix of sultry Latin cultures, dramatic landscapes, and a food and drink scene that is the envy of the continent.

It’s impossible not to be charmed by the vibrant arts and culture scene in the capital Buenos Aires, while epic scenery lies in the north and the vast and unspoiled Patagonia region.

Popular student trips in Argentina

Argentina trip information

Quick details about Argentina

Electric voltage: 220V.

Currency: Argentine Peso.

Language: Spanish.

Telephone: +54 (number minus 0).

Visas: You will receive a 90-day travel visa upon entering Argentina. You’ll need to show a passport with a validity of six months minimum.

Vaccinations: There aren’t currently any mandatory vaccination certificates to present on arrival in Argentina, but it’s a good idea to be up-to-date with all routine jabs like tetanus, polio, and diphtheria. Please visit this page for information on vaccinations before booking your trip – Argentina – Traveler view | Travelers’ Health | CDC

Getting around Argentina

Argentina is a vast country, so if you are on a shorter trip, it’s inevitable you’ll be taking some internal flights. Tourists can buy discounted internal flights with an Air Pass offered by flagship carrier Aerolineas Argentinas. Long-distance buses are normally of a good standard and also a favored way for budget travelers to get across the country.

7 must do activities in Argentina

Visit Iguazu Falls
Dance tango in Buenos Aires
See glaciers in Patagonia
Go skiing in Bariloche
Try the famous Argentinian steak
Go to a soccer game
Share mate with a local

Tipping

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Argentina but it’s customary to leave between 10-15% in restaurants and for guides. For taxis, most people normally round up their fare to the nearest peso.

Argentina travel - good books

Jorge Luis Borges – Ficciones

Borges is the country’s most famous literary son and his captivating prose and poetry are a source of immense pride for Argentines. This selection of short stories is a good place for any new arrival to Argentina to better understand the country’s alluring rhythm.

Santa Evita – Tomas Eloy Martinez

A must-read for anyone intrigued by Argentina’s turbulent political history of the 20th century and its most enigmatic leader, Eva Peron.

In Patagonia – Bruce Chatwin

Widely recognized as one of the best travel guides of all time, this 1970s classic details a formative trip around Argentina’s rugged southern wilderness.

Argentina - good movies

Buenos Aires is arguably the Hollywood of South America, with a thriving film industry that has earned global acclaim, including two Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film: The Official Story (1985), about the country’s harrowing Dirty War, and The Secret in Their Eyes (2009).

Best educational tours

Argentina is a hotbed for educational trip opportunities. Buenos Aires is ideal for a Spanish immersion program, but with world-class museums and culturally rich neighborhoods like San Telmo to explore, it’s also a great place for an arts and culture trip. Further afield, Patagonia is an unmissable destination for outdoor adventures and to study environmental science.

Public transport

Urban public transport is relatively smooth and inexpensive in Argentina. Buses (colectivos) are plentiful, cheap, and comprehensive, while taxis are widely available and metered in major cities. Buenos Aires also boasts a smart and efficient metro system.

Food and drink in Argentina

If you are a meat lover, no trip to Argentina will be complete without sampling one of their famous steaks with chimichurri sauce. Consider yourself privileged if you get an invite to an asado (barbecue) at someone’s house!

You’ll see a lot of pasta on menus throughout the country thanks to Argentina’s history of Italian immigration, as well as Latin staples like empanadas and tamales. Don’t forget to sample an alfajor (a cookie filled with dulce de leche) or Argentina’s iconic national drink, mate – a bittersweet infusion drank in a metal gourd.

Weather

Deep in the southern hemisphere, Argentina is hot and humid during summer (December to February) and cold during winter (June to August). Most of the country is best visited during spring or autumn for more pleasant temperatures – except Patagonia, which is most accessible during summer.

Frequently asked questions

How long do you need to explore Argentina?

A deep dive into the art, culture, and history of Buenos Aires and its surrounding areas can easily fill two weeks of activity. If you are after a mix of urban and adventure, you could spend a month on an educational trip taking in the capital, Patagonia, and Iguazu Falls.

Do you need to speak Spanish to visit Argentina?

You don’t need to know any Spanish before visiting Argentina as English is widely spoken in tourist areas. However, a few phrases will go a long way in more rural areas and off-the-beaten-track spots, as well as endearing you to the locals for your efforts.

Is Argentina cheap to travel to?

Argentina can be expensive for the region, and it appears to be getting more so as the peso strengthens. A general rule of thumb is to expect to pay more the further south you travel (Patagonia, in particular, is pricey). If you are a budget traveler in Buenos Aires, expect to spend $35–$50 USD per day, including accommodation in a hostel, public transport, and affordable meals. In the subtropical north, you are likely to get by on $25–$40 USD per day, as accommodation and meals are generally cheaper, though excursions (like to Iguazú Falls) can increase your expenses. For more comfort, mid-range travelers might budget $70–$100 USD per day, depending on the region.

Is Argentina friendly to tourists?

Argentinians are incredibly welcoming and passionate about their country. They’re used to interacting with visitors, and they’re always keen to share their culture and knowledge.

What is Argentina known for culturally?

With a mix of European and Indigenous cultures, Argentina offers a dazzling array of cultural traditions, with football and tango standing out as two of the most iconic. Football is more than a sport – it’s a national obsession, with fierce rivalries like Boca Juniors v River Plate and passionate fans filling stadiums every weekend. Tango, on the other hand, embodies the soul of Argentina, blending melancholy and romance in its music and dance.

Is it safe to travel to Argentina?

Argentina is generally safe for travelers, but as with any country, it’s important to take sensible precautions. Don’t flash your valuables on the street and use your hotel safe to store important documents and money. Buenos Aires, like any big city, has its challenges, so it’s best to travel with an experienced educational travel agency like Kagumu Adventures.

What should I pack for an Argentina trip?

It all depends on what you’ll be doing and when you’re going. For any trip to Patagonia or the Andes, you should pack layers, as the weather can be unpredictable, even in summer, with chilly winds and occasional rain. A good waterproof jacket and sturdy hiking boots are essential. For Buenos Aires, you’ll definitely need warm clothes if you are visiting in winter (June to August), including a coat, scarf, and gloves, as temperatures can drop to around 45°F, especially in the evenings.

Should I bring cash to Argentina?

When visiting Argentina, it’s best to bring cash in US dollars and exchange it on the blue market (with its unofficial exchange rate). Due to high inflation, carrying cash is the best idea as local prices can change frequently, and ATMs often have low withdrawal limits and high fees. Avoid relying solely on credit or debit cards, as they may be charged at the official exchange rate. Use trusted exchange services for safety, and carry small peso bills for daily transactions, as many shops and restaurants don’t accept cards.