Should you fly, or go by bus? Stay in a hostel, or splurge on an estancia? Our insiders share their tips.
Photo © iStock/EAQ
Types of Accommodation
In bigger cities like Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and
For Budget Travelers
If you’re on a tighter budget, try websites like Airbnb (but beware of Airbnb scams). This is a good option if there’s a group of you, as you can rent an entire apartment for far less than a hotel – plus, you can cook for yourselves to save money on dining.
You’ll also find hostels with dorm beds starting at
For Midrange Travelers
Apartments are still a good bet for mid-range travelers, but it’s sometimes nice to stay in a guesthouse rather than be secluded in an apartment with no other travelers around.
Have a look at posadas (small guest houses with just a few rooms). Many have shared bathrooms, but others have private showers and toilets. Breakfast is typically included, along with a kitchen for your use. Double rooms usually range from US $50-$75 ($1,200-$1,805 ARS) per night.
For a Bit of Luxury
If you have money burning a hole in your pocket, or just want to experience a different style of accommodation during your trip, consider a lodge,
Estancias are ranches or farms which offer rooms, food, and activities for guests. You’ll get to learn about life on the farm and can be as involved as you want. For two people, costs generally run around $200 ($4,815 ARS) per night.
Mountain lodges (often with stunning views, spas, and restaurants on site) or boutique hotels (often converted family houses, with each room decorated differently) start at around
Note: As of 2017, if you pay for your hotel with your foreign credit card, you no longer have to pay the 21% tax.
Getting Around by Bus
Buses are probably the best way to get around Argentina, and there are numerous bus companies to choose from. You can either go online to book – Omnilineas is a good online booking platform – or show up at the bus station to pre-purchase your tickets there. You’ll have the choice of class between
The price of the bus journey varies depending on the company and the route. Each bus company is different, and you’ll want to note what is included with the bus you choose: food, bathroom, refreshments (wine!), attendants, stops, etc. But to give an example, an overnight, 15-hour journey from Buenos Aires to Mendoza will cost around
Flights
Whether or not you choose to fly will depend on your budget (and your tolerance for long bus rides). A flight from Buenos Aires to Mendoza will cost around
Buses tend to cost 50% or less than flights – and if you consider that a bus ride counts as an overnight stay, and that you often need to take an expensive taxi out to the airport (and in), it often ends up being much more economical to take the bus.
Rental Vehicles
Renting a car is a great way to see Argentina at your own pace. Pulling over for picnics, stopping for photos whenever you feel like it, and taking random, scenic side roads is what it’s all about.
The only downside is that renting a car will cost you about US $50 ($1,215 ARS) per day. Discounts are sometimes available if you rent for a week or more. Also, you’ll want to make sure that you do a
Want to know more about Argentina? Listen to the World Nomads podcast. How drinking mate defines Argentinians, how to kiss properly when you greet someone, and meet Popi, the scientist who's saving penguins.
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