- Crossing the Villazon-La Quiaca Border into Argentina
- Quality Time with Dad in Cordoba, Argentina
- Vacation Within a Vacation
- Libreria El Ateneo, Buenos Aires
- Riding the Subte in Buenos Aires
- Iguazu Falls – Argentina and Brazil Sides
- A Return to San Telmo, Buenos Aires
- A Return to Cementerio de Recoleta, Buenos Aires
- A Return to River Plate’s Estadio Monumental
- Lost Cellphone in Buenos Aires
- Glaciar Perito Moreno and El Calafate
- Majestic Fitz Roy and El Chalten
- Last Few Days in Argentina and South America
- In Review: 73 Days of Traveling in Argentina
Why I Went There?
It’s the country I grew up in, and it was a comfortable base to use when I got travel weary and wanted to be around familiar people, food, and other things. My first stop here was during the World Cup. Being a big fan of Argentina, it’s always more fun to watch it here than anywhere else. I also wanted to visit Iguazu Falls again, and go to Patagonia for the first time.
Where Did I Go?
La Quiaca, Jujuy, Cordoba, Buenos Aires, Iguazu, El Calafate and Glaciar Perito Moreno, El Chalten and Mount Fitz Roy, and Tigre.
My Other Blog Posts on Argentina
Crossing the Villazon-La Quiaca Border into Argentina
Quality Time with Dad in Cordoba, Argentina
Vacation Within a Vacation
Libreria El Ateneo, Buenos Aires
Riding the Subte in Buenos Aires
Iguazu Falls – Argentina and Brazil Sides
A Return to San Telmo, Buenos Aires
A Return to Cementerio de Recoleta, Buenos Aires
A Return to River Plate’s Estadio Monumental
Lost Cellphone in Buenos Aires
Glaciar Perito Moreno and El Calafate
Majestic Fitz Roy and El Chalten
Last Few Days in Argentina and South America
Expenses
Total Days: 73
Total Expenses: US$2,172
Average: $30/day
The average is low because I spent a lot of time in Buenos Aires while staying with my cousin and friends. I also had US dollars which were exchanged in the black market, giving me an exchange rate that was sometimes 50-70% higher than the official one. Even with this better rate, it is still not a cheap country. Eating out and drinking can be expensive. Paying anything with a credit card (at the official exchange rate) makes it even worse.
How Is It to Backpack in Argentina?
Long distance buses are the best in all of South America. By paying a little more you can get a “Cama Ejecutiva” seat that goes completely flat so you can get some proper sleep.
Because of the black market (dolar blue) exchange rate, you don’t want to be withdrawing money from ATMs. Instead you want to bring US dollars or Euros in cash and exchange them.
Hotels and hostels are usually super clean and of good standard in Argentina.
Security-wise, I took extra precaution in Buenos Aires, known for muggings and thieves on motorcycles. In Patagonia I felt pretty safe.
Favorites And Not So Favorites
Favorite Places: Buenos Aires, Iguazu, Patagonia Region.
Favorite Moment: Sunrise at Torres del Paine.
Favorite Food or Drink: Choripan (sausage sandwich), milanesa napolitana (friend stake), facturas (pastries).
Most Annoying Thing: Exchanging money at the black market. Not being to use my credit card anywhere to avoid the official exchange rates.
Conclusion
It’s my home away from home, and I don’t regret spending over two months here. Iguazu (2nd visit) and Patagonia (1st visit) really impressed me, and the food and wine were excellent as usual.
My Favorite Pictures
