Argentina on a budget

Cheapest months to go

Peak is October, November, March, April, December. The weeks either side of that window usually carry most of the weather with much less of the price.

Getting around for less

Realistic options in Argentina:

• Domestic flights are close to essential between regions — Buenos Aires to Patagonia or the north is a multi-day drive otherwise
• Long-distance coaches are comfortable and widely used, including overnight cama services
• A rental car is the best way to cover Mendoza, Salta/Jujuy and the Patagonian routes
• Buenos Aires has metro (subte), buses and a rechargeable SUBE transit card
• Trekking hubs such as El Chaltén are reached by regional bus or car rather than by air

Where to base yourself

Fewer bases means fewer paid transfers. Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Bariloche cover a lot between them.