With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history, Argentina has long been a favourite among travellers. In recent years, many tourists have found Argentina to be a very cheap destination. However, recent political changes have meant that the economic landscape of Argentina has changed quite drastically over the past year, and consequently, you may find yourself asking the question: Is Argentina still cheap to visit in 2024?
The current state of Argentina's economy
For years, Argentina has been grappling with economic instability, characterised by extremely high levels of inflation and ever-fluctuating exchange rates. In 2024, Argentina has continued to experience inflation, albeit at a significantly lower rate in comparison with 2023. However, new policies introduced by President Javier Milei have meant that prices in many areas have soared, and consequently, the cost of living for locals has increased drastically.
Argentina has many different exchange rates with the US dollar, aside from the official rate. The “blue dollar”, for example, is a parallel (and unofficial) rate which has previously allowed for both locals and tourists to take advantage of significantly lower prices when it comes to buying Argentine pesos. However, in recent months, there hasn’t been too much of a difference between the official and parallel rates, which, although economically-speaking is a positive change, for locals it has meant that their money doesn’t go as far as it did before.
For tourists, however, the blue dollar rate continues to offer a much better bang for your buck, in comparison with the official rate. To give you an idea:
- At the time of writing, with the official rate, 500 USD will buy you roughly 500,000 pesos.
- With the blue rate, visitors to Argentina can exchange 500 USD for around 600,000 pesos.
Accommodation costs
Argentina has loads of different options when it comes to accommodation. In Buenos Aires, you’ll find everything from budget hotels and hostels, to luxury hotels, like the Four Seasons, where you can expect prices upwards of 900 USD per night.
Luckily though, there are lots of more affordable options which will give you a comfortable place to rest your head. Depending on the location, it’s possible to find decent, centrally located hotels, hostels and apartments for as little as 10-25 USD per night. If you have a bit more room in your budget, you can find slightly higher-end options for 50-150 USD per night. You can also expect these kind of prices in tourist hotspots, such as Bariloche and Ushuaia.
Obviously, it’s worth bearing in mind that prices fluctuate depending on when you travel to Argentina, but in general, you can expect relatively low prices all year round.
Also, remember that if you want to get the most out of your money, you should take advantage of the blue rate and pay in cash at the hotel!
Travelling within Argentina
Argentina isn’t just Buenos Aires; there’s so much more to explore! Given the size of the country, getting from one place to another can be a significant expense for tourists, especially if you’re planning on visiting several regions of Argentina. Domestic flights are the most convenient way to cover long distances and tend to be affordable if you book in advance.
You can also choose to travel by coach (known as micros), which isn’t a bad option if you want to travel to somewhere relatively close to Buenos Aires, like Córdoba or Mendoza. An overnight journey can cost anywhere between 30-50 USD, offering a scenic and economical way to travel across the country.
Within the capital of Buenos Aires, although costs have risen drastically recently, public transport remains super cheap for tourists! You can expect to pay less than 0.50 USD for a subway or bus ride. Taxis and Ubers are also pretty cheap, although be wary of the prices you’re being charged as some drivers have been known to scam tourists.
For a guide on how to use public transport in Buenos Aires, click here.
Food and drink
In the home of Malbec and asado, you’ll be happy to hear that dining out in Argentina remains a surprisingly affordable experience for tourists (not so much for locals). In a typical Argentine steakhouse (known as a parrilla), one person can eat a full meal for less than 15 USD, and two people can eat pretty well for between 20-30 USD.
Street food is where Argentina shines most in terms of prices though. Empanadas, choripán and pizzas are popular options that usually cost just a few dollars. In Buenos Aires, as a tourist you can buy a slice of pizza for less than a dollar! If you plan on cooking whilst staying in Argentina, prices in supermarkets are also relatively low at the moment for tourists. Here is an example of prices:
- 1kg beef = 8 USD
- 12 eggs = 2.30 USD
- 1kg potatoes = 0.97 USD
- 1kg chicken = 6.50 USD
- Mid-range bottle of wine = 5 USD
- 1.5L bottled water = 1.50 USD
Costs of activities and tourist attractions
Argentina has something for pretty much every kind of traveller, and the best thing is that most of the country’s main attractions are either very cheap or completely free.
In Buenos Aires, some popular tourist destinations include the colourful neighbourhood of La Boca, the Cementerio de la Recoleta and the San Telmo markets – all places which can be enjoyed without spending too much money. A visit to the Teatro Colón or to a tango show may cost more, but still remain affordable options as a tourist.
Natural attractions, such as the Iguazú Falls, the glaciers of Patagonia, and the wine regions of Mendoza, do come with entrance fees, but these are often lower than similar destinations worldwide. National park entrance fees are typically under 20 USD, while guided tours and excursions can range from 50-200 USD depending on the activity and level of service.
One of the main reasons to visit Argentina is to experience its natural beauty, and unsurprisingly, the country is a haven for hikers and skiers. Skiing is obviously an activity that comes with its costs, but there are many stunning places to go hiking in Argentina without having to spend a penny.
See our guide on the Best Time of the Year to Visit Argentina.
Is Argentina cheap for tourists in 2024?
The answer to this question largely depends on your home currency and how well you manage expenses whilst travelling. If you come from a country with a strong currency, like the US dollar, the euro or the British pound, Argentina remains one of the most affordable destinations in Latin America. Although a problem for residents, economic instability and high inflation rates allow tourists to enjoy top-class experiences at a fraction of the price, compared to other countries.
However, it’s important to be aware of the situation in Argentina, as things can change quite rapidly. Whilst the typical ‘touristy’ things are pretty inexpensive, other things like imported clothes and household items are often 2-3 times more expensive than in other countries, as a result of heavy import taxes.
To conclude, for the time being, Argentina remains a fairly cheap place to travel as a tourist in 2024!