Solo Travel in Argentina: Buenos Aires, Safety & Practical Advice
Stretching across more than 2.7 million square kilometers (1.1 million square miles), Argentina offers unparalleled diversity in its geography, from the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the fertile plains of the Pampas, the arid deserts of the northwest to the icy glaciers of Patagonia. Whether you’re an adventurer, a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or someone seeking natural beauty, Argentina promises an unforgettable journey.
Argentina is the solo travel destination in South America that most exceeds expectations. Visitors who come with vague images of tango, steak and the end of the world leave with something more specific: the memory of a 10pm dinner in Palermo that became a 2am conversation about Argentine history, a parrilla lunch that dismantled everything they thought they knew about beef, a neighbourhood in Buenos Aires that operates on a social rhythm unlike anything in Europe or North America. I was born here, and I still find things in this country that surprise me.
Argentina has two versions for the international solo traveller. The Buenos Aires version — sophisticated, culturally dense, affordable when you access the right exchange rate — is covered in depth in the Buenos Aires city guide on this site. The rest of Argentina version — Patagonia, the Andean wine country of Mendoza, the subtropical Iguazú Falls, the colonial city of Córdoba — requires more independent navigation and is significantly more rewarding for it.
Argentina’s financial situation is complex and changes frequently. The gap between the official exchange rate and the informal rate (blue dollar) has historically been significant, and accessing the better rate legitimately through financial apps (Wise, Western Union, authorised exchange houses) is what separates an expensive trip from an extraordinarily affordable one. Check the current situation at allaboutbuenosaires.com before you travel — Natalia updates the currency guidance regularly to reflect current conditions.
Argentina is safer than many visitors expect for a South American country, particularly in the tourist areas. Buenos Aires has specific risks (motorbike theft, express kidnapping targeting visible wealth) that require specific habits (phone in pocket, no expensive watches, Uber over street taxis) but is not a dangerous city in any absolute sense for the informed visitor. Outside Buenos Aires, safety concerns are minimal — Patagonia, Mendoza and the northwest are relaxed and comfortable.
Argentina travel facts
Annual Visitors: Pre-pandemic, Argentina welcomed over 7 million international tourists annually, making it one of the most visited countries in South America.
Top Visitor Origins: Tourists primarily come from Brazil, Chile, the United States, Spain, and France.
Tourism Revenue: Tourism contributes approximately $5 billion annually to Argentina’s economy, accounting for about 3% of the GDP.
Domestic Tourism: Over 50 million domestic trips are taken annually, with locals frequently visiting destinations like Bariloche, Mendoza, and Mar del Plata.
Argentina Beyond Buenos Aires
Mendoza for Argentine Malbec at source — the wine region 14 hours from Buenos Aires by overnight bus produces the best of it. Patagonia (Bariloche, El Calafate, Ushuaia) for the most dramatic landscapes in South America and genuinely world-class trekking. Iguazú Falls on the Brazilian/Argentine border for waterfalls that make Niagara look modest. Salta in the northwest for colonial architecture and the high Andean landscape of the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Argentina rewards the traveller who leaves Buenos Aires.Written by Natalia Romero, Argentine travel writer at allaboutbuenosaires.com and gotravelyourself.com. Natalia was born and raised in Buenos Aires
