Practical information : Accomodation Argentina
Budget & Tips
From camping to luxury hotels, ecolodges to homestays, there is no shortage of accommodation options in Argentina. Even though the country covers a vast territory, there is a wide range of accommodation options to suit all tastes. If you're traveling alone, it's best to look for hostels that offer dormitory beds, or if you're well equipped, you can camp for less. For families and groups of friends, it is best to stay in cabañas, which are basic but often comfortable and well-equipped bungalows. Long-distance travelers who travel by van will save on lodging: however, do not set up camp just anywhere to spend the night, preferring to use the sites provided for this purpose, campsites or even private land in exchange for a small sum of money.
To be booked
Although there is a wide range of accommodation options, capacity can be limited in high season: between November and March is the peak tourist season, and many travellers are often surprised by a lack of forethought. For major tourist hubs such as Buenos Aires, Iguazú, Bariloche, El Calafate and Ushuaia, try to book several weeks in advance. When venturing off the beaten track, hotels often offer a catering service with breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's best to opt for a complementary package to your overnight stay, or risk going to sleep on an empty stomach: in some areas, restaurants are a dime a dozen!
What's very local
Want to spend the night with the gauchos? Stay in one of the many estancias that have now opened their doors to tourists. Full-board packages are available to immerse you in the daily life of the cowboys of the Deep South: horseback rides, meals around an asado, hikes... After a busy day, you return to your private room. An authentic experience in tune with local traditions.
For food lovers
Tostadas (toasted bread slices), orange juice, coffee, medialuna (croissant) and other facturas (pastries)... the typical Argentine breakfast is rather similar to ours, even if a few differences will mark it with a little exoticism: try the doughnuts and pastries topped with dulce de leche (milk jam), sweet tooths will be delighted! As for those who prefer a savoury breakfast, they can start the day with croissants filled with ham and cheese, or omelettes.
Tourist traps
Even if staying in an estancia is the ideal option to ensure the most authentic immersion, be sure to select the one that you really want. We often imagine ourselves off the beaten track and find ourselves in a small estancia full of charm lost in the depths of a countryside. This is an excellent thing, but be careful because there are also "industrial" estancias that have taken over the concept of adventure tourism. These tourist factories receive up to 50 people at a time. You go from a bath of tranquility to a nightmare for tourists.