1. More Info About Your Argentina Trip

1.1 Fast Facts

1.2 Where We Visit

1.3 Weather

1.4 Itinerary Overview

1.5 Included / Excluded

1.6 Hotels

1.7 Room Sharing

2. Getting Prepared

2.1 Trip Countdown Timeline

2.2 Cancellations / Trip Moves

2.3 Visa Requirements (Note: BRAZIL visa required for some nationalities)

2.4 Vaccinations

2.5 Travel Insurance

2.6 Luggage

2.7 Local Currency

2.8 Phone, Internet & WhatsApp

2.9 Arrival Info & Entry Requirements

2.10 Departure Info

2.11 Airport Transfers

2.12 Packing Guidelines / Checklist

3. During Your Tour

3.1 Trip Execution & Tour Leader

3.2 Free Time

3.3 Schedule Changes

3.4 Behaviour On Tour

3.5 Safety Advice

3.6 Spending Money

3.7 Tipping

3.8 Laundry

3.9 Post Trip

4. Readiness Checklist

Checklist

1.1 FAST FACTS

Population

• 46.65 Million
• Capital city is Buenos Aires 

Geography

• Argentina is the second largest country in South America after Brazil, and the eighth largest country in the world.
• The country is divided into four regions – the Andes, the Pampas, the north and Patagonia, which covers the southern part of the country.
• Occupies an area more extensive than Mexico and the U.S. state of Texas combined.
• Argentina also claims a portion of Antarctica, as well as several islands in the South Atlantic, including the British-ruled Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).

Language

• Spanish (English is the second most spoken language in Argentina)

Currency

• Argentine Peso ($)
• 1 USD = 1360 Pesos (roughly)
• 1 GBP = 1840 Pesos (roughly)

Religion

• The constitution grants the Roman Catholic Church preferential legal status, but there is no official state religion in Argentina.

1.2 WHERE WE VISIT

Buenos Aires (3 nights)

Buenos Aires has a vibrant mix of history, culture, and tradition. From the historic Plaza de Mayo to the tango-filled streets of La Boca, the city is rich with stories of revolution and passion. Its blend of European-style architecture, lively neighborhoods like Palermo and San Telmo, and a thriving arts scene make Buenos Aires a captivating destination that beautifully fuses the old with the new.

El Chaltén (2 nights)

Nestled in Argentina’s Patagonia, it’s a small village known as the “Trekking Capital” of Argentina. Surrounded by dramatic peaks like Mount Fitz Roy, it’s a pure paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

El Calafate (2 nights)

Located in the heart of Argentine Patagonia, it’s the gateway to the stunning Los Glaciares National Park. Known for the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few advancing glaciers in the world, it offers a unique natural wonder.

Iguazú (3 nights)

The famous Iguazú Falls, surrounded by lush rainforest, were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for their natural beauty and biodiversity. Traditionally, Iguazú is a symbol of nature’s raw power and a sacred place for the indigenous people. The area holds significance for both indigenous Guarani culture and the early Spanish explorers who encountered it.

1.3 WEATHER

We choose our trip dates based on when we believe are the best times to visit Argentina. You can see the expected temperatures below.

Buenos Aires Weather Celsius

Buenos Aires Weather Fahrenheit

El Calafate Weather Celsius

El Calafate Weather Fahrenheit

Iguazú Weather Celsius

Iguazú Weather Fahrenheit

1.4 ITINERARY OVERVIEW

A summary version of the itinerary. You can find the more detailed version here.

A detailed hour-by-hour schedule will be provided 10 days before the trip.

1.5 INCLUDED/EXCLUDED

Included:-

• 11-days / 10-nights: 3 Buenos Aires, 2 El Chaltén, 2 El Calafate, 3 Iguazú
• Accommodation in hand-picked 3 & 4-star hotels (based on sharing twin room)
• Meals – All breakfasts, 5 lunches & 4 dinners
• Airport pickups and drop-offs
• All transportation & activities within itinerary (excluding optional activities)
• 2 internal flights (Buenos Aires – Calafate) (Calafate – Iguazu)
• A trip host (“Tour Leader”) plus various local experts

Excluded:-

• International flights to get you to and from Argentina
• Alcoholic drinks (except those specifically provided as part of itinerary)
• Water & soft drinks (outside of those provided with meals)
• Additional meals (outside of those explicitly stated as included)
• Optional activities during free time
• Tips (for Tour Leaders, local guides, bus drivers etc…)
• Travel insurance

1.6 HOTELS

As standard, we use the hotels listed at the bottom of our itinerary page.

From time to time we may need to change a specific hotel if for example it’s not available on those given dates. But in such situations, we will always replace with another hotel at the same quality.

Some special notes regarding hotels:-

• Hotel check-in is not until 3pm. Sometimes earlier check-in is possible, however, it won’t be possible to know in advance because it will depend on hotel availability that day (and what time other hotel guests check-out). The only way to guarantee an early check-in is if you’re willing to pay for the hotel from the night before.

• You will be sharing a twin room with a fellow traveler of the same gender, unless you specifically paid extra for a private room (these are dependent on availability, see prices in FAQ section of itinerary page).

• If you are planning to tag on extra days on either side of the trip, we can help book you into our hotels. We can only guarantee this if you let us know more than 70 days before the trip and we can only do this for a maximum of 2 nights on either side. Any longer and we recommend you book directly with the hotels. Note – contact us for rates for pre and post-trip accommodation.

1.7 ROOM SHARING 

As standard, the default on all of our trips is that you will share a room with another traveler. These will be twin rooms, with 2 separate beds, and shared by a max of 2 people.

You will always share with another traveler of the same gender, and we will typically pair you with someone around the same age. You will share with this person for the duration of the itinerary.

Note that we operate this way because – by splitting the room cost between two people – it allows us to keep the overall OWR trip price down.

It is however possible for you to pay extra for a private room if you prefer. Prices for this are shown in the FAQ section of the itinerary page. We hold a limited number of private rooms and these will be allocated on a first come, first served basis (therefore please check in with us for availability).

In our experience, most people are happy sharing a twin room and it typically works out well.

Some Important Things to Consider:-

SNORING

If you snore, then we highly recommend that you book a private room. While we understand that this will cost you more, it is important to think of the negative impact/experience the snoring could have on any potential roommate.

LIGHT SLEEPERS

Likewise, if you consider yourself to be a light sleeper and are easily woken by the sounds or movements or others, then we also recommend you also consider booking a private room in order to get the most out of the experience.

In addition…

If you would like to book a private room then it is much better to do this in advance of the trip! If you originally signed up for a shared room and then request to move to a private room during the trip, it will be much more challenging because:-

• We cannot guarantee that there will still be rooms available (since we will have released our OWR allocation by then).

• Our quoted OWR rates will no longer apply (it will be whatever last-minute rates the hotels provide).

Therefore, it is much better for you if you can make this decision ahead of time!

 1.8 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

There are some physically demanding elements to this trip, with the Mt Fitz Roy / Laguna de los Tres trek being by far the most challenging. Please read the information below carefully so you know what to expect.

• Bike Tour in Buenos Aires – A 6-hour city bike tour with multiple stops along the way. The route is fairly easy-going and mostly on flat roads. As long as you’re comfortable riding a bike and being active for several hours, you should be absolutely fine. 

• Mt Fitz Roy / Laguna de los Tres Trek – This is a challenging 22 km (14 mile) round-trip trek, typically taking around 8–10 hours to complete. A good level of fitness and the ability to comfortably walk for a full day are required.

  Much of the trail involves relatively gentle ups and downs, but the final kilometre is considerably steeper and more demanding, gaining approximately 400m (1,300 ft) of elevation over a short distance. There are several points along the route where you can turn back if you don’t feel comfortable continuing, and we’ll have an additional guide with the group to allow for this.

  Weather in Patagonia can also be very changeable. Conditions can range from warm and sunny to cold, wet and windy, sometimes within the same day. It is therefore essential that you bring appropriate clothing and footwear for the trek, including hiking boots, warm layers and waterproof clothing. We’ll provide more detailed guidance in the packing section.

• Perito Moreno Glacier – A 2-hour glacier experience involving walking on uneven and icy terrain. It is considerably less physically demanding than the Fitz Roy trek, but you should be comfortable walking for a couple of hours and being outdoors in potentially cold and windy conditions.

• Iguazú Falls – Our two days exploring Iguazú involve a fair amount of walking. On the Brazilian side we’ll explore the falls and Bird Park, while on the Argentinian side we’ll spend much of the day on foot exploring the various walking circuits and viewpoints around the falls. The walking itself is not particularly strenuous, but you should be comfortable spending several hours on your feet, including some steps and uneven surfaces, potentially in hot and humid conditions.

IF YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL CONDITIONS WHICH YOU FEEL MAY IMPACT YOU DURING THESE ACTIVITIES, PLEASE NOTIFY US IN ADVANCE.

2.1 TRIP COUNTDOWN TIMELINE

This is what you should expect in the lead up to your trip.

• Book trip (secure your spot with a deposit)

• Book international flights (these can be booked at any point after we’ve confirmed your spot – don’t leave too late as price will go up closer to trip)

• Purchase travel insurance (this will cover for issues leading up to trip as well as during)

> 70 Days Before Trip (cancellation penalties kick-in beyond this point)

• Full balance must be paid
• Fill out OWR questionnaire: requests flight information, dietary requirements, health conditions, emergency contacts etc…(you can access customer portal with email address here)

> 10 Days Before Trip

• OWR sends day-by-day schedule, optional activity recommendations & some final info to prepare you for trip

> 3 Days Before Trip

• WhatsApp group created with all trip attendees + Tour Leader

> Trip Start Date

• Welcome meeting is typically scheduled for 6pm on first day. This is where you will meet your Tour Leader and other guests (note – we may change this time depending on overall group arrival times. If it changes we will notify you).

2.2 CANCELLATIONS / TRIP MOVES

The £200/$250 deposit is non-refundable. However, if you need to cancel at any point, you can put this towards any future trip you book with us (in any location).

The rest of the balance is refundable up until 70 days before the trip. From that point the following cancellation terms will apply:-

> 30-70 days before trip – 50% refund

> 0–30 days before trip – 0% refund

Important Note – it is not possible for us to make exceptions to these terms since from the 70 days mark we will commit payments to our local suppliers in Argentina and will be bound by their strict cancellation terms. This is why it’s very important for you take take out a travel insurance policy which includes trip cancellation (from the point of booking the trip).

This applies also to requests to change to an alternative future OWR trip, when such requests are made within 70 days of your scheduled trip departure. 

2.3 VISA REQUIREMENTS

Argentina

Citizens from US, Canada, UK, Australia and EU Countries can enter Argentina for 90 days without a visa.

(If you are from a different country, please check the requirements specific to your country)

Brazil (applies to US, Canada & Australia)

Since we visit the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls on Day 9 of the itinerary, you will need a Brazil E-visa to cross the border (you will also need it if you have chosen to fly home from the Brazilian side of the falls).

You can apply here, and it will cost you US$80.90.

(Note – this is not required for those of you from the UK or EU)

2.4 VACCINATIONS

There are no mandatory vaccinations for entering Argentina, only recommendations. 

Standard travel vaccinations – information online tends to vary, we recommend checking with a reputable source such as those below (or the equivalent from your own country) 

US: 

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/argentina

UK: 

https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries/argentina#Vaccine_Recommendations

Please read through these and compare with your current vaccination status (it is your responsibility to ensure you are adequately vaccinated).

(One that many people don’t already have is the yellow fever vaccination, which is recommend but not required when visiting Iguazú). 

In addition to vaccinations, we advise to take measures to avoid mosquito bites throughout the trip. Good practise includes using mosquito repellant and also keeping arms and legs covered with long sleeve shirts and trousers in areas where mosquitos are more prominent.

2.5 TRAVEL INSURANCE

As of July 2025, the Argentinian government has introduced a new requirement that all travelers entering the country must have medical travel insurance (medical care in case of illness or accident, 24/7 emergency assistance, medical transfer or evacuation if necessary, health repatriation if required). This can be the same travel insurance policy that is already mandatory for joining our trips.

Please have your policy document available (physically or digitally) during your travels, as you could be asked to show this either when you check-in for your international flight or when you arrive at immigration in Argentina.

Some important info relating to this:-

• You must have travel insurance in place to join the trip. No exceptions.
• We will ask you to provide your policy number and 24hr emergency contact number (this will be part of the OWR survey 70 days pre trip).
• At a minimum it must cover the mandatory elements mentioned in our booking terms (personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation).
• However, we strongly recommend you also include the “trip cancellation” coverage. This will cover you for things that can happen between booking the trip and the trip actually starting. Examples are: changes to your personal circumstances, destinations becoming unsafe to travel, flight issues stopping you from joining the tour etc…
• We recommend that you start your coverage from the point of booking the tour.
• It is your responsibility to ensure your policy covers all of the activities specified on the trip itinerary, in addition to any optional activities you plan to do.

There are numerous policies on the market and you should choose whichever is most appropriate for you. Here’s a small selection to consider:-

World Nomads

Allianz Travel Insurance

BattleFace

Tru Traveller

2.6 LUGGAGE

• You can travel with a suitcase or backpack, the choice is completely yours (fyi most people typically do suitcase)
• There are two domestic flights with this itinerary, so we ask you to restrict your luggage to one standard hold piece weighting no more than 15kg/33lbs. Restrictions are placed by the airlines. 
• It’s worth considering whether you could do the trip with cabin luggage only – this would mitigate any risk of lost luggage by the airlines on your international flights (which is not frequent but does happen from time-to-time).

2.8 PHONE, INTERNET & WHATSAPP

In most locations there is good phone signal and internet access and WIFI is available in hotels & restaurants.

Check out the plan of your phone provider to understand if data roaming is included as part of your package. If not, it is very easy to buy an e-sim for Argentina, in which case we recommend Holafly or Airalo services.

You can also buy a local Argentina sim. Ask your Tour Leader for instructions.

We will use WhatsApp as a means of communicating with the group while on tour and recommend you download this to your phone if you don’t already have it.

2.7 LOCAL CURRENCY

The local currency is the Argentine Peso. Foreign currencies (USD, GBP, CAD, AUD) are not generally accepted for direct payment.

If possible, bring cash in USD (ideally $100 bills in good condition) and exchange them in Argentina for the best rates. GBP is also possible but less common, while CAD and AUD are difficult to exchange.

ATMs are available but charge very high fees with low withdrawal limits, so they are not recommended as your main source of money (also, remember to inform your bank in advance).

Western Union is a popular option for visitors, often giving a better exchange rate than ATMs or banks.

Card payment is also widely accepted throughout Argentina and you can pay for most things on this. However, merchants may add a 2% to 4% surcharge for using a credit card. It is also worth having a little cash to use for tips. 

Always carry some pesos in cash for tips, small purchases, and places that don’t accept cards.

2.9 ARRIVAL INFO & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

This tour starts in Buenos Aires and ends in Iguazú (we will get you between the two cities over the 11 days). 

To join the trip you will arrive into Ezeiza International Airport (airport code EZE).

Ideally you should arrive at the hotel by 6pm on the first day. This is when we have our welcome meeting and afterwards go for dinner (although if you arrive later it’s fine to catch up).

There will be someone there to meet you upon arrival as you walk through the gates (they will have a sign with your name on it). 

Hotel check-in is not until 3pm but if arriving earlier you can drop off your bags and go explore the surrounding area. 

Please ensure that you have read all of the Argentina entry requirements (it is your responsibility to ensure you comply):-

US Citizen Entry Requirements

UK Citizen Entry Requirements

CA Citizen Entry Requirements

(if from a different country, please check those requirements specific to your home country)

When going through passport control in Argentina you may be asked to show the following:- 

• Passport (must be valid for the proposed duration of the stay)
• Evidence of return flight leaving Argentina
• Travel insurance Policy document (physically or digitally)
• Buenos Aires hotel address

Please have this information on hand.

2.10 DEPARTURE INFO

You should arrange your flight home from Cataratas of Iguazú International Airport (airport code IGR) or Foz do Iguaçu (airport code IGU) i.e. either the Argentina or Brazil side of Iguazu Falls is fine and we will arrange your airport transfer to whichever suits you best.

You can leave at any time on the last day. There are no activities scheduled for that day.

2.11 AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Airport transfers are included at both the start and end of the trip.

The following conditions apply:-

• We only do transfers between airports and our selected hotels. No other locations (other hotels, Airbnbs etc…)
• For those tagging on extra days, we will endeavour to include transfers up to 2 days outside of official tour dates. Beyond this we will not include transfers

• Arrival and departure details must be submitted via our traveler questionnaire no later than 30 days before the trip start date. Flight dates, times, and flight numbers must be correct so that we can track flights and arrange transfers accordingly. If this information is not provided by the deadline, we cannot guarantee your included transfer.

• If your flight changes or is significantly delayed (by more than 30 mins), please notify us by email or WhatsApp as soon as possible. As transfers are arranged and paid for in advance, we cannot guarantee changes to existing transfer bookings.

• If a new transfer is required, we will do our best to arrange one based on your updated flight details. However, if it is within 24 hours of your initial scheduled arrival, this will be charged as an additional transfer due to our local transport provider’s cancellation terms. In this case we will invoice you for the additional transfer. Alternatively, you can make your own way to the hotel by taxi, Uber, or other local transport.

• Any additional costs due to rearranged transfers may be covered by your travel insurance, so it is worth checking your policy to see what is included.

2.12 PACKING GUIDELINES / CHECKLIST 

The climate in Argentina varies significantly throughout the country which can make it a little tricky in deciding what to pack. Here we offer some general guidelines on what to expect in each place so you can judge for yourself.

Buenos Aires: What you would typically wear in a city during spring/summer time with a sweater or light jacket for when it gets cooler in the evenings.

Patagonia (El Calafate + El Chaltén): Cold and dry type of weather so it’s best to dress in layers, this way you can remove pieces of clothing as the temperature raises throughout the day. Think of your typical hiking gear – a windbreaking coat, trousers, base layers, some gloves, a winter hat, trekking shoes and a small day backpack for carrying food/water etc…

Iguazú: The weather is warm and humid so it’s best to bring light clothes and/or activewear.

Documents

• Flight info (especially important to be able to show you have a flight leaving Argentina)
• Travel Insurance info (especially your policy number & 24hr emergency number)
• Passport  (must be valid for the proposed duration of the stay)
• Supporting documentation for medications – see advice here
• Visa proof (if required)

Things To Think About

• Hiking shoes or boots
• Coat
• Waterproof trouser (water resistant is usually not enough)
• Warm hat & gloves
• Light rain jacket
• Long sleeve top (lightweight)
• Long trousers (lightweight)
• Sweater/light jacket for for evenings
• Comfortable shoes/trainers for walking day-to-day 
• Day backpack/bag
• Swimsuits (for hotel pool at Iguazu)
• Sunglasses
• Hat for sun protection
• Power supplies/batteries – for phones, laptops, cameras etc…
• Power adapters (to convert to local supply) – see type required for Argentina.
• Sunscreen
• Mosquito/bug spray
• Ear Plugs (if sensitive sleeper)
• Personal entertainment (books, podcasts etc… for travel time)
• Toiletries
• Personal Medication
• Travel sickness pills (if necessary)
• Refillable Water bottle

Other

• Download WhatsApp on phone (to be used for group comms while on tour)
• Set up data roaming

3.1 TRIP EXECUTION & TOUR LEADER 

You Tour Leader is responsible for leading the group throughout the trip, they will be there from the welcome meeting at the start until the last morning when the trip ends. We will connect you with your Tour Leader – via WhatsApp – in the days leading up to the trip.

They will be your first point of contact for any issues during the trip but you can also contact us at [email protected]

3.2 FREE TIME

At various points during the trip the trip schedule will show ‘Downtime’ and ‘Free Time’ 

Downtime is where there are a couple of hours or so free between activities. There is probably enough time to go for a coffee, relax or go for a wander but not quite enough time to go do another activity. 

Free Time is where there is a sizeable chunk of time available – half day or full day – where you could feasibly go off and do another activity (outside of the OWR itinerary). It is there to give you flexibility to go do your own thing and explore your own interests. 

We will provide recommendations of possible activities for you to do during Free Time (we will send this 10 days before the trip).

We don’t recommend booking anything prior to arriving in Argentina as typically most things can be arranged at short notice and often our guests decide to do things with other people in the group. 

3.3 SCHEDULE CHANGES

While we endeavour to operate all trips as described in the published itineraries we always reserve the right to change the trip itinerary (Argentina and South America in general are very dynamic where things can often change at short notice). 

Changes may be necessary as a result of unforeseen circumstances, operational concerns, concerns for your health, safety, enjoyment or comfort. 

Any changes are at the discretion of OWR. 

This includes the right to replace Tour Leaders, alter accommodations, change transport, modify the order in which places are to visited, and make any other changes to the itinerary. 

We will inform you of any such changes as soon as reasonably possible.

3.4 BEHAVIOUR ON TOUR

We request that all guests take responsibility for their personal behaviour on the tour, specifically to:- 

• Respect the decisions of the Tour Leader (and raise concerns respectfully)
• Show respect and consideration for the other members of the group
• Drink alcohol responsibly
• In addition we have an absolutely zero tolerance no drugs policy.
• Be on time to start activities as per the schedule (be respectful of the time of other members of the group)

We also ask that you read about our OWR Trip Style prior to joining the trip.

3.5 SAFETY ADVICE

In general Argentina is a safe country to travel. 

Millions of foreigners visit every year and the vast majority of those are trouble free. 

However, we do recommend taking some extra precautions and being more vigilant than you typically would in your home country. 

• Leave jewellery / expensive handbags etc… at home
• Don’t go wandering outside the tourist areas without a local
• Don’t flag taxis – get the hotel / restaurant to call them
• Use ATMs inside banks / shopping malls rather than on the street
• Keep only small amounts of cash on you when out and about
• Drink alcohol moderately, avoid making yourself vulnerable (and don’t leave drinks unattended)
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Don’t go off to party with people you’ve just met! 

We also strongly recommend reading the travel advice provided by your government / consulate / foreign office.

3.6 SPENDING MONEY

We include include just about everything on the tour. 

The itinerary was designed so that while you’re in Argentina all you need to do is focus on enjoying yourself. 

With that said you will likely need a little spending money which we estimate as follows: 

• $400 – $500 (US)
• £300 – £400 (UK) 

(for other currencies please convert)

These estimates factor in lunches and dinners not included within the itinerary; snacks and water; a couple of alcoholic drinks each day; and optional activities during free time. 

You may need more depending on your tastes and for additional items such as souvenirs. 

We also recommend you have access to additional funds in case of emergency.

3.7 TIPPING

Tips for guides are not included and are therefore completely at your discretion.

You will encounter various local guides and drivers during the trip and if you are planning to tip it is useful to carry some cash for this purpose. A little goes a long way in Argentina and guides will be extremely appreciative of anything you give.

At the end of the trip you my also want to tip your Tour Leader who would have been with you for the full duration of the trip. A recommended amount is $5-$10 (£4-£8) per day (per person), but this is completely up to you and you should only tip what you feel comfortable with.

3.8 LAUNDRY

Some travellers prefer to pack light and do laundry while on tour. There will be various points throughout the trip to do laundry (your Tour Leader will inform you during the trip).

3.9 POST TRIP

We will send you a survey asking for feedback on your experience.

If you enjoyed the tour we would love it if you could recommend us on Google and/or Facebook.

We also have some special offers to those on our trips:

• If you book a new trip within 2 weeks of your current trip ending, you get a £200 / $250 discount.

• If you book a new trip after this point, we still offer a £100 / $125 discount.

We know this is a lot of information to digest, therefore, here’s a quick checklist to ensure you’re ready for your upcoming trip.

Have you:-

• Purchased your international flights to/from Argentina?
• Purchased travel insurance?
• Paid your full balance with OWR?
• Checked your passport validity? 
• Checked that you have the recommended vaccines?
• Obtained visas if necessary?
• Completed the OWR questionnaire?
• Checked our packing guidelines?
• Set up your data roaming + downloaded WhatsApp?
• Changed money or made plans to withdraw cash in Argentina for tips etc…
• Read our OWR Trip Style document to ensure you are comfortable with what to expect?

If so – you are good to go!