-Day Argentina Travel Itinerary: Explore the Farthest End from China

Argentina, the country farthest from China in the world, has become one of our favorite destinations on this round-the-world journey! The cultural atmosphere and natural scenery are uniquely enchanting everywhere!

🗺️ Relaxed Itinerary:
▪️Day 1-5: Buenos Aires – Indulge in steak, tango, football, and city walks.
▪️Day 6: Iguazu Falls – Marvel at the breathtaking waterfalls.
▪️Day 7-11: Ushuaia – Gateway to Antarctica, known as the end of the world.
▪️Day 11-15: Patagonia – Hike at El Calafate Glacier and El Chalten Fitz Roy, the iconic location for the Patagonia brand.

▪️Day 16-20: Bariloche – Enjoy a holiday in the “Switzerland of South America.”
We concluded our trip by taking a bus from Bariloche to Puerto Montt, Chile. If time is limited, you can compress 1-2 days in Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, or Bariloche.

✈️ Transportation:
▪️All transfers between segments are by plane (the distances are vast, and there are no high-speed trains; Buenos Aires serves as a central hub, Iguazu requires a round trip to Buenos Aires, and flying from El Calafate to Bariloche also involves a transfer in Buenos Aires, while Ushuaia can fly directly to El Calafate).

▪️For the Patagonia segment, we rented a car. The drive from El Calafate to El Chalten takes three hours through an unspoiled wilderness where you can spot various wildlife. Along the way, you can capture stunning photos of Fitz Roy.

▪️For urban transportation, both taxis and buses are available. The Sube bus card is widely accepted, and Didi International is more affordable than Uber.

🏨 Accommodation:
Almost all stays were in Airbnb, providing great experiences at very reasonable prices. Choosing based on location, high ratings, and your preferred decor style will ensure a comfortable stay.

🥩 Food:
▪️The beef is truly exceptional. Besides dining out, even the beef bought randomly from supermarkets is both cheap and delicious.
▪️In Ushuaia, don’t miss the king crab at the Old Captain’s restaurant.
▪️Highly recommend the roasted lamb chops in El Calafate.

💰 Currency Exchange:
Bring US dollars to exchange at the local black market Cambio, and avoid exchanging at the airport! The exchange rate can fluctuate significantly over six months or a year, so when checking prices on Little Red Book, find recent references to avoid major discrepancies. Exchanging money with Chinese restaurant owners is also a feasible option!

🧮 Expenses:
Total for two people was 44k, including:
– Transportation: 12k+ (including domestic flights and car rental)
– Meals: 9k+
– Accommodation: 11k+
– Attractions: 7k+ (glacier hiking, Ushuaia sea trips, etc.)
– Miscellaneous expenses

‼️ Tips:
▪️Do not expect locals to speak English. Use gestures, translators, and guesswork, and start with a friendly “hola.”
▪️The entire journey was safe, and the locals are incredibly kind and genuine. Once, when we asked for directions, an elderly lady came out of her shop and personally guided us to our destination.

I will share more about our travel experiences in each segment later.