What is the Minimum Cost for an Affordable Trip to Argentina?

Target Itinerary: 4 days in Buenos Aires, 3 days in El Calafate, 2 days in Ushuaia, 2 days at Iguazu Falls, and 3 days in Mendoza.

Round-trip flight from Shanghai, via Amsterdam or Paris, to Buenos Aires: ¥13,000 per person, totaling ¥26,000 for two people.

Total for domestic flights: ¥7,646 per person, adding up to ¥15,292 for a pair of travelers.

Thanks to Argentina’s vast expanse and plentiful resources, accommodations are surprisingly affordable. For 14 nights, you can expect to pay around ¥3,904 per person, which remains the same even for two people.

Food is another area where your budget can stretch further. With just ¥400 per day for two people, you can indulge in steak to your heart’s content. If you plan to dine out for about a third of your 14-day trip, set aside ¥2,000. Alternatively, buying food and drinks from local supermarkets is even more economical, costing approximately ¥750 per person, or ¥1,500 for two. Over 14 days, this brings the total to ¥1,750 per person, or ¥3,500 for two.

Day trips will set you back ¥6,035 per person, or ¥10,570 for a duo. In summary, a 14-day adventure in Argentina is estimated to cost ¥32,335 per person, or ¥59,266 for two.

While Argentina may not be as pricey as Tahiti, there are still ways to maximize your travel budget. Here are some tips:

– **Limit Your Destinations**: Reducing the number of domestic flights can save you a lot. Focus on one or two regions this time and explore the rest on your next visit.
– **Camping**: If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, Argentina is a camper’s paradise. In El Calafate, Summer found a campsite that charged only $1 per night for two people, complete with hot showers.

The campsites in the national park in El Chaltén are free; just find an open spot and set up camp!
– **Wine Tasting**: Indulge in Argentina’s world-renowned wines. A glass in a restaurant might cost ¥20, but a whole bottle in a supermarket could be as little as ¥15. Whether in a restaurant or a supermarket, the quality is the same.

By the way, skip the beer; it’s not worth the price.
– **Self-Guided Hiking**: If you find guided tours too expensive, consider hiking on your own. For instance, ice trekking on the Moreno Glacier costs over $200 per person. When Summer reached the foot of Mount Fitz Roy, she simply put on her backpack and set off on her own.

– **Free City Tours**: Many cities offer free walking tours. In Buenos Aires, for example, some tours are free, and you can tip the guide if you’re satisfied.
– **Cook Your Own Meals**: Take advantage of the affordable beef and a wide variety of vegetables. Many Airbnbs come equipped with kitchens, and the cooking utensils are often more comprehensive than you’d expect.

How about whipping up a pot of Argentine beef stew with potatoes? Doesn’t that sound delicious?