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Vibrant street art and colorful houses in La Boca, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

South America

Backpacking Argentina

Argentina is a vast backpacker destination, with hostel scenes in Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Bariloche, El Chaltén, Salta and Puerto Iguazú.

Photo: Miguel Cuenca / Pexels

Hostel destinations in Argentina

Vibrant street art and colorful houses in La Boca, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Buenos Aires

Tango halls, leafy Palermo and late-night dinners on the Río de la PlataScenic view of the Andes mountains and lake in Potrerillos, Mendoza, Argentina.

Mendoza

Malbec vineyards, tree-lined plazas and the Andes on the horizonA tranquil sailboat on a lake with snowy mountains in Bariloche, Argentina.

San Carlos de Bariloche

Alpine-style lake town with ski slopes, forest trails and chocolate shopsMajestic snowcapped Fitz Roy mountain range in Patagonia with a clear sky and serene lake reflection.

El Chaltén

Argentina's trekking capital, at the foot of Cerro Fitz RoyBreathtaking view of red rock formations against a clear blue sky in Salta Province, Argentina.

Salta

Colonial plazas, folk music and the gateway to Argentina's north-westStunning view of waterfalls cascading through lush greenery, creating misty splendor.

Puerto Iguazú

The Argentine gateway to Iguazú Falls, on the Brazil and Paraguay borders

Hostels and backpacking in Argentina

Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world, and most backpackers choose a few regions: Buenos Aires for tango and nightlife, Mendoza for wine and the Andes, Salta in the north-west, Puerto Iguazú for the waterfalls, and Patagonia for hiking around Bariloche and El Chaltén. Long-distance buses are comfortable, and domestic flights are common for the biggest gaps.

Hostels are plentiful in the main hubs, often in townhouses with patios and shared kitchens. Many arrange asados, wine tastings and walking tours. Evenings start late in Argentina, so even in social hostels the busiest hours are often after dinner.