Cheap Flights to Argentina: Book Promotional Airfares

Argentine winter is ideal for skiing in the Andes and exploring Patagonia. Bariloche transforms into a snowy paradise with excellent ski slopes. Flight prices tend to be lower, except during Argentine school holidays in July. Buenos Aires has mild temperatures (10-15°C), perfect for exploring the city without crowds. It's low tourist season, which means fewer lines at museums and restaurants. Iguazu Falls has less flow but remains spectacular.

Spring is one of the best times to visit Argentina. Temperatures are pleasant throughout the country (15-25°C), flowers bloom in parks and gardens, and flight prices have not yet reached summer peaks. It's ideal time for Buenos Aires, with cultural festivals and full terraces. Patagonia begins to awaken from winter, perfect for trekking. Mendoza vineyards come to new life. Avoid late November when summer holidays begin and prices rise.

Summer is high season in Argentina, especially between Christmas and Carnival. Buenos Aires can be very hot (30-35°C) and many porteños escape to the coast. It's the best time for Patagonia, with long days and pleasant temperatures for trekking. Iguazu Falls has maximum flow but also more humidity. Flight prices are the highest of the year, especially in January. Book in advance and consider traveling in December or February for better prices.

Autumn is an excellent time to visit Argentina with fewer tourists and more affordable prices. Temperatures are pleasant (15-25°C) and landscapes gain spectacular golden tones. It's harvest season in Mendoza, with festivals and celebrations. Buenos Aires is at its best, with perfect weather to explore the city. Patagonia offers unique autumn landscapes before winter. April and May are ideal months to find cheap flights to Argentina from Portugal.

Portuguese citizens do not need a visa to enter Argentina for tourist stays up to 90 days. Simply present a valid passport with at least 6 months validity. Upon arrival at the airport, you will receive an entry stamp authorizing your stay. Keep the entry receipt as it will be requested upon departure. Travel insurance with minimum medical coverage is recommended, as Argentina's private healthcare system is expensive for foreigners. Carry digital copies of important documents. If you plan to visit neighboring countries like Chile or Brazil, check specific requirements. For stays exceeding 90 days, you must request an extension from local immigration authorities. Always keep your passport in a secure location during the trip. Ensure you have enough blank pages in your passport for entry and exit stamps.

Argentina has an excellent domestic transport network. Buenos Aires has an efficient and economical metro system (Subte), complemented by buses (colectivos) covering the entire city. For intercity travel, long-distance buses are comfortable and affordable, with executive options including meals and reclining seats. Companies like Andesmar and Chevallier operate main routes. For longer distances, domestic flights with Aerolíneas Argentinas or low-cost carriers like Flybondi are practical. In Buenos Aires, apps like Uber and Cabify work well, but official taxis (radio taxis) are safe and regulated. Renting a car is ideal for exploring Patagonia or wine regions, but avoid driving in Buenos Aires due to heavy traffic. The Tren a las Nubes train in Salta offers a unique experience. Purchase the SUBE card for public transport in Buenos Aires, available at kiosks and metro stations.

Argentina is generally safe for tourists but requires basic precautions. In Buenos Aires, avoid displaying valuables and stay alert in tourist areas like La Boca, especially at night. Common scams include the mustard trick, where someone dirties your clothes and an accomplice offers help while stealing belongings. Be careful with unofficial taxi drivers at the airport who charge exorbitant prices. Use only registered taxis or apps. When exchanging money, use official exchange houses (street arbolitos may give counterfeit notes). Don't accept help from strangers at ATMs. Store important documents in your hotel safe. In restaurants, always check the bill as they may add unconsumed items. Avoid walking alone in peripheral neighborhoods after dark. Maintain contact with the Portuguese embassy in Buenos Aires. Tourist police are helpful and speak English in central areas.

Argentines are warm and sociable, valuing long conversations and personal contact. The typical greeting is a kiss on the right cheek, even between people who just met. Unlike Portugal, Argentines dine very late, usually after 9 PM or 10 PM. Restaurants only get busy after 9:30 PM. Punctuality is not strict in social contexts, but be punctual for professional appointments. Mate is a sacred tradition; if offered, accept and drink everything before returning the gourd. Don't touch the bombilla (metal straw) or say thank you until you finish drinking. Argentines are passionate about football; avoid comparisons with Brazilian football. 10% tips are expected in restaurants and are not included in the bill. In traditional cafés, you can stay for hours without pressure to leave. Avoid sensitive political topics like the Malvinas. Dress well; Argentines value elegant appearance.

Argentine cuisine is famous for exceptional quality beef. Try an authentic asado (Argentine barbecue) at traditional parrillas like Don Julio or La Cabrera in Buenos Aires. Bife de chorizo and ojo de bife are unmissable cuts. Empanadas vary by region; try meat, humita, or cheese varieties. Dulce de leche is ubiquitous in desserts. Taste artisanal alfajores, especially from Havanna or Cachafaz. Argentine wines, mainly Malbec from Mendoza, are excellent and affordable. Visit bodegas in Mendoza or Cafayate for tastings. In Buenos Aires, dine at neighborhood parrillas away from tourist areas for better prices. Try choripán at street fairs. Argentine coffee is strong; order a cortado (coffee with milk). Pizzerias like Güerrín serve Argentine-style pizza with thick crust. Helados (ice cream) rival Italian gelato; try at Freddo or Grido. Avoid restaurants in Puerto Madero which are expensive and touristy.

Argentina is vast, requiring strategic planning. For a first visit, dedicate 4-5 days to Buenos Aires exploring neighborhoods like Palermo, San Telmo, and Recoleta. Combine with 3-4 days in Mendoza for wines and mountains, or Bariloche for lakes and chocolate. Patagonia deserves at least one week, visiting El Calafate for Perito Moreno glacier and Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city. Iguazu Falls require 2 full days to explore both Argentine and Brazilian sides. Salta and northern Argentina offer unique desert landscapes; visit Cafayate and Quebrada de Humahuaca. For wines, the Mendoza-Cafayate route is spectacular. Avoid trying to see everything in one trip; distances are enormous. Domestic flights save time but overnight buses save accommodation costs. October to March is ideal for Patagonia, while April-May and September-November are best for Buenos Aires and the north. Book accommodation in advance during high season.

Prepare luggage considering Argentina's inverted seasons and varied climate. For Buenos Aires, bring elegant casual clothing; Argentines dress well. Comfortable shoes are essential for walking through neighborhoods. If visiting Patagonia, even in summer, bring layers including waterproof windbreaker, fleece, and thermal clothing. Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Strong sunscreen and sunglasses are mandatory due to the ozone hole. Wide-brimmed hat protects in northern desert regions. For Mendoza, bring light daytime clothing and warm clothes for cold nights. Type C and I (Argentine) plug adapter is necessary, 220V voltage. Personal medications should come from Portugal as they can be expensive. Reusable water bottle saves money. Small backpack for daily outings. If planning trekking, proper boots are fundamental. Bring dollars or euros to exchange; you get better rates than cards in some places.

To experience Argentina like a local, avoid tourist traps and immerse yourself in authentic culture. In Buenos Aires, watch a tango show at traditional milongas like La Viruta or Salón Canning, where locals dance, instead of expensive tourist shows. Visit neighborhood fairs on Sundays, like Feria de Mataderos, for genuine crafts and folklore. Dine where porteños eat, in neighborhoods like Villa Crespo or Colegiales. Learn some words in lunfardo, the local dialect. Drink mate in a plaza like locals do. In Mendoza, rent a bicycle to visit small bodegas in Maipú. In Patagonia, hire local guides who know secret trails. Avoid buying souvenirs in tourist areas; go to neighborhood markets. Chat with locals in cafés; Argentines love sharing stories. Use public transport instead of organized tours. Try street food at local fairs and festivals. This approach provides authentic experiences and unforgettable memories that no tourist guide offers.