Packing List for Argentina
Argentina spans several climate zones — from subtropical (Iguazú) to temperate (Buenos Aires) to subantarctic (Ushuaia). What you pack depends on your route. Here are the essential items for any trip to Argentina:
For All Argentina Trips
- US dollars in cash — the most important item in your luggage! 50 and 100 bills, NEW and undamaged. Budget: Estimate 50–100€/day × number of days as a guideline
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months) + keep a copy separately
- Universal adapter (Type I, three-prong slanted — like Australia)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ — the ozone hole over the southern hemisphere is real, especially in Patagonia the UV radiation is brutal
- Travel health insurance with repatriation (mandatory!)
- SUBE card — buy at Ezeiza Airport for public transport in Buenos Aires
For Buenos Aires
- Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones in San Telmo!)
- Light, stylish clothing for restaurants and milongas (Argentinians dress elegantly)
- Small backpack that can be worn in front (pickpockets!)
- Umbrella (Buenos Aires occasionally has sudden downpours)
For Patagonia (El Calafate, El Chaltén, Ushuaia)
- Layering principle! The weather changes in minutes — 4 layers: base layer, fleece/mid-layer, down jacket, wind/waterproof outer layer
- Windproof jacket — the most important! The Patagonian wind (60–100 km/h) is legendary
- Waterproof hiking boots (ankle-high for El Chaltén)
- Gloves and hat — even in summer!
- Sunglasses with UV protection — snow blindness on glaciers is real
- Trekking pants (quick-drying, windproof)
- Waterproof case for phone and camera
- Thermos for Mate (optional, but culturally correct)
For the Northwest (Salta, Quebrada)
- Sun hat + sunscreen (the high-altitude sun at 3,000+ m is intense)
- Warm jacket for the evenings (it gets cold at altitude, even in summer: 0–5°C at night)
- Coca leaves or coca tea for altitude sickness (available locally)
For Iguazú
- Rain poncho or rain jacket — you WILL get wet at the Garganta del Diablo
- Waterproof phone case (absolutely essential!)
- Insect repellent with DEET — subtropical jungle = mosquitoes. Dengue is real
- Light, long clothing (protection from mosquitoes and sun)
- Change of clothes in the locker at the park entrance
- Sandals/flip-flops for after the waterfalls