What to pack for Argentina: A Complete Argentina Packing List

Is your trip to Argentina rapidly approaching and you’re wondering what to wear and what to leave behind?

Argentina is the 8th largest country in the world.

You’ll find humid jungles, dry deserts, windy Patagonia, and fashion-forward cities.

If you’ll be visiting different regions, you’re going to be strategic in your packing.

So, what to pack for Argentina if you’re traveling to so many different climates?!

Don’t worry.

I’m here to help.

This expertly curated Argentina packing list will help you pack efficiently so you have everything you need and nothing you don’t.

QUICK NOTE: This post contains affiliate links and Sol Salute may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you.

In this post:

What to Pack for Argentina

What to expect from this Argentina packing list and guide?

First, you’ll see some must-have items that you’ll need regardless of your destination within the country. These are things that you NEED (documentation) or that will make your life easier.

Then I break up Argentina by region, giving you specific packing tips for each of the following destinations: Buenos Aires, Iguazu, Mendoza, Patagonia, and the Northwest.

Quick Argentina packing list tips

This is the southern hemisphere. If you’re coming from North America or Europe, don’t forget that seasons switch once you cross the equator! Pack for summer in January and winter in July.
Bring everything you need. While, of course, you can pick up a cheap t-shirt or pair of shorts if the weather turns hotter than expected, imported clothing is significantly more expensive than Europe or the US. Bring all of your hiking gear, outerwear, and clothing that you will need with you. Do not plan on buying it here to save suitcase space.
Argentines are fashionable but casual. Leave the high heels at home. Bring practical, comfortable clothing.
Argentine women are laid back in their fashion. Don’t expect stilettos and contoured make up, most Argentine women are laid back but fashionable.
👕IMPORTANT: YOU CAN DO LAUNDRY – Pack light by bringing less and washing as you go. There are lavanderías (Laverap is a common chain) all over the country. Drop off a bag of dirty clothes and later that day or the following day pick them back up clean and folded for $5-10.

Argentina Packing List Essentials

Here are the must haves for your Argentina packing list.

1. Documents & Money

Quick Argentina documentation/money checklist:

Passport and a photocopy (both physical photocopy and a photo on your phone).
Travel Insurance: As of 2025 it is a requirement to have travel health insurance to cover your visit. But honestly, it was always a good idea to always travel insured. SafetyWing is very affordable and will cover the entry requirements.
Print out your itinerary with all of your hotel reservations and addresses. Immigration will likely ask for your hotel address in Buenos Aires upon arrival, if you’re moving around just provide them with your first hotel or Airbnb’s address.
Check here to see if your home country requires a visa. US, Canadian, and Australian citizens along with most European countries are not required to have a visa to travel to Argentina.
Dollars. Dollars are king in Argentina. If you plan on bringing dollars to exchange for pesos here, bring crisp, undamaged, hundred dollar bills.
Money is a huge and convoluted topic in Argentina, for more information read my guide to all things money in Argentina.

2. Versatile Clothes

At risk of sounding like a broken record, Argentina is diverse in climate and geography.

You need to pack clothes that can easily be repurposed.

Here are some suggestions of versatile items that you can repurpose all over Argentina:

Hiking Pants & Shorts. This is my (not so) secret packing weapon. They are durable by design and you can re-wear them multiple times without them losing their shape. They wick away dirt and water. They dry fast (hello Iguazu Falls). And if you buy the right pair, they can be dressed up for Buenos Aires. I have multiple pairs of these RecTrek pants and wear them around the house and on every single trip I take. I also have their shorts version.
Sunshirts. Both linen and technical. A light long sleeve linen button down works for your estancia day, city days, and days in the mountains while keeping you cool from the sun. But also, invest in a sun h o o d i e like this if doing anything outdoors like walking Iguazu, kayaking or hiking that involve a lot of time exposed to the sun. The sun very strong here, especially in Patagonia.
Jeans. I always like to have at least one pair of jeans. Since Argentina isn’t over the top fancy, it’s appropriate for a tango show in Buenos Aires and wine tasting in Mendoza and also that horseback riding in the Andes.
One nice outfit. Whether it’s a sundress or just a nice shirt to dress up your jeans, plan for one nice outfit for a nice dinner in Mendoza or a tango show in Buenos Aires.
Walking shoes. You’ll be walking A LOT, even in Buenos Aires. Wear shoes that are comfortable. When it’s warm, I personally live in these soft footbed Birkenstocks. In winter, you can’t beat the wildly popular Blundstone boots
Avoid high heels: On that note, in the city you’ll be walking a lot and on cobblestone, do your ankles a favor and leave the heels at home. If you want the height, pack a wedge.
Hiking boots. If you’re going on any long hikes in Patagonia, invest in proper hiking boots. I avoided this for too long and am now SO glad I finally have the right boots (these Danner boots). It really makes the difference, especially in Ushuaia where it gets very muddy.

How dressy do you need for a night out or tango show? Buenos Aires is a fashionable but casual city. People here make an effort but it isn’t Paris or Madrid.

Do Americans in Lulu Lemon stick out as clearly from the US? Yes. But you’ll also see plenty of locals in jean shorts, active wear (that never saw a gym, think more city grunge than preppy yoga), and baseball caps.

My point is, don’t stress too much. People here wear what they want, you’ll see it all. Prioritize comfort and practicality and own it.

IMPORTANT: Import restrictions and taxes are VERY high in Argentina, making any brand name products very costly. If you plan on outdoor sports, camping, or hiking, bring what you need with you. Avoid buying it here unless you want to spend 2-3 times what you’d spend back home.

A hand holds a phone out in front of them in front of the mountains in Patagonia — Prepare your phone when packing for Argentina

3. SIM Card & Apps to Download

In the age of the smart phone, you need to get your phone ready for the trip.

WhatsApp: This messaging app is essential to life here. You’ll need it to communicate with hotels, tour guides, and restaurants.
Download a map: If you plan on going on a road trip, download a map of where you’ll be to use offline. Service is non-existent outside of the main cities in regions like Patagonia. I like maps.me for this.
Google Translate: Can’t speak Spanish? Download a translation app to help you out, not everyone speaks English here. It can also translate menus, signs, etc.
For a comprehensive list, check out this list of the best apps to use in Argentina.

Also, since you’ll need these apps I recommend getting a phone plan. Here are some options:

Your normal provider | Check your at-home provider’s options. If it’s a daily charge (sometimes 10 dollars a day) this adds up quickly. I recommend against this for long trips unless you really don’t want to deal with it.
E-SIM | This e-SIM is the easiest alternative. You can set it up at home before traveling, just make sure your phone is unlocked by your carrier (they can usually do this temporarily for trips) and eSIM compatible.
Local SIM | You can also pick up a local SIM card here on the ground if you have the time. Read my complete guide to getting an Argentina sim card.
Traveling through South America? | Keep in mind that if you’ll be traveling to more than one country, you’d need a SIM for each one (a Claro SIM from Argentina won’t work with Claro Chile, for example). If you’ll be hopping countries, getting a regional eSIM for Latin America covers all of it.

4. A Universal Adaptor

There are two kinds of outlets in Argentina – types I and C.

One is the same as in Europe (two round prongs) and the other is the same as in Australia (2 angled flat prongs, sometimes with and sometimes without a third prong below, like in the US).

New buildings are required to have the latter so it’s the most common and oftentimes they have both.

But I say play it safe and bring this universal adaptor that will have both and can be used anywhere (and on all your future travels!).

It also has space to plug in 4 USB cables, which is priceless these days.

5. Toiletries & Medication

Unlike clothes, you can easily pick up any toiletries you forget or need to refresh.

Your regular pharmacy brand products (Herbel Essences, Head & Shoulders, Pantene, etc.) exist here too.

Farmacity is a common chain here that will feel most like a Walgreens or a Boots.

That said, if you’re picky about product and your skin care routine has 15 steps, bring everything with you.

Big cosmetics brands are expensive and make up shades for a variety of skin tones (as in anything but white or olive tones) may be hard to find.

For medication, bring everything with you. I always travel with pain killers like Tylenol and stomach medicine like Pepto and Immodium (god forbid).

While Argentines also do suffer headaches and belly aches and have medicine for such things, they’re behind the counter. You don’t need a prescription but you do have to ask a pharmacist for it, adding a step with a language barrier.

And if you already have the headache or stomach pain, it’s easier to just have the medicine already with you rather than have to run out to the pharmacy.

If you DO need a prescription, definitely bring that medication with you to last your entire trip.

In case your medication is illegal here (you never know), bring a copy of your prescription.

You can get some medications without a prescription, like birth control or basic antibiotics. But know what you’re looking for (get the active ingredients from your doctor at home).

For those who menstruate, pads are common and tampons without an applicator. If you want tampons with an applicator, bring enough for your trip.

Toiletry & Medication, here’s what I always bring with me:

A hanging toiletry bag: I like a hanging toiletry bag for the many a cheap hotel here that has no counter, just a stand-alone sink.
Shampoo and conditioner bars: You can bring them in your carry on. I love Ethique, they actually get a good lather and leave my hair feeling soft.
Razor and extra blades in case they don’t have replacements for my specific razor
Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
Deodorant: If you use a natural deodorant bring it with you, it’s not common here.
Hair brush, elastics (they’re just not as goody here, pun intended) and bobby pins
Nail clippers and file
Tweezers
A DIY first-aid pouch to avoid a pharmacy trip: Band-aids, Neosporin, Aquaphor, Pepto, Tylenol, a thermometer, baby Tylenol for my kids all packed into a pouch like this

6. Camera & Memory Cards

Look, I know everyone just uses their phone now but IT IS NOT AS GOOD AS A CAMERA. It just isn’t.

If you’re passionate about photography, I recommend investing in a proper DSLR. No smart phone camera will ever compete with the quality of a real camera.

Here’s a post listing all of the camera gear I use for my trips (and the photos you see on this blog).

Of course, there are times I’d rather not carry my heavy DSLR. In the city sometimes it’s best to be discreet (like when I went to a Boca game) or on long hikes in El Chalten where I can’t handle the weight.

For those trips, I bring this Canon G7X PowerShot.

It takes higher quality photos than a phone but literally fits in my pocket.

Bring Multiple Memory Cards. You NEVER want to run out of space, I use these SanDisk Extreme cards (they’re fast and high quality).

Also, you can use a new card for each destination.

This way, you don’t have all of your Patagonia photos on you if you (knock on wood) get robbed in Buenos Aires.

This has not happened to me yet but it is always better to be safe than sorry!

What to Pack for a Trip to Argentina by Destination

I’ve said it a million times in this article and I’ll say it again, Argentina is massive and it is diverse.

What you decide to pack for a trip to Argentina depends on where you’re going and that may include a few different climates.

So I’m going to break these Argentina packing list tips down by region.

Buenos Aires Packing List Tips

Buenos Aires is the most important city in Argentina.

And as the gateway into the country it is highly likely you’ll be spending some time here.

While casual, Buenos Aires is a stylish city.

You don’t need to suffer in high heels, but do try to pack something other than your hiking boots to wear in the city.

Buenos Aires Climate & Seasons:

In summer, Buenos Aires is hot and humid. Pack light and flowy comfortable clothing in natural fibers. Bring a hat, wear sunscreen, comfort is key.
In winter, it can be wet and dreary but not extremely cold (very rarely dipping below freezing). Pack a waterproof windbreaker, coat, scarf, and comfortable boots. Blundstones work both in BA and in Patagonia.
Spring and fall are gorgeous! Pack light layers like a sweater or fleece for cool evenings and mornings. Light clothes for warmer afternoons.

Jeans and sneakers are all you need in Buenos Aires.

What to Pack for Buenos Aires

Pack comfortable walking shoes. In warmer months in Buenos Aires, I live in these classic Birkenstocks. Locals also wear knock off Tevas a lot as streetwear, so feel free to wear your hiking sandals in the city unironically.

In winter, comfortable boots (I love a simple Chelsea boot). Sneakers are popular year-round, think Vans, Converse or these super soft Allbirds.

Pack one nice outfit. If you go out for a nice dinner or a tango show you’ll want to dress nice.

Men can get away with a clean pair of jeans and a nice shirt (no coat or tie needed) and women will be fine in a nice blouse or dress.

Side note: Here are the top 10 tango shows in BA.

Use a purse/bag with a zipper. Buenos Aires is as safe as any big city in the world, but every big city in the world has pick pockets. Use a bag that zips shut.

Thank goodness 80’s fanny packs are back in style (and all the rage in Buenos Aires).

These nylon fanny packs are ideal for travel because they zip shut and stay close to your body. They also fold into practically nothing. Easily pack it away when you don’t need it.

Iguazu Packing List Tips

Iguazu is one of the most popular destinations in Argentina.

It is located in the northeastern corner of the country in Argentina’s rainforest. Packing is fairly straightforward and easy.

Iguazu Climate & Seasons

The weather is warm in Iguazu year-round.

It is hot and muggier in the summer.

In the winter you may (emphasis on might) need a light jacket, especially at night.

What to Pack For Iguazu

Clothes that can get wet & dry quickly. If there has been a lot of rain lately and the falls are full, you WILL get wet. If you take the boat ride, you WILL get soaked. Wear clothes that dry quickly. Avoid cotton and jeans.
Some people ask about packing a change of clothes but I think it’s a lot easier to just wear something that will dry quickly. It’s also a relief in the heat.
Dri-fit shirts are great
RecTrek Shorts or hiking shorts: The short version of my favorite hiking pants dries quickly and is loose fitting and the pockets are huge and zip shut.
Grippy shoes. The walkways around the falls can be slippery when wet, which is always. Wear shoes with good grip like these Teva sandals instead of flip flops.
Sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Insect repellent, you can pick it up in Iguazu just about anywhere but if you want to pack your own I recommend these Off wipes. They take up little space and wont’ get confiscated in airport security like an aerosol will. (Note: insects in Iguazu don’t carry dengue but are pesky at dusk).

Mendoza Packing List Tips

Argentina’s wine country in Mendoza is wildly popular and my personal happy place.

Don’t stress too much on what to pack for Mendoza.

It’s a relaxed, easy going destination.

PRO-TIP: You can fly with a case of wine (6 bottles) as your carry-on luggage on domestic flights within Argentina. If you want to pick up a few bottles in Mendoza to drink at your next destination then load up! There’s no need to check it.

Mendoza Climate & Seasons

Mendoza is a year-round destination.

The weather is nearly always sunny, crisp, and clear.

Summers are hot (but dry) and winter will be cold (likely with snow but sun).

You’ll have the best weather in spring or fall but you really can’t go wrong in Mendoza.

What to Pack For Mendoza

Nice but comfortable clothes. You don’t have to dress up to visit the wineries in Mendoza. Dress nicer than you would hiking in Patagonia, but don’t stress about high heels and dresses (unless you want to!). Whatever you wore out to dinner in Buenos Aires will do just fine here.
Layers for the mountains. Trips into the mountains are a common day trip in Mendoza for horseback riding and white water rafting. If you’re planning on that pack layers. It can get much cooler and unpredictable in the mountains.
Wine Tasting Journal. If you love journaling, bring this beautiful wine tasting journal to record all of your favorite wines that you taste in Mendoza.
Sunscreen. The sun here is strong and you lose track of time after a few Malbecs. Wear sunscreen or you will end your wine tasting day as red as a lobster.
Sunglasses

Patagonia Packing List Tips

Patagonia is the reason most people visit Argentina.

If you love the outdoors, the mountains, hiking, or even just fresh air and beautiful views, you will love Argentina’s deep south.

And if your itinerary includes Patagonia you need to be strategic with your packing.

Patagonia Climate & Seasons

Summer is the best time to visit Patagonia. Days will be long, warm and sunny, but nights and early mornings will still be chilly.

Always pack layers, even in the summer.

Locals always joke that in Patagonia you should pack for all four seasons in a day, just in case.

The further south you go, the colder and less predictable it will get.

You can get away with shorts in the summer in Bariloche but in Ushuaia you will probably need thermals and a coat – even in January.

The shoulder seasons (think March & April or October through early December) are the best times to visit to avoid crowds and still have warmer weather.

Temperatures drop at night so bring a warm coat, scarf, and boots. And light layers for the afternoon.

Winter will be cold and snowing. If you’re going to Patagonia in winter I imagine you’re skiing so pack the warmest clothes you have!

Also, WIND! Patagonia is very windy so pack a nice windbreaker and scarf to keep warm. A hat that straps under your chin is a good idea or you might say goodbye to said hat.

Rental Camping & Outdoor Gear

In some cities you can rent the gear you’ll need.

This is an option to consider if you forgot something or don’t want to pack something you’ll only need for a couple of days.

For example, if you want to go to the best ski resorts in Argentina you can rent all of your gear there for a very reasonable price.

You can rent hiking and camping gear in El Calafate, El Chalten, and Ushuaia.

I know people who rent hiking boots for the Big Ice Trek in El Calafate, for example. That’s a good way to avoid lugging heavy boots just for one day.

Also, I moderate a buy/sell group on Facebook where travelers often sell their used camping equipment as their trips draw to a close. Check it out if you need gear!

A woman stands on a wooden pier on a deep blue lake in winter — 7 Lakes Drive

what To Pack for Patagonia

A high-quality daypack. Always pack a great daypack like this. I’ve literally worn mine down to the bones. You’ll want it for excursions and hikes. If you don’t use one already as a carry on, pack one that folds down compactly into your luggage.
Short sleeve quick dry shirts – I always pack a few of these Outdoor Voices shirts, they’re all I need, size up one size
A couple of long line sports bras
A heavy fleece
Hiking pants – Avoid leggings, you want a proper hiking pant that won’t snag and has good stretch. I wear these 3-4 times per hiking trip and they hold their shape.
Hiking boots
Thermal underwear: A must in cold months, for most. Merino wool is best for temperature regulation and moisture wicking and they stay fresh longer.
Lightweight rain & wind jacket – Patagonia’s wind is notorious. You’ll need a good jacket, I recommend going light and just layering a fleece under on colder days.
Hiking Poles – I need my poles for strenuous hikes but make sure to gate check them. My pair is cheap from Amazon but has really held up well.
A beanie
A scarf
Binoculars. Always bring binoculars to any hiking, camping, or wildlife-focused trip. Read this post to compare the best options, or TLDR: this pair is my favorite (affordable, lightweight, waterproof & compact).
Lightweight gear. If you’ll be going on multi-day treks, invest in quality, lightweight, and compact gear. 2-3 pounds may not sound like much but it will after 4 days of lugging it on your back. Get a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, etc.
Sunscreen: The sun is very strong here
Sunglasses

Salta & Jujuy Packing List Tips

Argentina’s Northwest, like Patagonia, is a destination where you want to prioritize comfort.

You’ll spend a lot of time outdoors. There are hikes and rainbow mountains and a lot of dust.

And since this is a road trip kind of destination, you’ll spend a lot of time seated in your car (or bus seat if doing day trips from the city). You’ll want to be comfortable. Fashion doesn’t matter in the desert.

Being a desert, temperatures here vary greatly from day to night.

Afternoons can be sunny, with you in jeans and a t-shirt even in winter but at night pack a fleece, coat, and a scarf.

In the summer, days will be very hot. Night temperatures will dip but not to any extremes. Bring a light denim jacket and scarf.

It is also a dry heat. I am always excited to leave Buenos Aires’ humidity in my rear view but this also means bringing all your moisturizers and serums and potions to avoid wrecking your skin.

What to pack for Salta & Jujuy

Casual clothes. Jeans and t-shirts are fine, along with sneakers that you don’t mind getting dusty.
I’ve mentioned them before in this article but I love my Rectrek hiking pants in the northwest, they brush the dust off well and are so comfortable for walks and drives
Layers for colder nights, I’m usually fine with a classic jean jacket and a fleece if needed.
The sun is strong up here. Pack a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Camera gear, the Northwest’s landscapes are unbeatable. Bring your top camera gear and also bring cleaning equipment if you have it (it is very dusty up here!).
You’ll hit some high altitudes here. Pick up coca tea from a supermarket once in Jujuy before heading to high altitudes like the salt falts or the Hornocal in Humahauca. Prepare a tea in your Hydroflask in advance. Thank me later.

Argentina Packing List

I hope this post has helped you organize your trip to Argentina.

If you have any questions at all about what to bring or leave behind, let me know in the comments!

Also let me know if there’s something you packed that made your trip better

Argentina Travel Resources

BOOK A CONSULTATION | I offer one-on-one travel consultations to help you plan your trip to Argentina. Pick my brain to get a local’s insight. Click here for more information.
MY MAP | Buy my interactive map with 300+ pins to have access to the city as I see it. It is an invaluable resource. See more here about how it works.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS | Having a driver waiting for you is ideal for a stress free arrival, Welcome Pickups is the best option for a driver from Ezeiza or Aeroparque.
TRAVEL INSURANCE | Always travel insured. Anything can happen anywhere and it is scarier and costlier in an unfamiliar country. SafetyWing’s Essential Plan covers unexpected travel and medical emergencies and even offers add-ons like electronics theft or adventure sports. It is the best if you’re coming on vacation. If you’re coming as a digital nomad or an extended stay, you need their Complete Nomad Plan which also covers routine check ups, maternity, mental healthcare and more. Read more: Health Insurance in Argentina

PHONE PLAN | These days, traveling with data is essential. Especially in Argentina where everything is managed on Instagram and WhatsApp. I recommend this E-SIM card. It’s hassle-free and affordable, for more read how to get an Argentina sim card.
ACCOMMODATION IN ARGENTINA | booking.com is the most common hotel site used in Argentina and it’s where you’ll find the most options.
RENTAL CARS | Fit Rental Cars is the largest and most trustworthy local provider with locations nationwide. Use code SOLSALUTE to save 20% on your Fit rental. Otherwise, Discover Cars is a great platform to compare different rates and providers.
BUS TICKETS | Check Busbud for long distance bus routes and tickets.
VPN | If you’ll be using a public WiFi connection and want to secure your data, I highly recommend using a VPN, I personally use and have had a good experience with ExpressVPN. I also use it to access Hulu and American Netflix from Argentina.
FLIGHTS | Always check Google Flights and Skyscanner for flights to and within Argentina. Aerolineas Argentina is the local airline with the most routes. FlyBondi and Jetsmart are two budget airlines with dirt-cheap prices (but expect to pay for every add-on like luggage).

2 thoughts on “Argentina Packing List: Everything You Need”

Dc

January 23, 2024 at 1:08 am

What about gloves? I have heard that the wind is so strong in Patagonia that you need windproof gloves, and the rain jacket should be windproof as well? What are your thoughts? Think you. I’ll be there in early March.
solsalute

January 23, 2024 at 9:52 am

Yes, a wind jacket is always a good idea in Patagonia. I only really wear gloves in the snow, I hate having gloves on. My husband will toss gloves in a slight breeze so he always brings them, up to you. If you’re going on the glacier trek or to Ushuaia it’s not a bad idea but otherwise I’d say you’re probably fine.

Argentina Packing List: Everything You Need

What to Pack for Argentina

Quick Argentina packing list tips