18-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Argentina
Argentina is a land of vast distances and incredible diversity, but you don't need a fortune to experience its magic. By leveraging the 'Blue Dollar' exchange rate (or the MEP rate via international cards), staying in social hostels, and eating like a local—think empanadas and choripán—you can traverse this South American giant on a shoe-string budget.
This route takes you from the European-style grandeur of Buenos Aires through the student-led energy of Córdoba, finishing in the rugged, Andean landscapes of the Northwest. We rely on the country’s excellent long-distance bus network, which serves as both transport and a way to save on a night’s accommodation.
Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Arrival & City Center
Arrival at Ezeiza (EZE)
Touch down in the capital. To save money, skip the private taxis and take the Line 8 bus (Semi-rapido) which takes you straight to Plaza de Mayo for a fraction of the cost.
Plaza de Mayo
Witness the historical heart of the country. Visit the iconic Casa Rosada and the Metropolitan Cathedral for free.
Calle Florida Walk
Stroll down this pedestrian street to soak in the bustling atmosphere and see the stunning architecture of the Galerías Pacífico.
Street Food Dinner at Costanera Sur
Head to the riverfront for a classic 'Choripán' (chorizo sandwich) from a street cart, the ultimate budget Argentinian meal.
Day 2: Buenos Aires, Argentina - San Telmo & La Boca
San Telmo Market
Explore this historic indoor market. It is perfect for window shopping and grabbing a cheap coffee while watching locals go about their day.
Parque Lezama
Eat a picnic lunch in this beautiful park on the edge of San Telmo, a popular spot for local families and student groups.
Caminito in La Boca
Take the local 29 bus to the colorful streets of La Boca. It's an open-air museum filled with tango dancers and bright tenement houses.
Hostel Mates & Music
Return to your hostel for a communal dinner. Many hostels in BA host 'Asado' nights which are cheaper than steakhouse restaurants.
Day 3: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Recoleta & Palermo
Recoleta Cemetery
Visit the final resting place of Eva Perón. While there is now a small entry fee for tourists, the surrounding Plaza Francia often has free artisan markets.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid
Visit one of the world's most beautiful bookstores, housed in a converted theater. It's free to enter and explore the shelves.
Bosques de Palermo
Relax in the city's largest green space. The Rose Garden (Rosedal) is free to enter and stunning during the spring and summer months.
Palermo Soho Night Walk
Wander the trendy streets of Palermo. Look for 'Happy Hour' deals at local craft beer bars to enjoy the vibe without the high prices.
Day 4: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Museums & Microcentro
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Entry is free for all on Tuesdays, or very affordable on other days. It houses one of the best art collections in South America.
Lunch in Congreso
Find a 'Menu del Día' (daily menu) in the area around the National Congress for a filling, two-course meal at a fixed price.
Palacio Barolo (Exterior)
Admire the divine comedy-inspired architecture of this landmark. Check the lobby for free exhibitions or historical plaques.
La Bomba de Tiempo
If it's a Monday, catch this world-famous percussion show at Konex. It's a high-energy, budget-friendly staple of BA nightlife.
Day 5: Rosario, Argentina - Traveling to the River City
Retiro Bus Station
Catch a long-distance bus to Rosario. The journey takes about 4 hours and offers a glimpse into the vast Argentine Pampas.
Rosario Arrival & Hostel Check-in
Drop your bags and head out to find a local bakery for 'facturas' (pastries) to fuel your afternoon walk.
Parque de la Independencia
Explore Rosario's largest park, featuring a rose garden, a lake, and several free-to-enter public squares.
Bulevar Oroño
Walk down this elegant boulevard lined with historic mansions and palm trees, a favorite spot for locals to exercise.
Day 6: Rosario, Argentina - Flag Monument & River Parana
National Flag Monument
Visit this massive complex dedicated to the Argentine flag. Climbing the tower offers a panoramic view of the city and river for a small fee.
Costanera Walk
Walk along the Parana River. Grab a 'Panchito' (hot dog) from a riverfront stall for a quick and cheap lunch.
MACRO (Contemporary Art Museum)
Visit the museum housed in colorful former grain silos. The exterior is an attraction in itself, and the entry fee is minimal.
Pichincha Neighborhood
This is the heart of Rosario’s nightlife. Many bars offer budget-friendly 'minutas' (quick meals) like Milanesas.
Day 7: Córdoba, Argentina - Moving to the Heartland
Bus to Córdoba
Board a bus for the 6-hour journey to Argentina's second city, known for its colonial history and massive student population.
Plaza San Martín
Start your Córdoba exploration at the central square. Visit the historic Cabildo and the Cathedral, both free to enter.
Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena
Observe the beautiful facade of this colonial monastery located right in the city center.
Güemes District
Head to the trendy Güemes area. On weekends, the Paseo de las Artes market is a must-visit for budget-friendly local crafts.
Day 8: Córdoba, Argentina - Jesuit History & Student Life
Manzana Jesuítica (Jesuit Block)
Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, including the university and the church. Walking tours are affordable and highly informative.
Lunch at Mercado Norte
Eat where the locals eat. The market offers incredibly fresh and cheap regional dishes like Locro (stew) or Empanadas Cordobesas.
Paseo del Buen Pastor
A former prison turned cultural center. It's a great place to sit, drink mate, and watch the dancing fountain show for free.
Nueva Córdoba Nightwalk
Wander through this neighborhood filled with thousands of students. Expect cheap pizza joints and lively energy.
Day 9: Córdoba, Argentina - Day Trip to Villa Carlos Paz
Local Bus to Carlos Paz
Take a regional bus from the terminal for a 45-minute ride to the lake-side resort of Villa Carlos Paz.
The Cuckoo Clock
Visit the town's famous giant wooden clock, a quirky and free landmark for a quick photo.
Lake San Roque Shoreline
Walk along the waterfront or find a public beach area to relax by the water without spending a cent.
Return to Córdoba
Head back to the city in time for a late dinner at a local 'bodegón'.
Day 10: Córdoba, Argentina - Alta Gracia & Che Guevara
Bus to Alta Gracia
Another short bus ride takes you to this town famous for its Jesuit Estancia and its association with Che Guevara.
Che Guevara House Museum
Visit the childhood home of Ernesto 'Che' Guevara. It’s an insightful and budget-friendly museum.
Jesuit Estancia of Alta Gracia
Explore this historical site which is free to enter and offers a deep dive into the region's colonial past.
Farewell Córdoba Dinner
Try a 'Lomito' sandwich—a Córdoba specialty—at a local diner for a massive and affordable final meal in the city.
Day 11: Salta, Argentina - The Long Northbound Journey
Bus Terminal Departure
Stock up on snacks and water. Today is a travel day as you take an 11-12 hour bus ride north to Salta.
Pampas Views
Enjoy the changing landscape from the bus window as the flat plains begin to give way to the foothills of the Andes.
Salta Arrival
Arrive in 'Salta la Linda'. Check into your hostel and grab a quick set of empanadas—Salta is famous for having the best in the country.
Plaza 9 de Julio
Take a quick evening stroll around the main square to see the illuminated colonial buildings.
Day 12: Salta, Argentina - Colonial Charm & High Altitudes
MAAM (Museum of High Altitude Archaeology)
See the incredibly preserved Inca mummies found on local peaks. This is the must-visit museum in Salta.
San Francisco Church
Admire the stunning red and gold facade of this iconic basilica. The exterior is free to photograph and truly breathtaking.
Cerro San Bernardo
To save money, skip the cable car and hike up the stone steps for a great workout and the best free view of the city.
Peña Balderrama
Visit a 'Peña' (folk music club). Many have cover charges, but smaller ones on Calle Balcarce allow you to listen for the price of a drink.
Day 13: Purmamarca, Argentina - The Seven Colored Hill
Bus to Purmamarca
Take a 3-hour bus ride further north into Jujuy province to the village of Purmamarca.
Cerro de los Siete Colores
Walk the 'Paseo de los Colorados' trail behind the town for spectacular free views of the famous multi-colored mountain.
Craft Market Square
Browse the artisan market in the center of town. It's one of the best places for cheap, authentic Andean textiles.
Local Humitas Dinner
Try 'Humitas' (corn cakes) or 'Tamales' from a street vendor for a delicious, authentic, and very cheap dinner.
Day 14: Tilcara, Argentina - Pucará Ruins
Bus to Tilcara
A quick 30-minute local bus ride takes you deeper into the Quebrada de Humahuaca to the town of Tilcara.
Pucará de Tilcara
Visit the partially reconstructed pre-Inca fortification. The entry fee also includes access to the botanical garden.
Garganta del Diablo Hike
Take the long hike up to this impressive waterfall and canyon. It’s a challenging but free trek with amazing views.
Tilcara Main Square
Relax in the square where local musicians often play for tips in the evenings.
Day 15: Humahuaca, Argentina - The Hornocal Adventure
Bus to Humahuaca
Travel to the northernmost point of your journey, the town of Humahuaca.
Serranía del Hornocal
Find a group of travelers at the bus station to share a 4x4 taxi to the '14 Colored Mountain'. Splitting the cost makes this affordable.
Independence Monument
Climb the massive staircase to this monument overlooking the town for a great vista and a bit of history.
Humahuaca Old Town
Wander the narrow cobblestone streets and grab a cheap llama steak or stew at a local eatery.
Day 16: Salta, Argentina - Return to the City
Bus Humahuaca to Salta
Begin the 4.5-hour journey back south to Salta city.
Mercado Central San Miguel
Head to the central market for one last round of budget-friendly northern delicacies and souvenirs.
Cabildo de Salta
Visit the historical museum inside the Cabildo. It offers a cool respite from the afternoon sun for a very low price.
Street Fair Browsing
Check out the local artisan fair often held in the evenings near the park for unique handmade items.
Day 17: Buenos Aires, Argentina - The Final Leg
Flight or Bus to BA
Depending on your budget, take a domestic flight (2 hours) or a long-distance bus (20 hours) back to the capital.
Check-in & Last Walk
Revisit your favorite spot in Buenos Aires or explore a new corner like the residential area of Belgrano.
Barrio Chino (Chinatown)
Located in Belgrano, this is a great place for cheap snacks, unique groceries, and affordable street food.
Farewell Dinner
End your trip with a classic 'Parrilla Libre' (all-you-can-eat BBQ) if you have a few extra pesos left, or a simple pizza in Corrientes Ave.
Day 18: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Departure
Last Minute Souvenirs
Visit a local supermarket like Coto or Carrefour to buy Alfajores or Dulce de Leche to take home—it's much cheaper than the airport.
Plaza de la República
Take one last look at the massive Obelisco, the most famous symbol of the city.
Transfer to Ezeiza
Head back to the airport via the budget-friendly Line 8 bus or a pre-booked shuttle.
Flight Departure
End of your 18-day epic Argentine journey!
Best Time to Visit Argentina
The best time to visit Argentina for this specific route is during the shoulder seasons: Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May). During these months, the weather in Buenos Aires and Cordoba is mild and pleasant for walking, while the Northern provinces of Salta and Jujuy are dry and avoid the intense summer heat and rainy season floods.
Currency & Money
Argentina’s economy is unique. Use the 'MEP' exchange rate which is automatically applied to international credit/debit cards, giving you nearly double the value compared to the official rate. However, always carry some cash (pesos) for small vendors, buses, and markets in the North. Tipping is customary at 10% in restaurants, but not required for street food or taxis.
Getting Around Argentina
Public transport is the lifeline for budget travelers. In cities, use a SUBE card (available at kiosks) for subways and buses. For long distances, 'Omnibus' (long-distance buses) are comfortable and offer 'Cama' (sleeper) seats which save on a night's hostel. Low-cost airlines like Flybondi and JetSmart are often cheaper than buses if booked 3-4 weeks in advance.
