From the desert to ice fields, Argentina has it all. If you are going to visit different parts of Argentina, you will need to bring clothes that are appropriate to accommodate both the weather and the activities you will be doing in each location. This post covers everything you need to pack for a trip to Argentina in the summer.
Table of contents
If you are planning a trip to Argentina, you may want to read THIS blog post first.
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Common Items to Pack for Argentina
These items are common and should be packed regardless of where you are going within Argentina and what you are doing:
Documents
- Passport and visa (if needed)
- Photocopies of your passport
- A printed copy of you itinerary – I was asked to provide all hotels I am staying at
- Driver’s license – if you are planning on renting a car
Money & Storage
- Bring crisp $100 bills to exchange for pesos. Money is a little complicated in Argentina but I explain everything you need to know in this POST
- Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.
- A fanny pack or a front facing bag like THIS to keep your money and documents safe. You may need a bag like the one I have linked if you have to carry a lot of pesos around
- A money belt – is another good way to keep your documents safe
- A scarf with a hidden pocket – I wore this scarf in Buenos Aires which was useful to hide credit cards and my extra phone
Connectivity
- Sim card – eSims are the way to go! They help you stay connected the minute you land and you don’t have to go looking for a sim card
- Google Maps – Download offline maps on Google so that you can still use navigation even in remote parts of Patagonia
- Google Translate – If your Spanish is not great or you don’t know it at all, Google Translate will definitely be a life saver
Electronics
- Phone
- Camera (GoPro, DSLR etc)
- Chargers
- An external battery pack or two
- SD cards
- A converter depending on where you are coming from
- Adapters for Argentina – They use type I and type C
- A multi-plug – I seriously love this one so much because I can plug in several things at once
Check out my travel photography equipment HERE! Leave the tripod out though.
Toiletries
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Bug Repellant
- Lotion
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Lip balm
- Band-aid
- Medicine
Clothing
- 1 or 2 evening outfits – Nothing fancy but I had a dress or two for dinners
- Sneakers or good walking shoes
- Socks and underwear
- Pajamas or night wear
- A bathing suit (if you want to use the pool in your hotel at warm destinations)
Others
- Sunglasses
- A water bottle – Water in most of Argentina is considered safe to drink but please check with your accommodation provider
Destination Specific
In addition to the items above, these destination specific packing lists will make sure you are ready for your trip to Argentina.
Patagonia
The weather in Patagonia is all over the place, even in the summer months. It’s so unpredictable that it can go from sunny to light snow within minutes. Layers and waterproof clothing will be a life saver in Patagonia!
Clothing
- Base layer – A breathable base layer or thermal layer may come in handy for those cold days
- Mid layer – A good fleece jacket will come useful on warmer days where you can remove the outer layer and wear only your fleece or on cold days where you can layer on
- Outer layer – A wind proof and waterproof jacket with a head covering is a must for Patagonia
- Tops – breathable long sleeve tops and a couple of short sleeve tops for hot days
- Pants – I always prefer to wear leggings but most people prefer waterproof hiking pants
- Sturdy hiking shoes – This is also a must! It needs to be waterproof as well. I love my Salomon hiking shoes and my Columbia hiking shoes. Salomon’s are a better option but more expensive. Columbia is a more budget friendly option
- Merino wool socks – Merino wool makes sure your feet stay dry and blister free. I love the Darn Tough brand! They have a lifetime warranty on their socks and are very high quality.
- Gloves
Gear
- Day pack – A lightweight day pack will come in handy to carry extra layers of clothing or food when you are hiking. I have an Osprey pack and I love it!
- Day pack cover – A waterproof cover for your day bag to protect it in case it rains
- Trekking poles – Not only are these helpful for trekking, they are also helpful to ground yourself when the crazy Patagonian winds hit
- A water bladder. I used a bladder after ages in Patagonia and was reminded how amazing these are!
- Fanny pack – This one is totally optional but my favorite tip. I found carrying my personal belongings in a fanny pack tied to my waist saved me some weight off my back.
Food
You can certainly find snacks for hiking in Argentina but if you want your favorites from home, bring them!
Buenos Aires
Summers in Buenos Aires are hot and humid. Wear lightweight, cotton clothes. People dress very casually in Buenos Aires. A good pair of walking shoes are a must. The 1 or 2 evening outfits mentioned above will come in handy for dinners and/or a tango show.
Iguazu
The weather in Iguazu is tropical. Depending on what you do at the falls, you may get very wet. It is also very hot in Iguazu. Pack light, quick drying clothes.
- A cap or hat
- A raincoat – If you don’t want to get wet. You could wear a poncho like this one, but people were getting wet even with these
- Waterproof sandals – I recommend a brand like Teva, where it’s study enough to walk but also water proof and has a great grip
- A waterproof/dry bag
- A phone case (if your phone is not waterproof)
- A go-pro – If you want to record some amazing action shots on the boat
- A quick dry towel
Mendoza
You don’t have to dress fancy for winery visits in Mendoza, although I opted to wear summery dresses! Your Mendoza packing list will really depend on what you are doing there. Here are some suggestions.
- Jeans and tops or dresses for winery visits
- Swimsuit and quick drying towel if you are going to Cachueta Spa
- Hiking clothing and gear (same as Patagonia above) if you are going to do the Confluencia hike
- Quick drying clothing if you are going to do white water rafting
- Activewear like leggings and tees if you are going horseback riding
- If you are going in late summer, bring a lightweight jacket or cardigan for the nights
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