Argentina is vast, clean and sophisticated and as it’s still cheapish, after its currency was devalued a couple of years back, it is a great country in which to go backpacking.

Getting Around
There are lots of hitch-hikers, particularly during the summer months, but you’ll need to be extremely patient off the main routes and in Patagonia. Buses in Argentina are the most economic mode of transport. They often journey over night, saving both time and money. Occasionally, it’s possible to buy cheap flights.

Where to Sleep
With respect to cheaper-end accommodation Argentina has plenty on offer. Besides a large network of hostels, there are cabanas (small cottage-style houses or apartments), hosterias (small hotels) and hospedajes (family homes), for those traveling on a budget. Hostels have changed for the better. Hostel South America offers reservations at international youth hostels, independent hostels, backpacker hostels and budget hotels all over Argentina. It’s a great site where you can check availability, prices, see photos and book your accommodation ahead. Also check out www.hostels.com or www.minihostels.com where it is possible to book ahead and read various comments left by other travellers.

Argentina has some fabulous National Parks (NP), many with campsites, so it’s definitely worth packing a tent (no more 2.5kg, waterproof and relatively sturdy to cope with Patagonian winds) if you intend to trek and spend any length of time in the parks. A foam mat or Themarest is a must to provide insulation and some comfort from the cold ground. Most National Park campsites are well established and come with a picnic bench and a small quincho (barbecue) with wood supplied. Some municipal campsites in towns are often little more than a small lot or field and most towns tend to have them.

Packing a Backpack
A pack with a padded hip belt is essential as half the weight should be supported on your hips and the rest taken on your shoulders. It’s worth putting all your belongings that you don’t want to get wet in a plastic bag inside the pack as they are never that waterproof.

Essentials to Pack
• Head torch leaves your hands free to pitch tent, cook and read
• Swiss Army penknife
• Zip-loc plastic bags
• Light fleece-like quick drying towel
• Alarm clock
• Needle and thread, safety pins
• Toilet paper
• Comfortable daypack
• Small Spanish dictionary phrasebook

Recommended Clothing
• Lightweight shirts
• Cotton trousers
• T-shirts
• Fleece
• Light wind/rainproof jacket and trousers
• Sunhat and woolly or fleece hat
• Comfortable/durable waterproof walking shoes
• Down jacket and thermals if traveling to the far south