Is Argentina or Chile cheaper?

Argentina is the cheaper of the two: roughly under $35–130/day in Argentina versus $35–130/day in Chile.

When is the best time to visit Argentina vs Chile?

Argentina is at its best in October–March; Chile peaks in November–March.

Is Argentina or Chile better in August?

Neither has a clear edge in August — they score the same that month. Argentina has the edge in May, October, and both are at their best in January, February, March, November, December.

How long do you need in Argentina vs Chile?

Plan 2–8 weeks for Argentina and 2–4 for Chile.

Should I choose Argentina or Chile?

Pick Argentina if you want somewhere cheaper across the board, stronger for food, nightlife. Pick Chile if you want somewhere stronger for nature. Both deliver on city, so on those either works.

Argentina vs Chile

Two strong destinations, different in important ways. Here's the side-by-side, then a verdict on which suits which traveler.

South America

Argentina

Buenos Aires has the best steakhouses and nightlife in South America.

Best time to visit

January: peak
February: peak
March: peak
April: fine
May: fine
June: avoid
July: avoid
August: avoid
September: fine
October: peak
November: peak
December: peak

Peak Fine Avoid

South America

Chile

A 4,000km country of deserts, wine valleys, lakes, and southern fjords.

Best time to visit

January: peak
February: peak
March: peak
April: fine
May: avoid
June: avoid
July: avoid
August: avoid
September: fine
October: fine
November: peak
December: peak

Peak Fine Avoid

Read our full guides about Argentina and Chile.

Side by side

Emphasised where they differ. Muted rows are much the same either way.

	Argentina	Chile
Best time	October–March	November–March
Climate	mild	mild
Budget	Backpacker – Mid-range · under $35–130/day	Budget – Mid-range · $35–130/day
Trip length	2–8 wks	2–4 wks
Visa	Visa-free for most Western passports (90 days).	Visa-free for most Western passports (90 days). Verify before travel.
Currency	ARS (Peso). Bring USD cash for "blue rate" exchange.	CLP (Chilean Peso).
Language	Spanish. Limited English outside Buenos Aires tourism.	Spanish. Limited English.
Tap water	Tap water safe in Buenos Aires.	Tap water generally safe in Santiago and major towns.
Safety	Generally safe. Pickpocketing in Buenos Aires.	One of the safer countries in the region. Watch for petty theft in cities.

General guidance — visas, safety, and health change, so check your government's travel advisory and the official sources before you go.

Argentina or Chile, month by month

Which of the two is the better bet for each month of the year, scored on how well the season suits each place.

Which to choose

Choose Argentina if:

You want somewhere cheaper across the board.
You want somewhere stronger for food, nightlife.

Choose Chile if:

You want somewhere stronger for nature.

Both deliver on city — so on those dimensions either works.

Common questions

Is Argentina or Chile cheaper?: Argentina is the cheaper of the two: roughly under $35–130/day in Argentina versus $35–130/day in Chile.
When is the best time to visit Argentina vs Chile?: Argentina is at its best in October–March; Chile peaks in November–March.
Is Argentina or Chile better in August?: Neither has a clear edge in August — they score the same that month. Argentina has the edge in May, October, and both are at their best in January, February, March, November, December.
How long do you need in Argentina vs Chile?: Plan 2–8 weeks for Argentina and 2–4 for Chile.
Should I choose Argentina or Chile?: Pick Argentina if you want somewhere cheaper across the board, stronger for food, nightlife. Pick Chile if you want somewhere stronger for nature. Both deliver on city, so on those either works.