Is Argentina or Colombia cheaper?

They sit in a similar bracket — roughly under $35–130/day in Argentina, under $35–65/day in Colombia.

When is the best time to visit Argentina vs Colombia?

Argentina is at its best in October–March; Colombia peaks in July, August, December–March.

Is Argentina or Colombia better in August?

Colombia is the better of the two in August. Argentina has the edge in October, November, Colombia in June, July, August, and both are at their best in January, February, March, December.

How long do you need in Argentina vs Colombia?

Plan 2–8 weeks for Argentina and 2–6 for Colombia.

Should I choose Argentina or Colombia?

Pick Argentina if you want somewhere stronger for food. Pick Colombia if you want somewhere stronger for city. Both deliver on nightlife, culture, nature, so on those either works.

Argentina vs Colombia

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

Colombia

Medellin is one of the most exciting cities in the world right now.

Best time to visit

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

Peak Fine Avoid

Read our full guides about Argentina and Colombia.

Side by side

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

	Argentina	Colombia
Best time	October–March	July, August, December–March
Climate	mild	warm
Budget	Backpacker – Mid-range · under $35–130/day	Backpacker – Budget · under $35–65/day
Trip length	2–8 wks	2–6 wks
Visa	Visa-free for most Western passports (90 days).	Visa-free for most Western passports (90 days).
Currency	ARS (Peso). Bring USD cash for "blue rate" exchange.	COP (Peso). Roughly 4,200 COP ≈ 1 USD.
Language	Spanish. Limited English outside Buenos Aires tourism.	Spanish. Limited English outside tourism.
Tap water	Tap water safe in Buenos Aires.	Tap water safe in Medellin and Bogota; bottled elsewhere.
Safety	Generally safe. Pickpocketing in Buenos Aires.	Much improved. Stay in good areas, no flashy phones, no street drugs.

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

Argentina or Colombia, 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 stronger for food.

Choose Colombia if:

You want somewhere stronger for city.

Both deliver on nightlife, culture, nature — so on those dimensions either works.

Common questions

Is Argentina or Colombia cheaper?: They sit in a similar bracket — roughly under $35–130/day in Argentina, under $35–65/day in Colombia.
When is the best time to visit Argentina vs Colombia?: Argentina is at its best in October–March; Colombia peaks in July, August, December–March.
Is Argentina or Colombia better in August?: Colombia is the better of the two in August. Argentina has the edge in October, November, Colombia in June, July, August, and both are at their best in January, February, March, December.
How long do you need in Argentina vs Colombia?: Plan 2–8 weeks for Argentina and 2–6 for Colombia.
Should I choose Argentina or Colombia?: Pick Argentina if you want somewhere stronger for food. Pick Colombia if you want somewhere stronger for city. Both deliver on nightlife, culture, nature, so on those either works.