Is Argentina or Mexico cheaper?

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

When is the best time to visit Argentina vs Mexico?

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

Is Argentina or Mexico better in August?

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

How long do you need in Argentina vs Mexico?

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

Should I choose Argentina or Mexico?

Pick Argentina if you want somewhere stronger for nightlife, more off-the-beaten-path. Pick Mexico if you want somewhere stronger for culture. Both deliver on food, city, so on those either works.

Argentina vs Mexico

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

North America

Mexico

Mexico City is world-class. Add the coast, ruins, and food culture.

Best time to visit

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

Peak Fine Avoid

Read our full guides about Argentina and Mexico.

Side by side

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

	Argentina	Mexico
Best time	October–March	November–April
Climate	mild	warm
Budget	Backpacker – Mid-range · under $35–130/day	Backpacker – Mid-range · under $35–130/day
Trip length	2–8 wks	2–6 wks
Visa	Visa-free for most Western passports (90 days).	Visa-free for most Western passports (180 days).
Currency	ARS (Peso). Bring USD cash for "blue rate" exchange.	MXN (Peso). Roughly 20 MXN ≈ 1 USD.
Language	Spanish. Limited English outside Buenos Aires tourism.	Spanish. English in tourism, less elsewhere.
Tap water	Tap water safe in Buenos Aires.	Tap water not safe to drink.
Safety	Generally safe. Pickpocketing in Buenos Aires.	Mostly safe in tourist destinations. Avoid certain border and cartel-heavy regions.

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

Argentina or Mexico, 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 nightlife.
You want somewhere more off-the-beaten-path.

Choose Mexico if:

You want somewhere stronger for culture.

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

Common questions

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