Is Argentina or Uruguay cheaper?

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

When is the best time to visit Argentina vs Uruguay?

Argentina is at its best in October–March; Uruguay peaks in December–March.

Is Argentina or Uruguay better in August?

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

How long do you need in Argentina vs Uruguay?

Plan 2–8 weeks for Argentina and 1–1 for Uruguay.

Should I choose Argentina or Uruguay?

Pick Argentina if you want somewhere cheaper across the board, stronger for food, nightlife, more urban / city-focused. Both deliver on culture, city, so on those either works.

Argentina vs Uruguay

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

Uruguay

The calm, safe, well-off corner of South America — beef, wine, and empty Atlantic beaches.

Best time to visit

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

Peak Fine Avoid

Read our full guides about Argentina and Uruguay.

Side by side

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

	Argentina	Uruguay
Best time	October–March	December–March
Climate	mild	mild
Budget	Backpacker – Mid-range · under $35–130/day	Budget – Mid-range · $35–130/day
Trip length	2–8 wks	1–1 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.	UYU (Uruguayan Peso); USD widely accepted in Punta del Este.
Language	Spanish. Limited English outside Buenos Aires tourism.	Spanish; English is limited.
Tap water	Tap water safe in Buenos Aires.	Tap water safe to drink.
Safety	Generally safe. Pickpocketing in Buenos Aires.	One of the safest countries in the Americas; normal city caution in Montevideo.

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

Argentina or Uruguay, 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.
You want somewhere more urban / city-focused.

Choose Uruguay if:

You're already drawn to it — its strengths fit your trip.

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

Common questions

Is Argentina or Uruguay cheaper?: Argentina is the cheaper of the two: roughly under $35–130/day in Argentina versus $35–130/day in Uruguay.
When is the best time to visit Argentina vs Uruguay?: Argentina is at its best in October–March; Uruguay peaks in December–March.
Is Argentina or Uruguay better in August?: Uruguay is the better of the two in August. Argentina has the edge in October, November, Uruguay in August, and both are at their best in January, February, March, December.
How long do you need in Argentina vs Uruguay?: Plan 2–8 weeks for Argentina and 1–1 for Uruguay.
Should I choose Argentina or Uruguay?: Pick Argentina if you want somewhere cheaper across the board, stronger for food, nightlife, more urban / city-focused. Both deliver on culture, city, so on those either works.