Argentina

7

Argentina is one of Latin America’s most progressive countries for LGBTQ+ rights: same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010, and Argentina has a landmark Gender Identity Law allowing self-identification. Major cities (especially Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Córdoba) host Pride events and vibrant queer scenes; smaller towns can feel more traditional. We travel with common-sense discretion in rural areas and work only with vetted, welcoming suppliers. Your Tour Leader will brief the group on local context so the trip stays joyful and relaxed.

Overview
  • Capital: Buenos Aires. Major gateways: EZE – Ministro Pistarini (International) and AEP – Aeroparque (Domestic/Regional); regional hubs in MDZ (Mendoza), BRC (Bariloche), USH (Ushuaia), IGR (Iguazú).
  • Language: Spanish; English is widely understood in tourism in major cities.
  • Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS). Cards are accepted in many hotels/restaurants; ATMs available in cities (withdrawal limits/fees vary).
  • VAT/Sales tax: Standard VAT 21%. Foreign tourists are exempt/refunded on hotel accommodation at registered properties when paying with an international credit/debit card and presenting a passport—ask at check-in.
  • Power: 220V / 50Hz. Plugs Type C & Type I (some properties also have Type A). Bring a universal adaptor.
  • Water: Tap water in Buenos Aires and many cities is potable; bottled water is widely available if preferred.
  • Driving: Right-hand driving. Distances are long; self-drive is possible but we recommend our drivers for Patagonia/Andes routes. Some rental firms request an International Driving Permit.
  • Time: UTC−3 year-round (no daylight saving).
  • Health: No mandatory vaccines for most travellers. Yellow Fever vaccine is recommended if visiting Iguazú and parts of the northeast; consult your clinic.
  • Local culture: Late dining (many restaurants open after 8–9pm), café culture, warm greetings. Dress is casual-smart in cities; ask before photos; bargaining is uncommon in shops (more common at craft markets).
  • Food & drink: Parrilla/asado (grilled beef), empanadas, milanesa, choripán, dulce de leche, alfajores, and world-class Malbec (Mendoza). Good vegetarian and gluten-free options on request. Legal drinking age 18.
Airfare

International flights

  • Not included unless specifically stated.
  • We’ll confirm the arrival/departure airport(s) (typically EZE for international; many itineraries also use AEP). If your trip finishes in a different region (e.g., Patagonia), consider an open-jaw ticket or add a domestic hop.
  • Please wait for our written tour confirmation before booking personal international flights.
  • Typical booking windows: best economy pricing ~3–5 months out; business class ~5–8 months.
  • Check baggage rules carefully—some regional fares are hand-luggage only unless you add a checked bag.
  • Want us to handle it? We can book and ticket your international flights (service fee applies), align schedules to the land itinerary, share fare options, and assist if airlines adjust timings.

Domestic / regional flights (within your itinerary)

  • Where used, they’re usually included (unless otherwise stated) and ticketed in economy class.
  • Allowances follow the operating carrier; details appear on your final docs.
  • These fares are subject to change until ticketed due to airport/government taxes and exchange-rate movements; any increases/refunds will be communicated promptly.

Good to know: Names must exactly match passports; aim to check in 3 hours before international and 90 minutesbefore domestic departures.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory—medical cover, trip cancellation/curtailment, lost property and any paid-for activities. Ensure your policy covers domestic flight disruptions, Patagonia/Andes conditions, and medical evacuation if travelling to remote regions.

Tour Leader

Afrigay trips are hosted by Mike or a trusted Tour Leader, with licensed local specialist guides in each region (Buenos Aires, wine country, Patagonia, Iguazú). Your leader manages logistics, check-ins, safety briefings, day pacing and the thoughtful touches that make a trip feel special.

Travelling Alone

Solo travellers are very welcome. You can:

  1. Room solo (single supplement applies), or
  2. Opt to share—we’ll try to pair you with a traveller of similar profile to avoid the supplement. If we can’t match you, we’ll offer the best single rate available.
Meals

Inclusions vary by itinerary and are shown on the What’s included tab. We aim to include a Welcome Dinner and a Farewell Dinner so the group connects at the start and celebrates at the end. Not all meals are included—we leave space to explore local spots (BA has incredible dining). We happily cater for vegan/vegetarian, gluten-free and other needs—please advise in advance.

Optional Activities

Only the activities listed as Included on your trip page are part of your package. Anything else is optional and not included.
If you’d like extras, we can arrange them at additional cost—before travel or on tour—subject to availability, season, weather and any minimum numbers. Optional add-ons are usually paid direct to suppliers; if we pre-book, they’ll appear on your invoice. Your insurance must cover any optional activity you choose.

Tipping Protocol

Tipping is customary in tourism but always at your discretion.

  • Restaurants/Bars: 10% if service isn’t included (look for “servicio”).
  • Taxis/e-hailing: round up.
  • Hotel porters: US$1–2 (or ARS equivalent) per bag.
  • Housekeeping: US$1–3 per room per night.
  • Local guide/driver (day touring): US$10–20 per person per day (group size dependent).
  • Tour Leader (multi-day Afrigay host): US$5–10 per person per day—aligned with common global norms.
What to Bring
  • Passport & copies, visas (if required), insurance details.
  • Bank cards and a little cash (ARS for tips/markets).
  • Adaptors (Type C/I), power bank, unlocked phone for eSIM/SIM.
  • Layers: seasons are reversed vs. the Northern Hemisphere; Patagonia can be windy/cool even in summer—pack a warm layer and rain jacket.
  • Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, optional scarf/smart casual for BA nights out.
  • Personal meds and a small first-aid kit.
    We’ll send a tour-specific packing cue sheet with your final documents.
LGBTQ+ Information

We currently don't have this information available.

Additional Information

We currently don't have this information available.

Rights Reserved

We may make reasonable changes to the itinerary, accommodation, transport or sequencing when required by weather, safety, governmental advice, availability or operational factors. Equivalent or higher-quality services will be substituted where possible. Afrigay Travel and partners operate within Argentine law and industry standards (and applicable international standards); participation implies acceptance of our full Terms & Conditions issued at booking.