How to Travel to Buenos Aires on a Budget

With the exception of the cost of airfare, Buenos Aires, Argentina is the ultimate budget travel destination. That said, if you are on a really tight budget, you can make a trip to this fascinating destination even more affordable. Here's how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Airline Tickets
• Hotel Reservations

How to Travel to Buenos Aires on a Budget

1. Book a flight. Avoid holiday seasons, and make sure to include a Saturday night stay. Keep in mind that Argentina experiences winter when the Western Hemisphere is experiencing summer, so you might get a better deal on a flight in June. If you have been accumulating frequent flyer miles, check to see if your airline allows you use a miles plus payment option. This means that you can reduce the price of your ticket by redeeming miles.Here's another option. If a local college is booking a group rate to Buenos Aires, you might be able to get in on that rate, even if you're not taking the course. The reason: The larger the group, the better the deal.
2. Book a hotel. The San Telmo neighborhood has a variety of budget hotels and hostels. For example, rooms at the Noster Bayres Hostel can be found for $14 to $60 US. The address is Basil 459, San Telmo. The new, hip Giramondo hostel has rooms for as low as 9.50, and you're right in the heart of the action. This lets you save money on transportation.
3. Take the Manuel Tienda Leon Bus service into town. Cost is approximately $8.70 one way. However, a taxi cab will take up to four people for $20. Local buses cost under a dollar.
4. Find places to eat. Most Buenos Aires restaurants are pretty inexpensive. However, if you see "hawkers" in front of a restaurant, avoid that establishment. These restaurants are usually higher priced and lower quality than other restaurants. Most of the inexpensive dining options are in the San Telmo and Palermo areas.
5. Watch tango on the streets. Tango dancers can be found on the streets of San Telmo and La Boca. No charge to watch!
6. Visit La Recoleta Cemetery, which is the resting place of Eva Peron and other famous people. There is no admission fee.

Tips & Warnings

• Dinner is late in Buenos Aires. Average dinner time is about 9PM
• Buenos Aires is hot in the summer. Drink lots of water!