Just got back from 18 days in Argentina (Buenos Aires, Mendoza, El Calafate, El Chalten) and wanted to share because I went in with some wrong assumptions.
The biggest one: March in Patagonia is NOT summer. I packed like I was going on a warm weather trip and literally had to buy a down jacket in El Calafate because I was freezing. The wind is absolutely brutal, even on “nice” days. Bring layers, real ones.
El Chalten was the highlight by far. The hike to Laguna de los Tres was one of the best things I’ve ever done, but it was 10 hours and my legs were destroyed for 2 days after. If you’re doing this, give yourself a rest day.
Buenos Aires was incredible for food. We spent 4 nights and could have done 5. San Telmo on Sundays for the market is a must. Mendoza wine tours were good but honestly felt a bit factory-line (get on bus, go to 3 wineries, drink, repeat). I’d book a private tour if I did it again.
Total cost for 2 people: roughly $4,200 USD including domestic flights but not the international ones. Argentina is still a good deal but not as cheap as people think.