Surprise travel for my GF to Argentina from Costa Rica

What's the best time of the year to get in Argentina?

Depends where you are going in Argentina. Summer is the best time to visit for Patagonia. But then it is insanely hot in the north of the country.

Rent a car or travel via bus/airplane? (I dont mind driving but budget is always important and Im no millionaire).
Argentina is 8th largest country in the world. I wouldn't be hiring a car for the duration of the trip. But rather, small pockets. A car can be handy when exploring Bariloche or the north around Salta/Cafayate. But going from place to place - bus is usually the most economical way of doing things. Plane tickets can be pretty expensive in Argentina (roughly 200 USD one way).

Places to go?

Grab a guide book and sift through it. The place has lots to see and do. Trawl through internet - go to wikitravel and lonelyplanet has some info. Heck, look at the hashtag #Argentina or #VisitArgentina on instagram....

I agree with the above poster on the time to go. If you're a hiker and enjoy the outdoors, or are just interested in seeing Patagonia, definitely go during the summer months. However, don't go in the summer for Buenos Aires or Mendoza or Salta, as that will be too hot. Maybe go during Fall. That's when I went and I enjoyed good weather there, granted it does always somewhat depend on luck.

I agree on diverting from the car idea. I'm also just naturally averse to driving in a different country. If you have ample time, you could certainly take a bus throughout Argentina, but that's going to take days off your itinerary. If you have a lot of time before you leave, I would work extra hard on saving up just a little more to pay for those flights, as that will make your vacation that much better.

If you're wondering on places to go, check out the links below (they will direct you right to the Argentina destinations). I used the tour company when I went to Chile and Argentina this fall, and I loved their tours. TripAdvisor will also give you a good idea of the destinations where to go but they'll be the more standard destinations. But basically it all depends on what you're interested in. For example, Buenos Aires is the cultural hub of Argentina, home to the tango. Mendoza is one of the finest wine regions in the world, home to their famous Malbec. Patagonia is an outdoorsy types' paradise. It all depends on what you're interested in. I highly suggest all three though if you have the time.

https://www.localaventura.com/tours?country.name=Argentina&city.name=&category=&duration_type=&price=&utm_source=LonelyPlanet&utm_campaign=neu-brian-dec&utm_medium=forum-post&utm_content=268

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g294266-Activities-Argentina.html

If you're a hiker and enjoy the outdoors, or are just interested in seeing Patagonia, definitely go during the summer months

Just on this, summer is peak season for hiking in Patagonia. The wind can be pretty terrible. As someone who has done it in Summer and in Autumn, I would go in Autumn. There are less people out on the trails and you get some insane autumn colours. The weather down there can be terrible all year around. So give ample time to visit there.

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