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With the cost of international travel rising, Americans have started looking for cheaper alternatives to their favorite sunny hotspots, and given the low cost of living and fascinating culture, it’s no surprise they’re opting for this trendy South American destination.
This year alone it received 5 million foreign tourists 1.1 million more than in all of 2022, and looking at recent booking trends, those numbers will climb even higher as we approach winter – or better yet, summer for the Global South.
In case you’ve been wondering lately: this is why Buenos Aires is so popular among Americans right now:
A cultural capital for South America
The birthplace of Evita Peron and Messi, where the tango originated, and distinctive because it is the highest carnivorous country with a rich cuisine to match. There are many incredible features that make Argentina the most fascinating destination in the South.
Argentine culture is one of the main reasons Americans flock there, as it is a mix of both Indo-American and Southern European customs, as many of the locals are in fact descendants of Spanish and Italian settlers.
The capital, Buenos Aires, is easily the most exciting city trip in the country, as well as the most cosmopolitan. It is home to over 15 million inhabitants and acts as a microcosm where all of Argentina’s impressive diversity can be found.
Whether you’re looking for traditionalism, namely neighborhoods like Palermo and La Boca, famous for their Italian diaspora and abundance of Mediterranean-inspired restaurants, or an immersion in the local indie scene, from mural-filled San Telmo to the bohemian Villa Crespo, BA offers something for every traveler.
A paradise for gourmets
The local food is another reason why the travel community has been obsessed with the city lately. Buenos Aires is nothing short of a culinary mecca, thanks to its impeccable reputation thanks to excellent steakhouse services and a established gastronomic scene.
Whichever restaurant you choose on a night out in trendy Puerto Madero, you can be sure you will find a selection of them asadosimpossibly tender, grass-fed Argentinian beef, parrillas, Empanada’sand that irresistible, melting local variety of dulce de leche to finish.
Trust us, Buenos Aires gives all your foodie favorites a run for their money – including cevicheria-filled Lima in Peru.
The Paris of the Global South
However, Buenos Aires is a city best known for its stunning architecture, heavily inspired by Haussman’s redesign of Paris. It’s no wonder it’s mentioned the ‘Paris of South America’or that it has been crowned the continent’s most beautiful national capital time and time again.
Throughout the city center you will find grandiose buildings with ornate facades that give you the feeling of being on the Old Continent, Iberian-style squares flanked by trees and stately public buildings, and beautiful, avant-garde palaces dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Buenos Aires does The love child of France and Italyand the locals are very proud of their shared heritage.
A very affordable city trip
Apart from its vibrant culture, delectable cuisine and stunning architecture, Buenos Aires has also become a traveler’s favorite affordability.
The Argentine peso has always been weaker compared to the US dollar, but has reached new record lows in recent years, with 1 peso equaling US$0.0029 according to the latest exchange rate.
In fact, foreigners now get a better deal than locals when exchanging their tourist dollars, as international bank account holders can get more than double the number of pesos exchanged for the same amount. Needless to say, digital nomads and long-term tourists alike have chosen BA as their new safe haven.
For about $1,000 a month, they can rent a small studio in Palermo, use Ubers instead of public transportation, and even eat out at mid-range restaurants several times a week. This is less than half the average monthly rent in Los Angeles.
Staying short-term, vacationers also benefit from the shockingly low cost of living and expenses average US$26 during their trip.
In wider South America, Argentina is considered a budget destination for South Americans themselves, particularly Brazilians, who flock to Buenos Aires for an affordable getaway and sumptuous food. without breaking the bank.
The safest South American capital
Finally, Buenos Aires is incredibly safe, with a relatively low crime rate compared to its South American counterparts and ranked as the continent’s least dangerous national capital.
In fact, the US State Department classifies all of Argentina – including BA – as a level 1 destinationthe best designation a country can aspire to, and one that applies to Iceland, Finland, Croatia and other low-risk European hotspots.
When visiting Buenos Aires, Americans don’t have to be extra careful like they do in neighboring Brazil, and while pickpocketing can be a problem in touristy places, you’re less likely to encounter petty crimes, or more importantly, violence at exploring BA.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
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