Are you wondering where to go in South America? In this article we compare Argentina and Ecuador – they both are very popular destinations among tourists. Comparison table and conclusion below it will answer questions like:
- Where to go
- Which one is better
- Which one is cheaper
Or should you visit both places on your tour through South America?
Argentina and Ecuador on the map:
Argentina vs Ecuador comparison table:
| Argentina | Ecuador | |
|---|---|---|
| Flag |    |    |
| Capital | Buenos Aires | Quito |
| Official Languages | Spanish | Spanish |
| Size | Area - 2,780,400 Km2 Population - 45,148,312 | Area - 283,561 Km2 Population - 17,126,527 |
| Currency | Peso | Unites States Dollar (USD) |
| Weather | About the same, slightly cooler | About the same |
| Driving side | Right | Right |
| Main, famous sightseeings | 1. Iguazu Falls 2. Perito Moreno Glacier 3. The City Of Barrios 4. The End Of The World 5. Puerto Madryn and the Valdes Penisula 6. Tierra del Fuego National Park 7. Mar del Plata 8. Bariloche and Argentina’s Lake District 9. Mendoza 10. Historic Cordoba Cathedral | 1. Cotopaxi 2. La Compania de Jesus 3. Nariz del Diablo 4. Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve 5. Tena 6. Montanita 7. Cathedral Nueva 8. Otavalo Market 9. San Francisco Church 10. Galapagos Islands |
| Tourist Volume | More | Less |
| Organized Tours Options | More | Less |
| Nightlife | Better | Worse |
| Access to Nature | Better | Worse |
| Food | About the same | About the same |
| Remote Work Access | Better | Worse |
| Safety | Safer | Less safe |
| Travel cost, getting there | More expensive | Cheaper |
| Prices there | More expensive | Cheaper |
| Ocean access | About the same | About the same |
| Family travel | Better | Worse |
| List of cities for long stay travel | 1. Salta 2. Cordoba 3. Mendoza 4. Buenos Aires 5. Bariloche 6. Rosario 7. Patagonia 8. La Plata 9. Ushuaia 10. Mel del Plata | 1. Cuenca 2. Cotacachi 3. Quito 4. Vilcabamba 5. Guayaquil 6. Salinas 7. Montanita 8. Manta 9. San Clemente 10. Bahia de Caraquez |
| Infrastructure | Better | Worse |
| Transportation | More expensive | Cheaper |
| Amazon travel | Worse | Better |
| Overall conclusion | Argentina is better for nature lovers | Ecuador is better for adventure seekers |
Main attractions
They both promise a wide range of activities and entertainment for tourist. When comparing the two you might think Argentina has the most to offer due to its large population area and wide list of popular tourist areas. But do not be fooled by the small size of Ecuador has a lot to offer.
For nature and wildlife lovers Argentina has the edge since it is the home of the amazing Iguazu falls, Perito Moreno, Peninsula Valdes (home of whales, elephant seals and lots more), Punta Tombo (world’s biggest colony of penguins) Reserve and many more. Ecuador is best for adventure seekers as you can visit the jungle, travel through the Pacific and climb the highest mountain all in a day.
Transportation options
In Argentina, long-distance buses are fast, efficient and they offer food services onboard and there are lots of restaurant stops for long-distance travels. Train service is another way travelers get by in the country especially for overnight journeys. Areas that can be reached via train services from Buenos Aires are:
- Rosario
- Rojas
- Bahia Blanca
- Mar del Plata
The local airline is more expensive and should only be used when it is necessary
In Ecuador Buses are available in large cities like Quito and all major cities. But for long-distance travels, Local airlines are advisable since it is faster and quite affordable.
As for train service there are no international train service in the country.
Accommodation, hotels
Accommodation is generally more expensive in Argentina than Ecuador. The northern cities of Argentina (Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Rosario and Mendoza) are the most expensive while the Southern Patagonia is surprisingly less expensive.
Accommodation in Ecuador is quite cheap as there are lots of family-owned hotels that are very cheap and yet provide quality services.
Beach vacations
Even though according to our comparison table both Argentina and Ecuador have easy access to the ocean. Ecuador has more beaches (26) compared to Argentina (15). They are both perfect for beach vacations, relaxation and sightseeing.
More about prices
When it comes to traveling price is definitely an important factor that must be considered. In general South America is an affordable place to visit, but when comparing Argentina to Ecuador which is cheaper? In terms of accommodation, cost of living and transportation Ecuador is cheaper but when considering food and entertainment then Argentina is perfect. In terms of average daily cost Ecuador is cheaper than Argentina.
Who is the winner, Argentina or Ecuador?
If what you seek is a tourist-friendly place with easy access to nature and lots of diversity then Argentina is the right place for you. But if what you seek is a long stay, work, low cost of leaving, less crowd and Adventure then Ecuador is your perfect destination. Even though Ecuador has a smaller area it boasts a lot of tourist center that can rival Argentina.
So, why you should visit both of them?
If you have both time and money why not? Both Argentina and Ecuador promise an exciting journey filled with:
- Nature wonders
- Amazing scenery
- Hiking trails
- Biking routes
- Awesome wildlife
For a nature and adventure lover how can you say no to that? Inquire about how to get to Ecuador from Argentina or vice versa and visit both countries at once. We will help you to plan vacations and book flights, hotels and sightseeings tours.
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