How To Use Points And Miles For A Dream Trip To Argentina

With over 40 million people in the country, you’d perhaps expect more than a few flights from the U.S. to Argentina. But in reality the options are pretty slim. To use your points and miles, you’ll have to put your nose down to find some flights for value.

American Airlines Flights to Buenos Aires

American Airlines comes out on top with three nonstop departures to Buenos Aires from the United States. With flights from Miami (MIA), New York (JFK) and Dallas (DFW), you’re sure to find a flight schedule that works for you.

American Airlines uses dynamic pricing for its award flights. This means if you’re flying on a high-demand date, the award price that American Airlines charges could be in the hundreds of thousands.

All hope is not lost, however, as flights in economy class have been found for as low as 22,000 AAdvantage miles one way. But be prepared to spend more if you want a better seat: In 2024, costs look to run upwards of hundreds of thousands of points, even for premium economy. Looking through a sample of dates offered the lowest premium economy seat for 62,500 miles, though many flights were valued at 145,000. And business, of course, was steeper: The lowest found was 110,000 but ran anywhere from 150,000 to 350,000.

Delta Air Lines Flights to Buenos Aires

Delta Air Lines also uses dynamic pricing, but the amount of miles Delta charges makes American Airlines look like a minor-league player. Flights out of Atlanta and JFK are operated year-round.

While it is possible to find value for 22,000 miles in economy on American Airlines, the cheapest economy flights from Atlanta to Buenos Aires come in at 64,000 Delta Skymiles one way. Business-class fares start at 250,000 miles one way versus a potential starting at 110,000 miles on American Airlines.

Prices start from there and only go up, as some days a one-way ticket in business class can command 410,000 Delta Skymiles.

United Airlines Flights to Buenos Aires

Offering daily service from its hub in Houston, Texas, United offers pricing that sits right in between American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

Standard pricing for a nonstop, one-way flight from Houston to Buenos Aires runs 70,000 United Airlines MileagePlus miles for economy and 155,000 miles for business class. You might also be able to find a Saver Award price for the route listed at 45,000 points for economy tickets. These awards are specially offered to elite members and United Airlines credit cardholders.

If you’re lucky enough to find a saver award flight in business class, you could snag a huge discount on your flight for only 80,000 miles one way.

Alaska Airlines Flights to Buenos Aires

Alaska Airlines doesn’t fly to South America, but it does have a unique partnership with LATAM Airlines Chile (LA) and offer phenomenal pricing for both economy and business-class flights. Fly from the United States to Argentina for only 25,000 miles in economy or 60,000 miles in business class.

LATAM has a large network of flights, so it is possible to connect via Lima, Peru, Santiago, Chile and São Paulo, Brazil.

Because Alaska Airlines is a partner in the Oneworld alliance with American Airlines, if there’s a saver award available to be booked with points, you should be able to see that flight on Alaska’s website.

Air Canada Flights to Buenos Aires

The Canadian carrier flies between Buenos Aires and Toronto nearly every day depending on the season.  It also uses a dynamic pricing model similar to United, American and Delta. Standard pricing for flights starts at 40,000 miles for economy, 55,000 for premium economy, and 60,000 business class.

When visiting Argentina, Buenos Aires is just about a mandatory stop when connecting onward to other destinations within the country. Flying internationally, most itineraries will include long layovers and potentially a change from the international airport Ministro Pistarini International Airport, Ezeiza, (EZE), to the domestic airport, Jorge Newbery Airport, (AEP), which is more than an hour away. But since Buenos Aires is a city worth spending time in either way, here are a few options bookable on points within the capital city nicknamed the Paris of the South.

Hilton

Located in the Puerto Madero District, the Hilton Buenos Aires isn’t situated particularly near anything special or touristic, but it’s an option for you to use your points if need be. A night here will run at least 60,000 Hilton Honors points, so plan accordingly.

While the hotel bills itself as being in an area with upscale dining, don’t be fooled. You’re better off grabbing an uber or a taxi and heading into Palermo, Recoleta or even San Telmo for more authentic, flavorful and cheaper dining options.

For something truly unique, head to Floreria Atlantico, a restaurant and speakeasy on the border between Recoleta and Retiro. Head into the flower shop and ask the shop owner for the entrance to the bar, via a secret door disguised as a cooler.

If more casual foods are your jam, try some Argentine pizza from Guerin, Pizzeria La Mezzetta, and Las Cuartetas.

One Hilton you’ll find in the San Telmo district is the Anselmo Buenos Aires. A restored 1906 mansion belonging to the famous tango singer Anselmo Aieta, the rooms are modern but not terribly spacious. As a part of the Curio collection, you can expect a more bespoke experience than the mainline Hilton hotel a few kilometers away—and for the same amount of points. The Anselmo Buenos Aires also starts at 60,000 points a night, so it might be an easy decision to stay here over the Hilton in Puerto Madero.

If you are staying over on a Sunday, don’t miss the famous Plaza Dorrego Sunday market, where you’ll find dozens of artisans selling their wares in an open air environment.

Hyatt

Palacio Duhau—Park Hyatt Buenos Aires is perhaps one of the most opulent properties in all of Buenos Aires. The hotel occupies nearly an entire city block and is housed in a restored 1934 mansion. The hotel includes a spa, world-class patisserie, multiple restaurants and even an underground art gallery.

This luxury won’t come cheap. As a category 6 Hyatt hotel, you’ll be spending anywhere from 21,000 to 29,000 World of Hyatt points each night for your stay. If you’re short on points, you can top off your World of Hyatt account from your Chase Ultimate Rewards balance.

IHG

Similar to the other properties offered by many of the major chains, the InterContinental Buenos Aires is located steps away from the bustling 9 de Julio avenue. The rooms are luxurious and large, ensuring you’ll have plenty of space to stretch out. You’ll find a unique benefit here if you’re traveling with your four-legged friends. The Pet + Travel program offers a bed, healthy snack kit and toy for your dog to play with—all compliments of the hotel.

As IHG One Rewards rates are variable based on the cost of the stay, the number of points needed per night may vary greatly; in early summer 2024, we’re seeing rooms available starting at 35,000 a night.

Marriott

The Flagship Buenos Aires Marriott is located at the steps of the city’s iconic obelisk. This hotel offers a spa, rooftop pool and an M Club where elite guests can have breakfast, afternoon tea and evening happy hour drinks and food, all included for free when you stay. While nights on points will vary, you can find some for as low as 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points in the summer.

In the San Martin Plaza you’ll find both the Park Tower and the Sheraton Buenos Aires. If you’re heading somewhere in the province of Buenos Aires or beyond, the Retiro bus station is located in front of the hotel, allowing you an easy connection to most anywhere in the country.

Both Marriott properties are located in the same building, with the Park Tower being the more luxurious cousin to the Sheraton.

Wyndham

While Wyndham Hotels & Resorts might not be on the radar of many points and miles enthusiasts, the options in Buenos Aires are varied and finding a hotel won’t be a problem. In fact, there are over 50 properties under the Wyndham umbrella in the entire country.

The Esplendor brand has three properties in the Buenos Aires capital, all scattered throughout the city. The Esplendor Buenos Aires is located near the Florida walking street in the downtown area. The Esplendor Tango is mere steps away from the recognizable obelisk in the center of the world’s widest avenue, and the Esplendor Plaza Francia is a short walk to experience world-class shopping in the Recoleta area.

Dazzler hotels, a smaller chain inside of the Wyndham family of brands, has five hotels located in the city. Dazzler Palermo is situated in the middle of the Palermo Hollywood district, one of the trendiest neighborhoods with dozens of shops and restaurants seconds away. If you’re looking for ways to stay at one of these properties on points, remember that Wyndham is a Capital One transfer partner.

Patagonia is one of the most remote and uninhabited areas in Argentina. A mix of desert and Andean forest landscapes merged with glaciers and rugged coastlines, Patagonia has become an essential stop for adventure tourists. Patagonia occupies a third of the country, so you’ll likely want to make a few stops. Luckily, there are three cities where you’ll find hotels available on points.

Hilton

While perhaps not the most luxurious of stays, if you’re a Hilton loyalist, you can rest assured knowing that you’ll be able to stay at the Hampton by Hilton Bariloche. Located just two blocks from the lake, it’s a perfect jumping off spot for all of your adventures. The price for award stays doesn’t seem to vary much throughout the year, even though Hilton does use a variable pricing model. In many summer and winter dates, prices go between 27,000 and 40,000 Hilton Honors points per night depending on the time of year.

Marriott

If you’re looking to be in the center of Bariloche, consider Marriott’s Hotel Panamericano—you’ll be steps away from the city’s famous chocolate shops and alpine architecture. The hotel is a little more on the dated side, so if you’re looking for polished and refined luxury you’ll perhaps want to steer elsewhere. Rooms have a floor of around 17,500 Bonvoy points a night and cap out at around 25,000 points.

At the other end of the spectrum is the Arelauquen Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. It’s a few miles out of the city, but with that you’ll gain access to the peace and serenity that being in the wilderness can offer. You won’t be far from luxury amenities, though, as there is a tennis court, indoor and outdoor pool and dining on site. You might get lucky and find a room on the low end at 31,000 points a night, but some nights command a rate upwards of 46,000 points.

No matter which property you choose, a Marriott benefit is the ability to get your fifth night free when using points. Simply book a five-night stay, and your fifth night will be at 0 points, offering a huge savings when enjoying an extended vacation.

Wyndham

If you’re staying in Calafate or Ushuaia, you’ll once again want to look towards Wyndham hotels. Both the Esplendor by Wyndham El Calafate and the Wyndham Garden Ushuaia Hotel del Glaciar hotels can potentially shave hundreds of dollars off your vacation.

If you’re short on Wyndham Rewards, consider the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card*. The welcome bonus is currently 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening, resort fees may apply, meaning that at a cost of 15,000 points per night, you’ll have six free nights from this signup bonus alone.

Mendoza is the quintessential wine region in Argentina (although not Argentina’s only wine region). In fact, many of the best-rated wineries in the world are now found in this Argentinian province, and you can visit some of these wonderful vineyards on your trip to Mendoza. While most of these hotels are located in the center of town and require you to drive outside the city if you want to spend some time in the wineries, they’re only a short trek away.

Hyatt

Situated right next to the city’s main square of Plaza Independencia, the Park Hyatt Mendoza is one of the most luxurious hotels in all of Mendoza. Take a 30-minute shuttle ride and you’ll be drinking wine at some of the world’s best vineyards in no time. As a Category 4 hotel, the Park Hyatt is a reasonable points option for a five-star luxury hotel.

Marriott

If you have access to Marriott Bonvoy points, then you’re in luck. There are two properties bookable with Bonvoy points in Mendoza. The first one is the Sheraton Mendoza, located blocks away from one of the main town squares. Stay here if you want to tour the city, soak in more than 450 years of history and use it as a base to visit the world-famous vineyards just outside of town—but do keep in mind that you will need to rent a car if you want to explore out of town. While high-occupancy nights like New Year’s Eve can run a modest 26,500 points, you can save a little by hitting off-season rates at only 16,500 each.

The second option is the Auberge du Vin, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, located in Tupungato right outside of the city of Mendoza. This property is surrounded by vineyards and has fantastic views of the Andes range and Uco Valley. Rates can start at 20,000 points and go up to 27,500 per night. 

Wyndham

Located far away from the city and wineries, inside a megaplex combining a casino, shopping center and theater, lies the Esplendor by Wyndham Mendoza. There are plenty of other options to stay in Mendoza that lie much closer to where you’d want to be on vacation, but if all you’ve got is Wyndham Rewards, and you want to save money, this will be your option.

The hotel is modern and elegant with refined furnishings, an outdoor pool and easy parking facilities. The hotel costs 15,000 points per night no matter the day of the year, so you’ll always what price to expect when you visit.

Iguazu Falls, in northeastern Argentina, are one of the most visited natural wonders in the world, and they are truly a stunning sight to behold. The waterfalls are shared between Argentina and Brazil, and while the Argentinian side boasts the largest number of individual waterfalls, you won’t go wrong visiting either the Argentine or Brazilian side. Surprisingly, there are no hotels you can book with hotel chain points in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, so both options will be located in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil.

Hilton

While not technically in Argentina, Hilton’s property, the DoubleTree by Hilton Foz do Iguacu, is just across the border in Brazil. It’s only a few minutes drive to the city center and about 25 minutes to the falls themselves. Just know that you will need your passport to cross the border both ways between Argentina and Brazil. Make sure to take this into account when booking.

Points values are relatively low with most nights running between 25,000 and 30,000 points each depending on the time of year that you want to visit.

Wyndham

Just like the Doubletree Hilton, the Wyndham Golden Foz Suites is located on the Brazil side of the falls. Your Wyndham points will go much further here, with rooms starting at only 7,500 points each night. All rooms come with air conditioning (a must near the falls) and Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected. The outdoor pool will be refreshing after a day touring the falls and before heading back down to Buenos Aires for your flight home.

Argentina should be on your short list of destinations for 2024 and beyond. From world-class vineyards and steak dinners, tango classes and luxury hotels, Argentina has everything you could ask for. Considering the flight connection opportunities provided by Delta, American and United, chances are you’re one stop away from being in one of the southern hemisphere’s most vibrant and captivating countries.