Tucumán Travel Tips: What Are The Do’s And Don’ts While Getting Around In Tucumán?
BY Sibashree Jan 15, 2026
A retriever wagging his tail as I gorge on the best homemade salami and cheese sandwich with chimichurri, this is how my mornings in Tucumán have been of unexpected and pleasant surprises. My Tucumán travel itinerary was full with the visit to the Tucumán historical sites, exploring the wine routes, and trying the best local food. However, I must admit that my trip to Tucuman was not free of challenges. So, if you have known Buenos Aires, you must not expect a similar experience in this northern province. It is far off, and from the dense forest to the arid mountains, the topography is great for nature tourism in Tucumán. But these landscapes offer real challenges to travelers and cause a lot of inconsistency in the weather conditions across the region. Also, Numbeo reports that the current crime rate in Argentina is 84.22, which is very high. The risks of theft and burglary are even higher because you have to carry cash in Tucuman. So, before visiting Tucuman, we need to know the dos and dont’s and how to be safe while exploring the Argentine cradle of independence. And trust me! These Tucumán travel tips will help you. How To Travel Around Tucumán Argentina With The SUBE Card? The SUBE Card is now the magic pass for exploring Tucuman and other parts of Argentina. Purchase once and be eligible for a ride in the following public transports. Buses Ferries Trains Trollebuses Subways Visit Argentia says that the “SUBE card serves as a pre-loadable wallet from which your fare will be deducted when using different modes of public transport by tapping it on terminals or turnstiles.” You can buy the pass online at www.argentina.gob.ar/sube for $880 Argentine Pesos. Furthermore, you can get a free delivery of the pass from the SUBE Customer Service Center. However, if you want a post office or home delivery, you will have to pay $189 and $310, respectively. What Are The Other Things To Keep In Mind While Moving Around In Tucumán? Be it the misty road of Route 307 or traveling in the Aconquija Bus Line, transport in Tucuman is beyond using the SUBE Card for public transport. If you don’t know the timing, everything can be right, and still, the dense fog can ruin your journey. Here are more details. 1. A Driving Route 307 Guide Route 307, or the Jungle Route, is scenic, and it gets its name from how it passes through the mountain rainforest, or the Yungas. Furthermore, it connects to the iconic Ruta 40, which connects the flat areas outside San Miguel de Tucumán to Tafí del Valle. Tafí del Valle is where the famous wine route of Tucumán begins. Driving Tips Route 307 Route 307 is an asphalt-paved route, and the condition only deteriorates when Route 307 connects to Ruta 40. Also, if you are driving on this route, you will have to make it by 2 PM. Otherwise, it will get very foggy. 2. The Long Distance Buses The "Aconquija" Bus Line serves as the connector, bridging the dots between Tucuman City and other valleys and areas in the province. The most popular bus routes are: Tucumán to El Mollar Tucumán to Tafi Del Valle Tucumán to c Tucumán to Santa Maria Tucumán to San Fernando Tucumán to La Rioja, etc. You can check out the schedules on the official Aconquija website. Money Matters In The North It’s a little difficult to share this concern area when traveling to Tucuman. The "Blue Dollar" in Tucumán is a real problem. The massive distrust in the Peso and high inflation have worsened this situation. Now, it has become a frequent practice to exchange the US dollar unofficially with an expectation of higher returns. The locals and tourists use this practice widely. However, it is illegal, and though it gives more purchasing power to the locals and tourists with higher peso rates, it ultimately harms the economy, and it will make the inflation worse. So, you must exchange your currency at places such as Exchange House Maguitur S.A. Carry enough cash, as very few facilities in the valleys accept cards. Furthermore, even if you pay for a service with your cards, you will have to pay the standard La Propina or tipping in cash. It will be 10% of the total service cost. Health And Safety In San Miguel De Tucumán The Dengue season is real in Tucuman, Argentina. January to April is the season for the spread of this disease. So, apply repellent creams and wear covered clothing when exploring the outdoors of Tucuman in these months. Furthermore, Soroche or altitude sickness is a common problem among tourists here. Remember that in Tucuman, you are traveling across an altitude range of 400 to 3000 meters. So, the journey is going to be uneven. You can alleviate the discomfort by making the ascents and descents gradual, drinking enough water, and having a high-carbohydrate meal. Safety In San Miguel De Tucuman With a very high crime rate of 84.22, Tucuman faces challenges in managing crimes such as robbery, theft, stolen cars, and vandalism. So, keep the following numbers handy. Tourist Police: 911 Medical Emergencies: 107. The Siesta Culture Code In Tucuman The siesta culture is sacred in Tucuman. The city believes in maintaining a slow pace. Also, the city loves its afternoon breaks. Also, this tradition of midday siesta goes back to Spanish roots. It was a practical practice to avoid the midday heat on summer days. Most businesses and restaurants remain closed from 1 to 5 PM every day. So, if you are eating out, you have to complete your lunch really early. Food in Tucumán is not just about what you eat. You also have to respect the traditions. Digital Nomad Guide To Tucumán Thanks to Argentina's Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) and excellent connectivity (Fiber/5G) in San Miguel, Tucuman is a popular destination for digital nomads. Tafí del Valle also offers a stable internet connection at cabins and hotels. Furthermore, the hostels, Airbnb properties, and coliving spaces offer all the facilities for digital nomads. Also, entities such as the Buenos Aires Expat Community offer support to the digital nomads and young professionals who have just moved to this country. However, if you are in the Amaicha or Quilmes region, you may face an unstable internet connection. What Is The Best Time To Visit Tucuman? April to November is the best time to visit Tucuman. Cooler weather and less rainfall make these months ideal for exploring the outdoor attractions. However, if you want to attend the famous Pachamama festival, you will have to be in Tucuman in August. Tucumán Travel Tips From Experts: Learn How To Travel It’s hard to skip the signature Achilata ice cream when you are in Tucumán. However, if you have a weak stomach, you must skip it as it has a lot of fruit colors and sugar syrup. Also, taking a bite of the empanadas? Are you standing with your legs open? If not, the juice will ruin your clothes. Tucuman is filled with such eccentricities, and these Tucumán travel tips will help you to spend your days like a local. 1. Download Offline Maps Once you pass the "El Indio" monument on the way to Tafí del Valle, the cell signal disappears for about 40 minutes. Download Google Maps offline before you leave the hotel. 2. Carry Small Bills In rural towns such as Colalao del Valle, a shopkeeper may run out of change. Now, suppose a soda costs $2, and you pay $10000 Pesos for it. Isn’t it bizarre? So, carry small bills, at least 500s and 1000s. 3. Uber Exists? Yes, Uber exists in San Miguel de Tucumán. More so, Uber services are often cheaper than the local taxi services. However, for exploring Tafí del Valle or Amaicha, you will have to rely on buses, local taxis, and car rentals. 4. Respect The "Senda Peatonal" Aggressive driving is common in Tucuman. So, you must trust the green light at a traffic signal blindly. Instead, you must look on both sides before crossing the road. 5. Dinner Is Late As the mid-day siesta is a real thing in Tucuman, the province also cherishes its tradition of late dinner. This tradition, further, comes from the Spanish. So, most restaurants usually serve their dinner from 9 PM onward, and around 10 PM, it’s a full house. However, if it is the peak tourist season, a weekend, or a festive day, you can reach the restaurant by 8 PM to secure your seat. You may find the staff having their dinner then, though. 6. Buy Water In Bulk Water in Tucuman is safe and potable however, if you are not a local and have a weak stomach, the high mineral content can cause damage to your stomach. So, you can buy water jugs of 6 liters from the nearby supermarket. 7. Follow The "Western Union" Hack Western Union is one of the most trusted money exchange centers in and around Tucuman. It also offers good exchange rates. So, to avoid the “Blue Dollar” concern and have enough cash for exploring the valleys, you must choose Western Union as the exchange facility. However, the branches are really busy. So, you must reach the centers by 9 AM. 8. Bus "Aconquija" Is The Lifeline Renting a bike is the most flexible way to move around Tucuman. However, if you are not doing so and want to make your transport more budget-friendly, you must opt for the Aconquija buses. You will get the bus tickets at the terminal. However, if you are traveling in the peak season, you must collect your ticket at least a day in advance. 9. Check "Crecidas" In Summer Are you planning to visit Rio Noque or other waterfalls? You must check the weather conditions with the locals. In the summer months, storms can often lead to crecidas or flash floods. So, you must avoid setting up your camp in a dry river bed. Tucumán Travel Tips: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Tucumán travel tips. 1. Is Tucumán Safe For Solo Female Travelers? Yes, Tucumán is safe for solo female travelers. Also, despite the crime rate being 84.22, or very high, the crime rate for acts such as gender-based attacks is just 30.13, or low. However, stick to well-lit areas at night for your safety. 2. Do They Speak English In Tucumán? Yes, people speak in English in Tucumán. However, you will find these English-speaking people near the tourist areas or hospitality centers. The official language of Tucuman is Spanish. 3. Can I Use US Dollars In Tucumán? It is difficult to use US Dollars in Tucuman. So, you must get them converted into Argentine Pesos or local currency. However, exchanging the US dollar for Argentine money is not that easy. The country is now facing a challenge called the “Blue Dollar” economy. Many facilities are now offering US Dollar exchange services with higher Peso returns than the official rate. This is an illegal practice and will make inflation worse in the future. So, you must get the US Dollar exchanged from an official authority or a trusted name such as Western Union. 4. How Do I Pay For The Bus? You need a SUBE card to pay for the local bus in Tucuman. This card is also applicable for the ferries, trains, etc. Look for the SUBE logo and recharge the card with cash. You cannot pay the bus driver or conductor in cash. 5. Is There Malaria In Tucumán? No, malaria is not a major health concern in Tucuman. However, from January to April, the city and the province face the Dengue Season, and it is a real crisis. So, if you are traveling to Tucuman in these months, you must carry your mosquito repellent and wear covered clothes. 6. Do I Need An International Driver’s License To Drive In Tucumán? Yes, you need an international driver’s license if you are driving in Tucumán. It is the standard legal norm. However, many local travel agencies accept the driving license of your country if the details are written in the Roman alphabet. Also, you will have to produce the international driver’s license at the police checkpoints. 7. What Plugs Do They Use In Tucumán? Tucumán usually uses the Type I plugs. These plugs have angled two or three pins, and they are similar to the ones used in Australia and New Zealand. However, you can also bring a universal adapter for charging or connecting your device seamlessly. 8. How Far Is The Airport From The City? Teniente General Benjamín Matienzo Airport (TUC) is the closest airport to Tucumán City. The distance is around 12 km, and you can cover the distance within 20 to 30 minutes. There is no convenient bus service on this route. So, you will have to take a registered Airport transfer or taxi.