Day 1-2: Buenos Aires
Your trip starts in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s vibrant capital. You’ll need a full day to explore this city filled with European charm and Latin spirit.
Spend your first day wandering around La Boca, the colorful neighborhood famous for its street art, tango performers, and brightly painted houses. Then head to San Telmo, one of the oldest neighborhoods, to experience the markets and cobblestone streets.
Your second day is perfect for relaxing in Palermo. Walk around the parks, sip coffee at an outdoor café, and visit the MALBA (Museum of Latin American Art). If you’re into tango, attend a show in the evening or even take a lesson. Exhausted yet? Grab some steak and Malbec for dinner. There’s no better way to get into the Argentine rhythm.
Day 3-4: Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls is a must-see. Catch a flight up north to Puerto Iguazú and spend two full days exploring the falls, which are one of the most stunning natural wonders in the world.
On your third day, visit the Argentine side of the falls. This side has more trails and closer viewpoints, taking you right into the heart of the vast cascade. You can also take a boat tour that brings you right under the falls, soaking you to the bone.
On your fourth day, cross the border into Brazil (bring your passport) to see a panoramic view of the falls. You’ll notice the difference, as the Brazilian side offers a wider perspective. In the afternoon, take some time to explore the town of Puerto Iguazú before catching a plane back to Buenos Aires that evening.
Day 5-6: El Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier
Head down to Patagonia by flying to El Calafate. This is glacier country, and the main reason to visit is Perito Moreno Glacier.
Spend Day 5 strolling around this cozy town, sampling some traditional Argentine cuisine—el cordero patagónico (Patagonian lamb) is famous here. On Day 6, you’ll finally visit the star of the show: Perito Moreno Glacier. You can take boats closer to the glaciers for spectacular views or walk along the boardwalks. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a guided tour to trek across the glacier itself. The experience is unforgettable.
Day 7-8: El Chaltén – Hiking Paradise
From El Calafate, take a bus or rent a car to explore El Chaltén, Argentina’s hiking capital. The scenic drive takes you around 3 hours. El Chaltén sits in the shadow of Mt. Fitz Roy, and it’s a dream location for nature lovers.
Day 7 is a good chance to do a relatively easy hike to Laguna Capri. This will reward you with stunning views of Mt. Fitz Roy. Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced hiker. The town offers various trails suitable for all fitness levels.
Day 8 is for the hardcore hikers. Get an early start and head to Laguna de los Tres, one of the most beautiful and challenging trails in the area. The hike can take around 8 hours, but the view of the turquoise waters beneath the towering Fitz Roy is more than worth it. If you’re feeling tired, head back into town and grab a cold beer at one of the local microbreweries.
Day 9-10: Bariloche & The Lake District
Fly to Bariloche, located in Argentina’s stunning Lake District. This picturesque town offers Swiss architecture, mouthwatering chocolates, and pristine lakes.
On Day 9, rent a car or grab a bike and drive the Circuito Chico (Short Circuit). This route offers stunning views of lakes like Nahuel Huapi and nearby mountains. Stop at viewpoints along the way and maybe even take a boat ride on the lake.
On Day 10, spend the day hiking around Cerro Campanario. Once at the top, the views of the surrounding lakes and mountains are breathtaking. Afterward, visit the nearby Colonia Suiza, where you can hunt for local handicrafts and indulge in a traditional asado (barbecue).
Day 11: Mendoza – Wine Country
Fly from Bariloche to Mendoza, Argentina’s wine capital. This area is known for its endless vineyards and beautiful Andean scenery.
Spend the day biking around some nearby wineries. Most travelers opt for a tour, but renting a bike and exploring at your own pace is more fun. Don’t forget to try the Malbec, which is the signature wine from the region. After sampling wines throughout the day, make sure to relax with a nice dinner at one of Mendoza’s many eateries.
Day 12-13: Mendoza & Day Trip to the Andes
Use Day 12 to get out into the Andes. You can take a day trip to the Aconcagua Provincial Park for a short hike and to see Argentina’s tallest peak at 6,960 meters (22,837 feet). The landscapes are jaw-dropping, and it’s a nice break from the wineries. You’ll spend the whole day surrounded by mountains.
For Day 13, relax and take it easy. Mendoza’s slower pace is the perfect contrast to the rest of your fast-paced trip. Spend this day wandering around the city center, checking out General San Martín Park, or grabbing a coffee at an outdoor café. It’s the perfect way to recharge before heading back to Buenos Aires.
Day 14: Back to Buenos Aires
Fly back to Buenos Aires. Since today’s your last full day in Argentina, treat yourself to whatever you missed the first time around. Maybe you want to do some last-minute shopping in Recoleta or visit the legendary cemetery where Eva Perón is buried.
You can also do a food tour to savor Argentina’s culinary highlights, from empanadas to dulce de leche. If there’s time, head back to the Puerto Madero waterfront for a leisurely final evening.
As evening falls, enjoy your last Argentine steak paired with some of the finest wine before bidding goodbye to this incredible country.
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