10 Days in Argentina - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Family Adventure in Argentina: Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn & Iguazú Falls

This classic family adventure is a thrilling mix of culture, wildlife, and scenery that is easily doable with kids as young as four. You'll learn to tango and bike through Buenos Aires before heading to Puerto Madryn, the gateway to one of the world's most exciting wildlife areas. See whales, sea lions, and penguins up close before visiting Puerto Iguazú and its famous waterfalls. Then return to Buenos Aires for one more day of big-city thrills and a stylish bookstore to finish the adventure. 

Begin by exploring Buenos Aires' eclectic neighborhoods, like San Telmo and La Boca, followed by a family bike tour of the city's green spaces. For dinner, introduce the gang to empanadas. Spot sea lions and whales at El Doradillo Beach in Puerto Madryn on Day 3, where kids can burn some energy on an easy hike. The following day, you and the kids can learn about wildlife at Istmo Ameghino Interpretation Center before enjoying a visit to a Magellan penguin colony. On Day 5, take a whale watching tour from Puerto Pirámides; the wildlife, water, and sand will entertain the kids for hours.

You'll fly to the tropical north at Puerto Iguazú; kids will be thrilled to get close to the animals at Güirá Oga animal shelter and El Jardin de los Picaflores. Next, pose for a family portrait with the rainbow at Devil's Gorge Canyon at Iguazú Falls as a backdrop. The tropical birds at Parque das Aves, a paradise for budding ornithologists in the family, will enthrall kids. Hop on a scenic train to the Devil's Throat waterfall—perfect for families with younger children. Once back in Buenos Aires, check out Museo de los Ninos and explore El Ateneo Grand Splendid, a stylish bookstore with a whole floor of children's books. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Argentina Family Tour: Buenos Aires, Puerto Iguazú & Bariloche

On this family tour, you and the kids will participate in urban walking tours, tropical waterfalls, and nature activities in the Patagonia region. Start the adventure in vibrant Buenos Aires, where you'll explore historic neighborhoods and cruise the rivers of El Tigre. Then, it's off to Puerto Iguazú for kid-friendly hikes to Brazilian and Argentine waterfalls before flying to Bariloche, where you'll explore the ancient mysteries of the Arrayanes Forest. 

Discover Buenos Aires' important landmarks, starting at the Plaza de Mayo, followed by a river cruise of El Tigre Delta the next day, stopping in San Isidro for a quick stroll and for the kids to stretch their legs. Next, take a fun ferry ride to historic Colonia del Sacramento, helping kids climb the 100 steps of the lighthouse. Trek through Iguazú Falls National Park on Day 4 while the kids search for wildlife; the Devil's Throat waterfall is perfect for family photo ops. Nearby, kids can experience Parque das Aves' tropical birds and a flyover of 100 macaws. The following day, go below the falls for a wet adventure the kids will find entertaining.

Visit the Mbya-Guaraní community in the Iryapú Forest before returning to Puerto Iguazú for a sunset catamaran ride. Kids can snap photos at the Triple Frontier monument, and afterward, the family can enjoy a walk along the waterfront. Fly to Bariloche on Day 7 in Patagonia. If the kids want to get outside, head up to Teleférico Cerro Otto for seasonal activities. Explore Bariloche's main square, and walk the Calle Mitre—beware of the many chocolate shops surely to catch someone's attention! Then hold on to the youngest of family members as you thrill to a chairlift ride to Cerro Campanario Hill, followed by a nature walk in the Arrayanes Forest. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Family-Friendly Argentina: Buenos Aires, El Calafate & Ushuaia

Spending more time in Patagonia, this adventurous itinerary—best suited to children eight years and older—starts in Buenos Aires, where local guides will show you the colorful streets and take you to the countryside to live the life of a real Argentine gaucho. Then, it's off to southern Patagonia's awe-inspiring glaciers and mountains. You'll hike and paddle, watch massive glacier ice crashing into the sea, and get up close to curious penguins.

Your guide will provide entertainment and education for your family as you discover local neighborhoods and historic landmarks in Buenos Aires. In the La Boca neighborhood, street performers will entertain the kids, and soccer fans in the family will be thrilled to see Boca Juniors Football Club. Spend Day 3 in the countryside at Fiesta Gaucha and on a family horseback tour. The next day, you'll fly south to El Calafate in Patagonia and experience Intendencia Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, with its educational displays and beautiful gardens the kids can play in. Afterward, you and the littles can sample El Calafate's chocolate.

Sail through Los Glaciares National Park on Day 5, stopping for an easy, all-ages hike with views of glacier fields and a family stroll around the Perito Moreno Glacier. Kids will enjoy the Glaciarium Museum's interactive displays. The following day, have the children spot Chilean flamingoes at Laguna Nimes. Then fly farther south to Ushuaia, where the kids will love the life-size character figures at the Thematic Gallery of the Historia Fueguina. Continue your adventure hiking and canoeing at Tierra del Fuego National Park. Finish by visiting Harberton Ranch and Martillo Island to do a "walk with the penguins," a thrill for everyone! Learn more

Itinerary #4: Family Tour of Argentina: Culture, Natural Wonders & Wildlife 

Focus on urban culture, wildlife viewing, and stunning Patagonian scenery on this family tour for all ages. Start in Buenos Aires, where you'll tour historic neighborhoods, see amazing street art, and go horseback riding at a real Argentine ranch. Then it's off to the Valdés Peninsula, where the kids can spot whales and hang out with a massive penguin colony. You'll also relax at a coastal lodge, sail to a historic cove, and pet fluffy sheep at a local farm. 

Set out on a bicycle tour of Buenos Aires' Palermo neighborhood. Try a family horseback ride in the countryside at Estancia El Ombú de Areco, where the kids can see gaucho skills in action. Next, discover Buenos Aires' colorful neighborhoods, like Recoleta, with its impressive cemetery. The following day, visit Puerto Madryn's Playa Paraná if the kids need time outdoors. You can also visit Eccocentro, a clifftop museum with a dedicated children's section. On Day 5, set sail from Puerto Pirámides to see breaching right whales and orcas. Afterward, the kids can see the inner workings of a sheep ranch and the nearby Magellan penguins.

Check into Bahía Bustamante Lodge on Day 6 and take a family walk to the sandy beaches, where even the youngest sibling can enjoy the calm waters. The whole family will love the lodge's telescope and game room. Families looking to enter the wilderness can also tour Bahía's Petrified Forest. Embark on a sailing tour of Malaspina Cove's seaweed fields on Day 8, where your guides will teach you about harvesting mussels. Later, kids can meet the animals and play at a real Patagonian ranch. Back in Buenos Aires, older kids or fashion buffs in the family might enjoy Eva Perón's stunning gown collection at Museo Evita. Learn more 

Itinerary #5: Family Adventure in Argentina: Buenos Aires, Puerto Iguazú & Salta

This family adventure is your family's perfect introduction to Argentina's natural and cultural highlights. Starting in Buenos Aires, you'll mix urban experiences with a day trip to a ranch for a taste of gaucho life. From there, explore the thrilling Iguazú Falls—and surrounding wildlife parks—before finishing your holiday amid the towering alpine scenery and salt-crusted plains of the Salta region.

Begin with a walking tour of Buenos Aires. The kids will love choosing snacks from colorful food and ice cream trucks in Puerto Madero, the city's newest neighborhood. Spend the following day horseback riding and enjoying a folk music performance on a working cattle ranch. Take the family out on the water on Day 3 by cruising the Paraná River Delta. Relax and let the kids go for a swim or get the family to observe the birdlife. Families with animal-oriented kiddos will love the Güirá Oga animal shelter near the tropical Iguazú Falls. Then, you'll have time to bond over the impressive cascades.

The next day, have the gang look for the rainbow at Devil's Gorge Canyon on the Brazilian side. Afterward, you and the kids will love the tropical birds at Parque das Aves. Next, fly west and hit the streets of picturesque Salta City. The whole family will be intrigued by the mummies at the Museum of High Altitude Archaeology. The following day, head to Salinas Grandes and have the kids on alert as you look for llamas along the way. At Purmamarca, the kids can count the seven layers of color in the rocky terrain. In Cafayate, the whole family will enjoy the acoustics and explore the Quebrada del Rio Las Conchas rock formation. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Argentina Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Argentina? Check out these other 10-day Argentina itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.