13 Days in Argentina - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Discover Argentina's Highlights - Buenos Aires, Patagonia and Iguazú Falls

This thirteen-day itinerary covers all of the most stunning natural wonders in Argentina, from Perito Moreno glacier to Mount Fitz Roy to Iguazú Falls, the largest waterfall complex in the world. You'll be able to walk visit a penguin colony and travel to the edge of the world by visiting Ushuaia, the southernmost city on the continent. 

Start your trip off in Buenos Aires and explore the city on your own, before joining a four-hour walking tour the following day to learn more about the history and culture. In the evening your guide will take you to a tango show, followed by an optional dance lesson. 

Then it's time to fly down to Ushuaia, where you'll board a small boat and travel to Isla Martillo to visit a penguin colony and learn about the birds in their natural habitat. Spend the following day trekking and canoeing your way through the rugged scenery of Tierra del Fuego National Park. On day six, fly to El Calafate to visit icy expanse of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field and see the Perito Moreno glacier up close. Afterward, drive three hours to nearby El Chaltén, a small town known for the plethora of hiking trails nearby. Hike up to Laguna de los Tres, where you'll have stunning views of three nearby peaks. Afterward, make sure to sample some local craft beer at one of the town's many pubs. 

On day ten, drive back to El Calafate for your flight to Iguazú Falls and swap icy mountains for subtropical heat. Spend the next couple of days visiting the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the park, which offer complementary views of the falls—the Argentine side has lots of close-up viewing points, while the network of walkways on the Brazilian side offers a more panoramic view. 

Finally, return to Buenos Aires for your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Buenos Aires and Patagonia - Ushuaia, El Calafate, and El Chaltén

This thirteen-day tour is perfect for those who want to discover the rugged beauty of southern Patagonia, including glaciers, islands, icy river and deep blue lakes. Start off with a day in Buenos Aires before traveling down to Ushuaia, where you'll see penguins, cormorants, and more. Then fly to El Calafate to see Perito Moreno and other glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park. Finally, spend a couple of days hiking around El Chaltén and see how the town earned itself the nickname "hiker's paradise." 

Start your vacation with a couple of days in Buenos Aires. Explore the city, learn about its rich history and culture, and finally catch a tango show, followed by an optional dance lesson. Then it's time to leave the city and fly Ushuaia. Visit the penguins at Isla Martillo, then go on a full-day trekking and canoe trip through Tierra del Fuego, which finishes in Lapataia Bay, where the 19,000-mile-long Pan-American Highway ends. 

On day six, fly from Ushuaia to El Calafate and visit Los Glaciares National Park's star attraction: Perito Moreno glacier. Spend an additional day in the area on a tour to Estancia Cristina, a ranch-style lodge where you'll see spectacular views of lakes, more glaciers, and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

Then, drive the three hours to El Chaltén and spend two days hiking in the shadow of the majestic Mount Fitz Roy. You'll be able to hike to several nearby spots, including Laguna Capri, Cerro Torre, the Rio de las Vueltas, and Laguna de Los Tres. Finally, it's time to say goodbye to Patagonia (for now) and return to Buenos Aires for a final evening in the city before catching your flight home in the morning. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Patagonia Adventure - Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia, El Calafate & El Chaltén

This thirteen-day itinerary is perfect for wildlife lovers who want to experience Patagonia's diverse eco-systems up close. You'll see whales, penguins, sea lions, and of course countless beautiful landscapes on this tour that covers Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia, El Calafate, and El Chaltén. 

After you spend a day exploring Buenos Aires on an eco-friendly, bamboo bicycle, hop on a flight to Puerto Madryn, on the Atlantic coast in northern Patagonia. You'll spend the next few days around Peninsula Valdés discovering the rich coastal ecosystem of the region. Start off by snorkeling with sea lions, friendly, curious creatures who like to swim up to visitors to say hello. Then set sail on a whale watching tour, and visit a nearby island where you'll see many species of indigenous birds like cormorants, egrets, and flamingos. 

Next, catch a flight down to Ushuaia to spend a few days exploring this city on the edge of the South American continent. Visit the penguins on Isla Martillo and Estacion Haberton on a boat tour and learn about the penguins in their native habitat. Then, spend a day in Tierra del Fuego National Park, where your guide will show some of the hidden gems in the park's 155,000 acres, including icy rivers, tranquil forests, and more. 

On day nine, say goodbye to Ushuaia and fly to El Calafate, your jumping-off point to visit nearby Perito Moreno glacier. You'll be able to trek right on top of Perito Moreno with the help of crampons, a pickaxe, and an experienced guide.

After that unforgettable adventure, it's time to drive to El Chaltén, which is known as one of South America's best hiking destinations. Hike up to Laguna de los Tres for stunning views of three surrounding peaks, then head back to El Calafate in the evening. Finally, head back to Buenos Aires for your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Classic Argentina - Bariloche, Mendoza, & Salta

This thirteen-day tour of Argentina covers a lot of ground in a short time and is a perfect introduction for first-time visitors. Spend the first couple of days in Buenos Aires exploring the capital, including dining at a traditional parilla restaurant and learning to dance the tango. Then fly to Bariloche—the heart of Argentina's Lakes District—for some hiking and sight-seeing, before hopping over to the vineyards of Mendoza. Finally, finish your trip with a visit to Argentina's northwest, where you'll see high-altitude salt flats and colorful canyons. 

First, spend a couple of days exploring Buenos Aires and getting to know Argentina's capital. Spend your final evening there at a dinner tango show and see Argentina's national dance up close. Then it's time to fly down to Bariloche, a small city in the mountains that's known for its Swiss Alpine architecture, locally-produced chocolate, and the many lakes that surround it. Spend a few days hiking in the area, and visit the Cerro Llao Llao, Villa Tacúl, and of course Lake Nahuel Huapi, on the edge of town. 

After getting your fill of mountains it's time to head to Mendoza's vineyards. You'll be staying in nearby Chacras de Coria, a smaller traditional town south of the city. Once you arrive, your hosts will take you out on a sunset horseback ride, followed by an Argentine asado (barbecue). On day eight, you'll tour several local vineyards and taste different local wines. In the evening, join a cooking class to learn more about the secrets of Argentine cuisine. 

Next, travel north to Salta, a small colonial city in the northwest of the country. Here you'll get to visit the high-altitude Salinas Grandes, giant salt flats that stretch as far as the eye can see. Spend the night in the small charming village of Purmamarca, known for its festive crafts market and the nearby Cerro de los Siete Colors (Hill of the  Seven Colors). Visit a few more wineries on your way back down to Salta, before finally flying back to Buenos Aires.

Spend your final day in Argentina at an estancia in the Pampas outside the city, where real gauchos will show you their horseback riding prowess and take you on a tour of the property. Finally, leave your hotel the following morning to catch your return flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Argentina Nature Tour - Buenos Aires, Salta, Iguazú Falls & Iberá Wetlands

This relaxing, nature-filled itinerary is perfect for those who want to enjoy nature and explore the country at a leisurely pace. Discover Buenos Aires, the birthplace of tango, before hopping over to Salta to visit rugged canyons, cute craft markets, and peaceful vineyards. Then it's time to visit Iguazú Falls and see the world's largest waterfall complex up close. Finally, relax at an ecotourism lodge in the Iberá Wetlands before heading to Buenos Aires for your flight home. 

Begin your vacation in Buenos Aires, Argentina's capital. Do some sightseeing and visit the city's different neighborhoods, including bohemian San Telmo, the oldest neighborhood in the city, and hip Palermo, filled with lots of cute boutiques. Spend your finally evening in BA enjoying a tango show at an old converted conventillo. On day four, fly to Salta and spend the next couple of days touring the region, including visits to the Quebrada de Humahuaca and Cafayate, the north's main wine-producer. 

Next, it's time to travel to Iguazú Falls. On day eight you'll spend the day visiting the Argentine side of the falls. Walk the three circuits around the falls to see the crashing water from all angles. On the following day, cross the border and visit the Brazilian side of the waterfalls, where you'll be able to get more panoramic views of the falls and get a feel for their vastness.

Finally, spend your last few days in Argentina at an ecotourism lodge in the Iberá Wetlands, the second-largest wetlands in the world. Some of the activities at the lodge include bird watching, horseback riding, hiking, and night safaris. You'll have lots of opportunities to spot animals native to the area, including many species of birds, capybaras, foxes, and more. Finally, head to the local airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires, and then transfer to the international airport for your flight home. Learn more

More Great 13-Day Argentina Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Argentina trip? Check out these other 13-day Argentina itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

Or, describe your ideal trip and we will connect you with a local specialist to make it happen.