15 Days in Argentina - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: North to South in Argentina: Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls, Península Valdés & Patagonia

Great for first-time travelers to Argentina, you'll cover the country's length from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia at Patagonia's southern tip, nicknamed "the end of the world," on this exciting 15-day itinerary. You'll explore Iguazú Falls, whale watch in Península Valdés, and hike glacial valleys to impressive views at Laguna Torre.

This trip begins in the capital city of Buenos Aires. Spend a couple of days soaking up the sights of Palermo, Recoleta, and Retiro. Next, fly to Puerto Iguazú and admire the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls and the cascading water known as Garganta do Diabo (Devil's Throat) into the Iguazú River below. Visit the Argentine side of Iguazú Falls the following day before flying to Puerto Madryn. Check out Península Valdés and embark on a boat tour through Gulfo Nuevo, keeping an eye out for whales, fur seals, and seal lions. Indulge in a feast of lamb on a spit for dinner at the Estancia San Lorenzo traditional sheep ranch.

Fly to the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, on Day 7, and explore the sights at your own pace. Tackle a 5-mile (8-km) hike through Tierra del Fuego National Park and appreciate the beauty of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and rivers. Take another flight to El Calafate and spend the evening on the shore of Lago Argentino before heading on a glacial trek to Perito Moreno. Enjoy more hikes in Río de Las Vueltas, Laguna Torre, and Mirador del Torre, take in the views from the Adela Mountain Range and spend a final day in Buenos Aires before departing Argentina the next day. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Argentina Highlights: Buenos Aires, Iguazú, Mendoza & El Calafate

Another Argentina highlights itinerary perfect for first-time visitors looking to see as much of the country as possible. Begin in the capital city of Buenos Aires, then head to the border of Argentina and Brazil to explore both sides of the Iguazú Falls. And with fewer days in Patagonia, you can enjoy wine-tasting and an olive oil production experience in Mendoza, as well as tour an estancia on horseback.

Arrive in Buenos Aires and spend four nights taking in the culinary treats, learning how to tango, and riding on horseback in the pampas (grasslands) north of the city. Depart the capital city and fly to Puerto Iguazú to admire the most extensive waterfall system in the world, the spectacular Iguazú Falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides. Take an ecological boat tour through the Upper Iguazu River to see the flora and fauna that call the falls their home, and enjoy vantage points of just some of the 275 waterfalls. Fly to Mendoza to spend three days exploring the region's abundant wineries.

Visit Bodega Trapiche for an evening of wine-tasting and traditional Argentine cuisine, or combine wine-tasting with a visit to an olive oil production factory at Luján de Cuyo or Maipú. Jump on horseback the following day to tour the foothills, with beautiful views of the Andes Mountains. Spend a relaxing spa day in Cacheuta at Hotel Termas de Cacheuta before flying to El Calafate to explore Los Glaciares National Park. Get up close to the glaciers on a boat tour on Lago Argentino before taking a trip to Estancia Nibepo Aike to learn about traditional ranching practices. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Nature & Culture in Northern Argentina: Buenos Aires, Puerto Iguazú, Salta, Cafayate & Purmamarca

Centering around Argentina's north, this 15-day nature- and culture-focused itinerary has you dancing the tango and indulging in asado in Buenos Aires, discovering the remarkable Iguazú Falls, and taking folk dance lessons in Salta, in the country's northwest. There's even a two-day road trip through the Calchaquí Valleys on offer—an area that spans several northwestern provinces.

Often cited as the "Paris of South America," your trip begins in the capital city of Buenos Aires, where you'll take in the sights of San Telmo, Plaza de Mayo, and the Barolo Palace. Learn how to dance the tango, indulge in Argentina's version of barbecue, asado, and visit the working ranch of Estancia Santa Susana. Learn how to make empanadas in a traditional cooking class before flying to Puerto Iguazú to see the breathtaking Iguazú Falls. Drive to a bird sanctuary in Foz do Iguaçu to see more than 1,000 birds from 143 species. Fly to Salta the following morning and admire the city from San Bernardo Hill.

Road trip through the Calchaquí Valleys and enjoy views of the Nevado de Cachi Mountains, the Valley of Lerma, and the city of Cafayate. Commence on another day trip to the Salinas Grandes (Great Salt Flat), visit the sandstone settlement known as the Tastil Ruins, and make your way to Purmamarca to see the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors). Visit Uquía and Humahuaca before taking a trip to Tigre and the Paraná Delta. Board a ferry to the city of Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay and spend your last day at the Buenos Aires Ecological Reserve before departing Argentina. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Buenos Aires & Northwest Argentina: Natural Wonders, Waterfalls & Wine

This 15-day itinerary takes you on a journey through Argentina's northwest. With three days in Buenos Aires and forgoing Purmamarca, you'll have plenty of time to sip wine and tour the valleys of Mendoza's wine country as well as capture the beauty of must-see Iguazú Falls.

Learn how to dance the tango and experience the beauty of the gardens of Palermo in Buenos Aires, and take a break from city life in San Antonio de Areco. Fly to Mendoza to experience wine country at wineries such as Salentein, Domaine Bousquet, or Andeluna. Head to the tallest mountain in the Southern and Western hemispheres, Aconcagua, and explore one of the many hiking trails in the provincial park. Check out the Inca petroglyphs in Uspallata and the Puente del Inca (Inca Bridge) before transferring to Salta the following day to explore the tomb of Martin Miguel de Guemes.

Spend two days on a Lerna Valley road trip from Salta to Cafayate and pass through sights such as the Calchaquí River, the Quebrada de las Conchas (Shells' Ravine), and Devil's Throat. On a day trip, explore the Quebrada del Purmamarca and Humahuaca valleys, and see the desert area of San Antonio de los Cobres. Then on Day 12, fly to Puerto Iguazú to explore the national park and famous waterfalls and see the 40-acre (16 ha) bird sanctuary in Foz do Iguaçu, Parque das Aves. Depart Argentina from Buenos Aires on your last day. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Explore Argentina & Uruguay: Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Mendoza & Patagonia

If you're looking to experience multiple countries in one trip, consider this Argentina and Uruguay tour, which covers four nights in the latter's capital, Montevideo. You'll see a lot of the highlights, including the Mendoza wine region and northern Patagonia's Bariloche, a town on a glacial lake surrounded by the Andes.

This trip begins and ends in Buenos Aires. Tuck into Argentine barbecue at El Fogón, snap pictures of the colorful houses in La Boca, then take the ferry across the Río de la Plata to Uruguay's capital city, Montevideo. Discover the sights of Plaza Independencia, the Cathedral of Montevideo, and the Port Market on a walking tour of the city. Embark on a day trip to Punta del Este to enjoy sea views from atop San Antonio Hill before spending the following day touring Colonia del Sacramento. On Day 6, fly to the beautiful wine region of Mendoza to tour the wineries in Uco Valley. 

Visit Mount Aconcagua, the highest point in the Southern Hemisphere, and explore the sights of the provincial park. Admire the views of Cordón del Plata and Potrerillos Dam, and appreciate the geological marvel that is Puente del Inca (Inca Bridge). Next, you'll fly to San Carlos de Bariloche in Patagonia, explore the Nahuel Huapi glacial lake, and tour the National Park via ferry. Swim at the beach in Piedras Blancas Bay, then hike to Puerto Radal for a spot of lunch. Road trip along Seven Lakes Road and spot the lakes of Falkner, Machonico, and Villarino. Finish your trip with two more days in Buenos Aires. Learn more

More Great Argentina Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Argentina? Check out these other 15-day Argentina itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.