2 Weeks in Argentina & Uruguay - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: City Highlights & Outdoor Adventures in Argentina & Uruguay

Enjoy a mix of culture, cuisine, adventure, and relaxation on this Argentina and Uruguay highlights tour. Ideal for first-time visitors who like a steady but unrushed pace, you'll have the chance to taste Argentine barbecue and attend a tango show in Buenos Aires, trek the Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia, ascend to the summit of Cerrito Llao Llao, raft the Río Manso, experience Carnival music and dance in Montevideo, lounge on the beaches of José Ignacio, and see capybara and other wildlife at Parque Cerro Pan de Azúcar reserve.

Dive into Argentine cuisine on arrival in Buenos Aires with an asado (barbecue) experience, complete with a lesson in cooking over an open flame with a local grill master. The following day, you'll cruise on a wooden riverboat to the Paraña River Delta, passing old manor homes and pausing for a dip in the river and shopping in Tigre. Back in Buenos Aires, you'll take a guided evening tour that includes the neoclassical Metropolitan Cathedral and a tango show. Your adventures continue with a flight south to El Calafate, where you'll try your hand at trout fishing and join an ice hike on the Perito Moreno Glacier.

The second half of your trip takes you to San Carlos de Bariloche for a trek through native forests to the summit of Cerrito Llao Llao, which offers views of Lago Nahuel Huap's azure waters. You'll also tackle a full-day rafting trip on the Río Manso and enjoy a brewery tour and tasting before flying to Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. In Montevideo, you'll sample Uruguayan beef at the Mercado del Puerto and experience local music and dance at a Carnival show. Your journey ends with seafood and a beach day in José Ignacio, followed by a visit to the Parque Cerro Pan de Azúcar reserve to see capybaras. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Atlantic South America: Adventures in Argentina & Uruguay

This wine and wildlife itinerary along the Atlantic coast is a match for travelers interested in viticulture, wildlife, and outdoor adventures. Highlights include tours and tastings at countryside estates outside of Montevideo, a deep dive into Uruguayan viticulture history at La Caléra de las Huérfanas National Monument, a dinner party in Buenos Aires, sea lion snorkeling in Puerto Madryn, a visit to the penguin colonies of Punta Tombo and Isla Martillo, whale watching at Puerto Pirámides, and a trek to Laguna de los Témpanos for views of the Vinciguerra Glacier.

Kick off your trip with a tour of Montevideo, starting in Ciudad Vieja, where you'll find colonial-era buildings, Art Deco, Beaux-Arts, and other styles. Then, head to Bodega Juanićo and Bodega Pizzorno to sample local wines and learn about Uruguay's viticulture heritage. Following this, you're off to the UNESCO-listed town of Colonia del Sacramento, where you'll wander the cobblestone streets and admire Portuguese, Spanish, and post-colonial architecture. Delve deeper into Uruguay's viticulture on a day trip to La Caléra de las Huérfanas National Monument, a former Jesuit mission-turned-vineyard.

Learn the ancient ritual of maté tea preparation in Colonia on Day 5, then board a ferry to Buenos Aires, where you'll bake alfajores cookies and join a dinner party (yes, there'll be Argentine wine!). Following this, you'll fly to Puerto Madryn, your base for a sea lion snorkeling excursion, a visit to the penguin colony at Punta Tombo, and a whale watching tour at Puerto Pirámides. From here, you'll fly to Ushuaia, where you'll see Les Eclaireurs, the "Lighthouse at the End of the World," and meet the Isla Martillo penguins. End on a high note with a trek to Laguna de los Témpanos for views of the Vinciguerra Glacier. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Natural Wonders of Argentina & Uruguay

Satisfy your cravings for culture, nature, and adventure on this alternative highlights itinerary. In Argentina, you'll have the opportunity to stargaze in El Calafate, hike in Los Glaciares National Park, learn about Patagonia ranching at the Folkloric Museum, perfect your empanada folding in a cooking class, visit the thundering Iguazú Falls, and practice your tango moves in Buenos Aires. Your final days will be spent in Uruguay, touring fishing villages, surfing at Playa Montoya, and savoring fresh seafood in José Ignacio. Although there are fewer stops on this itinerary, you'll stay busy with the variety of activities. 

On arrival in El Calafate, your driver will whisk you to El Galpón del Glaciar for a lakeside dinner and stargazing. Day 2 is dedicated to Los Glaciares National Park, where you'll hike across a glacial valley and cruise by massive glaciers. Then, you'll take a day trip to El Chaltén for a morning hike to Los Cóndores with views of Mount Fitz Roy, followed by an afternoon hike to the Salto del Chorillo waterfall. Board a ferry to Estancia Cristina and learn some Patagonian ranching history at the Folkloric Museum before hopping in a 4WD for a ride to the Continental Ice Field Refuge for views of Upsala Glacier.

Next, you'll fly north to Puerto Iguazú and set off on a culinary excursion that includes local malbec wine and an empanada folding lesson. In the morning, you'll visit Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat), the largest cascade in Iguazú Falls National Park. Then, you'll spot toucans and other wildlife while biking the red dirt Yaguarete Trail before flying to Buenos Aires. Here, you'll partake in a dance lesson and dinner show at Gala Tango and learn the art of fileteado, an artistic drawing and lettering unique to Buenos Aires. Your journey ends in Uruguay with surfing at Playa Montoya and fresh seafood in José Ignacio. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Wine & Culture Tour of Argentina & Uruguay

This wine and culture tour suits foodies, wine enthusiasts, and cultural travelers and sticks to Argentina's north. From the streets of Buenos Aires to the wineries of Mendoza, you'll experience the best of Argentina's gastronomy and entertainment, including street food tastings in Palermo, a four-course meal and wine pairings in Pampas, folk music and horseback riding in Salta, and a wine-blending workshop and olive oil tastings in Mendoza. Then, you'll have three days in Uruguay to visit the region's oldest wineries and attend a dinner show featuring Uruguayan music and dance.

Your culinary adventures start in Buenos Aires with dinner and Argentine wine at a parrilla (steakhouse) in the Puerto Madero district. After a walking tour of the city's landmarks, spend a quiet moment watching the black-necked swans at the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur. Then, head to the Palermo neighborhood to sample street foods like choripán (sausage with bread) and taste local wines. Trade the city for the countryside on a day trip to Casa Gamboa Vineyard, where you'll indulge in a four-course meal and wine pairings. Next, you'll fly to Salta and participate in a peña, a gathering featuring folk music and dance. 

Your next stop is San Lorenzo, where you'll ride horses and experience an Argentine barbecue. Afterward, you're off on a guided tour of the Calchaquí Valley, home to torrontés, a local white varietal. En route back to Salta, you'll stop to marvel at the rock formations of Shells' Gorge. From Salta, you'll fly to Mendoza for a wine-blending workshop followed by malbec and olive oil tastings. Before bidding adiós to Argentina, you'll also soak in the Termas de Cacheuta hot springs. Lastly, you'll fly to Montevideo, Uruguay, to tour the region's oldest wineries and attend a music and dance performance. Learn more

Itinerary #5: South America's Hidden Treasures: Northern Argentina, Buenos Aires & Uruguay

Go off the beaten path with this Salta to Montevideo itinerary, packed with adventure, history, culture, and cuisine. You'll go wine tasting in Calchaquí Valley, see the red colors and geologic wonders of Shells' Gorge, join a historic tour of San Salvador de Jujuy, bird-watch at Laguna de Yala, horseback ride at a ranch near Córdoba, taste maté and visit the Jesuit ruins of Carmelo.

Your first day in Argentina will be spent in Salta, where you'll check out the Spanish-colonial architecture and engage in local nightlife at the city's 18th-century saloons. From Salta, you'll take a day trip to taste the famous white wines of the Calchaquí Valley and see the geological wonders of Quebrada de las Conchas, a deep valley of red canyons. Your next stop is San Salvador de Jujuy, where you'll tour the historic sites, including the Basilica Menor San Francisco, an 18th-century church with a Baroque facade. Then, you'll take a day trip to the countryside to do some bird-watching at Laguna de Yala. 

Catch a flight to Córdoba and enjoy the city's colonial architecture and street art at your own pace. A day trip to the Calamuchita Valley will satiate your malbec cravings before you play gaúcho (cowboy) for the day with a horseback ride at Candonga Estancia. From there, you'll fly back east to Buenos Aires and experience a tango show at Cafè de los Angelitos. Then, you'll get acquainted with frontier culture at a working farm in El Ombú before boarding a ferry to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. Sip maté and tour the Jesuit ruins and wineries in Carmelo before concluding your trip with a coastal bike ride in Montevideo. Learn more

More Great 2-Week Argentina Itineraries

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