4 Argentina Itineraries - From 10 to 16 days
Argentina is an incredibly varied country, with landscapes that change completely depending on where you visit. On top of that, this is somewhere that offers the opportunity for very different types of trips, depending on whether you’re here for light adventure and sightseeing, outdoor/adventure sports, culture, food and wine, or just a general overall introduction.
But because the country is so big and diverse, it’s literally impossible to capture everything in just one trip. That means that no matter what, you’ll have to cut some things out from your plan. So, to help you decide what’s possible, I’ve put together the following article that includes 4 different itinerary ideas, ranging from 10 to 16 days. These itineraries cover much of the country and provide solid introductions to the most popular regions, giving you concrete options for things to see and do in each of them.
I’ve also tried to address various different interests/focuses, so you’ll see a general, sort of “highlights” plan, another focused on only Patagonia, some ideas for a wine-centered trip, and an outdoor-themed itinerary that presents options for a very, very active visit to Argentina.
While some of the destinations overlap, each itinerary highlights different possibilities within Argentina, so between them all you have an extremely varied overview of the country.
Let’s take a look!
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14-day Countrywide Itinerary
Internationally, Argentina is most famous for the wild, stunning landscapes of Patagonia, and while the scenery in that southern region is indeed fabulous, this country has much more to offer than “just” pretty landscapes.
So, I’ve planned the following comprehensive countrywide itinerary with an eye toward first-time visitors who are interested in a well-rounded introduction to Argentina. Over the course of this trip, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of our modern culture, our traditional ways of life and indigenous communities, our varied cuisine, our dance, music, and artistic heritage, and of course, our unbelievable landscapes.
We’ll start with 4 days in Buenos Aires, touring the capital city and the surrounding areas of interest. You’ll then head west to Mendoza for a few days, which lies in the heart of wine country. Salta and the incredible landscapes and indigenous traditions in the north await you from there.
And for a total change of pace (and scenery), you’ll next make your way south to Bariloche and the Lake District of northern Patagonia. Finally, to wrap up your trip, I’ve got you headed to the southernmost tip of Argentina, for 2 days in Ushuaia - the end of the world.
Days 1-4 Buenos Aires
To get an introduction to Argentina, there’s no better place to start than Buenos Aires, our capital and most cosmopolitan city. This is where you’ll find our finest museums, the best restaurants, an incredible artistic scene, and busy, exciting neighborhoods.
You’ll also be able to take day trips out to the Tigre River Delta to see the incredible biodiversity there, and to the Pampas, the plains outside of the city where traditional Gaucho (cowboy) culture can be experienced in the region’s estancias (working farms).
Day 1: Explore the city center and main historical attractions: Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo neighborhood, La Boca, Puerto Madero and the old port, and dinner at a parrilla (place for grilled meats).
Day 2: Recoleta Cemetery and Pilar church, explore Recoleta neighborhood, wander through Palermo and its leafy subdistricts, visit the MALBA museum, and tour the Teatro Colón.
Day 3: Day trip to the Tigre River Delta to sail along the Paraná River. Evening tango show back in BA.
Day 4: Day trip to a typical estancia (working farm) in the Pampas to learn about Gaucho life.
Days 5-7: Mendoza
Mendoza, lies in western Argentina in the Cuyo Valley - the heart of Argentina wine country. The city doesn’t offer too much in and of itself, but the surrounding area, which sits in the foothills of the Andes mountains, is gorgeous and is chock full of vineyards and wineries. You can easily spend a few days hopping between them and sampling the finest Malbecs.
Day 5: Fly to Mendoza and explore the city center. Spend the afternoon visiting El Enemigo winery a bit outside of town.
Day 6: Winery hop around the Lujan de Cuyo region, visiting Bodega Santa Julia (where you’ll learn about the winemaking process), followed by Bodega Richitelli, which is known for producing excellent experimental wines.
Day 7: Head out to the Termas de Cacheuta, a thermal spa area beside the Mendoza River that’s surrounded by the foothills of the Andes mountains. A day of pure relaxation!
Days 8 & 9: Salta
An old colonial city in the extreme northwest of the country, this is the most “Spanish” city in Argentina, and its architecture and history are quite interesting. But the real draws here are the spectacular desert-like landscapes in the valleys and hills outside of the city, and the opportunity to visit indigenous communities and learn about their history, way of life, and crafts traditions.
This is the only part of the country where you’ll still find significant populations of indigenous people, so do not miss the chance to visit with them.
Day 8: Fly to Salta (in the northwest) and tour the colonial and very Spanish city center. Later, learn about the area’s crafts tradition, visiting a silversmith, local gold crafts artists, and local weavers. Ride the cable car up to Cerro San Bernardo for sunset views.
Day 9: Get up at 6:00 AM to ride the Tren a Las Nubes (train to the clouds), a legendary high-altitude train that travels over 400 kilometers (round trip) from Salta to the heart of the Puna, an immense and arid plateau. The scenery is spectacular and you’ll travel as high as 4,000+ meters, crossing over and through 29 bridges, 21 tunnels, and 13 viaducts.
Days 10-12: Bariloche - northern Patagonia
Bariloche is a pretty Swiss-style alpine town in the north of Patagonia that’s nestled in our picturesque Lakes region. From here, you can sail on Nahuel Huapi Lake, walk amongst pristine forests, lake-hop from one to the next on the Circuito Chico route, hike and bike the endless trails, and go white water rafting on the rivers.
Day 10: Fly south to Bariloche, in the Lakes District at the northern tip of Patagonia. Wander around the city center, visit the Anthropological museum, do some shopping on Mitre street and visit the traditional chocolate shops. Take the cable car up to Campanario Mountain.
Day 11: Set sail on Nahuel Huapi Lake, getting off at Victoria island and wandering through the Myrtle forest. Picnic at the beach, before heading back to town.
Day 12: Drive the “Circuito Chico” route, visiting the region’s many lakes: Moreno, Mascardi, Correntoso, Espejo, Lacar, etc. Do some short hikes along the way.
Days 13 & 14: Ushuaia - southern Patagonia
Ushuaia, or the “End of the World” as it’s commonly called, is the southernmost tip of Argentina, in the Tierra del Fuego. Here, you can enjoy the unique experience of sailing across the Beagle Channel (the gateway to Antarctica), can visit penguin colonies, and go hiking in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Day 13: Fly to Ushuaia. On arrival, hire a driver to take you to the Faro del fin del mundo (Lighthouse at the End of the World), and then hop aboard one of the ships that sails across the Beagle Canal, the gateway to Antarctica.
Day 14: Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park and do some hiking along its trails - the coastal ones are the best.
16 days in Patagonia (north and south)
Argentine Patagonia is the most extensive of our regions (it encompasses the provinces of Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut, Santa Cruz, and Tierra del Fuego) and also the least populated, so a visit here is all about nature. This is a region of immense landscapes, stretching across mountains, rivers and lakes, glaciers, and beaches. It’s a place where you can hike endlessly and do any other type of outdoor activity you can imagine, explore unique forests, and experience a completely unique side of Argentina’s culture.
To help help you experience the “best” of Patagonia, I’ve crafted a well-rounded itinerary that combines trekking in the forests and mountains, some time on the rivers, boat trips across the lakes, and exploring glaciers, all balanced with moments of relaxation and the chance to enjoy Patagonia’s excellent cuisine and local wines.
We’ll begin in northern Patagonia with 4 days in Bariloche, the gateway to the Lake District and home to the world’s only Arrayanes (Myrtle) forest. From there, you’ll head a bit north and will spend a couple of days visiting Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes. Next up are 2 days in El Calafate, from where you can visit the famed Perito Moreno glacier.
You’ll then continue south to El Chaltén, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and Cerro Fitz Roy. Finally, to cap off your journey, you’ll spend 3 days in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, where the wild beauty of the Tierra del Fuego awaits.
Days 1–4: Bariloche and surroundings (northern Patagonia)
Bariloche is a pretty Swiss-style alpine town in the north of Patagonia, nestled in our picturesque Lakes Region. From here, you can sail on Nahuel Huapi Lake, walk amongst pristine forests, lake-hop from one to the next on the Ruta de Los Siete Lagos, hike and bike the trails, and go whitewater rafting on the rivers.
Day 1: Fly in to Bariloche and take some time to wander around the city center, visiting the Anthropological museum, the art galleries, and the pretty squares nearby the lake. Do some shopping on Mitre street and visit the traditional chocolate shops as well. Later, take the cable car up to Campanario Mountain to enjoy the spectacular views.
Day 2: Head over to nearby Puerto Pañuelo and get a ticket for one of the boat trips on Nahuel Huapi Lake. Be sure to get off at Victoria island to explore (and maybe enjoy a picnic!), and again at the Bosque de Arrayanes (Myrtle Forest) to walk along its wonderful hiking path. Evening back in town.
Day 3: Pick up a car and drive the 60-kilometer “Circuito Chico” route, visiting all the iconic sights. Plan to make lots of stops and to do the route very leisurely. Depending on when you finish, you could then join a half-day boat trip to Puerto Blest.
Day 4: Full-day hike on Cerro Tronador to Refugio Otto Meiling. You’ll drive about 2 hours toward the border with Chile, stopping in Pampa Linda, where the trailhead is. From there, it’s a 10-mile (round-trip) hike to the refugio. The views are fantastic and the hike takes around 6-8 hours.
Days 5-7: Villa La Angostura and San Martín de Los Andes (northern Patagonia)
Villa La Angostura and San Martín de Los Andes are two other lovely towns in northern Patagonia, and both are certainly worth visiting. Villa La Angostura is much smaller, but its lakeside setting and relaxed vibe make it very pleasant. Like Bariloche, it also have a Swiss-alpine feel. Farther to the north, San Martín de Los Andes, on the shore of Lake Lácar, lies at the end of the Seven Lakes Route and provides easy access to Lanín National Park.
Day 5: After a very long and tiring day yesterday, I suggest taking it easy today. So drive about 1.5 hours north to the lovely little town of Villa La Angostura, which is also on the shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Spend some time exploring the town center, relaxing on the waterfront and swimming at the beach. You can also head over to the Myrtle Forest for a stroll, explore Arrayanes National Park, or take a boat ride on the lake.
Day 6: Hop back in the car and set off for San Martín de Los Andes, which is about an hour and a half north. To get there, you’ll essentially be driving along the Seven Lakes Route, so plan to stop off at any of the lakes that interest you (Machónico, Falkner, Villarino, Escondido, Espejo, Correntoso, and Nahuel Huap). Many of them offer little hikes, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do some light trekking. I suggest spending the better part of the day lake hopping, and arriving into town in the evening.
Day 7: Enjoy a morning wander beside Lake Lácar, then head to Lanín National Park for a day of trekking. You’ll have tons of trails to choose from, with varying lengths and difficulties. If you have time in the afternoon, Lácar lake is wonderful to go kayaking or paddle boarding on, and it also has a nice sandy beach if you’d prefer to just hang out. Then spend the evening wandering around the city. For dinner, go gourmet at La Bernardita.
Days 8 & 9: El Calafate & Perito Moreno glacier (southern Patagonia)
El Calafate is a little town beside Lake Argentino, which serves as the gateway to Perito Moreno glacier and Los Glaciares National Park. This is an extensive area of glaciers, mountains, forests, and large glacial lakes, and due to its spectacular beauty and unique and important terrain, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.
The hike on Perito Moreno glacier is the highlight for most visitors, but there are others as well: Upsala Glacier, located in the northern arm of Argentino Lake, Spegazzini Glacier, Seco Glacier, and Onelli Glacier (located in Onelli Bay). There are plenty of other things to see and do here, from stone forests to gaucho life on the estancias, and a wide array of unique and endangered flora and fauna.
Day 8: Fly to El Calafate (direct daily flights from Bariloche) and enjoy a wander about town (it’s small but very pleasant), a boat ride on Argentino Lake, and a visit to the bird-filled grasslands of Laguna Nimez. You could also explore La Leona Petrified Forest (1.5 hours north), or visit a nearby estancia.
Day 9: Full-day visit to Perito Moreno glacier. While you can visit on your own, doing some little hiking paths and catching views from the viewing platforms, I suggest doing a guided hike which will actually take you onto the glacier. There are various options, ranging from treks of 3 to 7 hours. You can also take boat trips and join guided kayaking excursions on the glacial lake.
Days 10-13: El Chaltén & Cerro Fitz Roy (southern Patagonia)
To the north of El Calafate is El Chaltén, sitting almost right on the border with Chile. A tiny little mountain town, it has one of the most spectacular natural settings that you’ll find anywhere in the world - the views of the Fitz Roy Massif are unbelievable. Known as Argentina’s “Capital of Trekking”, you could easily base yourself here for an entire week and not run out of hikes.
Day 10: El Chaltén is about 3 hours north of El Calafate, so rent a car and drive yourself here. Along the way, check out La Leona Petrified Forest, visit Lago Viedma (there are boat trip options, including to the glacier), and stop anywhere else you want. The landscapes along this route are absolutely incredible, and the views of the mountains as you arrive into El Chaltén are unforgettable. On arrival to town, set off on one of the shorter hikes (there are many to choose from, but the 3-mile Mirador de Los Condes is a good choice).
Day 11: If you’ve come to El Chaltén, hiking Cerro Fitz Roy is certainly on your to-do list, so spend a full-day out on the trails today. Two of the best and most popular options are the 15-mile Laguna Torre trail and the 12-mile Laguna de los Tres trail.
Day 12: Take it take it easy today and head out to Lago del Desierto, which is about 25 miles north of town and reached via a gravel road that winds along the Los Vueltos/Cañadon de Los Torres River. The scenery along the drive is genuinely stunning, and the lake is lovely too, affording opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and boat trips. Nearby you can do hikes of around 1.5 hours up to the glaciers of Huemul and Vespignani.
Day 13: Another active day: you can hike any of the big trails that you haven’t already done (or some of the shorter ones if you want to combine hiking with another activity), grab some mountain bikes and hit the (gravel) road, go kayaking/rafting on the river, or book a horseback riding tour into the mountains. There are too many options to suggest one in particular.
Days 14-16: Ushuaia - the lighthouse at the end of the world (southern Patagonia)
Ushuaia, or the “End of the World” as it’s commonly called, is the southernmost tip of Argentina, in the Tierra del Fuego. Here, you can enjoy the unique experience of sailing across the Beagle Channel (the gateway to Antarctica), can visit penguin colonies, and go hiking in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Day 14: Make the drive back to El Calafate, and catch a direct flight to Ushuaia. On arrival, hire a driver to take you to the Faro del fin del mundo (Lighthouse at the End of the World), and then hop aboard one of the ships that sails across the Beagle Canal, the gateway to Antarctica. Ask if you can stop to check the penguins! (at Almanza port).
Day 15: Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park and do some hiking along its trails - the coastal ones are the best.
Day 16: On your final day, I have two suggestions: book a guided 4x4 excursion to Escondido and Fagnano lakes, and then, in the afternoon, do the hike out to Laguna Esmeralda. What a way to end an amazing journey!
10 days exploring Argentina’s wine country
Argentina is renowned for its wines, and a trip focused on visiting our various wine-producing regions is a very fun way to sample one of our finest gastronomic products while also seeing interesting and diverse parts of the country.
Traditionally, the wine regions in Argentina extend from the far north to the far south, mostly on the western edge of the country, forming a strip running along the feet of the Andes Mountains, either in wide valleys or along sloped plains. But in recent years, restless producers have expanded this territory, pushing the wine frontier westward, northward, southward and eastward, all in search of different terrains and climates, primarily the cold of the southern latitudes and the influence of the ocean.
Argentine wines will offer you an endless range of flavors: you have Malbec all around the country, but with Mendoza as is its epicenter, Torrontés, which is typical of Salta and the north, and Pinot Noir and Merlots, which do best in Patagonia’s colder climate. Each wine reflects the identity of the soils of its region, so you will quite literally be tasting your way through Argentina while traveling along its wine route.
For a good introduction to all of that, I’ve proposed an 11-day journey taking you to some of the finest vineyards and wine regions of Argentina. You’ll begin in the west, with the arid vineyards of the Cuyo and Uco Valleys around Mendoza. From there, head north to the high-altitude vineyards around the city of Salta, before journeying south to the plains of Patagonia, where the strong winds and dry climate create excellent conditions for organic wines that require no agrochemicals.
Days 1-4 Mendoza and the Cuyo & Uco Valleys
Mendoza, located in the foothills of the Andes in western Argentina’s Cuyo Valley, is the heart of our wine region. And while the city itself offers the typical attractions of a provincial capital (and is very pleasant, if unremarkable), the surrounding area, nestled in the foothills of the Andes, is truly stunning and is chock full of vineyards and wineries.
Spending a few days driving through the valleys and hopping from one winery to the next, all while sampling our finest Malbecs (for which Argentina is best known), is the perfect way to begin an Argentina wine tour. Adding to the appeal is that you have two very distinct regions right at your doorstep: Luján de Cuyo and Valle de Uco. Cuyo is more arid and has what we might refer to as more “accessible” (less upscale) wineries, while the Uco Valley closely resembles Tuscany, and is more exclusive.
Day 1: Fly into Mendoza, in the foothills of the Andes mountains in western Argentina. Explore the city center in the morning (there are a series of lovely squares), then spend the afternoon visiting nearby wineries: El Enemigo winery, just 30 minutes outside town, is said to be the prettiest in the country.
Day 2: Winery hop around the Lujan de Cuyo region (just outside Mendoza), visiting Bodega Santa Julia, where you’ll learn a lot about the winemaking process, followed by Bodega Richitelli, which is known for producing excellent experimental wines.
Day 3: Head about 1.5 hours south of Mendoza to the Valle de Uco region, where you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Tuscany, in Italy. Visit Bodega Zuccardi, with its monumental and architecturally amazing facilities. I suggest booking a sunset service, which includes a kind of picnic with music and wine served outdoors in lovely scenery.
Day 4: You can visit more wineries today, or you can head over to the Termas de Cacheuta (this would be my choice), a thermal spa area beside the Mendoza River that’s surrounded by the foothills of the Andes mountains. Relax in at the spa, do some easy walks/hikes, and enjoy a day of pure relaxation with extraordinary views.
Days 5-8 Salta city, Calchaquí Valley/Cafayate
Salta is an old colonial city in the extreme northwest of the country, and it is one of the most “Spanish” cities in Argentina, with a very interesting history and unique architecture. It feels quite different than anywhere else. Even so, the real draws here are the spectacular desert-like landscapes in the valleys and hills outside the city.
And within those valleys (the Calchaquí in particular), beginning in the 20th century, wine production gained great importance and grew rapidly. It’s now a major economic activity there, and the network of mountains and valleys is one of the best places in the country for growing white grapes: the Torrontés, which comes from Moscatel grapes and has aromas of orange blossoms, roses and honey. The also produce Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tannat.
Cafayate is the main town in the Calchaquí Valley (about 120 miles southwest of Salta) and it has been widely recognized for the quality of the wine produced there.
Day 5: Fly into the city of Salta (in the northwest) and tour the colonial and very Spanish city center. With a strong crafts tradition, you can visit artisans’ workshops to learn about silversmithing and goldsmithing, as well as weaving. This is also one of the few places in the country that still has an indigenous population, so community visits are another option. In the evening, ride the cable car up to Cerro San Bernardo for sunset views.
Day 6: Pick up a car and head out about 120 miles south of Salta to Cafayate today, driving along Route 68 through the Lerma Valley. An extremely scenic road, plan to make frequent stops to admire the gorges, colorful rock formations, and river views.
As you continue, the road takes you into the Quebrada de las Conchas (Shells Gorge), a dramatic 90-km stretch lined with vibrant red and orange hills. Along the way, you'll encounter remarkable natural formations sculpted by wind and water, including La Garganta del Diablo, El Anfiteatro, Las Ventanas , Los Castillos, La Yesera, and El Sapo. You can walk among some of these, and I absolutely recommend it.
Once you reach Cafayate, you can visit the Vine and Wine Museum, the Regional and Archaeological Museum, or browse local crafts at the Paseo de los Artesanos near the main square.
Day 7: Today is all about winery visits, but if you want to save that for the afternoon, you could spend your morning checking out the Río Chuscha, cruising through the landscapes in the Calchaquí Valley, and/or visiting the town of Tolombón. When you’re ready to hit the wineries, start with Bodega El Esteco, one of the most renowned in the area.
Then visit Piattelli Vineyards, which offers stunning views and focuses on experimental, low-intervention wines. If there’s time, wrap up with a tour of Bodega Domingo Hermanos, a family-run place that’s a bit more informal.
Day 8: Start with a morning tour of Finca Las Nubes, a boutique and organic hilltop winery (great views). Continue on to El Porvenir, a historic family-run estate. For your final tasting, head back into town (Cafayate), and finish up with a few relaxed drinks at the all-organic Bodega Nanni.
Days 9-11: Patagonian wine country
Patagonia, in southern Argentina, is the country’s largest region, and while it includes 5 provinces, those known for their wine production are Rio Negro and Neuquén. In Neuquén the wine area is called San Patricio del Chañar, while Rio Negro province’s wine region is the Alto Valle. The wineries here are excellent, and the mountain scenery is exceptional, making this a really beautiful place to do some wine touring.
Both areas enjoy ideal climatic conditions for producing base wines for sparkling wines, particularly Semillón. The cool climate also supports varieties such as Pinot Noir and Merlot, which offer characteristics reminiscent of European wines. One of the region’s greatest advantages is the strong winds, which contribute to a dry environment, preventing diseases and making organic wine production possible without the use of agrochemicals.
Day 9: Fly to Neuquén airport and pick up a car or pre-book a guide to tour you around the wineries in the area of San Patricio del Chañar. Bodega del Fin del Mundo is one of the best known ones, so makes a good place to start. After, you can grab lunch at the very posh and highly regarded Saurus restaurant (part of the Schroeder family winery), before going for another tour and tasting in Secreto Patagónico. If you have time, Bodegas Aicardi and Malma are also worth a visit.
Day 10: Get an early start and head to the Alto Valle in Rio Negro province. There, Humberto Canale, established in the early 1900’s, is one of the most famous wineries and is known for producing excellent Pinot Noir and Merlot. There are many other choices, some quite high-end, so it’s easy to spend the day hopping between them.
Day 11: Lots of tour companies organize cycling tours among the vineyards, so if you’re up for a more active day, this is a great way to do some tastings while admiring and immersing yourself in the incredible landscapes of the region. You can also go kayaking or boating along the Rio Negro, visit some of the lakes/reservoirs, or do some hiking.
Connect with our Argentina travel expert Maria for help perfecting your itinerary, answers to all your travel questions, and fabulous local tips for a better visit!
15-day outdoors and adventure itinerary
Argentina has an incredible wealth of natural/geographic diversity, offering high mountains, glacial lakes, vast plains, jungles, salt flats, wetlands, rivers and forests, and a wide-open and wild coastline. It’s no wonder, therefore, that this has long been a favorite destination for outdoorsmen and adventure lovers.
Around Buenos Aires, you can visit the plains of the Pampas, where gaucho culture still lives, as well as the wetlands of the Tigre River Delta. Heading west (around Mendoza), we have wineries and vineyards lying beside the foothills of the Andes mountains. Here, winery visits can be perfectly combined with horseback riding, whitewater rafting, hiking, and mountain biking.
In the northwest, the arid Salta and Jujuy regions are characterized by dramatic landscapes ranging from dry valleys to high mountains. You’ll find colorful rock formations, salt flats, vineyards, and high-altitude deserts to explore. Meanwhile, the northeast offers one of the true wonders of the world: Iguazù Falls - no introduction needed.
Finally, the south of the country, Patagonia, is probably the most famous area of Argentina, and it’s this region’s scenery that typically spring to mind for most visitors. With an abundance of mountain peaks, vast forests, glaciers and glacial lakes, the outdoor opportunities here are endless.
While 15 days is a tight timeline to experience all of that, that’s what this itinerary will have you doing. You’ll begin in Buenos Aires, where you’ll spend three days discovering the capital city and its nearby areas, including the Tigre Delta and the Pampas. From there, you’ll go south to the Lake District in northern Patagonia, where you’ll hike and raft through Bariloche’s mountains, forests, and lakes.
Next, head north to Mendoza, where you can explore the Andes on horseback and learn about organic winemaking. Your trip then continues on to northwestern Argentina, where you’ll visit the Salta and Jujuy regions to experience some totally different arid and high-desert landscapes. Finally, you’ll end your trip at Iguazú Falls, where you can do some trekking and rafting while experiencing the incredible, raw power of nature.
Days 1-3 Buenos Aires and surroundings
While Buenos Aires itself is obviously not the place for an outdoors-focused trip, it has a few unique geographic areas right nearby, so is worth basing yourself in for a few days (especially since all international flights arrive here anyways).
From a nature perspective, the two big draws here are Tigre River Delta, with its incredible biodiversity, and the Pampas, the plains outside of the city where traditional Gaucho culture can be experienced in the region’s estancias (working farms).
Day 1: Explore the city center and main historical attractions: Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo neighborhood, La Boca, Recoleta Cemetery, Puerto Madero and the old port, and dinner at a parrila (place for grilled meats).
Day 2: Set out on a full-day visit to the Tigre River Delta. Take a boat trip on the Paraná River for a first introduction, then grab some kayaks or canoes (there are tours that offer this type of experience) and and paddle around the various rivers and canals. Take a break on one of the islands and enjoy a typical Argentinian picada for lunch.
Day 3: Take a day trip out to a typical estancia (working farm) in the Pampas region. A farm visit will give you a lot of insight into rural life and traditional Argentinae culture, and they usually include opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, birdwatching, and an asado feast with excellent local wines.
Days 4 to 7: Bariloche and surroundings (northern Patagonia)
Bariloche, on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi and within the national park of the same name, is a famous destination for outdoor-lovers. The town lies right in Argentina’s Lakes District, and is surrounded by mountain peaks, rivers, and forests. Whether you want to hike, climb, mountain bike, kayak/raft, or just relax in nature, this is the place to do it.
Day 4: Fly in to Bariloche (direct flights from BA) and set off straight away to hike up to Mount Otto, which is just a few miles from Bariloche’s center. If you do it straight through, this is no more than a half-day hike, but there are pleasant stops along the way, so it could take longer. Have a picnic at the summit (the views are amazing) and then take the cable car down to get back into town. Evening in Bariloche.
Day 5: Head out to the Manso river, which originates at the foot of Cerro Tronador and zigzags southward until it crosses into Chile, emptying in the Puelo River. This is the perfect place for swimming, rafting, hiking, and camping. For something exciting, I suggest booking a full-day rafting experience (there are several operators that offer this).
Day 6: Drive about 2 hours out to Pampa Linda, from where you can do a 5-hour hike to the summit of Cerro Tronador. Rather than descending afterwards, I suggest staying overnight on the mountain at refugio Cerro Tronador.
Day 7: After a night atop Cerro Tronador, spend the morning exploring the area around the summit, and then head back down and then spend the rest of the day in Bariloche or either set off on the Circuito Chico route or take a boat trip on Nahuel Huapi Lake.
Days 8 to 10: Mendoza
While Mendoza is typically visited for the nearby wineries, it’s also a fantastic destination for outdoor activities. Lying at the base of the Andes Mountains, you can go road cycling or mountain biking here, do some fantastic hikes, go rock climbing, ride on horseback through the mountains, and go rafting.
Day 8: Fly from Bariloche to Mendoza and pick up a bicycle. Spend the morning cycling around town, and then set your sights on the wineries in the nearby Luján de Cuyo. Cycling through the vineyards is a lot of fun and a great way to be active while tasting wines.
Day 9: Book a full-day horseback riding tour through the Uco Valley, where you can ride along riverbeds and vineyards, and visit traditional ranches. There are routes that run through the foothills of the mountains as well. Lunch at one of the ranches is almost obligatory! If this isn’t your type of thing, you can go mountain biking nearby, whitewater rafting, or do some hikes. Lots of options.
Day 10: Do some mountain biking in the Potrerillos area, which has lots of trails, including single track and dirt roads. A couple of excellent options are to bike along the Cerro de los Andes or ride the Potrerillos Dam for views of the reservoir. Afterwards, Afternoon: After bihead to the Mendoza River and join a half-day rafting tour.
Days 11-13: Salta and Jujuy
Salta and Jujuy, in far northwest of Argentina, offer landscapes unlike anywhere else in the country. Salta, a colonial city known for its Spanish architecture and history, is surrounded by dramatic desert-like valleys and rugged hills, perfect for hiking. The nearby Quebrada de Humahuaca and Valles Calchaquíes feature colorful rock formations, salt flats, and high-altitude deserts.
Jujuy, to the north, is incredibly diverse, with both the arid puna and subtropical jungles found within the province. Here, you’ll find extensive salt flats in one area, and then lush valleys in another, as well as signficant indigenous population. Like Salta, Jujuy also offers excellent trekking and mountain biking, along with lots of wildlife.
Day 11: Arrive in to Salta and head straight out on an organized mountain biking tour to the Cuesta del Obispo, a dramatic mountain pass known for its steeply zig zagging road, colorful rock formations, and deep ravines. A full-day excursion, this is not a ride for the faint of heart, but it’s one you’ll never forget. Keep your eyes peeled for condors soaring through the ravines. Spectacular!
Day 12: Go for a morning walk around Salta’s center, then hop in the car and make your way about 3 hours north to Tilcara, a city in the spectacular Quebrada de Humahuaca mountain valley. Keep in mind that the road to get here is spectacular, with many hairpin turns and places to stop and enjoy the view, so the ride may take you a few hours longer. Near town, you can check out the remains of Pucará de Tilcara, a pre-Hispanic fortification, and some steep ravines, like the Devil's Throat. Right in town is a decent archaeological museum with Inca relics.
While here please try the empanadas, tamales and humitas. There are also some great soups and spicy dishes, as well as locro, calapurca, tijtincha ,and the mote with chicharrón. Look these up and be sure to sample them! Totally unique food unlike anywhere else in Argentina.
Day 13: Make your way about 1.5 hours outside of town to the Salinas Grandes, a still active series of salt pans. The landscapes here are incredible and you could even spend the whole day exploring the pans and lagoons by bike (bike rentals are available onsite). There are also guided tours that will take you around the flats, which are actually pretty worthwhile as the guide explains the geology and biology that you’re seeing and the history of the area.
You can also stop off in the little village of Purmamarca, which is known for having great views of the colorful Cerro de los Siete Colores. There’s also a 2-mile (round trip) trail here - the Paseo de los Colorados - that takes you through some pretty, colorful rock formations.
Days 14 & 15: Iguazú Falls
Located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, this is one of the largest and most impressive waterfall systems in the world, with almost 300 cascades stretching out over almost 2 miles. The raw power of the falls will genuinely leave you in awe. Set within lush subtropical rainforest, they also offer chances for great wildlife watching and some extensive walking trails, in addition to boat trips (on the Brazilian side).
Day 14: Catch a flight to Iguazú and immediately set out on the walking trails to visit the falls. There are tons of walkways and trails, so you’ll have lots of options. The town of Puerto Iguazú is also fairly interesting, as being a trip border area (Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay), the cuisines and cultures of each neighboring country intersect and meld here. The indigenous Guaraní people still call this area home, so you can learn about their history and traditions as well.
Day 15: Head over to the Brazilian side of the falls and board one of the boats that will take you up next to them. The incredible power of the falls crashing down into the water is unlike anything else you will ever experience and its impossible not to simply gawk in amazement. This is an awe-inspiring experience.
After, you can hike some more of the pathways (back on the Argentine side), check out wildlife, or take an excursion out to the ruins of San Ignacio Miní, a former Jesuit mission from the 17th century.
Maria Casiraghi
Argentina Expert based in Buenos Aires
¡Hola y buenos días! 👋
Hi, I'm Maria, and I've been a tour guide and travel consultant here in Argentina for the last 20 years. If you're looking for some local advice on your trip, I'd love to help!
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