Argentina Family Adventure: Cities, Glaciers, Waterfalls & More - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Walking Tour

Day 2: Morning City Tour, Free Afternoon

Wake up refreshed and raring to go this morning. After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide to continue your fascinating exploration of Buenos Aires. Today is a bit easier on little legs with a private car and driver at your disposal. As you tour the "Paris of South America," kids will pick up countless fun facts, including why the Presidential Palace is pale pink. 

You'll also wander the cobblestones of bohemian San Telmo, the city's oldest neighborhood, and La Boca, famous for its colorful houses and street-side tango dancing. The area is also the perfect place for mini-sports enthusiasts to learn about Argentina's passion for fútbol (soccer). After the tour, you'll be dropped at your hotel, so either relax and take a breather, grab a refreshing drink at one of the nearby cafés, or follow your nose for delicious street food, including the mouthwatering aroma of Argentine beef, sizzling on an open parrilla (barbecue).

Day 3: Fiesta Gaucha Adventure

Head to the hilly Argentine countryside today as you and your family take a private transfer to a 250-acre (101 ha) working estancia (ranch) just outside Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed with tasty empanadas and a glass of wine or soft drink before meeting the gauchos (cowboys). Then it's off for a tour of the ranch, where you can either saddle up and travel the traditional way on horseback or take a guided walk. 

After you've built up an appetite, enjoy a generous and varied asado (barbecue) with delicious grilled meats, vegetables, salads, and sweet treats. There's more fun after lunch, where you'll be treated to folk music and a tango dance performance, while an exciting horseback demonstration will captivate the younger ones. Hear about gaucho life (questions are welcomed and encouraged), and sit back and watch as they demonstrate their craft. Finish with a late afternoon snack of tea and pastries before you transfer back to your hotel. 

Day 4: Fly to El Calafate, Explore

It's a change of pace and temperature today as you bid farewell to the city and transfer to the airport for your flight to El Calafate in Argentine Patagonia. The town sits on the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, home to the famous Perito Moreno, a vast ice formation and one of the few advancing glaciers in the world. You and the kids will have the opportunity to see the glacier up close tomorrow, but for now, relax after your flight and explore the town before getting cozy in one of the fabulous local restaurants.

The majestic Perito Moreno Glacier flows down from the Andes out over the turquoise waters of Largo Argentino before ending abruptly in a vast icy wall. The kids will be thrilled to see the awe-inspiring sight of ice breaking off the facade and the thundering crash when it hits the waters below. After wandering the traditional circuit surrounding the glacier, you'll head back to El Calafate, stopping en route at the Glaciarium Museum, an immersive experience depicting the glaciers' fascinating history and, of course, a refreshment bar made totally from ice. 

Day 6: Free Day in El Calafate

Enjoy some downtime after yesterday's adventures with a free day to explore El Calafate. Nature-loving kids will have fun at Laguna Nimez, an ecological reserve just a short walk from the town, which is a protected haven for various birds, including the Chilean flamingo. If exploring's high on the agenda, there's plenty more to discover in Los Glaciares National Park. Horseback riding and kayaking are popular local options if the kids need to burn off some energy. Later, settle in at one of the town's family-friendly restaurants and try the local specialties. 

Day 7: Fly to Ushuaia, Walking Tour

Get ready for the next leg of your family adventure! After breakfast, you and your family will transfer to the airport for your flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Located on a bay in the Patagonian region of Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia is nestled between the Martial Mountains' jagged peaks and the Beagle Channel's silvery waters. 

Get settled at your hotel, and when you're ready, meet your guide for a two-hour tour of this charming city. Along the way, you'll stroll the waterfront promenade, see the former Government House, explore the End of the World Museum (formerly a prison), and hear fascinating stories of the area's first inhabitants. You'll also learn how this remote, secluded spot became populated and hear anecdotes about the dangerous criminals housed at the prison. Later, dine in style at one of the local family-friendly restaurants (the town is, of course, known for its fresh seafood).

Day 8: Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, Canoe & Trekking Adventure

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Tierra del Fuego National Park, known for its subantarctic forest, dramatic scenery, and rugged coastline. You'll experience this firsthand as you hike the 4-mile (6 km) undulating coastal path (shorter trails are also available for families with smaller kids). Take in the beautiful views from the lakes, sea, and surrounding mountains as the kids look out for the plentiful wildlife, including woodpeckers, guanacos, and foxes. After a few hours, you'll arrive at Lago Roca to have a well-deserved hot lunch in the comfort of a heated dome tent. 

 

Appetites filled, it's time to swap your hiking boots for your family canoe. It's a great way to spend a fun and relaxing hour or two with the kids as you get kitted out in waterproofs and life jackets and spend a leisurely hour or two paddling down the Río Lapataia until you reach the sea in Lapataia Bay. Back on dry land, you'll transfer to your hotel, where the evening is yours to spend as you wish.

Day 9: Day Trip to Haberton Ranch, Isla Martillo & Isla Gable  

Today is a big day! After breakfast, your driver will collect you for a scenic journey to a largely uninhabited location, Haberton Ranch, the area's first estancia. From here, you'll visit the Marine Mammal Museum, where thousands of whales, dolphins, seals, and penguins skeletons will capture the curiosity of adults and children alike. Then board a motorboat as you head to nearby Isla Martillo to see the adorable Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat before reaching the beautiful Isla Gable.

After a freshly prepared lunch, where adults will have the opportunity to try some Patagonian wine, you and the kids will have plenty of time to explore the island, crossing beaver dams and playing in the impressive forest that leads to the Beagle Channel shore. When you've had your fill of adventure, return by boat to Haberton Ranch and transfer back to your hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to spend as you wish.

Day 10: Fly to Mendoza, Explore

Wave goodbye to Ushuaia this morning as you transfer to the airport and catch a flight north to Mendoza, Argentina's leading wine region and the heartland of the Malbec grape. Your destination is Chacras de Coira, a small town nearby known for its wineries. Settle in with kids at your hotel, and after a busy few days, the afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. Kick back at your hotel, take a stroll, and choose between several excellent family-friendly dining options in the evening. 

Day 11: Family Winery Excursion & Cooking Class

Argentina's food and wine scene is renowned worldwide, and today, you'll experience both as you travel to the heart of Mendoza's wine region. You and the kids will spend the morning touring a local vineyard. While the adults get down to the serious business of wine tasting, little ones will be looked after by the on-site team with plenty of fun outdoor based activities for all ages. Then it's off to the organic vineyard, with views to the majestic Andes, where everyone can take part in harvesting ingredients for this afternoon's cooking class.

Led by the vineyard's chef, you and your family will spend the next couple of hours learning the art of Argentine cuisine and how to make the perfect empanadas. Don aprons and have fun with the kids as you create your own culinary masterpieces. Your vineyard experience concludes with a delicious meal, paired with specially selected wines from the vineyard, served at a table in the heart of the winery with stunning mountain views.

Day 12: Fly to Puerto Iguazú, Explore

Rally the kids this morning and catch a transfer to the airport as you prepare for what's sure to be a highlight of your trip. Your final destination of the itinerary is the small border town of Puerto Iguazú, the gateway to Iguazú Falls—one of the Seven Natural Wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Check in to your hotel, and take the rest of the afternoon to relax and enjoy the tropical climate and setting before you spend the next two days exploring the falls. You can also head to the Three Flags Monument to get a glimpse of Paraguay and Brazil for future bragging rights. 

Day 13: Explore the Iguazú Falls (Argentina Side)

The kids won't be the only ones excited for today's adventure as you meet your driver and transfer to the Argentine side of the Iguazú National Park. Home to over 165,560 acres (67,000 ha) of subtropical rainforest, the fun starts as your guide points out the colorful wildlife, including toucans, parrots, and coatis. The Lower Falls circuit will surely be a hit with kids as they experience the refreshing falls firsthand!

Then head to the upper circuit, where you'll take the ecological train and follow the boardwalks as you hear the roar of the Gargantua del Diablo (Devil's Throat). This is the largest and most impressive of the falls, with water tumbling down a 262-foot (80 m) drop. Don't forget a family selfie before dining at one of the on-site restaurants. Afterward, walk the Upper Trail and look down over the major falls on your way to the San Martin Waterfall before returning to your hotel.

Day 14: Explore the Iguazú Falls (Brazil Side), Transfer to Buenos Aires & Depart

It's the last day of your trip, but there's still time for one last adventure—this time in Brazil! After breakfast, grab your passports and head to the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls. While Argentina has eighty percent of the falls on its side, Brazil has the best panoramic view, where you can truly appreciate the fall's immensity. Follow the walkway to Floriano Falls and marvel at the incredible river views and the intensity of Devil's Throat from a different angle. Don't miss the boardwalk over Salto Santa Maria, where the kids will feel like they're walking on water. 

Afterward, with memories made and plenty of tales to tell, your driver will take you to Buenos Aires airport in good time to catch your flight home. Buen viaje!

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Argentina? Check out these other Argentina itineraries, explore more ways to spend two weeks in Argentina with your family, and learn about the best time to visit Argentina.