16 Days in Argentina - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Classic Argentina: Patagonia & Iguazú Falls

This classic itinerary is a fit for first-time visitors interested in a blend of cultural, historical, and natural highlights. Dive into Argentine cuisine in a culinary workshop in Buenos Aires, hike the Perito Moreno Glacier, go whale watching in Puerto Madryn, visit the penguin colony at Isla Martillo, hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park, and end your trip on a high with a visit to the thundering Iguazú Falls.

Your journey begins in Buenos Aires, where you'll admire the Baroque and neoclassical architecture, take a walking tour that includes historic landmarks such as Plaza San Martín, and prepare Argentine dishes paired with malbec wine at a culinary workshop in Palermo. Then, fly south to El Calafate on Day 4 for a glacier hike at Perito Moreno, followed by a boat and 4WD excursion to experience the dramatic Patagonian landscapes. Catch a flight to Puerto Madryn and have your camera ready for some whale watching and a visit to Isla de Pájaros, home to egrets, flamingoes, and other species of birds.

Next, fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. You'll visit a penguin colony at Isla Martillo and hike and canoe in Tierra del Fuego National Park here. Then it's off to Puerto Iguazú, where you'll visit both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the iconic Iguazú Falls, keeping an eye out for capuchin monkeys, toucans, and other wildlife. Finally, return to Buenos Aires for a traditional tango show and one last Argentine meal before departure. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Classic Argentina: Buenos Aires, Patagonia & Mendoza

Travelers interested in pairing outdoor adventures in El Calafate and Ushuaia with a visit to wine country will enjoy this alternate classic itinerary. You'll experience Argentine culture with a tango show and dinner party in Buenos Aires, then head to Los Glaciares National Park in Patagonia for ice trekking, followed by a trip to Ushuaia for hiking and canoeing in Tierra del Fuego National Park. Finally, you'll toast your journey in Mendoza with kayaking, a high-altitude tour, and wine tasting.

Dive into Argentine culture on arrival in Buenos Aires with a tour of the Teatro Colón opera house followed by a traditional tango show—complete with a feast of local dishes paired with wine. Cruise the canals of the Tigre River Delta, stopping for a visit to the Tigre Art Museum, lunch at the Puerto de Frutos marketplace, and souvenir shopping. Fly to El Calafate next, where you'll visit the Glaciarium, a museum with hands-on exhibits and an ice bar, then take a hike on the striking Perito Moreno Glacier, followed by a boat tour to Upsala Glacier and Estancia Cristina, a historic ranch.

Choose your adventure on a free day in El Calafate: you can go horseback riding or kayaking or tour the Reserva Laguna Nimez, a protected area home to the Chilean flamingo. Fly to Ushuaia the following day, where you can visit Museo del Fin del Mundo (End of the World Museum), hike at Laguna Esmeralda, visit the penguin colony on Isla Martillo, and enjoy a seafood dinner. Then, fly to Mendoza and cap off your trip with a high-altitude tour of the Andes, a kayaking excursion at Potrerillos, and wine tasting in the region's famous vineyards before returning to Buenos Aires for your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Best of Buenos Aires & Argentine Patagonia

Nature-loving travelers that prefer some flexibility will appreciate the combination of guided outdoor experiences, free days, and self-guided tours on this active trip. After visiting historic sites in Buenos Aires, you'll head to Argentine Patagonia to Puerto Madryn to snorkel with sea lions and go whale watching, then continue south to Ushuaia to hike at Tierra del Fuego National Park and Isla Gable. Finally, you'll complete your journey with a boat tour in Los Glaciares National Park.

Start in Buenos Aires with a city tour that includes Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace), then enjoy an evening of tango and Argentine food and wine. Your next stop is Puerto Madryn, where you'll snorkel with sea lions, go whale watching along the Peninsula Valdés, visit the Punta Tombo penguin colony—home to the largest colony of Magellanic penguins in Latin America, and enjoy a coastal walk. Catch a flight to Ushuaia for a hike in the Tierra del Fuego National Park, followed by a boat tour to Isla Gable, where you'll enjoy a nature hike and a picnic lunch paired with Patagonian wine.

Before flying to El Calafate, spend your free day exploring Ushuaia's museums or trekking to Laguna Esmeralda, a turquoise-colored lagoon beneath a hanging glacier. Here, you'll embark on a boat tour in Los Glaciares National Park and marvel at the massive Perito Moreno Glacier (be patient, and you may see and hear it calving!). The final full day is yours to enjoy at leisure—book a spa treatment, head out on a horseback ride at a local ranch, or visit the Centro de Interpretación Histórica museum—before returning to Buenos Aires to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Argentina for Adventurers: El Calafate, El Chaltén, Ushuaia & Iguazú Falls

Another active itinerary, this time, you'll experience Argentina's diverse landscapes from the capital to Patagonia, as well as visit the impressive Iguazú Falls. You'll tour Buenos Aires on foot, marvel at the ice walls of Perito Moreno, hike in El Chaltén, canoe in Tierra del Fuego, spot wildlife on a boat tour of the Beagle Channel, and trek the trails around Iguazú Falls. With the inclusion of free time, optional activities, and self-guided experiences, this trip is best for those that prefer a more flexible, self-directed journey. 

Get to know Buenos Aires on a guided walking tour of historic landmarks, such as Casa Rosada, and a stroll along the Puerto Madero promenade before sitting down to an Argentine dinner and tango performance. Fly to El Calafate, where you'll see the towering ice walls of Perito Moreno Glacier on a boat tour, then use your free time to kayak, hike, or take a horseback ride. Continue to El Chaltén and choose a trail, such as the popular trek to Laguna de los Tres, for a self-guided hike, then celebrate your adventure at a local craft beer bar. 

Head to Ushuaia on Day 10, where you'll do some wildlife watching as you cruise the Beagle Channel, pay a visit to the Les Eclaireurs (also known as the "Lighthouse at the End of the World"), hike in Tierra del Fuego, and spend a free day as you wish: perhaps visiting the sites around town or joining an excursion, such as a boat trip to see the penguins at Isla Martillo or a trek to Laguna Esmeralda. Wrap up your journey with a stay in Puerto Iguazú, where you can visit the viewpoints on the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls, then hike the trails and spot monkeys, coatis, and more during a tour of the Argentine side. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Classic Argentina Road Trip: Buenos Aires, Patagonia & Salta

Consider self-drive adventure, ideal for travelers and photographers that crave the freedom of a road trip and are keen on a balance of history, architecture, cuisine, and dramatic geologic formations. Along the way, dine in a parrilla (steakhouse) and attend a tango show in Buenos Aires, visit several glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park, admire the alpine architecture, and sample regional cuisine in the Lake District. You'll cover a lot of ground and get to marvel at the red-colored landscapes of Quebrada de las Conchas, drink torrontés wine in Cafayete, photograph Salinas Grandes salt flats, and visit Pucará de Tilcara fortress.

Experience the highlights of Buenos Aires, including Baroque and neoclassical architecture in the Centro district, a parrilla dinner, and a tango show. Then, head to El Calafate to admire Perito Moreno Glacier and several others, including Upsala and Spegazzini, as you cruise Los Glaciares National Park. Next, fly to San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina's Lake District and enjoy alpine architecture, local cuisine (wild boar, lake trout, and fondue are popular here!), and a history and nature tour that includes a local beer tasting. Continue to López Bay for a cruise to Tristeza Sound and hike in virgin forests.

Fly to Salta and take the cable car up Cerro San Bernardo for panoramic views before starting your drive to Cafayate. En route, stop by Quebrada de las Conchas, a valley of red-colored canyons and unique rock formations, to stretch your legs and snap photos. Sample the region's torrontés wine (and malbec-flavored gelato!) in Cafayete and get some rest before continuing to Cachi, where you can shop for artisanal items and visit the Museo Arqueológico de Cachi. Spend your final days enjoying scenic and historical spots such as Quebrada del Toro, the Salinas Grandes salt flats, and the Pucará de Tilcara fortress. Learn more

More Great 16-Day Argentina Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Argentina? Check out these other 16-day Argentina itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.