Family Tour of Argentina: Culture, Natural Wonders & Wildlife - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Street Art Bicycle Tour 

Welcome to Argentina! You and your family will land in Buenos Aires, the nation's vibrant capital. Originally founded in the 1500s, the city has a rich history and culture and is considered a major epicenter for commerce, industry, politics, and technology. After your driver collects you from the airport, you'll have had a chance to settle at your hotel before you head out on a kid-friendly bicycle tour!

Once you're fitted with bikes, a local guide will lead the family through the Palermo neighborhood, a sprawling district with charming cobblestone streets, quaint cafés, and a wealth of incredible street art. See the fascinating graffiti adorning various walls and buildings as your guide explains the origins and meaning behind them and how they represent the different eras and politics of the times. The kids will love seeing the bright artwork, and you'll have a chance to meet some of the local artists. 

Day 2: Day Trip in the Argentinian Countryside

Day 3: Buenos Aires City Tour

See some of Buenos Aires' most popular barrios (neighborhoods) today with a private city tour. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and start with a visit to Plaza de Mayo, home to the National Government Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral. Learn about the history of these important landmarks, then head to Plaza de la República and see the Obelisco (Obelisk), a 221 ft (67 m) monument built by architect Alberto Prebisch.

Continue to San Telmo, one of the city's oldest districts. If you happen to be there on a Sunday, stop at their weekly antique market in Plaza Dorrego, where you'll find antiques, souvenirs, food stalls, and street performers to entertain the kids. Your next stop is La Boca, known for its brightly-painted houses and coventillos (communal housing tenements). Soccer fans in the family will be thrilled to know that this is home to the legendary Boca Juniors Football Club, where the great Diego Maradona played. Afterward, head to Puerto Madero, formerly an industrial area, now full of elegant bars and restaurants.

Next up is a more thorough look at Palermo. In addition to street art, which you'll have seen, the barrio also has a wealth of parks, lakes, and wooded areas, which offers a peaceful break from the busy city. End your tour with a walk through Recoleta, a high-end neighborhood filled with restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and luxury hotels on tree-lined avenues. Visit the cemetery there and see where some of Argentina's most famous residents are buried, including actress and former first lady Eva Perón, also known as Evita. 

Day 4: Fly to Puerto Madryn, Explore

This morning, your driver will take you to the airport, where you'll fly into Trelew, located in northeastern Patagonia. From here, take a private transfer to Puerto Madryn, a drive of approximately 50 minutes. The city is considered the gateway to the magnificent Valdés Peninsula, home to an important breeding population of the endangered southern right whale as well as southern elephant seals and sea lions. Your wildlife adventures begin tomorrow, but today you can see some of the sights around this coastal town. 

If the kids are begging for some outdoor time, visit one of the nearby beaches, such as Playa Paraná, a pebbled beach that is popular with locals and tourists alike. The beach has a sunken ship just offshore, so you're likely to see lots of divers out on the water, as well as breaching whales or other wildlife. You can also learn more about the area's wildlife with a trip to Eccocentro, a clifftop museum that showcases the natural wonders of Patagonia. Exhibits include information on right whales, video presentations, an artificial tide pool, and a dedicated children's section. 

Day 5: Explore the Valdés Península by Land & Sea

Day 6: Transfer to Bahía Bustamante, Explore

Your next destination is Bahía Bustamante, a village located in the Chubut Province of southern Argentina, approximately four hours from Puerto Madryn. Your driver will collect you from your hotel in the morning, taking you through various scenic towns and villages, with a stop or two along the way to take some photos and let the kids walk around. Upon your arrival, you'll check in at Bahía Bustamante Lodge, a family-friendly resort that is surrounded on all sides by pristine nature.

Founded in the 1950s as a seaweed settlement, the lodge was originally the home of more than 400 seaweed workers, and the town grew up around it. Today, the region is known for its biological biodiversity, with visitors who come from around the world to explore the natural beauty and incredible wildlife here. Start your visit with a walk to the nearby peninsula, where you'll find sandy beaches and brilliant blue waters. There are a number of natural swimming pools nestled between the rocks here, making for calm waters that even smaller children can enjoy. 

Day 7: Experience the Bahía Bustamante Lodge 

Get the most out of your stay at the lodge by taking advantage of some of the activities offered here. Be sure to visit the on-site museum, which showcases old photographs of the village and takes you through the beginnings of the seaweed industry. The museum also has lithography of the Malaspina expedition of the 1700s and a large telescope that allows the kids to study the stars at night. 

The whole family can also enjoy the lodge's club, which has a game room with billiards, ping-pong, and foosball. Nearby is a large living room area where you can sit and read or simply watch the distant sea through the large windows. You'll have the sensation of still being part of the landscape and fabulous sunsets that Patagonia is famous for while remaining warm and sheltered from the wind. And speaking of reading, the lodge has a small library where you can research the birds that inhabit the shores of the peninsula and learn more about local history.

Families looking to get out into the wilderness can also take a tour of Bahía's Petrified Forest. The forest is located about 18 miles (30 km) from the lodge, and you'll be transported via 4WD on backroad tracks that take you into this ancient realm. Together with your experienced guide, travel back in time some 60 million years ago as you walk among the petrified wood, remnants of a forest from the Cenozoic era. 

Day 8: Sailing Tour & Seaweed Harvest, Patagonian Ranch Tour 

Fill up at breakfast this morning, as it's an exciting day that begins with a sailing tour of Malaspina Cove. You'll start with a visit to the seaweed fields and see vessels working on the harvest, then cruise along the mussel crops, where your guides will tell you and the kids about the breeding system and harvesting of the mussels. From here, head toward the Roca Malaspina and along the Vernacci Islands. See the sea lion colonies lounging on the shore, which can exceed 3,500 in numbers during the breeding season, as well as penguins and large flocks of nesting marine birds. 

Those interested in learning more about the seaweed grown here and its properties can take a more in-depth tour of the fields, learning about the harvest, the varied species of seaweed grown here, and how they are used medically and as food. You'll also have a chance to see some of the nearby archaeological sites and historic cemeteries. 

Later, visit a real Patagonian ranch—or three! The ranches surrounding the lodge encompass nearly 20,000 acres (80,000 ha) and maintain 22,000 heads of cattle. You'll spend time at all three of the ranches here: Las Quebradas, Las Mercedes, and La Margarita. Experience ranch life and participate in daily activities, trying everything from sheep shearing to wool production. The kids can meet the animals and will have plenty of space to run and play while the adults sample some of the delicious local food produced on the farm. 

For some educational fun, take the kids to the Museo Participativo de Ciencias (Science Participation Museum), which has interactive displays that, as the name suggests, encourage kids to participate in scientific activities and learning. There are several themed rooms, with focuses on electricity, sound, technology, and even food. Older kids and teens might also enjoy a visit to Museo Evita, dedicated to the history of the famed Eva Perón. Fashion buffs will love the displays of Perón's stunning gown collection, and you can learn more about her life and legacy. 

You can also spend some time relaxing at the Palermo neighborhood's Parque Tres de Febrero, locally known as Bosques de Palermo (Palermo Woods) and Buenos Aires' oldest park. This nearly 1,000-acre (400 ha) green space features tree-lined pathways and peaceful lakes, shaded benches, and a giant carousel. There are boats for rent if you want to paddle around the lake, with geese, tropical birds, and fragrant flowers at every turn. Enjoy dinner at a nearby café capped off with ice cream before heading back to your hotel. 

Day 10: Depart Buenos Aires

It's time for you and the family to say goodbye to Argentina! Enjoy any extra free time this morning to take a walk in Buenos Aires, relax at a café, or do some last-minute souvenir shopping with your kids. At the appointed hour, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels! 

More Argentina Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Argentina? Check out these other Argentina itineraries, discover different ways to spend 10 days in Argentina with your family, or explore the best time to visit Argentina.