Argentina Itinerary Ideas… From 3 Days to 4 Weeks

Planning your Argentina travel itinerary

There are a few things you need to know about planning an Argentina itinerary – and what’s behind how I’ve designed these itineraries.

How much time do you need in Argentina?

Firstly, let’s address the elephant in the room – the sheer size of Argentina. As the eighth largest country in the world, Argentina is massive. The country stretches for about 3,650 kilometres from north to south and spans 1,400 kilometres at its widest point from east to west. Exploring all of Argentina’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cities requires some serious mileage and time.

So, depending on how much time you can get off work, you’re going to have to make some hard decisions about where to focus your itinerary.

I think you need a minimum of one week, which is where I’ve started these Argentina itinerary ideas.

Trip length	What’s realistic
1 week	Buenos Aires plus one other region
2 weeks	Buenos Aires plus the north and Iguazú, or a taste of Patagonia plus Bariloche or Mendoza
3 weeks	A full region done at a proper pace – either Patagonia and wine country, or the north and Iguazú
4 weeks	Both the far south and the north-west in one trip

Where should you start your Argentina itinerary?

All of these itineraries start from Buenos Aires, since it’s the city with the most international connections. If you’re arriving elsewhere or crossing a land border, you’ll need to adjust.

How to get around Argentina

These itineraries mostly rely on domestic flights, since it’s the quickest way to cover Argentina’s distances. A few sections use road trips instead – I’ll flag those as we go. Read more in my how to plan a trip to Argentina guide.

Some cities in Argentina aren’t connected directly by air, so you might need to go via Buenos Aires. I’ve tried to avoid this as much as possible with these itineraries. Check Skyscanner for routes and pricing.

With some of these itineraries, you might be renting a car in Argentina – hello, road trip! Driving in Argentina is safe and a great way to see the country. But I’ve only included road trips/car rentals this for certain sections of itineraries because it would take too long to do it all by car. Check car rentals online with DiscoverCars.

If you’re on a budget, bus travel might be a better option. I haven’t considered long-haul bus travel in any of these itineraries, so you will need to adjust based on bus schedules. Use BusBud to check bus schedules and buy tickets.

When is the best time to visit Argentina?

The best time to visit Argentina is spring, from September to November, when the weather is milder and crowds fewer. Autumn (March to May) is another great time to visit.

The peak tourist season in Argentina is during the summer months of December to February, but this also means higher prices and bigger crowds. Buenos Aires can be sweltering during these months, but it’s the best time to head south to Patagonia.

In the winter months (June to August), Patagonia pretty much shuts down, so you won’t be able to visit this region. But if skiing is on your cards, this is a great time to visit.

Argentina map: Where to go in Argentina

This map of Argentina shows these itineraries – click on the layer that corresponds to the itinerary you want to see. (You’ll need to click the little arrow in the top left-hand corner to show the layers, and then click the boxes beside the itineraries to toggle them on and off.)

Browse Argentina itineraries by trip length

Below I’ve summarised my recommended itineraries based on the length of time you may have. Click through to each article to read the full details, including day-by-day recommendations and handy travel tips.

Argentina itinerary 7 days

A week in Argentina may seem like a whirlwind tour, but with strategic planning, it’s enough to scratch the surface of the country (and leave you wanting more). Given the vastness of Argentina and the limitations set by flight connections, your itinerary will mostly be confined to a few days in Buenos Aires before whisking yourself off to one more destination of your choice.

You need to be realistic about what you can see and do in a week, which is why I recommend a few days in Buenos Aires followed by a few days in another destination before you head back to Buenos Aires for your flight home. Here are several options for how you can spend a week in Argentina. Read my full guide to one week in Argentina for all the details to plan your visit.

• Buenos Aires and Mendoza – first-time visitors who want a mix of city culture and world-class wine
• Buenos Aires and Bariloche – swap the buzz of the city for lakes, forests and mountain views in northern Patagonia
• Buenos Aires and North Argentina (Salta, Purmamarca) – dramatic desert and mountain scenery and colourful colonial towns; my personal favourite region in the whole country
• Buenos Aires and Península Valdés – wildlife lovers, with whales, penguins and sea lions on this UNESCO World Heritage-listed peninsula
• Buenos Aires, El Calafate and El Chaltén – great option for hikers and anyone with “trek on a glacier” on their bucket list
• Buenos Aires and Iguazú Falls – one truly iconic natural wonder without an overly demanding pace
• Buenos Aires and day trips only – base yourself in Buenos Aires and live like a local, taking day trips to a few locations around the city (and avoiding domestic flights altogether)

→ READ NEXT: How to spend 1 week in Argentina

2 weeks in Argentina

While you can see a few highlights in one week, I think 2 weeks in Argentina is the minimum time you should plan for a visit.

My itinerary recommendation for two weeks includes Buenos Aires and Iguazú Falls, with a “choose your own adventure” between the north of Argentina, Patagonia or Mendoza.

• Days 1-4 – arrive in Buenos Aires, the fantastic capital of the country, and explore the city
• Days 5-10 – choose your own adventure:
  • Travel to the otherworldly north of Argentina
  • Go hiking mountains and trekking on glaciers in Patagonia
  • Sip Malbec in beautiful Mendoza
• Days 11-13 – wander around the raging waters of Iguazú Falls
• Day 14 – return to Buenos Aires and onward home

→ READ NEXT: How to spend 2 weeks in Argentina

3 weeks in Argentina

With three weeks in Argentina, you can venture both north and south of the country. Here are my recommendations for a 3-week trip, with two options: one focusing on the north and one heading south.

Both are exactly 21 days and follow direct flights so there’s no backtracking through Buenos Aires:

• Option A: Patagonia and Mendoza wine country – choose this if it’s your first trip to Argentina, glaciers and hiking appeal more than desert landscapes, and you’d rather move between fewer bases at a steady pace
• Option B: Northern Argentina and Iguazú Falls – choose this if you’re comfortable self-driving (or happy to swap in guided tours), and dramatic desert scenery and colonial architecture appeal more than glacier trekking

→ READ NEXT: How to spend 3 weeks in Argentina

4 weeks in Argentina itinerary

Now we’re talking! With a month in Argentina, you can see a lot of the country. Here’s a suggested 4-week Argentina itinerary. Once again, I have packed this itinerary, so you can slow it right down and just hit a few highlights if that’s more your travel style.

Here’s what this itinerary looks like:

• Day 1 – arrive in Buenos Aires
• Days 2-4 – Buenos Aires
• Day 5 – Fly to Ushuaia
• Days 6-7 – Ushuaia
• Days 8-9 – El Calafate
• Days 10-13 – El Chaltén
• Day 14 – Transfer to El Calafate, fly to Buenos Aires, connect to Mendoza
• Days 15-17 – Mendoza
• Days 18-19 – Fly to Salta and explore the city
• Days 20-22 – Purmamarca
• Day 22 – Cachi
• Days 23-24 – Cafayate
• Day 25 – Back to Salta
• Days 26-28 – Fly to Iguazú Falls
• Day 29 – Return to Buenos Aires
• Day 30 – Fly home

→ READ NEXT: How to spend 4 weeks in Argentina

Build your own trip: Focused guides

Already know a piece of your itinerary and want the deep dive rather than a full multi-week plan? These focused guides cover a single destination or route in more detail:

• 3 Days in Buenos Aires – a detailed, day-by-day guide to the capital, useful whichever itinerary above you choose
• 3 Days in Mendoza – wine country in detail, for readers who want more than the itinerary-level coverage above
• North Argentina road trip – a slower, more detailed self-drive route through Salta, Purmamarca, Cachi and Cafayate

Wrap up: Argentina itinerary ideas

Argentina is an enormous country and I know that planning a trip here can be overwhelming. With this guide to itinerary inspiration for 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks in the country, you should now be ready to plan the ultimate adventure to this must-visit South American country! 

Argentina itinerary ideas: FAQs

Do I need a visa to travel to Argentina?

Visa requirements for Argentina vary depending on your nationality. For many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia and many EU nations, tourists don’t require a visa for stays up to 90 days. However, always check current visa regulations with the Argentine embassy in your home country before making travel plans.

Is it safe to travel around Argentina?

Argentina is safe for tourists to visit. As with any travel destination, exercise common sense and stay vigilant, especially in major cities. Always check travel advisories from your country’s foreign ministry so you have the latest info.

What’s the typical daily cost for a traveller in Argentina?

The daily cost varies depending on your travel style. Budget travellers can expect to spend around $70-$100 per day on accommodation, meals (but mostly cooking for yourself in a hostel) and public transport. If you prefer more comfort or luxury, the daily cost can rise significantly to $250+ a day per person. You can read my guide to Buenos Aires travel costs to get an overview of current pricing.

Can I travel with children in Argentina?

Absolutely! Argentina is a family-friendly destination with plenty of things for children to do. From exploring national parks to learning about the local culture and history, there are plenty of activities to keep children of all ages engaged and entertained.

Is English widely spoken in Argentina?

While Spanish is the official language of Argentina, English is taught in many schools and is spoken by locals, especially in tourist areas and among the younger generation. However, learning a few basic Spanish phrases is a great idea for interacting with locals.

Do I need to rent a car in Argentina?

Renting a car in Argentina isn’t a necessity, but it can mean a more flexible trip, depending on which areas of the country you’re visiting. Public transportation is extensive and reaches most tourist destinations, but remote areas are best accessed by car. If you decide to rent a car, familiarise yourself with the local road rules. Rent through DiscoverCars.

What do you need help with when planning your own itinerary for Argentina?

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Read next

Before you go… you might like these Argentina travel blogs:

• 50 Incredible Things To Do in Argentina
• What to Do in Buenos Aires: 25 Best Things to Do
• How to Plan a Trip to Argentina in 9 Easy Steps
• 17 Argentina Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
• Navigating Money in Argentina: A Traveller’s Guide to Money Matters
• Travel Insurance for Argentina: What You Need to Know

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