I’ve visited Argentina three times, and on every trip, I’ve discovered something new to love about the country.
Whether it’s the landscapes of Patagonia, the malbecs of Mendoza, or the parrillas (steakhouses) of Buenos Aires, Argentina is pretty epic!
But trying to put together an itinerary for Argentina has always been a struggle for me – it’s why I keep coming back! The country is so diverse, and if you don’t plan properly, you could spend most of your time traveling between destinations.
Finally, after numerous visits, I’ve managed to nail down what you should include in your 2 week Argentina itinerary (and what you can skip).
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Tips for 2 weeks in Argentina
Argentina is a massive country!
The distances are far, so if you only have 2 weeks, air travel is the way to go.
This is a busy itinerary for Argentina and Patagonia. You’ll visit all the main attractions and cover a lot of ground.
If you prefer to travel slower and minimize flying time, skip Iguazu, the last destination on this route. Instead, add an extra day in Patagonia and Mendoza. This is what I’d do with only 2 weeks in Argentina.
Overview of my Argentina itinerary
- Day 1-2: Buenos Aires (City)
- Day 3-4: El Calafate (Patagonia)
- Day 5-7: El Chalten (Patagonia)
- Day 8-11: Mendoza (Wine)
- Day 12-14: Iguazu (Nature)
Day 1-2: Buenos Aires
Your international flight will most likely arrive in Buenos Aires, marking the start of your Argentina itinerary.
BA (Buenos Aires) is known for Parrillas (Steakhouses), tango shows, galleries, and impressive architecture. It’s a fun city with lots to do and see.
I stayed in San Telmo and enjoyed this neighborhood. It’s laid back and authentic, with many locals calling it home. Anselmo Hotel Buenos Aires is a great hotel that is close to many attractions.
Another popular area is Palermo. It’s the tourist hub and is in the heart of the city.
Top tip: You only need 2 nights in BA. If you have more than 2 weeks in Argentina, stay for 3 nights instead.
Arriving in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires has two aiports.
If you’re arriving on an international flight, you’ll land at Ezeiza Airport (EZE). This is a 45-minute drive into the city.
The domestic airport is called Aeroparque (AEP). It’s closer to the city and more convenient if you’re traveling within Argentina.
What to do in Buenos Aires
Join a free walking tour: I did this free walking tour through Recoleta, and it was great. But there were so many people in the group, and we constantly had to wait for everyone. If you’re looking for a more personal tour, pay for a smaller tour like this.
Visit the La Baco neighborhood. Caminito Street is a famous pedestrian street and alleyway in La Boca. It’s known for its brightly painted buildings and street art. It’s become a huge tourist attraction, so expect crowds.
Go to a Tango show: You can join a tango show like this one. Or, if you prefer a more relaxed vibe, visit one of the many plazas instead. I went to Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo and it was fab!
Go to San Telmo Market. San Telmo Market is a vibrant market in a huge warehouse-type building. Sundays are the most popular and can get overly busy – I suggest avoiding it on the weekend. I went on a Friday, and it was awesome!
Explore the galleries: Bellas Artes (MNBA), Fundación Proa, Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA), and Museo Moderno (MAMBA) are the most popular.
Eat steak at a Parrilla. Argentina is famous for its world-renowned steaks. I can confirm that they are incredible. The best I’ve had. I went to Grandes Carnicerias del Plata in San Telmo and highly recommend it.
Day 3-4: El Calafate (Patagonia)
Today, you’ll leave the hustle and bustle of the capital and head down to the southern tip of Argentina: Patagonia.
It’s a bucket list destination for most travelers, so you can’t skip it!
Our first stop will be the town of El Calafate, home to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier.
I stayed at Folk Hostel in El Calafate, and it’s a great choice for backpackers as it’s close to the bus terminal.
I don’t suggest more than 2 nights in El Calafate. The glacier is the main attraction here, and you’ll need a full day to visit it.
How to get to El Calafate
It’s a 3.5-hour flight from Buenos Aires to El Calafate in Argentina’s Patagonia.
Aerolineas Argentinas, JetSmart, and FlyBondi all serve daily flights to the region.
Try to book a morning flight so that you have the afternoon to walk the streets of El Calafate.
Visit Perito Moreno Glacier
El Calafate is the gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier. It’s located in Los Glaciares National Park, a 90-minute drive from town.
This glacier is the main attraction in El Calafate. And yes, it’s as impressive in real life as in the photos.
There are a few ways to explore the park (you can read my detailed guide here).
I did this Mini trekking tour, which was well worth the money. Not only do you get to walk on the actual glacier, but it also includes a short boat trip.
Other Things to do in El Calafate
Here are a few things to do if you have the afternoon free after arriving from Buenos Aires.
Remember, your second day will be at the glacier, and you won’t have much time (or energy) to do anything afterwards.
Have lunch at La Zorra Taproom. The beers are magnificent, and their food is equally impressive.
Check out the El Calafate sign. On the hill alongside Plaza de los Pioneros, a wooden walkway leads to the El Calafate sign.
Go for dessert at Viva la Pepa. These were the best crepes I’ve ever had.
Indulge in cheese and wine at The Wine Shop. We did a great tasting here and learned a lot about Argentina wine.
Parilla at La Lechuzita. This steakhouse is highly underrated.
Day 5-7: El Chalten (Patagonia)
El Chalten is the hiking capital of Argentina Patagonia. It’s a charming town, smaller than El Calafate.
It’s also my favorite place in Patagonia, and I suggest spending 3 nights here.
The sun sets after 9 pm in the summer, so you’ll have plenty of time to hike into the evening.
Top tip: Not into hiking? I suggest visiting Bariloche instead of El Chalten if you don’t enjoy hiking. It’s also in Argentina Patagonia. I visited both areas and preferred El Chalten, as the hikes are incredible! But the lake district of Bariloche is equally as beautiful and offers more activities that don’t involve intense trekking.
How to get to El Chalten
There is no airport in El Chalten. This means you’ll need to take a 3.5-hour bus from El Calafate to El Chalten.
The journey is incredibly scenic, and the buses are comfortable. I booked my bus through Busbud. You can check prices and availability here.
Hiking in El Chalten
With only a few days in El Chalten, you’ll have to pick and choose what you get up to.
You’ll be able to fit in two of these full-day hikes in El Chalten.
Hike Laguna de los Tres: Laguna De Los Tres (Mt Fitz Roy) is the crown jewel of El Chalten. It’s a difficult 9-hour return hike. Read my guide to Laguna de los Tres here.
Hike Laguna Torre: The Laguna Torre hike is equally impressive as Laguna de los Tres. The difference? It’s a lot easier! It takes around 6 hours to complete, but most is a flat trail.
Hike Mirador Condores: Mirador de los Condores is one of the best short hikes in El Chalten. You only need 2 hours to complete it. Read about it here.
Other things to do in El Chalten
If you need a day off the trails, here are other things to do.
White river rafting: I went river rafting in El Chalten and loved it. The rapids aren’t too intense, but they offer a nice break from all the hiking. Find out more here.
Rent a car and make a day trip to Lago del Desierto: Lago del Desierto is a beautiful lake surrounded by forests with picturesque mountain views.
Visit Glacier Huemul: Glacier Huemul is a beautiful short hike to a glacier behind a turquoise lake. It’s an hour’s drive from town, so you’ll need to rent a car or catch a shuttle to get here.
If you want to explore more of Patagonia, including the Chile side, here’s my guide to the best Patagonia travel route to follow.
Day 8 – 11: Mendoza
Did you know that Argentina is one of the leading wine producers in the world? Because I didn’t!
Nestled alongside the Andes Mountains, just a stone’s throw away from Chile, lies Mendoza.
This is where you’ll find the best food and wine in the country!
You’ll need (and deserve) to treat yourself after a few busy days in Patagonia, so it’s the perfect addition to your Argentina travel route.
Chacras de Coria is my favorite suburb to stay in Mendoza. It’s a 20-minute drive south of the city but is close to the Lujan de Cuyo wine region.
How to get to Mendoza
If you’re following my Argentina 2 week itinerary, take the earliest bus from El Chalten to El Calafate airport.
I struggled to find direct flights between El Calafate and Mendoza. Most have a quick layover in Buenos Aires, so this might be your only option.
Things to do in Mendoza
Mendoza is home to these three high-altitude wine regions: Maipu, Lujan de Cuyo, and Valle de Uco.
I visited all of them and had the best time.
Go biking between the wineries. I rented bikes from Baccus Bikes in Lujan de Cuyo and joined this multi-bike wine tour in Maipu. I highly recommend both!
Join a full day wine tour: This is a fantastic tour that includes wine tastings at three wineries, a gourmet lunch, and return transport to Mendoza,.
Day 12 – 14: Iguazu
Iguazu Falls is one of the largest waterfall systems in the world. It’s classified as a Wonder of Nature and lies on the border between Argentina and Brazil.
A few things will affect how much time you should spend in Iguazu during your 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary.
These include the arrival time of your flight and whether you have a visa (if necessary) to visit the Brazilian side.
If you’re short on time, then stick to the Argentina side. One full day here is enough, and it’s more impressive than the Brazilian side.
How to get to Iguazu National Park
Iguaza lies north of Argentina, and you’ll need to catch a flight to Iguazu Airport.
There isn’t a direct flight from Mendoza, so you’ll have a connection in Buenos Aires. Another full day of travel!
Is Iguazu worth it?
As you can see, during your 2 weeks in Argentina, you cover a lot of ground.
All the long travel and airports can be exhausting, so if you’d prefer to skip one place on this itinerary, I suggest Iguazu Falls.
This will give you an extra day in Patagonia and an extra day in Mendoza.
On the other hand, if you’re not into food and wine, then keep Iguazu Falls on your itinerary, but instead, skip Mendoza and spend an extra day or two in Patagonia.
Other places to add to your itinerary for Argentina
You might not enjoy hiking (or wine) as much as I do!
If that’s the case, here are other places to visit in Argentina.
Bariloche (3 days)
Bariloche is located in Argentinian Patagonia.
It’s north of El Chalten, and you’ll need to catch a flight to get here. I spent a few days in Bariloche and enjoyed how different it was from the other regions in Patagonia.
The town boasts stunning lakes and viewpoints and is home to the most delicious chocolates. It’s also the place to visit in winter, as you can ski here.
If I had to choose, I prefered Mendoza and El Chalten over Bariloche (and that’s why it’s not on my Argentina 2-week itinerary).
Ushuaia (3 days)
Ushuaia is the southernmost city in Argentina (and the world). It’s the gateway to Antarctica and is a busy port city for Antarctica cruises.
Tierra del Fuego National Park is one of the best places to visit, and the scenery is stunning.
You can fly to Ushaia from El Calafate. But you’d need to skip either El Chalten or Mendoza (which I wouldn’t).
Salta and Jujuy (4 days)
Salta and Jujuy are north of Argentina.
You’ll find unique landscapes here that are unlike other destinations on this Argentina itinerary. It’s also home to a wine region, yet not as impressive as Mendoza.
These provinces are suited for travelers looking for a more cultural experience and historical sites.
But if you only have 2 weeks in Argentina and Salta and Jujuy are on your bucket list, you’ll have to skip one of the other destinations. The attractions in the north are far apart, so you’ll need a car to get around.
3 nights, 4 days is the minimum time you want to spend here.
2 Week Argentina itinerary FAQs
How many days do you need to see Argentina?
You need a minimum of 10 days in Argentina. But you still won’t get to everything! Distances are far, and there’s a lot of travel, so 2 or 3 weeks is recommended.
What is the best month to visit Argentina?
March is the best time to visit Argentina to avoid the tourist crowd and enjoy the fantastic weather. However, anytime between October and April is considered a good time as the days are long and sunny with great conditions for hiking.
What is the best way to get around Argentina?
It’s best to fly between destinations as the distances are far. However, if you have time, you can take a bus. They’re very comfortable and safe to travel with.
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Do you have any questions about this itinerary for Argentina in 2 weeks? Drop me a question in the comments section below!
Looking for more Argentina travel inspiration? Check out my other posts!
Hi Thank you for this super helpful itineraries!!. We will have 3 weeks in Argentina in January and were looking at pretty much doing your itinerary on the comfort to luxury end, splurge where its really worth it and save on other parts. Our focus is to be Patagonia and Ive been struggling to decide if I should also do the Chillian Side Torres del Paine or stick to Argentina all the way would love your advice and suggestions. I would like to have everything pretty much booked in advance. We are a couple from Australia -lates 50’s love nature, hiking, outdoors, food wine etc etc.
Hi Carole,
I had the same dilemma when planning my trip! If you have 3 weeks, I highly recommend taking 12-14 days to explore the Patagonia region on both the Argentinian and Chilean side. They are both unique and very different from each other. On the Argentinian side you have Perito Moreno Glacier which is absolutely stunning. El Chalten is a charming little town and the hikes here are more suited to day hikes.
On the other hand, the Chilean side (Torres Del Paine) is better if you do a multi day hike (O or W Treks). The town of Puerto Natales – in Chilean Patagonia – isn’t great (It’s nothing like El Chalten in Argentina). But Torres Del Paine is absolutely beautiful and the W Trek offers something different every single day.
I believe Australians need a visa for Chile and this may be the deciding factor depending on how easy it is to get. Overall, if I have to choose one, I’d say definitely do Argentinian Patagonia as each day-hike and attraction is so vastly different. Bear in mind that if you visit both sides, it will be a lot of hiking. For a more varied itinerary, you could split your time between Argentina Patagonia and the wine region of Mendoza.
Hope that helps. Happy planning.
Carryn