1 Week in Argentina & Uruguay - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights of Uruguay & Argentina: Montevideo, Buenos Aires & Patagonia

This highlights of Uruguay and Argentina itinerary offers travelers a blend of city exploration and natural wonders. You'll explore the charming streets of Montevideo, the bustling city of Buenos Aires, and the awe-inspiring mountainous landscapes of Patagonia. Highlights include wandering the cobblestone lanes of Colonia del Sacramento, a tantalizing steak and wine experience in Buenos Aires, the Perito Moreno Glacier, and the untouched landscapes around the Patagonian mountain town of El Chaltén.

In Uruguay's capital, Montevideo, enjoy a guided city tour of its historic buildings, charming squares, the famous Mercado del Puerto, and the beautiful Rambla de Montevideo promenade. Next, you'll attend a Carnival tablado (show) and learn about this annual party's customs before a day trip to the historic port town of Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay for a walking tour. Here, you'll taste yerba maté tea and learn about the drink's history. Then, take a ferry across the river to Buenos Aires, Argentina, for a bike tour through traditional neighborhoods and sample local delicacies on a gastronomy tour.

On Day 4, you'll explore the Temaikèn Biopark in Buenos Aires and see endemic wildlife like jaguars. Before you know it, you'll fly south to El Calafate in rugged Patagonia for an excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier and on a nautical safari to encounter the glacier and the icebergs up close. Continue in the mountain village of El Chaltén, where you'll hike to the Condor's Viewpoint and Salto del Chorrillo waterfall. Spend your final day at the traditional Estancia Nibepo Aike ranch, learning about life as a gaúcho and sampling traditional Patagonian cuisine before returning to Buenos Aires for your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Off-the-Beaten-Path Argentina & Uruguay

Travelers seeking lesser-known destinations in Argentina and Uruguay will enjoy this off-the-beaten path adventure. This itinerary is perfect for wine and culture enthusiasts, featuring wine-tasting tours along Argentina's Calamuchita Wine Road, horseback riding at a traditional estancia near Córdoba, and a tango show in Buenos Aires. The trip concludes with a ferry ride to Uruguay, where you'll explore the cobblestone streets of Colonia del Sacramento and tour ancient Jesuit ruins and Carmelo's wineries.

Begin in the charming city of Córdoba, Argentina, where you'll explore the beautiful buildings of the UNESCO-listed Jesuit Block. On a day trip, spend time savoring the famous wines of the Calamuchita Valley, tasting varieties like malbec and cabernet sauvignon at family-run wineries. You'll experience the life of a traditional gaúcho at Candonga Estancia, learning about horseback riding as you follow your guide around the paths and mountain roads. Next, you'll fly to Buenos Aires and enjoy an evening tango show at the iconic Café de los Angelitos while savoring a classic Argentine meal.

On Day 5, take a one-hour ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, a UNESCO Heritage Site. Join a local guide to tour the cobblestone lanes, discover sites such as the Portón de Campo (Old City Gate), and taste maté, a traditional tea. Next, you'll tour the Jesuit ruins at La Caléra de las Huérfanas National Monument, a former mission-turned-vineyard, and head to Carmelo for wine tastings at family-run wineries. On your final day, enjoy a morning stroll around the historic district of Colonia del Sacramento before catching the ferry back to Buenos Aires for your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Waterfalls, Cities & Beaches in Argentina & Uruguay

This itinerary explores Argentina and Uruguay's natural wonders and cultures, focusing on waterfalls, cities, and beaches. Starting with Iguazú Falls, you'll explore the Argentine and Brazilian sides before heading to Buenos Aires for a food tour and a tango show. Round off your trip at Punta del Este's Playa Brava in Uruguay, where you'll encounter iconic sculptures, friendly sea lions at Isla de Lobos nature reserve, and sandy beach vistas.

In Puerto Iguazú, Argentina, you'll feast on local cuisine and wine during a gastronomic adventure, where you'll make traditional Argentine dishes and learn about the country's culinary culture. Then, ready your senses for an extraordinary view as you tour the Argentine side of the Iguazú Falls, the world's second-largest waterfall system. Next, explore the Brazilian side, with panoramic views of the entire waterfall system, before hopping on a plane to Buenos Aires. Watch a thrilling tango show in the lively Argentine capital while enjoying a steak dinner, and prepare to tango yourself with a preshow lesson.

The following day, take a walking and food tour of the picturesque Palermo neighborhood. Then, fly to Punta del Este, Uruguay, a coastal city known for its sandy beaches and La Mano (The Hand) sculpture. Here, you'll take a city tour, including visits to famous lighthouses, Punta del Este and José Ignacio, neighborhoods, and nature reserves. Find South America's largest colony of sea lions on the Isla de Lobos and witness the sunset at the elegant Greek-style villa, Casapueblo. Enjoy more of Punta del Este's renowned beaches before heading to Uruguay's capital, Montevideo, for your departure. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Adventure & Relaxation in Argentina & Uruguay: Lake District, Montevideo & Punta del Este

On this adventure and relaxation getaway, you'll discover the natural beauty of Argentina and the beaches of Uruguay. This itinerary is perfect for those seeking a mix of outdoor excitement and city exploration—you'll go whitewater rafting in Argentina's Lake District, hike to Refugio Frey in Bariloche, savor traditional Uruguayan cuisine in Montevideo's Mercado del Puerto, and soak up the coastal views, first from the hamlet of Piriápolis via chairlift from the harbor up Cerro San Antonio and then from Punta del Este's iconic lighthouses.

Your trip starts in Bariloche, Argentina, located in the Lake District of Patagonia, where you can grab your hiking boots for the scenic Circuito Chico trek, an easy walk to the summit of Cerrito Llao Llao. This trail offers views of Nahuel Huapi Lake and other scenic hills. Next, you'll go on a full-day whitewater rafting trip on the Río Manso, a river with beautiful scenery and opportunities to spot wildlife like trout. Spend Day 3 on a full-day trek to Refugio Frey, a picturesque mountain hut amid an Andean forest. Before leaving Argentina, you'll get to taste local beers on a brewery tour in Bariloche with a local expert.

Fly to Montevideo, Uruguay, on Day 4 for a Carnival show and learn about this annual party's history, traditions, and meaning. You'll admire historic buildings like the Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral, stop at charming squares like Plaza Matriz, and stroll through the traditional Prado neighborhood. Then, transfer to the resort town of Punta del Este to explore the former fisherman's village of La Barra. After visiting the hamlet of Piriapolis, take a city tour of Punta del Este and its two famous lighthouses, Punta del Este and José Ignacio, before returning to Montevideo for your departure. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Wine & Culture in Argentina & Uruguay

On this wine and culture forward trip, you'll explore the culture and history of Argentina and Uruguay. Learn to make the perfect empanada on a gastronomy tour in Buenos Aires, try your hand at wine blending at a winery in Mendoza, and enjoy scenic strolls along the Rambla de Montevideo promenade. This itinerary is perfect for food and wine enthusiasts as it features culinary workshops, vineyard tours, and tastings at some of Uruguay's oldest wineries.

On your first night in Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoy a juicy steak with chimichurri (garlic, herb, and vinegar sauce) at a local parrilla (steakhouse). Then, set off on a cycling adventure through the traditional barrios (neighborhoods) of the city, including San Telmo and La Boca, before a guided local gastronomy tour, where you'll learn how to make the perfect empanada. Afterward, fly west to Mendoza, Argentina's wine capital, to partake in a vineyard tour and a wine blending workshop where you'll create your own blend. Following this, savor the high-altitude Uco Valley wines, like the fuego blanco.

Next, catch a flight and ferry to Montevideo, Uruguay. In the Old City district, you'll enjoy a city tour and see historic buildings like the Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral, the oldest public building in the city and one of the region's first churches. Visit charming squares like Plaza Matriz, sample local cuisine, and enjoy waterfront views along the Rambla de Montevideo promenade. The itinerary also includes a full-day winery tour in Montevideo, where you'll taste some of the finest wines from Uruguay's oldest vineyards, like Bodega Juanicó, where you'll sample Don Pascual wines. Learn more

More Great 1-Week Argentina Itineraries

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