2 Weeks in Argentina - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights of Argentina: Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Salta & Iguazú

Perfect for first-time visitors to Argentina, this highlights tour features city tours, long days spent winery hopping, magnificent desert scenery, and thundering waterfalls. Starting in Buenos Aires, you'll get your fill of culture while navigating lively neighborhoods, then spend time in the wine regions of Mendoza and Salta before ending your trip hiking in Iguazú National Park.

Welcome to Argentina! Your tour begins in Buenos Aires, settling into your stay during a guided city tour of Plaza de Mayo and the neighborhoods of San Telmo, La Boca, and Palermo. Then, enjoy a morning exploring on your own before attending a traditional tango show and making a side trip to the gaúcho town of San Antonio de Areco. Next on the agenda is a short flight to Mendoza. While here, spend a day meandering around Parque General San Martín, join a vineyards and wineries tour, and learn the secrets behind the classic Argentine asado (barbecue) during a cooking class.

After a two-hour flight, you'll arrive in Salta, a colonial city founded in 1582. Spend the afternoon admiring views from Cerro San Bernardo, then delve into the same landscapes while sipping wine in Cafayate and exploring Quebrada de Humahuaca, an arid desert valley. Continue to the far north of the country next, where the immense waterfalls of Iguazú await. Here, you'll spot exotic butterflies and monkeys while hiking in the national park—and if you're feeling extra adventurous, take an exhilarating boat ride to the base of the falls before flying back to Buenos Aires. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Discover the Best of Argentine Patagonia

Experience the wild side of Argentina on this best-of itinerary featuring Argentine Patagonia. Ideal for those who enjoy exploring on foot and by boat, you'll have ample opportunity to hike in Los Glaciares National Park and cruise in Tierra del Fuego National Park. Top that with numerous optional treks, a chance to go horseback riding, and plenty of opportunities to admire penguins, sea lions, and exotic birds in their natural habitat, and you'll leave with a well-rounded view of Argentina's rugged side.

After arriving in Buenos Aires and embarking on a quick but thorough city tour, you'll head back to the airport the next morning for a domestic flight to the Patagonia town of El Calafate. Visit the Glaciarium to learn about the nearby glaciers, then spend the following days ice trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park and choosing an activity or two, such as horseback riding, kayaking, or hiking in Reserva Laguna Nimez. Settle in for a three-hour drive to El Chaltén, and during your three-day stay, you'll trek to Laguna de Los Tres and embark on numerous hikes of your choice. 

Your adventure continues to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. After getting your bearings while visiting the Maritime Museum and enjoying a leisurely afternoon hike at Laguna Esmeralda, you'll head into Tierra del Fuego National Park for a full-day trekking and canoeing adventure. Then, take a cruise around Beagle Channel in search of cormorants and sea lions, particularly near the islands of Lobo and de los Pajaros, and sail to Isla Martillo to see hundreds or even thousands of penguins in their natural habitat before flying back to Buenos Aires. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Epic Argentina: El Calafate, Bariloche & Salta 

Crafted for those who enjoy keeping on the move, this fast-paced tour of Argentina packs in all sorts of adventures from north to south. After exploring the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, you'll take to the chilly waters of Los Glaciares National Park to admire magnificent glaciers before delighting in the laid-back atmosphere of Bariloche. Then, pick up a rental car and spend your last days zooming around Salta's colorful desert landscapes in the country's northwest.

Kick off your adventure in Buenos Aires by visiting key attractions like the Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace) and the historic neighborhood of San Telmo. Then, fly south to El Calafate in Patagonia, and after a leisurely evening, you'll embark on a memorable boating excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier. Check out Los Glaciares National Park's many other impressive glaciers the following day, including Upsala and Spagazzini, before boarding a flight bound for Bariloche. Here, you'll delight in the laid-back atmosphere of the Lake District while strolling Mitre Street and going on a boat tour of Tristeza Sound.

Midway through the trip, you'll fly to the colonial city of Salta and pick up a rental car to explore the northern region of Argentina at your own pace. Pass through Quebrada de las Conchas, a scenic valley of red canyons, on your way to Cafayate. Then, continue your road trip along Ruta 40 to Cachi, a well-preserved historical town, and along the Lerma Valley. Head north next, following the famous Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) to Purmamarca, and check out the famous pre-Inca fortress ruins of Pucará de Tilcara before returning to Salta and catching your flight to Buenos Aires. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Classic Argentina: Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Mendoza & Salta

Tick off the highlights of Buenos Aires, Northern Patagonia, the superb wine-producing region of Mendoza, and the otherworldly desert valley surrounding Salta on this classic trip. Ideal for those who enjoy hiking, wine tasting, guided tours, and free days to explore independently, every day offers a new experience. Plus, with a live tango show and an overnight in a traditional Argentine estancia (ranch) on the agenda, you'll get an introduction to Argentina's unique culture.

Your trip begins in Buenos Aires, where you'll hit the ground running with several exciting activities planned, including a tango show in San Telmo and a full-day bicycle tour from Plaza San Martín, through the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve, to Palermo. Then, switch gears and catch a flight to Bariloche, a charming town set on the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi. Enjoy the beautiful Argentine Patagonia landscapes at your doorstep over the following days while hiking to Cerro Llao Llao and choosing between a kayak excursion on Lago Mascardi and a mountain biking trip in the foothills of the Andes.  

On Day 7, you'll catch a flight to Mendoza, a region famous for its wine. While here, soak up views of the Andes while touring wineries, and enjoy a free day to visit Valle de Uco or bike around Chacras de Corcia. Continuing north, you'll find yourself in Salta, which is the perfect base to explore the arid desert valley of Quebrada de Humahuaca, the picturesque village of Purmamarca, and the astonishing Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of the Seven Colors). Then, fly back to Buenos Aires and spend your final night in the old countryside estate-turned-boutique hotel, El Ombú de Areco. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Northern Argentina Road Trip

Hop in your rental car and get off the main tourist trail on this two-week road trip in Northern Argentina. Perfect for those who've been to Argentina before or who enjoy exploring lesser-known highlights, you'll find driving the best way to discover the otherworldly volcanic landscapes, vast salt plains, and deep canyons of the region. Plus, you'll overnight in a local's home, have time to explore multicolored mountains, and visit eerie ghost towns.

Your adventure begins in Buenos Aires, shrugging off jet lag while exploring the city's highlights before flying north to Salta to pick up your rental car. On Day 3, you'll hit the road to Tilcara—home to the pre-Inca fortress ruins of Pucará de Tilcara. Your vehicle will come in especially handy the following day as you tour the famous Quebrada de Humahuaca, then continue to San Antonio de los Cobres, stopping to admire the large salt plain of Salinas Grandes en route. Next, drive to Tolar Grande, and with two days here, you'll have plenty of time to explore the area's ghost towns, deserts, and salt flats. 

Back on the road, drive to Antofalla in Puna, a region known for its volcanic formations and salt flats. Rest up while overnighting with a local family, then continue to El Peñon, where you'll visit Piedra Pomez (the Pumice Stone Field) and the unique volcano of Carachi Pampa. An epic six-hour drive to Cafayate is next on the agenda, which will fly by as you navigate over the mountain pass of Cuesta de Randolfo. After an afternoon hopping between wineries and driving through the deep canyons of Quebrada de las Conchas, your adventure comes to an end in Salta. Learn more

More Great 2-Week Argentina Itineraries

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