Argentina itinerary (7, 10 & 14 days)

Argentina runs nearly 2,300 miles (3,700 km) from the subtropics to the edge of Antarctica. Regions change quickly as you move, and distances are long. Most trips start or end in Buenos Aires, then branch north to rainforest and waterfalls or south to mountains and ice. Because everything is spread out, it helps to choose a clear focus and plan connections in advance.

You’ll want to think in regions rather than checklists when planning your Argentina itinerary. Pick a main area, add one or two links by air, and leave a little room for weather or timing shifts. You will see more by doing a few places properly than by trying to race across the map.

Rough Guides’ local experts can shape a route around your budget and pace, then handle the bookings for internal flights, stays, transfers, and guided days. They also provide 24/7 support while you travel, so you can relax and enjoy the trip.

Best Argentina itinerary at a glance

Some travelers keep it simple with a week that combines Buenos Aires and either Iguazú or Patagonia. With 10 days, you can add gaucho traditions near Buenos Aires before heading south to the glaciers. Two weeks or more gives you time to link the north and south, visiting wine valleys, wildlife areas, and the far end of Tierra del Fuego. However long you stay, planning your route in advance helps you use your time well.

• 7 days in Argentina: Spend a few days in Buenos Aires exploring tango halls, leafy plazas, and historic neighborhoods, then fly north to Puerto Iguazú. Two days there gives you time to see the falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides.
• 10 days Argentina itinerary: Begin in Buenos Aires, then take a day trip to San Antonio de Areco to see gaucho traditions. From there, continue south to El Calafate for the Perito Moreno Glacier, head to El Chaltén for trekking, and finish in Ushuaia with Tierra del Fuego and the Beagle Channel.
• 14 days Argentina itinerary: With two weeks you can combine Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls, the wildlife of Peninsula Valdés, Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, and El Calafate’s glaciers. It is a route that ties together culture, wildlife, and landscapes while showing the range of Argentina.

Learn more about our Argentina local travel experts.

7 days in Argentina itinerary

How to plan a trip to Argentina with not a ton of time in the country? This week-long Argentina itinerary focuses on just a few areas.  You’ll start in the capital, exploring neighborhoods and tango culture, then fly north to see Iguazu from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides.

Day 1: Buenos Aires arrival

Arrive at Ezeiza International Airport and head into the city. Buenos Aires immediately strikes you with Argentine character. Keep your first evening light. Wander your neighborhood, grab empanadas at a parrilla, or relax with a coffee at a sidewalk café. It’s a good way to settle and rest up after a long journey. 

Insider tip: Many travelers change money at “cuevas” along Florida Street, where rates are usually better than banks or the airport.

Day 2: Buenos Aires

A city tour is the easiest way to get your bearings in Buenos Aires. Begin in Plaza de Mayo, where the Metropolitan Cathedral and Cabildo frame the square, then make your way along Avenida 9 de Julio with the Obelisk rising at its center.

From there, wander San Telmo’s cobblestone streets, stopping in courtyards where local artists sometimes set up small workshops. Head south to La Boca for its painted houses and Caminito Street before finishing in Puerto Madero’s waterfront or Recoleta, with its ornate cemetery and Eva Perón’s grave. 
 

Day 3: Tango

Spend the morning in Palermo’s leafy streets and Japanese Garden. In the afternoon, stop by Plaza San Martín in Retiro, a quiet square surrounded by historic palaces. At night, book a table at Café Los Angelitos for dinner and a tango show. The mix of live music, dancers, and classic Argentine food is one of the most atmospheric ways to experience the tradition.

Insider tip: Arrive a little early at Los Angelitos for better table options with a clear view of the stage.

Day 4: Travel to Puerto Iguazú

Travel time: 2-hour flight

Flights leave from Jorge Newbery or Ezeiza Airport and take you directly to Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport. From the moment you land, the shift from Buenos Aires to the subtropical north is clear. A short transfer takes you to Puerto Iguazú, which will be your base for exploring the falls.

The town is small but has plenty of hotels, restaurants, and craft markets. Use the afternoon to wander through the center, try regional dishes, or see Guaraní handicrafts at local stalls. It is also a good chance to rest before your first day at the waterfalls.

Day 5: Argentine falls

Spend the day inside Iguazú National Park on the Argentine side. Wooden walkways weave through the rainforest and bring you close to different cascades. The Lower Circuit leads to viewing platforms at the base of the falls, while the Upper Circuit gives higher views over the river and smaller drops.

The most dramatic point is Garganta del Diablo, or Devil’s Throat, where a long walkway takes you right up to the largest cataract. Wildlife is everywhere, from coatis to colorful birds. Hiring a guide can help you understand the unique ecosystem and the park’s conservation efforts.

Day 6: Brazilian falls

Cross into Brazil for a new perspective of the falls. A single walkway follows the cliffs and gives wide, sweeping views of the entire system, with the Argentine side stretching out opposite.

This is the best angle for seeing how the falls connect as a whole. Next door is the Bird Park, where over 900 species live in spacious natural enclosures, including toucans, macaws, and other tropical birds. After your visit, you return to Puerto Iguazú for the night.
 

Day 7: Departure

On your last morning, transfer to the airport in Puerto Iguazú. The drive out of town gives one more look at the subtropical forests before you reconnect with Argentina’s major airports or start the journey home. This week brings together two very different sides of the country.

Insider tip: Arrive at the airport at least three hours early for international flights. Processes here can be slower than in Buenos Aires.

Looking for something more personal? Our local experts design trips built around your interests, with support all the way.
 

10 days in Argentina itinerary

This ten-day Argentina itinerary gives you time in Buenos Aires before heading south to Patagonia. You’ll get a mix of city life, gaucho traditions, and the glaciers around El Calafate.

Day 1: Buenos Aires

Fly into Ezeiza International Airport and make your way into the center. Buenos Aires is a big city with wide streets, historic buildings, and plenty of energy. Once you’ve checked in, keep your first evening simple. Take a walk around your neighborhood, try an empanada, or sit down in a confitería for a cortado. It is an easy way to start settling into the city.

Insider tip: Download the BA Cómo Llego app. It is the easiest way to figure out buses and the subway while you are here.

Day 2: Buenos Aires

Spend the day moving through the city’s main neighborhoods. Start on 9 de Julio Avenue with the Obelisk in the center, then head to Plaza de Mayo where the Casa Rosada overlooks the square.

San Telmo has cobblestone streets with antique shops and parrillas, while La Boca’s Caminito is known for its brightly painted houses. Puerto Madero feels more modern, with port warehouses converted into restaurants. End the day in Recoleta at the cemetery, where ornate mausoleums hold Argentina’s most famous names, including Eva Perón.
 

Day 3: San Antonio de Areco day trip

Travel about 75 miles (120 km) northwest to San Antonio de Areco, a town known for gaucho traditions. Craftspeople here still make leather and silver goods by hand, and Juan José Draghi’s silversmith workshop is worth seeing.

Have lunch in a pulpería, the kind of rustic tavern gauchos once used, and stop at the Ricardo Güiraldes Museum to learn more about gaucho culture. The nearby park gives you a sense of the open pampas and is good for a relaxed walk.

Insider tip: Buy leather goods here. Prices are lower than in Buenos Aires. 

Day 4: Travel to El Calafate

Travel time: about 3.5 hours by plane

Take a domestic flight from Jorge Newbery Airfield or Ezeiza to El Calafate. The flight covers nearly 1,250 miles (2,000 km) south, crossing from the flat pampas into Patagonia. If the sky is clear, the views from above are impressive.

Once you land, the change in landscape is immediate. The steppe stretches out toward snow-covered peaks, and Lago Argentino appears turquoise against the surrounding terrain. After checking in, use the rest of the day to adjust to the slower pace of Patagonia and prepare for the glacier excursion the following morning of this Argentina itinerary.

Day 5: Perito Moreno Glacier excursion

Take a full-day trip into Los Glaciares National Park to see Perito Moreno Glacier. The glacier’s ice wall rises around 200 feet (60 m), and you will hear cracks and deep rumbles as pieces break away into Lago Argentino. Boardwalks and trails take you to different viewpoints, from close-up angles to higher lookouts with wide views of the ice.

The light shifts through the day, changing the glacier’s shades of blue and white. If you are lucky, you might see a large section collapse into the lake, sending waves across the water. 

Day 6: El Chaltén excursion

El Chaltén is Argentina’s trekking base thanks to its trails and views of Mount Fitz Roy. Leaving El Calafate early, most trips stop at La Leona hotel, a historic estancia once linked to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

The short trail to the Condor viewpoint gives sweeping views of Fitz Roy’s jagged peaks without much effort. Salto del Chorrillo waterfall is another easy walk, tumbling through a forested canyon. After a day outside, El Chaltén’s craft brewery is a relaxed place to try local beer and meet other travelers. Bring water and snacks, since weather changes quickly.
 

Day 7: Travel to Ushuaia

Travel time: 2.5 hours total

The flight from El Calafate to Ushuaia covers some of Patagonia’s most remote scenery. Crossing the Strait of Magellan into Tierra del Fuego, the plane passes over the Patagonian ice fields, the Beagle Channel, and sharp mountain ranges.

Ushuaia appears between snow-capped peaks and the sea, with a climate unlike the steppe further north. Forests replace open plains, and the meeting of mountain and water gives the area its distinct character. Landing here feels like reaching the far edge of the continent. Keep your camera ready, since clear days bring some of the most memorable views from the air.  

Day 8: Tierra del Fuego National Park

Tierra del Fuego National Park stretches from the Beagle Channel to the Chilean border. Trails pass through lenga forests, alongside rivers, and around mountain lakes like Fagnano and Roca.

Wildlife is part of the experience, with guanacos in meadows, beavers changing waterways, and birds moving through wetlands and woods. One of the main routes leads to Lapataia Bay, where the Pan-American Highway ends after spanning two continents. Waterfalls, valleys, and forests shaped by glaciers highlight the park’s history.
 

Day 9: Beagle Channel

A boat trip through the Beagle Channel gives you a close look at the wildlife and scenery that define this region. This is by far one of the best places to visit in Argentina. The channel separates Argentina and Chile and is named after Darwin’s ship.

You’ll pass Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, a well-known landmark often called the “Lighthouse at the End of the World.” Sea lions gather on rocky islands, Magellanic penguins nest during the season, and cormorants, petrels, and albatrosses are usually overhead. Dolphins and whales sometimes appear too. 
From the water, you get an unforgettable view of Ushuaia surrounded by mountains.

Insider tip: Bring motion sickness medication, since conditions can shift quickly. 

Day 10: Departure from Ushuaia

Your southern Argentina trip ends with a flight out of Ushuaia, the southern-most part of the map of Argentina. On the way to the small airport, you’ll get one last look at Tierra del Fuego’s snow-capped peaks and the dark water of the Beagle Channel.

Ushuaia feels remote, but flights connect back through Buenos Aires, which gives you the option to extend your time in the capital or simply make a short stop before heading home. 

Prefer a trip made to fit you? Our local experts design itineraries around your needs and give you full support.
 

14 days in Argentina itinerary

Argentina’s size and variety make it well suited to a two-week trip. This route takes you from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls, then south to the Patagonian coast and the glaciers near El Calafate. You’ll get a mix of city life, wildlife, and dramatic landscapes, with enough time in each place to take it in.

Day 1: Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a city best explored by neighborhood. Start on Avenida 9 de Julio, dominated by the Obelisk, then walk over to Plaza de Mayo, the political center, where the Casa Rosada and Metropolitan Cathedral stand side by side.

San Telmo is worth an afternoon for its antiques, weekend market, and older houses that give a sense of the city’s past. La Boca has brightly painted buildings and a strong connection to tango, while Recoleta holds the cemetery where Eva Perón is buried. Puerto Madero, once docklands, is now lined with restaurants and glass towers overlooking the river.

Day 2: Journey to Iguazu

Flights from Buenos Aires to Iguazu take about two hours. You can depart from Jorge Newbery Airfield or Ezeiza International, depending on where you’re staying in the city. The main airport for the falls, Cataratas del Iguazú, is about 12 miles (20 km) from the national park.

Puerto Iguazú town is nearby, with plenty of hotels, and is easily reached by shuttle, taxi, or rental car. Most people use this as their base to explore the falls, which you’ll visit over the next two days during this Argentina itinerary.
 

Day 3: Argentine falls

Iguazu National Park covers rainforest cut by the Iguazu River, where more than 270 waterfalls crash over basalt cliffs. Trails are well laid out, so it’s easy to walk between viewpoints.

The Lower Circuit takes you through thick vegetation to close views of smaller cascades, while the Upper Circuit looks down on the water from above. The most impressive section is Garganta del Diablo, where the river plunges about 260 feet (80 m) into a gorge. The park is alive with wildlife, from butterflies to birds, and it’s common to see coatis wandering the paths close to visitors.

Day 4: Brazilian falls

The Brazilian side gives the broadest perspective on the falls, with sweeping views you can’t get in Argentina. Trails follow the edge of the gorge, and a walkway juts out over the river for a direct look at the cascades.

It only takes an hour to cross the border by road, making this an easy day trip. Next to the entrance is the Bird Park, which houses more than 150 species in large enclosures. An elevator at the end of the falls trail lifts you to a platform with wide views across the valley and surrounding Atlantic Forest.

Insider tip: Arrive at Bird Park around 3 pm for feeding time.
 

Day 5: Journey to Patagonian coast

Reaching Puerto Madryn from Iguazu usually means flying into Trelew Airport, sometimes connecting through Buenos Aires. The flight takes around four hours. Once you land, Puerto Madryn is about 40 miles (65 km) away by shuttle, taxi, or rental car.

The drive down the coast of Patagonia crosses open steppe where sheep farms dot the plains. Puerto Madryn is the gateway to Peninsula Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for marine life, and you’ll use it as a base for the next few days. 

Day 6: Peninsula Valdés Wildlife Sanctuary

Peninsula Valdés is one of the best places in Argentina to see wildlife, and it’s protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. From June through December, Southern right whales gather offshore, while elephant seals and sea lions spread out along the beaches.

More than 180,000 Magellanic penguins nest here, and the birdlife alone makes the trip worthwhile. The drive across salt flats ends at Puerto Pirámides, the peninsula’s only town and the starting point for whale-watching trips. 
 

Day 7: Punta Tombo penguin colony

Punta Tombo is the world’s largest mainland colony of Magellanic penguins, and from September to March more than 200,000 pairs arrive here to breed. This is a great addition to any Argentina itinerary.

Walking trails wind through the nesting grounds, where penguins shuffle between burrows and the ocean. It’s one of the few places where you can observe them up close as they guard nests or feed chicks.

The interpretive center explains their migration and breeding habits, adding context to what you’ll see on the trails. Keep an eye out for guanacos, rheas, armadillos, and seabirds that also thrive in this protected coastal environment alongside the penguins.

Day 8: Journey to World’s End

Travel time: 3.5 hours

Flying from Trelew to Ushuaia takes you over the Patagonian steppe and across the Strait of Magellan, with sweeping views of Tierra del Fuego below. Aerolíneas Argentinas runs daily flights to Malvinas Argentinas Airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the center of town.

Ushuaia is often called the world’s southernmost city, framed by snow-covered peaks on one side and the Beagle Channel on the other. Many travelers use Ushuaia as a base for hiking, boat trips, and exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park nearby.
 

Day 9: Tierra del Fuego National Park

This is the only national park in Argentina that reaches the sea, protecting a mix of mountains, lakes, and dense subantarctic forest. The Pipo River valley is known for its peat bogs that have developed over thousands of years, while lenga and coihue trees dominate the trails.

Roca Lake is framed by mountains and often perfectly still, reflecting the landscape around it. Paths also lead to Lapataia Bay, where the Pan-American Highway officially ends after crossing two continents.

Day 10: Beagle Channel

Exploring the Beagle Channel by boat is one of the highlights of Ushuaia. Catamaran excursions take you past islands crowded with wildlife. Sea Lion Island is home to noisy colonies, while Bird Island is covered with imperial cormorants and other seabirds.

The striking red-and-white Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse marks a rocky outcrop once dangerous for sailors, earning it the nickname “Lighthouse at the End of the World.” Depending on the season, you may also see Magellanic penguins nesting on beaches. Keep an eye out for fur seals, dolphins, or even orcas.

Day 11: Journey to Glacier Country

Travel time: 1.5 hours

A quick flight takes you from Ushuaia to El Calafate across the Southern Patagonian Ice Field for day 11 of this Argentina itinerary. On a clear day you can see glaciers, turquoise lakes, and jagged peaks from the plane. LATAM and Aerolíneas Argentinas both fly into Comandante Armando Tola Airport, about 14 miles (23 km) from El Calafate. The town, set along Lago Argentino, is the main base for visiting Los Glaciares National Park.

Day 12: Perito Moreno Glacier

Perito Moreno is unusual because it is still advancing. That means you often hear the cracks and groans of ice before watching huge pieces break away into the lake. The Peninsula de Magallanes walkways let you view the 200-foot (60 m) ice wall from different levels.

The glacier runs about 3 miles (5 km) across Lago Argentino, and the sound of it shifting never really stops. A visitor center nearby explains how glaciers form and the role of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. You can also take a boat to the glacier’s face to see the scale of the ice towering over the water.

Day 13: Rivers of ice

Boat trips on Lago Argentino pass through iceberg-filled waters to reach the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers. Upsala has retreated in recent years but still fills the lake with enormous icebergs. Spegazzini rises 443 feet (135 m) above the water, making it the tallest glacier in the park.

Sailing past its sheer wall of blue ice gives you a sense of just how much frozen mass moves through this system. Light and density change the color of the ice, so you will see everything from bright white to deep shades of blue.

Insider’s tip: Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, as the reflection from the ice and water is intense.

Day 14: Departure

Travel time: 3 hours

From El Calafate, flights connect to Buenos Aires and other parts of Argentina. Morning departures usually match well with international flights. Weather in Patagonia can be unpredictable, so delays do happen. The return flight also gives you a last look at the wide plains and distant mountains.

Want more control over your trip? Our local experts create itineraries shaped by your interests, with full support while you travel. 

Personalize your Argentina travel itinerary

Everyone experiences Argentina differently. Some people want late-night tango in San Telmo, others prefer long hikes among glaciers, and many want both. Rough Guides’ local experts are local to Argentina and know the country inside and out. They can create Argentine trips that match your pace and interests, whether that means wine tastings in Mendoza, private guides in Patagonia, or a stay at an estancia where you can ride horses across the pampas.

They also handle the practical side, including flights, hotels, transfers, and excursions, so you do not spend hours piecing things together. With 24/7 support during your trip, you are covered if plans change.

A tailor-made itinerary means less stress and more time enjoying Argentina the way you want to. Ready to start planning? Request a free trip plan. 

Other Argentina travel itineraries

Argentina stretches from the tropics to the edge of Antarctica, so itineraries can look very different depending on the region you choose. Some focus on Patagonia for glaciers and hiking, others on the northwest for desert landscapes and Andean culture, while wine travelers often base themselves around Mendoza. Here are some other great Argentina itineraries

Best Beunos Aires itinerary

This short Argentina itinerary gives you a good sense of the capital in only four days. You’ll cycle through historic neighborhoods, visit major landmarks, and end with a tango show in a classic venue.

• Days 1 & 2: The main sights
  • A guided bike tour takes you past the Obelisk, Colón Theatre, and into neighborhoods like La Boca, Plaza de Mayo, and Recoleta. The city’s mix of European architecture and Argentine energy is clear everywhere you ride.
• Days 3 & 4: Delta adventure & tango
  • Take a boat trip through the Tigre Delta, where narrow channels wind past stilt houses and riverside docks. Back in the city, finish your stay with a tango dinner show at Café Los Angelitos.

Best wine Argentina itinerary

This 10-day Argentina itinerary takes you through the nations’s wine country and into Chile’s coastal valleys. You’ll start in Buenos Aires, continue to Mendoza, cross the Andes into Santiago, and end on the Pacific coast. The best time to visit Argentina for wine is duruing the harvest season in autumn (March through May).

• Days 1 to 3: Buenos Aires
  • Spend time exploring Buenos Aires’ main neighborhoods and landmarks, then take a boat ride along the Tigre Delta. Begin your wine journey with a tasting at Bodega Trapiche, one of Argentina’s best-known wineries.
• Days 4 to 6: Mendoza
  • Fly west to Mendoza, the country’s leading wine region and the birthplace of Malbec. Visit bodegas in Luján de Cuyo and Maipú, cycle between vineyards, and enjoy long lunches paired with local wines.
• Days 7 & 8: Santiago
  • Cross the Andes into Santiago and spend time in the historic center and around the presidential palace. Explore neighborhoods known for food and nightlife, and experience the city’s growing wine culture
• Days 9 & 10: Coastal valleys & UNESCO heritage
  • Travel west to the Casablanca Valley for cool-climate whites before continuing to Valparaíso. Ride historic funiculars, visit Pablo Neruda’s former home, and end the trip with coastal views and a glass of wine.
     

Best Patagonia Argentina itinerary

This Argentina itinerary combines Buenos Aires with Patagonia’s lakes, glaciers, and a final stop in Chile’s Torres del Paine. It moves from city culture to mountain treks before ending in Punta Arenas.

• Days 1 to 3: Buenos Aires & gaucho culture
  • Start with guided tours of the capital’s main landmarks and neighborhoods. Spend a day in San Antonio de Areco, visiting artisan workshops, eating in a pulpería, and returning for an evening tango show.
• Days 4 to 6: Bariloche Lake District
  • Fly south to Bariloche for lakeside views and mountain scenery. Ride the chairlift up Cerro Campanario, then drive the Seven Lakes Route to San Martín de los Andes.
• Days 7 to 9: Glacier country
  • Base yourself in El Calafate to see the advancing Perito Moreno Glacier. Continue to El Chaltén, where even short hikes bring views of Fitz Roy, condors, and waterfalls.
• Days 10 to 13: Torres del Paine, Chile
  • Cross into Chile for days of hiking in Torres del Paine National Park. Trails lead to the granite towers, the French Valley, and sweeping Patagonian landscapes before you head to Punta Arenas.

Argentina travel itineraries FAQ

Here’s some of the most common questions we get from our readers when planning an Argentina itinerary.

How many days are enough for Argentina?

If it’s your first time, 10 to 14 days gives you enough time to see a few very different sides of Argentina without spending your whole trip in airports. A common plan is three or four days in Buenos Aires, then three days in Mendoza’s wine country or Bariloche’s lake district, and four or five days in southern Patagonia around El Calafate or Ushuaia.

Each place feels distinct and is worth a visit. Argentina stretches nearly 2,300 miles (3,700 km) from top to bottom, about the same as Madrid to Moscow. For most travelers, that means flying between regions.

With just one week, it is better to choose Buenos Aires plus either wine country or Patagonia. Any shorter and you will only have time for Buenos Aires itself.

What is the best time to visit Argentina?

Seasons run opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. Summer, from November through March, brings hot weather in Buenos Aires, grape harvests in Mendoza, and accessible hiking trails in Patagonia, where you can expect long daylight hours.

April and May are cooler but still comfortable almost everywhere, with autumn colors in the wine valleys and fewer people in Patagonia. Winter, from June to September, is ski season in Bariloche and the best time to see whales near Puerto Madryn, though many trails in Patagonia close.

If you are traveling in January or early February, be aware this is Argentina’s school holiday period, so destinations will be busier and more expensive.
 

How do you get around Argentina?

For long distances, most people fly during their Argentina itinerary. Aerolíneas Argentinas and budget airlines like FlyBondi and JetSmart connect the major cities. Flights to Patagonia book up quickly, so it is best to plan ahead.

Long-distance buses are another option. They are more comfortable than you might expect, with reclining seats and meals on overnight routes. The Buenos Aires to Mendoza bus is one of the most popular.

Driving makes sense if you want to explore at your own pace, especially along scenic routes like Ruta 40 or the wine roads near Mendoza. Distances are huge though.

What’s public transportation like in Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires has one of the most extensive systems in South America, and it is inexpensive.

The Subte has six lines covering central neighborhoods and runs from about 5 am until 10:30 pm on weekdays. A SUBE card is used across the whole network, including buses and suburban trains.

Buses go everywhere, though figuring out the routes can be tricky at first. The BA Cómo Llego app makes it easier.

Expect the Subte to be crowded during rush hours. Trains run to the suburbs and make day trips to places like Tigre simple. Taxis are common, and Uber is widely used. 

Should I visit Patagonia in the same trip as Buenos Aires?

It makes sense if you have enough time. Patagonia feels like a different country compared to Buenos Aires, and combining the two shows you more of Argentina’s scale.

The challenge is distance. Buenos Aires to El Calafate is about 1,400 miles (2,250 km), which is a three and a half hour flight. If you have only a week, adding Patagonia means you will spend more time traveling than seeing places. With 10 days or more, it becomes worth it.

How much does a trip to Argentina cost?

Compared to Chile or Uruguay, Argentina is easier on the budget, but it is more expensive than Bolivia or Peru.

• Budget ($50–80 per day / ARS 50,000–80,000): Hostel dorms, simple meals like empanadas, and public buses with a SUBE card. Cooking in hostel kitchens helps keep costs down. Free activities include neighborhood markets and plazas.
• Mid-range ($80–150 per day / ARS 80,000-150,000): Boutique hotels in neighborhoods like Palermo, steak dinners with wine, and occasional taxis or flights. This is how many international visitors choose to travel.
• Luxury ($150+ per day / ARS 150,000+): Five-star hotels, private vineyard visits, scenic flights, and exclusive restaurants. High-end experiences are polished but still less expensive than in much of North America or Europe.

Can I see glaciers year-round in Patagonia?

You can visit Patagonia’s glaciers at any time of year, but the experience changes with the seasons. Perito Moreno Glacier near El Calafate is open daily, and you can always walk the boardwalks for a clear view of the ice during your Argentina itinerary.

Boat trips and ice trekking usually run from October to April when conditions are safer. In winter, from June to September, there are fewer visitors and snow on the mountains, but shorter daylight hours and some road closures.

The Southern Patagonian Ice Field feeds more than 40 glaciers, so you will still see ice even in warmer months. Trips to Upsala and Spegazzini only run in summer, when the lakes are clear of ice. If you want to try ice climbing or take longer boat tours, December to March is the best time. 

What’s the dining schedule like?

In Argentina, meals run later than most visitors expect. Dinner before 9pm is unusual, and locals often arrive around 10pm and stay well past midnight on weekends.

Most restaurants open around 8pm, though many close between 3pm and 7pm, which can leave you without many options if you are hungry during that window.

Lunch is usually between 1 and 2pm, and around 5 or 6pm people take a break for merienda, with coffee and medialunas.

Some parrillas and pizzerías stay open all afternoon, which helps if you prefer an earlier meal. On Sundays, long family lunches start around 2pm and stretch through the afternoon. 

What’s the altitude like in different regions and do I need to worry about altitude sickness?

Altitude is only a concern in a few regions of Argentina. Buenos Aires, the coast, and Patagonia are near sea level.

In the northwest, the elevation is much higher. Salta and the Quebrada de Humahuaca are between 4,000 and 13,000 feet (1,200–4,000 meters), with mountain passes reaching more than 14,700 feet (4,500 meters). Mendoza is lower at 2,460 feet (750 meters), though the Aconcagua base camp climbs to 14,100 feet (4,300 meters).

Altitude sickness can start around 8,200 feet (2,500 meters), with headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath. If you are visiting Purmamarca, Tilcara, or driving into Chile over high passes during you Argentina itinerary, take your time and stay hydrated.
 

Can I visit estancias (ranches) as a day trip?

Yes, day trips to estancias are easy to arrange during an Argentina itinerary, especially near Buenos Aires. San Antonio de Areco, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) away, has several historic ranches where you can spend the day riding horses, watching folk dancing, and enjoying asados.

These visits usually run from 9am to 5pm and include meals and transfers. Because everything is included, day trips can sometimes cost more than overnight stays. Near El Calafate, estancias such as Nibepo Aike focus on sheep farming and traditional lamb barbecues. In Mendoza, some combine horseback riding through vineyards with wine tastings.

Looking to plan your travels? Rough Guides’ local travel experts know the region inside out. They’ll tailor your route, manage the logistics, and provide 24/7 assistance while you’re on the road, leaving you free to make the most of your time away. Learn more about our tailor made trips.