Your Argentina trip itinerary: top trip ideas and planning tips

It is not an overstatement to say that Argentina is an epic country to explore. At nearly 4,000km from top to tip, it encompasses a whole world of landscapes and natural wonders. Down its western flank, the Andes descend from the arid north to the icy south. Waterfalls tumble, glaciers creak, and wildlife abounds in tropical wetlands and nutrient-rich oceans. The culture here is a mix of European influences with a distinctly South American soul, where food, wine and dancing are high on the agenda. Here we highlight our top Argentina trip itinerary ideas to get you started as you plan the ultimate tailor-made journey.

Our best Argentina trip itinerary ideas for every type of traveler

Best all-rounder: the ultimate highlights of Argentina

This diverse Argentina travel itinerary offers a well-rounded tour of this exuberant country, with a blend of wildlife watching, city streets, and natural wonders. Explore buzzing Buenos Aires, cruise up close to the Perito Moreno glacier and meet the wildlife (and weather) at the windswept tip of Patagonia. From icy oceans to tropical trails, the finishing notes of this adventure will be at Iguazu Falls, with jungle walks, colorful birdlife, and the roar of the mighty falls.

Best for outdoor lovers: Patagonia exploration across land and sea

The wilderness beckons on this journey through Patagonia by land and sea. If you’re looking for big skies and bold landscapes right on the edge of the world, then this Argentina trip itinerary has your name on it. Hike alpine trails around El Chaltén with views of the fanglike peaks of the Fitz Roy Mountains. Then, dazzling icescapes and marine wildlife await on a voyage by boat around Cape Horn and into Chilean Patagonia. There are a couple of days tacked on either end for some city-slicking in Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile.

Best for families: see all the highlights in 10 days

This 10-day Argentina itinerary is packed with fun and eye-opening experiences. The whole crew can get involved with family-friendly cooking classes, cycle tours, and options for horse riding and cattle ranching. Explore Buenos Aires, get involved at a traditional estancia, gaze up at a towering glacier, and get drenched under the spray of Iguazu. This exciting adventure will have the whole family enthralled.

Best for romantics: a multisensory trip rich in food, dance and more

Delight your senses on this food and wine fanatic’s ultimate Argentina itinerary. Dive deep into the culture and cuisine of Buenos Aires with guided tours, fine dining and tango classes. Then, head into the foothills of the Andes to the Argentine wine country of Mendoza for vineyard tours under blue skies.

Best for eco-conscious travel: wildlife, wetlands and more

Experience the serene side of Argentina with stays in eco-lodges and rural escapes. Begin with a stay in Tigre, a riverside community on the fringes of Buenos Aires. Then, journey into the rainforest around Iguazu to meet the indigenous Guarani people and experience the tropical way of life, the wildlife, and the magic of Iguazu Falls. Finally, spend several peaceful days in the remote Iberá Wetlands, where capybaras and diverse birdlife forage around the lagoons and creeks.

Best for honeymoons: 15-day adventure for couples

The thrills come thick and fast on this adventurous Argentina honeymoon, taking in glaciers, waterfalls, rainbow mountains and more. The two of you will hike together, swoon over stunning sunsets, take flight over Iguazu Falls and learn the passionate art of tango. All the while staying in carefully chosen accommodation, from stately estancias to remote geodesic domes in the wilderness.

Best for cultural immersion: experience the gaucho way of life

The vast pampas plains of Argentina have long been the territory of the gaucho, a lone figure on horseback living off the land with their cattle. This trip offers a glimpse into a unique way of life with stays at estancias (ranches) across the central Pampas and down into Patagonia. Spend much of your time in the saddle, seeing incredible sights and experiencing a very different way of life.

Best multi-country itinerary: Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil

Mix things up with this multi-country itinerary offering a taste of life in three very different cities. Begin in Buenos Aires, delving into the culture and dining scene of this exciting capital, before dialing down the pace with a few days in and around Montevideo, Uruguay. Round things off in Rio de Janeiro with epic views and bombastic beach life.

Key considerations before you go

Best time to visit Argentina: weather considerations and seasonal attractions

High summer in Argentina

The southern hemisphere summer, from November to February, is the best time to visit Argentina for warm weather. At this time of year, Buenos Aires will be hot and steamy, making it a vibrant time for animated street life and late-night tango.

Further north, the summer can get uncomfortably hot, and on the tropical border with Brazil and Paraguay, Iguazu Falls will be in full flow. Although spectacular, the flipside is that the forest trails and islands often close at short notice and the viewing platforms will be busy.

This is by far the best time for trips to Patagonia, from Bariloche and the lake district, right down to the glaciers of El Calafate and the furthest tip of Ushuaia.

The mellow delights of fall

March and April see the fall harvest across the wine regions of Mendoza and beyond, making it an excellent time for wine tasting and delving into viniculture. This is a great time for fall color in the Lake District, but further south, Patagonia will be feeling the first icy clutches of winter.

When winter bites

As winter bites in the south, the sunbaked and more tropical lands of the north come into their own. May to August is a pleasant time to visit Salta and the arid, cacti-dotted canyons of the north.

This season is one of the drier times of the year for tropical Argentina, but there’s always plenty of flow at Iguazu and it will be less crowded and cooler for hiking and biking. Choosing the optimum time to visit Iguazu is tricky, but don’t worry too much as it’s an incredible sight year-round.

Springtime across Argentina

The late winter months and into spring (September – October) are generally the prime season for whale watching and penguin spotting in northern Patagonia. The wildlife and weather in the Iberá Wetlands are also at their best in spring.

Public transport in Argentina: key facts

For getting around Buenos Aires, the bus and subway networks are easy to manage, and there are always taxis to fall back on. You’ll need to use some form of transport to nip between neighborhoods (barrios), but once you’ve found one you like, simply wandering is a fun way to explore.

The wider train network in Argentina is limited, but there is an efficient long-distance coach service. These are comfortable double-deckers with fully reclining seats, curtains, bathrooms and a meal service. But we’re still talking about very long journeys, with 18-25 hours on the road for journeys between Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls or down into Patagonia.

Do you need to rent a car? Pros and cons

As the country spans 4,000km, distances in Argentina are substantial. If you enjoy driving and you have time, then a road trip across Argentina would be epic. However, if you’re time poor (as many of us are these days), then renting a car is not ideal. Add to that a gung-ho approach to driving in Argentina, and you will have a more restful vacation with a local behind the wheel.

To see the full breadth of Argentina’s sights, an internal flight or two is necessary. We always promote slow travel where possible, discouraging unnecessary internal flights. However, the geography of Argentina makes that approach tricky here. This is a big trip, and one you won’t soon repeat, so to make the most of your visit, our Argentina itinerary ideas do include internal flights.

What currency is used in Argentina, and how do I access money?

The legal currency in Argentina is the Argentine peso. Many places accept US dollars too, but the exchange rate likely won’t be as favorable. Picking up pesos outside of the country can be tricky, so bringing US dollars and exchanging them at the airport or your hotel works well.

If you’d rather not travel with too much cash, there are plenty of cash machines for withdrawals and almost everywhere will accept payment by card. Just double-check card charges with your bank before travel to find the most economical option.

Safety and etiquette tips for a seamless trip

The social mores of Argentina won’t be too hard to navigate and are similar to those in much of the US and Europe. It’s a largely tolerant country and you’ll be unlikely to shock or insult anyone by mistake. When greeting or taking your leave it is customary to kiss everyone once on the right cheek, although a handshake won’t be frowned upon.

Tipping is customary for waiting staff (if a service charge isn’t already included) and at hairdressers. Those who help you with your bags or taxi doors also expect a small tip.

Make it happen

Are you feeling inspired by our top Argentina trip itinerary ideas? Seize your chance to uncover the many marvels of Argentina on a trip that’s entirely personalized to your needs and preferences. Whether you’re an active adventurer or a foodie in search of new gastronomic discoveries, our local partners are ready and waiting to help – so get in touch with them today.