Planning a first trip to Argentina can feel overwhelming when you are trying to fit a lot into a limited amount of time. After spending two weeks travelling independently, I discovered a simpler route made the experience far more enjoyable.
This 2-week Argentina itinerary is based on how I travelled and what felt worth prioritising on a first visit. It is designed to help you make the most of your time without feeling rushed, particularly if you are visiting Argentina for the first time or travelling solo.
From the romance of the tango cafes of Buenos Aires to the glacial majesty of Patagonia, I’ve got you covered.
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Why This Itinerary Works for a First Trip to Argentina
On a first visit, it is easy to misjudge travel times and take on too much. This route focuses on a small number of places that felt genuinely worth the effort, rather than trying to cover everything in one trip.
By limiting the number of stops, the itinerary allows time to settle into each place and keeps travel days realistic. This first-time Argentina itinerary worked well for me, and would suit anyone who wants a clear, well-paced introduction to the country without constantly moving around.
Although you can complete this route in fewer than 14 days, it’s prudent to build in some wiggle room in case of unforeseen incidents and to allow time without a particular agenda.
A Realistic 2 Week Route Through Argentina
| DAY 1 | LONDON TO BUENOS AIRES | Arrival late pm. Arrange a day trip to Colonia. |
| DAY 2 | BUENOS AIRES | Historic centre – Plaza de Mayo, Cathedral, Casa Rosado, Downtown area |
| DAY 3 | BUENOS AIRES TO EL CALAFATE | Arrival mid pm |
| DAY 4 | EL CALAFATE | Day trip to Perito Moreno Glacier |
| DAY 5 | EL CALAFATE TO BARILOCHE | Arrival late pm |
| DAY 6 | BARILOCHE | Walk – Circuito Chico |
| DAY 7 | BARILOCHE | Walk – Lago Gutierrez |
| DAY 8 | BARILOCHE TO IGUAZU | Arrival late pm. Arrange transfer to Iguazu Falls. |
| DAY 9 | IGUAZU | Iguazu Falls – Argentinian side |
| DAY 10 | IGUAZU | Iguazu Falls – Brazilian side |
| DAY 11 | IGUAZU TO BUENOS AIRES | Arrival late pm. Arrange day trip to Colonia. |
| DAY 12 | BUENOS AIRES | Optional day trip to Colonia, Uruguay |
| DAY 13 | BUENOS AIRES | Walking tour of La Boca. La Recoleta Cemetery. |
| DAY 14 | BUENOS AIRES | San Telmo & El Zanjon. Palermo street art. |
Day by Day Breakdown
Day 1 – 2: Buenos Aires
I’ll level with you. However long you spend in Buenos Aires, it won’t be enough. This most European of South American cities seduced me with its colonial architecture, rich history and the romance of tango.
Top sights
- Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada for history
- San Telmo for markets and street life
- La Boca for colour and tango street performances
- Palermo’s street art
- La Recoleta Cemetery for eerie beauty
Practical tips
- I booked a taxi transfer from Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport, which was worth every last dollar. Alternatively, there is a taxi booth in the arrivals hall (hailing a taxi at the airport is not recommended).
- Getting around Buenos Aires is easy thanks to its extensive public transport system, comprising buses and the Subte (subway) network. Buy a SUBE card, a prepaid magnetic card, available at all subway stations.
- I also found taxis to be plentiful, realiable and cheap.
- As it is easy to veer off the tourist track into some less savoury areas, I recommend exploring La Boca on a guided walking tour.
On Day 3, I took a morning flight to El Calafate, the springboard for the Perito Moreno Glacier, arriving mid-afternoon.
Day 3 – 4: El Calafate / Perito Moreno Glacier
Stretching back as far as the eye can see above the turquoise water of Argentinian Patagonia’s Los Glaciares National Park, the Perito Moreno Glacier is an extraordinary sight. Measuring over 30km in length, 5km across and towering 70 meters above the surface of Lago Argentino, the glacier covers an area of 250 square kilometres.
Although this was easily my most expensive day in Argentina, it is one that I will never forget.
What to expect at the Perito Moreno Glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of nature’s very best sight and sound shows. Multiple viewing platforms provide different vantage points, each one seemingly better than the last.
But it was its activity that made it so spell-binding. As the glacier advances, immense ice chunks break off, plummeting into the lake, a process called calving.
First, there is a low rumble, like thunder. Visitors wait in eager anticipation, cameras at the ready. Then as the ice mass fractures and crashes into the water, there is a collective gasp of awe.
A one-hour boat trip takes you around the base. This is well worth the ticket price, stopping a mere 100 meters from the ice wall. You can almost feel the glacier’s icy breath.
Practical tips
- Multiple tour operators, which line the El Calafate’s main street, offer day trips to Perito Moreno Glacier. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, rent a car or take the bus from the bus station.
- I visited Perito Moreno on a day tour. As the cost of this excursion was only marginally more than the return bus fare, and I did not have the inconvenience of hiking to the bus station on the outskirts of town, it was a no-brainer.
- I arranged this when I arrived in El Calafate, but you can book ahead if you prefer.
- However you get to Perito Moreno Glacier, you will need to pay the entrance fee on arrival (it won’t be included in any tour that you book).
On Day 5, I took an afternoon flight to Bariloche, arriving early evening.
Day 5 – 7: Bariloche
Bariloche is the gateway to northern Patagonia’s glacial lakes, pine forests and volcanic mountains. The best way to explore this area is by doing some or all of the Circuito Chico, a spectacular 60km road journey that includes fragrant forests, magnificent mountains and languid lakes.
Although having a car makes life a little easier, I tackled the Circuito Chico by bus #20 from Bariloche.
Highlights of the Circuito Chico
- Cerro Campanario – take the chairlift through the forest to the mountain’s summit and spectacular views of Lake Gutiérrez & Lake Perito Moreno, encircled by pine forests
- Llao Llao – famed resort located between Perito Moreno and Nahuel Huapi lakes
- Playa Moreno – a tranquil spot on the shores of Lake Perito Moreno
- Bariloche – scenic hub with lots of chocolate shops (works for me)
I took an afternoon flight from Bariloche on day 8, arriving at my resort hotel late evening.
Day 8 – 10: Iguazú Falls
Straddling the border between Argentina and Brazil, the thundering Iguazú Falls was one of the most extraordinary sights that I encountered during my 14 days in Argentina. You can see the them from either country.
What to expect at the Iguazú Falls
- On the Argentinian side (Cataratas Del Iguazu), your admission ticket gives you access to different trails, ranging from 600m to 7km in length.
- The shortest trail, is the upper trail (Circuito Superior). The lower trail, Circuito Inferior, is a 1.6km yomp through the forest leading to some of the park’s most spectacular waterfalls, including Salto Ramirez and Bossetti.
- Build in time to take the train to the Devil’s Throat (Garganta Del Diablo) station. From there, walk on wooden platforms suspended over the churning waters to reach the Devil’s Throat.
- Cross to the Brazilian side (Cataratas Do Iguaçu) for a view you’ll never forget. The Trilha das Cataratas is a 1km trail with sweeping views of the falls leading you right into the Devil’s Throat.
Practical tips
- Try to allow at least two full days at the Iguazú Falls, one for each side
- I used the hotel’s transfer service to get to the Argentinian side of the Iguazú Falls.
- I also took a taxi to the Brazilian side of the Iguazú Falls. With two sets of immigration controls to navigate there and back and a very helpful driver to guide me, this was money well spent.
- If you are travelling on a budget, there is also a bus from Puerto Iguazú.
Reluctantly saying goodbye to the Iguazú Falls, I took the short flight back to Buenos Aires, arriving late afternoon on Day 11. This gave me time to arrange my trip to Colonia on the following day.
Day 11 – 14: Buenos Aires
Your two-week Argentina itinerary ends where it started, in Buenos Aires. This is your opportunity to visit the city’s attractions you missed at the start of your trip and take an optional day trip to Colonia, Uruguay.
Visiting Colonia, Uruguay
- I took the ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia, a 75-minute journey. I used BuqueBus but services run by Colonia Express also make the crossing.
- Colonia is an achingly picturesque and laid-back place to wander around. Three or four hours were enough to hit its highlights.
- These include Calle de los Suspiros (Street of Sighs), the main square (Plaza Mayor 25 de Mayo), old lighthouse (Faro) and Iglesia Matriz (Church of the Most Holy Sacrament).
Practical Travel Tips for Your 2 Weeks in Argentina
Safety and solo travel in Argentina
Argentina solo travel should not be feared. As a solo female traveller, I found it a safe country to travel around. Like any major city, petty theft can be an issue in Buenos Aires, but just take the same precautions as you would in your home city.
Don’t make yourself a target. Walk confidently and with purpose, be careful with your belongings, especially smartphones and laptops, and leave your diamond necklace at home.
Trust your instincts. Take a taxi when this is a safer option. Seek local knowledge on the safety of areas.
For further tips, check out my advice for keeping safe when travelling alone.
When to visit Argentina
Although Argentina is a year-round destination, weather patterns vary according to where you are in the country.
- Buenos Aires is ideal in autumn (March-May) and spring (Sept-Nov) when temperatures are not so oppressive. If you visit in springtime, the jacaranda trees should be in full bloom, which is a wonderful sight.
- Patagonia and the southern Andes are best visited in summer (Dec-March) when days are longer and warmer.
- Iguazú Falls is a year-round destination but can be steaming in high summer (Dec – Feb).
- Winter (June-Aug) is the best time to visit the Northwest.
Getting there
Most travellers arrive in Argentina by air. There are direct flights to Buenos Aires from Europe, North America, Australia, South Africa and many South American countries.
Buenos Aires has two airports: Ezezia (EZE), serving mostly international flights, and Aeroparque (AEP), which is the domestic hub as well as handling some flights to other South American countries.
How I got around
Considering the size of the country, to maximise your two weeks in Argentina, flying is going to be your best bet. I took domestic flights between the main hubs, using the services of LATAM and Aerolineas Argentinas.
When planning your flight routing, be aware that Buenos Aires is the hub for domestic flights. There are no direct connections between many major cities.
Buses in Argentina have a reputation for being good and cheap but it can take a very long time to get from A to B. Platform 10 is a popular resource to research routes and timetables.
Thanks to government investment, trains in Argentina are now an option. Take a look at passenger routes and timetables here but manage your expectations; services are still relatively limited.
Where I stayed
Buenos Aires – I stayed at the charming Duque Boutique Hotel in Palermo Soho. It has a tiny spa, a delightful small garden and terrace and exceptionally friendly staff.
El Calafate – I rested my head at the excellently located Calafate Parque Hotel, which reminded me of a comfy ski lodge.
Bariloche – I used the exceptionally friendly Hotel Antu Kuyen, a mid-range guesthouse that has a lakeside location. Book well in advance.
Iguazú Falls – My base was La Reserva Virgin Lodge, in a wonderful location in the heart of the Selva Iryapú Jungle. The Falls were a ten-minute drive.
Money matters
The economy in Argentina is complicated and its currency, the peso (ARS), fluctuates wildly, affecting prices. As the cost of goods and services can often change, this can make estimating the cost of any Argentina itinerary challenging, to say the least.
I strongly recommend bringing a decent amount of hard cash, specifically US dollars or Euros. Make sure that these notes are in good condition as you may find that some banks and currency exchanges will not accept those that have marks or creases.
Although you can withdraw pesos from ATMs, there are restrictions on the amount that you can withdraw and the transaction is likely to be subject to a hefty fee. Credit cards are accepted in more upscale restaurants and hotels but don’t rely on them as your sole source of payment.
Must-try food in Argentina
During your visit, don’t miss these traditional favourites.
- Steak – I guarantee that even though you will eat some of the best cuts of your life, after 2 weeks in Argentina you will not be able to look another steak in the eye for some time.
- Empanadas – These half-moon-shaped deep-fried pastry parcels, stuffed with a sweet or savoury filling are the go-to lunchtime snacks.
- Choripán – the ultimate Argentinean street food, this grilled chorizo-style sausage is served between slices of crusty bread.
Small group tours of Argentina
If you would rather not plan everything yourself, small group tours can be a practical option for your first trip to Argentina, particularly if time is limited. For this two week itinerary, though, travelling independently worked well and allowed more flexibility.
And That’s a Wrap!
Argentina was a country that exceeded my expectations.
Wherever you end up, and for however long, I am sure that you will have a fabulous time. With its enormous diversity of landscapes, fantastic food and wine and warm & generous people, it will be difficult not to.
If you have found this article helpful, take a look at my in-depth guide to visiting Buenos Aires.
Happy travels!
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.