Are you looking to spend two weeks in Argentina? Well, we’ve got you covered with this itinerary. It will help you hit the highlights of Argentina and get the most out of your visit.
Argentina is the 8th largest country in the world, which makes it hard to plan a visit that sees everything. This two-week itinerary will have you traveling around the country. By the end, you’ll have seen incredible architecture, eaten delicious food, and seen some of the most unique landscapes.
Of course, if you have the ability to enjoy more than two weeks in Argentina, then we included some bonus locations to check out.
Again, the disclaimer is that you are not going to see everything in two weeks! This itinerary hits the highlights (our favorite parts), but it is tight and has little downtime.
Here’s an overview of what this two weeks in Argentina itinerary covers:
- 3 days – Buenos Aires, the capital of the country
- 3 days – hiking mountains and trekking on glaciers in Patagonia
- 2 day- seeing the penguins at Puerto Madryn
- 2 days – wandering around the raging waterfalls of Iguazú Falls
- 4 days – the unique north of Argentina
For a slower itinerary, I’d recommend removing the Iguazu Falls portion and staying an extra day in Buenos Aires. If you’re not interested in the cold weather, cut out the Patagonia portion. Otherwise, you can cut out the north of Argentina and enjoy several day trips from Buenos Aires instead.
The 2-Week Argentina Itinerary
Days 1-3: Buenos Aires
What to do in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, the dazzling capital of Argentina, is absolutely a must on your two-week itinerary. There are so many wonderful things to see and do, from The Recoleta Cemetery to historical buildings like Teatro Colon and El Ateneo Grand Splendid. Consider this tour to see all the highlights.
Another great way to explore the many different neighborhoods that Buenos Aires has to offer is the Hop On Hop Off bus. We really enjoyed getting the tour with audio to let us know about everything we were seeing. You can go through Boca and the cobblestoned streets of San Telmo. This neighborhood has a great street market on Sundays, so go check that out in your two weeks in Argentina.
Of course, eating in Buenos Aires is probably the most important part of the trip. There are so many different restaurants for all budgets. We highly recommend going to a tango show and having dinner. We enjoyed this one at El Querandi.
Another fun thing would be to take a parrilla tour or an empanada making class. Or you can go to a local parrillada to have an authentic Argentine BBQ. Naturally stop for some empanadas and dulce de leche as some must eats when in Argentina.
Check out our 48-hour in Buenos Aires Itinerary here!
Where to stay in Buenos Aires
Tango De Mayo Hotel – This beautiful hotel is located in a refurbished historical building from the 1910s. It is within walking distance from Avenida 9 de Julio and the Obelisko. Additionally, breakfast is included in this luxurious Art Nouveau Hotel. Check out the incredibly affordable prices, as low as $112 per night.
Magnolia Hotel – This gorgeous hotel is in the center of Palermo Soho, a great location for food, activities, and exploring Buenos Aires. The entire hotel is immaculately decorated, and some rooms have balconies! The hotel also has a full a la carte menu for breakfast. With prices as low as $149 per night, it is truly a steal!
UP America Plaza – UP Hotel is the perfect budget stay in Buenos Aires. It features clean, modern rooms, AC in all rooms, and spacious bathrooms. Additionally, it is centrally located and close to a SUBE station. With breakfast included, $34 per night is a deal.
Days 4-6: El Calafate and El Chaltén
What to do in El Calafate and El Chaltén
El Calafate is an amazing place where you can walk on a thousands-year-old glacier. You can fly directly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate. While buses are available, Argentina is a very large country, and you only have two weeks.
Located in Los Glaciares National Park is the popular Perito Moreno Glacier. You can book a trek across the ice, take a boat tour, or simply view the glacier from the boardwalks around the park. Hearing the thunderous crack and boom of the glacier calve is a sound and sight you’ll never forget.
After exploring the glacier, check out the town of El Calafate. There is the bar de hielo (ice bar) in the Glaciarium. Additionally, check out the Lago Argentina to spot flamingos.
From El Calafate, take a bus for the two-hour trip to El Chalten. This is perfect for many different hikes and an opportunity to see Patagonia’s wildlife and beauty. On a clear day, head to one of the many trails around Monte Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. The views are spectacular.
Where to stay in El Calafate
Glaciares De La Patagonia – A cozy little hotel about 15 minutes walking from downtown. Breakfast is included in your stay, and the affordable price and location make it a great option.
Aikendor Hotel – With a heated indoor pool, Aikendor Hotel has everything you need to rest your sore muscles after hiking all day. This hotel also includes breakfast with your stay. It is about 0.7 miles from downtown.
Mirador Del Lago Hotel – With beautiful views of Lake Argentina, this hotel is one of a kind. It offers an airport shuttle, buffet breakfast every morning, and an on site restaurant.
Days 6-8: Puerto Madryn
What to do in Puerto Madryn
For starters, to get around Puerto Madryn, you’ll want to rent a car at the airport. There are so many things to do in the area, but there is basically no public transportation, and too many taxis can get expensive quickly. Puerto Madryn is a great place for plenty of outdoor adventures and to see plenty of wildlife.
Mid-September through Mid-April is the best time to visit and see all the animals. In Puerto Madryn, you’ll see Magellan penguins, Orca whales, dark dolphins, sea lions, and Southern right whales. There are so many ways to see and interact with the animals. You can snorkel with the sea lions, walk with the penguins, and even take a submarine to see the fish!
Where to stay in Puerto Madryn
Hotel Gran Madryn – Located right on the beach this hotel lets you get close and personal with the wildlife in Patagonia. There is a free airport shuttle and breakfast at Hotel Gran Madryn. It is particularly popular with couples.
Hotel Tolosa – By far, it is one of the best-located hotels in Puerto Madryn. Not only is it right in the city center, it is also on the beach! It is easily within walking distance of almost everything, plus it has free bike rentals for everything that’s further away. Breakfast and an airport shuttle are also included.
Days 9-10: Iguazú Falls
What to do in Iguazú Falls
Iguazú Falls is the largest waterfall system in the world. It is 80 meters high with gushing spirals so powerful that you can’t see the bottom. Catch an early morning flight from Puerto Madryn to Puerto Iguazú.
When you arrive, head straight to the Argentine side of the falls. There is a series of catwalks that get you up close to the waterfalls. You can also book an awesome guided tour that includes a boat ride that gets you up close and personal with the waterfalls. It’s a wild ride, but definitely something that you’ll remember from your two weeks in Argentina.
If you want, you can also head to Brazil to see the falls from that side. You will need your passport and, for some countries, a visa. Ensure you’re prepared for that. However, I think the Argentine side of Iguazú is more spectacular. So, if the falls are all you want to do, then one day is more than enough time in Iguazú.
But if you want something more to do, head to the local rainforest for some fun outdoor activities. There is zip lining, a rainforest jeep tour, and even waterfall rappelling. There is so much fun stuff to do, but I wouldn’t do more than two days in Iguazú.
Where to stay in Iguazú Falls
Ox Hotel – Particularly great for families with kids, the Ox Hotel has breakfast and a large pool. It is close to Iguazu Falls and to the tropical forest. Plus the front desk can help arrange all different kinds of tours.
Iguazu Jungle Lodge – Another great hotel for families! This lodge is 10 minutes walk from downtown Iguazu. It has beautiful views of the sub-tropical forest as well as a massive outdoor pool. The rooms are spacious and breakfast is included.
Mensú Grand Hotel – This hotel offers an airport shuttle (for a fee), free buffet breakfast, and a restaurant on site. It is downtown and 12 miles from the waterfalls.
Days 11-14: Salta and Jujuy
What to do in north Argentina
Okay, so yes, this adds a lot more flying to your two weeks in Argentina, but it’s such a remarkable area, and it completes the Argentine experience. Northern Argentina has otherworldly landscapes, delicious wines, amazing food, and intriguing culture. We always encourage people to go north.
Fly into Salta for a north Argentina road trip! From Puerto Iguazú you can fly nonstop to Salta Tuesday-Thursday and Sundays. Other days would require a connection through Buenos Aires (frustrating!) so try to plan your week accordingly. In Salta, rent a car to explore Humahuaca, Tilcara, and Purmamarca.
In Humahuaca, scour the markets for artisanal blankets, rugs, pottery, and other local souvenirs. Tilcara is the home to Pucara ruins (a pre-Incan fort). Our recommendation is to base yourself out of Salta and make day trips to the different towns. If you don’t want to drive, there are many tours that go from Salta to different places in the area.
Purmamarca is also a great place to base yourself as well. Here you can see the majesty of the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors). It is most beautiful at sunset.
Of course you will want to visit the Salinas Grandes which is the second largest salt flats in South America. Cafayate is also on the list. This is Argentina’s second wine region. Torrontes varietal is what’s famous here. Definitely make time to check out everything Salta has to offer.
Where to stay in Salta
Selina Salta – This hotel is in a great location near many attractions. It also includes a restaurant, garden, bar, and lounge area. For less than $200 a night, there is a buffet breakfast, a la cart, or Italian style breakfast available.
Hotel De la Linda – Located in a beautiful refurbished Colonial home in the center of Salta’s downtown this hotel has so much character. Not only is it beautifully decorated and designed, but there is also breakfast included. It also has an airport shuttle.
Hotel Colonia Salta – Another beautifully refurbished hotel is located right in the middle of downtown. It is across the street from Plaza 9 de Julio, the main town square. Additionally, they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
Where to stay in Purmamarca
Los Colorados Cabañas Boutique – This is a great unique stay in northern Argentina. It is at the foot of the 7 colors hill with incredible views and decorated like the landscape. The bungalows have a lot of character, comfort, and space. There is regional breakfast served at each bungalow every morning. The outdoor patio has shared BBQ grills and clay oven for a full local experience.
More places to add to your Argentina itinerary
Mendoza
Taste Malbec right from the source here in Mendoza! Even if drinking isn’t your thing, there are a ton of other activities. Ranging from horseback rides in the Andes to white water rafting. You can fly to Mendoza from Buenos Aires easily.
Bariloche
Come to the chocolate capital of Argentina! While chocolate is definitely the reason to come visit, it is not the only reason to stay. Explore the Ruta de los Siete Lagos, see the Arrayanes forest, or bike/drive the Circuito Chico for incredible views.
Ushuaia
Go to the south of Argentina and get close to Antarctica. Ushuaia is known as the End of the World. You can take a train and hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park. You can canoe at the national park. Here you can also get close to penguins or get out in the Beagle Channel to see seals and birds.
Córdoba
Cordoba has a beautiful city center to explore with an amazing cathedral. Head down to Sarmiento Park to spend time together with the locals. If you’re visiting during Oktoberfest, join celebrations in Villa General Belgrano.
Day Trip To Uruguay
From Buenos Aires, you can take a ferry to Uruguay. The first stop is Colonia Del Sacramento, which is where we went! Colonia Del Sacramento is a UNESCO site with some older buildings in the port city. Check out if Colonia del Sacramento is worth adding to your two weeks in Argentina.
Additionally, you can continue on with the ferry to Montevideo. Remember, Uruguay is a different country, so you’ll need to bring your passport, but it’ll get stamped!
2 Weeks in Argentina Itinerary: FAQs
What is the best time to visit Argentina for this 2-week itinerary?
The best time for this itinerary would be September-November. This is spring in Argentina. It will be warm enough to enjoy the glacier and see the penguins while still being cool enough to enjoy Salta and Jujuy.
How many days in Argentina do I need?
Argentina is the 8th largest country in the world. Since it is so large it can be hard to truly get to explore all parts of the country. 2 weeks in Argentina is a great way to get started, but it does leave a lot more to explore.
I think a minimum of a month would really allow you to explore all corners of Argentina. You can spend more time exploring larger cities and even getting to more places than what’s on this list.
Is Argentina safe for tourists?
While Argentina is known for pickpockets, it is generally a safe country. As long as you are being careful and watching your surroundings you should not have a problem. Driving a car in Argentina might be a little more aggressive, but otherwise it is a safe country for all tourists.
How do I get around in Argentina? Is public transport reliable?
Yes, public transportation is very reliable in Buenos Aires. However, in the rest of Argentina, you won’t find a ton of it. Argentina is a very large country, so for two weeks, you don’t have time to take the bus everywhere. We recommend taking planes to most of the locations on the itinerary.
You can also rent a car in Argentina. You will need to confirm there aren’t any kilometer limits in the rental. Most locations have easy ways to get around without needing a rental car though.
Do I need to know Spanish to travel around Argentina?
Speaking Spanish can make your time in Argentina a lot easier. Most people don’t speak English in Argentina, but they do try to be helpful. Google Translate can really help.
We recommend downloading Airalo to have data while in Argentina. Having a data plan can help with Google Translate and other translation services while in Argentina.
Final Thoughts about Spending 2 Weeks in Argentina
Argentina is a large country with so much to see and do. This 2-week itinerary in Argentina gives you a good taste of what the country has to offer. It takes you through the different landscapes and distinct cultures of Argentina. Plus it gives you a great opportunity to eat the different foods Argentina has to offer.
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