1 Week in Argentina - 7 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Buenos Aires & Iguazu Falls

Explore two of Argentina's most iconic destinations on this seven-day trip. Enjoy a full-day walking tour of Buenos Aires, walk along the thundering cliffs of Iguazú Falls, and enjoy a passionate tango performance over dinner. 

Start in Buenos Aires with a guided walking tour of the city. You'll visit Plaza San Martín, the Colón Theater, Plaza de Mayo, and more. Then, catch a flight to Puerto Iguazú, home to the Argentinian side of Iguazú Falls, the world's largest waterfall system. Visit the Three Borders Landmark in the tri-border area between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, and enjoy a panoramic view of Iguazú Falls from the walking paths surrounding the cascades.

On day 4, you'll traverse three circuit routes around the falls. The Upper Circuit features thousands of feet of catwalks suspended above the jungle surface, the Lower Circuit takes you near the base of falls, and Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Gorge) has a reputation that will precede your arrival to the park. Hop on a 20-minute tourist train to Garganta Station, where a short walk will take you over the river, culminating at a viewpoint—peering into the abyss as the highest of Iguazu's falls thunders around you is unforgettable. 

You'll also visit the Brazilian side of Iguazu, which has its own set of amenities including a renowned visitors center and restaurants with terraces overlooking the falls. On your last full day, you'll return to Buenos Aires and spend the evening at a live tango performance. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Active in Buenos Aires & Lake District

Discover Argentina's best family-friendly highlights on this weeklong itinerary that takes travelers to the top attractions in Buenos Aires and to the Lake District around Bariloche for outdoor adventures including skiing, hiking, and kayaking. 

The itinerary begins in Buenos Aires. On your first full day, you'll go on a guided walking tour of the city, stopping at the famous Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace) and Teatro Colon, considered one of the world's greatest opera houses. Wander through the historic neighborhood of San Telmo and have a traditional steak dinner at a parrilla (steakhouse). 

Next, you'll fly to the Lake District and the alpine city of Bariloche, a hub of adventure activity on the shore of the bright blue Lago Nahuel Huapi lake. Catch a cable car to the top of Cerro Campanario, just outside town, for views over the lake and snow-capped mountains. Then relax back in the city, feasting on regional specialties like fresh trout, wild boar, and fondue (brought to Argentina by the area's Swiss immigrants). Bariloche is famous for chocolate, too: stop into one of many shops in town to sample them. The next day, you'll head into the wilderness for kayaking on Lago Mascardi and a nature trek through the forest. Wrap up the trip with an exhilarating rafting adventure on the Río Manso river before flying back to the capital city on day seven for one more day of food and fun. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Culture & Wildlife in Patagonia

Experience the wildlife of Argentina on this seven-day adventure that includes sightseeing in Buenos Aires and a trip to Puerto Madryn to see penguins and whales in their natural habitat.

Begin your adventure in Buenos Aires, learning about local culture and history on a full-day walking tour. Visit the opulent city of the dead at the Cementerio de Recoleta (Recoleta Cemetery) and shop for antiques in San Telmo, then have coffee or a glass of wine in one of Palermo's many cafés and bars.

Next, you'll travel to Puerto Madryn on the eastern coast of Patagonia, an area famous for its diverse ecosystems and pristine landscapes. On day four, you'll head to the nearby fishing village of Puerto Rawson to board a boat for the journey to Punta Tombo, famous for its busy penguin colony. Keep an eye out for black-and-white-colored Commerson dolphins, the smallest dolphin species in the world, on the trip down. At the penguin colony, you'll get out of the boat and walk (carefully!) past thousands of penguins. The following day is devoted to whale-watching: you'll board another boat in Puerto Pirámides to catch up-close views of right whales and killer whales in their natural habitat. You'll get into the water on the next day, snorkeling with sea lions: wet suit included, of course. Fly back to Buenos Aires for one more coffee or helado (ice cream) before heading home. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Trekking in Bariloche

Get off the beaten path on this active week-long itinerary that features trekking in the Andes, kayaking on a Patagonian lake, and time in Buenos Aires for cultural sightseeing.  

The trip begins with a day and night in Buenos Aires: enough time for a self-guided tour and a leisurely meal or two—and a taste of the city's famous nightlife scene, if you're up for it. The following day, you'll fly to Bariloche, gateway to the Andean foothills. Wander through the city's celebrated chocolate shops and get some rest before the next day's itinerary, which takes you to Cerro Campanario and the beautiful Llao Llao Peninsula.

On days four and five, you'll embark on a two-day trek to Emilio Frey Refuge. Hiking through valleys and streams, you'll enjoy postcard-perfect views of Laguna Tonchek and Laguna Schmal, spending the night in a sheltered tent camp. After that, you'll hike through the forest and kayak on Lago Mascardi, relaxing over a picnic lunch on Playa Leones, one of the lake's nicest beaches. Fly back to Buenos Aires, where the outdoor adventure ends, but one more night of urban adventure awaits. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Buenos Aires & Salta Adventure

On this one-week itinerary, you'll immerse yourself in Argentina's culture and geography, exploring the cities of Buenos Aires and Salta, hiking through gorges and painted deserts, and experiencing life on a traditional estancia (ranch). 

Kick off the adventure in Buenos Aires, where you'll go on a full-day bike tour that takes you to the green spaces of the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve and to cultural attractions like the city's original port in La Boca and La Bombonera, the home stadium of one of Buenos Aires' famous fútbol (soccer) clubs, Boca Juniors. You'll switch gears the next day, flying north to the colonial city of Salta. Visit the famed pink Salta Cathedral and take the cable car ride up to Cerro San Bernardo to enjoy panoramic views of the city and its surrounding scenery.

The next day, you'll take to the quiet mountains on a road trip to the gorge at Quebrada del Toro, the pre-Incan settlement of Santa Rosa de Tastil, and Salinas Grandes Salt Flats, a dream destination for photographers. Spend the night in Purmamarca, a town filled with adobe houses and craft markets, at the base of the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of the Seven Colors). On the way back to Salta the next day, you'll stop at a local winery for a tasting. Fly back to Buenos Aires on day six, then transfer to the cowboy town of San Antonio de Areco, where you'll spend the night at El Ombú de Areco, is a late-colonial-style mansion built in 1880, and learn about day-to-day activities on an Argentine ranch. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Argentina Ski Adventure

Hit the snowy slopes of the Andes on this wintry week-long trip plan that begins in Buenos Aires and features several days of skiing or snowboarding in the mountains near Bariloche.

Spend some time sightseeing and shopping—and eating and drinking—in Buenos Aires at the beginning of the trip, where you'll have the chance to join a full-day guided walking tour. Then you'll fly to the lakeside city of Bariloche, the jumping-off point for a mountain adventure. Enjoy the town's chocolate shops, Swiss-style architecture, and sweeping lake views before the next day's early wake-up call.

Make sure you have a hearty breakfast on day four: it's the beginning of a three-day excursion to Argentina's premier ski destination, Cerro Catedral. This 7,640-foot mountain offers 75 miles of slopes, varying in level of difficulty, plus 32 miles of cross-country ski routes. At the end of each day, you'll be transferred back to the city via shuttle. Take advantage of it to enjoy Bariloche's fine dining scene, where specialties include freshly caught trout and smoked wild boar. After several days in the snow, you'll head back to Buenos Aires for one more night in the capital city. Learn more

Itinerary #7: Los Glaciares & Fitz Roy

Explore southern Argentina's icy landscapes, including glaciers, pristine lakes, and snowy mountains, on this week-long trip to Patagonia.

Spend a day in Buenos Aires before jetting south to El Calafate, a jumping-off point for visiting Argentina's famous glaciers. Enjoy views of Lago Argentino lake and dinner in town before the next day's adventure in Los Glaciares National Park. Outfitted with crampons and following a knowledgeable guide, you'll go trekking on Perito Moreno glacier, getting up close with the ice. 

The following day, you'll have a scenic three-hour drive to El Chaltén with incredible views of Mount Fitz Roy off in the distance. Pop into one of El Chaltén's many breweries or restaurants for a meal that evening before you hit the trails on day five for a hike through alpine forest to Laguna de los Tres lake. Overnight in El Chaltén. The next day, you'll trek through lenga forest and past quiet lagoons on your way to Laguna Torre, a glacial lake that's located at the foot of the granite peak of Cerro Torre. It's the perfect spot for a cold drink and a picnic with a view before you make the return trip to Buenos Aires via El Calafate. Learn more

More Great 7-Day Argentina Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Argentina trip? Check out these other 7-day Argentina itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

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