Argentina is blessed with everything a country could ask for. The vast country has waterfalls and rainforests to the north, desert and mountains to the west, a seashore and animals to the east, and glaciers and mountains to the south. If you have the time, you could see all of Argentina in one whole month, 30-34 days, to be exact.
This itinerary doesn't include the off-the-beaten-track cities of Cordoba and Rosario, but with careful planning, you could see all the cities in 30-35 days (including travel time). What follows are my tips for visiting Argentina in 30 days.
Table of Contents
Buenos Aires: 5 days
This cosmopolitan city has everything you could ask for, from culture and the arts to a bustling nightlife and enough European charm to steal the heart of a Frenchman.
The itinerary below balances everything there is to do in Buenos Aires. If you prefer to experience the culture or even party your vacation away, you can do just that.
- One day: Lo Boca, San Telmo, Puerto Madero
- One day: architecture viewing/shopping – Ave 5 De Mayo & Ave Alvear
- One day: Recoleta & Palermo – museums and shopping
- One day: El Tigre
- One day: nightlife and recovery
See also: Things to Do in Uruguay
Iguazu Falls: 3-4 days
One of the world's natural wonders, the Iguazu Falls is an absolute must when traveling through South America, much less Argentina. It could easily be considered one of the top Argentine tourist attractions.
While most people visit the Argentine side of the falls, the Brazilian side is just as beautiful. Getting a Brazilian visa is not as complicated as you would think, and most travelers only spend time on the Argentina side.
If you choose not to get a visa, cut the trip to three days. You only need one full day to see the Argentine side. That could be a combination of two half days or one full day—plan for 1-2 days of travel in and out of Iguazu City.
The helicopter ride from the Brazilian side is awe-inspiring and highly recommended.
- One day: Argentina's side
- One day: Brazil's side
- One to two days: travel time
Salta: 6-7 days
This is Argentina's version of the American Southwest. If there were ever a place to experience culture shock, it's here. You can travel to small towns where the Inca Empire once existed and get a completely different view of Argentina.
- One to two days: travel in and out of the city and view the city
- Two days (north): Tilcara, Humahuaca, salt flats, the rock of 7 colors (add one day for Jujuy)
- One day (south): Cachi
- One day (south): Cafayate
Cordoba: 2 -3 days (optional)
The second-largest city in Argentina is home to various things to see. Near the city is a German town that hosts the second-largest Oktoberfest outside of Germany, and a museum is dedicated to Che Guevara.
Who wouldn't love to get to know one of the most controversial men of the twentieth century?
- One day: Cordoba city
- One day: German village/Che Guevara
- One day: Travel in and out of the city
Rosario: 1.5 days (optional)
The third-largest city in Argentina boasts a unique river cruise that allows visitors to see parts of the country that are not shown online or in guidebooks. It is excellent for walking around and learning about the country's history with the flag monument.
- One day: river cruise, city sightseeing
- Half to one day: travel in and out of the city
Mar de Plata: 3 days
This is where locals go for vacation -- it is one of the top tourist destinations for Argentines. It's a great beach town to wind down and relax while you recharge your batteries.
- One day: travel in and out
- One to two days: exploring the city (recharge)
Puerto Madryn: 4 days
The animal lovers' paradise, interact with Penguins, dive with sea lions and whales, and even get inches from Elephant Seals.
- One day: Punta Tombo & Punta Ninfas – penguins & elephant seals
- One day: Peninsula Valdez – sea lions, penguins, coast sightseeing, bird watching
- One day: Punta Piramides, Puerto Madryn sightseeing, diving with sea lions
- One day: Trelew Dinosaur Museum, and in and out of the city
Ushuaia: 4 days
Ushuaia is the self-proclaimed southernmost city in the world. It is picturesque, laid-back, and full of tourist attractions. It is also the gateway to Antarctica, where you can take the trip of a lifetime.
- One day: a tour of the bay, museums, and the city
- One day: glacier climbing & Tierra del Fuego National Park
- One day: Lake Country tour & end of the world train – not recommended
- One day: travel time
El Calafate: 3 days
Home to Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the only growing glaciers in the world, many tourists can even see chunks of icebergs break off into the water. This unique event should be added to everyone's bucket list.
- One day: cruise to the glacier and the city
- One day: hiking and outdoor time
- One day: travel time
Bariloche: 4 days
The Argentine version of Switzerland: snow-capped mountains, delicious chocolates, and great adventures for the whole family.
- One day: a lake cruise and town
- One day: Tronador Glacier
- One day: misc sites, surrounding areas, and museums
- One day: traveling in and out
Mendoza: 3 – 4 days
The Napa and Sonoma Valleys of Argentina provide excellent opportunities to taste some of the best wines of South America amongst endless fields of grapes.
The Andes Mountains' highest peak also provides excellent climbing and hiking opportunities.
- One day: wine tour
- One day: town & museums
- One day: hiking and outdoor Activities
- One day: travel in and out
Depending on your travel plans and preferences, you can see the entire country in less time. You can also save time and money by taking overnight buses to some cities that are 7-12 hours away from each other.
Also, be aware that hostel prices are incredibly high compared to other cities when traveling to Patagonia.
Don't forget to get information about traveling to Antarctica in Ushuaia, as this is the gateway to the vast continent.
Jack and Jill Travel The World says
Cool! Will definitely book mark this for our visit to Argentina this year.
WanderingTrader says
You could even do it less time if you consolidate travel plans Jack & Jill... but that would be ballpark to see EVERYTHING! @andi gracias :-)
Andi Perullo says
Great itinerary!!!!
Fran Cormack says
Love the post. I'm currently in Argentina and am following almost the exact same route, with places still to come, Bariloche, Mendoza, Salta and Cordoba. I'm currently enjoying Ushuaia.
WanderingTrader says
Thats excellent Fran! Salta is amazing... i would strongly recommend that you rent a car there to really be able to see everything. Let me know if you need any help
Joya says
Such a good plan Dave! Now I just need to take a month long sabbatical from work :)
Keith Savage says
Good work on this itinerary!
Traveling Canucks says
Great itinerary. That's a whole lot of country!
Fiona says
Just LOVE this post! Looking to book a trip to South America (haven't decided just where yet) and these are definitely some things that point me to Argentina! Great article!
Magda says
I also recommend to stop for a few day at El Chalten between El Calafate and Bariloche. The day treks around the town are mind blowing. You get to see Cerro Torres and Fitz Roy.
Wanderingtrader says
@Magda would def agree with you I took the tour myself and I had a blast. I´m in Mendoza right now which will be my last city in Argentina
Pousada florianopolis says
Hey, this one is really one of the fantastic post about Argentina. This one really shows the best of destinations of Argentina. They are really cool. I am really highly impressed by this existing post.
Ron says
Wow! I'm definitely going to take this article when I head towards South America this coming august! Keep up the good work!
Ele says
Hello!
Great job with this amazing planning, it is being quite helpful for the trip I am working for this fall.
I have one question, why you do not recommend in Ushuaia "Lakes country tour & end of world train – not recommended"?
I was planning to include it in my trip.
Thanks anyway for your help.
Tomás says
Boys ; quite agree witth the Itinerary. But there some places that are unique in Argentina too and could be in the list aswell. In the north you got Iruya that is one of the most lovely towns in the country.Is in Salta. But you must enter from Humahuaca, Jujuy. And in Jujuy exist Casabindo. That is the only place in the country with bull races. But without the killing.
In Patagonia , El Chalten is the national trekking capital. With at least 10 tracks from easy to heavy that you never are going to forget. It's a 2/3 days stop and really close to the border with Chile.
Another great option is the "welsh" little towns of Dolavon and Gaiman in the province of chubut. A great experience and the chance to try a welsh cake with scons and lot of tea to drink.Knowing the history of this pionners and their cultural shock when tehy meet the argentinian aborigins from Patagonia. 1/2 days.
Cheers , Tom.
Erin says
Excluding flight, how much would all of this cost? Including hostels, food, etc. I'm wondering how much I would need to save up to do this kind of trip?
Erin says
Excluding flight, how much would all of this cost? Including hostels, food, etc. I’m wondering how much I would need to save up to do this kind of trip?
Mat says
To the original poster of this helpful guide - did you fly down to Ushuaia or take the bus? I presume you left from BA if you flew?
Dave says
Hi Mat,
I'm not the author of this post, but I did spend 2.5 months traveling Argentina last year. During a 2-week trip with G Adventures, we flew from Buenos Aires to El Calafate, then took buses all the way down to Ushuaia, before flying back to Buenos Aires.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Mat says
Hi Dave,
I was originally planning on flying from BA to El Calafate, but I'm seriously considering taking the bus & visiting Peurto Madryn along the way. I'm planning to do the North of Argentina in a loop from BA, then make my way down to the bottom before crossing into Chile and going on the ferry from Puerto Natales. I'm not a huge fan of flying!
Dave says
The good news is they have nice buses in Argentina. Costly, but comfortable :)
Mat says
It does seem pretty expensive - how does it compare to flying price wise?
Dave says
It's still cheaper to take the bus vs. flying. I'm sure you can find the bus lines/rates online, and I'd check Aerolineas Argentina for flight costs.
Sebas says
Tilcara, Humahuaca, Salinas and the hill of 7 colors are not in the north of Salta, these places are located in Jujuy!