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.
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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.
