Argentina is such a beautiful and diverse country, that you can explore it for months. A trip from the north all the way down to the south is almost 2,300 miles long. But what if you have 2 weeks in Argentina and want to get the most out of your travels? What should you see and do? This is my personal 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary, bringing you from Buenos Aires all the way to Patagonia in the south and back, including a visit to the Iguazú waterfalls. I will give you tips for destinations, hikes, national parks, tours, things to do and restaurants to include in your trip. Enjoy and get inspired to visit Argentina!
2 weeks in Argentina itinerary
Argentina is the country of Buenos Aires, football, tango, wine but also fascinating nature such as glaciers, endless steppes, lakes, mountains, penguins, whales and waterfalls. There is so much to see and to discover. Enjoy this article with my personal recommendations for the best 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary.
Kick off your 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary in: Buenos Aires (2 days)
Start your 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary in Buenos Aires, the bustling and cosmopolitan capital of Argentina. It is easy to stay in Buenos Aires for weeks and not get bored. In this 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary you have two full days to explore the city and its many neighborhoods. Make sure to visit the Plaza de Mayo and famous Casa Rosada, walk around in San Telmo neighborhood and visit La Boca to watch the colorful houses and football stadium, La Bombonera. You also want to go to La Recoleta to feel the Paris vibes and visit the cementery and stroll along the boulevard of Puerto Madero. Moreover the city has many great museums and I am sure there is going to be something you like.
In the evening you can go to trendy Palermo and enjoy amazing food and drinks in fancy restaurants. And if you are into tango, make sure to buy your tickets for El Viejo Almacén.
Puerto Madryn (2 days)
It is best to travel to Puerto Madryn by plane (2 hours). Puerto Madryn, located on the east coast of Argentina, is one of the best places in the world to observe penguins, whales and sea lions. It is the gateway to natural reserves such as Peninsula Valdes, Punta Tombo and Punta Ninfas. Numerous animals gather annually, to mate and raise their young here, due to the favorable climatic conditions.
Walk among the penguins
If you can get a morning flight from Buenos Aires, you will be able to visit Punta Tombo in the afternoon. Punta Tombo is a peninsula, located in the Atlantic Ocean. Every year, in Argentine spring, more than one and a half million penguins arrive here to breed! It is the largest Magellanic penguin colony in the continent. Between September and March, you can visit this place to literally walk by their side. Such a unique experience.
Want to book your tour to the Punta Tombo penguins reserve in advance and secure your spot in Puerto Madryn? Check out prices and availability and book your tour to Punta Tombo in Argentina here.
Peninsula Valdes and whale watching
You have one full day in this 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary, to visit Peninsula Valdes, a natural reserve where animals, such as nandus, a kind of ostrich, armadillos, vicuñas and condors live. Depending on the season, you can observe sea lions, elephant seals, penguins, whales, and if you are lucky even orcas. During a tour you will stop at different viewpoints to observe animals and go for short walks.
Want to book your whale watching and Peninsula Valdes tour in advance and secure your spot? Check out prices and availability and book your tours here.
In the whale season you can combine a visit to Peninsula Valdes with one of the best whale watching tours I’ve ever experienced. Since the mother whales often swim with their young on the surface, you will actually have a real good chance of seeing them. And believe me, their tail sticking out of the ocean and the sound they make when they spray up the water, are moments that you will never forget your life. The season to see whales is between May and December. In December, when the young are strong enough, the whales return towards the waters of Antarctica.
Do you want to read more about this special place on earth? Discover everything you want to know about Puerto Madryn in my travel guide, including the best things to do, tours, hotels, restaurants, best time to visit and how to get there.
Hotels Puerto Madryn
- Shai Shai Hue
- Hotel Territorio.
- Estancia El Pedral
- Puerto Palos – Puerto Pirámides
- More hotels in Puerto Madryn
- Hotels in Puerto Pirámides
Bariloche ( 3 days)
Your next stop during this 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary is Bariloche, located on Lake Nahuel Huapi. This area is also known as Little Switzerland because of the lakes, forests, mountains and specialities such as chocolate and cheese fondue. In winter, Bariloche is the skiing paradise for the Argentinians and in summer for outdoor activities.
Sail on the Nahuel Huapi Lake – day
One of the most popular things to do in Bariloche is to sail on the Nahuel Huapi lake. With a large boat you sail from the port of Puerto Pañuelo in an hour to Puerto Blest. The light and shimmer over the lake with the Andes peaks in the background make for stunning pictures. Once you arrive in Puerto Blest, there are several short hikes you can take easily on your own. This is a full day tour where you will be picked up in the morning and be back in town at the end of the day.
Do you want to book your tour in advance and secure your spot? Check out prices and availability for a Puerto Blest tour here.
In the late afternoon you can stroll around town, visit the Centro Civico, the central square of Bariloche to observe the chalet-like architectural style, have ice cream in one of the many chocolate shops and enjoy a dinner in Suisse style.
Circuito Chico, hikes and viewpoints
Today you have different options. If you are into cycling, rent a bike and cycle the Circuit Chico, a route that gives a nice impression of the surroundings. Viewpoints are interspersed with forests and lakes, where you can stop for a photo or a hike. Stop at the famous Cerro Campanario, Cerro Otto and take the cable car up, then continue the trail past Laguna El Trebol, Lago Moreno, the Swiss colony of Colonia Suiza, Bahia López and Hotel Llao Llao Bariloche. Click here for the full route.
Another option is to travel by bus or taxi to one of the many ski slopes and take the cable car. Not to ski but to enjoy amazing views. Bariloche offers different ski slope options.
Discover the best things to do in this Bariloche travel guide, including tips for hikes, tours, restaurants, best travel time and where to stay.
In the afternoon you could go for a nice and easy walk. One of my favorite hikes in Bariloche is the one to the Cerro Llao Llao. In about an hour, you walk through a green and fresh forests to a viewpoint where you have an amazing view over the lakes and surroundings. Bring some food and drinks for a picnic and take in the surroundings. You don’t want to leave anymore. The trail starts between the Hotel Llao Llao and the port of Puerto Pañuelo. Afterwards have a drink at the Llao Llao hotel and travel back to Bariloche. Try to book a flight during this 2 weeks Argentina itinerary in the evening to El Calafate.
Hotels Bariloche
El Calafate (2 days)
El Calafate, a small town that forms the base to one of the most beautiful places that Argentina has to offer: The Perito Moreno glacier, located in the Los Glaciares national park. For sure, one of the highlights in this 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary. Thousands of people travel to this desolate area every year to admire the beauty of the mighty glacier.
El Calafate is a 3-hour and 15-minute flight from Buenos Aires, Bariloche (1 hour and 45 minutes) and Ushuaia (1 hour and 20 minutes). Use Skyscanner, when it comes to searching for cheap flights across Argentina. Want to know more about El Calafate? Check out my El Calafate travel guide with tips for many things to do.
The Perito Moreno glacier
The absolute highlight of this 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary is obviously the Perito Moreno glacier. And you need a full day to explore. The Perito Moreno is part of the Los Glaciares national park and is Argentina’s most famous glacier. What is special is that you can get all the way to the glacier front without too much effort. Footbridges have been constructed and ensure that you can observe the glacier from different sides. There are several short and easy trails and they all are worth exploring.
The Perito Moreno glacier is about a 1.5-hour drive from El Calafate. There are several ways to visit the glacier. You can book a tour to the Perito Moreno glacier, go by taxi or rent a car and drive yourself. Don’t forget to take a boat tour along the glacier and drink a whisky with ice cubes, coming from the glacier.
Hotels El Calafate
El Chaltén (2 days)
El Chaltén is the hiking and trekking paradise of Argentina. The town is located at the foot of the Fitz Roy, an impressive mountain range in the Los Glaciares national park. You can go for amazing day hikes, walking straight from your hotel into the mountains. El Chaltén is approximately a-3 hour drive from El Calafate and there are many tour and transportation options.
Do you want to read more about the different hiking options in El Chaltén? In my El Chaltén travel guide I’ll tell you everything you want to know about a stay in El Chaltén, including the most beautiful hikes, activities, best time to visit and how to get there.
Hotels El Chaltén
- Los Cerros del Chalten Boutique Hotel.
- Hostería El Pilar
- Patagonia Eco Domes
- More hotels in El Chaltén
From El Chaltén, you have to travel by bus or car back to El Calafate to continue your 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary. From El Calafate you can fly back to Buenos Aires. There are daily flights with Aerolineas Argentinas, JetSmart en FlyBondi from and to Buenos Aires (3 hours and 20 minutes).
Buenos Aires (1 day)
This is the end of your 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary in Patagonia but there is more. Travel back to Buenos Aires and enjoy a free afternoon in this incredible city. Now it is time to decide whether you want to enjoy more incredible nature or take some time off and relax with a good glass of wine.
Iguazu (2 days) – option 1 of 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary
You can continue your 2 weeks on Argentina traveling to the northeast, on the border with Brazil. Here you will find the waterfalls of Iguazú. 275 waterfalls, surrounded by a tropical vegetation, are plunging into the Iguazú river. You will encounter bromeliads, orchids and iguanas. Colored butterflies will follow you for minutes while coatis run curiously around in search of food. It is one of those places that can give you a sense of how truly astounding nature can be.
You have one day to visit the Argentinian side of the falls and one day the Brazilian side. Both sides make you experience the falls in a completely different way. On the Argentine side, you can cross several bridges and make a boat trip along the waterfalls. The Brazilian side offers a nice overview, where you’ll see the waterfalls from a distance. Here it is also possible to book a helicopter flight and fly over the waterfalls.
Iguazu is a 1 hour and 50 minutes flight from Buenos Aires. Use Skyscanner, when it comes to searching for cheap flights across Argentina. Curious about how to visit Iguazu and what other things to do here? Have a look in my Iguazu travel guide with many tips for your visit and stay.
Hotels in Iguazú
Mendoza (2 or 3 days) – option 2 of 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary
Do you love wine? Then you can’t miss Mendoza during your 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary. Mendoza is one of the most famous wine regions of the country. You can spend days here and travel from vineyard to wine tasting, while enjoying the surroundings. Make sure to explore the area Luján de Cuyo and Valle de Maipú and visit Riccitelli Wines and Casa Vigil El Enemigo.
Hotels Mendoza
Mendoza is a 1 hour and 50 minutes flight from Buenos Aires. Use Skyscanner, when it comes to searching for cheap flights across Argentina.
How to get around in Argentina
Distances in Argentina are long: A trip from the North all the way down to the South is almost 3700 kilometer. If you want to see a lot of the country in a short amount of time, you will need to travel by plane, especially in Patagonia. But there are also great bus connections and long distance buses, making you travel very comfortable. Seats can be reclined far back, movies are played and there are on-board toilets. Do you have more time? Then it is recommended to rent a car and make a roadtrip.
Book a flight
Looking for flights within Argentina? Use Skyscanner, when it comes to searching for cheap flights across Argentina. An easy way to compare and book your flight ticket, as it searches websites and airlines around the world with one click.
Travel by bus or shuttle
Looking for a way to get around in Argentina by bus or minivan? Use Bookaway, to find and book the best connection for you.
Car rental
Need a rental car for your 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary roadtrip? Use Rental Cars to search and compare your car rental options. A quick and easy tool and no need to have up multiple tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. They also have great discounts and cancellation policies.
Travel insurance
Looking for a travel insurance? World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance, with coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
More itineraries in Argentina
Did you enjoy this 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary? Have a look at the other Argentina travel itineraries such as:
- Argentina itinerary 3 weeks
- 10 days in Argentina itinerary
- 3 days in Ushuaia itinerary
- 2 days in Ushuaia
- One day in Ushuaia itinerary
More about Argentina
Do you want to learn more about beautiful Argentina? With Passport the World I am taking you on a journey to discover Argentina. Discover more in my next articles.
- Things to do in Argentina
- El Calafate – a comprehensive guide with everything you want to know
- Discover whales, penguins and sea lions in my Puerto Madryn travel guide
- El Chaltén Argentina – a comprehensive guide with hikes and tips for your stay
- Things to do in Bariloche Argentina – tips, hikes and tours
- National Parks of Argentina
- Iguazu falls – everything you want to know
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