Argentina is an incredibly large and diverse country. There is so much to see and experience from the mouthwatering steaks, to the romantic tango, and to the astounding natural beauty that abounds. If you only have a week to explore, then you will want to see the highlights. This week long Argentina itinerary features the best of the best!
I have been to over 45 countries and Argentina still has my heart. My family went on a a trip throughout the country to see the best that it had to offer! Our trip started up north among the astounding Iguazú waterfalls and we slowly made our way south to the serene Patagonia area. Below you will find the ultimate itinerary for a week in Argentina.
Table of Contents
Week Long Argentina Itinerary
Day 1-2: Iguazu
Day 3-4: Buenos Aires
Day 5-6: Bariloche
Day 7-8: El Calafate
Day 1-2: Iguazu Falls
Upon your arrival in Argentina, travel to the Northeastern area of the country to explore the magnificent Iguazú Falls, one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. These falls straddle the border of three countries: Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina. You will have the best access to the falls if you stay in either Brazil or Argentina, but we chose to stay on the Argentina side in Puerto Iguazú. Read more of my detailed itinerary here! The majority of the falls are on the Argentinian side, but you get the best panoramic views on the Brazilian side.
Things to See in Iguazu Falls:
- Iguazú National Park– Argentinian Side
- Lower Circuit
- Upper Circuit
- Devil’s Throat
- Boat Ride
- Iguaçu National Park
- Mile Long Walkway
- Helicopter Ride over Falls
Note: if you want to cross the border, try to go early in the day to avoid long lines at the border crosspoint.
Day 3-4: Buenos Aires
No trip to Argentina is complete without a stop to the cosmopolitan, capital city of Buenos Aires. The gorgeous architecture, lively culture, delicious food, and captivating people will make you fall in love with this city. You could easily spend a week or more exploring all of the things that this city has to offer. Read my two day itinerary here.
Highlights in Buenos Aires:
- Spend a few hours walking through the upscale Recoleta neighborhood and the unique Recoleta Cemetery
- See the detailed architecture at the Plaza de Mayo & Teatro Colon Opera House
- Visit the lively San Telmo Market
- Watch a Live Tango Show
Day 5-6: Bariloche
Take a short flight to Bariloche, a northern ski town, located in the lake district of Patagonia. Bariloche sits on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi surrounded by the Andes Mountains. This town will make you feel as if you are traveling through Switzerland with its Swiss inspired architecture, pristine blue lakes, snow-covered mountains and delicious chocolate.
Bariloche is a popular getaway for locals and we were there over New Years so the town was buzzing with families and friends celebrating the holiday. If you are there during their summer, you can spend time hiking, swimming in the lake, sunbathing on the shores, horseback riding, walking through the adorable town, or taking the ski lift to the top of the mountain for a panoramic view of the town.
If you go in the winter, head to Cerro Catedral to ski at the most developed ski resort in South America. Our favorite activity was drinking the local mate by the shores of the lake. We were truly charmed by this cute town and stunned by its beauty.
Day 7-8: El Calafate
The last stop we made on our trip was to the town of El Calafate. This village was named for the Calafate berry bushes that are found throughout Patagonia. Take a bite of one of these and watch as your tongue turns bright purple.
El Calafate sits on the edge of Lago Argentino and is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. This National Park has been a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site since 1981, is the third largest ice-mass in the world, and it’s home to one of the last advancing glaciers in the world, the Perito Moreno Glacier.
People travel from all over to see this glacier as it’s truly astounding and as large as Buenos Aires. You will feel insignificant as you stand across from the glacier watching and listening to the roars of the ice caving. Spend your time at the Perito Moreno Glacier meandering along the scenic walkways, boating along the glacier wall, or trekking on its ice field. This glacier was captivating and awe-inspiring.
If you have more time in El Calafate, then there is plenty more to see. Take a day trip through the Patagonian steppe to the town of El Chalten or spend a day on a local ranch. El Chalten is also located in Los Glaciares National Park and is famous for its great hiking. If you visit a ranch, you will experience the rancher’s daily lives and you will get to eat a delicious meal.
Final Thoughts
We fell in love with Argentina during our week there. You cannot possibly see all of the country in a week, but we were astounded by everything we did. If you follow our itinerary, I know that you will enjoy it too!
Let me know in the comments if you found this week long itinerary helpful!
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