The Ultimate Argentina Travel Itinerary: 2 Weeks of Highlights

Argentina, often described as a “full package” destination, offers an incredible array of experiences within its vast borders. From bustling metropolises to dramatic natural wonders, planning a visit to the eighth-largest country in the world can feel daunting. If you’re dreaming of or actively planning a trip, a well-structured Argentina Travel Itinerary 2 Weeks is essential to maximize your time and witness the country’s diverse highlights. This guide outlines a comprehensive 14-day journey designed to showcase the spectrum of Argentina’s cultural and natural beauty, ensuring you experience everything from world-class cities and alpine landscapes to unique desert terrain and colossal waterfalls.

First visiting Argentina over a decade ago for a language and culture immersion in Buenos Aires, the author quickly fell in love with the city. The sentiment of longing captured by Tango legend Carlos Gardel’s question, “cuando te vuelvas a ver?” (‘when will I see you again?’), resonates after every departure. While you could easily spend weeks exploring a single region like Patagonia, this itinerary balances must-see attractions across different parts of the country within a two-week timeframe.

Scenic lake view in Bariloche, Patagonia, ArgentinaVintage map of Buenos Aires found at San Telmo market, ArgentinaPalacio del Congreso building in downtown Buenos Aires, Argentina

Argentina’s sheer size means internal travel is key. This 2-week journey involves flying between regions, offering glimpses into vastly different ecosystems and cultures.

Days 1 – 4: Buenos Aires

Begin your Argentina Travel Itinerary 2 Weeks in one of the world’s most captivating cities: Buenos Aires. Home to over 15 million people, the capital can be overwhelming due to its sheer size and countless attractions. To truly appreciate its depth, allocating at least four days is highly recommended. One of Buenos Aires’ most striking features is the distinct character of its neighborhoods; exploring them feels like visiting different cities within one metropolis.

Interior of El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore, formerly a theatre in Buenos AiresTraditional Argentinian alfajores with coconut toppingQuiet street scene in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires

With four days in Buenos Aires, focus on experiencing several key neighborhoods, diving into their popular sites and unique subcultures.

Buenos Aires Neighborhood Guide

To efficiently navigate your time in the capital as part of your argentina travel itinerary 2 weeks, here is a brief guide to the main tourist-friendly areas:

Entrance facade of the famous Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos AiresBusy interior of the historic San Telmo Market in Buenos AiresColorful houses in the Caminito area of the La Boca neighborhood, Buenos Aires

Best Restaurants in Buenos Aires

Food serves as a crucial gateway to culture, and Buenos Aires exemplifies this perfectly. As Argentina’s capital, it’s the ideal place to savor the best of Argentine cuisine, including asados (barbecues), empanadas, and the celebrated alfajores (desserts). While Italian in origin, many argue that Buenos Aires offers some of the best ice cream globally.

Traditional Argentine asado grilling meat at a street stall in Buenos Aires

Exploring the city’s diverse dining scene is also a way to understand its neighborhood subcultures, from street-side asado in La Boca to artisan alfajores in Palermo. Planning your meals at some of Buenos Aires’ best restaurants is highly recommended. Note that opinions can be strong, with some suggesting alternative experiences to popular spots like Don Julio.

In recent years, Buenos Aires has also become a leader in the Latin American vegetarian movement. If you need a break from meat, explore the city’s vegetarian options, including the purely vegetarian Michelin-starred MARTi.

Interior view of the popular Dada Bistro restaurant in Buenos AiresBuenos Aires’ vibrant restaurant scene is a highlight of any visit, so plan wisely. When planning your argentina travel itinerary 2 weeks, remember that it offers a fantastic opportunity to explore various destinations, including options for travelling central and south america more broadly.

Day 5: Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

A unique advantage of planning an argentina travel itinerary 2 weeks based in Buenos Aires is the ease of visiting another country for a day. Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay, just a short ferry ride across the Rio de la Plata, is a prime example. It’s often cited as one of South America’s most beautiful colonial towns, rivaling places like Cuzco or Cartagena.

Quaint cafe along a cobblestone street in Colonia del Sacramento, UruguayClassic vintage car parked on a historic cobblestone street in Colonia del SacramentoPicturesque cobblestone alleyways in the historic center of Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

A day trip to Colonia offers a refreshing contrast to Buenos Aires’ energetic pace. Spend your day wandering its charming cobblestone streets, relaxing at outdoor cafes, and admiring the work of the local artist community in boutique galleries. The town’s colonial history is fascinating, and a historical walking tour is a recommended highlight. For a comprehensive guide, research planning a day trip from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento.

Days 6 – 9: Bariloche, Patagonia

Start Day 6 by flying to Bariloche in Patagonia. Aim for an early morning flight, ideally departing from Buenos Aires’ Aeroparque (AEP) Airport, conveniently located near the city center. In just over two hours, you’ll arrive in the stunning alpine landscape of Bariloche. While other Patagonia destinations like El Calafate or Ushuaia are options, Bariloche serves as an excellent introduction to the region for a shorter trip, fitting perfectly into a argentina travel itinerary 2 weeks.

Delicious chocolate dessert from Mamuschka in Bariloche, a famous chocolate shopJetty on a lake in Bariloche, Patagonia, flying the Argentinian flagPanoramic view of Lago Moreno from Circuito Chico near Bariloche

Bariloche is a haven for adventure enthusiasts with numerous activities. Start by exploring guides to Bariloche’s sites. Even if you’re not an experienced hiker, try to step outside your comfort zone with activities like biking or a short climb to experience the dramatic scenery firsthand. What makes Bariloche particularly appealing is that its charm extends beyond its natural beauty, which is arguably among the most stunning in South America.

There’s enough cultural and historical interest to keep you engaged between nature excursions. Options range from tours exploring Bariloche’s surprising Nazi history to curated tours of its iconic chocolate shops. You won’t run out of things to do. If time permits within your argentina travel itinerary 2 weeks and you want to see more of Patagonia, consider a quick visit to the neighboring town of San Martin de Los Andes, ideally via the scenic 7 Lakes Route.

Boat on the serene waters of Nahuel Huapi National Park near BarilocheThe serene landscapes of Nahuel Huapi National Park, near Bariloche, are a highlight. This section fits well within a larger plan for a south america travel itinerary 2 weeks.

Days 9 – 12: Salta and Jujuy

While Argentina’s domestic flight network often necessitates transiting through Buenos Aires to reach Salta from Bariloche, the journey is well worth it. If Argentina is defined by its natural diversity, the northwestern region around Salta and Jujuy encapsulates this concept perfectly.

Salta’s charming colonial center is a highlight on its own, but the primary draw is exploring the utterly unique landscapes of Northwestern Argentina. Here, you’ll encounter towering cacti larger than humans in Parque Nacional de los Cardones and visit small indigenous villages scattered throughout the dramatic Humahuaca Canyon in Jujuy. Salta and Jujuy offer an experience unlike anywhere else on the continent.

Giant cacti in Los Cardones National Park near Salta, Northwestern ArgentinaPink facade of the iconic Salta Cathedral Basilica in the city centerSmall indigenous cemetery in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy Province

After days exploring the region’s expansive natural wonders, return to Salta in the evenings to experience its vibrant dining scene. A must-do is visiting the peñas, traditional folk music restaurants, for an authentic cultural experience. If you need more convincing that Salta should be on your argentina travel itinerary 2 weeks, research the compelling reasons to visit this region.

Days 13 – 14: Iguazu Falls

Conveniently, direct flights from Salta to Puerto Iguazú (IGR) make the majestic Iguazu Falls a logical final destination for your argentina travel itinerary 2 weeks. With over 275 waterfalls forming a colossal natural spectacle, Iguazu Falls requires little introduction. This site also serves as a gateway to a completely different ecosystem, bordering the Pantanal wetlands (often referred to as the lower Amazon, though biologically distinct).

Powerful flow of the Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo) at Iguazu FallsThere’s truly no better place to end your 2-week exploration of Argentina.

Allocate at least two full days to experiencing Iguazu Falls. The Argentinian side requires a full day to explore its extensive network of walking tracks and offers the exhilarating option of taking boat rides directly under the falls. On the second day, spend at least half a day on the Brazilian side, which provides more panoramic viewpoints, allowing you to fully appreciate the sheer scale and grandeur of the falls. For a truly unforgettable finale to your trip, consider a helicopter ride over Iguazu Falls.

Rainbow spanning across the majestic Iguazu Falls between Argentina and Brazil

After your 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary

Concluding your argentina travel itinerary 2 weeks at Iguazu Falls offers flexibility for your next steps. You can take a quick domestic flight back to Buenos Aires from Puerto Iguazu to catch your international departure flight. Alternatively, you can continue your journey overland into neighboring Brazil or Paraguay, expanding your South American adventure.

Famous Ipanema Beach skyline in Rio de Janeiro, BrazilThe iconic Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, awaits those who choose to continue their travels.

This suggested argentina travel itinerary 2 weeks provides a framework to experience the immense diversity and beauty of Argentina. From the cultural heart of Buenos Aires to the alpine peaks of Patagonia, the unique landscapes of the northwest, and the awe-inspiring power of Iguazu Falls, this journey promises an unforgettable adventure. Plan your trip based on these highlights and prepare for a travel experience that showcases why Argentina is a full package destination.