Great Argentina Itineraries: How Many Days to Spend?

If you're asking how long should you spend in Argentina, as the world’s eighth-largest country, Argentina is huge. From the sub-tropical jungles of the north to the frozen glacier fields in the south – and everywhere in between – there’s something to see in just about every corner of the country.

We suggest spending at least 10 days for a first-time visit to Argentina. But if you want to see as much of the country as possible in a single go, an Argentina travel itinerary of at least three weeks is necessary. This would involve many internal flights, but you are guaranteed to see the most famous attractions in Argentina and discover a few other places that not all visitors get to see.

If you only have time for a short trip, you are probably better off focusing on just one region of Argentina rather than trying to go everywhere. This way, even a week will give you ample time to take in the county’s compelling capital, Buenos Aires, as well as visit at least a few of Argentina’s other most famous attractions.

With ten days to two weeks, you will have time to take in more sights and places, and perhaps explore the best destination in Argentina you like the most. Still wondering how long to stay in Argentina? Check out our suggestions below.

With one week or less at your disposal, you may not be able to see a lot of Argentina, but you can experience the rich culture of Buenos Aires and its surrounding towns to the fullest. Start off exploring the highlights of Buenos Aires for a day or two. If you have some time to spare, it is well worth taking a guided tour of Tetro Colón when in the vicinity. Don’t forget to head down to the colorful neighborhood of La Boca. You definitely cannot be in the city and not see a Tango show. Better yet, take a class! The chances of you becoming a pro in a few hours’ session are slim, but it is a worthwhile cultural experience.

From Buenos Aires, there are several day trips you can make to nearby towns. A day trip to Tigre Delta is a popular activity for both tourists and locals alike. Take a cruise down the river and witness a more local side of Argentina. The Argentine estancias in the Pampas are another great option. You will get a front-row view of the gaucho tradition — cowboys displaying their skills on a horse and a parilla (bbq) paired with lots of wine.

Alternatively, if you are less inspired by cities and prefer to concentrate more on the country’s outstanding natural wonders, you can follow a day or two of Buenos Aires with a trip to a destination of your choice. You could add a few days to Iguazu Falls, explore the rich area of Bariloche through its trails, or head south to explore the glaciers. If you have 8 days to spare, this tour will take you to Buenos Aires, Iguazu, and El Calafate.

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With 9 to 12 days to play with, you can do all of the above and add one or two more destinations to your itinerary. You can explore Buenos Aires and then hop around a few destinations around. If you don’t mind taking internal flights to each place, you can explore Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires, and Salta together.

Alternatively, you could skip Buenos Aires completely and comfortably hop from one destination to another in Argentina. Again, this would involve quite a lot of time spent flying and not much on the ground exploring. We recommend you stick to 2 to 3 destinations of your choice and spend some time in each.

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In two weeks, you can see much of what the country has to offer without the need to skip the capital and rush from one end of the country to the other. Follow the same Argentina trip itinerary as before, taking in a couple of days to explore Buenos Aires and its surroundings. From there on, add the destinations of your preference. We highly suggest not missing out on Patagonia. Explore the glaciers and the little towns. If you have time, take on a trail. Then, mix and mash a few more attractions, such as Mendoza for a wine tasting session and food.

After all this, you will still have enough time to travel to Bariloche to enjoy the range of outdoor pursuits available. And if you don’t want to hop in and out of so many destinations, pick an activity you’d like to indulge in and spend the larger amount in the respective destination.

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Here is your chance to go gaga with your trip to Argentina! Three weeks in Argentina would allow you to explore the major destinations, add in lesser-known quirky places of your choice, and take it all at a reasonable, comfortable pace.

After spending a few days exploring Buenos Aires, head to Rosario and make your way to Mendoza, the heart of Argentina’s wine-growing industry as well as a good base for exploration of the surrounding area. Possible excursions include Las Leñas ski resort, Talampaya National Park, or Ischigualasto National Park, depending on the season.

From there, make the trip up to Posadas for the Jesuit ruins and the journey onto Iguazú. Next, fly to Bariloche for a couple of days of hiking, white water rafting, or horse riding.

The next stop should be El Calafate in the south to see the Perito Moreno Glacier. Wrap it all up in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost town and one that boasts a pretty waterfront location. Take some time to hike in Tierra del Fuego and enjoy the wilderness. And if you have the resources and time to expand the duration, well, Antarctica is just a cruise away.

Deciding how many days to spend in Argentina depends on what kind of adventure you're looking for. With its vast landscapes and diverse attractions, even a short trip can offer an incredible experience. Whether you're visiting for a week or two, Argentina’s endless natural wonders and vibrant cities will leave you with unforgettable memories and plenty of reasons to return.

If you need help planning a custom trip to Argentina, contact one of our experts from Argentina.

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