Not sure where to go? Try one of these common itineraries to take on your own, or mix and match destinations to plan your own independent trip.
1. Argentina Overview Itinerary
Approximate Time: 2 Weeks
Buenos Aires, Argentina - El Calafate - San Carlos de Bariloche - Puerto Iguazu - Sao Paulo
Argentina is a large, diverse and fascinating country. Because of its vast size, if you hope to travel around the entire country but are limited on time, it is recommended that you take flights. This is the best way to cover significant distances in a short amount of time. This trip gives you a quick, two week overview of the country. You should fly from destination to destination so that you can spend as much time as possible at each stop. The trip begins in Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is one of the largest cities in Latin America and offers an excellent opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the culture. Some of the top sights in the city include La Boca, which is a pedestrian street with arts and crafts, and the Cementerio de la Recoleta, which is a famous cemetary for the rich and famous in Argentina.
After you've had time to explore the many different neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, take a flight to El Calafate. El Calafate is a good starting point for those who hope to explore Patagonia. It is located on the glacial Lago Argentina and it is a hub for trekkers beginning or ending their expeditions. There are many excursions you can do out of this city so plan ahead and know which sights you'd like to prioritize.
From El Calafate, catch a flight to Bariloche. Bariloche is in the Lake District of Argentina. It is located at the foothills of the Andes and is close to Nahuel Huapi, Gutierrez Lake, Moreno Lake, and Mascardi Lake. There are many sightseeing or trekking opportunities nearby.
From Bariloche take a flight to Iguazu Falls. You can spend time exploring the Argentina side of the falls and also travel into Brazil and see the Falls from there. From there you can catch a flight to Sao Paulo, Brazil before traveling home.
2. Northern Argentina Itinerary
Approximate Time: 2 Weeks
Buenos Aires, Argentina - San Juan - Tinogasta - Cafayate - Cachi - Salta - Tilcara - Humahuaca - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Northern Argentina is often overlooked by many visitors to the country, simply because they do not have time to visit the area in detail. Argentina is a large country so visitors usually do either an overview trip that often involves at least a few flights, or they choose to focus on one specific area in great detail. The northern part of the country is a wonderful area to visit because of it's dramatic landscape, colorful canyons, and interesting cities. It's surprisingly diverse so you can see a range of things while covering a more limited distance.
Begin and end your trip in Buenos Aires. This city is a great place to explore for a few days either at the beginning of your trip as you adjust to jet lag, or at the end while you relax, dine in fine restaurants, and recover from your adventure filled trip. From Buenos Aires, fly to the city of San Juan. San Juan sits amid a well known wine region and the city itself has tree-lined boulevards. There are several sights worth visiting in the city and then you can do several day trips to Talampaya National Park and Ischigualasto Provincial Park.
From San Juan make your way to Villa Union. It is set within the Sierra de Famatina and Sierra de Maiz. There are many traditional wineries nearby and a lot of close destinations worth a visit. Villa Union has many nearby attractions including Laguna Brava, Banda Florida or Anchumbil. These attractions can be reached by taxi or tour.
From Villa Union, make your way to Tingoasta. Stop off at Chilecito on your way. Chilecito is a quaint mining village that is beautifully surrounded by vineyards and farms. Tingoasta gives you access to the mountains, hot springs, and archaeological museums that are nearby. From there go to Cafayate. Cafayate is most known for its vineyards and rock formations. If you're interested in the history of wine in the area, check out the Museum of Wine.
From Cafayate make your way to Cachi. Cachi is an ancient village worth a visit. It has an old chapel and archaeology museum worth seeing. After a short visit in Cachi continue on to Salta. Salta is on of the oldest colonial cities in Argentina and is a great place to take photographs. There are several popular attractions worth visiting including the Town Hall, called Cabildo, the Archbishop's Palace and Cathedral on the main square, San Bernardo's Church and Convent, San Francisco's Church and the craft market.
From Salta continue on to Tilcara. Tilcara is popular for its art and archeology. Make sure you visit Pucara, the Omaguaca city atop the cliff. From Tilcara continue to Humahuaca. Humahuaca is a town that sits by the spectacular Quebrada de Humahuaca. Quebrada de Humahuaca is a narrow mountain valley located in the province of Jujuy in north-west Argentina. It offers visitors spectacular views of the dramatic scenery.
From Humahuaca, make your way back to Buenos Aires where your trip will end.