Argentina is a country full of beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and lively cities. The cuisine is exceptional with a combination of Latin American and Italian influences. Travelers can easily spend more than three months exploring Argentina and still not see everything, so it’s challenging to get a good sense of the country in just 10 days.
This itinerary explores the capital city, and some of the beauty of Patagonia, and takes travelers to the southernmost city in the world on a whirlwind South American adventure.
10 Day One: Arrival In Buenos Aires
Start the trip by flying into the capital city, Buenos Aires, on the Eastern side of the country. Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan city that centers around Plaza de Mayo and boasts beautiful 19th-century architecture.
Known as the “Paris of South America,” there is some definite European influence here that makes it unique from other cities in the continent.
Travelers will likely want to book an Airbnb, hotel, or hostel in the Palermo neighborhood. This area is known for its nightlife, cafés, and shopping.
9 Day Two: Exploring Buenos Aires
With a full day in Buenos Aires, there are lots of things to see and do. A few attractions that travelers can’t miss during their visit include strolling through the 19th-century central square, Plaza de Mayo, and touring the oldest barrio in the city, San Telmo.
The Recoleta Cemetery is also one of the most unique attractions to visit.
8 Day Three: Iguazu Falls
On day three, travelers will depart Buenos Aires for Iguazu Falls on a 1-hour and 45-minute flight. This is the more expensive way to reach Iguazu Falls, but on a 10-day timeframe, it’s the most efficient choice. Travelers with more time in the country can save money by taking the 18-hour bus rather than hopping on a flight.
Iguazu Falls sit at the border of Argentina and Brazil and are comprised of a collection of waterfalls along the Iguazu River. The falls are in the Argentine province of Misiones and the Brazilian state of Paraná. As a collective, they make up the largest system of waterfalls in the world.
7 Day Four: Travel To El Calafate
After spending a night in Puerto Iguazú, travelers will hop on a domestic flight to Argentine Patagonia, arriving in the charming town of El Calafate.
Most flights between these destinations include a layover in Buenos Aires, so the duration of the trip takes up most of the day. Enjoy the evening in El Calafate at one of the many bars and restaurants.
6 Day Five: Perito Moreno Glacier
With a full day in El Calafate, travelers will want to head to the Perito Moreno Glacier, inside Los Glaciares National Park. This is one of the top attractions in Argentina Patagonia and strikes a beautiful contrast to the blue waters of Lake Argentino.
It’s possible to book a tour to walk on the glacier, which is a bucket list item for many people traveling to Patagonia.
5 Day Six: El Chalten
On day six, enjoy a sit-down breakfast in El Calafate at Pietro’s Café or Olivia Coffee Shop. Then, depart the lakeside town for the small mountain village of El Chalten.
The journey takes 2-3 hours depending on the route. Travelers can take a public bus (book tickets in advance during high season to avoid disappointment and delays) or arrange a private transfer.
4 Day Seven: Laguna De Los Tres Day Hike
With a full day in the quaint mountain village of El Chalten, advanced beginner to experienced hikers will want to take on the most epic trek in the area: Laguna de Los Tres.
This is sometimes also called the Fitz Roy Trek because of the iconic view of Mount Fitz Roy. The round-trip hike is 25 km and takes approximately 8 hours to complete.
The rewarding viewpoint is the cobalt blue water at Laguna de Los Tres sitting at the base of Mount Fitz Roy.
3 Day Eight: Fly To Ushuaia
The next day is a long travel day that ends at the end of the world. Rise early to take the bus or a private transfer back to El Calafate, the nearest airport. After driving approximately two hours to the lakeside town, travelers will hop on a 1.5-hour flight to the city of Ushuaia.
Ushuaia is in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago and as the southernmost tip of South America, has earned the nickname “The End of the World”.
Travelers can spend their first evening in this unique town on the coast roaming the streets, viewing the harbor, and trying Dulche de Leche cake at Laguna Negra.
2 Day Nine: Explore The End Of The World
With a single full day in Ushuaia, travelers will have to make some tough decisions about what they want to see and do. Option one is to book an excursion to Martillo Island to see the penguins.
Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts can miss this experience. The only tour company that enables travelers to walk on the island among the penguins is PiraTour. Other companies simply drive past the island and view the penguins from the boat.
Travelers on a tighter budget (yes the penguin excursion is pricey) may want to take the End of the World Train to Tierra del Fuego National Park for a day of hiking instead. Another major attraction in Ushuaia is the Post Office at the End of the World, which is a fun place to send postcards to family and friends.
1 Day Ten: Departure From Ushuaia
On the final day of the trip, travelers can either fly from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires where their international flight is most likely to depart, or they can board a cruise ship to Antarctica to explore the elusive seventh continent.
Cruises to Antarctica are expensive but offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience and Ushuaia is the place of departure for most of these adventures.