Is 7 Days Enough For Argentina?
7 days isn’t enough to see the whole of Argentina, but you have several options that allow you to see one or two of the highlights of the country alongside Buenos Aires.
These highlights include Iguazu Falls, Mendoza, or the Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia.
Here are the three variations for a one week Argentina itinerary to show you what’s capable:
| One Week Argentina Itinerary | Places Visited | Perfect For... |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 The North |
Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls |
City lovers who want to explore the capital |
|
#2 Wine Region |
Buenos Aires and Mendoza |
Wine lovers who want to experience Argentina’s top wine region |
|
#3 Patagonia |
Buenos Aires, El Calafate and El Chalten |
Nature lovers who want to see the beauty of Patagonia |
If you’re struggling to work out how many days you need in Argentina, or think you need more than a week, head to the post below to see some alternative itineraries that may suit you:
#1 The North - Argentina 1-Week Itinerary
This itinerary is the one I would recommend if you only had a week to see Argentina.
You won’t feel rushed, and you’ll get the perfect blend of culture and history in Buenos Aires, alongside the beautiful nature of Iguazu Falls.
The short return flight from Buenos Aires to Iguazu (1h 50m) means you can fly in the morning and still have the whole day at the falls.
Here is the breakdown of this one-week itinerary:
- Day 1-2 – Buenos Aires
- Day 3-4 – Iguazu Falls
- Day 5-7 – Buenos Aires
Day 1 – Buenos Aires (Arrival And Centro)
Your first day will likely involve getting settled and trying to deal with jet lag but after that you more than enough time to see this incredible city.
Buenos Aires is known as the “Paris of South America,” as it feels like you’re visiting a European capital.
Here are some things to do on your first day:
- Take a leisurely stroll through the historic Plaza de Mayo, surrounded by iconic buildings like the Casa Rosada.
- Enjoy a traditional Argentine dinner at one of the local parrillas (steak restaurants) or try Argentine pizza, a much thicker and cheesier pizza.
3 days in Buenos Aires is more than enough to see the best parts. For the fully planned itinerary with a day-by-day breakdown, click the link below:
Day 2 - Buenos Aires (Recoleta)
On day 2 of this one-week itinerary, its time to explore the Recoleta neighbourhood, known for its upscale shops, cafes, and beautiful parks.
I would recommend:
- Starting your day with a visit to the Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of Eva Perón.
- Visit the impressive National Fine Arts Museum (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes).
- Relax in the afternoon at the stunning Floralis Genérica, a giant metal flower sculpture.
- Have dinner or cocktails a Floreria Atlantico, continually voted one of the 50 best bars in the world.
Day 3 - Iguazu Falls (Argentine Side)
Iguazu Falls is a mesmerizing natural wonder comprised of a vast network of over 275 individual waterfalls, spanning nearly 2 miles.
Take an early morning flight (2 hours) to Iguazu and check into your accommodation. Whilst here:
- Spend the afternoon exploring the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls from the Argentine side.
- Take in the breathtaking views from various lookout points and walk along the well-maintained trails.
Day 4 - Iguazu Falls (Brazilian Side)
Iguazu is such a huge waterfall that it needs to be experienced from multiple angles.
On you’re your second day here you can cross the border into Brazil and experience the falls from a different perspective.
On the Brazilian side you can:
- Embark on an exhilarating boat tour to get up close to the cascading waterfalls.
- Immerse yourself in the lush rainforest surroundings with a nature walk.
Day 5 - Buenos Aires
You’ll be flying back from Iguazu on day 5 so take this day a little slower. Once you’ve return to Buenos Aires and checked in to your accommodation, you can:
- Experience the passion of tango with an evening show. La Ventana is the Centro district is known as one of the best.
- Conclude the night at a trendy rooftop bar such as Alvear rooftop and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
This itinerary includes 5 days in Buenos Aires. That might be too much for some but it’s such a great city that I think it’s the right amount of time.
Read more here on the many great things you can see and do in this city:
Day 6 - Buenos Aires (San Telmo)
Time to explore the charming San Telmo neighbourhood, known for its cobblestone streets, bustling market, and vibrant street art.
Here you can:
- Shop for antiques, handmade crafts, vintage clothing, and try local street food delights.
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the historic market area or if you want a nice meal, try Atis Bar tucked away in an old mansion courtyard.
- In the afternoon, head to the modern Puerto Madero district, walk along the waterfront and admire the sleek architecture. Sit by the river and grab a craft beer at Temple Bar
- If you have time, head to the Ecological Reserve for a nice nature walk. You can see many exotic bird species, lizards and maybe even a snake if you’re lucky.
Day 7 - Buenos Aires (Palermo)
Time to explore the trendy Palermo neighbourhood, known for its hip cafes, boutiques, and street art.
My favourite things to do include:
- Visit the beautiful Palermo Park and the Rose Garden (Jardín Botánico Carlos Thays).
- Indulge in a classic Argentine meal at Don Julio, a renowned parrilla in the Palermo neighbourhood. If you turn up at 7 when it opens, you can usually get a table.
- Spend your last evening in Buenos Aires soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Palermo’s nightlife, with its diverse bars and clubs.
Grab this one-week Argentina itinerary, along with the 2 other routes, in a easy-to-read, PDF document!
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PATAGONIA...
is a must visit for travelers visiting Argentina. Check out these posts to help you plan a hassle-free trip:
#2 Wine Region - Argentina 1-Week Itinerary
This itinerary is my second favourite if you only had a week to see Argentina.
Again, you won’t feel rushed, and Mendoza is only a short 2-hour flight from Buenos Aires so you aren’t losing too much time to travel.
This itinerary is geared more towards wine lovers who want to visit Argentina’s top wine region.
With 3 days in Mendoza, you can tour some of the best wineries in the country and sample the finest Malbecs, all whilst surrounded by the beautiful backdrop of the Andean countryside.
Here is the breakdown of this one-week itinerary:
- Day 1-2 – Buenos Aires
- Day 3-5 – Mendoza
- Day 6-7 – Buenos Aires
Day 1-2 - Buenos Aires
Follow the same outlined as in the previous itinerary by visiting Centro and Recoleta on your first two days.
As you have one less day in total in Buenos Aires, you can also combine San Telmo with Centro as they are close together.
Want to spend longer than a week in Argentina? I personally recommend three weeks to a month if you can afford it. Head to the posts below to see how it can be done:
Day 3 - Mendoza (Arrival & Walking Tour)
Mendoza is Argentina’s number one wine producing region with over 1,200 wineries and vineyards in the surrounding area.
On your first day you should:
- Start your exploration with a guided walking tour of the city center, visiting landmarks such as Plaza Independencia and the Basilica of San Francisco.
- Wander through Mendoza’s tree-lined streets, taking in the vibrant atmosphere and admiring the local architecture.
- Sample local cuisine and wine at one of the many great restaurants in the city. Try Anna Bistro for great steaks.
Bariloche and Mendoza are two popular places in Argentina, and travellers can often deliberate between visiting one or the other.
If you think you would prefer to swap the wine country for the lake district, check out the detailed comparison in the post below:
Day 4 - Mendoza (Maipu Wine Bike Route)
Just outside of Mendoza, in the town of Maipu, visitors can tour some of the best wineries in the world.
Here you can visit the bodegas, taste wines, and learn about the wine-making process from some of the best winemakers in Argentina.
Here you can:
- Embark on a cycling adventure through the picturesque Maipu wine region. Rent a bike and pedal your way through vineyards, stopping at renowned wineries for tastings of exquisite Malbec wines.
- Indulge in a delicious lunch at a local bodega, pairing regional wines with traditional Argentine dishes.
- Join a tour, learning about the winemaking process and enjoying the scenic landscapes.
For more information on Mendoza including 8 great reasons why you should visit, head to the post below:
Day 5 - Mendoza (Explore Outside The City)
On your final day in Mendoza, you can choose between two exciting day-trip options:
Option 1: Aconcagua National Park
Embark on a journey to Aconcagua National Park, home to the highest peak in the Americas.
Here you can enjoy great hiking trails surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and catch a glimpse of the iconic Aconcagua.
Aconcagua is a good distance away from Mendoza (3-4 hour drive) and requires either a tour or an early start, so I only recommend this option for hike enthusiasts.
Option 2: Potrerillos Lake
Head to the serene Potrerillos Lake, nestled amid the Andean foothills where you can enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relax by the lakeside.
Day 6-7 - Buenos Aires
Fly back to Buenos Aires on the morning of day 6 and use these last two days for more wine related fun:
- Explore Palermo’s culinary scene, beginning with lunch at Don Julio, one of the world’s best steakhouses.. Don’t miss Palermo’s vibrant street art between meals!
- Go for a wine tasting at Pain et Vin or Anuva Wines for a curated experience of Argentina’s best wines. Alternatively, take a day trip to Bodega Gamboa just outside the city, where you can tour the vineyard and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of wine tasting.
Or if you want to carry on travelling, why not visit Chile. It’s easy to do from Mendoza and just requires a 5-6 hour bus journey and a simple border crossing.
The three itineraries in the post below can help you cross the borders a 3 different points in Argentina to see Chile:
Did you know Argentina has its very own Salt Flat and Rainbow Mountain. These are two of the best sights in the country, hidden away in the north and well worth a visit. Check out these posts for more:
“Joe turned our fragmented ideas into a seamless itinerary. His expert advice saved us time, money, and stress – making our time in Argentina unforgettable”
Sam & Amy – 1 Month In Argentina
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#3 Patagonia - Argentina 1-Week Itinerary
This 7-day itinerary will show you the diverse beauty of Argentina from the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia.
This itinerary is my least favourite on the list as you’ll be packing a lot in for 7 days and you’ll lose a good day and a half to travelling.
However, I’ve included it as I think many travellers will have Perito Moreno and El Chalten as their top priorities when visiting Argentina.
Here is the breakdown of this one-week itinerary:
- Day 1-2 – Buenos Aires
- Day 3-4 – El Calafate
- Day 5-6 – El Chalten
- Day 7 – Buenos Aires
Day 1-2 - Buenos Aires
Follow the same outlined as in the previous itinerary by visiting Centro and Recoleta on your first two days.
Day 3 - El Calafate
People come to El Calafate to experience the sheer grandeur of the Perito Moreno Glacier. The glacier’s thunderous roars and awe-inspiring vistas will leave you speechless.
On day 3 you need to:
- Fly to El Calafate and check in to your accommodation in this gateway to Argentine Patagonia. It’s a 3-hour flight from Buenos Aires to El Calafate so take an early morning flight so you have the rest of the day to explore.
- Explore the charming town of El Calafate, situated on the shores of Lake Argentino. You can visit the Glaciarium to learn more about the glaciers in the region and the Laguna Nimez Reserve to see the indigenous bird species of Patagonia.
Day 4 - El Calafate
Day 4 is a full day out visiting the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Argentina’s most popular destinations.
You have several options to see it:
- Take the bus and walk the boardwalks to get panoramic views
- Opt for a boat tour to get up close to the glacier’s towering ice walls.
- Go ice trekking on the glacier itself. This is the most expensive option, but it includes time on the boardwalk, a short boat trip and hiking too.
Check out my two-week Argentina itinerary so see how to include Perito Moreno in your trip.
Day 5 - El Chalten
Transfer to El Chalten, the trekking capital of Argentina, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park. This is a 3 hour bus ride.
After you’ve arrived and settled you can:
- Explore the picturesque village of El Chalten, known for its welcoming atmosphere and vibrant outdoor culture.
- Go on a short 2–3-hour trek to Mirador Los Condores to get the best views of the town and Mount Fitzroy
Day 6 - El Chalten
This is your only full day in El Chalten so it’s time to embark on a hike to marvel at the iconic peaks of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
The Laguna De Los Tres hike is regarded as one of the best in the world.
It’s a challenging yet rewarding hike that rewards you with sights of Laguna de Los Tres’ stunning turquoise waters and unmatched views of the iconic Fitzroy peak.
If you want to spend more time trekking in Argentina, you’ll need to extend your itinerary beyond a week. Check out the post below to see the ideal amount of time to dedicate to El Calafate and El Chalten:
Day 7 - Buenos Aires
Day 7 is mainly a day of travelling. You’ll need to take the 3 hour bus back to El Calafate. Then fly from El Calafate back to Buenos Aires which takes another 3 hours.
Once you return to Buenos Aires, check in to your accommodation for a final night in the city. Then delight in a farewell dinner at one of Buenos Aires’ renowned restaurants and reflect on your Patagonian adventures as you bid Argentina farewell.
Can I See Iguazu Falls & Patagonia In One Week?
Yes, you can see Iguazu Falls and El Calafate in a week, but not the whole of Patagonia.
You won’t be able to visit El Chalten to go trekking, but you will be able to see Perito Moreno Glacier.
With this itinerary, you’ll sacrifice seeing less of Buenos Aires which may appeal to a lot of people, especially if you aren’t a fan of big cities.
Here’s how I would do it:
- Day 1-2 – Buenos Aires
- Day 3-4 – Iguazu
- Day 5-6 – El Calafate
- Day 7 – Buenos Aires
On the morning of day 3, you’ll fly to Iguazu. It’s a 2-hour flight so you’ll still have most of the day here. Day 5 will be a full day of travel, returning to Buenos Aires and then flying down to El Calafate. On Day 7 you’ll fly back to BA in the morning and have a half day to explore.
This is a pacey itinerary, but you’ll have ticked off two of the best sights in Argentina in a week.
How Much Does A Week In Argentina Cost?
A week in Argentina that includes 2-3 days in Buenos Aires and a return flight to either Iguazu, Mendoza or Patagonia should cost you around $750.
Here’s a rough breakdown of what you should expect to spend money on:
- Food – $200
- Accommodation – $200
- Internal Flights – $150
- Activities – $200
If you want to see Iguazu and Perito Moreno in one week, then I would recommend $1000 for the additional return flight you’ll need.
Argentina Itineraries
How many days do you need in Argentina? Whether it’s 7 days, 3 weeks or 1 month, I’ve created pre-made itineraries to suit every schedule and traveler.
Check out these posts to help you plan a hassle-free trip:
“We ended up with a better itinerary than anything a travel agent suggested – and without the expensive price tag!
Maeve & Martin – 3 Weeks In Argentina
Planning a trip to Argentina?
Are you struggling with any of this?
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spent hours researching… and still feeling lost
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo!
I help travellers like you plan custom Argentina trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
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