Can You See Argentina In A Three Weeks?
Three weeks is the perfect amount of time to see most of what Argentina has to offer.
With three weeks you can see Iguazu, Buenos Aires, and Patagonia all without having to rush. You may also be able to get in a quick visit to Mendoza or Salta to see the wine country as well.
However, how you spend the three weeks depends on your budget. Argentina is a big country and requires lots of flights to get around meaning it isn’t always the best country for budget travellers.
Here are the two three-week itineraries for Argentina:
| Three Week Argentina Itinerary | Places Visited | Perfect For... |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 The Highlights |
Iguazu Falls, Mendoza and Patagonia |
First timers to Argentina who want to tick off all the best sights |
|
#2 The North-West |
Salta, Cafayate and Mendoza |
Wine lovers and those who want to get off the beaten track |
If you’re struggling to work out how many days you need in Argentina, or don’t think you can do three weeks, head to the post below to see some alternative itineraries that may suit you:
#1 The Highlights - Three-Week Argentina Itinerary
This three week itinerary for Argentina is ideal for travellers who want to see the highlights and aren’t too strict with their budget.
This route will start in Buenos Aires, before flying up to the beautiful Iguazu Falls. You’ll then head south to Patagonia and spend two weeks here, seeing everything it has to offer before returning to Buenos Aires to end the trip.
Here’s a complete breakdown of this three-week itinerary:
- Day 1-3 – Buenos Aires
- Day 4-6 – Iguazu
- Day 7-9 – Mendoza
- Day 10-14 – Bariloche
- Day 15-16 – El Calafate
- Day 17-20– El Chalten
- Day 21 – Buenos Aires
Day 1-3 – Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is known as the “Paris of South America,” as it feels like visiting a European capital.
Your first day will likely involve getting settled and trying to deal with jet lag but after that you have three full days to see this incredible city.
Here some great things to do whilst in Buenos Aires:
- Tango – go to a show and experience the city’s famous tango dancing.
- Visit La Boca: This colourful neighbourhood is known for its vibrant street art, tango shows, and its famous soccer team, Boca Juniors. You can explore the colourful streets, take pictures and enjoy traditional foods.
- Take a Boat Tour on the Rio de la Plata: Buenos Aires is a city located on the river. Taking a boat tour of the river is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and get a great view of the skyline.
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 4-6 – Iguazu
Iguazu Falls is a mesmerizing natural wonder comprised of a vast network of over 275 individual waterfalls, spanning nearly 2 miles.
The sheer size, power, and tropical beauty make Iguazu Falls an iconic destination that can’t be missed
How To Get To Iguazu From Buenos Aires
- Book a Flight: Start by booking a flight from Buenos Aires to Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport (IGR), the nearest airport to Iguazu Falls. There are several airlines that operate this route, such as Aerolíneas Argentinas, LATAM Airlines, and Flybondi.
- Flight Duration: The flight duration from Buenos Aires to Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport is around 1 hour and 50 minutes on average. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary based on factors such as weather conditions and specific flight routes. Flight prices will vary depending on the time of year, but a return will cost between $100-200
- Transport to the Falls: Once you arrive at Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle, or use ride-sharing services to reach the town of Puerto Iguazú, which is the gateway to the falls. The airport is located approximately 20-30 minutes away from the town.
PATAGONIA...
is a must visit for travelers visiting Argentina. Check out these posts to help you plan a hassle-free trip:
Day 7 - Buenos Aires / Travel To Mendoza
Day 7 is a transitionary day where you’ll be travelling.
Firstly, you will need to return to Buenos Aires from Iguazu. Try to take the earliest possible flight the aim of returning to Buenos Aires in the early afternoon.
You then have two choices. You could try to catch a flight down to El Calafate on the same day. The benefit of this would be that you’ll save a day which can be spent doing activities.
Or, you can stay the night in Buenos Aires and fly to Mendoza in the morning.
The benefit of this is you get one more night in Buenos Aires to do anything you may have missed the first time around, and you won’t be rushing or on and off transport all day.
Exploring the Argentinian side of Patagonia is a must. But the Chilean side is so close, so whilst your here, why not hop across the border? It’s easy to do! Linked below are two itinerary posts that can help you plan:
Day 8-9 - Mendoza
Mendoza is Argentina’s number one wine producing region with over 1,200 wineries and vineyards in the surrounding area.
Visitors can tour the wineries, taste wines, and learn about the wine-making process from some of the best winemakers in the world.
The region is particularly known for its Malbec wine, which is considered to be some of the best in the world. This isn’t just a place to visit for high end travel though and backpackers and Argentinians on summer holidays flock to the region too.
Wineries In Mendoza
One of the best activities in Mendoza is the ‘wine bike route’. On the outskirts of Mendoza city centre, you will find several of the best wineries all along the same road. Here you can find bike rental shops offering to rent cheap bikes and provide a map to the best wineries.
Maipu Bikes is one of the best.
This is such an enjoyable day, riding in between the different vineyards surrounded by lush green fields and mountain views in the distance. All the wineries allow you to visit and enjoy a tasting from somewhere between 200-500 pesos. Sitting in the gardens or atop the balconies of each bodega and enjoy a selection of wine tastings in the sun is the perfect way to spend a day in Mendoza.
One of the best bodegas is Trapiche, where you can sit out on the balcony and look out over the vineyard whilst getting sloshed.
Once you done three or four tastings you can head back to Maipu bikes to drop off your bike.
They have a small outside bar and everyone ends back here at the end of the day to drop off their bikes and enjoy some final drinks.
For more information on Mendoza including 8 great reasons why you should visit, head to the post below:
Day 10 - Fly To Bariloche
On day 10, take a flight down to Bariloche. The flight from Mendoza to Bariloche takes 1 hour 45 minutes and will cost between $100-200 for a single.
Make sure you book in advance though as this non-stop flight only goes once a day. Otherwise you may have to return to BA and fly from there adding unnecessary admin to your trip.
Bariloche and Mendoza are two popular places in Argentina, and travellers can often deliberate between visiting one or the other.
If you you would prefer to spend longer in one or the other, check out the detailed comparison along with my personal opinion in the post below:
Day 11-14 - Bariloche
Nestled amidst the picturesque Andes Mountains, Bariloche offers a stunning display of natural beauty. From snow-capped peaks to crystal-clear lakes and lush forests, the landscape is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Here are some great things to do with your 3 full days here:
- Begin your journey by getting to grips with the centre of this beautiful town. A walking tour will take you on a wander through its charming streets where you can sample local cuisine, admire Swiss-style architecture, and learn more about the history of the town. Historias Bariloche runs five unique walking tours all for a small fee.
- Cerro Otto is prominent hill overlooking the town that doubles up as a ski slope in the winter months. This easily accessible summit can be reached by a short chairlift ride or a pleasant hike, providing stunning views of the surrounding Nahuel Huapi Lake and the majestic Andes mountains.
- In Bariloche, you have several hikes to pick from including Refugio Frey and Cerro Tronador. You are also spoilt for choice for adventure activities and you can go kayaking on the lakes, mountain biking and even skiing if you are visiting Argentina in the winter.
For more on why this is such a fantastic place to visit and spend time in, head to the post below:
Day 15-16 - 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.
You have multiple options to see the Glacier:
- Bus/Boardwalk
- Kayak Tour
- Boat Tour
- Glacier Hike
For this itinerary, I will outline taking the bus which is the cheapest and easiest and thus more accessible to most backpackers.
After breakfast in Calafate, take the bus into the national park. Buses leave at 8.30 or 9.00. Make sure you buy a return ticket which costs 800 ARS (US$20).
The bus takes over an hour to reach the start of the boardwalk. You will stop once along the way to buy your entrance ticket to the national park. This costs 700 ARS (US$17.50) and you must pay in cash.
Once you’ve arrived, spend as long as you want walking along the boardwalk. Spend time taking photos and waiting for huge chucks of ice fall off the glacier and crash into the water.
If you prefer to do a boat tour to get a bit closer to the glacier, you also book that here. You can walk up to the small cubicles on the boardwalk and book there.
Return buses will leave from 4.00PM onwards so be sure to check with your company what time you need to be back on the bus.
Patagonia is often the reason why people come to Argentina. If you feel like you need more days here, have a look at some of the example itineraries in the post below:
Day 17-20 - El Chalten
On the morning of day 17, take a 3 hours bus to El Chalten. It’s worth noting that these buses are in high demand in summer.
During the peak season (December-February), they often sell out. To secure your spot, it’s advisable to book your tickets well in advance.
Once you’re settled in your hostel, you should still have the rest of the day to fill. I would recommend embarking on a small trek to one of the viewpoints around town.
You have two options:
- Mirador Los Condores – 4-5km round trip
- Chorrillo del Salto – 6-7km round trip
I would recommend the Mirador Los Cóndores hike, as it’s shorter and offers panoramic views of the town. If you can, plan your hiking so you reach the top for sunset for jaw-dropping vistas.
Hiking In El Chalten
One of the best is the Laguna De Los Tres Trek – a challenging yet rewarding hike that leads you to the base of Mount Fitz Roy.
The 10km ascent rewards you with sights of Laguna de Los Tres’ stunning turquoise waters and unmatched views of the iconic Fitzroy peak.
You also have the option to camp here overnight which has some benefits. It splits the challenging trek in two so you have less walking to do. And you can wake up and watch the sunrise over the lake in the morning.
The Laguna De Los Tres hike is one of the best trails in all South America. To see some of my favourite hikes on this incredible continent, head to the post below:
Day 21 - Return To Buenos Aires
Your three weeks in Argentina is now over and you’ve seen everything it has to offer! All you need to do now is return to Buenos Aires and take your flight back home.
To get from El Chalten to Buenos Aires, you have to first get the return bus back to El Calafate. This should take 3 hours.
Then from El Calafate, fly back to Buenos Aires. The flight takes 3 hours.
Or if you want to carry on travelling, why not visit Chile?
It’s easy to do from El Calafate and just requires a 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
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.
#2 The North - Three-Week Argentina Itinerary
This three-week itinerary for Argentina is ideal for travellers who are on a budget.
You won’t be seeing Patagonia but you’ll see a lot of beautiful places in the country that are off the beaten track.
This itinerary is also perfect for those who love wine and want to follow the wine route from the north-west down to the middle of the country.
The north-east of the country can be travelled by bus and prices are much lower.
Here’s a complete breakdown of this one-month itinerary:
- Day 1-4 – Buenos Aires
- Day 5-6 – Salta
- Day 7-8 – Humahuaca
- Day 9 – Tilcara
- Day 10-11 – Purmamarca
- Day 12 – Salta
- Day 13-14 – El Cafayate
- Day 15-19 – Mendoza
- Day 20-21 – Buenos Aires
Day 5-6 - Salta
More and more wine lovers are travelling to ‘Salta – La Linda’ (meaning Salta – The Beautiful) to visit the world-famous vineyards and enjoy the magnificent mountain landscapes.
The beautiful countryside paired with high-quality wines and delicious regional foods makes for a great experience.
The city centre has some interesting sights such as the Museum of High-Altitude Archaeology (MAAM) which contains a perfectly preserved mummified corpse of an Andean child, thought to be sacrificed by her tribe hundreds of ago.
Then the Teleferico Cable Car will take you the top of San Bernardo hill for great views of the city or you can head to Calle Balcare to party with the locals.
Salta is also great to use as a base for exploring the countryside. You can take a day trip out to Cabra Corral Dam for some adrenaline-fuelled activities such as bungee jumping or visit the smaller towns like Chicoana or Cachi as day trips.
Day 7-8 - Humahuaca
Humahuaca is the first of three small towns along Route 9 which runs through the beautiful northern countryside north of the city of Salta.
Here you can find Argentina’s very own Rainbow Mountain (and depending on who you ask, better than the more famous one in Peru).
El Hornocal or the 14 Coloured Mountain, is just outside the town of Humahuaca, a 30-minute drive away. It’s a great little day trip. You can find a cheap tour in town or drive there yourself if you have a car. If you can, try and get there on a weekday to avoid the crowds and turn up just in the late afternoon to experience the colourful mountain illuminated at sunset.
For this one month itinerary, I would recommend renting a car. Most of the towns you visit are along the famous Route 40 highway which spans from the entire country from north to south. Having a car means you can drive between towns at your own pace and visit places like Rainbow Mountain with ease.
Everything else you need to know about Humahuaca from our favourite hostels to the best restaurants is here in our guide to the town:
Day 9 - Tilcara
Tilcara has the same laidback vibe of Humahuaca and is filled with artisan cafes, shops, and restaurants.
In the summer, it gets livelier with Argentinian tourists escaping the big cities and filling up the peñas (communal gatherings with traditional music from the region) and bars.
You also have some great options for outdoor adventure here. You can trek to El Garganta Del Diablo (The Devil’s Throat Waterfall) or the historical site of Pucara Del Tilcara, a pre-Inca fortification built in the 12th century.
Day 10-11 - Purmamarca
Another short journey south is the third town on Route 9 which includes Argentina’s second Rainbow Mountain – the Hill of 7 Colours.
Whilst it doesn’t sound as impressive as the 14 Coloured Mountain, the hill is just as colourful, and you don’t need to take a tour to see this one. You can see it from anywhere in town but the best way is to walk along the Paseo de los Colorados, a 1.5 mile (3 km) easy trail for great views of this multi-coloured hill.
Purmamarca is also a good base for a trip to Salinas Grandes – Argentina’s spectacular salt flat.
You can visit by yourself or book a tour and you will have lots of opportunities to get the famous perspective shots and marvel and the unique white landscape that stretches on for miles.
Check our comparison guide of the two mountains:
Day 12 - Salta
You may wish to stop off for one night again in Salta to break up the journey. If you are taking buses along the wine route then this is a must.
If you are renting a car and driving then it’s a 7-8 hour drive from Purmamarca to El Cafayate without stopping.
Bus Bud was my company of choice for booking buses when travelling the northwest. They have schedules for almost every bus company and you can book directly through them.
Day 13-14 - Cafayate
Cafayate is a wine-producing region in the northwest of Argentina, located within the Calchaqui Valley – one of the world’s highest suitable locations for growing grapes.
The combination of high-elevation, great year-round weather and fertile soil produce incredible malbecs and torrontés.
There are three bodegas in town that are easy to visit – Nani, Domingo Hermanos and El Transito. At each one you can pay a small price to try a selection of wines. For example, at Bodega Nani we paid 250 pesos for 5 wines (3 reserves and 2 young).
After that, you should visit Piatellia Vineyard for a full tour and to learn more about how grapes are turned into wine before another tasting!
Check out our full guide to the town including the best bodegas and vineyards to visit here:
Day 15-19 - Mendoza
Day 15 will be a full day of travel. This is the trickiest part of the itinerary that will cost you in time and money. But if you want to carry on seeing Argentina’s best wine region then Mendoza is a must!
From El Cafayate, you can either return to Salta and fly to Mendoza, or take the overnight bus. Either way, this will be a long day of travelling. Or you could break up the journey to Mendoza by visiting somewhere like Cordoba first.
For your 4 full days in Mendoza:
- Rent bikes and cycle the wine route, visiting and tasting wines at every bodega
- Take a trip out to Aconcagua mountain, the highest mountain in the southern hemisphere
- Visit Lake Potrerillos and enjoy watersports or white-water rafting
Santiago is a 6 hour bus from Mendoza, so whilst your here, why not hop across the border? It’s easy to do!
Linked below are two itinerary posts that can help you plan a combined trip to Chile and Argentina:
Day 20-21 - Buenos Aires
Fly back to Buenos Aires from Mendoza. It’s a short 1 hour and 30 minute flight and shouldn’t cost more than $150.
End your last two days on this three week itinerary in style. Why not check out one of the many amazing bars in Buenos Aires.
Here are some of my favourites:
- Bar 878: Bar 878 is an intimate and stylish speakeasy-style bar that specializes in craft cocktails. It’s known for its extensive cocktail menu, knowledgeable bartenders, and a cozy ambiance.
- Frank’s Bar: Frank’s Bar is a hidden gem, often requiring a secret password to enter, giving it an authentic speakeasy feel. Once inside, you’ll discover a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere with jazz music and a diverse cocktail menu.
- Alvear Rooftop Bar – one of the best rooftop bars in the city. Make sure to book ahead as it’s always busy!
If you can’t manage three weeks in Argentina, check out these one-week itineraries in the post below:
How Much Money Do You Need For Three Weeks In Argentina?
Three weeks in Argentina that takes you from Iguazu Falls To Patagonia will cost approximately $2000.
As of January 2024, the peso is at an all time low and the blue dollar rate (read my post here to understand how this works) means tourists get double the number of pesos for their money.
It’s the best time to visit for budget travellers!
This means you could easily survive on $150 a week for food. Giving you $1550 to spend on flights, accommodation and activities.
Whilst living in Buenos Aires, I was spending $15-20 a day on food. I made my own breakfast and then ate out for lunch and dinner. Yes, it’s that cheap here that I ate out twice a day.
The biggest cost of this itinerary is all the internal flights. As you’ll need to take single flights, they become a bit more expensive. Here’s a rough estimate:
- Buenos Aires To Iguazu (return) – $200
- Buenos Aires To Mendoza (single) – $100
- Mendoza To Bariloche (single) – $150
- Bariloche To El Calafate (single) – $150
- El Calafate to Buenos Aires (single) – $200
Total estimated cost of flights = $800
So, overall with a budget of $2000, this gives you:
- Food – $450
- Flights – $800
- Accommodation – $400 (rough estimate of $20 a night for a hostel)
- Activities – $350 (mostly trekking in Argentina so you won’t need as much for activities)
Is three weeks is too much for you, then check out these shorted two-week itinerary suggestions.
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.
Argentina FAQ's
Here’s a list of frequently asked questions about Argentina:
Do I Need Travel Insurance For Argentina?
Yes, you 100% need travel insurance when visiting Argentina or anywhere in South America.
You need to protect yourself against any potential medical issues that could occur whilst away.
SafetyWing is my go to company when looking for travel medical insurance. They focus on long-term travelers, digital nomads, and remote workers.
SafetyWing covers medical emergencies, travel delays, and lost baggage, but it’s geared towards those who travel for extended periods or live abroad.
What's The Best SIM card for Argentina?
I don’t recommend buying a physical SIM card for Argentina. It’s much easier to download an e-SIM instead.
An e-SIM is a digital SIM card that can be downloaded to your phone via an app. All you do is download the app, pay for the data and you’ll have data in no time.
My preferred e-SIM company is Airalo
How Do You Get Around Argentina?
Buses will be the cheapest way of getting around, but due to the large distances needed to travel, many of these will be overnight buses.
For example, a bus from Buenos Aires to Mendoza takes around 15 hours with prices starting at around $50.
Here are some average bus times:
- Buenos Aires > Iguazu – 17h
- Buenos Aires > Mendoza – 15h
- Buenos Aires > Salta – 21h
- Buenos Aires > Bariloche – 22h
Due to the price and time, I always recommend looking at flights first. If you book early enough, you’ll be able to find return flights for roughIy the same price as the bus and save yourself a lot of time.
For shorter journeys (1-6 hours), the bus will be the better option. For example, if you are travelling around the northwest (Salta region), buses are super cheap.
I always use Busbud to check times and find the best prices:
Are Flights Cheap In Argentina?
Flying is one of the easiest ways to travel around Argentina. Return flights can be cheap if booked in advance, and they will save you a lot of time.
Here are some average flight times:
- Buenos Aires > Iguazu – 1h 50m
- Buenos Aires > Mendoza – 1h 55m
- Buenos Aires > Bariloche – 2h 15m
- Buenos Aires > El Calafate – 3h 20m
- Buenos Aires > Ushuaia – 3h 30m
I always use Way Away Plus to find the cheapest flights and you get cashback every time you book!
What's The Best Backpack For Argentina?
I would recommend taking between 50-70L for your big backpack and 30-40L for a day pack when travelling Argentina.
The extra space in your big backpack will be for your hiking boots and other warm weather gear when you aren’t wearing it. Your day pack will be for your tech such as a laptop and other important items you want to keep safe such as a camera, passport, money etc.
Here are my current backpacks that I use to travel Argentina:
Best Beginner Backpack For Argentina
Osprey are the best brand when it comes to backpacks.
In my opinion, the best beginner backpack is the Osprey Farpoint 50-70L.
It’s reasonably priced, comfortable and has a good amount of space. It’s perfect for first time backpackers visiting Argentina.
It also comes with a 15L detachable day pack which saves you having to buy a separate one.
If you want a wheeled hybrid, then the Sojourn is a great option. They have three different size options from 60-80L.
Best Daypack For Argentina
My go-to daypack is the North Face Router.
It has a 40-liter capacity, is water-repellent, and can fit laptops up to 17”.
For a 40L backpack with loads of compartments and storage, this is such a great price.
If you want something cheaper, you will have to go a bit smaller. The North Face Borealis is 30L and has a similar layout.
What Should I Pack For Argentina?
You need to pack warm and cold weather clothes for Argentina.
In the summer (Dec-March), Buenos Aires and the north will reach averages of 30°C (86°F). I was walking around Buenos Aires in a vest, shorts and sandals!
When you travel to Patagonia, it will get colder as you are so far south. So even if it’s summer, it will still get cold at night. Also, the weather is erratic and it can rain at any moment.
Therefore, you’ll need warm layers and a windbreaker. You’ll also need hiking boots if you want to complete any of the popular treks.
Here’s are some of my key clothing items to recently took to Argentina:
Warm Midlayer Fleece
This is an essential piece of kit for hiking but also for keeping you warm in the evenings.
Invest wisely in one of these as the more efficient it is, the warmer you will be.
I go with R1 Zip-Neck from Patagonia.
Top tip: this is last seasons item now so you should be able to pick this up cheaper in the sales at places like REI
Waterproof Windbreaker
A waterproof is essential when trekking in the Andes to deal with the biting winds and rapidly changing weather.
I like to use the Patagonia TorrentShell 3L.
Its lightweight, warm and packable. The jacket self-stuffs into one of the handwarmer pockets with carabiner clip-in loop.
Waterproof Hiking Boots
Hiking boots are a must if you want to do any trekking in Argentina.
And fully waterproof and ankle high are essential for trekking in the Andes.
I wore a pair of these hiking some of the best trails in the world in Patagonia and they didn’t let me down!
I went into my local Mountain Warehouse and picked up a pair of these and they haven’t let me down since.
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