An Epic Argentina 2 Week Itinerary (Map + Planning Guide)

From Argentina’s bustling cities and world-renowned wine regions to its massive Andes mountains and thundering waterfalls, it’s easy to plan an Argentina 2 week itinerary! The hard part is deciding where to spend it 🙂

We spent one month exploring Argentina, the 8^th largest country in the world, spending all of our time in the country’s central and northern regions. And you know what? We absolutely loved it!

The food, the wine, the people, and the scenery of Central and Nothern Argentina are outstanding and, in some instances, left us utterly gobsmacked!

Whether looking for lush forests, rugged desert landscapes, massive cities, towering mountain ranges, or to eat and drink yourself full, Argentina has a little something for everyone.

It goes without saying, but in case you didn’t know, Argentina is huge! And try as you might, it’s impossible to see everything this country has to offer in 2 weeks. This Argentina 2 week itinerary hits the highlights and really focuses on the upper half of the country.

Yes, the middle and upper half, meaning No Patagonia. We’ll be the first to tell you that Argentina has SO MUCH more to offer than Patagonia.

So buckle up and book that flight! We have 2 weeks in Argentina to plan! Get our ultimate travel guide to Argentina below.

The Ultimate 2 Week Argentina Itinerary

Save & Pin It For Later!

Getting To Argentina – Where To Fly Into

Of course, Argentina is home to several airports and overland border crossings, but for this Argentina 2-week itinerary, you’ll be flying in and out of the capitol city of Argentina, Buenos Aires.

Depending on where you are coming from, your flight into Bueno Aires will land at either of its two airports.

1. Ezeiza International Airport (airport code: EZE)
2. Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery (airport code: AEP)

From the airport, you can easily catch a cab or call an Uber to take you to your Buenos Aires accommodation.

If you’re staying in either the Palermo or Recoleta neighborhoods (where we recommend you stay!), the drive from EZE airport will be about a 1-hour drive, whereas the drive from AEP airport will be anywhere from 20 – to 30 minutes.

Don’t miss our 15 things to know before visiting Argentina!

Visas To Argentina

For most tourists visiting Argentina, including U.S. citizens, you do not need a tourist visa to enter Argentina if you are staying 90 days or less, which is perfect for this 2 week itinerary!

However, always err on the side of caution. Please double and triple-check the latest visa requirements and immigration forms required for your home country before you visit Argentina.

We’d had for you to be looking that Argentina immigration officer in the face and be missing key documentation!

Regardless of what country you call home, a valid passport for at least six months at the time of entering Argentina, with at least two blank pages, is required for everyone.

FUN FACT: Well, not so fun fact, actually. Argentina does not stamp your passport upon entry or exit. Sadly, you won’t be getting a fresh passport stamp in your passport during your 2 week visit to Argentina.

What Is The Best Way To Travel Around Argentina?

Between bus travel, ride-share apps, and flying, you have plenty of options when booking transportation In Argentina.

NOTE: This itinerary assumes you will be flying to each of the destinations listed below. Why? Well, Argentina is MASSIVE. And to make the most of your 2 weeks in Argentina, flying is the fastest way to get around.

FLYING IN ARGENTINA

As stated above, flying is your best bet when looking to maximize your time in Argentina. Sure, flying may not be the cheapest transportation option. However, it is the option that gives you the most time to explore the amazing places we discuss in this Argentina 2 week itinerary.

During our one month in Argentina, we flew Aerolineas Argentinas exclusively. They offered direct flights to all the destinations included in this 2 week Argentina itinerary at reasonable fare prices.

BUS TRAVEL IN ARGENTINA

While we did not travel via bus during our time in Argentina, we met a handful of other travelers who did!

Argentinian buses are usually very comfortable, especially for the long-haul rides.

Coming equipped with comfortable seats, air-conditioning and heating, on-board toilets, and in some cases, personal TVs, booking overland travel via bus in Argentina is a popular way for travelers who not only have the time but are looking to travel on the cheaper end.

TIP: Book the 180′ lay flat seats (cama) or 160′ semi-cama, especially if you are doing a night bus or a long-haul route!

And while WIFI is promised, from our understanding, it never works 🙂 So don’t bank on WIFI. It’s recommended you download any shows or podcasts ahead of getting on the bus.

Oh, and pack snacks! Even though food is sometimes offered, pack snacks and water to be safe.

To view the latest bus routes and prices, hop over to Busbud, where you can reserve bus tickets online.

CAR RENTALS & UBERS IN ARGENTINA

Yes, Uber is in Argentina! And it’s a great way to scoot around town.

Outside of walking, requesting an Uber was the top way we got around the places we were in. Not to mention the way we got to and from the airports.

As for renting a car in Argentina, we can’t recommend it enough!

We rented a car twice during our time in Argentina. Once to get to the wineries in Mendoza. Then, the second time, to road trip around Northern Argentina!

If you want to do your own thing at your own pace, renting a car in Argentina is for you!

What Is The Best Month to Visit Argentina?

If you don’t already know, Argentina is in the Southern Hemisphere.

So if you’re visiting from places like the United States, Europe, etc. (Northern Hemisphere countries), our seasons are flip-flopped with Argentina’s.

What do we mean by that?

Well, their summer (December – February) is our winter months, whereas their winter months (June – August) are our summer months.

All that to say, there is not a bad time to visit Argentina. However, spring (September – November) and fall (March – May) are best for the weather – cooler temperatures and a little rainfall.

Aregentina’s summer (December – February) is their rainy season.

HOWEVER, we visited during Argentina’s peak rainy season (January), and we loved it. It barely rained, and when it did, it was a short little storm that rolled in and out.

Just like other countries around the world, Argentina can be visited year-round. It just depends on what you want to do!

NOTE: The below itinerary assumes you are not visiting during Argetnina’s winter but during their Spring, Summer, or Fall.

Map of Argentina 2 Week Itinerary

Use the + and – signs within the interactive map above to understand where each destination is located in Argentina.

Day 1: Arrive to Buenos Aires

Whether you’re arriving from another Latin American country or your home country, “Bienvenido” to Argentina!

Known as the Paris of South America, you could spend 2 weeks in Buenos Aires alone!

Home of the tango, rich history, wonderful architecture, and endless eateries to devour some of Argentina’s staple dishes like asado, empanadas, alfajores, and, of course, Malbec wine, Buenos Aires is a wonder to behold.

Depending on when you land (and how you slept on your flight, especially if it was a long haul one), the first day is meant for you to get settled, walk around your neighborhood (we recommend staying in Palermo or Recoleta!), and having dinner at a cozy (or bustling) cafe.

TIP: People eat dinner late in Buenos Aires (and Argentina in general!). Prime dining time occurs between 9 PM – 10 PM and goes into the night. If you arrive any earlier than 8:30 PM, you may be the only diner in the restaurant 🙂

Alternatively, if you are raring to go, a walking tour is a PERFECT way to jump-start your first day in Buenos Aires. Not only will a walking tour orient you to the city, but you’ll also learn about its history and how Buenos Aires became what it is today.

Day 2 – 3: Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a wonderful city to walk through! And walking is one of the best ways to experience the city’s top sights.

Learn how to spend 3 days in Buenos Aires here!

• Stroll through Recoleta Cemetery (it sounds creepy, but we promise it’s not!)
• Wander the Sunday Street Market in San Telmo
• Take a jaunt around La Boca to experience the colorful houses along Caminito
• Walk across the widest avenue in the world, Avenida de Mayo
• Meander around Plaza De Mayo to see the “Pink House” where the President of Buenos Aires lives
• Stroll along the waterfront of Puerto Madero and stop at one of its many waterfront eateries for a snack or drink

Of course, some sights are a little too far to walk, making a hop-on-hop-off bus a great option to consider!

Oh, and if you didn’t get a chance to take a walking tour or bike tour (per day 1’s recommendation!), then no doubt get one of these walking or biking tours booked!

TIP: Spending a weekend, specifically a Sunday in Buenos Aires, is a must! The San Telmo Sunday Market was one of our favorite experiences in Buenos Aires. Not to mention, spending a Sunday on Caminito in La Boca and getting lunch is a must, too!

Whether you hit these sights on your walking tour, bike tour, or hop-on-hop-off bus tour, you’ll want to do your best to add the below to your “must-see sights in Buenos Aires” list!

• See the city of Buenos Aires from a chic rooftop bar, like Salon 1923
• Admire the beautiful architecture that is Teatro Colón (historic opera house) and El Ateneo Grand Splendid (bookstore)
• Have a coffee or cocktail at a historic cafe (Café Notable) or historic bar (Bares Notables)
• Take a Tango lesson or watch a Tango show at Señor Tango, El Viejo Almacen, or La Ventana. After all, you’re in the birthplace of Tango!

And finally, for those foodies out there, indulging in an authentic Argentina Asado experience at either Fagon Asado or The Argentina Experience. This was one of our favorite things we did during our time in Bueno Aires!

Oh, and to take your food experience to the next level, book a cooking class in Buenos Aires!

As you can see, Buenos Aires has a TON of things to see and do 🙂

Where To Stay In Buenos Aires

Palermo

We stayed in Palermo and loved it! Palermo is a quaint, walkable neighborhood with bars, shops, and cafes. There are loads of nicer hotels like BE Jardin Escondido (where Francis Ford Coppola stayed!), Mine Hotel, and Magnolia, all of which are great accommodation options to consider when booking in Palermo!

If you’d rather stay in an apartment in Palermo, this modern studio and apartment are wonderful options! And for those looking for budget-friendly accommodations, PH Palermo Hostel and LOPEZ Hostel & Suites are for you!

Recoleta

Recoleta, the nicest area in Buenos Aires, is upscale and, like Palermo, home to many bars, shops, and cafes. Accommodations like Casa Par, Poetry Building, and Casa Bevant are exceptional places to call home while exploring Buenos Aires!

And for those budget seekers, hostels like Mons and Casa Franca are cost-effective places to stay in the nicer areas of Buenos Aires.

In reality, you really can’t go wrong with either neighborhood! They’re both charming, safe areas of the city close to many amazing things to do in Buenos Aires!

Day 4 – 6: Mendoza

After three amazing days in Buenos Aires, it’s time to board a flight to one of the best wine regions in the world, Mendoza!

There are a few things to know about Mendoza.

1. Mendoza a city (Mendoza Centro)
2. But it’s also a region (Province of Mendoza)
3. Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, two wine regions in Mendoza, are outside the city. Luján de Cuyo is the closest to Mendoza (20 – 30 minutes), whereas Uco Valley is one hour south of the Mendoza City Center.

TIP: We rented a car and drove to Uco Valley ourselves and stayed the weekend in a cozy accommodation. If you want to drive yourself, book a rental car ahead of time, especially if you’re visiting in peak season. If you prefer having a driver to take you to the wineries, that is another option!

While there are some wonderful things to do in the city of Mendoza, your sights are set on Tupungato, a small Uco Valley town at the base of the Andes Mountains.

Mendoza, specifically Uco Valley, is arguably known for producing the best Malbecs in the world. And being married to a Malbec fan-boy, we can attest that the Mablecs from Mendoza (and its other wines, too!) are some of the best-tasting wines we’ve ever tried!

Check out our Mendoza itinerary to help you navigate the area!

Uco Valley Wineries

So, that is what you’re here to do?! Drink wine, take in the stunning views of the Andes mountains, and eat good food. Sound good? We thought so 🙂

• Bodega Catena Zapata: One of our favorite wineries, we highly recommend reserving a lunch wine tasting.
• Bodega Andeluna: We did a wine tasting and tour here and loved it! You can also stay at Andeluna, right in the vineyard!
• Bodega DiamAndes: We had a wine-pairing lunch, and it was scrumptious! As tasty as the food was and as BEAUTIFUL of a setting this Bodega is situated in, DiamAndes was our least favorite in terms of wine.

TIP: Reservations are REQUIRED to have lunch or partake in a wine tasting or tour. Especially if you are looking to visit popular places like Catena Zapata, make your reservations as far IN ADVANCE as you can.

Alternatively, if you do not wish to stay in Uco Valley, you are, of course, welcome to stay in Mendoza City and book winery tours to Bodega Catena Zapata and Bodega DiamAndes from the city center!

Or, if you wish to tackle the wineries in one day, a multi-winery tour is another option! If you opt to tackle the wineries of Mendoza in one day, you can spend your other day horseback riding or visiting the Cacheuta Hot Springs.

Where To Stay in Uco Valley

If you’re looking to be as close to the wineries as possible, our recommendation is to stay right in the vineyard of Andeluna! Can’t get much closer than that 🙂

Of course, other options exist, such as Gaia Lodge and Tupungato Divino, and if you want to splurge for some exceptional views, Hotel De Cielo is a luxurious property giving you a front-row seat to the Andes Mountains.

If you’re looking for a house to stay with friends or family, La Casa De Alicia is perfect. It’s cozy and a great space to connect and unwind with your loved ones.

Day 7 – 10: Cafayate or Humahuaca

With Mendoza behind you, you’re flying further north into Argentina! As much as we’d love to be able to tell you you can visit both Cafayate and Humahuaca, sadly, you’ll have to choose between the two.

TIP: The Mendoza to Salta route only operates direct flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. On Mondays and Fridays, there are no direct flights. So, do your best to plan accordingly.

While you’ll fly into the same airport (Salta – SLA) as the starting point to access both destinations, Cafayate and Humahuaca are in opposite directions of each other.

Cafayate is located 3 hours south of Salta, whereas Humahuaca is located almost 4 hours north of Salta.

Since both places are in opposite directions, you’ll need to pick one to visit as you won’t have the time to visit both.

We’ll explain more about Cafayate and Humahuaca below, but whichever you choose as a stop on your Argentina 2 week itinerary, you’ll have an unforgettable time!

TIP: Both options will require a rental car. You can look at busses, but in all honesty, we really recommend against it. There is SO much to see and do outside of the town limits of both places that having a rental car is honestly the best way to get around and explore both Cafayate and Humahuaca.

About Cafayate

A small town surrounded by vineyards and a rugged landscape, Cayafayte is located in the province of Salta. It also happens to be located in the second largest wine-producing region in Argentina, Calchaquí Valley.

It takes three hours to get there by car from Salta, and the drive is nothing short of scenic! In fact, Ruta 68 is considered one of the most scenic drives in Argentina, and for good reason!

There is a section of Ruta 68 that pushes the word “scenic” to the next level. It’s called Quebrada de las Conchas, and it starts some 30 – 35 miles (50 – 55 km) outside of Cafayate.

Desert-landscape with vast valleys and towering mountains surround either side of you as you drive through Quebrada de las Conchas. With plenty of stopping points along the way, you’ll get out of your car frequently to explore and take photos!

The scenic landscape makes you feel like you’re in the U.S. Southwest, and it’s spectacular!

Before you know it, you’ll arrive in Cafayate, a small winery-filled town with a backdrop of the Andes Mountains.

It’s small, quaint, and an absolutely LOVELY place to spend a few days drinking wine, walking the town square, partaking in a few hikes, and ultimately enjoying the breathtaking sights along Quebrada de las Conchas.

Get our complete guide on the best things to do in Cafayate!

Where To Stay in Cafayate

For more upscale and swanky stays in Cafayate, you should most certainly check out Patios De Cafayate, Piattelli Wine Resort, and Grace Cafayate. Each of these will not only offer you a luxurious stay amongst the rugged desert landscape but also a memorable one!

For those visiting Cafayate on a budget, accommodations like Cajón de Agua, La Montaña, and Kallpa will suit your needs just fine!

Finally, for those looking for something in between luxury and budget-friendly, Cafayate accommodations like Villa Vicuña Wine & Boutique Hotel, Luna de Cafayate Hotel Boutique, and Complejo Los Olivos are the perfect balance for those in the mid-range accommodation seekers.

About Humahuaca

The small town of Humahuaca is located in the north-westernmost portion of Argentina in Jujuy province, about 2 hours south of the Bolivian border.

Humahuaca is home to wild desert landscapes, towering cactuses, and multi-colored rainbow mountains.

The stunning valley of Quebrada de Humahuaca, where Humahuaca sits, was officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.

Having been populated for at least 10,000 years, Humachuaca is ancient, historical, and home to the Colla (also spelled Qulla), the ingenious people of the area.

While the town square of Humahuaca is quaint, the most well-known and frankly most-visited attraction is Serranía de Hornocal, a 14-colored mountain that will blow anyone’s mind!

It’s unlike anything you will ever see in your life and one of the sole reasons people (us included) make the almost 4-hour drive from Salta!

Where To Stay In Humahuaca

Even though Humahuaca is a smaller town, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from when looking for places to stay in Humahuaca.

You won’t find any 5-star accommodations in Humahuaca, but places like La Chakana Humahuaca, Buena Vista Hostel, Tikay Humahuaca, Cabaña Kenty Wasy, and Cielo Arriba Casa offer comfortable and authentic stays in the high-elevation town of Humahuaca.

Which Do You Visit? Cafayate or Humahuaca?

• Humahuaca: If you are looking for something more rustic and very, very laid back, Humahuaca is for you. While there are other smaller nearby towns you can visit (i.e., Tilacara and Purmamarca), the main attraction is driving up to Serranía de Hornocal, the 14-colored mountain.
• Cafayate: If you want to continue sampling Argentina’s wine and enjoy the beautiful scenery, then Cafayete is for you! The town is lovely and has many more things to do and see when compared to Humahuaca.

As we said, you cannot go wrong with whatever you choose! Both are wonderful cities in Northern Argentina. It really just depends on what experiences you are looking for.

Day 11 – 13: Iguazu Falls

Nearing the end of this Argentina 2-week itinerary, it’s time for your next flight. This time, you’re heading east towards the border for Brazil to the thunderous 275 waterfalls that make up the colossal Iguazu Falls.

TIP: Direct flights only operate from Salta to Puerto Iguazu on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Again, do your best to plan your days accordingly.

One of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, Iguazu Falls is the largest waterfall system in the world, with 80% of the waterfalls found on the Argentine side.

To get to Iguazu Falls, you’ll fly into Puerto Iguazu (Argentina side), where you’ll be a short drive from the National Park, Parque Nacional Iguazú.

TIP: Start your visit right when the park opens. It is very, very hot and humid, so the earlier you can start, the better! Also, bring plenty of water and wear water-wicking or dry-fast clothing. You’ll get wet not only from your sweat but from the mist of the falls!

Iguazu Falls is massive and is the natural border between Brazil and Argentina. Accessible on both the Brazilian and Argentina sides, Iguazu Falls is one of the highlights of any visit to Argentina!

Depending on when your plane arrives and departs from Puerto Iguazu, you may only have time to visit one side of the falls. So which side do you choose?!

Which Side of Iguazu Falls Is Better?

• Argentina Side: Home to 80% of the waterfalls of Iguzau, you have two circuits that take you around the Argentina side of the falls, Upper Circuit and Lower Circuit. Both circuits get you up close to the falls and offer some amazing viewpoints to show off the sheer size of Iguazu. We recommend doing both circuits, which can be done in a few hours.
• Brazil Side (our favorite side): Since Brazil is home to 20% of the falls, you actually get a better view of the falls from the Brazilian side, looking towards Argentina. In addition, there is a boardwalk that walks right out of the top of one of the falls, practically putting you in the center (or what feels like the center) of it all.

Now, to caveat the above, while the Brazil side was our favorite side of Iguazu Falls, the main highlight of the Argentina side (Devil’s Throat) was closed due to flooding when we visited.

TIP: If you plan to visit the Brazil side of the falls, be sure you meet Brazil’s visa requirements. Have your passport and any documents you need prepared and completed ahead of your border crossing into Brazil.

We spent about 5-6 hours on each side, and while doing both in a day is doable, it’ll make for a long day, but a private tour or group tour may be a good option for those wanting to experience both sides of Iguazu.

Each side of the falls offers such different views and vantage points! So if you have the time, it is really worth seeing both sides of Iguazu!

Where To Stay Near Iguazu Falls

The closest hotel to Iguazu Falls is the stunning Gran Meliá Iguazú! However, you’ll pay a pretty penny to stay the night here! If you can afford it, you can see the falls from your hotel room, as well as have access to the falls for sunset and sunrise when the park is closed to the public.

For accommodations in the city center of Puerto Iguazu, places like Rincón Escondido, Secret Garden Iguazu, and Arapy Bed and Dream are top-rated places to stay!

However, we really recommend staying outside of the city and getting out into nature. You’re in the jungle, after all, so enjoy it! Accommodations like Selvaje Lodge Iguazu and Hotel, Tré Iguazú, La Reserva Virgin Lodge, and Overo Lodge & Selva.

Day 14: Depart Buenos Aires

The saddest day of any trip is departure day! If you’re like us, your Argentina 2 week itinerary only left you wanting more!

If your flight out of Buenos Aires is not till later in the afternoon, you can visit one of the locations you didn’t get to during your Day 1 – 3. Or, even opt for a morning walking tour!

Or feel free to take it easy, head to a coffee shop, and enjoy your last few hours in Argentina.

We hope you will enjoy this Argentina 2 week itinerary as much as we did! We’re already planning our trip back 🙂

Want More Information?!

How To Spend 3 Days in Buenos Aires

15 Things To Know Before Visiting Argentina

How to Spend 3 Days in Mendoza

13 Can’t Miss Things To Do in Cafayate

Pin It For Later – Argentina 2 Week Itinerary!

For more travel tips, guides, and awesome travel shots, be sure to poke around our site and follow us on Instagram @wanderingstus, Pinterest, and Facebook. Oh, if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. We’re happy to answer. Or, leave us a positive note!

Happy Travels,

– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stu’s)