Final Up to date on October 24, 2023 by Nellie Huang
Argentina expat Erin Mushaway from Sol Salute reveals us the perfect of the nation with this two-week Argentina itinerary.
Argentina is an enormous nation that provides one thing for actually everybody. It’s presumably essentially the most numerous nation in South America, house to spectacular mountains, monumental glaciers, and one of the crucial vibrant and historic cities on the earth.
Deciding the way to spend two weeks in Argentina could be a monumental job. How do you select between mountaineering the mountains in Patagonia to the south, exploring the jungle to the northeast, in search of out the desert to the northwest or visiting the wine areas in between?! I’ve been dwelling in Argentina for nearly 9 years now, and am right here to lend a serving to hand with an in depth two-week Argentina itinerary.
The way to Get to Argentina
The commonest entry level for vacationers is the Ministro Pistarini Worldwide Airport, and also called Ezeiza Worldwide Airport (EZE). It’s situated 20km from town heart of Buenos Aires. Nevertheless, public transport to town can take as much as 2 hours (as a consequence of gradual public connections), whereas a automobile experience will simply take 25 minutes. I like to recommend arranging an airport switch along with your lodge.
Aerolíneas Argentinas and LATAM Argentina are the most important carriers in Argentina. Ezeiza is served by many airways from Europe and Americas. Right here’s a have a look at all of the airways that fly to Argentina. Flying from the US to Argentina isn’t precisely low cost. Flights from New York to Buenos Aires are often nonstop, and value round US$750 return. Flights from Los Angeles to Buenos Aires are costlier at round US$1000, however are additionally nonstop (12 hours). Maybe due to historic relations with Spain, you’ll discover the finest flight offers from Madrid to Buenos Aires for these based mostly in Europe.
E book your flight to Argentina right here!
Visa Entry to Argentina
Most nationalities can journey to Argentina with no visa, together with residents from US, Canada, Australia, Singapore and the EU. You may keep as much as 90 days. As of August 2019, residents of Canada do NOT must pay a reciprocity payment when coming into Argentina. Those that require a visa to enter Argentina need to pay $50 for the visa. It’s finest to verify your nation’s ministry of overseas affairs web site for up to date information on visa necessities.
The way to Get Round Argentina
By Air
Whereas it may be costly to fly round South America, it’s often low cost to fly inside every nation (as with Chile or Brazil). Home flights in Argentina are fairly inexpensive and that is usually the quickest and simplest way of getting between locations. Try Norwegian (weirdly sufficient) and Aerolineas Argentinas for the most cost effective fares. A flight from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls prices round US$79 return, and flights to Mendoza are across the identical at $73 return.
Try costs of home flights in Argentina.
By Bus
Bus journey is one other technique of exploring Argentina, though distances will be lengthy (count on 20+ hour journeys) and when you’re solely right here for 2 weeks, it’s in all probability higher to spend a bit bit extra on flights. If in case you have loads of time, then try this text for more information on bus journey in Argentina.
By Rental Automotive
If you happen to’ve bought a bit extra time up your sleeve, take into account renting a automobile. I at all times use Uncover Automotive Rent when hiring automobiles overseas. They’re the most cost effective and I’ve at all times had constructive experiences with them. Alternatively, you may need to rent a camper van, which will be an effective way to discover Argentina’s backcountry and get monetary savings on lodging.. Soul Vans have fully-equipped campers that begin from 40,000 CLP (US$60) per day and you’ll usually get a deal when you’re touring barely out of peak season (December by means of February).
E book your automobile rental right here!
Greatest Time to Journey Argentina
Argentina is such an enormous nation that temperature can fluctuate drastically relying on which a part of the nation you might be in. Do not forget that seasons are the alternative within the southern hemisphere: summer season in Argentina is from December to February and winter runs from June to September.
Normally, the perfect time to journey Argentina is in spring (October to mid-December) and autumn (April to mid-June) as temperatures are gentle and also you’ll be avoiding the vacationer crowds and peak season costs.
On this two-week Argentina itinerary, you’ll be spending most of your time in Central and Northern Argentina. Mendoza has a Mediterranean local weather, good for journey all 12 months spherical. If you happen to’re a wine-lover, we advocate heading there in February or March when the grapes are harvested. The Iguazú Falls space is mostly very tropical with heat and humid climate, making it an amazing place to go to year-round.
2-Week Argentina Itinerary
Most individuals rightfully start their journey to Argentina in its capital, Buenos Aires. So many individuals mistakenly go by means of Buenos Aires, spending a pair days right here. This metropolitan metropolis must be a vacation spot all by itself, and never solely used as a leaping off level. Buenos Aires is gigantic and is finest seen slowly. Relatively than being stuffed with landmarks that you may tick off a listing, like New York or Paris, Buenos Aires is neighborhood-based.
Argentina Itinerary Day 1: Discover Palermo in Buenos Aires
After a protracted flight right here, I like to recommend basing your self in Palermo and taking it gradual in your first day.
Palermo is a big neighborhood, break up into mini “sub-barrios.” Begin out with lunch in Palermo Soho, a neighborhood stuffed with tree-canopied cobblestoned streets lined with boutique retailers and artistic eating places and bars. Kick off your journey to the land of purple meat with a steak at La Cabrera (Handle: José Antonio Cabrera 5099) or Minga (Costa Rica 4528).
Stomach filled with steak and Malbec wine, take a taxi to the Bosques de Palermo park (at Av. Libertador & Av. Sarmiento). This sprawling park was impressed by New York’s Central Park. Cease and odor the roses within the Rosedal rose backyard or hire curler blades to work off that steak. When the solar begins to set, make your approach to the bars and cafe within the Arcos on Av. Infante Isabel. This a part of the park (the arches beneath the prepare tracks) has not too long ago been reformed into hip bars providing nice out of doors completely happy hour and dinner choices.
Keep at: Dream Studios BA
Because you’re going to be spending virtually per week in Buenos Aires, I like to recommend staying someplace the place you will get snug and really feel such as you’re in your individual house. Dream Studios BA have fashionable and spacious residences which might be nicely outfitted. You’ll have seating space, a eating space, a completely outfitted kitchenette, air-conditioning and cable TV. The highest of the constructing even has an out of doors swimming pool, a solarium, a terrace, and a grill.
Argentina Itinerary Day 2: Go to the District of Recoleta
Begin your day among the many (well-known) useless on the Recoleta Cemetery (Junín 1760), one of the crucial gorgeous cemeteries on the earth. Enable your self to get misplaced amongst the spectacular mausoleums. Discover previous presidents and generals right here (if they’ve a avenue named after them, they’re probably buried right here!). You’ll want to discover Evita’s grave. She’s buried together with her household, so no Peron tomb right here, search for the Duarte household’s mausoleum.
Attempt to go to on the weekend, there’s a market each Saturday and Sunday in Plaza Francia in entrance of the cemetery. Cross the pedestrian bridge crossing Alcorta Avenue. Right here you’ll discover the Legislation Faculty constructing with it’s imposing columns and the Floralis statue, a big aluminum and metal flower within the United Nations Plaza.
If you’ve had your fill of the mansions and historical past of Recoleta, hop in a taxi to Plaza Tribunales to see the well-known Teatro Colon Opera Theater. There are guided excursions each quarter-hour beginning at 10 am from the Tucuman entrance (Tucuman 1171).
Stroll on the Widest Avenue within the World
After taking in the entire European opulence you may deal with, make your approach to 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest avenue on the earth. If Recoleta and the opera home made you assume you have been in Europe, the chaos of 9 de Julio will rapidly remind you that you’re, in reality, in South America. Take images of the long-lasting obelisk within the coronary heart of the avenue.
By now, it have to be getting late. The obelisk is on the intersection of 9 de Julio and Corrientes avenues. Because the sunsets and the lights activate, this space could be very harking back to Time’s Sq.. Corrientes involves life at night time with its theater lined streets.
If you happen to’re hungry, order a tacky slice of pizza like a neighborhood in one of many many basic pizzerias on the avenue (Pizzeria Guerrin is at all times successful). If you happen to’d favor steak, make your method again to Palermo to finish the night time in Don Julio, voted the perfect parrilla (barbecue) in Argentina.
Keep at: Arenales Suites
In fact I might advise to remain in only one place when in Buenos Aires as a substitute of shifting locations, however I’m offering you with extra choices in case you need to keep in different districts in addition to Palermo. If Recoleta takes your fancy (which is a superb choice too because it’s within the coronary heart of Buenos Aires), try the spacious residences at Arenales Suites. This apart-hotel has a rooftop swimming pool with open views. Every condominium is vivid and spacious, with full kitchenette, sitting space and balcony. It’s simply 100m from a metro station and inside strolling distance from eating places, bars and markets.
Argentina Itinerary Day 3: Dance Tango in La Boca
Begin the day with a taxi to La Boca. La Boca is a colourful neighborhood within the south of town. It’s house to the port that welcomed the waves of immigrants on the flip of the 20th century. Regardless of feeling like a vacationer entice, La Boca is house to a lot essential Buenos Aires historical past.
Take your compulsory images of the Caminito however keep away from consuming at one of many touristy eating places lining the road right here. As an alternative, head to El Obrero, which is simply 8 blocks away, however much more genuine and fairly priced.
El Obrero is a basic bodegon fashion restaurant, it’s a piece of historical past. Images of Argentine celebrities who’ve eaten right here and chalkboard menus line the partitions. You’ll be assured to eat like a neighborhood in El Obrero. Order the rabas (fried calamari) and their tortilla española, and don’t neglect a superb Malbec to clean all of it down.
See the Trendy Aspect of Argentina
Subsequent cease, Puerto Madero. If La Boca’s port is the previous, the Puerto Madero waterfront is the longer term. This barrio is the youngest neighborhood within the metropolis as a result of it was fully recycled and renovated within the 90’s. The unique buildings, together with large cranes, stay. The fashionable bridge within the heart is the Puente de la Mujer (Girl’s Bridge), its type is a contemporary interpretation of a pair dancing the tango.
Finish today at one of many eating places lining the water in Puerto Madero. Whether or not you select Mexican meals or one other steak, you’ll have loads of selections within the renovated purple brick buildings.
Keep at: Azopardo 770
You received’t discover a lot lodging selections in La Boca, however you may simply discover good-value fashionable locations to remain in Puerto Madera. Azopardo 770 is a trendy condominium in Puerto Madero, simply steps from cafes and eating places. The condominium has one bed room, a full kitchen and all the pieces you’ll count on in a house. There are additionally indoor jacuzzis within the condominium constructing that you may entry. It’s undoubtedly an amazing place to remain and faux to be a neighborhood!
Argentina Itinerary Day 4: Study Historical past in San Telmo
On this fourth day in Buenos Aires, discover the historic heart of San Telmo and the Plaza de Mayo. Save today’s itinerary for Sunday when you’re on the town on a weekend. There’s a weekly vintage market in San Telmo each Sunday. Artisans, painters and distributors line Defensa Avenue starting at Plaza de Mayo, persevering with for ten blocks previous Plaza Dorrego. That is superb for memento buying!
Trying to find antiques? One of the best antiques are within the stands in Plaza Dorrego and contained in the market situated at Bolívar 970. This market can also be within the midst of changing into a gastronomic heart with model new eating places and bars taking on.
Have lunch inside the marketplace for a fast meal on the go. If you happen to’d favor to sit down and revel in a steak that goals are made from, make your approach to Desnivel at Defensa 855. Desnivel makes the perfect lomo (sirloin) I’ve ever had, grilled to perfection. The waiters are grumpy, the lights are vivid, however the meals is unbelievable.
Wander round Plaza de Mayo
Work your method by means of the market again to Plaza de Mayo. This historic sq. is the place town was born. Casa Rosada (The Pink Home) is the official authorities home, however the president solely works right here. He truly lives in a posh within the northern neighborhood of Olivos. If you happen to’d to sing from the balcony and have your individual private Evita second, there are guided excursions each Saturday, Sunday and public vacation at 2:30 in English.
Stroll a number of blocks up Avenida de Mayo to have a espresso break within the metropolis’s first espresso store, Cafe Tortoni. You’ll really feel such as you’ve traveled again in time on this historic cafe. In addition they provide tango reveals every night time, when you’d have an interest ask your waiter about making a reservation.
Soak up Panoramic Views of the Metropolis
After your espresso, make your method again to Plaza de Mayo to take a stroll down Florida Avenue. The primary paved street in Buenos Aires is now arguably the busiest pedestrian avenue on the earth (private opinion right here). Duck out of the crowds into Galería Güemes at Florida 165 and take the elevator to the highest. For the equal of U$2, Galería Güemes presents an amazing panoramic rooftop view of your complete metropolis.
Be sure to stroll down Florida till the very finish to see Plaza San Martin. It is a lovely sq.. Sit and chill out on a bench below a cover of bushes. Take all of it in, you’ve carried out quite a bit as we speak! You deserve a relaxation.
Keep at: L’Adresse Hôtel Boutique
My absolute favourite lodge on this Argentina itinerary! If you happen to’re seeking to keep someplace that reveals Argentina’s previous and current, that is it. L’Adresse Boutique Resort is housed in an outdated constructing in San Telmo, nevertheless it has been fantastically restored with tasteful design and charismatic decor. It has SO a lot character and all the pieces from the classic furnishings within the lounge space to the colonial mosaic tiles on the ground exude distinctive aptitude.
Argentina Itinerary Day 5-6: Day Journeys from Buenos Aires
Use the remaining two days to discover a bit exterior of Buenos Aires. Select from these three choices to get some contemporary air, countryside, and tradition.
A Day Journey to Tigre River
Tigre is a city simply north of Buenos Aires correct and its river delta is a superb spot for horseback using and fishing. You may take the prepare from Retiro Station and go on a free strolling tour (pay no matter you need) to study extra concerning the space. Rent a ship to discover the huge rivers and wetlands of the Paraná Delta. You can too store within the craft market on the Puerto de Frutos.
Hop Over to Colonia del Sacremento, Uruguay
Relatively escape Argentina fully? Take a ferry to close by Colonia de Sacramento in Uruguay, simply throughout the river. All ferry corporations provide “day tour” charges with early morning departures and returns in mid-afternoon or later within the night. Colonia was settled by the Portuguese and its historic heart is treasured. It’s a sleepy city, very tranquil, and is the proper complement to per week in hectic Buenos Aires. E book your ferry tickets right here!
Go Horseback Driving at a Conventional Estancia
If you wish to see an instance of rural tourism and gaucho historical past in Buenos Aires, you may’t miss a día de campo (day within the countryside) at an estancia (ranch). Most countryside day excursions provide non-compulsory transfers from town heart. You’ll have the ability to go on a horseback experience guided by a gaucho, get pleasure from a hearty asado lunch, and expertise different rural traditions. Most are situated in San Antonio de Areco, an hour exterior of Buenos Aires.
Argentina Itinerary Day 7-10: Admire the Iguazu Falls
Escape the large metropolis for a number of days to the jungle of Northeastern Argentina. Go to Iguazu Falls and see one of the crucial lovely waterfalls on the earth. The most important community of falls lies on the border between Argentina and Brazil, so you may even get the prospect to cross over to Brazil. E book an early morning flight from Aeroparque Buenos Aires to Iguazu so you may take full benefit of your journey day by heading straight to the nationwide park after checking in to your lodge.
You may view the falls from each Argentina and Brazil and each provide fully completely different experiences. The Argentina aspect of Iguazu Falls is very large and the Argentina Nationwide Park presents loads of trails to discover. You’ll want at the least 2 days to see all the pieces. Discover the Superior and Decrease Circuits, the Garganta del Diablo waterfall and take the speedboat proper as much as the falls (put on a poncho!).
In your third day go to the Brazilian aspect. Individuals want a visa to enter Brazil so ensure you have your paperwork so as! Whereas in Argentina you might be traversing catwalks constructed on prime of the waterfalls, in Brazil you’re seeing your complete image from afar. If in case you have time to spare in Brazil, try our two weeks in Brazil itinerary!
Keep at: Panoramic Grand – Iguazú
It’s not on a regular basis you get to go to such spectacular falls, so I like to recommend splurging on a lodge that has views of the Iguazu. The Panoramic Grand has the perfect views within the space, overlooking the Iguazú river and the Triple Frontier. The five-star lodge additionally has a giant out of doors swimming pool, fashionable and high-end rooms with attractive views, in addition to a restaurant and spa. Even when you’re not staying right here, attempt to have a drink at its cafe to catch sundown.
Keep at: Resort Saint George
For a barely cheaper choice, Resort Saint George is ideal for many who favor to be close to eating places and retailers. It’s situated 300 m from Puerto Iguazu metropolis heart, and steps from conveniences. It’s a superb alternative for households because it has a giant and colourful play space the place each child would go loopy! There’s additionally a hydromassage tub, video games room, and two swimming swimming pools with lush gardens.
Argentina Itinerary Day 10-14: Mendoza
If you happen to didn’t drink Malbec, did you even go to Argentina? There’s a cause wine is the nationwide beverage right here. Style Malbec proper from the supply by spending 4 days in Mendoza. Even when you don’t drink, Mendoza presents loads of actions for everybody from horseback rides within the Andes to white water rafting.
You’ll must fly from Buenos Aires to Mendoza, however flights are low cost at round US$75 return. There’s loads to do right here, so 4 days are nearly sufficient time to discover it. I, personally, as soon as spent 4 days doing nothing by visiting wineries and that’s the itinerary I at all times advocate. There are completely different wine “departments” or areas in Mendoza and every one has one thing completely different to supply. If this sounds such as you, then break up your time tasting in the perfect wineries in Mendoza within the areas of Lujan de Cuyo and Valle de Uco.
Wine Tasting in Lujan de Cuyo
Spend your first two nights in Chacras de Coria to discover Lujan de Cuyo. The day you arrive, you may discover the wineries which might be strolling distance on the town. Clos de Chacras and Pulmary are two wonderful wineries that received’t require any transportation however your two ft.
In your second day, discover additional by hire bikes from Baccus Winery Biking. You may go alone or with considered one of their English talking guides when you don’t converse Spanish (it should assist along with your vineyard visits). The type individuals at Baccus will assist you plan your day, calling wineries to schedule your tastings and making your lunch reservations, leaving you to solely chill out, bike and drink wine.
Head South to The Uco Valley
In your closing two nights, make your method south to Valle de Uco on a tour or in your individual rental automobile. The Uco Valley is essentially the most lovely wine area I’ve ever visited, situated on the foot of the Andes. One of the best grapes and therefore, the perfect wine, comes from this area.
The wineries in Uco Valley are solely accessible by automobile as a consequence of distance so hiring a driver or tour is an effective way to see them. Just a few of the perfect wineries to go to are SuperUco, Salentein, Gimenez Riili and Bodega La Azul. Reserve your lunch at Bodega La Azul, the one Argentine owned vineyard within the Uco Valley. They provide a spectacular five-course lunch with wine pairings for lower than you’d pay for only one steak in North America. The views of the Andes out of your desk don’t damage both.
Keep at: Casa de Uco Winery and Wine Resort
You’ve come to Mendoza for the vineyards, so I like to recommend staying in a single! Set within the spectacular setting of Argentina’s wine nation, this fashionable wine resort is totally spectacular each inside and out of doors. The all-glass exterior makes it seem like a recent artwork set up surrounded by snow-peaked mountains and acres of vineyards. There’s an out of doors pool, spa and free horse using.
Keep at: Resort Postales Resort Boutique Valle De Uco
This is likely one of the finest inexpensive choices: Postales Boutique Wine Resort is a hacienda-style lodge surrounded by 38 acres of Malbec Vineyards. It presents 9 spacious suites and an out of doors pool with panoramic mountain views. There’s an out of doors pool and many greenery so that you can chill out in. The lodge’s tour desk organizes leisure day journeys and wine tastings.
Additional Studying on Argentina
Two weeks in Argentina are two weeks you’ll by no means remorse. It’s an exquisite nation stuffed with lovely landscapes and exquisite, pleasant individuals. It may be tempting to spend much less time in every location to squeeze extra in, however battle the urge. Take your time to take all of it in correctly. I hope this Argentina itinerary offers you the perfect first expertise within the nation and hope you’ll preserve returning!
If you happen to’re seeking to learn extra on different elements of South America, listed here are some articles I’ve written based mostly on my private journey experiences:
Creator’s Bio
A Texan transplanted into Argentina, Erin Mushaway has spent a decade dwelling overseas in Europe, the Caribbean, and South America, however principally in Argentina. She has lived in Buenos Aires for the previous eight years, perfecting her Spanish, consuming Malbec, and placing down roots together with her husband and pets. You may comply with her adventures on her weblog, Sol Salute, and likewise on Fb and Instagram.