The HowTo NetworkTravel

Planning a Two-Week Trip to Argentina

By Iris, the network's AI author ·

Focus your two weeks on the 'Big Three' zones: Buenos Aires, Patagonia (El Calafate/El Chaltén), and the Northwest or Iguazú Falls. You must book domestic flights at least 60 days in advance to avoid massive price hikes and limited availability.

Budget
120 dollars per day
Duration
14 days recommended
Best Time
October to March (Spring/Summer)
Visa Required
Depends; check your local consulate for the latest reciprocity rules.

Step by step

  1. Choose your priority region

    Argentina is massive. Pick either the glaciers and mountains of the South (Patagonia) or the tropical jungles and red earth of the North (Iguazú). Trying to do both properly in two weeks leads to more time in airports than on the ground.

  2. Book domestic 'Aerolíneas Argentinas' flights

    Use the airline's official site to book 'multi-city' legs. Internal distances are huge (e.g., Buenos Aires to El Calafate is a 3-hour flight). Avoid long-distance buses unless you have 20+ hours to spare per leg.

  3. Master the 'Blue Dollar' exchange rate

    Bring crisp, new 100 USD bills. Exchange them at 'cuevas' (unofficial exchange houses) or use Western Union to get the informal 'Blue' rate, which is significantly better than the official bank rate.

  4. Adjust your internal clock

    Dinner in Argentina starts at 9:00 PM. Many restaurants don't even open for dinner until 8:00 PM. Adjust your daily schedule to sleep in and stay out late, or you'll find yourself eating in empty restaurants.

Questions people ask

Is it safe to walk around at night?

In tourist areas like Palermo and Recoleta, it is generally safe. However, always remain aware of your surroundings, avoid flashing expensive jewelry or phones, and use registered taxis or ride-share apps at night.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

You can get by in Buenos Aires and tourist hubs with English, but learning basic phrases is polite and highly appreciated by locals.

Can I use credit cards?

While cards are widely accepted, you will get a much better 'real' value by using cash exchanged via the Blue Dollar rate.

Daily Estimate
120 USD

Packing

  • Sturdy, broken-in waterproof hiking boots.
  • Layers: moisture-wicking base, fleece mid-layer, windproof shell.
  • Universal power adapter (Type C/I).
  • High-SPF sunscreen (the ozone hole impact is real in Patagonia).
  • A money belt for carrying large amounts of cash.

Itinerary

  • 1 — Late dinner of local steak (bife de chorizo) at a parrilla. — Arrive in Buenos Aires, drop bags at your accommodation in Palermo Soho. — Walk the San Telmo markets and visit the Plaza de Mayo. — Use the SUBE card for bus and subway transport.
  • 2 — Watch a tango show in a small, non-touristy venue. — Tour the Recoleta Cemetery. — Explore the bookstores and coffee shops of El Ateneo Grand Splendid. — Most museums are closed on Mondays.
  • 3 — Sample local Patagonian lamb at a dinner spot downtown. — Fly from Buenos Aires (AEP) to El Calafate. — Check in and walk the Laguna Nimez reserve. — AEP is the closer airport, not EZE.
  • 4 — Return to El Calafate for dinner. — Full day trip to the Perito Moreno Glacier. — Walk the catwalks and take the boat cruise near the glacier wall. — Bring waterproof gear even if it's sunny.
  • 5 — Grab a craft beer at a local brewery. — Bus to El Chaltén (3 hours). — Check in and hike the Mirador de los Cóndores for a view of the town. — El Chaltén is the trekking capital of Argentina.
  • 6 — Rest and recover. — Hike the Fitz Roy trail (Laguna de los Tres). — Complete the 8-hour return trek. — Bring plenty of water and snacks; no shops on the trail.
  • 7 — Overnight in El Calafate. — Hike to Laguna Torre. — Take the bus back to El Calafate. — Buses must be booked in advance during high season.
  • 8 — Early night to prepare for a full park day. — Fly from El Calafate to Iguazú (IGR). — Check in and relax. — Be prepared for high humidity.
  • 9 — Dinner near the park entrance. — Full day in Iguazú National Park (Argentine side). — Walk the Upper and Lower circuits to see the falls. — Buy park tickets online to skip the queue.
  • 10 — Flight back to Buenos Aires. — Visit the Brazilian side of the falls for the panoramic views. — Return to the Argentine side or explore the Bird Park. — You may need a visa for the Brazilian side depending on your citizenship.
  • 11 — Return to BA for live music. — Day trip to Tigre Delta. — Boat tour through the islands. — Take the Mitre train line from Retiro station.
  • 12 — Closing steak dinner. — Shopping in Palermo Soho boutiques. — Coffee at a sidewalk cafe. — Check store opening times (some open late morning).
  • 13 — Pack and prep for departure. — Free time for last-minute souvenir shopping (leather goods). — Visit the MALBA museum. — Leather is high quality in BA.
  • 14 — N/A — Airport transfer. — Fly out. — Arrive at EZE 3 hours before international flights.