Argentina: 2-Week Itinerary

If you’re looking to experience all that Argentina has to offer in just two weeks, this itinerary is for you! From vibrant city life to breathtaking natural wonders, Argentina’s diverse landscapes and culture make it an unforgettable destination. This is a fast-paced trip that covers Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Mendoza, Salta region, and Iguazu Falls—giving you a taste of everything from wine country to dramatic waterfalls. Get ready to dive into this 2 week Argentina adventure-packed itinerary!

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First…How to get to Each Destination

Argentina is MASSIVE—it’s the 8th largest country in the world! Planning this two-week itinerary felt like solving a giant puzzle, and trust me, I spent months perfecting it. For this itinerary, you will hop around the country and spend 2 to 4 days in each region. One key tip I learned? Pay close attention to flight routes! Most destinations don’t have daily direct flights. You will want to try to book direct flights from city to city if possible. Booking directly can save you hours (or even an entire day) of unnecessary backtracking to Buenos Aires.

For example, when I booked flights from Bariloche to Mendoza, there were only direct flight options on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. However, flights are always changing, so check Google Flights to see when direct flights run before locking in your itinerary. And if my fast-paced travel isn’t your style, feel free to slow it down and skip a stop or two. But if you’re up for the adventure, this jam-packed 2 week Argentina Itinerary will allow you to experience everything without feeling too rushed!

Arrive in Buenos Aires (Start of your Argentina 2-Week Itinerary) – 2 Days

Buenos Aires is a city that will sweep you off your feet—a perfect blend of European elegance and Latin American passion. From its grand French-inspired architecture to the sultry rhythms of tango echoing through its streets, every corner of the city tells a story. Whether you’re indulging in perfectly grilled steak paired with Malbec, exploring its colorful barrios, or watching a live tango performance, Buenos Aires is a place that demands to be experienced.

This will be a quick 2-day stop. Don’t worry—you can still see and do a lot in just 2 days! My detailed Buenos Aires itinerary will take you through the must-visit neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and unforgettable experiences that will give you a true taste of Argentina’s vibrant capital.

Where to Stay: Top Hotels in Buenos Aires

Bariloche: Stop 2 Experience Patagonia – 3 Days

Nestled in the heart of the Argentine Patagonia, Bariloche is known for its stunning alpine scenery, chocolate shops, and craft beer. On your first day, take a boat tour on Nahuel Huapi Lake, soaking in the dramatic mountain views. On day two, rent a car and drive the Circuito Chico, a scenic route that offers panoramic viewpoints, charming tea houses, and access to beautiful hiking trails.

Read More: Everything to do in Bariloche

Where to Stay: Exquisite Hotels in Bariloche

2 week Argentina itinerary — Bariloche, Argentina

Stop 3: Mendoza Wine Country- 3 Days

Welcome to Argentina’s wine country! Mendoza is famous for its world-class Malbec and picturesque vineyards. On your first day, take a bike tour through Luján de Cuyo, home to some of the country’s top wineries. The next day, head to the stunning Uco Valley for a guided wine-tasting tour, enjoying breathtaking views of the Andes while sipping on some of the best wines Argentina has to offer.

Read More: Wine Tasting Itinerary in Mendoza, Argentina

Where to Stay:

wine country in Argentina — Wine Tasting in Mendoza, Argentina

Stop 4: Salta Region – 3 to 5 Days

Salta is known for its colonial architecture and Andean culture. It is the gateway to the stunning northwest region of Argentina. Spend your first day exploring the city’s historic sites before heading either north to the Juyjuy region or south to Cafayate. If you’re short on time, I recommend only picking one area based on what excites you most. They are far apart and lots of driving is involved for either destination.

Juyjuy Region or Cafayate Region?

If you’re debating between the Jujuy region or Cafayate, here’s the breakdown:

Jujuy & Purmamarca – Home to the stunning Seven Colored Hills, the vast Salinas Grandes (Salt Flats), and the unique experience of llama trekking through the Andean landscape. Perfect for nature lovers and those craving otherworldly scenery!

Cafayate – Known for its high-altitude wineries in the Calchaquí Valley and the epic road trip along Ruta 68, one of Argentina’s most scenic drives. Ideal for wine enthusiasts and scenic road trip lovers!

We ended up picking Juyjuy & Purmamarca, of course, I wish we had time to visit both – one day!

Read More: Complete Guide to Salta, Argentina

Where to Stay:

Sa lta
Tilcara (good area to stay when visitng the Juyjuy region)
Cafayate

2 to 3 days in Iguazu Falls: Final Stop on your 2-Week Argentina Itinerary

Your final stop is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world—Iguazu Falls! Spend one day exploring the Argentine side of the falls, walking along the extensive trails, and getting up close to the roaring Devil’s Throat. The next day, cross into Brazil for a different perspective and take an exhilarating boat tour under the falls for a true adventure.

Read More: Iguazu Falls: Complete Guide

Where to Stay: Best Places to stay near Iguazu Falls

ARGENTINA TRAVEL TIPS

Best Time of Year to Visit Argentina

Argentina’s vast landscapes mean you can visit year-round, but the best season depends on what you want to experience. With vibrant cities, breathtaking natural wonders, and diverse climates, each season offers something unique.

Remember: Argentina is in the Southern Hemisphere! So if you travel from the United States or the Northern Hemisphere, the seasons will be opposite. While it’s summer up north, it’ll be winter down south—and vice versa. Plan accordingly to align your trip with Argentina’s spring, summer, or fall for the best experience!

Spring (September to November): The weather is mild and ideal for outdoor adventures, from wine tasting in Mendoza to exploring colorful towns and landscapes in the northwest. Nature is in full bloom, adding beauty to every corner of the country.
Summer (December to February): A great time for hiking, lake adventures, and enjoying lush greenery. Iguazu Falls are at their most powerful, and coastal cities are buzzing with energy. Be prepared for warm temperatures, especially in northern regions.
Fall (March to May): Known as harvest season, fall is perfect for food and wine lovers, especially in vineyard regions. Cooler weather makes it comfortable to explore cities, mountains, and valleys, with stunning autumn colors painting the landscapes.
Winter (June to August): If you’re a fan of snow, Bariloche will be all about skiing and cozy mountain retreats. Meanwhile, cities like Buenos Aires offer a cooler, quieter charm, and the northern regions stay warm enough for exploration.

Getting to Each Destination

As previously stated, Argentina is a massive country, and getting from one city to another efficiently can make or break your trip. The good news? There are direct flights between many major destinations—you just need to know when they operate. Instead of backtracking to Buenos Aires for every leg of your trip, a little planning can save you hours (or even days) of unnecessary travel.

The best way to check for direct flights is by using Google Flights. Here’s how:

Go to Google Flights.
Select one-way instead of round-trip.
Enter your departure city and destination. For example, Bariloche to Mendoza.
Choose the date you’re looking to fly.
Click on “Stops” and filter it to “Nonstop” flights only.
You can then click the date again to see a calendar view of when direct flights are available if the day you selected does not have direct flights.

By planning your flights strategically, you can hop between Argentina’s best destinations without wasting time on unnecessary layovers!

Packing Guide for your Argentina 2-Week Itinerary

Packing for a two-week trip across Argentina is all about versatility! From the humid jungles of Iguazú Falls to the cool mountain air of Bariloche, you’ll need a mix of lightweight, breathable clothing and a few layering options. Trust me—you don’t want to be caught off guard when temperatures swing between destinations! Shop all items on my amazon storefront!

Luggage Essentials

A carry-on suitcase and a large backpack – Domestic airlines in Argentina have strict baggage policies, so opt for something light and easy to maneuver. I highly recommend the NOMATIC Travel Pack for your backpack. I absolutely love mine!
A small daypack – This day bag is perfect for exploring Patagonia and Iguazu Falls.
Packing cubes – Keep your outfits organized since you’ll be hopping between multiple destinations using these packing cubes.

Clothing Guide for 2 Weeks in Argentina

Argentina’s summer (December to February) means hot, humid weather in some places and cooler mountain breezes in others. Here’s what to bring:

Tops

7-10 breathable tank tops and/or t-shirts (for Buenos Aires, Salta & Iguazú)
1-2 long-sleeve shirts (for Bariloche)
1 lightweight sweater or fleece (for cooler mornings & evenings, as well as travel days)

Bottoms

2-3 pairs of shorts or skirts
1 pair of lightweight pants (good for city exploring & travel days)
1 pair of jeans
1 pair of leggings or joggers (great for travel days & hikes)
1-2 pairs of workout shorts (for exploring Iguazu Falls)

Dresses & Jumpsuits

1-2 casual dresses or jumpsuits (more dressy for nights out & wine tasting)

Outerwear

1 light rain jacket (for Iguazú Falls & unpredictable weather)
1 packable puffer jacket (if visiting Bariloche)

Shoes

Comfortable sneakers (for city walks & light hikes)
Sandals (for hot days & relaxing at wineries)
Water-resistant hikin g shoes (if you plan to do more rugged trails)

Accessories & Extras

Swimsuit – A must for Iguazú Falls boat day & hotel pools.
Sunhat & sunglasses – Protect yourself from that strong Argentine sun!
Belt bag or anti-theft crossbody – Keep valuables secure and close to you.
Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated, especially in hot regions.
Waterproof Phone Pouch – For Iguazu Falls Boat Day!

Toiletries & Health Essentials

Hanging Toiletry Bag
Sunscreen – I love this sunscreen stick! so easy when traveling.
Bug wipes (essential for certain parts of Argentina)
Hydrocortison e Cream (in case you do get bit!)
Lip balm with SPF
Motion sickness bands or pills (for winding roads in Salta)
Basic meds (pain relievers, stomach meds, altitude sickness pills if needed, Benadryl)
First Aid Kit (just in case!)

Tech & Travel Must-Haves

Universal travel adapter
Power bank
Kindle (for long flights & relaxing by the pool)

Final Packing Tips

Layers are key! Buenos Aires and Iguazú are hot and humid, while Bariloche is much cooler.
Plan for different activities. You’ll be wine tasting, hiking, sightseeing, and possibly swimming—all in one trip!
Leave room for souvenirs. Argentina is known for leather goods, wine, and artisan crafts, so save space in your luggage.

Money Tips for Argentina

Argentina has fluctuating exchange rates, and getting the best conversion for your U.S. dollars can make a big difference.

Official Rate (what ATMs give you) – Worst rate for travelers. Avoid this if possible. Plus most ATMs run out of money.
Blue Dollar Rate (Dólar Blue) – Best rate for cash USD exchanges. This is Argentina’s unofficial—but widely used—exchange rate.
Western Union Rate – A great option for getting a decent exchange rate in a certified bank.
Credit Card MEP Rate – Some foreign credit cards now automatically apply the “MEP” rate, which is close to the Blue Dollar rate.

Best Ways to Exchange Money in Argentina

1. Bring Cash (USD or Euros) for the Blue Dollar Rate

The best exchange rate comes from exchanging USD or Euros for Argentine pesos on the Blue Dollar market.
Exchange money at trusted “cuevas” (unofficial exchange houses) or through your hotel, Airbnb host, or a local recommendation.
Bring clean, crisp $100 bills for the best rates (smaller bills get a lower rate).
Avoid exchanging at the airport—the rates are terrible!

2. Use a Foreign Credit Card for the MEP Rate

Some Visa and Mastercard transactions now automatically apply the MEP rate, which is close to the Blue Dollar rate.
Check with your bank before you go—if they offer the MEP rate, pay with your card instead of exchanging cash.
Avoid using ATMs, as they give you the official rate and have high withdrawal fees.

3. Avoid Airport & ATMs

Most Airports and ATMs give you the official rate, which is much worse than what you can get with the Blue Dollar rate.
If you must exchange at the airport, only change a small amount and wait to get a better rate in the city.

How Much Cash Should You Bring?

Argentina’s economy is unpredictable, and inflation is high, so prices change often. If you plan to use cash, bringing at least $500–$1,000 USD per person for a two-week trip is a good starting point. You can always adjust depending on how much you use your credit card.

Tipping Guide

Tipping isn’t expected like in the U.S., but it’s appreciated! While service charges aren’t usually included, small tips go a long way—especially in restaurants, taxis, and tour guides.

Restaurants & Cafés

10% of the bill in cash (some places include a “cubierto,” a cover charge for bread and table service, but this doesn’t go to the waitstaff—so tipping is still appreciated).
At cafés, rounding up or leaving small change is a nice gesture.

Bars

Not expected, but rounding up or leaving small change is common.
For table service, 10% is appreciated.

Taxis & Ride Shares

Not required, but rounding up to the nearest 100–500 ARS is courteous.
Uber/Cabify tips are optional via the app.

Hotels

Bellhops: 500–1000 ARS per bag.
Concierge: Optional, but 1000+ ARS for exceptional service.

Tour Guides & Drivers

Group tours: 10%–15% of the tour cost.
Private guides: 15%–20%.
Drivers: 1000–3000 ARS, depending on the ride length.

Cash or Card?

Always tip in Argentine pesos when possible.
Cash is king! Many places don’t allow tipping via card.

Final Tips

Carry small pesos
Check if a service charge is included.
A little generosity goes a long way!

Safety in Argentina

If you’re planning a trip to Argentina, you might be wondering—is it safe? The good news is that Argentina is currently very safe for travelers! While petty crime like pickpocketing can happen in busy areas, violent crime against tourists is rare. Still, it’s always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings and take a few simple precautions to keep your trip smooth and stress-free.

Stay Informed: Check Government Alerts & Register for STEP

Before you go, I highly recommend:

Checking the U.S. State Department’s website for the latest safety alerts and travel advisories. Argentina’s security situation can change, and it’s best to stay updated.
Signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) – This free service allows you to register your trip with the local embassy, so you’ll receive important updates and can be contacted in case of emergency. You can sign up here.

1. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Big cities like Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Salta are vibrant and full of energy, but like in any major city, it’s important to stay alert.

Avoid showing off expensive jewelry, watches, or designer bags.
Keep your phone tucked away when walking in crowded areas. Phone snatching by motorcyclists can happen in touristy spots.
Be cautious at ATMs—use machines inside banks when possible.

2. Know the Safe & Sketchy Areas

Bariloche: Extremely safe, but always keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas.
Buenos Aires: Most touristy areas like Recoleta, Palermo, and San Telmo are safe during the day. Avoid walking alone at night in La Boca, Constitución, or Retiro bus station.
Mendoza: The city center is moderately safe, but stick to well-lit areas at night.
Salta & Jujuy: Generally very safe, but exercise caution at night in less touristy parts.
Iguazu Falls: Again, generally very safe, but exercise caution at night in less touristy parts.

3. Use Safe Transportation

Taxis: Use registered taxis or ride apps like Uber or Cabify. Always agree on a price beforehand if taking a street taxi.
Buses & Subways: Public transport is reliable but can be a hotspot for pickpocketing. Keep your bags close.
Rental Cars: Driving in Argentina is safe but expect aggressive drivers in cities. In rural areas, always be mindful of potholes.

4. Avoid Common Tourist Scams

Fake Money Scam: Always double-check change, especially large bills, as fake pesos sometimes circulate.
The “Mustard” Trick: If someone spills something on you and offers to help clean it, hold onto your belongings—it’s a distraction scam!
Sketchy ATMs: Avoid random ATMs on the street and use ones inside banks instead.

5. Stay Safe on Hikes & Outdoor Adventures

Always let someone know your plans before heading out on a hike in Bariloche, Salta, or Patagonia.
Bring enough water, sunscreen, and a power bank—cell service can be spotty in remote areas.
Be aware of altitude sickness if traveling to high-altitude areas like Salta & Jujuy.

Final Thoughts – 2-Week Argentina Itinerary

I hope this blog post helps you plan the perfect 2-week itinerary through Argentina and inspires you to add this diverse country to your travel list! If you use this Itinerary, tag me on Instagram @Mels_Scene and I will happily share your trip on my stories!

If you need any help planning or have any questions, please comment below or message me on my contact page! I would love to hear about how your trip went as well. Which area of Argentina surprised you the most?