Ready for your dream Argentina trip? From the tango streets of Buenos Aires to the peaks of Patagonia, the wines of Mendoza to the thundering Iguazú Falls, this guide outlines the ultimate Argentina itinerary.
These easy-to-use curated Argentina itineraries help you check off the best things to do in Argentina—featuring glacier treks, gaucho culture, world-class steaks, natural wonders, and lively festivals.
Want to make your trip even more special? Learn basic Spanish before you go
- Buenos Aires: A European-style capital with Latin soul—tango in San Telmo, steak in Palermo, and late-night energy everywhere.
- Patagonia (El Calafate & El Chaltén): Home to picture-perfect glaciers, alpine hikes, and the legendary Fitz Roy mountain—pure wilderness.
- Iguazú Falls: One of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders—roaring waterfalls in a lush subtropical rainforest.
- Mendoza: Argentina’s wine capital at the foot of the Andes—tour vineyards, sip Malbec, and soak in mountain views.
- Bariloche: A Swiss-style lakeside town surrounded by snowy peaks, chocolate shops, and epic hikes in the Lake District.
- Ushuaia: The southernmost city in the world—gateway to Antarctica, glacier hikes, and penguin-filled boat rides.
- Salta: Colonial charm and colorful markets meet desert canyons and Andean culture in Argentina’s stunning northwest.
- Tigre Delta: A Venice-like maze of canals just outside Buenos Aires—perfect for boat rides, nature escapes, and riverside markets.
- Puerto Madryn & Peninsula Valdés: A wildlife haven where you can spot whales, penguins, and sea lions in their natural habitat.
- Cordoba: A student-filled city with historic Jesuit sites, nearby sierras, and a laid-back vibe in central Argentina.
- San Martín de los Andes: A peaceful alpine town with scenic drives, forest hikes, and lakeside relaxation in Patagonia.
- Mar del Plata: Argentina’s most popular beach destination—expect summer crowds, coastal promenades, and seafood galore.
- Trelew & Gaiman: Explore Welsh heritage, tea houses, and dinosaur museums in this unique Patagonian pocket.
- La Pampa: Gaucho country in the heart of Argentina—vast grasslands, ranch life, and traditional asado culture.
💡Argentina Tips
- Eat dinner late: Argentinians usually dine around 9–10 p.m., especially in Buenos Aires.
- Try the local cuts: Beef is king here—order different cuts like bife de chorizo, vacío, or entraña at a parrilla (steakhouse).
- Share your mate: Mate (pronounced mah-teh) is a social drink; it’s customary to pass it around in a circle.
- Cash is useful: Credit cards are common in cities, but having cash (especially pesos) is helpful for small businesses or taxis.
- Learn the lingo: Argentine Spanish uses vos instead of tú, and has its own accent and slang (lunfardo).
- Tip in restaurants: A 10% tip is customary, though not always included on the bill.
- Public transport is great: Use a SUBE card for buses and subways, especially in Buenos Aires.
- Be patient: Things often run at a relaxed pace. Take it as part of the culture.
- Embrace café culture: Locals love to sit in cafés and talk for hours—no one rushes you out.
- Reserve for asado nights: If invited to a home barbecue, don’t show up empty-handed—bring wine or dessert.
🇦🇷 Argentina Menu
- Asado (Nationwide): Argentina’s national dish—an elaborate barbecue featuring beef ribs, sausages (chorizo, morcilla), and more, grilled over wood or charcoal.
- Empanadas (Salta, Tucumán): Savory pastry pockets filled with beef, chicken, or cheese, spiced and baked or fried.
- Milanesa (Nationwide): Breaded and fried meat cutlets (usually beef or chicken), similar to schnitzel—often served with mashed potatoes or in a sandwich.
- Choripán (Nationwide): A street food favorite—grilled chorizo sausage in crusty bread, topped with chimichurri or salsa criolla.
- Dulce de Leche (Nationwide): Sweet caramel-like spread made from milk and sugar—used in desserts or eaten by the spoonful.
- Alfajores (Nationwide): Shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche, often coated in chocolate or dusted with coconut.
- Provoleta (Nationwide): A thick round of provolone cheese grilled until bubbly, topped with oregano and chili flakes—often served as a starter at asados.
- Locro (Northwest): A hearty stew of corn, beans, potatoes, and meat—typically eaten on national holidays.
- Matambre a la Pizza (Nationwide): Thin flank steak grilled and topped like a pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and oregano.
- Humita en Chala (Northwest): A sweet-savory dish of fresh corn, onions, and cheese, wrapped in corn husks and steamed.
- Ñoquis (Gnocchi) (Nationwide): Potato dumplings traditionally eaten on the 29th of each month, often served with tomato or meat sauce.
- Helado (Argentine Gelato) (Nationwide): Creamy Italian-style ice cream—try local flavors like dulce de leche or Malbec wine sorbet.
- Wine (Mendoza): Argentina is famous for its Malbec, but also produces excellent Torrontés and Cabernet Sauvignon—pair it with meat or sip on its own.
📅 Argentina Calendar
- Fiesta Nacional del Sol (February, San Juan): Folk music and sunshine-themed celebration
- Carnaval (February/March, Nationwide): Parades, costumes, and dancing, especially vibrant in Gualeguaychú
- Vendimia Wine Harvest Festival (March, Mendoza): Parades, concerts, and vineyard celebrations of the grape harvest
- Buenos Aires International Book Fair (April–May, Buenos Aires): Latin America’s biggest literary event
- Feria Masticar (May, Buenos Aires): Argentine food festival hosted by top chefs and local vendors
- May Revolution Day (May 25, Nationwide): Historical reenactments and national parades
- Whale Watching Season (June–December, Puerto Madryn): See southern right whales up close from shore or boat
- Fiesta Nacional de la Nieve (July, Bariloche): Celebrate winter with music, skiing, and fireworks
- Independence Day (July 9, Nationwide): Patriotic events, parades, and concerts
- Tango Festival and World Cup (August, Buenos Aires): Dance competitions, free performances, and milongas
- Polo Season Begins (October–December, Buenos Aires): Watch world-class polo in Argentina’s most elite sport
- Patagonia Hiking Season (October–March, El Chaltén & Bariloche): Prime months for trekking and outdoor sports
- Christmas & New Year (December, Nationwide): Festive food, fireworks, and summer barbecues under the stars