If you’re traveling all the way to Argentina, you’ll want to make the most of your time there. This 12-day Argentina itinerary showcases the best of the country from Buenos Aires to Iguazú Falls, while also including a fun side trip to Uruguay’s hidden gem wine country Carmelo, which is accessible by ferry from Buenos Aires.
Here’s where to stay, what to eat, and what to do for a perfect Argentina adventure.
Day 1: Arrival in Buenos Aires
Morning: Arrive in Buenos Aires and check into Casa Calma, a lovely wellness-focused hotel set amid a vertical garden.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll through Plaza San Martín and the Retiro area. Stop at La Giralda on Avenida Corrientes for a sweet treat of churros and thick hot chocolate.
Evening: Dine at El Obrero, a no-frills traditional parrilla in La Boca known for its steaks and authentic atmosphere.
Day 2: Flight to Iguazú Falls
Morning: Transfer to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), Buenos Aires’ domestic airport and fly to Puerto Iguazú (IGR). Check into Gran Meliá Iguazú, located within Iguazú National Park. Book a room with a view of the falls—you won’t regret the splurge.
Read our full review of the Gran Meliá Iguazú here.
Afternoon: Relax on your balcony and enjoy a room service lunch while admiring the falls. Buy a ticket for the boat ride in the park which takes you practically underneath the falls so you can feel their power. Be prepared to get wet!
Evening: Have an early dinner at the hotel and turn in early to rest for a big day tomorrow.
Day 3: Iguazú Falls Private Sunrise Experience
Morning: Wake up early. Since you’re already inside Iguazu National Park, take advantage of your private access and walk to Devil’s Throat before the park opens to outside visitors. (The train won’t be running until the park opens, but the waterfall is only about a 20-minute walk from the hotel.)
You’ll have an unforgettable moment alone with one of the park’s most famous attractions before the park opens and the tourist hordes descend.
Afternoon: Explore the Upper and Lower Circuit trails. Grab lunch at the on-site restaurant in the park or return to the hotel for a midday break. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, coati, and toucans.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, which pairs regional dishes with Argentine wines.
Day 4: Iguazú Morning Walk, Return to Buenos Aires
Morning: Take a final walk through the rainforest trails and say goodbye to Iguazu.
Afternoon: Check out and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, check into Nuss Hotel in Palermo Soho. This affordable 4-star hotel is in a great location for exploring the lively Palermo neighborhood.
Evening: Walk to Lo de Jesús for grilled meats and excellent wine in a relaxed setting. End the night with cocktails at Dada Bar nearby.
Day 5: Buenos Aires – San Telmo and Historic Center
Morning: Head to San Telmo and visit Plaza Dorrego. If you’re in Buenos Aires on a Sunday, don’t miss the Feria de San Pedro Telmo street market. Grab breakfast at Coffee Town in the San Telmo Market.
Afternoon: Visit El Zanjón de Granados, a tour through the first settlements of Buenos Aires. Hidden underneath a beautifully resorted 1830s mansion, you’ll explore a network of brick tunnels and cisterns.
Evening: Take a tango lesson or see a tango show. Dine at El Cuartito, a classic Buenos Aires pizzería. Try the pizza con fainá (pizza topped with a chickpea pancake) and finish with flan.
Day 6: Palermo & Parks
Morning: Stroll through the Japanese Garden and the Rose Garden in Palermo. Grab a cold brew at LAB in Palermo Hollywood. Head to El Ateneo Grand Splendid, a breathtaking theater-turned-bookstore in Recoleta. Wander through the ornate halls, browse books, and admire the frescoed ceiling.
Afternoon: Shop and wander through Avenida Honduras and Plaza Serrano. Enjoy lunch at Las Cabras, a popular neighborhood spot with great steaks and empanadas.
Evening: Have dinner at La Mar for world-class Peruvian cuisine. Have a nightcap at Harrison Speakeasy—look for the hidden entrance behind Nicky’s Sushi.
Day 7: Recoleta and Cultural Icons
Morning: Visit Recoleta Cemetery and the nearby crafts market at Plaza Intendente Alvear. Take your time walking through the iconic tombs, including Eva Perón’s. Grab breakfast at La Biela café, a Recoleta institution, and continue exploring the elegant neighborhood on foot.
Afternoon: Lunch at El Sanjuanino for traditional empanadas and stews. Consider walking off lunch with a visit to the National Museum of Fine Arts, just a short distance away.
Evening: Enjoy a performance at the Teatro Colón if a show is on. Have a post-show dinner at Casa de Florencia, a cozy Argentine bistro.
Day 8: Day Trip to Tigre
Morning: Take the Tren de la Costa to Tigre. Rent a kayak or explore the town’s artisan markets. Have breakfast before departure at Croque Madame café near Retiro station.
Afternoon: Eat riverside at Il Novo Maria del Luján in Tigre. Return to the city in the late afternoon.
Evening: Dinner at La Cabrera in Palermo. Line up by 6:30 p.m. for the early-bird happy hour deal. Nightcap at La Cigale.
Day 9: Ferry to Colonia and Bus to Carmelo
Morning: Take the Buquebus ferry from Puerto Madero to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. Grab breakfast at Pani in Puerto Madero before departure.
Afternoon: Take the bus to Carmelo and ask to be dropped off at Narbona Wine Lodge, an ultra-romantic, five-room boutique hotel set on a vineyard. Check in and explore the property. Lunch at Narbona’s own restaurant with a glass of their house red.
Evening: Stroll through the vineyards (or borrow one of the bikes or 4x4s available to guests) and watch the sunset. (Just make sure to apply bug spray, as the mosquitoes can be vicious here at night.)
Day 10: Day at Narbona Wine Lodge
Morning: Breakfast at the lodge followed by a dip in the peaceful pool at this adults-only hotel.
Afternoon: Borrow bikes and explore nearby countryside roads. Take a lunch picnic prepared by the hotel.
Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner paired with Narbona’s wines. Try their house Tannat and the local lamb dish.
Day 11: Return to Buenos Aires
Morning: Bus back to Colonia and catch the ferry to Buenos Aires.
Afternoon: Check into Hotel Madero in Puerto Madero. Stroll through Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur, a massive park with views of Buenos Aires’ skyline popping out behind greenery.
Evening: Final dinner at Julen, a modern Argentine restaurant with creative plates. For one last adventure, try to find Florida Atlántica, a secret bar hidden behind a florist shop façade.
Day 12: Departure
Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Ezeiza Airport for your international flight home.
Argentina Travel Tips
- Best time to visit Argentina: October–November or March–May.
- Internal flights: Book your flight from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls early, as flights sell out quickly and go up in price the longer you wait.
- Currency: The peso fluctuates; many locals use the “dólar blue” exchange rate.
- Safety: Buenos Aires is generally safe with standard precautions. Avoid flashing valuables in tourist areas.
Must-Try Food and Drink in Argentina
- Medialunas (sweet croissants)
- Alfajor (cookies with a dulce du leche filling)
- Churros
- Hot chocolate (thicker and richer than at home)
- Mate (tea)
- Legui (local liquor)
- Cynar (local liquor)
- Pizza con Faina (pizza topped with a thin chickpea pancake)
- Flan
- Gelato (Buenos Aires is famous for its gelato shops)
- Anything dolce du leche
- Raclette (melted cheese)
- Asado (Argentine barbecue, typically including beef ribs, chorizo, morcilla, and more)
- Empanadas(savory pastries filled with beef, chicken, or cheese)
- Provoleta (grilled provolone cheese topped with oregano)
- Milanesa (breaded meat cutlet, similar to schnitzel)
- Choripán (grilled chorizo sausage in crusty bread, often topped with chimichurri)
- Locro (hearty stew made with corn, beans, potatoes, and meats—especially enjoyed on national holidays)
- Humita en chala (sweet corn pudding steamed in corn husks)
- Torrontés (aromatic white wine native to Argentina)
- Malbec (Argentina’s signature red wine)
- Fernet con Coca (popular cocktail made with Fernet-Branca and Coca-Cola)