One Month Argentina Itinerary: Patagonia to Iguazu Falls

Planning your Argentina itinerary but don’t know where to start? After over one month of exploring this massive country, we can honestly say it blew us away! Even though we’ve only seen a fraction of best places to visit in Argentina, the diverse landscapes and energetic cities had us captivated at every turn. So whether your backpacking in Argentina or opting for an upscale holiday, our one month itinerary will be the perfect travel guide to start your journey.

One Month Argentina Itinerary

• Buenos Aires • 4 Nights
• Puerto Iguazu • 3 Nights
• Salta • 3 Nights
• Mendoza • 4 Nights
• Bariloche • 4 Nights
• El Bolson • 2 Nights
• Villa La Angostura • 2 Night
• San Martin de los Andes • 1 Night
• El Calafate • 2 Nights
• El Chalten • 4 Nights
• Buenos Aires • 2 Nights

5 Things to Know About Our Argentina Travel Guide

1. First you should be aware that almost all of the best places to visit in Argentina are spread out. This means you’ll likely be taking a lot of flights or long buses. You could also consider renting a car if you have the time.

Our Argentina travel guide moves at an extremely fast pace, and that’s exactly how you’ll be traveling if you want to see as much as possible! Feel free to take out some locations if you wish to travel slower. 

2. Since you’ll have to go long distances between each location it’s best to pre-book flights for the cheapest deals. Specifically you’ll want to do that for the destinations highlighted below. 

• Buenos Aires
• Iguazu Falls
• Salta
• Mendoza
• Northern Patagonia and Southern Patagonia

3. In our Argentina travel guide, we also recommend a day trip to Uruguay from Buenos Aires as well as to visit the Brazilian side of Iguazu falls. If you plan to include this in your one month Argentina itinerary make sure to have enough room in your passport!

4. As US citizens we were giving a free 90 day tourist visa on arrival. If you don’t get 90 days, consider taking more than the 30 as there is so much to see and do in this amazing country.

5. We’ve included all our individual blogs in this Argentina itinerary. This will give you an depth look at each destination, the best food in Argentina, and much more. Also, check out these 20 Interesting Facts About Argentina to know before you go.

Buenos Aires • 4 Nights

Why not start your visit to Argentina in the booming city of Buenos Aires? As the countries international hub your travels will most likely start here anyway.

It would take years to explore and soak in everything this city has to offer. Yet, in a few days you can at least get a feel for the capital city.

• Spend time walking through the different neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. Some of our favorites were Palermo, Recoleta, San Telmo, and La Boca.
• Shop at the outdoor San Telmo Sunday Market from 11am-6pm.
• Explore the colorful La Boca Buenos Aires and catch a soccer match at the famous La Bombonera stadium.
• Attend a traditional tango show in Buenos Aires.
• Eat your way through the best restaurants in San Telmo and hit the indoor street food market.
• Take in the history of Recoleta Cemetery where some of the most influential Argentineans have been laid to rest.
• Hop on the ferry for a day trip to Uruguay from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento.

Where To Stay in Buenos Aires

Ultra Luxury – Alvear Palace Hotel
Fun Vacation – AQ Tailored Suites 
Budget Travel – Selina Palermo 
Hostel Life – America del Sur Hostel Buenos Aires 

Next Stop: Puerto Iguazu
How To Get There: 2.5 Hour Flight or 19 Hour Bus

Puerto Iguazu • 3 Nights

Our trip to Iguazu falls was one of the most beautiful surprises of our time backpacking in Argentina! Of course we knew it would be epic, but until you’re in the park you won’t truly understand the size and power of these waterfalls. Here’s12 fun facts about Iguazu Falls to give you an idea.

We loved getting a chance to see Iguazu from Argentina and Brazil, as they both have their own special viewpoints. If you don’t mind getting a little wet, you can even take a boat ride down the river on the Argentinian of Iguazu Falls for the ultimate experience!

• Tour the Argentina side with its sprawling boardwalks and get up close and personal with the falls.
• Cross the border for a day trip to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls to enjoy its many panoramic viewpoints.
• Take a helicopter ride and see the massive Iguazu falls from above!
• Hop on the Iguazu jungle boat tour where you will come face to face with the falls, and even get showered underneath them!
• Splurge on a luxury hotel and stay inside the park to experience Iguazu Falls like very few others do.
• Check out our Complete Two Day Iguazu Falls Itinerary for both Argentina and Brazil.

Where To Stay in Iguazu

Ultra Luxury – Gran Meliá Iguazú 
Fun Vacation – O2 Hotel Iguazu 
Budget Travel– Marín Apartments 

Next Stop: Salta
How To Get There: 2 Hour Flight or 24 Hour Bus

Salta • 3 Nights

We missed out on Salta, so unfortunately, we can’t share much advice. However, if we went back we would have totally added three days here to our one month Argentina itinerary.

This is honestly the place we are most upset about missing while backpacking Argentina. If you have any tips for Salta please share them in the comments below!

Next Stop: Mendoza
How To Get There: 2 Hour Flight or 19 Hour Bus

Mendoza • 4 Nights

The city of Mendoza is set in the heart of Argentina’s wine country and is filled with beautiful plazas and bustling streets. If you arrive late at night like us it might be hard to believe that the large city is surrounded by hundreds of vineyards!

Mendoza is internationally known for producing some of the most delicious Malbec in the world, and there’s no better way to spend your time here than sampling it for yourself.

• Wine tasting! Hands down the best thing to do in Mendoza is to taste it directly from the source. You can drive yourself or hop on a full day wine tour of the area.
• Explore the center of Mendoza which is filled with shops, plazas, and many great restaurants.
• Day trip to the highest mountain outside of Asia. Located a little over 100 miles from Mendoza, Mount Aconcagua is well worth adding to your Argentina itinerary.
• Spend the night out on Aristides street for many exciting bars, clubs, and other nightlife.
• Take a Mendoza Argentina wine tour where you bike through the vineyards.

Where to Stay in Mendoza

Ultra Luxury – Park Hyatt Mendoza 
Fun Vacation – Diplomatic Hotel 
Hostel Life  – Windmill Hostel 

Next Stop: Bariloche
How To Get There: 2 Hour Flight or 15 Hour Bus

San Carlos de Bariloche • 4 Nights

Right in the heart of Argentina’s lake district, lies a small city dubbed “Little Switzerland.” While you could easily spend hours strolling your way through the town and tasting all the delicious chocolates, the real prize is getting out into nature.

From Bariloche, you can spend your days kayaking or simply laying and relaxing by the water. If you’re up for an adventure you can also rent bikes and circle the Circuito Chico loop which is one of the most popular things to do in the area.

• Shop the local craft markets that are found in enclosed tents and small buildings around town. Here they sell everything from jewelry to Yerba Mate gourds.
• Take a ride up the Cerro Campanario chairlift for amazing views of the lakes.
• Hop on bikes and circle to Circuito Chico Loop, or if you’re not up for it you can always drive!
• Stop into the Patagonia Brewery for a beer and lamb burger overlooking of one of the most beautiful lakes in Argentina.
• Rent a kayak or stand up paddle board and get out onto the water.
• From Puerto Panuelo you can also head out on a boat tour to visit the different islands of the lake district.

Where To Stay in Bariloche

Ultra Luxury – Llao Llao Resort 
Fun Vacation – Cacique Inacayal Lake Hotel & Spa 
Budget Travel – Peninsula Petit 
Hostel Life – Selina Hotel 

Next Stop: El Bolson
Driving Distance: 2 Hours

El Bolson • 2 Nights

What was once known as a laid back hippy town, turned out to be quite different than what we expected. New age breweries and restaurants now overtake the main street.

Yet, El Bolson Argentina is still surrounded by beautiful mountains and rivers. Endless hiking trails snake their way through the massive cliffs surrounding the town, where you can go on a short day trip or even trek all the way to Chile!

• Shop at the El Bolson craft market which sets up in town every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. The weekend markets are much larger if you’re planning your visit around them.
• Hit the Cerro Amigo hiking trails for the best views of town. The short paths will only take 10-30 minutes each, but are well worth the quick walk!
• Our favorite hike was actually in Warton just outside of town. Here we strolled along the bright blue Rio Azul and had lunch on the river.
• Make sure to stop into the information center and register to hike at the national park. There you can learn about the dozens of trails and which ones best fit the time you have on your one month Argentina itinerary.

Where To Sleep in El Bolson

Ultra Luxury – Morada del Sol 
Fun Vacation– Cabañas Willy 
Hostel Life – Earthship Patagonia 

Next Stop: Villa La Angostura
Driving Distance: 3 Hours

Villa La Angostura • 2 Nights

The small town of Villa La Angostura is a great jump off for hiking, skiing, and sailing adventures. It also happens to be the start of the famous Seven Lakes Drive.

This road connects Villa La Angostura with the village of San Martín de Los Andes. Spend a night or two taking in all the outdoor adventures that this small town has to offer.

• Hike Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes which has trails ranging from one to multiple hours.
• Jump on a boat tour and sail out onto Lake Nahuel Huapi.
• Hit the ski trails in the winter at Cerro Bayo.
• Go to El Mercado which is in the center of town and filled with restaurants, shops, and much more.
• Take the entire afternoon to cruise the seven lakes drive from Villa La Angostura to San Martin de Los Andes.

Where To Sleep in Villa La Angostura

Ultra Luxury – Luma Casa De Montaña 
Fun Vacation  – Arcanos Casa de Montaña 
Longterm Travel – Como en Casa 

Next Stop: San Martin de los Andes
Driving Distance: 2 Hour Drive

San Martin de los Andes • 1 Night

The small town of San Martin de Los Andes is hidden deep between the mountains and lakes of northern Patagonia. However, it would be a crime not to include this beautiful town in our Argentina travel guide!

It may not be as large as some of the other towns in Patagonia’s lake district. Still, we found it to be one of the most charming.

• Relax on the town beach and jump in the chilly alpine water… If you dare!
• Climb to the Mirador Bandurrias viewpoint for a stunning look at the giant Lago Lacar.
• Explore Lanin National Park which is filled with many great hiking trails and diverse wildlife.

Where To Stay in San Martin

Ultra Luxury – Paraíso Casa de Montaña
Fun Vacation – Nuestro Lugar 
Budget Travel – Bike Hostel 

Next Stop: El Calafate
How To Get There: 2 Hour Flight from Bariloche or 18 Hour Bus

El Calafate • 2 Nights

Now that you’ve seen a few of the gorgeous smaller towns, it’s time to experience some of the most epic parts of Patagonia! El Calafate is known as the jump off point to the Perito Moreno Glacier and the Chilean side of Patagonia.

It’s both a fun town to start your vacation if only have a few days in this part of Argentina, or perfect for a 2 night stay in the middle of a longer trip.

• Hop around the many craft breweries in the downtown area. Our absolute favorite was La Zorra Taproom.
• Sign up for a full or half day tour to the Perito Moreno Glacier. Ours included a boat ride that cruised right in front of the glacier and free time to explore the catwalks above.
• For those looking for a more extreme adventure, a couple tour companies even offer the chance to take a tour and hike directly on the glacier!
• Take the bus or rent a car and cross into Chile to see the glorious Torres del Paine National Park.

Where To Stay in El Calafate

Ultra Luxury – Xelena Hotel & Suites 
Fun Vacation – Patagonia Queen Hotel Boutique 
Hostel Life – Calafate Hostel 

Next Stop: El Chalten
How To Get There: 3.5 Hour Drive

El Chalten • 4 Nights

So you’ve made it to the end of our Argentina travel guide, and I think we saved the best for last. This cute little town is surrounded by amazing mountains, lagoons, and fantastic scenery. scenery.

No wonder the hiking in El Chalten is known as some of the most amazing in Argentina! It also features great local bars and restaurants to enjoy when you’re done with a long day in the mountains.

• When you first arrive drop your bags and hike to the best view overlooking El Chalten. The Los Condores and Las Aguilas trails will only take about and hour and a half from town.
• Rise and shine… It’s time to ascent up the incredible Mount Fitz Roy! Depending on what type of hiker you are, it will take between 7 to 10 hours. Make sure to leave early enough in the morning so that you have time to climb to the Fitz Lagoon at the top of the mountain.
• The second day of hiking on the Laguna Torre trail is a little bit less strenuous, but features just as remarkable scenery! It should take you 6 to 8 hours roundtrip to the beautiful Lagoon and back.
• Bring plenty of food and water on these hikes as there’s nowhere to stop along the trails. Most of the restaurants and cafes in town offer to-go lunch boxes for hikers.
• If you’re looking to do more than just day hikes there are also plenty of trekking routes from El Chalten. You can rent anything you’ll need in town for gear, and there are camping spots to spend the night along these trails.

Where To Stay in El Chalten

Ultra Luxury – Destino Sur Hotel & Spa de Montaña 
Fun Vacation – Infinito Sur 
Hostel Life – Rancho Grande 

Last Stop: 2 Nights in Buenos Aires and Fly Out

After one month of travel, there are still so many places we want to experience and didn’t fit in to our Argentina itinerary. Do you have any recommendations for more of the best places to visit in Argentina? How about any questions about our Argentina travel guide? Let us know in the comments below!

Safe Travels,
Brigitte and Jake

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