Argentina Itineraries: 3, 5, 7 and 10 Day Plans

Last checked: November 2026

A good first Argentina trip lasts 7 to 10 days and combines Buenos Aires with one or two regions. Three days covers Buenos Aires, five days adds Iguazú, seven days adds Patagonia or Mendoza, and ten days lets you link three regions without rushing. Fly between regions, because long bus rides use up whole days.

How Many Days Do You Need?

Trip length	Suggested route	Best for
3 days	Buenos Aires	City break or a stopover
5 days	Buenos Aires and Iguazú	Culture plus one major nature stop
7 days	Buenos Aires plus El Calafate, or Buenos Aires plus Mendoza	Glaciers or wine
10 days	Three regions, such as Buenos Aires, Iguazú and Patagonia	First-time visitors who want variety

Each stop is described in the best places to visit in Argentina guide, with the time each one needs.

3 Days: Buenos Aires

Day 1: Historic centre and main squares. Most international flights arrive at Ezeiza, which is about 50 minutes from the centre by road according to the city tourism office, so keep the first afternoon light.
Day 2: Museums and leafy neighbourhoods such as Recoleta and Palermo.
Day 3: San Telmo’s old streets, a long lunch and a tango evening.

5 Days: Buenos Aires and Iguazú

Days 1 to 3: Buenos Aires, following the plan above.
Day 4: Fly to Iguazú. Check airline schedules for the flight time and choose an early departure so you don’t lose the day.
Day 5: Spend the day on the Argentine side of the falls. Confirm park hours on the official park page and keep your return flight for the evening only if the schedule is comfortable.

A one-day Iguazú visit is tight. If you can add a night, you’ll see the park without rushing.

7 Days: Two Options

Option A: Buenos Aires and El Calafate

Days 1 to 3: Buenos Aires.
Day 4: Fly to El Calafate. The flight takes about three hours or more.
Day 5: Perito Moreno Glacier, which is about 80 km from El Calafate by road, according to the national parks service. Park hours differ by season, so check the official page.
Days 6 and 7: Add El Chaltén for a hike, or take a rest day in El Calafate before the flight back.

Option B: Buenos Aires and Mendoza

Days 1 to 3: Buenos Aires.
Day 4: Fly to Mendoza. It’s about 2 hours by air from Buenos Aires.
Days 5 and 6: Vineyard visits and the mountain scenery around Mendoza.
Day 7: Return to Buenos Aires.

10 Days: Two Routes

Route 1: Cities, falls and glaciers

Days 1 to 3: Buenos Aires.
Days 4 and 5: Iguazú.
Days 6 to 9: Fly to El Calafate for Perito Moreno, with an extra day or two at El Chaltén.
Day 10: Fly back to Buenos Aires and onward.

Route 2: Wine and lakes

Days 1 to 3: Buenos Aires.
Days 4 to 6: Mendoza.
Days 7 to 9: Bariloche and the lakes. Check airline schedules for the Mendoza to Bariloche link, because you may need to connect through Buenos Aires.
Day 10: Return to Buenos Aires.

Ushuaia is about 3.5 hours by air from Buenos Aires. It fits better in a trip of 12 days or more, so add it only if you have time to spare.

Moving Between Regions

Plan to fly for any leg over about 800 km. The full list of flight, bus, train and car options, with travel times between the main cities, is in our guide to getting around Argentina. For arrival airports and airport transfers, read flights to Argentina. For beds in each town, see where to stay in Argentina.

Planning Tips

Fix your dates first, then choose regions. Patagonia in winter is a different trip from Patagonia in summer.
Book El Calafate and El Chaltén early for December and January.
Keep one flexible day for weather delays.
Pack for several climates if you combine north and south.

Common Mistakes

Adding a third region to a seven-day trip.
Booking a tight connection that changes airports in Buenos Aires.
Ignoring seasons. Check the best time to visit Argentina before you fix your route.

Argentina Itinerary FAQs

Is 10 days enough for Argentina?

It’s enough for three regions if you fly between them. You won’t see the whole country, and you shouldn’t try. Ten days with Buenos Aires, Iguazú and Patagonia is a common first-trip plan.

Can I travel Argentina by bus only?

You can, but distances are large. Buenos Aires to Mendoza alone takes roughly 14 to 18 hours by bus. For short trips, use flights for the longest legs and buses for short ones.

Should I fly into one city and out of another?

Often yes. Arriving in Buenos Aires and leaving from another city can save a backtracking flight. Compare fares, and check that the return airport suits your onward flight.

How many days do I need in Buenos Aires?

Three days covers the main areas and one evening of tango. Add a day if you want to visit several museums or do a long lunch without rushing.

Official planning resources: the Argentine tourism board and the Buenos Aires city tourism office.

Argentina Itineraries: 3, 5, 7 and 10 Days