Planning
How many days do you need in Argentina? (With 10, 12 and 15-day itineraries)
Argentina is vast and most destinations are linked by domestic flights. Here are three sample itineraries depending on how much time you have.
Hello World Travel3 min read
Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world. Iguazú in the north and Ushuaia in the far south are more than 3,000 kilometres apart, and almost every long leg is done by plane. So the question isn't just how many days, but how many destinations fit comfortably into those days.
The short answer
For a first trip combining Buenos Aires, Iguazú and Patagonia, we recommend 10 to 15 days in the country. With fewer than 10 days, pick two or three destinations rather than trying to see everything.
Three things that change the maths
- Domestic flights: each change of destination usually takes half a day between transfers, airport time and the flight.
- Getting there: if you're flying in from Asia, the journey can exceed 30 hours with connections. Keep your first day for rest.
- The season: Patagonia is best from October to April; the north and the cities work all year round.
10-day itinerary: the essentials
Ideal for a first visit at a steady pace.
| Day | Destination | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buenos Aires | Arrival and rest |
| 2–3 | Buenos Aires | City tour, neighbourhoods and a tango night |
| 4–5 | Iguazú | Brazilian and Argentine sides |
| 6–8 | El Calafate | Perito Moreno Glacier and a boat trip |
| 9 | Buenos Aires | Return and a free afternoon |
| 10 | — | Departure flight |
12-day itinerary: adding the end of the world
The same route plus Ushuaia. Depending on the season, there are direct flights between El Calafate and Ushuaia.
| Day | Destination | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Buenos Aires | Arrival, rest and the city |
| 4–5 | Iguazú | Both sides of the falls |
| 6–8 | El Calafate | Perito Moreno Glacier |
| 9–11 | Ushuaia | National park, train and Beagle Channel |
| 12 | — | Flight to Buenos Aires and onward connection |
15-day itinerary: at a relaxed pace
More time in each place and one extra destination: Mendoza (wine and mountains) or Salta & Jujuy (colourful hills).
| Day | Destination | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | Buenos Aires | City, Tigre Delta and tango |
| 5–6 | Iguazú | Both sides of the falls |
| 7–10 | El Calafate & El Chaltén | Glacier and an easy hiking day |
| 11–13 | Ushuaia | National park and Beagle Channel |
| 14–15 | Mendoza or Salta | Wineries or Quebrada de Humahuaca, then departure |
These itineraries are indicative. Flight times, frequencies and availability change with the dates, so we always tailor the route to each trip.
Tips for planning your route
- Don't add destinations at the expense of rest. Two nights is the reasonable minimum in each place.
- Check which Buenos Aires airport each flight uses: EZE and AEP are not the same.
- Travelling with older parents or children? Leave half a day free every two or three days.
- Going to Antarctica? Arrive in Ushuaia at least one day before embarkation.
In short
With 10 days you see the essentials; with 12 you add Ushuaia; with 15 you travel at an easier pace and add one more destination. What matters is that the route fits your rhythm — not the other way round.
