Friends, ready to cross desert plateaus, storybook pampas, and glacier country in one trip? Argentina delivers big landscapes and bigger personalities—walkable capitals, art-filled towns, and jaw-dropping national parks.

This fast, practical guide maps smart stops with costs, timing, transport, and stay suggestions so you can stitch together a smooth, memory-packed itinerary.

Buenos Aires

Start where European-style boulevards meet Latin energy. Base in Palermo, Recoleta, or San Telmo (midrange rooms $70–$160; hostels $12–$25). See colorful La Boca, browse weekend markets, and book a live tango show ($25–$60). Get around on the SUBE card for buses and subway ($0.20–$0.50 a ride). Two to three full days feel just right.

Córdoba

Argentina's second city charms with 17th-century courtyards, museums, and a youthful arts scene. Fly from Buenos Aires in 1 hr 30 min or bus 8–9 hrs. Free walking tours run daily; plan 24–36 hours for galleries and leafy plazas. Lodging is budget-friendly ($50–$120 midrange), and day trips reach the Sierras in under two hours.

Areco

San Antonio de Areco is pampas perfection: cobbles, leather workshops, and gaucho heritage. Visit on a day tour from Buenos Aires (1 hr 45 min by bus; tours $45–$90). Drop into artisan studios and relax by the slow, willow-lined river. For an immersive escape, sleep at a countryside estancia ($120–$250 half board).

Mendoza

Tree-shaded avenues and mountain views make this Andean gateway ideal for outdoor days. Think olive-oil mills, gourmet kitchens, and bike paths through agricultural fincas. Day tours to Aconcagua Provincial Park run $60–$110; entry fees typically $10–$20. Summer brings pool-friendly hotels ($80–$170). Bus from BA 14–16 hrs; flights 1 hr 50 min.

Ushuaia

At the edge of the continent, Ushuaia opens the door to Tierra del Fuego National Park (park entry often $7–$15). Ride the End of the World Train ($30–$60) and cruise the Beagle Channel ($50–$100). Weather flips quickly—pack layers and waterproofs. Flights from BA average 3.5 hrs; plan 2–3 days.

San Ignacio

Near the triple-border, explore UNESCO-listed colonial-era ruins blending European and Guaraní design (site entry commonly $3–$8). Easy day trips run from Posadas (1 hr by bus). Visit mid-morning or late afternoon for cooler light and fewer tour groups.

El Calafate

Gateway to Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. Walkways and balconies deliver unreal views (park entry $15–$25; shuttle $10–$20). Optional mini-trek experiences cost $120–$200 and last 1.5–3 hrs. Try to allow 2 nights in town to buffer weather.

Iguazú Falls

Base in Puerto Iguazú for the Argentine trails to Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat). Expect a full-day visit; national park entry generally $20–$40 with a discount on day two. A free shuttle links town and the terminal; taxis are plentiful. Wear non-slip shoes and bring a lightweight rain shell.

El Chaltén

Argentina's trekking capital sits under the Fitz Roy skyline. Trails start from town—no transport required. Popular hikes: Laguna Capri (easy half-day) and Laguna de los Tres (challenging full day). Pack snacks; services on trail are minimal. Bus from El Calafate 3 hrs; stay 2–4 nights.

Bariloche

Alpine aesthetics, lakeside drives, and year-round outdoor fun. Rent a car for the Circuito Chico loop; public buses also reach lookouts. Winter skiers head to Cerro Catedral; in summer, paddle Nahuel Huapi. Chocolate shops sweeten evenings. Good base rates: $80–$180.

Mar del Plata

Argentina's classic beach escape swells in summer (December–February). Reserve early for waterfront stays ($90–$200). Spend days on the city beaches or slip to quieter sands south of town by bus. Evening strolls along the coastal avenue bring ocean views and street performances.

Puerto Madryn

A hub for wildlife watching and the Valdés Peninsula. Join responsible operators for seasonal marine-life outings ($60–$120). Calm bays suit kayaking and paddleboarding. Fly to Trelew then bus 1 hr to Madryn; shoulder seasons (spring/fall) balance sightings and rates.

Antofagasta

High-altitude drama awaits in Antofagasta de la Sierra (3,200 m). Expect lunar plains, volcanic cones, and cobalt lakes. Hire a 4×4 with a local driver ($120–$220/day shared) and acclimatize slowly. Nights are cold year-round; bring thermal layers and sun protection.

Trevelin

This Andean-foothill town blends tidy plazas with a proud Welsh legacy and tranquil tea rooms. Use it as a base for Los Alerces National Park (entrance typically $3–$7). Scenic gravel roads lead to turquoise lakes—self-drive or join small-group tours.

Salta

Polished plazas, museums, and a thriving food scene make Salta a northern favorite. Ride the cable car to Cerro San Bernardo for sunset views ($5–$10). Day trips to Cafayate or Quebrada de Humahuaca showcase rust-red canyons and artisan markets. Flights from BA 2 hrs; plan 3–4 days with excursions.

Practical Tips

Long-distance buses offer semi-cama and cama seats; book ahead for holidays. Domestic flights save time across vast distances—watch for weekday sales. ATMs can be finicky; carry a mix of cards and some USD for exchanges in major cities. Midrange hotel budgets of $70–$160 per night work well outside peak seasons.

Conclusion

From city boulevards to glacier boardwalks, Argentina rewards patient wanderers and quick-planning weekenders alike. Which duo will anchor your route—tropical waterfalls with a dash of heritage, or Andean trails paired with lakeside drives?