7 Days (1 Week) Itinerary in Argentina - Travel Guide

Introduction

This itinerary will take you on a journey through Argentina’s most iconic destinations, where you will experience the vibrant culture, breathtaking scenery, and delicious cuisine of this South American nation. You will visit Buenos Aires, the birthplace of tango and a city full of history and charm; Mendoza, the heart of Argentina’s wine industry and a gateway to the Andes; Salta, a colonial city with a colorful heritage and a base for adventure; and El Calafate, a town near the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world’s natural wonders. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy optional activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, rafting, kayaking, and more.

Day 1 - Welcome to Buenos Aires

Your adventure begins in Buenos Aires, the capital and largest city of Argentina. Buenos Aires is a vibrant metropolis that combines European elegance with Latin flair. You will be greeted by your driver at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city center. After checking in, you will have some free time to relax or explore the neighborhood. In the evening, you will join a guided walking tour of the historic district of San Telmo, where you will see colonial buildings, antique shops, street art, and tango dancers. You will also visit the Plaza de Mayo, the political heart of the country, where you will see the Casa Rosada (the presidential palace), the Cabildo (the old town hall), and the Metropolitan Cathedral. You will end your tour at a traditional restaurant, where you will enjoy a delicious dinner and a live tango show.

Day 2 - Discover Buenos Aires

Today, you will have a full day to explore Buenos Aires at your own pace. You can choose from a variety of optional activities, such as visiting the Recoleta Cemetery, where you can see the tomb of Eva Perón (the famous first lady of Argentina); touring the colorful neighborhood of La Boca, where you can admire the brightly painted houses and watch street performers; taking a ferry to Colonia del Sacramento, a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uruguay; or indulging in some shopping at the trendy Palermo district. Alternatively, you can join an optional bike tour that will take you to some of the hidden gems of the city, such as the ecological reserve, the botanical garden, and the graffiti murals. Whatever you choose to do, you will have plenty of opportunities to sample the local cuisine, such as empanadas (savory pastries), pizza (with a thick crust and lots of cheese), and dulce de leche (a sweet caramel spread).

Day 3 - Fly to Mendoza

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Mendoza, the capital of Argentina’s wine region. Mendoza is located at the foot of the Andes mountains and is famous for its Malbec wines, olive oil, and outdoor activities. You will be welcomed by your driver at the airport and taken to your hotel in the city center. In the afternoon, you will join a guided wine tour that will take you to some of the best wineries in the area. You will learn about the history and production of wine in Mendoza, taste different varieties of wine, and enjoy stunning views of the vineyards and mountains. You will also visit an olive oil factory, where you will learn how this product is made and taste some samples. You will return to your hotel in the evening and have some free time to explore Mendoza’s nightlife.

Day 4 - Adventure in Mendoza

Today, you will have a full day to enjoy Mendoza’s natural beauty and adventure options. You can choose from a range of optional activities, such as hiking in the Andes mountains, biking through scenic trails, horseback riding in the countryside, rafting on the Mendoza river, or kayaking on the Potrerillos lake. Alternatively, you can join an optional tour to the Aconcagua Provincial Park, where you will see the highest peak in the Americas and one of the Seven Summits. You will also visit the Puente del Inca, a natural bridge formed by mineral deposits over a river. Whatever you choose to do, you will have an unforgettable experience in Mendoza’s stunning landscape.

Day 5 - Fly to Salta

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Salta, a colonial city in the north of Argentina. Salta is known for its rich culture, colorful architecture, and diverse scenery. You will be greeted by your driver at the airport and taken to your hotel in the city center. After checking in, you will have some free time to relax or explore the city. In the evening, you will join a guided walking tour of Salta’s historic center, where you will see the Plaza 9 de Julio, the Cathedral, the San Francisco Church, and the Cabildo (the old town hall). You will also visit the MAAM (Museum of High Altitude Archaeology), where you will see the mummies of three Inca children who were sacrificed on a nearby volcano. You will end your tour at a peña (a folk music venue), where you will enjoy a typical dinner and a lively show of regional music and dance.

Day 6 - Explore Salta’s surroundings

Today, you will have a full day to discover Salta’s surroundings, where you will find some of the most amazing landscapes in Argentina. You can choose from two optional tours: one to the Calchaquí Valleys and Cafayate, and one to the Humahuaca Gorge and Purmamarca. The first option will take you to the Calchaquí Valleys, a series of valleys with stunning rock formations, ancient ruins, and quaint villages. You will visit the town of Cafayate, where you will taste some of the best Torrontés wines in the country and see the impressive natural amphitheater. The second option will take you to the Humahuaca Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features colorful hills, pre-Hispanic cultures, and colonial churches. You will visit the town of Purmamarca, where you will see the famous Hill of Seven Colors and browse the local handicrafts market. Both options will offer you breathtaking views and unforgettable memories.

Day 7 - Fly to El Calafate

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to El Calafate, a town in Patagonia that is the gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier. The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the largest and most active glaciers in the world, and one of the few that is advancing rather than retreating. It is also part of the Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers an area of over 7,000 square kilometers. You will be welcomed by your driver at the airport and taken to your hotel in El Calafate. In the afternoon, you will join a guided tour to the Perito Moreno Glacier, where you will marvel at its immense size and beauty. You will walk along the boardwalks that offer different perspectives of the glacier and watch as huge chunks of ice break off and crash into the water. You will also have the option to take a boat ride that will take you closer to the glacier’s face or join a mini-trekking excursion that will allow you to walk on top of the glacier with crampons (both activities are subject to availability and weather conditions). You will return to your hotel in the evening and have some free time to enjoy El Calafate’s cozy atmosphere.

Summary of this itinerary

Brace yourself to fall in love with Argentina. It's a country packed with vibrant culture, stunning natural landscapes, mouthwatering cuisine, and passionate locals. Don't just dream about Argentina, let's go and breathe it. Your seven-day tango with nature and culture awaits!