Argentina has long been on my list of destinations and deserves more than only 10 days. But if you have limited time to travel like me, 10 days is possible to explore the country. Read below for an itinerary that combines city, history, nature, food, and wine.
Days 1-3: Buenos Aires
Major international flights will land in Buenos Aires (and also depart from here), so you could either start or end the trip here.
On day 1, a great way to acquaint yourself with the city is to join a free walking tour or book a private city tour. In the evening, take a tango class and/or head to a tango show.
On day 2, explore the street markets in San Telmo (preferably on a Sunday when everything is open) and visit the Recoleta Cemetery. In the evening, explore Argentina’s cuisine with an interactive dining experience or join a walking food tour.
On day 3, take a tour of the Tigre River Delta and San Isidro. In the evening, have dinner at a nice steakhouse.
Days 4-5: Iguazu Falls
At the border of Argentina and Brazil, approximately 275 separate waterfalls make up the Iguazu Falls, the largest waterfall system in the world.
On day 4, take the first flight from Buenos Aires to Iguazu (there are several nonstop flights each day). Once you arrive, explore the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls.
On day 5, explore the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls with this tour and boat ride. I don’t think more than two days is necessary here as the falls are the main attraction in the area, and there isn’t much else to do.
Days 6-10: Mendoza
Mendoza is Argentina’s top wine region and world famous for its Malbec wines.
On day 6, fly to Mendoza. On most days, there is at least one morning flight with less than five hours of travel time (unfortunately, there is no nonstop flight). When you arrive, walk around the town, or take a bike ride, and enjoy a nice dinner.
On days 7 and 8, visit wineries in two of the three primary wine regions: Valle de Uco, Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu Valley. The best way to do a winery tour is to take a small group tour or hire a private driver. You could also do a bike tour if you’d like to be more active. I joined this amazing small group wine tour on my trip. Our guide was passionate and knowledgeable about wine and Argentina, and our perfectly sized nine-person group included couples, friends, and solo travelers.
On day 9, experience the guacho (Argentine cowboy) life, with a horseback ride through the Andes and a traditional asado (barbeque).
On day 10, if time permits, explore the charming town of Chacras de Coria before your flight departs.
Given its size and distance, I chose to explore Patagonia on its own trip and have excluded it from this 10 day Argentina itinerary.
Check out my Argentina Travel Guide here for travel tips on the currency exchange and the best time to visit.