Located in South America, Argentina is a uniquely diverse country everyone must visit at least once.
Covering an area of 2,780,400 square kilometres, Argentina is the second-largest country in South America after Brazil.
Known for its diverse landscapes, love of dance and fantastic cuisine, there is so much to love about Argentina.
Because Argentina is such a big country, it’s impossible to see everything in just ten days. So, this itinerary will instead show you the best and most popular places.
If it’s your first time in Argentina, then this 10-day itinerary is for you as it takes you to all of the major highlights in the country.
Getting around Argentina is easy, especially on this itinerary. For your ten days in Argentina, you’ll get around on planes, taxis and foot.
Day 1: Buenos Aires
You will spend your first three days in Argentina in the capital of Buenos Aires.
Lined with 19th-century buildings, including Casa Rosada (the iconic presidential palace) and Teatro Colón, Buenos Aires boasts beautiful architecture and history.
If your flight lands in the morning, you will have at least half a day to explore the beautiful city.
What to see and do in Buenos Aires?
The best way to start your holiday in Argentina is to drop off your luggage at your accommodation and head to Palermo Soho.
Here you can enjoy a late lunch, people-watch from the cafes and admire the many different types of street art.
If you’re up for it, you can also hop in a taxi to the Bosques de Palermo parks, the Buenos Aires version of Central Park, for a wander.
Where to eat in Buenos Aires?
Some of the best places to eat in Buenos Aires include
- Don Julio: As one of the most respected parrillas in Buenos Aires, a visit to Don Julio to try their steak is a must.
- La Alacena: This sunny corner cafe in Palermo is perfect for people-watching while indulging in homemade Italian cuisine.
- Chori: Based in Palermo, Chori serves a modern take on choripan – a classic Argentine sausage sandwich.
Where to stay in Buenos Aires?
- Hilton Buenos Aires (high-end accommodation)
- Novotel Buenos Aires (mid-range accommodation)
- Milhouse Hostel Avenue (low-end accommodation)
Day 2: Buenos Aires
Your second day in Argentina is your first full day in Buenos Aires, which means you can explore more of the beautiful capital city!
What to see and do in Buenos Aires?
In the morning, hop on a bike or walking tour to get to know the city’s history, culture and buildings.
In the afternoon, head to La Boca, a neighbourhood famous for its colourful houses and pedestrian street, the Caminito.
La Boca is located on what used to be the city’s biggest port, where products, goods and immigrants arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The immigrants then started building in the area, which you’ll see in the shanty houses made from sheet metal and wooden planks. Those colourful shanty houses are now one of the main reasons La Boca is a popular tourist hotspot.
As you wander down the Caminito, watch tango dancers perform in their gorgeous outfits and see all of the tango-related memorabilia on sale.
In the evening, head to one of the tango clubs to watch a tango show, a must-see while in Buenos Aires!
Where to eat in Buenos Aires?
- Salvaje Bakery: Perfect for brunch, this bakery serves a delicious selection of sandwiches and Ottolenghi-style small plates.
- El Obrero: Located in the colourful neighbourhood of La Boca, this parrilla serves tasty steaks and is so well known that even Bono has eaten here!
- Il Matterello: Also located in La Boca, this restaurant is a local favourite that dishes up renditions of Italian classics.
Day 3: Buenos Aires
On your third and final day in Buenos Aires, soak up the rest of what the city has to offer before moving to your next destination.
What to see and do in Buenos Aires?
Today you can head back to one of the neighbourhoods you loved yesterday and wander the streets or visit somewhere new.
Some of the must-see neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires include
- San Telmo: Known for its bohemian vibes, the touristy parts of San Telmo are cute and quaint. On the other hand, the less touristy areas are more relaxed with a hipster neighbourhood feel. San Telmo also has a fantastic nightlife.
- Recoleta: This Argentine Parisian neighbourhood is home to the famous cemetery and various cafes, parks and museums.
- Microcentro: This is the downtown/financial area of Buenos Aires and features historic buildings, such as Casa Rosada, Cabildo and the Cathedral.
Or, if you don’t want to seek out new neighbourhoods, you can take a walking tour of the best parrillas in the city for lunch. What could be better than trying some of the best steaks in Buenos Aires?
At the end of the day, you can choose to stay one more night in Buenos Aires and head to another tango show. Or, you can catch a late-night flight into Puerto Iguazu to begin the next part of your trip.
Where to eat in Buenos Aires?
- Don Carlos: This restaurant serves traditional Argentinian and Italian food in La Boca.
- La Carnicería: Located in Palermo, this modern parrilla boasts a new take on the traditional Argentine meat feast.
- Sunae Asian Cantina: If you’re feeling like something a little different, this bright and bustling restaurant serves dishes with flavours drawn from Southeast Asia.
Related: This is the best way to spend one month in South America.
Day 4: Puerto Iguazu
Travel time: The flight from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls is two hours.
The things you do on your first day in Puerto Iguazu depend on whether you catch a late-night or morning flight.
Located in northeast Argentina, the city of Puerto Iguazu is the gateway to Iguazu Falls in Iguazu National Park.
What to see and do in Puerto Iguazu?
While the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Iguazu Falls may be the main drawing card for tourists, there are so many other fantastic things to see and do. This is one of the reasons why you’ll be spending three days there.
On your first day in Puerto Iguazu, you’ll want to spend the day at Iguazu Falls! Iguazu Falls are waterfalls of the Iguazu River that border Argentina and Brazil. Together, they make up the largest waterfall system in the world.
The Argentian side of the Iguazu National Park has plenty to do, so after seeing the famous falls wander around through the jungle along the various walking tracks. Along the way, you’ll see different views of the falls and marvel at the diverse flora and fauna.
If you wish to see the falls again, make sure you return on the next consecutive day to get 50% off your second entrance.
Where to eat in Puerto Iguazu?
After walking around all day, you’re bound to build an appetite. So, here are some of the best places to eat in Puerto Iguazu
- AQVA Restaurant: Located in the heart of Puerto Iguazu, AQVA Restaurant is where to indulge in traditional Argentinian food.
- La Toscana Trattoria: For some of the best Italian food in the city, head to La Toscana Trattoria for dinner.
- Restaurante La Rueda: Known for having some of the best steaks in the Iguazu area, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit to try traditional Argentinian steak.
Where to stay in Puerto Iguazu?
- The Gran Melia Iguazu (high-end accommodation)
- Iguazu Loi Suite (mid-range accommodation)
- Marcopolo Suites Iguazu (low-end accommodation)
Day 5: Puerto Iguazu
For your second day in Puerto Iguazu, head back to the falls to experience something a little different!
What to see and do in Puerto Iguazu?
During your second day experiencing Iguazu Falls, you have to book the Great Adventure activity.
This tour consists of an eco truck ride in the jungle, where you will learn about flora and fauna found in the rainforest.
Afterwards, you will arrive at the dock to board a boat for one of the most unforgettable experiences on this itinerary. The boat will take you directly under Iguazu Falls, where you will see a different perspective of the falls and become completely soaking wet!
Where to eat in Puerto Iguazu?
- De la Fonte Restaurant – Patio de Comida: This restaurant is known for beautifully reinventing Italian and international dishes using local ingredients.
- La Mamma Pastas and Salsas: If you’re craving pasta, then head to this restaurant, as it’s known for having some of the best pasta in all of Argentina.
- The Argentine Experience: Here, you can get a taste of the best local cuisine paired with exceptional wines from all the regions in Argentina.
Related: Argentina now has an exchange rate for tourists.
Day 6: Iguazu Falls, Brazil
Travel time: The bus from Puerto Iguazu in Argentina to Foz do Iguaçau in Brazil takes 40-minutes and is $1. Buses leave every 22 minutes from the central bus station.
On your third and final day in Puerto Iguazu, cross the border into Brazil to see the falls from their perspective.
The views from Brazil’s national park are vastly different from Argentina’s side, so it’s worth crossing over to see it for yourself.
What to see and do in Iguazu Falls, Brazil?
When you get across to Brazil, the first thing you’ll want to do is head to the Iguazu Falls Trails.
Start by taking the bus at the entrance of the National Park. At the second stop, you’ll start the main walking circuit of around 1.5km. The circuit ends in the last trail to see the Devil’s Throat Falls. While you’re there, you’ll be so close to the waterfall that you’ll feel the mist and may even get wet!
In the afternoon, to see the falls from yet another perspective, book a helicopter ride over the falls. Seeing the falls from a high distance with panoramic views, you will be in awe of just how magnificent the falls are.
Afterwards, hop on the bus to Argentina and head back to your accommodation in Puerto Iguazu.
Where to eat in Iguazu Falls, Brazil?
- Restaurante Porto Canoas: Located right on the river boasting spectacular views, this all-you-can-eat restaurant is worth visiting after a day of exploring.
- Ipê Restaurant: Located in the Belmond Hotel, this restaurant serves various quality dishes.
- Itaipu Restaurant: One of the best restaurants on the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls, Itaipu Restaurant serves traditional Brazilian cuisine with a touch of sophistication.
Day 7: Mendoza
Travel time: On your 7th day in Argentina, catch the four-hour and 40-minute flight from Iguazu to Mendoza, where you will spend the next three days.
Located in the Cuyo region, Mendoza is Argentina’s wine country, famous for its Malbecs and other red wines.
Many bodegas (wineries) around the city offer tastings and tours, so you can guess what one of the things you’ll be doing during your time there is!
What to see and do in Mendoza?
Since you won’t arrive in Mendoza until the afternoon, on your first (half) day there, drop off your bags at your accommodation and wander around the city to get your bearings.
One of the best things to do when you first arrive is to spend a couple of hours in the beautiful Parque San Martin, where you can people-watch or even have a picnic.
If you’re staying in a vineyard, drop off your bags and get stuck into the wine tasting!
Where to eat in Mendoza?
Some of the best places to eat in Mendoza include
- Restaurante Terruño: This winery restaurant at Club Tapiz in Maipú uses seasonal produce to make the food as fresh as it can be!
- Siete Fuegos Asado: This restaurant takes Asado to new heights, grilling meat, fruit and vegetables, and fish seven ways. Dining at this restaurant is a one-of-a-kind experience.
- Francis Mallmann: This traditional Argentinian steakhouse has been described as the best in the city, so what other reason do you need to visit?
Where to stay in Mendoza?
- Casa de Huéspedes La Azul (high-end accommodation)
- NH Mendoza Hotel (mid-range accommodation)
- B&B Plaza Italia (low-end accommodation)
Day 8: Mendoza
Spend your first full day in Argentina’s wine country, tasting wines in the famous vineyards.
What to see and do in Mendoza?
One of the best things to do is to hire a private driver in the Uco Valley who can take you to all of the best vineyards.
The Uco Valley is the region closest to the Andes and produces the highest quality wines paired with breathtaking landscapes.
Some of the best wineries in the region include Bodega Los Toneles, Bodegas CARO SA and Vignale Wines.
Spend your day tasting the different wines in the region while soaking up your stunning surroundings.
Where to eat in Mendoza?
- Los Chocos: This underground restaurant is located in a family home, providing a five-course culinary walk-through of delicious Argentinian cuisine.
- Tupungato Divino: Located in the heart of Uco Valley, diners at this restaurant will be treated to delicious food and stunning views of the Andes mountains.
- La Posada del Jamon: The original pioneer of restaurants in the Uco Valley, this restaurant has a “feel at home” atmosphere paired with delicious Argentinian food.
Day 9: Mendoza
On your last full day in Mendoza, head into the mountains to see one of the world’s tallest peaks.
What to see and do in Mendoza?
Aconcagua is a mountain in the Andes mountain range and is the highest mountain in the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, with an elevation of 6,961 metres.
Head on a guided tour through the mountain range, one of the most popular (non-wine) things to do in Mendoza.
Or, if you don’t feel like hiking, you can spend your last day in Mendoza at another wine tasting or relax in the Cachueta Hot Springs.
Where to eat in Mendoza?
- Azafrán Restó: What used to be a local meat deli has been reinvented into one of Mendoza’s finest restaurants. Here you can indulge in local flavours and ingredients blended into recipes and techniques from around the world.
- María Antonieta: Located in one of Mendoza’s loveliest streets, you can head to this restaurant for stunning Cuyo, Mediterranean and French dishes.
- Cordillera Vinos y Fuegos: This Argentinian parrilla is one of Mendoza’s best-kept secrets. Need we say more?
Day 10: Mendoza to Buenos Aires
On your final day in Argentina, if your international flight isn’t until the evening, do what you can to enjoy your last day.
What to see and do in Mendoza?
On your last day in Argentina, before heading back to Buenos Aires, there are a few things you can do in Mendoza, including getting up and heading to Peatonal Sarmiento.
Peatonal Sarmiento is a pedestrian street filled with cafes, shops and restaurants – many of them with outdoor seating. So, find a cafe and enjoy your last breakfast in Argentina outside while watching people go about their day.
The street is lined with trees and flowers, plus the occasional street performer, so it’s the perfect place to grab breakfast.
After breakfast, walk to the top of Cerro de Gloria (Hill of Glory), where you’ll see a monument of General San Martin and the Army of the Andes.
When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the city and the mountains beyond, a fantastic sight before hopping on the plane back to Buenos Aires for your flight home.
Useful Tips for Travelling in Argentina
The best time to visit Argentina
The best time to complete this 10-day Argentina is any time of the year. All three destinations are great in summer and spring. However, expect humidity in Buenos Aires and Iguazu while enjoying the dry desert heat in Mendoza.
What is the currency of Argentina?
The currency in Argentina is the Argentine peso.
Can you drink tap water in Argentina?
Tap water is considered safe to drink in Buenos Aires and most parts of Argentina. However, to be sure, ask your tour leader or hotel staff if it’s safe to drink.
Bottled water is readily available and should be used in remote, rural areas.
Is Argentina safe?
In Argentina, petty crime is common. So take care when on public transport and in tourist areas.
Theft and robberies are common in Buenos Aires and other major cities. Popular tourist spots like La Boca are hotspots for robberies and theft. So, always keep your personal belongings out of sight.
Violent crimes are common in Buenos Aires, Mendoza and Rosario tourist areas. These types of crimes include armed robbery and kidnappings. Only use ATMs in banks and shopping centres.
Final Thoughts
If it’s your first time travelling to Argentina, this 10-day itinerary is perfect for you as it takes you to the most popular attractions in the country.
From Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls and Mendoza, there is so much to see on this itinerary that will leave you speechless.
Whether flying over Iguazu Falls or drinking wine in Argentina’s wine region, there is something for everyone to enjoy on this 10-day itinerary in Argentina.
When will you start planning your trip to this South American country?
