Argentina is located in the southern half of South America. It is the second-largest country in South America and the eighth-largest country in the world. It borders Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Chile to the west, Drake Passage to the south, and Uruguay and the South Atlantic to the east.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Argentina has some of the most iconic and ethereal places, including Iguazu Falls, Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia, and more, that you need to see at least once in your life.
It is also well-known for its wine and tango, and of course, some of the most famous football players of all time were born here, including Messi, Diego Maradona, and Alfredo Di Stefano.
2 weeks in Argentina might sound like it’s not enough. But it’s a great start to see what this beautiful country has to offer – which I will be showing you on this itinerary list.
BASIC TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR ARGENTINA
When is the best time to travel to Argentina
Argentina’s peak season, especially for tourism, is during the summer months of December to February.
This is when the weather is warmest, making it ideal for exploring Patagonia and the southern regions. Buenos Aires is also lively during this time, though it can get quite hot.
The shoulder seasons, which are from March to May (fall) and September to November (spring), offer milder weather and fewer tourists.
These are great times to visit for a mix of good weather and smaller crowds, plus you’ll likely find better deals on accommodations. Personally, I think this is the best time to visit Argentina.
The rainy season varies depending on the region. In Buenos Aires and the central region, rain is more common in the summer months, while in the north, the rainy season typically falls from December to March. Argentina doesn’t have a typhoon season.
So, if you’re looking for the best weather and don’t mind the crowds, go in the summer. For a more relaxed experience, the shoulder seasons are ideal.
Are 2 weeks enough for Argentina
Argentina is a massive country. So, with 14 days to spend, it’s best to decide which cities or regions you want to see.
I recommend that you visit 3-4 cities that are near each other or that has a good transportation connection to avoid wasting your time in a bus or flying.
How to get around
Due to the mountainous terrain, travelling by land around Argentina can take a long time. It’s best to travel by air when possible.
The fastest way to travel between major cities, like Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Mendoza, is by plane. Domestic flights are efficient, but can be pricey, especially if booked last minute.
The cheapest option for long distances is the bus. Argentina has a well-developed bus network with comfortable “cama” (reclining seat) services for overnight journeys, making it a budget-friendly choice.
Renting a car is ideal if you plan to explore rural areas or scenic routes like Patagonia. However, in cities, driving can be hectic, and parking is often a challenge.
In cities like Buenos Aires, there’s a good public transportation system. The Subte (metro) and buses are cheap and cover most areas. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Cabify are widely available in major cities, providing a convenient way to get around.
So, fly for speed, take buses for budget travel, rent a car for rural adventures, and use public transit or ride-hailing apps within cities.
Language and currency
The main language in Argentina is Spanish. While English is not as widely spoken as in some other countries, you can still get by with it, especially in tourist areas like Buenos Aires. Many younger people and those working in the tourism industry often have some knowledge of English.
It’s helpful to learn a few basic Spanish phrases or use a translation app to make communication easier.
The main currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso (ARS). While U.S. dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist areas, especially in hotels or by tour operators, it’s not common to pay in other major currencies like euros or British pounds.
When it comes to payment methods, credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, larger restaurants, hotels, and shops. However, some smaller businesses, especially in rural areas, may only accept cash.
Due to currency fluctuations, some tourists prefer to use cash, as they can often get a better exchange rate. ATMs are available, but they can have high fees, and sometimes limits on how much you can withdraw.
It’s a good idea to carry a mix of cash and cards, with enough pesos on hand for smaller purchases or in places where cards aren’t accepted.
Visa
Argentina’s visa policy is easy for travellers from most countries in America, Europe, Oceania, East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Africa.
However, travellers from Central Asia, Gulf countries, and most of Africa needs to apply for a visa in advance.
Cost of 2 weeks in Argentina
For an affordable trip, you might spend around $1,000 to $1,500 per person, covering budget accommodations like hostels or simple hotels, bus travel between cities, and eating at local, casual eateries.
A mid-range trip could cost between $2,000 to $3,500, including stays in 3-4 star hotels, a mix of bus and domestic flights, and dining at mid-range restaurants.
A luxury trip might range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more, offering 5-star accommodations, private tours, fine dining, and flights between destinations.
All these estimates generally cover transportation within Argentina, accommodations, food, and activities, but not international flights.
Travel arrangement tips
MAP OF TOP SITES AND ACTIVITIES IN ARGENTINA
Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google
TOP CITIES TO VISIT IN ARGENTINA
The cities I will include in this article suit people with different preferences. Whether you are an adventure-seeker, a history buff, a foodie, or someone who prefers a laid-back vibe, there’s a city here that you will definitely like.
However, you don’t need to follow everything in this article; you can modify the itineraries to your heart’s content. This article will just serve as a guide.
The cities included in this itinerary are Buenos Aires, Patagonia, and Ushuaia. You can also check out our list of 2 weeks in South America itineraries and other countries in Latin America.
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires should be included on your list of cities to visit during your two weeks in Argentina because it is a city that never sleeps. It is well-known for its vibrance not only at night but throughout the day.
The city is living and breathing football, so seeing a match or two is highly recommended. Buenos Aires is also the birthplace of tango, the world’s most romantic dance, and features lots of taverns and cocktail bars that are open until well into the morning.
Some of the must-visit locations here include Teatro Colon, Puerto Madero, and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Keep reading for more information about this magical city in the latter part of the article.
Patagonia
Patagonia is a vast area, covering around 1 million square kilometres. It comprises about half of Chile and half of Argentina and is well-known for its theatrical landscapes, volcanoes, glacial lakes, and jagged high peaks.
You can do some things here: Perito Moreno Glacier Mini Trekking Excursion, Monte Fitz Roy, and Cerro Torre hiking or mountain biking.
Patagonia is massive, and much of its area is only accessible by foot. So, if you’re flying there, it’s best to look at the towns that have an airport, such as El Calafate or El Chalten, where there are bus routes.
Ushuaia
Ushuaia, also known as the End of the World, is the southernmost city in the world. It’s also a haven for nature lovers because of its glaciers, fantastic landscapes, and diverse wildlife.
You can enjoy the scenic view either by private car or by train. Aside from that, some of the best wines can also be found here.
Numerous attractions can be found here, such as Tierra del Fuego National Park, Laguna Esmeralda, the Museo del Fin del Mundo, and more.
Cordoba
Visit Cordoba, Argentina, the country’s second-largest city, which is known for its historic Jesuit Block, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its stunning cathedrals.
The city is also known for it’s lively atmosphere with numerous festivals, museums, and galleries. Cordoba is surrounded by towering sierras and incredible hiking trails, plus the chance to explore charming mountain villages.
Cordoba is about 6 hours and 30 minutes northwest of Buenos Aires by car. But if you take the bus, it’s almost 10 hours. It’s best to take a domestic flight, which is only 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs less than $50 for one-way.
2 WEEKS IN ARGENTINA ITINERARY
Argentina can be travelled in many ways. This is why I created 3 different itineraries so you can get a good idea of things that you can do and places that you can visit.
We have itineraries for first-time visitors, those who like being outdoors such as hiking, and those who prefer to avoid hiking.
Itinerary #1: First-time (Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Ushuaia)
This itinerary is perfect for first-timers, as it allows you to experience a little bit of everything Argentina has to offer.
Get to see the colonial buildings, watch tango performances, and try out some of the best steaks in Buenos Aires. Then, fill your days with activities in Patagonia, including whale watching, cruising on fjords, snowboarding, and exploring El Calafate’s beauty.
In Ushuaia, you can visit national parks, walk around the village, check out the street arts, tour the museums, and try out Patagonian food.
Buenos Aires for 3 days
Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina. Located on the western shore of the Rio de la Plata, this city is well-known for its rich cultural life and well-preserved eclectic architecture.
You should start your trip here not only because the city has an efficient transportation system and two commercial airports; you also wouldn’t run out of things to do and try out here, so much so that this city alone should be enough reason for you to visit Argentina.
Patagonia for 4 days
The second location on your 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary is Patagonia. I highly recommend that you stay here for at least 4 days.
The distance between Buenos Aires and Patagonia is 1,620 km (1006.62 miles). If you drive a car rental, the trip will take approximately 20 hours. You can also ride the bus or fly. Flying costs between $70 and $260 and takes more than 2 hours.
Ushuaia for 3 days
Ushuaia is in Tierra del Fuego, and this province is 1,498 km (930 miles) from Patagonia. You wouldn’t be able to reach Ushuaia by land transportation alone, so the modes of transport will be a mix of land and air.
The best mode of transport is to ride a taxi, fly, and then drive. It takes 19 hours to travel between Patagonia and Ushuaia. Unfortunately, there is no faster way.
If you prefer to skip this long trip, you can simply visit one place. Choose between Patagonia and Ushuaia and spend a long time on the one you decide to go to.
Itinerary #2: Hiking and Nature (Patagonia and Ushuaia)
This next itinerary is ideal for people who love outdoor adventures, especially hiking. I compiled some of the best hiking spots in Patagonia and Ushuaia.
In Patagonia, there’s the Perito Moreno Glacier Mini Trekking Excursion, El Chalten Full Day Trekking, Laguna de Los Tres Hiking, and more, while in Ushuaia, you can try out the Esmeraldo Lagoon Trail, Senda Costera, and Cerro Guanaco Summit Trail, among others.
Patagonia for 5 days
Patagonia is a geographical region encompassing the southern End of South America. This will be your starting place for this 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary because, aside from its otherworldly beauty, there are also diverse natural attractions here, such as mountains, lakes, glaciers, and fjords.
It is also an adventurer’s haven, as many activities are available here, including hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and more. You’ll never regret visiting this place, as pictures don’t do justice to capturing Patagonia’s glory.
You will, of course, land in Buenos Aires on an international flight. But from there, you can fly to El Calafate (Aeropuerto Internacional Comandante Armando Tola de El Calafate).
Ushuaia for 5 days
Actually, the most direct way to get to Ushuaia is by riding a plane from either Buenos Aires or El Calafate. The travel time from Buenos Aires is around 3.5 hours, while from El Calafate, it’s 1.5 hours.
You should finish your trip here because there are so many things to do and experience here, even in such a short span of time.
For adventurers at heart, you can trek through forests, kayak around bays and rivers, or walk amongst hundreds of penguins. You can also go on a cruise trip.
Itinerary #3: No Hiking (Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Ushuaia)
The previous itinerary focused on hiking, so in this itinerary, we’ll focus on other activities besides hiking.
You can actually visit Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires via one of their day tours, experience a private city tour, or watch a Boca Juniors game at La Bombonera.
On the other hand, in Cordoba, you can visit various places of worship, such as synagogues, mosques, cathedrals, and Jewish quarters. You can also watch equestrian shows and experience Arabian baths.
Last but not least is Ushuaia. Here, you can ride the End of the World train, watch penguin colonies, and experience snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
Buenos Aires for 3 days
Buenos Aires, also known as the Paris of South America, is the perfect place to start your 2-week Argentina trip because it has a perfect combination of European and South American ambience.
Feast your eyes on stunning architecture, then have an actual feast and try out their incomparable steaks and full-bodied wine. Aside from their historical sites, you can also enjoy their world-famous tango shows and festivities like no other.
Cordoba for 3 days
The distance between Buenos Aires and Cordoba is 696.4 km (432.72 miles). There are a couple of travel options in order to reach Cordoba, and I highly recommend that you fly as it has a travel time of more than 3 hours but less than 4 hours. Tickets range from $36 to $211.
The cheapest option is by train, with a price range of $2 to $29, but the travel duration is more than 19 hours. You can also ride the bus or drive, with the driving option having a travel time of more than 6 hours.
Ushuaia for 4 days
Cordoba is 3,157 km (1,961.66 miles) from Ushuaia. For this one, I highly recommend that you ride a plane, as the travel time for driving or riding a bus and then riding a ferry lasts for 1 day to 2 days while flying only lasts for 5 hours. Tickets cost anywhere between $151 and $751.
You should end your trip here because, aside from the amazing fact that this is technically the End of the world, there are also tons of interesting things to do here, such as exploring its national park, and the museums, and experiencing a half-day cruise at the Beagle Channel.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN ARGENTINA (per city)
Buenos Aires
El Chalten (Patagonia)
El Calafate (Patagonia)
Ushuaia
Cordoba
LOCAL ARGENTINIAN DISHES AND DRINKS TO TRY
Argentine cuisine is a blend of cultural influences, reflecting the country’s diverse heritage and its proximity to neighbouring countries like Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay.
At its heart, Argentine food is defined by its love for beef, which is celebrated in asados (barbecues) that are a social and culinary event.
Meanwhile, Argentina’s use of ingredients like maize, potatoes, and beans shows a connection to the broader South American culinary tradition.
Here are some foods to try during your 2 weeks in Argentina:
- Asado – Argentina’s national dish, a barbecue feast featuring various cuts of beef, sausages, and sometimes organ meats.
- Empanadas – Savory pastries filled with beef, chicken, cheese, or other fillings.
- Milanesa – Breaded and fried meat, similar to schnitzel, often served with mashed potatoes.
- Provoleta – Grilled provolone cheese, typically seasoned with oregano and olive oil.
- Choripán – A popular street food, consisting of grilled chorizo sausage served in a crusty roll, often topped with chimichurri.
- Locro – A hearty stew made with corn, beans, potatoes, and different types of meat, popular in the Andean region.
- Humita – A dish made from ground corn mixed with cheese, onions, and spices, steamed in corn husks.
- Matambre a la Pizza – A thin cut of meat (usually flank steak) topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella, then grilled.
- Dulce de Leche – A sweet, caramel-like spread used in various desserts, from cakes to cookies.
- Alfajores – Soft cookies filled with dulce de leche, often coated in chocolate or dusted with powdered sugar.
- Torta Rogel – A layered cake with thin pastry layers and dulce de leche, topped with meringue.
- Malbec Wine – Argentina’s most famous wine, known for its deep, rich flavour.
- Mate – A traditional herbal tea made from yerba mate leaves, shared among friends or family.
- Fernet con Coca – A popular cocktail made from the bitter Italian spirit Fernet mixed with Coca-Cola.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN ARGENTINA
Buenos Aires
- Affordable:
- Mid-range:
- Luxury:
El Chalten
- Affordable:
- Mid-range:
- Luxury:
El Calafate
- Affordable:
- Mid-range:
- Luxury:
Cordoba
- Affordable:
- Mid-range:
- Luxury:
SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN ARGENTINA
One of Argentina’s main attractions is its diverse geography. Here, you’ll see jungles, mountains, seas, and even glaciers.
It is quite amazing because there are times that you’ll even see glaciers in contrast with lush green mountains, and the stark difference makes it seem like you’re looking at a made-up set from a movie.
Aside from that, this country is also very rich in its cultural, artistic, and architectural traces, such as its wonderful barrios, old-world places, and trendy districts.
The food, music, and dance scene is also top-tier, which shows that there’s always something to do for travellers with different preferences. I hope that your 2 weeks in Argentina is a fun and adventurious as mine!