One Week in Argentina: The Ultimate Itinerary

Thomas Müller www.rotweiss.tv / Getty Images

 

Argentina contains some of the world’s most magical landscapes filled with sparkling blue lakes, snow-capped peaks, popsicle-blue walls of ice, and crisp mountain air. In its capital, people literally dance in the streets, and at its most southern tip, they walk with penguins.

 

It’s the eighth largest country in the world. Don’t expect to see all of it in seven days, but rather go to key places in the country. As most of the activities in this itinerary are outdoors, going in the fall will be ideal, particularly in March when the weather is warm and crowds scarce.

 

This itinerary is ambitious. Feel free to cut one destination out to have more time to experience the others. The formula though is this: Buenos Aires, Iguazu, and at least one stop in Patagonia. Bring lots of snacks, a solid raincoat, and pack as light as possible, because you’ll be moving fast. Get ready for clear skies, jaw-dropping beauty, and lots of sack lunches with a view.

Day 1: Buenos Aires

TripSavvy / Maria Ligaya

 

Arrive early in the morning to Ezeiza International Airport and pull some cash out at the airport’s ATMs. Hop in an Uber or a black and yellow taxi outside the arrival hall and head to your hotel.

 

Freshen up, then go to La Boca to walk down El Caminito, a colorful street full of tango performances. Strike a dramatic pose with the dancers and snap a pic with them. Afterwards, walk to La Bombonera (the Boca Juniors stadium) to see where Maradona played.

 

Walk to Parque Lezama, the beginning of the San Telmo neighborhood and where the Spanish conquistadors first set foot in Argentina. Wander San Telmo’s streets observing daily life and the beautiful architectural, until you come to San Telmo Mercado. There are plenty of places to try empanadas in the market, (we suggest El Hornero), and if you need a caffeine boost, get an espresso at one of the city's best roasters, Coffee Town. Pick up some vintage finds and the mom-and-pop stalls, then continue down Defensa Street until you reach Plaza de Mayo, a central, significant area where most of the city’s protests take place. After, grab a cab to go to the world famous, family-run ice shop, Cadore. En route, you’ll pass the Obelisco, another emblem of the city. Next, walk or take the bus to Recoleta to see one of the most elegant cemeteries in the world.

 

At dusk, head to Ateneo, a theater-turned-bookstore. Snap some pictures of its famous stage and ceiling, then take the subway to Palermo for a steak dinner at Don Julio’s. Order a bottle of wine from their curated list and the bife de chorizo to check off two of Argentina’s gastronomic musts. Finally, see the “hidden” bar, Floreria Atlantico. Enter through the flower shop and descend the stairs to order a perfectly mixed cocktail.