road trip argentina 2 semaines

5 of the best road trips in Argentina

Jun 1, 2024 • 7 min read

Strap in for an incredible journey on one of these epic road trips through Argentina © Westend61 / Getty Images

Argentina’s distinctive reputation looms large in imaginations oceans away from its borders. There’s so much to take in, and such immense distances to travel to do so. 

And as flights whoosh past the wonderful bits and bus travel doesn’t serve many sights beyond the highways, the best option is to see the nation with your own wheels: where you can pull up and branch off where and when you want. 

These road trips encompass a huge array of landscapes and cultural icons: suave cities and mesmeric deserts, Andean peaks, pampas, Che Guevara sights and wine country delights. 

Drive prepared – in a vehicle stocked with ample drink, food and fuel – as distances between settlements can be big, and prepare yourself for an epic journey. Here’s our guide to the best road trips in Argentina . 

1. The Pan-American Highway

Best long-distance road trip Christ the Redeemer Tunnel–Ushuaia; 4353km (2704 miles); allow 2–4 weeks  

Commencing the final Argentine swathe of its cross-continental journey in dramatic style at the Christ the Redeemer tunnel – linking Chile and Argentina via a lofty Andean pass – the Pan-American Highway is the planet’s most epic road trip, bar none.

This mighty matrix of roads kicks off in Northern Alaska, snaking down some 30,000km (18,640 miles) through the Americas to Ushuaia in  Tierra del Fuego .

The highway’s southernmost section through Argentina first runs through  Mendoza province , the heart of the country’s fabled wine industry, before trundling east on Ruta 7 to capital  Buenos Aires .

The highway swivels southwest on Ruta 3, brushing the  Pampas and Atlantic coast , then arrows through sparsely populated  Patagonia , passing Puerto Madryn (stop here for whale-watching) to the far south. 

Here, cut into  Chile and take a ferry across the Strait of Magellan into Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost tip of mainland South America. It’s then a straightforward romp to Ushuaia and, as myriad signs hereabouts proclaim, "El Fin del Mundo" (The End of the World). You needn’t put the brakes on here, either: Ushuaia is the prime jump-off point for Antarctica excursions.

Planning tip: The far south’s bitter winters mean a spring or summer trip is best (September to February). Ensure your car rental agreement and insurance lets you enter Chile (you may have to pay an extra fee for this).

Ready to plan your trip to Argentina? Here are the things you should know  

2. Camino del Che

Best route for revolutionaries and history lovers Buenos Aires–Bariloche; 2438km (1514 miles); allow 1–2 weeks

Ernesto "Che" Guevara is better known for helping bring about the Cuban Revolution, but he spent a good 25 years of his 39 years in Argentina, his country of birth. 

The Camino del Che (Che Trail), visiting the places most associated with his early life, actually begins far northeast in Misiones Province at Caraguatay, the Guevara family farm, but logistically picking up the route in Buenos Aires is best.

Guevara embarked with amigo Alberto Granado on his adventure, later published as the Motorcycle Diaries , from Buenos Aires’ affluent Palermo neighborhood. Your journey starts here too. Head northwest from Buenos Aires, tracing the Río Paraná’s tropical-feeling delta to  Rosario . 

This rejuvenated river port sports an impressive waterfront walkway, the Costanera and, some blocks back at Entre Ríos 480, Guevara’s very first home, Casa Natal de Che Guevara (a private apartment today). 

Proceed northwest to Argentina’s second city  Córdoba , dazzling with its Jesuit Block collection of UNESCO-listed 17th-century colonial buildings. A short jaunt out of town is Museo de Che Guevara in Alta Gracia, an inviting property standing in as a museum remembering the former Guevara family home here.

Next swing southwest through the flat, fertile pampas grasslands to hit Patagonia at Neuquén and the Andean foothills at San Martín de los Andes. 

This loveable lakeside city is where Guevara and Granado got waylaid on their travels, lodging in a hay shed now preserved as La Pastera Mueso del Che, a small Guevara museum containing the hay bale Che supposedly slept on. 

The trip signs off with its most captivating section: the Ruta de Siete Lagos (Route of the Seven Lakes). This meanders from San Martín to Villa La Angostura, via a septet of beautiful bodies of water, through National Parks  Lanin and Nahuel Huapi . Dip in for kayaking and wild swimming, or just gawk at blue-green-grey sparkling lakes, inky forests and jagged summits.

From Villa La Angostura, the Lago Nahuel Huapi lake shore bends around to ravishing lakeside  Bariloche , backed by more pointy peaks.

3. Ruta del Vino

Best for wine lovers Salta–Mendoza; 2022km (1256 miles); allow 1–2 weeks

Argentina is a major player in the South American wine industry, and by far the world’s biggest producer of fruity red Malbec. And this oenophile’s odyssey is, by its very nature, sublime: wine-growing country is typically fertile and backed by bewitching upland scenery. 

Starting in serene, sophisticated city  Salta , RP33 – a mostly-paved provincial road – skitters through the chiseled Eastern Cordillera mountains, negotiating the vertiginous switchbacks of Cuesta del Obispo, dropping into arid, cactus-rich Parque Nacional Los Cardones and reaching pretty Cachi.

South of here is  Cafayate , renowned for its crisp, aromatic white Torrontés wine. The route rolls over the rugged Calchaquí valley region, blanketed in high-altitude vineyards that win an equally high proportion of accolades for their distinctive character, to  Catamarca .

After this wine-lovers can motor to La Rioja, home to some high-quality red wines. Cross the Salinas Grandes salt flats into Córdoba Province, do the out-and-back from Deán Fuentes to Colonia Caroya, known for its salami as well as its wine, then continue to San Juan and southwest to Mendoza, Argentina’s biggest wine-producing zone. 

The roll call of viticulture-themed diversions in Mendoza, world capital of Malbec, is long – there are even wine spas to sample – and you could extend this tipple-rich trail south into Uco Valley, fabled for its flavor-packed wines.

Planning tip: March to May, Argentina’s autumn, is a particularly good time to do this trip as it's when the grape harvest takes place.

Best route for epic adventure El Calafate–Bariloche; 1626km (1010 miles); allow 1–2 weeks

Speak of Ruta 40 (La Cuarenta) and adventurous Argentines go all misty-eyed: this is the nation’s ultimate road trip, as significant here as the USA’s Route 66 and with scenery to make you gasp.

The full thing spans from the Strait of Magellan up to the Bolivian border in Northwest Argentina, but this stretch, best tackled south–north, includes the most stunning landscapes and those most associated with the route.

El Calafate , base for forays out to Argentina’s most accessible and spectacular glaciers, like Perito Mereno, and home to a handy airport, is your launch point for this one.

Go round the ridiculously blue lakes of Lagos Argentino and Viedma, and detour on RP23 to trekking mecca  El Chaltén , where the most alluring treks is to the viewpoint out to sheer-sided Mt Fitz Roy. 

The next section to Esquel is mighty remote save for the odd estancia or one-horse service town, but still offers side trips aplenty, such as to the ancient cave art in UNESCO-listed  Cueva de los Manos area.

Esquel is worth a pause for hiking in  Parque Nacional Los Alerces , festooned with Alerce trees up to four millennia old. The last leg terminates in Bariloche on glimmering Lago Nahuel Huapi, where serrated peaks swoop above the ice-blue lake waters.

Planning tip: This is best driven by experienced motorists in the spring or summer. Ruta 40 is mostly paved, but a 4WD is recommended, particularly if you plan to explore rougher gravel road branch-offs into remoter areas. 

Best route for Welsh culture and whales Esquel–Puerto Madryn; 757km (470 miles); allow 5–7 days

End-of-the-line station on the Old Patagonian Express (La Trochita) train line, Esquel is a hiking center in Chubut Province close to Parque Nacional Los Alerces, an ethereal bastion of some of South America’s oldest living things, alerce trees.

Founded by 19th-century Welsh immigrants, Esquel remains a hub of Welsh culture along with other towns on this drive. A slew of settlements in Chubut are even more Welsh than Esquel: places where Welsh high tea is served and the Welsh language is still spoken. 

One is Trevelin, 25km (16 miles) southwest of Esquel. Your out-and-back run here cuts through farming communities in the pea-green Andean foothills, and you could even brush Parque Nacional Los Alerces’ lush edge by taking RP71.

Back in Esquel, it’s a lengthy, brilliantly isolated drive across Argentina’s breadth. Switch from Ruta 40 to Ruta 25 near Tecka to traverse more arid scenery: mountains take a back seat, despite some thrilling returns to form roadside canyon walls at spots like Estancia Cañadon Carbón. 

Just before the journey's end at Puerto Madryn is verdant Welsh township Gaiman, where British royal Princess Diana once took Welsh high tea. And this road trip ends with an almighty splash – Puerto Madryn is perhaps South America’s best bet for hooking up with a whale-watching trip from nearby Peninsula Valdés : orcas and southern right whales can be spied.

This article was first published Nov 4, 2021 and updated Jun 1, 2024.

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Durée de séjour

Construire son itinéraire, deux semaines, trois semaines.

Exemples d’Itinéraires pour un Road Trip en Argentine

• par Nathalie
• 11 mars 2024

D ans cet article, nous vous proposons plusieurs itinéraires pour un voyage de 2, 3 semaines ou 1 mois en Argentine. Ils permettent de visiter les destinations qui figurent parmi les favorites des voyageurs (voir notre article sur les lieux à voir en Argentine ). N’hésitez pas à les adapter selon vos envies, votre rythme ou votre durée de séjour, sans oublier de laisser de la place pour un peu d’imprévu.

Nous avons réalisé une grande enquête du 3 au 10 septembre 2020, auprès de 467 voyageurs ayant visité l’Argentine. Nous leur avons demandé combien de temps ils sont restés en Argentine et quelle note ils donneraient à leur expérience de road trip dans ce pays. En savoir plus sur notre méthodologie

Les répondants à notre enquête sont restés en moyenne 31 jours en Argentine.

Satisfaction en fonction de la durée de séjour :

• 8 % des répondants ont voyagé moins de 2 semaines , ils ont donné une note moyenne de 8 / 10
• 17 % des répondants ont voyagé 2 à 3 semaines , ils ont donné une note moyenne de 8,5 / 10
• 25 % des répondants ont voyagé 3 semaines à 1 mois , ils ont donné une note moyenne de 8,8 / 10
• 29 % des répondants ont voyagé 1 à 2 mois , ils ont donné une note moyenne de 8,8 / 10
• 21 % des répondants ont voyagé plus de 2 mois , ils ont donné une note moyenne de 8,8 / 10

Lors d’un voyage en Argentine, vous passerez forcément du temps sur la route. Les distances entre les principaux centres d’intérêt se révèlent immenses. À vol d’oiseau, près de 3 500 kilomètres et quasiment trois jours de trajet séparent Salta d’Ushuaia. Il est important d’en avoir conscience lorsque vous préparez votre itinéraire. Cela implique souvent de devoir faire des choix parmi les destinations.

Pour optimiser au maximum vos déplacements lors de votre voyage, pensez aux bus de nuit. Le réseau est bien développé et confortable. Pour en savoir plus, consultez notre article sur les bus en Argentine . Un mois s’avère être le minimum si vous souhaitez découvrir l’essentiel du pays du Nord au Sud.

La météo en Argentine varie beaucoup selon les régions et peut changer rapidement à certains endroits. La Patagonie présente un climat rude en hiver (de juin à août), mais vous pouvez vous y déplacer toute l’année (hors bateau). Par contre, dans le Nord-ouest, entre décembre et février, les pistes et les routes en gravier peuvent devenir impraticables après de très fortes pluies.

Les destinations comme le mirador El Hornocal ou la ville de Colonia Carlos Pellegrini sont alors inaccessibles. Un road trip sur la route 9 près de Salta sera également difficile à envisager. Soyez donc prêt à modifier son itinéraire ou à être patient si vous voyagez à cette période. Pour en savoir plus, consultez notre article sur le climat en Argentine .

Si vous n’accordez que deux semaines à l’Argentine, vous devrez choisir entre découvrir le Nord ou le Sud. Dans le Nord, de splendides chutes d’eau s’offrent à vous, mais également des paysages désertiques et surnaturels à découvrir lors d’un road trip. Si vous choisissez de partir vers le sud, vous plongerez au cœur d’une région où se côtoient forêts, lacs, volcans, montagnes et glaciers. Cette option est celle des passionnés de randonnées.

Itinéraire 1 : Nord

• Buenos Aires, 3 jours
• Iguazu, 2 jours
• Salta, 1 jour
• Humahuaca, 2 jours
• Cafayate, 2 jours
• Tolar Grande, 3 jours

Jours 1, 2, 3 1 Buenos Aires

À votre arrivée en Argentine, consacrez au moins trois jours à Buenos Aires la capitale pour vous imprégner de son ambiance. Choisissez le quartier qui correspond le plus à vos attentes pour poser vos valises : Palermo pour ses nombreux bars et restaurants, Recoleta pour son chic et son architecture ou San Telmo pour son côté artistique et insouciant.

Lors de vos promenades, ne manquez pas les lieux symboliques comme l’Avenida 9 de Julio et son obélisque ou la plaza de Mayo et la Casa Rosada.

Prévoyez d’être à San Telmo un dimanche pour profiter de l’animation de son immense marché hebdomadaire. Vous voilà mis à l’heure argentine.

🛏️ Nos lecteurs vous conseillent le Puerto Limon Hostel et le Che Juan Hostel à Buenos Aires.

Jours 4, 5 2 Chutes d’Iguazu

Direction les époustouflantes chutes d’Iguazu . Prenez le temps de découvrir ses deux visages : argentin et brésilien.

🛏️ Nos lecteurs vous conseillent le Camping La Molista , le Butterfly et le Si Mi Capitán à Puerto Iguazu.

Jour 6 3 Salta

Filez alors vers le Nord-ouest du pays. À Salta , prenez une petite journée pour vous donner un aperçu de la ville et surtout pour préparer votre visite des environs.

Cherchez une voiture en location (et pourquoi pas quelques compagnons de voyage) pour un road trip de quelques jours. Il y a de nombreux points d’intérêt dans cette région et avoir son propre véhicule permet de les découvrir avec beaucoup de liberté.

🛏️ Nos lecteurs vous conseillent le Ferienhaus Hostel , l’ Hostal Namaste et l’ Hotel Elena à Salta.

Jours 7, 8 4 Humahuaca

Vous pouvez commencer par la boucle nord. Rejoignez d’abord Jujuy, mais ne vous y attardez pas. Suivez la route 9 qui traverse toute la Quebrada de Humahuaca. Des paysages spectaculaires et de fabuleuses montagnes colorées vous attendent.

Passez une première nuit à Humahuaca d’où vous pouvez atteindre le mirador El Hornocal. Choisissez entre Purmamarca et Tilcara pour votre seconde nuit. Sur le retour vers Salta, vous pouvez éventuellement faire un détour par les Salinas Grandes .

🛏️ Nos lecteurs vous conseillent l’ Hostel La Humahuacasa , le Giramundo Hostel et La Puerta Verde Hostel à Humahuaca.

Jours 9, 10 5 Cafayate

C’est parti pour la boucle sud ! Descendez directement à Cafayate par la route 68. Passez une première nuit ici et prenez le temps de visiter une des nombreuses bodegas. Si vous pouvez, faites un aller-retour jusqu’aux ruines de Quilmes.

Le lendemain, suivez la route 40. Vous traversez la Quebrada de la Flechas jusqu’à Molinos puis Cachi. Sur le chemin, les arrêts ne manqueront pas. Le petit village de Cachi est parfait pour y passer votre seconde nuit. Non loin le parc Los Cardones et ses cactus méritent un détour avant le retour à Salta.

Jour 11, 12, 13 6 Tolar Grande

Poursuivez la découverte de la région avec Tolar Grande . Vous pouvez faire appel à une agence pour organiser cette expédition ou continuer par vous-même avec votre voiture de location. Dans ce cas, soyez bien préparé.

Vous pouvez passer une nuit à San Antonio de Los Cobres avant de rejoindre la petite bourgade de Tolar Grande, perchée à plus de 3 500 m d’altitude. Au programme : chaîne de montagnes et déserts de sel. Bienvenue dans cet univers aussi rude que magnifique.

De retour à Salta, profitez encore un peu de la ville avant de rentrer à Buenos Aires.

Alternative

• Selon la saison, vous pouvez remplacer la boucle nord ou la boucle sud autour de Salta par 2 jours à Colonia Carlos Pellegrini et la découverte de la réserve naturelle Esteros del Ibera. À vrai dire, le choix est difficile. Pour y échapper, prolongez vos vacances et réalisez l’itinéraire conseillé sur trois semaines.

Temps de trajet et transports

Comparer les émissions de CO 2 des différents moyens de transport. .

Itinéraire 2 : Sud

• Ushuaia, 2 jours
• Tierra del Fuego, 1 jour
• El Calafate, 2 jours
• El Chalten, 3 jours
• Bariloche, 3 jours

🛏️ Nos lecteurs vous conseillent le Puerto Limon Hostel et lz Che Juan Hostel à Buenos Aires.

Jours 4, 5 2 Ushuaia

Rendez-vous au bout du monde ! Rejoindre Ushuaia en bus prend deux jours. Si vous n’avez que deux semaines, optez pour un vol intérieur.

Une fois sur place, organisez pour le lendemain une promenade en bateau pour vous approcher au plus près des îles du canal de Beagle et de la faune marine qui y a élit domicile. Profitez du reste de la journée pour visiter l’ancienne prison et le musée maritime.

Une expédition très complète d’une journée mène jusqu’à l’île Martillo, l’île Gable et l’estancia Haberton.

Le soir venu, goûtez aux saveurs raffinées de la ville dans un de ses restaurants.

🛏️ Nos lecteurs vous conseillent le Los Calafates Hotel , le La Posta Apart et le Hosteria y Restaurante America à Ushuaia.

Jour 6 3 Parc national Tierra del Fuego

Consacrez cette journée à la visite du parc Tierra del Fuego ou à une randonnée jusqu’à la Laguna Esmeralda (vérifiez les conditions d’accès, le chemin peut être très boueux).

Jours 7, 8 4 El Calafate

Rejoignez El Calafate , un des plus grands glaciers du monde vous attend : le Perito Moreno. En ville, renseignez-vous sur les différentes activités auprès des nombreuses agences présentes. Si vous n’en réservez aucune, vous pouvez visiter le site par vous-même sur une journée.

🛏️ Nos lecteurs vous conseillent l’ America Del Sur Hostel , le Calafate Hostel et le Del Glaciar Libertador Hotel à El Calafate.

Jours 9, 10, 11 5 El Chalten

Continuez la découverte du parc national Los Glaciares depuis El Chalten plus au Nord. Prenez votre temps ici. Sélectionnez les randonnées qui vous attirent le plus. Vers le mont Fitz Roy ou le Cerro Torre, vous avez l’embarras du choix.

🛏️ Nos lecteurs vous conseillent le Rancho Grande Hostel et l’ Hostería El Pilar à El Chalten.

Jours 12, 13, 14 6 San Carlos de Bariloche

Quittez les glaciers et les pics de granit pour la région des lacs et le dernier stop de votre périple patagonien : San Carlos de Bariloche .

Explorez d’abord le parc Nahuel Huapi en suivant le “Circuito Chico”. Le lendemain, choisissez l’une des nombreuses activités possibles ici : parapente, kayak, rafting, ski… Profitez des remontées mécaniques pour accéder aux points de vue panoramique.

Pour votre dernier jour, appréciez simplement de l’ambiance de la ville avant votre retour à Buenos Aires.

🛏️ Nos lecteurs vous conseillent l’ Hostel Los Coihues , l’ Hostel Achalay et le Periko’s Youth Hostel à San Carlos de Bariloche.

Alternatives

• Selon la météo et/ou vos envies, vous pouvez facilement passer davantage de temps à Ushuaia et un peu moins à Bariloche.

Vous avez toujours un choix à faire entre le Nord ou le Sud. Mais contrairement aux itinéraires de deux semaines, vous allez pouvoir découvrir l’intégralité des meilleures destinations de l’Argentine selon les tourdumondistes.

• Buenos Aires, 4 jours
• Colonia Carlos Pelegrini, 3 jours
• Les Sierras de las Quijadas, 1 jour
• Le Canyon de l’Atuel, 2 jours

Jours 1, 2, 3, 4 1 Buenos Aires

À votre arrivée en Argentine, consacrez quatre jours à Buenos Aires la capitale pour vous imprégner de son ambiance. Choisissez le quartier qui correspond le plus à vos attentes pour poser vos valises : Palermo pour ses nombreux bars et restaurants, Recoleta pour son chic et son architecture ou San Telmo pour son côté artistique et insouciant.

Jours 5, 6 2 Chutes d’Iguazu

Jours 7, 8, 9 3 colonia carlos pellegrini.

Prenez un bus de nuit jusqu’à Corrientes. Rejoignez tout de suite Mercedes. Demandez au guichet de la gare la prochaine navette pour Colonia Carlos Pellegrini et grimpez !

Le trajet depuis Iguazu peut sembler compliqué, mais en arrivant le matin à Corrientes, les bus s’enchaînent bien. Par contre, renseignez-vous bien sur la météo, car en cas de forte pluie, les routes peuvent être bloquées.

Vous voilà au cœur de la réserve naturelle Esteros del Ibera : à vous les circuits dans les marais à la découverte d’une faune extraordinaire !

🛏️ Nos lecteurs vous conseillent le Camping Municipal Ibera , l’ Hospedaje Los Amigos et l’ Hostería Jasy à Colonia Carlos Pellegrini.

Jour 10 4 Salta

Après ce riche instant “Nature”, filez vers le Nord-ouest du pays. À Salta , prenez une petite journée pour vous donner un aperçu de la ville et surtout pour préparer votre visite des environs.

Jours 11, 12 5 Humahuaca

Jours 13, 14 6 cafayate, jours 15, 16, 17 7 tolar grande, jour 18 8 les sierras de las quijadas.

De retour à Salta, prenez la direction de Mendoza . Sur le chemin, faites un détour par les Sierras de la Quijadas . Vous pouvez effectuer une petite randonnée (ou plus si affinité) dans la vallée verdoyante et pleine de surprises de ce parc.

🛏️ Nos lecteurs vous conseillent le Koala Hostel , l’ Hôtel Mallorca et le Casa Pueblo Hostel à Mendoza.

Jours 19, 20 9 Le Canyon de l’Atuel

Passez une ou deux nuits à Mendoza d’où vous organisez la visite du Canyon de l’Atuel . Par agence ou par vous-même, ce canyon offre à ses explorateurs des paysages et des activités très plaisants avant de rentrer à Buenos Aires.

• Si les paysages arides autour de Salta vous ont rassasié, vous pouvez passer plus de temps à Mendoza pour profiter de la région viticole, mais aussi visiter le parc de l’Aconcagua .
• Vous pouvez accorder deux jours de plus à la boucle au nord de Salta et rejoindre le village d’ Iruya , là où dans les hautes montagnes, le temps s’est arrêté.
• Péninsule Valdes, 3 jours
• Cueva de Las Manos, 2 jours

Jours 5, 6, 7 2 La péninsule Valdes

Sur votre route vers la Terre de Feu, arrêtez-vous à Puerto Madryn pour découvrir la faune exceptionnelle de la péninsule Valdes . Entre observations des baleines depuis le littoral, sorties en bateau ou en kayak et escapades dans l’intérieur des terres, trois jours ici ne sont pas de trop.

🛏️ Nos lecteurs vous conseillent le Camping ACA , La Tosca Hostel et le Chepatagonia Hostel à Salta.

Jours 8, 9 3 Ushuaia

Rejoignez le bout du monde à bord d’un bus de nuit. Une fois sur place, organisez le matin pour le lendemain une promenade en bateau pour vous approcher au plus près des îles du canal de Beagle et de la faune marine qui y a élit domicile. Profitez de l’après-midi pour visiter l’ancienne prison et le musée maritime.

Jour 10 4 Parc national Tierra del Fuego

Jours 11, 12 5 el calafate, jours 13, 14, 15 6 el chalten, jours 16, 17 7 la cueva de las manos.

Quittez les glaciers et les pics de granit. Sur votre route vers la région des lacs, faites un arrêt dans la ville de Perito Moreno pour organiser une visite de la Cueva de Las Manos . Si vous êtes véhiculé, vous pouvez atteindre le site depuis Bajo Caracoles. Comptez deux jours, car les transports prennent du temps.

Jours 18, 19, 20 8 San Carlos de Bariloche

Rejoignez le dernier stop de votre périple patagonien : San Carlos de Bariloche .

• Si vous cherchez une destination hors des sentiers battus pour l’observation des baleines et autres animaux marins, vous pouvez opter pour Puerto Deseado plutôt que pour la péninsule Valdes.

Cet itinéraire d’un mois complet en Argentine réunit les incontournables de l’Argentine du nord au sud. Vous avez un excellent condensé des meilleurs lieux à voir selon les tourdumondistes.

L’essentiel du pays

• Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, 3 jours
• Ushuaia, 3 jours

Changement de décor, vous voilà au début de votre périple patagonien.

Un fois arrivé à San Carlos de Bariloche , explorez le parc Nahuel Huapi en suivant le “Circuito Chico”. Le lendemain, choisissez l’une des nombreuses activités possibles ici : parapente, kayak, rafting, ski… Profitez des remontées mécaniques pour accéder aux points de vue panoramique.

S’il vous reste du temps, appréciez simplement de l’ambiance de la ville avant de descendre plus au sud.

Jours 21, 22, 23 9 El Chalten

Découvrez la partie nord du parc national Los Glaciares depuis El Chalten . Prenez votre temps ici. Sélectionnez les randonnées qui vous attirent le plus. Vers le mont Fitz Roy ou le Cerro Torre, vous avez l’embarras du choix.

Jours 24, 25 10 El Calafate

Jours 26, 27 11 ushuaia.

Rejoignez le bout du monde ! À Ushuaia , organisez pour le lendemain une promenade en bateau pour vous approcher au plus près des îles du canal de Beagle et de la faune marine qui y a élit domicile. Profitez da la journée pour visiter l’ancienne prison et le musée maritime.

Jour 28 12 Parc national Tierra del Fuego

Jours 29, 30, 31 13 la péninsule valdes.

Avant de rentrer à Buenos Aires, arrêtez-vous à Puerto Madryn pour découvrir la faune exceptionnelle de la péninsule Valdes . Entre observations des baleines depuis le littoral, sorties en bateau ou en kayak et escapades dans l’intérieur des terres, trois jours ici ne sont pas de trop (en espérant que vous partiez un mois à 31 jours 😉 ).

• Vous pouvez limiter la découverte des paysages arides autour de Salta au profit de Mendoza. Vous pouvez profiter de la région viticole et visiter le parc de l’Aconcagua .
• Au contraire, si vous adorez la région de Salta, vous pouvez consacrer deux jours de plus à la boucle au nord afin de rejoindre le village d’ Iruya , là où dans les hautes montagnes, le temps s’est arrêté.
• Depuis Bariloche, vous pouvez partir en mini road trip et suivre la route des sept lacs . L’idéal est de lui consacrer deux jours, mais l’aller-retour entre Villa La Angostura et San Martin de Los Andes est techniquement faisable en une journée.

Autres dossiers sur l'Argentine

Spectacular Road Trip in Argentina | Best Routes and Highlights

Argentina, a diverse and vibrant country in South America, has long captivated travelers with its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delectable cuisine. One of the best ways to explore this incredible destination is by embarking on a road trip to Argentina.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll dive into some of the best routes you can take, as well as tips for planning and enjoying the entire route of your journey.

The road trip itinerary I took myself was a little less commercial. After my partner and I did our van conversion , we started in Buenos Aires, went down the coast of Argentina to Patagonia, and looped back up along the mountains. While an incredible trip, I know that most people do not have 3 months or more, and therefore I’ll share the more famous ones below.

Take it all as inspiration and feel free to reach out for any more information!

What is the Best Road Trip in Argentina?

Patagonia road trip: discover the southern wonders.

Embark on a journey through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Patagonia, a region known for its dramatic mountains, vast glaciers, and pristine lakes.

This road trip will take you to some of Argentina’s most iconic destinations, where you’ll experience the untamed beauty of the southern wilderness.

Road trip highlights: 

San Martín de los Andes

Villa la angostura.

• Fitz Roy Mountain Range

El Calafate

• Perito Moreno Glacier

Torres del Paine National Park

Begin your trip in San Martín de los Andes, a charming town located in the heart of the Andes.

Explore Lanín National Park, home to the striking Lanín Volcano, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of Lake Lácar.

Next, visit Villa La Angostura, a picturesque small village known for its alpine-style architecture and enchanting Arrayanes Forest.

Afterward, continue your Argentina road trip and adventure in Bariloche, a picturesque city situated along the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi.

Take in the stunning views from Cerro Campanario and explore the Swiss-style architecture in the city center.

Head to El Bolsón, a bohemian town surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped peaks.

Visit the artisan market and explore the numerous hiking trails that lead to stunning vistas and crystal-clear lakes.

Journey to El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital, and explore the numerous trails that lead to the iconic Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

Visit El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Take a guided tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most accessible and impressive glaciers in the world.

Cross the border into Chile to experience the majestic beauty of Torres del Paine National Park, home to the famous granite towers and diverse wildlife.

Conclude your road trip in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Discover the stunning landscapes of Tierra del Fuego National Park and embark on a cruise along the Beagle Channel to spot local wildlife.

Route 40: Explore the Legendary Argentine Highway

One of the longest and most famous highways in Argentina, Route 40 stretches over 5,000 kilometers from the northern border with Bolivia to the southern tip of Patagonia.

This epic road trip offers an incredible variety of landscapes, including deserts, salt flats, vineyards, and snow-capped mountains.

Start your journey at the northern end of Route 40 in La Quiaca, a small town located near the Bolivian Border.

Travel to Cafayate, a picturesque town known for its high-altitude vineyards and unique rock formations, such as the Quebrada de las Conchas.

Venture to Cachi, a quaint village nestled in the Calchaquí Valleys, and admire the striking views of the surrounding mountains.

Stop in Seclantás, a charming village known for its traditional weaving techniques and adobe houses.

Discover Mendoza, the heart of Argentina’s wine country, and enjoy wine tastings and tours at the numerous vineyards and wineries.

Continue to San Juan, a city surrounded by dramatic landscapes, such as the Ischigualasto Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Head two-half hours south to Bariloche, where you can explore the stunning Lake District and Nahuel Huapi National Park.

Conclude your Route 40 adventure in El Calafate, the gateway to the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier and Los Glaciares National Park.

The Pan-American Highway: A Transcontinental Adventure

The Pan-American Highway stretches from Alaska in the United States to Ushuaia in Argentina, making it the longest motorable road in the world.

The Argentina portion of this epic highway takes you through diverse landscapes, bustling cities, and charming towns.

Buenos Aires

San carlos de bariloche.

Start your journey in Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital of Argentina. Explore the historic neighborhoods of San Telmo and La Boca, and take in the city’s rich culture and art scene.

Continue to Rosario, the birthplace of the Argentine flag and home to numerous museums and galleries, such as the Museo Histórico Provincial Dr. Julio Marc.

Venture to Córdoba, a city with a rich colonial history and stunning architecture, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jesuit Block and Estancias.

Head to Mendoza, the heart of Argentina’s wine country, and enjoy the region’s world-renowned Malbec wines. Take a bike tour along the famous wine route and indulge in the incredible wine produced in this region before making your onward journey.

Discover the enchanting beauty of Bariloche and its surrounding lakes, mountains, and forests.

Visit El Bolsón, a haven for artists, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Conclude your Pan-American Highway adventure in Ushuaia, the southernmost major city anywhere in the world, and explore the rugged landscapes of Tierra del Fuego.

Cuesta del Obispo: A Scenic Drive Through the Andean Northwest

The Cuesta del Obispo route takes you on a winding journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Andean Northwest, offering breathtaking views of deep valleys, colorful mountains, rock formations, and high-altitude deserts. This is a shorter road trip, perfect for travelers with limited time.

Quebrada de Escoipe

Valle encantado, recta del tin tin, los cardones national park.

Begin your road trip in Salta, a city known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant local culture.

Venture into the Quebrada de Escoipe, a stunning gorge surrounded by lush vegetation and towering cliffs.

Discover the beauty of Valle Encantado, a picturesque valley with unique rock formations, and spectacular vistas on this Argentina road trip.

Drive along the Recta del Tin Tin, a perfectly straight road that cuts through the high-altitude plains of the Los Cardones National Park.

Explore the striking landscapes of Los Cardones National Park, home to thousands of towering cacti and diverse wildlife.

Visit Cachi, a charming village with well-preserved colonial architecture and stunning mountain views.

Conclude your journey in Seclantás, a quaint village known for its traditional weaving techniques and adobe houses.

Camino de la Historia: A Journey Through Argentina’s Past

For a road trip to Argentina that combines history and natural beauty, embark on the Camino de la Historia route.

This scenic drive takes you through the heart of Argentina’s colonial past, with stops at historic towns such as San Antonio de Areco, Tandil, and La Cumbrecita.

Along the way, you’ll discover charming cobblestone streets, well-preserved architecture, and rich cultural heritage.

San Antonio de Areco

Alta gracia.

• Jesuit Estancias

Colonia Caroya

Capilla del monte, la cumbrecita.

Begin your adventure by exploring the Argentinean capital of Buenos Aires. Spend a few days enjoying the city, dancing tango, and eating delicious empanadas. Buenos Aires is a vibrant capital full of history and magnificent sights.

Visit this picturesque town, known for its vibrant gaucho culture and historic estancias.

Visit the Draghi Silver Museum, dedicated to the art of silversmithing, and stroll along the charming streets lined with colonial-era buildings.

Next, head to Tandil, a charming city nestled in the hills of Buenos Aires Province.

Explore the impressive rock formations at Parque Independencia and visit the historic downtown area, home to the Museo Histórico Fuerte Independencia, which showcases the colonial city and its rich past.

Continue your journey to Alta Gracia, a city steeped in history and surrounded by stunning landscapes.

Here, you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jesuit Estancias, which date back to the 17th century, and visit the childhood home of revolutionary leader Che Guevara, now a museum.

In Colonia Caroya, a small town founded by Italian immigrants, you’ll find the Estancia Jesuítica Caroya, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The estancia played a significant role in the Jesuits’ agricultural and cattle-raising activities during the 17th and 18th centuries.

As you venture further along the Camino de la Historia, don’t miss Capilla del Monte, a mystical town nestled at the foot of Uritorco Mountain.

This area is well-known for its UFO sightings and unique energy, attracting spiritual seekers and curious travelers alike.

Conclude your journey in the charming village of La Cumbrecita, a pedestrian-only town with strong European influences.

Wander the car-free streets, savor traditional German cuisine, and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty of waterfalls, forests, and hiking trails.

By following the Camino de la Historia route, you’ll not only immerse yourself in Argentina’s rich history but also experience the breathtaking landscapes that make this country such a unique and captivating destination.

Ruta de los Siete Lagos: A Picturesque Journey Through Argentina’s Lake District

The Ruta de los Siete Lagos, or the Seven Lakes Route, is a scenic drive that takes you through the heart of Argentina’s Lake District, showcasing stunning glacial lakes, lush forests, and majestic mountains.

This road trip offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and charming small towns throughout while visiting the lakes of seven colors.

Road trip highlights:

Lake Machónico

Lake falkner, lake espejo.

• Lake Nahuel Huapi

Begin your journey in San Martín de los Andes, a picturesque town surrounded by the Andes Mountains. Stroll along the shores of Lake Lácar and explore the quaint shops and restaurants in the town center.

Stop at Lake Machónico, a tranquil lake surrounded by dense forests and mountain peaks.

Visit Lake Falkner, known for its crystal-clear waters and the striking Vulture’s Point viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Lake Villarino

Admire the beauty of Lake Villarino, a peaceful spot perfect for a picnic and taking in the surrounding scenery.

Discover the enchanting Lake Espejo, aptly named “Mirror Lake” for its reflective surface.

Lake Correntoso

Continue to Lake Correntoso, a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This is also a great beach alternative in Argentina , for anyone looking to swim and relax in the sun.

Lake Escondido

Venture off the beaten path to visit the secluded Lake Escondido, a hidden gem nestled within lush forests.

Conclude your Ruta de los Siete Lagos adventure in Villa La Angostura, a charming village with alpine-style architecture and easy access to the Arrayanes Forest.

Quebrada de las Conchas: A Colorful Road Trip Through Argentina’s Northwest

The Quebrada de las Conchas, or the Shell Gorge, is a stunning drive through the arid landscapes of Argentina’s northwest, showcasing incredible geological formations, vibrant red cliffs, and vast valleys.

This road trip is a must for those seeking to experience the unique beauty of this region.

• Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat)
• El Anfiteatro (The Amphitheater)
• El Sapo (The Toad)
• Los Castillos (The Castles)

Start your journey in Cafayate, a charming town known for its high-altitude vineyards and breathtaking surroundings.

Take the time to explore the local wineries and sample the region’s renowned Torrontés wines.

Garganta del Diablo

Visit the Garganta del Diablo, or Devil’s Throat, a narrow canyon with towering red walls and a striking waterfall.

El Anfiteatro

Stop at El Anfiteatro, a natural amphitheater with incredible acoustics and a unique, curved rock formation.

Los Castillos

Admire the impressive rock formations of Los Castillos, resembling ancient castles rising from the desert landscape.

Las Ventanas

Explore Las Ventanas, or the Windows, a series of natural arches and openings carved into the rock walls by centuries of erosion.

Discover the geological wonder of La Yesera, an area with multicolored rock layers and striking formations.

Tres Cruces

Conclude your Quebrada de las Conchas adventure at Tres Cruces, a viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the stunning valley and surrounding rock formations.

Tips for Planning Your Road Trip Argentina Adventure

Renting a vehicle in argentina.

To make the most of your Argentina road trip, you’ll need a reliable vehicle. Choose from various rental options, including cars, vans, and RVs, depending on your preferences and the size of your group.

Make sure to book a car rental company in advance and research the specific driving requirements in Argentina, such as insurance and international driving permits. There are several car rental companies so it is a good idea to do some research for your Argentina road trip.

Finally, if you are not planning to get a rental car but have a van at your disposal, know that you will need specific camper van insurance or self-converted camper van insurance for your vehicle.

Accommodation Options Along the Way

Argentina offers a wide range of accommodation options for road trippers, from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to luxury hotels and resorts.

For a more authentic experience, consider staying in locally-owned estancias or boutique hotels.

Camping is also a popular option, especially in the Patagonia region, where you’ll find numerous campsites and national parks.

Navigating Argentina’s Road Conditions

While many of Argentina’s main roads are well-maintained, some rural routes can be challenging for a small rental car due to rough terrain or inclement weather.

In addition, often the landscape inclines high above sea level and might only provide a small gravel road. For this reason, you might want to consider a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Be prepared for occasional gravel or dirt roads and always carry a detailed map or GPS device. Google Maps will be your best friend and be sure to study the suggested route so you know what you are getting into.

Also, keep in mind that distances between destinations can be significant, so plan your itinerary accordingly.

Essential Items to Pack for Your Road Trip

When packing your rental car for your road trip to Argentina, consider the diverse weather conditions you may encounter, from the chilly temperatures of Patagonia to the heat of the northern provinces.

Bring layers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and any necessary outdoor gear.

Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, a first-aid kit, and a reusable water bottle.

Staying Safe and Healthy on Your Adventure

To ensure a safe and enjoyable road trip in Argentina, take precautions such as staying up-to-date on local news and weather, driving cautiously, and adhering to road rules.

Although Argentina is one of the safest countries in Latin America, you do have to be careful. Keep your valuables secure and know your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas.

Unfortunately, we had our camper van robbed in a parking lot while we were exploring the city we were in and catching some fresh air. This can be avoided by being a bit smarter than me.

What does this mean?

Do not leave your valuables unattended in your car, use a car alarm and a safe box, and avoid leaving your hire car for longer periods of time.

In addition, make sure that you have a good spare tire and bring some additional safety equipment.

Finally, make sure to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, particularly at high altitudes.

Planning the Duration of Your Road Trip in Argentina

The length of your road trip will depend on the routes you choose, the time you have available, and your personal preferences.

In this section, I’ll provide some guidance on how to plan the duration of your road trip in Argentina.

• Short Road Trips (3-7 days): If you have a limited amount of time, consider focusing on one specific region or route, such as the Ruta de los Siete Lagos or Quebrada de las Conchas. These shorter road trips will allow you to explore the highlights of a particular area without feeling rushed.
• Medium-Length Road Trips (1-2 weeks): For those with more time to spare, a 1-2 week road trip can cover multiple regions or routes, such as combining the Patagonia Road Trip with the Ruta de los Siete Lagos. This timeframe provides a good balance between exploration and relaxation, allowing you to fully experience Argentina’s diverse landscapes and attractions.
• Long Road Trips (4 weeks or more): If you have the luxury of an extended vacation, a 4-week road trip will allow you to explore Argentina in depth. Consider tackling the legendary Route 40 or the Pan-American Highway, which offers an incredible variety of landscapes and experiences. With more time, you can also take detours to lesser-known destinations and truly immerse yourself in the country’s culture and natural beauty.
• Factors to Consider: When planning the duration of your road trip, consider factors such as driving distances, the number of stops you want to make, and the time you’ll need for activities and relaxation. Remember that Argentina is a large country, so driving times can be lengthy. Additionally, consider the season and weather conditions, as some routes may be more challenging or inaccessible during certain times of the year.

Camping in Argentina: Embrace Nature and Unwind Under the Stars

Argentina’s diverse landscapes, from the snow-capped Andes to the lush forests of Patagonia, make it an ideal destination for camping enthusiasts.

Whether you’re looking for a tranquil retreat or an adventurous getaway, Argentina offers various camping options to suit every traveler’s needs.

In this section, I will discuss the different types of camping available, top camping destinations, and essential tips for a memorable camping experience in Argentina.

Types of Camping in Argentina

• National Park Camping: Argentina’s national parks often have designated camping areas, ranging from basic sites with minimal facilities to more developed campgrounds with amenities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. Camping fees are usually modest and can be paid on-site or in advance, depending on the park.
• Private Campgrounds: These campgrounds, operated by private owners, offer various services and facilities, such as electricity, water, restrooms, showers, and sometimes even swimming pools, Wi-Fi, and on-site restaurants. Prices for private campgrounds vary depending on the facilities and location.
• Wild Camping: For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, wild camping is an option in some remote areas of Argentina. Be sure to research local regulations, obtain any necessary permits, and practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment.

Top Camping Destinations in Argentina

• Patagonia: With its pristine lakes, towering mountains, and vast forests, Patagonia is a camper’s paradise. Top spots include Nahuel Huapi National Park, Los Alerces National Park, and Los Glaciares National Park.
• I guazu Falls: Camp near the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls, one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, and immerse yourself in the surrounding subtropical rainforest.
• The Andean Northwest: Explore the dramatic landscapes of Salta and Jujuy provinces, home to colorful rock formations, deep canyons, and high-altitude deserts. Popular camping destinations include Quebrada de Humahuaca and Los Cardones National Park.
• The Pampas: Experience the Argentine countryside by camping in the Pampas, known for its vast grasslands, traditional estancias, and abundant wildlife.

Essential Camping Tips for Argentina

• Plan Ahead: Research your desired camping destinations, available facilities, and any necessary permits or fees. Reserve spots in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Be Prepared for Changing Weather : Argentina’s diverse climate means you may experience varying weather conditions during your camping trip. Bring appropriate gear, such as warm clothing, a waterproof tent, and a quality sleeping bag.
• Stay Safe: Follow basic safety precautions, such as storing food securely, practicing fire safety, and familiarizing yourself with local wildlife. Be prepared for emergencies with a first-aid kit, a reliable communication device, and knowledge of the nearest medical facilities. Lastly, download the iOverlander app as it provides camping recommendations and alerts from other campers.
• Leave No Trace: Respect the environment by minimizing your impact on nature. Carry out all trash, use biodegradable soap, and avoid disturbing wildlife and plants.
• Bring some camping essentials : Be prepared to have one of the best camping experiences of your life and bring some essentials in order to make the most of it.

By exploring Argentina’s stunning landscapes through camping, you’ll create lasting memories and gain a deeper appreciation for the country’s natural beauty.

Whether you choose to pitch your tent in the heart of Patagonia or beneath the starry skies of the Andean Northwest, your Argentine camping adventure is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Final Thoughts on Doing a Road Trip in Argentina

Embarking on an Argentina road trip is an unforgettable adventure that allows you to explore the country’s beautiful stretches, diverse landscape, rich history, and unique culture at your own pace.

Whether you choose to traverse the iconic Route 40, discover the breathtaking beauty of Patagonia, or journey through Argentina’s past on the Camino de la Historia, there’s no shortage of incredible experiences to be had.

With careful planning, the right vehicle, and a spirit of adventure, your Argentine road trip will surely be the journey of a lifetime.

While there are many routes and several other countries to experience on your road trip, I can guarantee that you will experience beautiful routes and otherworldly landscapes no matter which route you choose. Finally, I want to add that the weather changes frequently in Argentina. Pick exactly when to visit Argentina , so your trip does not get compromised.

Be sure to take many photos and share them with me when you are done!

As usual, feel free to comment below with any additions or questions.

//Josephine

FAQs About Road Trips in Argentina

Generally, spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) are the most pleasant seasons, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. However, for those looking to explore Patagonia, the summer months (December to February) offer the best weather conditions.

Although not always required, obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended for foreign drivers in Argentina. An IDP, along with your valid driver’s license from your home country, will help facilitate the car rental process and serve as an additional form of identification.

Driving in Argentina is generally safe, but it’s essential to be cautious and follow local traffic rules. Be prepared for varying road conditions, especially in rural areas, and always carry a map or GPS device. Additionally, be vigilant when driving in unfamiliar areas, particularly at night or in heavy traffic.

For most road trips in Argentina, a standard car should be sufficient. However, if you plan to explore more remote areas or travel during the rainy season, a 4×4 vehicle may be necessary. Finally, if you wish to camp then renting a camper van is ideal.

Camping is allowed in many of Argentina’s national parks, and it’s a popular option for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the country’s natural beauty. Always check the specific regulations and facilities available at each park before your visit, and remember to practice responsible camping etiquette by leaving no trace.

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2 thoughts on “spectacular road trip in argentina | best routes and highlights”.

This ultimate guide to road trips in Argentina is a treasure trove of information! I love how it covers various routes and provides highlights for each destination along the way. Thank you for sharing this comprehensive guide and inspiring us to embark on our own unforgettable road trip adventure in Argentina!

Thank you – Glad that you enjoyed it! 🙂

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En route vers votre prochaine aventure

Road trip en argentine, 3 itinéraires de road trips en argentine & infos pratiques.

Vous rêvez d’aventures et vous avez envie de vivre des expériences inoubliables ? Alors lancez-vous dans un  road trip en Argentine . Pour vous aider à préparer ce qui pourrait bien être le voyage d’une vie, dans ce guide, je vous propose des conseils pour l’organisation et quelques exemples d’ itinéraires pour 2 semaines, 3 semaines ou 1 mois  🙂

Pourquoi choisir l’Argentine pour un road trip ?

L’Argentine est  le huitième pays le plus grand du monde . Cinq fois plus vaste que la France, c’est une terre de contrastes, où les choses à découvrir sont innombrables et où vous pourrez découvrir une variété de sites exceptionnelle.

En revenant de votre  road trip en Argentine , vous aurez bien du mal à croire que vous n’avez visité qu’un seul pays ! De Buenos Aires, sa capitale fascinante, à ses régions les plus authentiques, vous aurez parfois l’impression d’être au centre du monde, et à d’autres moments d’être seul au monde. Chaque région réserve son lot de surprises et promet un dépaysement total .

L’Argentine est un pays où les différents sites sont parfois séparés par de longues distances, mais c’est aussi un pays qui abrite des  routes mythiques , à commencer par la  Route 40  qui traverse une partie du pays en passant par énormément de sites d’intérêt, dont 5 sont même inscrits au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO.

Dans la suite de ce billet, je vais vous proposer plusieurs exemples d’ itinéraires de road trip en Argentine  pour un voyage de  2 semaines à un mois complet , voire plus. Tous ces itinéraires ne sont que quelques exemples parmi tant d’autres, pour vous donner une idée plus précise de ce qui vous attend, mais rien ne vous empêche bien sûr de  personnaliser votre circuit .

votre road trip en Argentine en un coup d'œil 👀

🚗 Location de véhicule

Comparer les offres de location de voiture : RentalCars

Louer un van aménagé ou un camping car :  MotorHome Republic

🏄‍♀️  Activités incontournables

🚤  Croisière pour admirer les chutes d'Iguazú

🔥 Trekking et canoë en Terre de Feu

❄️  Trekking et croisière au glacier Perito Moreno

💤 Meilleurs hébergements

• Un appart-hôtel dans le centre ( 130 € ) :  Adina Apartment Hotel  
• Meilleur rapport qualité/prix à Cafayate  ( 50 € ) :  Hostal Tierra de Vinos
• Beau hostel avec chambres doubles à Buenos Aires (6 5 € ) :  Viajero Hostel

Itinéraire de 2 semaines : le nord de l’Argentine 

Si vous prévoyez de partir sur les routes d’Argentine pendant  deux semaines voire un peu moins, je vous déconseille de prévoir un circuit qui traverse tout le pays. Les distances sont trop longues et vous passeriez trop de temps à faire les trajets. Pour cette durée de séjour, mieux vaudra se concentrer sur une région ou une seule moitié du pays.

La mythique Ruta 40 , la route 40 est vraiment un excellent choix pour faire un road trip en Argentine. De Salta à Mendoza , elle traverse du nord au sud le  Nord-ouest argentin en passant par de magnifiques régions viticoles et les plateaux des Andes.

Après avoir découvert la capitale, vous pourrez partir pour ce périple inoubliable dont voici les différentes étapes, qui peut tout aussi bien se parcourir dans le sens inverse :

• Buenos Aires (1-2 jours)
• Salta (1 jour)
• Le Parc National de Los Cardones (1 jour)
• Cafayate via la Route 40 (1 jour)
• Las Conchas (1 jour)
• Charnarmuyo (1 jour)
• Villa Union (2 jours)
• Le Parc Ischigualasto et San Juan (2 jours)
• Mendoza (1 à 3 jours)
• Buenos Aires (1 jour)

Jour 1 et 2 : Buenos Aires

Comme pratiquement toujours quand il s’agit de parcourir l’Argentine, le voyage débute à  Buenos Aires , la capitale bouillonnante, où vous pourrez faire connaissance avec les Argentins et découvrir les beautés de la ville dans son centre historique et ses quartiers les plus attrayants comme le fameux  quartier de la Boca  ou celui de  Palermo .

Monuments, musées, marchés authentiques, gastronomie, tango… deux jours ne seront vraiment pas de trop pour apprécier cette ville avant de rejoindre la Route 40. 

Pensez à réserver vos activités à buenos aires 🇦🇷

Si vous êtes en train de planifier vos visites et activités en Argentine, je vous conseille fortement de les réserver pour Buenos Aires  ! En effet, la capitale argentine est particulièrement touristique et regorge d'activités à découvrir lors de votre séjour. Croisières, spectacles de tango, visites guidées, expériences culinaires... Vous n'aurez clairement pas le temps de vous ennuyer 🙂 Pensez donc à réserver vos activités en avance pour être sûrs de ne rien louper!

Où loger à Buenos Aires ?

Si vous ne savez pas encore où dormir à Buenos Aires , j'ai un article sur le sujet qui pourrait vous être utile ! En attendant, voici deux adresses intéressantes :

• Trendy Apartments in Palermo est, comme son nom l'indique, situé dans le quartier Palerme. L'appartement comprend une terrasse, un coin salon, une télévision, une cuisine entièrement équipée avec un réfrigérateur et un four ainsi qu'une salle de bains privative. Un micro-ondes, des plaques de cuisson, un grille-pain, une machine à café et une bouilloire sont également fournis. Comptez à partir de 148 € pour une nuit !

• Viajero Hostel Buenos Aires   est une auberge de jeunesse avec une piscine extérieure ouverte en saison, un jardin, un salon commun et une terrasse. L'établissement possède un bar et un restaurant servant une cuisine locale. Vous profiterez d'une réception ouverte 24h/24, des transferts aéroport, une cuisine commune et une connexion Wi-Fi gratuite dans l'ensemble de ses locaux. Comptez à partir de 64 € par nuit.

Road trip en Argentine jour 3 : Salta

Salta, la capitale de la province du même nom, est le point de départ idéal pour découvrir cette partie du pays. La ville se situe à environ  1500 km de Buenos Aires , vous devrez donc prendre l’avion pour la rejoindre. Les vols intérieurs de Buenos Aires à Ciudad de Salta sont très fréquents, ils durent un peu plus de 2 heures et vous pourrez trouver facilement des billets pour moins d’une centaine d’euros.

Salta est une ville renommée pour son architecture coloniale espagnole, que vous pourrez notamment découvrir aux abords de la magnifique Plaza 9 de Julio. Pour son ambiance, son patrimoine et sa gastronomie, elle fait vraiment figure de destination incontournable en Argentine.

Jour 4 : Le Parc National de Los Cardones jusqu’à Cachi

Ici, vous pourrez prendre pleinement conscience de la beauté des grands espaces argentins. Le  Parc National de Los Cardones  est un condensé des différents écosystèmes des Andes. Il s’étend sur plus de 65 000 hectares, dans cette superbe région montagneuse où l’altitude varie de 2 600 à plus de 5 000 mètres.

Montagnes Rocheuses, collines, vastes vallées et contreforts à la terre rouge, vous allez vraiment en prendre plein les yeux devant les panoramas qui vous attendent dans ce parc qui abrite également une étonnante diversité animale et végétale. Vous arriverez ensuite à Cachi, une petite ville d’environ 8 000 âmes, qui surplombe des vallées superbes à environ 2 300 mètres d’altitude. La distance entre Salta et Cachi  est de  160 km .

Jour 5 et 6 : Cafayate et le Canyon de Las Conchas

En continuant à longer les Andes sur la Route 40, vous arriverez jusqu’à  Cafayate . Le trajet vous réserve de belles surprises, avec notamment plusieurs jolis petits villages et des paysages superbes et les formations géologiques étonnantes de  Quebrada de la Flechas .

Cafayate se trouve à environ 3 heures de route de  Cachi . C’est une petite ville très connue pour sa production de vin. Vignobles, dégustations, musée de la Vigne et du Vin… une bonne partie de l’activité ici tourne autour de ce breuvage. Mais d’autres belles découvertes sont à faire également, comme la  Quebrada de las Conchas , un superbe canyon aux multiples couleurs, le marché artisanal ou encore la  Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Rosaire .

Où dormir à Cafayate ?

• L' Hostal Tierra de Vinos  propose un jardin et une connexion Wi-Fi gratuite dans l'ensemble de ses locaux. L'établissement assure des services d'étage, de change et de bureau d'excursions. Vous profiterez également d'un délicieux petit-déjeuner continental servi sur place. Niveau budget, les tarifs débutent à  49 € !

• L' hôtel Grace Cafayate est situé au milieu des vignobles. Il offre une vue panoramique sur les montagnes des Andes. Les chambres climatisées disposent d'une télévision à écran plat et d'une terrasse, avec salle de bain privative. Vous aurez accès à une piscine intérieure et extérieure, à un spa et vous pourrez profiter du restaurant de l'hôtel. Comptez à partir de 204 € pour une nuit !

Jour 7 : Chanarmuyo

Situé à environ 400 km Cafayate dans le désert du nord argentin,  Canarmuyo est une petite ville pleine de charme, connue comme la capitale du Poncho. C’est l’endroit parfait pour faire une halte dans la région après avoir passé une longue journée à traverser la vallée des Calchaquies  à travers les vignobles, des paysages verdoyants et des zones désertiques. Sur la route entre Cafayate de Chanarmuyo, vous pourrez visiter le  site archéologique de Quilmes , qui abrite les vestiges d’une ancienne fortification de la civilisation amérindienne, où vivaient plus de 3 000 personnes.

Jour 8 et 9 : Villa Union et le Parc National Talampaya

Pour débuter cette seconde semaine de road trip, direction  Villa Union , à environ 200 km et un peu moins de 4 heures de route de Chanarmuyo. Les chemins de montagne qui mènent ici offrent des vues panoramiques exceptionnelles sur des paysages désolés.

Tout près de cette ville authentique se trouve le  Parc National Talampaya , une réserve inscrite au patrimoine mondial de l’humanité qui abrite des  formations géologiques  uniques et des  sites archéologiques .

Où dormir à Villa Union ?

• Le Don Remo est entouré de vastes jardins. Ici, les chambres sont climatisées et disposent d'une télévision. La réserve naturelle de Banda Florida est située à 2 km et la place principale de la ville se trouve à 500 mètres du Don Remo. Vous pourrez également profiter d'une piscine extérieure et d'un petit-déjeuner buffet. Comptez 53 €  par nuit environ !

• L' Hotel Cuesta de Miranda est un établissement 3 étoiles situé à Villa Unión. Il est doté d'une piscine extérieure, et propose des chambres climatisées avec connexion Wi-Fi gratuite et salle de bains privative. Les prix débutent à partir de 110 € par nuit.

Jour 10 et 11 : Le Parc Ischigualasto et San Juan

À environ 2 heures de Villa Union se trouve un autre parc naturel, le  Parc Ischigualasto , à San Agustin del Valle Fertil , un endroit où beaucoup de fossiles ont été retrouvés, comme vous pourrez le constater en visitant son musée. En poursuivant encore votre trajet pendant environ 3 heures, vous pourrez rejoindre San Juan dans le Valle del Tulum .

Cette ville est une des grandes étapes de la Route 40. On la trouve au cœur d’une province superbe, mélange de zones désertiques et de zones verdoyantes, irriguées par les rivières qui dévalent les montagnes des Andes. San Juan est l’endroit parfait pour pratiquer un grand nombre d’activités : pêche , randonnée, équitation, VTT, excursion en 4x4  etc…

Jour 12 et 13 du road trip en Argentine : Mendoza

Mendoza , à une poignée de kilomètres de la frontière chilienne, est la ville incontournable de cette région de l’Argentine. Ce petit trésor de la  Cordillère des Andes  est une ville où il fait bon vivre toute l’année, qui possède un patrimoine historique très important, une variété de paysages exceptionnelle, et qui est considérée comme  la capitale du vin en Argentine .

Montagnes, déserts, glaciers, vallées, vignobles, si vous aimez les sites naturels, vous ne serez certainement pas déçu ! Mendoza possède aussi un centre historique composé de petites ruelles charmantes et de places bordées de glaciers, de bars et de restaurants et de petites ruelles pleines de charme. Il abrite de belles maisons coloniales et quelques merveilles comme la  cathédrale Notre-Dame de Lorette  et la  basilique Saint-François .

Mendoza est bien sûr connue dans le monde entier pour son vin, que vous pourrez déguster dans toutes les bonnes adresses de la ville ou lors d’une visite des vignobles. 

Avez-vous réservé vos activités à mendoza ? 🏔️

Si vous prévoyez de passer par Mendoza et que vous ne savez pas encore que faire dans la ville, sachez qu'une multitude d'activités vous attendent ! Vous pourrez visiter les vignobles de la région et faire des dégustations, découvrir les paysages en faisant des randonnées dans les Andes ou encore faire de la montgolfière au coucher du soleil ☀️ Une chose est sûre, vous en prendrez plein les yeux et vous ne serez pas déçus ! Cependant, pour être sûrs de ne rien louper, je vous conseille fortement de réserver vos activités en avance .

Où loger à Mendoza ?

• Le Posada y Cabañas "Finca El Rincón de Lunlunta"  propose des hébergements avec un balcon ou une terrasse, une connexion Wi-Fi gratuite, une télévision, une piscine extérieure et un jardin ! Tous les logements comprennent la climatisation, une salle de bains privative ainsi qu'une kitchenette équipée d'un réfrigérateur, d'un four et de plaques de cuisson. Comptez environ 90 €  par nuit.

• La Casa Reconquista est une chambre d'hôtes disposant d'une piscine extérieure, d'un jardin et d'un salon commun. Vous bénéficierez gratuitement d'une connexion Wi-Fi dans l'ensemble des locaux. Vous y trouverez également un réfrigérateur, un four micro-ondes et une machine à café. Un petit-déjeuner continental, végétarien ou sans gluten, est servi sur place. Comptez à partir de 85 €  la nuit !

Road trip en Argentine jour 14 : Buenos Aires

De retour dans la  capitale argentine  pour la dernière journée de ce road trip de deux semaines, vous aurez le temps de vous détendre et éventuelle de faire quelques découvertes incontournables que vous avez manquées au début de votre séjour.

Road trip en Argentine : 2 à 3 semaines dans le sud 

Si vous partez pour un  road trip de 3 semaines en Argentine , vous aurez plus de temps pour découvrir un maximum de sites d’intérêt, mais je vous recommande tout de même de toujours vous concentrer sur le nord ou le sud du pays. Dans les deux cas,  Buenos Aires  sera le point de départ parfait.

Envie d’une découverte en profondeur du Sud argentin ? Voici un circuit qui forme une boucle qui débute et se termine à Buenos Aires, et qui s’étend tout au sud du pays jusqu’à  Tierra del Fuego  près d’ Ushuaia , en longeant à la fois la  côte Atlantique  et l’ouest du pays le long de la frontière chilienne. Attendez-vous à parcourir de longues distances pendant ce voyage, il faudra parfois prendre l’avion ou être prêt à passer de longues heures en bus.

Voici l’itinéraire de ce  road trip dans le sud de l’Argentine  :

• Buenos Aires (2-4 jours)
• San Carlos de Bariloche (3 jours)
• La province de Santa Cruz (5-7 jours)
• Ushuaia et Tierra del Fuego (3 jours)
• La province de Chubut et la Péninsule Valdés (3 jours)
• Retour à Buenos Aires (1 jour)

Jours 1 à 4 : Buenos Aires

Visiter Buenos Aires vous mettra forcément en appétit avant de commencer véritablement ce long voyage dans le sud du pays. La capitale de l’Argentine est une ville à laquelle vous pourriez consacrer toute une vie sans que cela suffise. Mais si vous disposez de 3 semaines, je vous recommande de rester ici lors des 4 premiers jours de votre voyage.

Cela vous laissera le temps de découvrir les incontournables de la ville, comme la Plaza de Mayo, l’Avenida 9 de Julio, les quartiers de  la Boca , de  Palermo ,  Puerto Madero  et  San Telmo , et bien d’autres sites comme le Jardin botanique, l’Avenida Florida, la  Stade la Bombonera  et la  Cathédrale métropolitaine .

Jours 5 à 7 : San Carlos de Bariloche

3 jours ne seront vraiment pas de trop pour profiter de cette seconde grande étape de votre voyage.  San Carlos de Bariloche , au cœur des sommets des Andes et sur les rives d’un lac glaciaire, fait partie des meilleurs sites du pays pour profiter de la nature.

Randonnées à pied ou à vélo, rafting, ski, kayak, pêche, parapente… cette ville est un petit paradis pour les amateurs de grand air et d’activités en extérieur.

Pour rejoindre Bariloche depuis Buenos Aires, il vous faudra 15 à 20 heures par la route. Le  bus de nuit  est la solution à privilégier, mais si vous ne voulez pas perdre de temps vous pourrez aussi trouver des  vols directs  qui font ce trajet en environ 2 heures.

Où dormir à San Carlos de Bariloche ?

• Le Portales de la Patagonia Apartments propose des logements avec balcon, télévision à écran plat, cuisine équipée et salle de bains. Un micro-ondes, une machine à café et une bouilloire sont également fournis. Comptez à partir de 109 €  par nuit 🙂

• L' Hotel Ayres Del Nahuel est situé à seulement 50 mètres du lac Nahuel Huapi et propose des chambres modernes avec télévision et d'une salle de bains privative. Le centre de ski Catedral se trouve à 30 minutes de route. Cet établissement, qui abrite un centre d'affaires, propose également des jeux pour les enfants. Pour une nuit, comptez 118 €  environ !

Jours 7 à 13 : L’ouest de la Province de Santa Cruz

Cette province qui se trouve dans le sud en Patagonie est la deuxième plus grande d’Argentine. Sa partie ouest est une terre d’aventures, réputées pour ses paysages sauvages, ses grottes préhistoriques et ses parcs nationaux.

Vous pourrez y passer toute une semaine pendant votre road trip, pour y découvrir plusieurs sites marquants. En venant du nord depuis Bariloche, vous pourrez rejoindre la petite ville de Perito Moreno par la route en environ 11 h (des bus de nuits font le trajet).

De là, vous pourrez rayonner plusieurs jours dans la région pour découvrir des sites marquants comme la  Cueva de las Manos , un site préhistorique inscrit au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO qui abrite des peintures rupestres qui remontent à plus de 12 000 ans.

Vous pourrez ensuite rejoindre le  parc national Los Glaciares  et  El Chalten , un petit village au cœur du massif du Fitz Roy, paradis des randonneurs.

À peine 3 heures de route plus loin, toujours dans ce parc national, se trouve El Calafate , une agréable ville depuis laquelle vous partirez à la découverte du  Glacier Perito Moreno , qui n’est autre que l’un des plus grands glaciers du monde.

Vous pourrez réserver une excursion pour partir à l' aventure sur le glacier Perito Moreno ! Depuis El Calafate, vous randonnerez avec des crampons sur le glacier lors de cette aventure en Patagonie. Vous passerez par une série de ponts suspendus et vous aurez également l'occasion de faire une croisière. Il faudra compter 180 €  pour cette activité !

Quelques adresses intéressantes

• À El Chalten, Andino Aparts propose des hébergements avec une connexion Wi-Fi gratuite, une télévision à écran plat et une cuisine. Un micro-ondes et une bouilloire sont également présents sur place. Vous pourrez également profiter du petit-déjeuner continental servi tous les matins. Comptez 159 €  par nuit !

• Offrant une vue panoramique sur les montagnes et le lac de Calafate, l'auberge de jeunesse America Del Sur Calafate Hostel se trouve à 7 minutes à pied du centre-ville. Elle propose un hébergement doté du chauffage au sol, d'une connexion Wi-Fi gratuite, d'une cuisine commune et d'une laverie. Tous les dortoirs et les chambres de l'America del Sur Hostel offrent une belle vue sur la vallée et les montagnes 🤩 Il faudra compter à partir de 99 €  par nuit !

Jours 14 à 16 : Ushuaia et Tierra del Fuego

Environ  900 km  séparent El Calafate et  Ushuaia . Une fois encore, le trajet peut se faire pour la route, en voiture ou en bus, en environ 14 h. Des vols directs font aussi cette liaison en tout juste 1 h 15 minutes.

Ushuaia et une ville d’environ 60 000 habitants, réputée pour être la  ville la plus au sud du monde . C’est le grand point de départ pour l’Antarctique, et une des destinations qu’il faut découvrir au moins une fois dans une vie.

Le Parc National Tierra del Fuego se trouve à deux pas de la ville. Il abrite lacs, montagnes, forêts et glaciers impressionnants, c’est l’un des tout meilleurs sites du monde pour faire de la randonnée. Je vous recommande de camper au moins une ou deux nuits dans ce parc, et pour une expérience complète, vous pourrez même tester le trekking et le canoë en Terre de Feu  avec un guide professionnel le temps d'une journée pour environ 160 €  par personne 😉

Plusieurs expériences inoubliables vous attendent ici, vous pourrez rencontrer les manchots sur  l’île Martillo , explorer le  glacier Martial , admirer l’incroyable  Laguna Esmeralada … mais l’activité absolument incontournable, c’est  l’excursion en Terre de Feu .

mon hôtel coup de ❤️ à ushuaïa

Si vous cherchez à passer quelques jours en Terre de Feu, il vous faudra un logement confortable et abordable dans une ville comme Ushuaïa. L'hôtel qui pourra répondre à ces critères est l' Alto Andino Hotel . D'un côté vous profiterez d'un paysage montagneux, les Rocheuses et de l'autre le canal Beagle, de quoi en prendre plein les yeux. Cet établissement est aussi idéalement situé dans le centre-ville à proximité du  musée Maritime d'Ushuaïa . Une nuit coûte à partir de 120 € en saison basse et comprend le petit déjeuner  😉

Jours 17 à 19 : la province de Chubut (Péninsule Valdes)

Il est temps maintenant de repartir vers le nord et de rejoindre la côte atlantique de Patagonie et plus précisément la  Péninsule Valdes  dans la  Province de Chubut .

La porte d’entrée vers cette péninsule est la ville de  Puerto Madryn , qui se trouve à pratiquement 1 800 km au nord d’Ushuaia dans la direction de Buenos Aires. C’est l’étape la plus longue de ce voyage, et ce n’est pas peu dire ! En bus, il faut compter plus de 25 heures pour faire ce voyage. Heureusement, des  vols directs  font cette liaison en à peine plus de  2 heures .

La Péninsule Valdes est un endroit comme aucun autre en Argentine. Inscrit au patrimoine naturel de l’UNESCO , c’est un site de  protection des mammifères marins où beaucoup d’animaux viennent pour se reproduire.

Depuis la terre ferme sur les plages proches de Puerto Pirámides , mais surtout lors d’excursions en mer, les visiteurs peuvent observer des baleines franches australes, mais aussi bien d’autres animaux : lions et éléphants de mer, dauphins, orques, manchots de Magellan et des centaines d’espèces d’oiseaux.

Si vous le souhaitez, vous pourrez même faire une excursion d'observation des baleines et d'autres animaux ! De juin à novembre, embarquez pour une croisière d'observation des baleines. Entre décembre et mars, profitez d'une excursion sur les lions de mer et les cormorans d'Amérique du Sud 🙂 Vous en prendrez plein les yeux pour environ 170 €  par personne.

Je vous recommande de louer une voiture durant cette étape, pour faire un tour complet de la péninsule et partir à la découverte de toutes ses beautés en 2 ou 3 jours.

Jours 20 et 21 : Retour à Buenos Aires

De retour à  Buenos Aires  (à environ 2 heures d’avion de Puerto Madryn), vous pourrez vous décontracter après ce long périple. Je vous recommande de prévoir du temps, et même d’arriver la veille de votre départ, pour en profiter pour visiter ou revisiter quelques endroits de la capitale avant de vous envoler loin de l’Argentine.

Road trip complet en Argentine : du Nord au Sud

Si vous avez la chance de pouvoir consacrer un mois complet, voire plus, à votre road trip en Argentine, il est tout à fait envisageable de faire le tour complet du pays , en passant par une grande partie des endroits les plus intéressants. Une fois encore, il existe vraiment une multitude de circuits que vous pourrez suivre, et pour ce genre de voyage, vous aurez probablement envie de personnaliser votre parcours.

Voici un exemple d’ itinéraire de road trip d’un mois en Argentine , qui représente une base solide sur laquelle vous pourrez vous appuyer pour faire votre circuit sur mesure. Il forme une  grande boucle depuis Buenos Aires , en passant par l’essentiel des sites incontournables en Argentine :

• Buenos Aires (4 jours)
• Iguazù (2 jours)
• Salta à Mendoza (10-12 jours)
• El Calafate (2-3 jours)
• Du Tierra del Fuego à la Péninsule Valdes (6-7 jours)
• Retour à Buenos Aires

Impossible de faire un  road trip de 4 semaines en Argentine  sans passer au moins 4 ou 5 jours dans sa capitale. Dès cette première étape, vous risquez bien de tomber amoureux des Argentins, de leur hospitalité et de leur culture.

Durant ces premiers jours, profitez-en pour découvrir les  attractions variées  de la ville (édifices historiques et architecturaux, espaces verts, musées…), pour faire une petite séance de  shopping  dans les centres commerciaux ou dans le quartier de Palermo, pour découvrir la  vie nocturne  intense de la capitale, ou encore pour assister à un  match de foot  et être témoins de la ferveur incroyable des argentins pour ce sport.

Road trip en Argentine jours 5 et 6 : Iguazù

Pour cette deuxième grande étape, en route vers le nord-ouest du pays pour rejoindre  Puerto Iguazú . Ce sont plus de  1 200 km  qui séparent ces deux villes, le trajet peut se faire en  bus de nuit  (en 15 à 20 heures) ou en  avion  (environ 1 h 50 avec un vol direct).

Le  parc national d’Iguazú  se trouve à moins de 20 km de cette ville, abrite la partie argentine des  chutes d’Iguazú . Ces chutes s’étendent à la fois en Argentine et au Brésil, elles forment même une partie de la frontière avec le Paraguay. Ce site inscrit au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO fait partie des plus impressionnants du monde, le spectacle n’a rien à envier à ceux qui sont offerts par les chutes Victoria ou les chutes du Niagara.  La meilleure façon de les découvrir est d'embarquer pour une croisière au départ de Puerto Iguazú . Celle-ci dure 6 heures et vous mènera dans tous les points de vue du parc national d'Iguazú. Comptez environ 155 €  par personne.

Et si vous en avez la possibilité, n’hésitez pas à passer au Brésil pour découvrir ces chutes depuis un autre angle, tout aussi spectaculaire.

Où dormir à proximité des chutes d’Iguazú ?

• L' Hotel Saint George est situé à 300 mètres du centre-ville de Puerto Iguazú et à 17 km des chutes, et dispose d'un jardin luxuriant, de deux piscines et d'un spa. Un petit-déjeuner buffet est servi chaque matin. Le restaurant Doña María est doté d'une terrasse et prépare aussi bien des plats régionaux qu'internationaux. Le bar Quincho, situé près de la piscine, propose des margaritas glacées 😋 Comptez à partir de 157 €  pour une nuit.
• Le Loi Suites Iguazu Hotel est un hôtel de luxe bénéficiant d'un spa, d'une piscine extérieure et de ponts suspendus. Il se situe seulement à 15 minutes des chutes. Lors de votre séjour, vous pourrez profiter du sauna et de la piscine extérieure munie d'une terrasse. Les logements comprennent une télévision par câble et une salle de bains pourvue d'une baignoire. Il faudra compter à partir de  408 €  par nuit pour une suite.

Jours 7 à 18 : de Salta à Mendoza

Depuis  Iguazù , vous pourrez facilement prendre un  vol intérieur  direct vers  Salta . Vous pourrez ensuite suivre la  Route 40  entre Salta et Mendoza, en passant par plusieurs sites d’intérêt comme le  Parc National de Los Cardones ,  Cafayate  et  Villa Union .

Pour avoir beaucoup plus de détails sur ce qui vous attend lors de ces étapes, je vous invite à vous référer à l’ itinéraire de 2 semaines dans le nord de l’Argentine sur le Route 40 , que je vous ai présenté plus haut sur cette page, mais vous pourrez aussi retrouver toutes les activités à faire à Mendoza juste en-dessous👇

Mon activité favorite en argentine 🍷

Pendant un road trip complet en Argentine, vous passerez forcément du côté de Mendoza, notamment si vous suivez cet itinéraire. Prenez le temps dans cette région et profitez de cette occasion pour visiter les vignobles et déguster le vin argentin . Bien sûr ne prenez pas la route juste après, ce ne serait pas très prudent. La zone est désertique, c'est pourquoi elle est propice à la culture de vignes, et comme en France, le vin en Argentine est délicieux et ancré dans les traditions. Au cours de cette visite, vous aurez la chance de visiter 3 des vignobles les plus connus avec votre guide professionnel , le tout pour seulement 25 € par personne 🤩

Jours 19 à 21 : San Carlos de Bariloche

Pour la suite de ce long road trip, nous partons dans le sud du pays, à  plus de 1 200 km  de Mendoza. Pour faire ce grand trajet  de Mendoza à Bariloche , vous aurez le choix entre deux solutions :

• Prendre l’avion  de l’aéroport de Mendoza (MDZ) à celui de San Carlos de Bariloche (BRC). Les vols sont fréquents et directs, ils durent environ 1 h 45 et les billets se trouvent pour une centaine d’euros, voire parfois un peu moins.
• Prendre le bus de nuit , pour un long trajet d’environ 18 heures, les billets se trouvent aux environs de 60 €.

San Carlos de Bariloche  est l’un des grands sites touristiques de cette partie du pays. C’est une ville au cœur d’une région superbe où beaucoup d’activités sont proposées : randonnée, kayak, rafting, ski, vélo… vous trouverez largement de quoi vous occuper pendant 3 jours et 2 nuits ici et dans le  Parc National Nahuel Huapi .

Road trip en Argentine jours 22 à 24 : El Calafate

Un autre grand trajet vous attend pour rejoindre la Patagonie et plus particulièrement  El Calafate . La distance qui sépare cette ville de San Carlos de Bariloche est de  plus de 1 400 km . Pour faire ce trajet rapidement, la seule option intéressante est de prendre l’avion. Les vols intérieurs entre l’aéroport de San Carlos de Bariloche (BRC) et celui d’El Calafate (FTE) durent environ 1 h 45. Les billets pour l’aller simple coûtent généralement entre 80 € et 130 € .

El Calafate est une merveille de la Patagonie, au cœur du  parc national de Los Glaciares où vous pourrez entamer un  trek sur Los Glaciares .  Au cours de celui-ci, vous serez accompagné d'un guide professionnel, ce que je vous recommande fortement, ne vous lancez pas seul dans cette région. Prévoyez environ 180 €  par personne 😉

Vous pourrez aussi découvrir les grottes Punta Walichu , un site préhistorique où l’on peut voir des peintures préhistoriques. Beaucoup d’autres activités sont proposées : kayak au pied des glaciers, pêche, équitation, randonnée pédestre, visite de musées…

Jours 25 à 31 : Du Tierra del Fuego à la Péninsule Valdes

Il est maintenant temps de partir à la découverte des points les plus au sud de l’Argentine, avant de remonter par la partie est du pays.

Du Tierra del Fuego à la province de Chubut où se trouve la Péninsule Valdes, plusieurs sites marquants vous attendent, à commencer bien sûr par  Ushuaia .

Vous pouvez retrouver tous les détails sur les étapes entre Ushuaia et la Péninsule Valdes dans la partie consacrée au  road trip de 2 à 3 semaines dans le sud de l’Argentine .

• Le Posada Del Fin Del Mundo est un lodge confortable situé dans un magnifique décor de montagnes de Patagonie. Cet établissement possède des parties communes agréables et une connexion Wi-Fi gratuite. Tous les hébergements bénéficient d’un éclairage tamisé, d'une vue panoramique sur la forêt et d'une salle de bains privative. Comptez environ 122 € par nuit.
• Dans la province de Chubut, l' hôtel Tolosa   est situé à 250 mètres de la plage. Les chambres climatisées disposent d'une salle de bains privative et d'une télévision par câble. Vous bénéficierez également d'un service d'étage. Le personnel est très à l'écoute, et le petit-déjeuner est délicieux. Comptez 150 € pour une nuit.

Dernier jour du road trip en Argentine : Buenos Aires

Une fois de plus, ce voyage incroyable se termine là même où il a commencé,  Buenos Aires , la capitale du pays, celle qui sera très probablement votre lieu d’arrivée et de départ.

La préparation d’un road trip en Argentine

Un road trip, que ce soit en Argentine ou ailleurs, ça ne s’improvise pas. Pour que votre voyage se passe le mieux possible et vous laisse un souvenir impérissable, il y a beaucoup d’éléments à prendre en compte pour l’organisation d’un road trip en Argentine , et ils sont souvent étroitement liés les uns aux autres.

Le budget pour un road trip en Argentine

La préparation de votre  budget road trip  doit être faite consciencieusement. C’est la base sur laquelle vous allez pouvoir vous appuyer pour tout le reste : la saison du voyage, la durée du road trip, les sites visités, les moyens de déplacement, les types d’hébergements, les repas, les activités…

Le billet d’avion

L’achat du billet d’avion  est l’un des premiers éléments dont vous allez devoir vous occuper pendant la préparation de votre road trip. Mais pour cela, il faudra tout de même bien sûr connaitre les dates de votre séjour et au moins avoir une idée assez précise de votre budget et de votre itinéraire.

N’attendez surtout pas trop et dès que vous le pourrez, commencez à chercher les meilleures offres grâce à des comparateurs de vols  comme  Skyscanner .

La durée du séjour

L’Argentine est un pays si vaste que je considère que  10 jours représente vraiment le minimum à consacrer pour ce type de voyage, et pour cette durée, il faudra même forcément se concentrer sur une région plus restreinte. Pour info, plus de 2 personnes sur 3 qui partent faire un road trip en Argentine voyagent pour une durée de 3 semaines ou plus.

L’itinéraire pour un road trip en Argentine

Planifier le  circuit pour un road trip est bien sûr un élément primordial. L’Argentine est un grand pays où les distances entre les différents lieux sont souvent longues à parcourir et il faudra y apporter une grande attention lors du choix de votre parcours.

Le bon choix dépendra notamment des endroits que vous ne voulez surtout pas manquer, mais aussi de la durée de votre voyage, de votre budget, de vos moyens de déplacement (voiture, bus, vols intérieurs…) et de la météo (qui change selon les saisons et les régions).

Si vous préparez un itinéraire personnalisé, essayez d’ éviter les temps de trajet trop longs  d’un site à un autre (4 heures maximum). Surveillez aussi les  changements du fuseau horaire , et gardez également une certaine  marge de temps  qui sera pratique en cas de retard ou d’imprévu, les plannings trop serrés sont des causes de stress inutile.

Les moyens de déplacement

Le choix des moyens de transport sera directement lié à votre budget et au temps dont vous disposerez

Louer un véhicule en Argentine permettra d’avoir une grande liberté, mais vous serez amené à passer de longs moments au volant. Certains sites sont même trop éloignés les uns des autres pour que cela soit vraiment envisageable de faire les trajets avec un véhicule de location. Quoiqu'il en soit, si c'est la solution que vous envisagez, vous pouvez vous renseigner et comparer différentes offres sur un comparateur comme RentalCars .

Cependant, vous pourrez éventuellement louer un camping-car ou un van , ce qui vous permettra également d'économiser sur l'hébergement. De plus, de nombreuses options sont incluses, c'est pour cela que je vous conseille de bien étudier les offres sur les sites comme MotorHome Republic 😉

Le bus  est un moyen de déplacement très courant et très abordable en Argentine, mais cela vous demandera un peu plus d’organisation. Vous pourrez sans mal trouver des bus de nuits qui relient beaucoup de sites et de villes du pays.

Enfin, il est important de savoir que prendre l’avion pour des  vols intérieurs  sera  pratiquement obligatoire , à moins que vous soyez prêt à passer régulièrement des nuits entières et même plus à voyager en bus. Il n’est pas rare qu’entre deux sites d’intérêt, la distance soit de plus de 1 000 km. L’avion permet de gagner beaucoup de temps pour changer de région, mais cela a forcément un coût.

Le type d’hébergement

Le choix de l’hébergement conditionnera lui aussi d’autres éléments. Un véhicule aménagé  où vous pourrez passer la nuit pourra vous offrir un peu plus de liberté, mais même voyager avec une tente sera très utile, d’autant plus que le camping sauvage est autorisé en Argentine. Si vous voulez passer chaque nuit à l’hôtel, il faudra un budget plus conséquent et cela vous demandera un peu plus d’organisation.

Les démarches administratives

Les démarches sont allégées  pour un road trip en Argentine. Les ressortissants de pays de l’UE ou du Canada n’ont pas besoin de visa pour voyager en Argentine pour une durée de moins de 90 jours, un  passeport en cours de validité  suffit. Si vous voyagez avec des enfants, vous devrez pouvoir présenter un livret de famille ou un acte de naissance en plus de leurs papiers d’identité. Pour conduire en Argentine, vous aurez besoin d’un  permis de conduire international .

Les autres démarches

Pour voyager en toute tranquillité, pensez également à régler la question de  l’assurance voyage en Argentine . Pour un road trip dans ce pays, mieux vaut disposer de solides garanties d’assurance et d’assistance.

Vous aurez aussi probablement besoin de régler les questions qui concernent votre  forfait mobile et Internet , mais aussi concernant les  frais bancaires à l’étranger .

Pour un séjour assez long, souscrire un forfait mobile international  pourra être bien plus pratique et économique. Ouvrir un compte dans une  banque en ligne  comme Boursorama ou Revolut par exemple, qui proposent des paiements et retraits sans frais à l’étranger, pourra aussi être une solution intéressante.

Les bagages

La préparation des valises  arrive en fin de préparation, mais elle ne doit pas se faire à la dernière minute pour autant. Pensez à prendre des vêtements adaptés à tous les types de temps, car la météo est assez changeante en Argentine. N’oubliez pas non plus les éléments essentiels : documents administratifs, trousse de secours, chargeur pour vos appareils électriques, adaptateur de voyage pour prises électriques…

Conduire en Argentine

La conduite en Argentine ne présente pas de difficultés particulières, il convient tout de même d’être assez vigilant, car les locaux ont parfois une conduite assez agressive.

Si vous choisissez de louer un véhicule pour votre road trip, vous pourrez assez facilement aller un peu partout dans le pays. Le réseau routier argentin est composé de plus de  215 000 km  de routes, dont plus de 80 % sont goudronnées.

Le Code de la route ne diffère pas fondamentalement de celles que l’on connait en France et en Europe. Voici quelques conseils et quelques règles de conduite à respecter pour prendre la route en Argentine :

• La circulation se fait  côté droit
• La  vitesse  est limitée à 50 km/h en ville, 100 km/h sur toutes et 110 km/h sur autoroutes (les autoroutes sont payantes)
• Le port de la  ceinture de sécurité  est obligatoire
• Les  feux de croisement  doivent être constamment allumés
• Le  permis de conduire international  est requis, il peut être demandé gratuitement sur le site du  Service Public
• Les  contrôles de police  sont fréquents et les contraventions sévères
• Faites toujours le plein  avant de quitter une ville, car les stations-service ne sont pas nombreuses en campagne
• Pour  louer une voiture en Argentine , il faut être âgé au minimum de 21 ans. Beaucoup d’agences prévoient un surplus pour les conducteurs de moins de 25 ans.

Et voilà, nous arrivons à la fin de cet article sur le road trip en Argentine 🙂 J'espère qu'il vous a plu et que vous savez désormais comment organiser votre séjour ! Si vous prolongez votre pour plus de 3 mois, j'ai aussi toutes les informations dont vous aurez besoin dans l'article sur l' assurance PVT pour l'Argentine . 

Les voyages ? Une passion ! Depuis 2013 (déjà !) je partage mes aventures sur ce blog voyage et je vous donne des conseils pour préparer vos prochaines escapades en Europe et un peu partout dans le monde !

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The Best Argentina Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Weeks in Argentina

Are you planning your itinerary for Argentina? Looking for the best travel route? You’ve come to the right place!

I’ve visited Argentina 3 times, and on every trip, I discover something new to love about the country.

Whether it’s the landscapes of Patagonia, the malbecs of Mendoza, or the parrillas (steakhouses) of Buenos Aires, Argentina is pretty epic!

If you follow my 2 week Argentina itinerary, you’ll get a taste of what makes the country so unique. And if you have any questions at the end, drop me a message in the comments section, and I’ll be happy to help!

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Overview of my Argentina itinerary

Day 1-2: buenos aires, day 3-4: el calafate, day 5-7: el chalten.

• Day 8-10: Mendoza
• Day 11-13: Iguazu
• Day 14: Buenos Aires

Tips for 2 weeks in Argentina

Argentina is a massive country! With only 2 weeks, there’s not enough time to do and see everything. This guide covers the highlights and is a good balance of adventure, culture, cuisine, and nature.

You can customize this Argentina itinerary depending on your budget and the way you prefer to travel.

Here are a few tips before we get started.

• Every Argentina bucket list should include the towns of El Chalten and El Calafate in Argentina Patagonia.
• The distances in Argentina are far! If you only have 2 weeks, air travel is the way to go. You will still have long flights, but unfortunately, there’s no way of avoiding this.
• If you’re not visiting the Brazillian side of Iguazu Falls, reduce your time there to 2 nights and add an extra night in Buenos Aires at the start of your trip. This will give you more time to recover after a long international flight.
• It’s a busy itinerary. You’ll visit all the main attractions and cover a lot of ground. If you prefer to travel slower and minimize flying time, skip Iguazu, the last destination on this route. Instead, add an extra day in Patagonia and Mendoza. This is what I’d do with only 2 weeks in Argentina.

The bustling city of Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina. Your international flight will most likely arrive here, marking the start of your Argentina itinerary.

Known for its Parrillas (Steakhouses), tango shows, and impressive architecture, Buenos Aires is a fun city to explore.

You only need 2 nights here, giving you more time to explore other places in the country. If you have more than 2 weeks in Argentina, you can stay for 3 nights instead.

How to get to Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires has two aiports. If you’re arriving on an international flight, you’re most likely arriving at Ezeiuza Airport (EZE). This is a 45-minute drive into the city.

The domestic airport is called Aeroparque (AEP). It’s closer to the city and more convenient if you’re traveling within Argentina.

What to do in Buenos Aires

If you arrive mid-morning, head to your accommodation, drop off your bags and get ready to explore Buenos Aires.

Go to a Tango show: You can join a tango show like this one . Or, if you prefer a more relaxed vibe, you can visit one of the many plazas in Buenos Aires instead. From 3 pm, these town squares are bustling with performers dancing and playing music. I went to Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo and enjoyed being outside, drinking a beer under the trees while watching the dancers do their thing.

Do a free walking tour: I did this free walking tour through Recoleta and it’s an excellent option for budget travelers. But there were so many people in the group, and we constantly had to wait for everyone to come together. If you’re looking for a more personal and interactive tour, pay for a smaller group tour. You’ll learn a lot more from a tour like this.

Visit the La Baco neighborhood. Caminito Street is a famous pedestrian street and alleyway in La Boca. It’s known for its brightly painted buildings and street art. It’s become a huge tourist attraction, so expect crowds.

Go to San Telmo Market. San Telmo Market (or Mercado) is a vibrant market in a huge warehouse-type building. There are many restaurants, bars and lots of music. Sundays are the most popular and can get overly busy – I suggest avoiding it on the weekend. I went on a Friday, and it was awesome!

Eat Dulce de Leche. Dulce de leche is a sweet caramel-like sauce or spread popular in Argentinian cuisine. It’s used in various desserts and sweet treats, such as cakes, cookies, ice cream, pastries, and more.

Go for a steak at a Parrilla. Argentina is famous for its world-renowned steaks. I can confirm that they are incredible. The best I’ve had. You’ll need to have a booking as the good ones have limited availability. I went to Grandes Carnicerias del Plata in San Telmo and highly recommend it.

Where to stay in Buenos Aires

I stayed in San Telmo and enjoyed this neighborhood. It’s laid back and authentic, with many locals calling it home. Anselmo Hotel Buenos Aires is a great hotel that is close to many attractions.

Another popular area to stay in is Palermo. It’s the tourist hub and in the heart of the city. These modern and new apartments are a great option that offers fantastic city views. There’s also a rooftop pool!

Today, you’ll leave the hustle and bustle of the capital and head down to the southern tip of Argentina: Patagonia.

It’s a bucket list destination for most travelers, so you can’t skip it! Our first stop will be the town of El Calafate, home to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier.

I don’t suggest more than 2 nights in El Calafate. The glacier is the main attraction in El Calafate, and you’ll need a full day to visit it.

How to get to El Calafate

It’s a 3.5-hour flight from Buenos Aires to El Calafate in Argentina Patagonia. Aerolineas Argentinas, JetSmart, and FlyBondi all service daily flights to the region.

Try to book a morning flight so that you have the afternoon to walk the streets of El Calafate.

Things to do in El Calafate

After landing in El Calafate and checking into your hotel, it’s time to explore the town.

Here are a few things to do if you have the afternoon free. Remember that your second day in El Calafate will be at the glacier, so you won’t have much time (or energy) to do anything after that.

Have lunch at La Zorra Taproom. The beers are magnificent, and their food is equally impressive.

Check out the El Calafate sign. On the hill alongside Plaza de los Pioneros, a wooden walkway leads to the El Calafate sign.

Go for dessert at Viva la Pepa. These were the best crepes I’ve ever had. Indulge in cheese and wine at The Wine Shop. We did a great tasting here and learned a lot about Argentina wine.

Parilla at La Lechuzita. This steakhouse is highly underrated.

Now that your first day in El Calafate is over, it’s time to prepare for the second.

Visit Perito Moreno Glacier

El Calafate is the gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier . It’s located in Los Glaciares National Park, a 90-minute drive from town.

This glacier is the main attraction in El Calafate. And yes, it’s as impressive in real life as in the photos.

How to explore Perito Moreno Glacier

Planning your trip to the glacier is more challenging than it seems. There are no public buses to and from the park, so you’ll need to rent a car or pre-book a bus or tour; the latter is the most popular option.

What you can do in the park is limited to the below activities.

• Perito Moreno walkways: If you’re on a budget, you can book a bus to Los Glaciares National Park and visit the walkways only. These comprise of 4 km of interconnected paths that offer panoramic views of the glacier.
• Glacier trekking tour: I did this Mini trekking tour , which was well worth the money. Not only do you get to walk on the actual glacier, but it also includes a short boat trip. You’ll have some time to explore the walkways as well.
• Boat around the glacier: The Mini trekking tour sells out fast, so a good backup option is this boat cruise , which allows you to get closer to the glacier.

Regardless of what tour you do, visiting Perito Moreno Glacier will be expensive! But it’s worth every cent.

Book your spot here , as there is limited availability.

Where to stay in El Calafate

I stayed at Folk Hostel , and it’s a great choice for backpackers. It’s close to the bus terminal, but you’ll have to walk further to the main town center. If you would prefer to be closer to town, you can’t go wrong with

Mirador del Lago Hotel has large, gorgeous rooms with beautiful views. The breakfasts are exceptional and perfect for those looking for a more comfortable and luxurious stay.

El Chalten is the hiking capital of Argentina Patagonia. It’s a charming town, smaller than El Calafate.

It’s also my favorite place in Patagonia, and I suggest spending 3 nights here.

Top tip: Not into hiking? I suggest visiting Bariloche instead of El Chalten if you don’t enjoy hiking. It’s also in Argentina Patagonia. I visited both areas and preferred El Chalten, as the hikes are incredible! But the lake district of Bariloche is equally as beautiful and offers more activities that don’t involve intense trekking.

How to get to El Chalten

You’ll need to take a 3.5-hour bus from El Calafate to El Chalten. The journey is incredibly scenic, and the buses are comfortable. I booked my bus through Bus Bud. You can check prices and availability here .

If you’re changing the route of your Argentina itinerary and want to visit El Chalten first, you will still need to go to El Calafate as there is no airport in El Chalten.

Hiking in El Chalten

With only a few days in El Chalten, you’ll have to pick and choose what you get up to. You’ll be able to fit in two of these full-day hikes in El Chalten and a shorter hike on the day you arrive.

Hike Laguna de los Tres

Laguna De Los Tres is the crown jewel of El Chalten. It’s a turquoise blue lake at the base of the famous Fitz Roy mountain and offers picture-perfect views.

It’s a difficult 9-hour return hike to get from El Chalten to Laguna de los Tres. You’ll need to be prepared with food, water, and a lot of energy.

It was the most challenging day hike I did in Patagonia (but so worth it). You don’t need a guide for this hike or others in El Chalten, as the routes are easy to follow and clearly marked.

Read my guide to Laguna de los Tres here.

Top tip: You can also opt for the shorter hike to Laguna Capri. This covers the same trail that leads to Laguna de los Tres but is better suited for children or those looking for a more leisurely hike.

Hike Laguna Torre

Laguna Torre is a huge glacier lake filled with small icebergs. The Cerro Torre Mountain range forms the backdrop and looks like something from a postcard.

The Laguna Torre hike is equally impressive as Laguna de los Tres. The difference? It’s a lot easier! It takes around 6 hours to complete, but most is a flat trail.

Try to start your hike before sunrise to beat the crowds. Alternatively, depending on when you arrive in El Chalten on your first day, you could do this hike then.

Remember, the sun sets after 9 pm in the summer, so you’ll have plenty of time to complete this hike if you leave El Chalten by noon.

Hike Mirador Condores

Mirador de los Condores is one of the best short hikes in El Chalten. You only need 2 hours to complete it.

It’s easily accessible from the town center and starts with a glandular incline to the viewpoint. You’re treated to spectacular views of El Chalten, Fitz Roy, and Cerro Torre from here.

After reaching Mirador de los Condores , you can continue along a flat trail to a second viewpoint, Mirador de las Aguilas.

The views from Las Aguilas are very different from what you would have seen, and it’s a worthwhile addition to your hike.

Other things to do in El Chalten

If you need a day off the trails, here are other things to do.

White river rafting: I went river rafting in El Chalten and loved it. The rapids aren’t too intense, but they offer a nice break from all the hiking. Find out more here.

Rent a car and make a day trip to Lago del Desierto: Lago del Desierto is a beautiful lake surrounded by forests with picturesque mountain views.

Visit Glacier Huemul: Glacier Huemul is a beautiful short hike to a glacier behind a turquoise lake. It’s an hour’s drive from town, so you’ll need to rent a car or catch a shuttle to get here.

If you want to explore more of Patagonia, including the Chile side, here’s my guide to the best Patagonia travel route to follow.

Where to stay in El Chalten

Apart Guillaumet is a basic accommodation option that ticks all the boxes, including an affordable price.

If you’re looking for something more luxurious, you can’t go wrong with Chalten Suites Hotel . There’s an onsite restaurant just a stone’s throw away from the trails.

Day 8 – 10: Mendoza

Did you know that Argentina is one of the leading wine producers in the world? Because I didn’t!

Nestled alongside the Andes Mountains, just a stone’s throw away from Chile, lies Mendoza.

This is where you’ll find the best food and wine in the country! You’ll need (and deserve) to treat yourself after a few busy days in Patagonia, so it’s the perfect addition to your Argentina travel route.

How to get to Mendoza

If you’re following my Argentina 2 week itinerary, take the earliest bus from El Chalten to El Calafate airport .

I struggled to find direct flights between El Calafate and Mendoza. Most have a quick layover in Buenos Aires, so this might be your only option.

Things to do in Mendoza

Mendoza is home to these three high-altitude wine regions : Maipu, Lujan de Cuyo, and Valle de Uco. I visited all of them and had the best time.

You’ll have a few nights here, so I suggest spending 2 days exploring the wineries. In high season, you’ll need to book your wine tours and make restaurant reservations at least a week in advance.

Go biking between the wineries

If you plan on visiting the wineries in Lujan de Cuyo or Maipu, renting a bike for the day and cycling between them is best. The wineries are near each other, and it’s a cheap and fun way to explore the region.

I also did this multi-bike wine tour in Maipu and highly recommend it! The highlight was peddling through the quiet streets, sipping delicious Malbecs while feasting on the most incredible cheese platter.

Go on a small wine tour

Plenty of organized tours depart from Mendoza City to all the wine regions.

The best part of booking a group or private tour like this is that all the admin is taken care of. You don’t need to make any bookings for tastings or lunches as it’s all done for you.

This is a fantastic tour that includes wine tastings at three wineries, a gourmet lunch, and return transport.

Most group tours have a maximum of 8 passengers, so you’re still guaranteed to have personal experience.

Bus Vitivinicola: The Best Large Group Tour

If you’re traveling on a budget or looking for the most social way to explore Mendoza, I highly recommend Bus Vitivinicola .

I can vouch for them as I did this tour; it was so much fun! It’s a large group tour that accommodates up to 50 people.

They have daily departures that rotate between all the Mendoza wine regions.

Where to stay in Mendoza

Chacras de Coria is my favorite suburb to stay in Mendoza. It’s a 20-minute drive south of the city but is close to the Lujan de Cuyo wine region . If you’re looking for a quiet getaway, I recommend staying here. Casa de Coria is a charming B&B with spacious and comfortable rooms. Check rates and availability here.

However, you can also stay in Mendoza city and take tours to the wineries. There’s also much more going on in the city, and accommodation options are plentiful, especially if you’re backpacking on a budget.

Here’s my detailed guide on the best places to stay in Mendoza.

Day 11 – 13: Iguazu

Iguazu Falls is one of the largest waterfall systems in the world. It’s classified as a Wonder of Nature and lies on the border between Argentina and Brazil.

As you’ll see, a few variables can affect how much time you should spend in Iguazu during your 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary. These include the arrival time of your flight and whether you have a visa (if necessary) to visit the Brazilian side.

If you’re short on time, then stick to the Argentina side. One full day here is enough, and it’s more impressive than the Brazilian side.

How to get to Iguazu National Park

Iguaza lies north of Argentina, and you’ll need to catch a flight to Iguazu Airport.

There isn’t a direct flight from Mendoza, so you’ll have a connection in Buenos Aires. Another full day of travel!

As you can see, during your 2 weeks in Argentina, you cover a lot of ground. All the long travel and airports can be exhausting, so if you’d prefer to skip one place on this itinerary, I suggest Iguazu Falls. This will give you an extra day in Patagonia and an extra day in Mendoza.

On the other hand, if you’re not into food and wine, then keep Iguazu Falls on your itinerary, but instead, skip Mendoza and spend an extra day or two in Patagonia.

Visit Iguazu Falls: Argentina side

The Argentinian side makes up about 80% of Iguazu Falls.

There are a series of walkways that get close to the waterfall from the Argentinian side. You can also book a tour like this with a boat ride under the falls. It’s a wild ride, and you will get soaking wet – but it will be worth it. Check prices and availability here.

Top tip: If you change up your itinerary for Argentina and arrive in Puerto Iguazu in the morning (or afternoon), you will still have enough time to visit the Argentinian side of the falls on this first day. But if you’re coming from Mendoza, it’s best to see the falls on your second day.

The Brazilian side

The Brazillian side of Iguazu Falls offers the best viewpoints for photos. But you don’t get as close as you would on the Argentina side. Hence, many people choose to skip it if they’re short on time.

Visiting the Brazillian side through an organized tour like this is best as you’ll need to go through passport control. Some nationalities require a visa which has to be arranged before the start of your Argentina trip.

Where to stay in Iguazu Falls

Most accommodation is located in the center of Puerto Iguazu. From here, you can easily get to the Falls by public transport.

If you want to stay inside the National Park, Gran Meliá Iguazú is the perfect option. It’s exquisite! This 5-star property offers a luxurious stay and a stunning location that’s hard to beat.

For something a bit closer to town, you can’t go wrong with O2 Hotel . It’s close to bars, restaurants and public transport. The rooftop pool is an added bonus.

Day 14: Buenos Aires (Departure)

After 2 weeks in Argentina, it’s back to where we started: Buenos Aires

Other places to add to your Argentina itinerary

You might not enjoy hiking (or wine) as much as I do! If that’s the case, here are other places to visit in Argentina.

Bariloche (3 days)

Bariloche is located in Argentinian Patagobia. It’s north of El Chalten, and you’ll need to catch a flight to get here. I spent a few days in Bariloche and enjoyed how different it was from the other regions in Patagonia.

The town boasts stunning lakes and viewpoints and is home to the most delicious chocolates. It’s also the place to visit in winter as you can ski here.

If I had to choose, I prefer Mendoza and El Chalten over Bariloche, and that’s why it’s not on my Argentina 2-week itinerary.

Ushuaia (3 days)

Ushuaia is the southernmost city in Argentina (and the world). It’s the gateway to Antarctica and is a busy port city for Antarctica cruises.

Tierra del Fuego National Park is one of the best places to visit, and the scenery is stunning.

You can fly to Ushaia from El Calafate. But you’d need to skip either El Chalten or Mendoza (which I wouldn’t).

Salta and Jujuy (4 days)

Salta and Jujuy are north of Argentina. You’ll find unique landscapes here that are unlike other destinations on this Argentina itinerary. It’s also hope to a wine region, yet not as impressive as Mendoza.

These provinces are suited for travelers looking for a more cultural experience and historical sites.

But if you only have 2 weeks in Argentina and Salta and Jujuy are on your bucket list, you’ll have to skip one of the other destinations. The attractions in the north are far apart, so you’ll need a car to get around. 3 nights, 4 days is the minimum time you want to spend here.

2 Week Argentina itinerary FAQs

How many days do you need to see argentina.

You need a minimum of 10 days in Argentina. But you still won’t get to everything! Distances are far, and there’s a lot of travel, so 2 or 3 weeks is recommended.

What is the best month to visit Argentina?

March is the best time to visit Argentina to avoid the tourist crowd and enjoy the fantastic weather. However, anytime between October and April is considered a good time as the days are long and sunny with great conditions for hiking.

What is the best way to get around Argentina?

It’s best to fly between destinations as distances are far. However, if you have time, you can take a bus. They’re very comfortable and safe to travel with.

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Do you have any questions about this itinerary for Argentina in 2 weeks? Drop me a question in the comments section below!

Looking for more Argentina travel inspiration? Check out my other posts!

• Where to Stay in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina Patagonia

Hi, I'm Carryn. I’m an adventure travel blogger trying to figure out my way through life by traveling and exploring. Join me as I share my travel guides and tips for life abroad. Find out more about me here .

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The Perfect 2-Week Argentina Itinerary

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From the thunderous sight of Iguazu Falls to the ice-clad mountains of the Andes, Argentina is a destination that never fails to awe. This is the second-largest country in South America, and with an impressive area of over 100,000 square miles to explore, you’re in for an action-packed 2 weeks in Argentina. 

With just 14 days to spare, you’ll never be able to see all the best places in Argentina. That’s why our itinerary aims to show you the absolute highlights and bucket-list sights that everyone should see at least once in their life. 

This trip is designed for first-time travelers to Argentina who want to start by immersing themselves in the culture and history of Buenos Aires and who have always wanted to tango the night away in La Boca after one too many glasses of Malbec.

Equally, our 14-day Argentina itinerary is designed for the outdoor enthusiast who loves scaling mountains and hiking to glaciers. You’ll visit stunning natural attractions like the Perito Moreno Glacier, you’ll be amazed by the vast landscapes of Patagonia, and you’ll leave Bariloche wonderfully refreshed by the alpine air and German pilsners. 

Yes, there’s a lot of travel involved as you visit both north and south Argentina, but trust us when we say the early morning starts and red-eye flights are going to be totally worth it. This is one destination you’re not going to forget in a hurry, so keep reading as we present to you our perfect 2-week Argentina itinerary! 

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Two Weeks in Argentina

The best time to visit argentina.

If you’re from the Northern Hemisphere, the first thing to account for when planning your Argentina adventure is the reversed seasons. If you’re from the Southern Hemisphere, then just carry on as normal!

December to February is summer in Argentina, while June to August is winter. Given the vast size of the country, though, you’ll find that the climate can vary massively even within the same province. 

In general terms, summer is the best time to visit Argentina if you’re looking for hot weather and constant sunshine. Temperatures in Buenos Aires in December typically reach into the high 60s Fahrenheit (20s Celsius), while in Patagonia, you’re guaranteed excellent hiking conditions. 

In the north, the same summer months can bring high rainfall in the tropical regions. If you want to see Iguazu Falls at its peak flow, though, summer is when the waterfall is at its most powerful!

Summer is busy, and if you’d like to avoid the crowds, then spring and autumn still offer great hiking weather in Patagonia. Winter is a good time to visit the north, but Patagonia and the Andes Mountains are difficult to travel around when the weather is cold and icy, particularly if you’re at altitude. 

If you love a bit of culture, then December is a great time to experience the festive Argentinian Christmas spirit combined with the height of the summer sun. Semana Santa (the week leading to Easter) is a sacred, spiritual event, while in Buenos Aires, the annual calendar is filled with music, film, and tango festivals, so check out what’s happening when you’re in the city!

Things to Know Before You Go

Immigration.

There are a few important things to know when you’re planning your 2 weeks in Argentina. First up is immigration. If you’re a citizen of most South American countries, then you have the freedom of movement to enter and exit Argentina as you like. 

Citizens of the majority of North American and European countries don’t need a visa and are granted 90 days of visa-free access to Argentina on arrival. The same goes for citizens of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand, Malaysia, and several other countries. If your country isn’t on the list, then you’ll need to source a visa from your nearest Argentinian consulate. 

Spanish in Argentina

The second most important thing to know about is the language. Argentinians speak Spanish. However, the Argentine dialect is heavily influenced by Italian and other European languages brought in by immigrants. 

The pronunciation can be difficult to understand compared to other Spanish dialects you might be used to, while the heavy use of slang makes things even more difficult. English isn’t that widely spoken, so bring a Spanish phrasebook to help!

Money in Argentina

The other thing you need to specifically plan for is the economic situation in Argentina. Unfortunately, massive inflation has resulted in the Argentinian peso devaluing in recent years. Official exchange rates haven’t kept pace with black market exchange rates, so you’ll find your foreign currency is worth more, or less, depending on how you pay for things. 

The official rate for 1 USD is around 220 Argentine pesos at the time of writing. This is the rate you’ll be given at some banks and hotels, including when you use your card to pay for transactions. 

The “Blue Dollar Rate,” as the unofficial exchange rate is called, is almost double this, with 1 USD typically being valued at around 400 Argentine pesos. You can secure this unofficial rate (it’s not illegal to do so) by visiting cambios and Western Union offices, where you can exchange dollars, or other foreign currency, for pesos. You can also wire money to these exchange offices, while increasingly, shops and restaurants will also allow you to pay by card using this unofficial rate. 

Getting Around Argentina

Argentina is sparsely populated and not always that well connected. Almost all international flights arrive and depart from Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires. There are direct connections to most major capital cities in South America, North America, and Europe, with some direct flights to African and Asian countries too. 

If you’re flying domestically, you’ll likely need to make your way to Jorge Newbery Airport in Buenos Aires. While there are regular domestic flights from the capital to most Argentine cities, traveling between different cities other than Buenos Aires is often not an option. More often than not, you’ll find yourself flying back to Buenos Aires and transferring to another flight to get to your next destination. 

Our itinerary covers a lot of ground, so we’ve planned it around taking domestic flights. However, if you have more time, you can try getting around overland. Because domestic flights can be expensive for Argentinians, the long-distance bus network is well-connected and surprisingly good value given the distances involved. 

You can find regular services between all major cities, with night buses offering a long but interesting way to see the country. For the ultimate freedom, why not rent a car or campervan and road trip Argentina? 

Argentina Itinerary: 2 Weeks to Explore the Highlights of the Country

Buenos aires – 2 nights.

Where else could your Argentinian escape begin, other than the eclectic capital city? If you’ve always had a burning desire to tango, then Buenos Aires will fill your soul with joy because few other cities in South America can match the Argentine capital for its flair and penchant for the good life. 

Hop On, Hop Off City Bus Tour

Plaza de Mayo

We hate to break it to you, but with so many more places to see in Argentina, you’ve only got time to see the highlights in Buenos Aires. You’ll want to start downtown, where the Plaza de Mayo is at the heart of the capital’s history and contemporary politics. 

Visit the Major Sites in Buenos Aires

Here you’ll find the Metropolitan Cathedral of Argentina , the Pirámide de Mayo, and the Casa Rosada (the pink residence of the sitting president). There are grand avenues and plazas to explore, and we recommend taking a walking tour to learn more. 

Buenos Aires is packed with culture, and art lovers will want to save time for a tour of the National Museum of Fine Arts . The Teatro Colón is one of the finest theaters in the world, and you can join daily tours that delve into its beautiful interiors, while El Ateneo Grand Splendid is another spectacular theater that’s been repurposed into an unmissable bookshop. 

Enjoy Access to Teatro Colón

Visit Recoleta Cemetery to experience the extravagance of Argentina’s elite families, who have vast crypts and vaults within the city’s most prestigious burial ground. Take a tour of the cemetery to bring Argentinian characters to life, then explore the rest of Recoleta, an affluent part of the city that’s known for its high-end, Parisian-style architecture. 

Appreciate the Artwork in Recoleta Cemetery

You’ll want to devote at least one afternoon or evening to Palermo. This is the hippest district in Buenos Aires, and you can spend hours walking through leafy suburbs and plazas, stopping for craft beers or wine tastings as you stroll. 

Soccer fans can’t miss a trip to La Boca, the fabled home of Boca Juniors (especially given Argentina’s win in the 2022 World Cup Finals!). La Boca is a traditionally working-class district that’s become a tourist magnet in recent years, being home to colorful streets and quirky art museums. 

And, of course, you can’t miss out on a night of tango when you’re in Buenos Aires. In fact, the tango is thought to have developed in La Boca, where you can catch open-air tango performances every evening on La Caminito. There’s a World Tango Museum to visit in Buenos Aires, or you could get yourself into the rhythm with a few expert-led lessons while you’re in the capital.

Tour Around La Boca

Iguazu Falls – 2 nights

Your next stop is one of the top places to visit in Argentina: Iguazu Falls. This thunderous natural sight is considered to be the largest waterfall in the world; so large, in fact, that it marks the border between Argentina and Brazil. 

It’s a two-hour flight north from Buenos Aires, and you’ll be based for the next two nights in Puerto Iguazu on the Argentinian side of the waterfall. This area forms a tri-point between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, and from Puerto Iguazu, you can see where all three countries meet (it’s a great place to visit if you love your geography trivia!).

Iguazu Falls is divided into upper and lower sections, and while the tallest drop is a mere 269 feet high, the different tiers extend horizontally for around 2 miles in total. You’ll want to start by exploring the Argentinian section of the waterfall, including the iconic “Devil’s Throat,” which is easily the most powerful drop on the river. 

Take the quirky “Rainforest Ecological Train” from Puerto Iguazu, which winds through the jungle to hiking trails and viewpoints overlooking the waterfalls. You can also join a tour from Argentina to Brazil, giving you the chance to see Iguazu Falls from another international perspective. 

Enjoy a Boat Ride in Iguazu Falls

Salta – 2 nights

Your next stop is Salta, a colonial-style city dating back to the late 16th century that’s in Argentina’s northwest. There are several direct flights a week from Puerto Iguazu to Salta, and you’ll prefer the short hop on a plane to the 20-hour drive. 

Salta’s drier climate is a sharp change from the tropical jungles of Iguazu Falls, and the province is best known for its desert-like scenery and stark mountain ranges. Take a historical tour of the city first, where you can learn about the Spanish founding in 1582 and the Inca culture that existed here long before Europeans arrived. In the excellent Museum of High Altitude Archeology , you can even see the eerily well-preserved remains of Inca mummies found in the Andes. 

See the Historical and Natural Sights of Salta

With limited time, you’ve now got to make a choice. Salta is famed for both its wine and its salt flats, but you’ll only have the chance to see one unless you can extend your 2-week trip to Argentina. To the south, you’ll find Malbec-growing wineries in Cafayate. The beautiful valleys and ranches are the quintessence of Gaucho culture, and the scenery is almost as stunning as the wine and food. 

Taste the Best Wines from Salta

To the north, you’ve got the Salinas Grandes, the third-largest salt flats found anywhere in the world. With the Inca culture and salty scenery, this part of the country is more like Bolivia or Chile than Argentina, but it’s easily one of the most astounding sights you can add to your Argentina itinerary. Nearby, you can also visit the unusually colorful mountains of Quebrada de Humahuaca, which is best described as a rainbow in the desert.

Explore Salinas Grandes & Quebrada de Humahuaca

Mendoza – 2 nights

For wine and food lovers, Mendoza is one of the best places to visit in Argentina. This is Argentinian wine country, and for the next two days, you’ll have little time for anything other than eating and drinking!

Discover the City of Mendoza

Museums and Galleries

Founded by the Spanish in 1561, Mendoza is one of Argentina’s oldest cities. The colonial-era architecture still dominates the city center, and you can learn more about Mendoza’s history by visiting the Museo de Área Fundacional or the Museum of Natural Sciences and Anthropology. In Maipu, just outside the city center, you can also visit the excellent Museo Nacional del Vino , where you’ll delve into the long history of wine production in Argentina. 

Wine Route of Mendoza

This museum is a great introduction to Mendoza’s wine scene, but nothing beats the real thing. In the city proper, you can join a tour of the best bodegas and wine bars but save space for a trip along the Wine Route. The best wineries are renowned for their Malbecs, and there are many to choose from, including The Vines of Mendoza , Botega Catena Zapata , and El Enemigo . 

Taste the Best Wines of Mendoza

Cerro Aconcagua

Mendoza is also located in the foothills of the Andes, which means there’s plenty of excellent hiking nearby. You won’t have time to climb it on this trip, but Mendoza is the launch pad for mountaineers tackling Cerro Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in South America. You can visit Parque Provincial Aconcagua on a day trip, though, for a glimpse of the peak on the Chilean border. 

Enjoy Views of Aconcagua

San Carlos de Bariloche – 2 nights

After overindulging in red wine and red meat in Mendoza, you’ll appreciate the replenishing mountain air of San Carlos de Bariloche, the next stop on your 14-day Argentina itinerary. Bariloche (as the locals prefer to call it) is found in Rio Negros province, and given it’s a 20-hour bus ride south of Mendoza, you might prefer to fly via Buenos Aires!

Tour the Road of the Seven Lakes

Lago Nahuel Huapi

Bariloche is where Argentinian Patagonia really begins, and you’ll love the alpine climate, the lakeside location on the banks of Lago Nahuel Huapi, and the small-town vibes of this provincial city. Bariloche is known for being beautifully nestled on the slopes of the Andes, and the mountainous scenery and Swiss-inspired architecture ensure that you’ll often hear it referred to as Argentina’s Switzerland. 

Throw in some fantastic chocolatiers – including Rapa Nui , which was established here by Italian immigrants in the early 1900s – excellent cafes, and authentic pilsner beers brought in by German settlers, and there’s a seriously European feel to Bariloche. 

Sail Down the Nahuel Huapi Lake

Isla Victoria

On the other side of history, though, you can learn more about the indigenous Mapuche culture at the Museo de la Patagonia or by joining a fascinating “Indigenous Peoples in Patagonia Walking Tour.” Visit Isla Victoria, and you can even see millennia-old cave paintings made by Patagonia’s first inhabitants. 

Take a Boat Tour on Isla Victoria 

Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi

While you could spend the next 2 days eating chocolate and drinking beer, Bariloche is also a wonderful place for your first taste of Patagonian nature. Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi protects the spectacular glacial lake you’ll see from Bariloche, and there are fantastic opportunities for hiking, mountaineering, and, in winter, skiing. 

El Calafate and El Chalten – 3 nights

El calafate.

Your Argentinian journey now takes you south, and we mean far, far south because your next stop is Patagonia. From San Carlos de Bariloche, you’ll need to hop on a flight to Buenos Aires, then transfer to another flight in order to reach El Calafate. 

Located in southern Santa Cruz Province – right on the border with Chile – El Calafate is your gateway to the classic mountain peaks and glaciers of the Andes. This is Argentinian Patagonia at its best, and the only negative is that you’ve only got 3 days to enjoy it!

Discover the Beauty of El Calafate

You could spend weeks hiking in Patagonia, but without the luxury of time, you’ll want to make straight for the highlights. First up is El Chalten. It’s a 3-hour car ride from the airport at El Calafate, which takes you along the banks of Lago Argentino and then Lago Viedma and into the heart of Los Glaciares National Park. 

Enjoy a Day Trip to El Chalten

Your next 2 days are all about absorbing the spectacular mountain scenery, and there are hikes and tours from El Chalten that are suitable for all ages, abilities, and levels of fitness. The icy jewel in Patagonia’s crown is Mount Fitz Roy, a distinctive peak that rises high above El Chalten. 

The tough Monte Fitz Roy Trek takes you to beautiful viewpoints at Laguna de los Tres and can be tackled in a long day. The easier Cerro Torre Trek takes around 6-8 hours and offers spectacular views of the distinctive peak from further away. 

Head back to El Calafate once you’ve had your fill of the hiking in Los Glaciares National Park. From El Calafate, you’ll then join a tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the ultimate must-see places in Argentina. This huge, rumbling glacier straddles the border with Chile and is the focal point of the Perito Moreno National Park. You can sign up for a boat tour, or you can book a “mini-trekking tour,” which takes you onto the ice itself. 

Join a Trekking Tour

Buenos Aires – 1 night 

Tierra del fuego.

El Calafate is a long way south of Buenos Aires, but if you’ve got a few extra days to spend in Argentina, then you’re in a prime position to extend your trip by visiting Tierra del Fuego. Literally translated as the “Land of Fire,” this is the southern extremity of Argentina. Beyond this, there’s nothing but churning ocean waves until you reach Antarctica. 

Tour Tierra del Fuego National Park

Puerto Madryn

You could also visit Puerto Madryn on the coast of Chubut Province for penguins, whales, and sea lions, see the beaches of Mar del Plata, or road trip through the Patagonian Steppe in northern Santa Cruz. 

Whenever your trip draws to a close, we always recommend spending at least one extra night in Buenos Aires before flying home. That’s because Buenos Aires’ international airport is located some drive away from the domestic airport, and you can’t always count on flights arriving on time. So rather than cutting it close with short connections, why not just spend an extra evening tangoing in Buenos Aires? 

Explore Puerto Madryn

There you have it! That’s our perfect 2-week Argentina itinerary. Where will you be traveling during your trip to Argentina?

Planning a trip to Argentina? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

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Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities. Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot). When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

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An Epic Argentina 2 Week Itinerary (Map + Planning Guide)

From Argentina’s bustling cities and world-renowned wine regions to its massive Andes mountains and thundering waterfalls, it’s easy to plan an Argentina 2 week itinerary! The hard part is deciding where to spend it 🙂

We spent one month exploring Argentina, the 8 th  largest country  in the world, spending all of our time in the country’s central and northern regions . And you know what? We absolutely loved it!

The food, the wine, the people, and the scenery of Central and Nothern Argentina are outstanding and, in some instances, left us utterly gobsmacked!

Whether looking for lush forests , rugged desert landscapes , massive cities , towering mountain ranges , or to eat and drink yourself full, Argentina has a little something for everyone.

It goes without saying, but in case you didn’t know, Argentina is huge ! And try as you might, it’s impossible to see everything this country has to offer in 2 weeks. This Argentina 2 week itinerary  hits the highlights and really focuses on the upper half of the country.

Yes, the middle and upper half, meaning No Patagonia . We’ll be the first to tell you that Argentina has SO MUCH more to offer than Patagonia.

So buckle up and book that flight! We have 2 weeks in Argentina to plan! Get our ultimate travel guide to Argentina below.

The Ultimate 2 Week Argentina Itinerary

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Jump Ahead To:

Getting To Argentina – Where To Fly Into

Of course, Argentina is home to several airports and overland border crossings, but for this Argentina 2-week itinerary, you’ll be flying in and out of the capitol city of Argentina, Buenos Aires.

Depending on where you are coming from, your flight into Bueno Aires will land at either of its two airports .

• Ezeiza International Airport (airport code: EZE)
• Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery (airport code: AEP)

From the airport, you can easily catch a cab or call an Uber to take you to your Buenos Aires accommodation.

If you’re staying in either the Palermo or Recoleta neighborhoods (where we recommend you stay!), the drive from EZE airport will be about a 1-hour drive , whereas the drive from AEP airport will be anywhere from 20 – to 30 minutes .

Don’t miss our 15 things to know before visiting Argentina !

Visas To Argentina

For most tourists visiting Argentina, including U.S. citizens, you do not need a tourist visa to enter Argentina if you are staying 90 days or less , which is perfect for this 2 week itinerary!

However, always err on the side of caution. Please double and triple-check the latest visa requirements and immigration forms required for your home country before you visit Argentina.

We’d had for you to be looking that Argentina immigration officer in the face and be missing key documentation!

Regardless of what country you call home, a valid passport for at least six months at the time of entering Argentina, with at least two blank pages , is required for everyone.

FUN FACT: Well, not so fun fact, actually. Argentina does not stamp your passport upon entry or exit. Sadly, you won’t be getting a fresh passport stamp in your passport during your 2 week visit to Argentina.

What Is The Best Way To Travel Around Argentina?

Between bus travel, ride-share apps, and flying, you have plenty of options when booking transportation In Argentina.

NOTE: This itinerary assumes you will be flying to each of the destinations listed below. Why? Well, Argentina is MASSIVE. And to make the most of your 2 weeks in Argentina, flying is the fastest way to get around.

FLYING IN ARGENTINA

As stated above, flying is your best bet when looking to maximize your time in Argentina. Sure, flying may not be the cheapest transportation option. However, it is the option that gives you the most time to explore the amazing places we discuss in this Argentina 2 week itinerary.

During our one month in Argentina, we flew Aerolineas Argentinas exclusively . They offered direct flights to all the destinations included in this 2 week Argentina itinerary at reasonable fare prices.

BUS TRAVEL IN ARGENTINA

While we did not travel via bus during our time in Argentina, we met a handful of other travelers who did!

Argentinian buses are usually very comfortable , especially for the long-haul rides.

Coming equipped with comfortable seats, air-conditioning and heating, on-board toilets, and in some cases, personal TVs, booking overland travel via bus in Argentina is a popular way for travelers who not only have the time but are looking to travel on the cheaper end .

TIP: Book the 180′ lay flat seats (cama) or 160′ semi-cama, especially if you are doing a night bus or a long-haul route!

And while WIFI is promised, from our understanding, it never works 🙂 So don’t bank on WIFI. It’s recommended you download any shows or podcasts ahead of getting on the bus.

Oh, and pack snacks! Even though food is sometimes offered, pack snacks and water to be safe.

To view the latest bus routes and prices, hop over to Busbud , where you can reserve bus tickets online .

CAR RENTALS & UBERS IN ARGENTINA

Yes, Uber is in Argentina! And it’s a great way to scoot around town.

Outside of walking, requesting an Uber was the top way we got around the places we were in. Not to mention the way we got to and from the airports.

As for renting a car in Argentina , we can’t recommend it enough!

We rented a car twice during our time in Argentina. Once to get to the wineries in Mendoza. Then, the second time, to road trip around Northern Argentina!

If you want to do your own thing at your own pace, renting a car in Argentina is for you!

What Is The Best Month to Visit Argentina?

If you don’t already know, Argentina is in the Southern Hemisphere .

So if you’re visiting from places like the United States, Europe, etc. (Northern Hemisphere countries), our seasons are flip-flopped with Argentina’s.

What do we mean by that?

Well, their summer (December – February) is our winter months, whereas their winter months (June – August) are our summer months.

All that to say, there is not a bad time to visit Argentina . However, spring (September – November) and fall (March – May) are best for the weather – cooler temperatures and a little rainfall.

Aregentina’s summer (December – February) is their rainy season .

HOWEVER, we visited during Argentina’s peak rainy season (January), and we loved it. It barely rained, and when it did, it was a short little storm that rolled in and out.

Just like other countries around the world, Argentina can be visited year-round. It just depends on what you want to do!

NOTE: The below itinerary assumes you are not visiting during Argetnina’s winter but during their Spring, Summer, or Fall.

Map of Argentina 2 Week Itinerary

Use the + and – signs within the interactive map above to understand where each destination is located in Argentina.

Day 1: Arrive to Buenos Aires

Whether you’re arriving from another Latin American country or your home country, “Bienvenido” to Argentina!

Known as the Paris of South America , you could spend 2 weeks in Buenos Aires alone!

Home of the tango , rich history , wonderful architecture , and endless eateries to devour some of Argentina’s staple dishes like asado, empanadas, alfajores, and, of course, Malbec wine, Buenos Aires is a wonder to behold.

Depending on when you land (and how you slept on your flight, especially if it was a long haul one), the first day is meant for you to get settled , walk around your neighborhood ( we recommend staying in Palermo or Recoleta ! ), and having dinner at a cozy (or bustling) cafe.

TIP: People eat dinner late in Buenos Aires (and Argentina in general!). Prime dining time occurs between 9 PM – 10 PM and goes into the night. If you arrive any earlier than 8:30 PM, you may be the only diner in the restaurant 🙂

Alternatively, if you are raring to go, a walking tour is a PERFECT way to jump-start your first day in Buenos Aires. Not only will a walking tour orient you to the city, but you’ll also learn about its history and how Buenos Aires became what it is today.

Day 2 – 3: Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a wonderful city to walk through ! And walking is one of the best ways to experience the city’s top sights.

Learn how to spend 3 days in Buenos Aires here!

• Stroll through Recoleta Cemetery (it sounds creepy, but we promise it’s not!)
• Wander the Sunday Street Market in San Telmo
• Take a jaunt around La Boca to experience the colorful houses along Caminito
• Walk across the widest avenue in the world, Avenida de Mayo
• Meander around Plaza De Mayo to see the “Pink House” where the President of Buenos Aires lives
• Stroll along the waterfront of Puerto Madero and stop at one of its many waterfront eateries for a snack or drink

Of course, some sights are a little too far to walk, making a hop-on-hop-off bus a great option to consider!

Oh, and if you didn’t get a chance to take a walking tour or bike tour (per day 1’s recommendation!), then no doubt get one of these walking or biking tours booked!

TIP: Spending a weekend, specifically a Sunday in Buenos Aires, is a must! The San Telmo Sunday Market was one of our favorite experiences in Buenos Aires. Not to mention, spending a Sunday on Caminito in La Boca and getting lunch is a must, too!

Whether you hit these sights on your walking tour, bike tour, or hop-on-hop-off bus tour, you’ll want to do your best to add the below to your “must-see sights in Buenos Aires” list!

• See the city of Buenos Aires from a chic rooftop bar , like Salon 1923
• Admire the beautiful architecture that is Teatro Colón (historic opera house) and El Ateneo Grand Splendid (bookstore)
• Have a coffee or cocktail at a historic cafe (Café Notable) or historic bar (Bares Notables)
• Take a Tango lesson or watch a Tango show at Señor Tango , El Viejo Almacen , or La Ventana . After all, you’re in the birthplace of Tango!

And finally, for those foodies out there, indulging in an authentic Argentina Asado experience at either Fagon Asado or The Argentina Experience . This was one of our favorite things we did during our time in Bueno Aires!

Oh, and to take your food experience to the next level, book a cooking class in Buenos Aires!

As you can see, Buenos Aires has a TON of things to see and do 🙂

Where To Stay In Buenos Aires

We stayed in Palermo and loved it! Palermo is a quaint, walkable neighborhood with bars, shops, and cafes. There are loads of nicer hotels like BE Jardin Escondido (where Francis Ford Coppola stayed!), Mine Hotel , and Magnolia , all of which are great accommodation options to consider when booking in Palermo!

If you’d rather stay in an apartment in Palermo, this modern studio and apartment are wonderful options! And for those looking for budget-friendly accommodations, PH Palermo Hostel and LOPEZ Hostel & Suites are for you!

Recoleta, the nicest area in Buenos Aires, is upscale and, like Palermo, home to many bars, shops, and cafes. Accommodations like Casa Par , Poetry Building , and Casa Bevant are exceptional places to call home while exploring Buenos Aires!

And for those budget seekers, hostels like Mons and Casa Franca are cost-effective places to stay in the nicer areas of Buenos Aires.

In reality, you really can’t go wrong with either neighborhood! They’re both charming, safe areas of the city close to many amazing things to do in Buenos Aires!

Day 4 – 6: Mendoza

After three amazing days in Buenos Aires, it’s time to board a flight to one of the best wine regions in the world , Mendoza!

There are a few things to know about Mendoza.

• Mendoza a  city  (Mendoza Centro)
• But it’s also a  region  (Province of Mendoza)
• Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, two wine regions in Mendoza, are  outside the city . Luján de Cuyo is the closest to Mendoza ( 20 – 30 minutes ), whereas Uco Valley is  one hour south  of the Mendoza City Center.

TIP: We rented a car and drove to Uco Valley ourselves and stayed the weekend in a cozy accommodation . If you want to drive yourself, book a rental car ahead of time, especially if you’re visiting in peak season. If you prefer having a driver to take you to the wineries , that is another option!

While there are some wonderful things to do in the city of Mendoza, your sights are set on Tupungato, a small Uco Valley town at the base of the Andes Mountains.

Mendoza, specifically Uco Valley, is arguably known for producing the best Malbecs in the world. And being married to a Malbec fan-boy, we can attest that the Mablecs from Mendoza (and its other wines, too!) are some of the best-tasting wines we’ve ever tried!

Check out our Mendoza itinerary to help you navigate the area!

Uco Valley Wineries

So, that is what you’re here to do?! Drink wine, take in the stunning views of the Andes mountains, and eat good food. Sound good? We thought so 🙂

• Bodega Catena Zapata: One of our favorite wineries , we highly recommend reserving a lunch wine tasting.
• Bodega Andeluna: We did a wine tasting and tour here and loved it! You can also stay at Andeluna , right in the vineyard!
• Bodega DiamAndes: We had a wine-pairing lunch, and it was scrumptious! As tasty as the food was and as BEAUTIFUL of a setting this Bodega is situated in, DiamAndes was our least favorite in terms of wine.

TIP: Reservations are REQUIRED to have lunch or partake in a wine tasting or tour. Especially if you are looking to visit popular places like Catena Zapata, make your reservations as far IN ADVANCE as you can.

Alternatively, if you do not wish to stay in Uco Valley, you are, of course, welcome to stay in Mendoza City and book winery tours to Bodega Catena Zapata and Bodega DiamAndes from the city center!

Or, if you wish to tackle the wineries in one day, a multi-winery tour is another option! If you opt to tackle the wineries of Mendoza in one day, you can spend your other day horseback riding or visiting the Cacheuta Hot Springs .

Where To Stay in Uco Valley

If you’re looking to be as close to the wineries as possible, our recommendation is to stay right in the vineyard of Andeluna ! Can’t get much closer than that 🙂

Of course, other options exist, such as Gaia Lodge and Tupungato Divino , and if you want to splurge for some exceptional views , Hotel De Cielo is a luxurious property giving you a front-row seat to the Andes Mountains.

If you’re looking for a house to stay with friends or family, La Casa De Alicia is perfect. It’s cozy and a great space to connect and unwind with your loved ones.

Day 7 – 10: Cafayate or Humahuaca

With Mendoza behind you, you’re flying further north into Argentina! As much as we’d love to be able to tell you you can visit both Cafayate and Humahuaca , sadly, you’ll have to choose between the two .

TIP: The Mendoza to Salta route only operates direct flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. On Mondays and Fridays, there are no direct flights. So, do your best to plan accordingly.

While you’ll fly into the same airport (Salta – SLA) as the starting point to access both destinations, Cafayate and Humahuaca are in opposite directions of each other.

Cafayate is located 3 hours south of Salta , whereas Humahuaca is located almost 4 hours north of Salta .

Since both places are in opposite directions, you’ll need to pick one to visit as you won’t have the time to visit both.

We’ll explain more about Cafayate and Humahuaca below, but whichever you choose as a stop on your Argentina 2 week itinerary, you’ll have an unforgettable time!

TIP: Both options will require a rental car . You can look at busses, but in all honesty, we really recommend against it. There is SO much to see and do outside of the town limits of both places that having a rental car is honestly the best way to get around and explore both Cafayate and Humahuaca .

About Cafayate

A small town surrounded by vineyards and a rugged landscape , Cayafayte is located in the province of Salta. It also happens to be located in the second largest wine-producing region in Argentina, Calchaquí Valley.

It takes three hours to get there by car from Salta, and the drive is nothing short of scenic! In fact, Ruta 68 is considered one of the most scenic drives in Argentina , and for good reason!

There is a section of Ruta 68 that pushes the word “scenic” to the next level. It’s called Quebrada de las Conchas , and it starts some 30 – 35 miles (50 – 55 km) outside of Cafayate.

Desert-landscape with vast valleys and towering mountains surround either side of you as you drive through Quebrada de las Conchas. With plenty of stopping points along the way, you’ll get out of your car frequently to explore and take photos!

The scenic landscape makes you feel like you’re in the U.S. Southwest , and it’s spectacular!

Before you know it, you’ll arrive in Cafayate, a small winery-filled town with a backdrop of the Andes Mountains.

It’s small, quaint, and an absolutely LOVELY place to spend a few days drinking wine , walking the town square , partaking in a few hikes , and ultimately enjoying the breathtaking sights along Quebrada de las Conchas.

Get our complete guide on the best things to do in Cafayate !

Where To Stay in Cafayate

For more upscale and swanky stays in Cafayate, you should most certainly check out Patios De Cafayate , Piattelli Wine Resort , and Grace Cafayate . Each of these will not only offer you a luxurious stay amongst the rugged desert landscape but also a memorable one!

For those visiting Cafayate on a budget , accommodations like Cajón de Agua , La Montaña , and Kallpa will suit your needs just fine!

Finally, for those looking for something in between luxury and budget-friendly, Cafayate accommodations like Villa Vicuña Wine & Boutique Hotel , Luna de Cafayate Hotel Boutique , and Complejo Los Olivos are the perfect balance for those in the mid-range accommodation seekers.

About Humahuaca

The small town of Humahuaca is located in the north-westernmost portion of Argentina in Jujuy province, about a few hours south of the Bolivian border .

Humahuaca is home to wild desert landscapes , towering cactuses , and multi-colored rainbow mountains .

The stunning valley of Quebrada de Humahuaca, where Humahuaca sits, was officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.

Having been populated for at least 10,000 years, Humachuaca is ancient, historical, and home to the Colla (also spelled Qulla), the ingenious people of the area.

While the town square of Humahuaca is quaint, the most well-known and frankly most-visited attraction is Serranía de Hornocal, a 14-colored mountain that will blow anyone’s mind!

It’s unlike anything you will ever see in your life and one of the sole reasons people (us included) make the almost 4-hour drive from Salta!

Read our complete guide on the best things to do in  Humahuaca,  and it’s a stunni ng   rainbow mountain !

Where To Stay In Humahuaca

Even though Humahuaca is a smaller town, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from when looking for places to stay in Humahuaca.

You won’t find any 5-star accommodations in Humahuaca, but places like La Chakana Humahuaca , Buena Vista Hostel , Tikay Humahuaca , Cabaña Kenty Wasy , and Cielo Arriba Casa offer comfortable and authentic stays in the high-elevation town of Humahuaca.

Which Do You Visit? Cafayate or Humahuaca?

• Humahuaca : If you are looking for something more rustic and very, very laid back, Humahuaca is for you. While there are other smaller nearby towns you can visit (i.e., Tilacara and Purmamarca), the main attraction is driving up to Serranía de Hornocal, the 14-colored mountain.
• Cafayate : If you want to continue sampling Argentina’s wine and enjoy the beautiful scenery, then Cafayete is for you! The town is lovely and has many more things to do and see when compared to Humahuaca.

As we said, you cannot go wrong with whatever you choose ! Both are wonderful cities in Northern Argentina. It really just depends on what experiences you are looking for.

Day 11 – 13: Iguazu Falls

Nearing the end of this Argentina 2-week itinerary, it’s time for your next flight. This time, you’re heading east towards the border for Brazil to the thunderous 275 waterfalls that make up the colossal Iguazu Falls .

TIP : Direct flights only operate from Salta to Puerto Iguazu on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Again, do your best to plan your days accordingly.

One of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, Iguazu Falls is the largest waterfall system in the world , with 80% of the waterfalls found on the Argentine side.

To get to Iguazu Falls , you’ll fly into Puerto Iguazu (Argentina side), where you’ll be a short drive from the National Park, Parque Nacional Iguazú.

TIP: Start your visit right when the park opens. It is very, very hot and humid, so the earlier you can start, the better! Also, bring plenty of water and wear water-wicking or dry-fast clothing. You’ll get wet not only from your sweat but from the mist of the falls!

Iguazu Falls is massive and is the natural border between Brazil and Argentina . Accessible on both the Brazilian and Argentina sides, Iguazu Falls is one of the highlights of any visit to Argentina!

Depending on when your plane arrives and departs from Puerto Iguazu, you may only have time to visit one side of the falls. So which side do you choose?!

Read the ultimate trip-planning guide to visiting Iguazu Falls !

Which Side of Iguazu Falls Is Better?

• Argentina Side : Home to 80% of the waterfalls of Iguzau, you have two circuits that take you around the Argentina side of the falls, Upper Circuit and Lower Circuit. Both circuits get you up close to the falls and offer some amazing viewpoints to show off the sheer size of Iguazu. We recommend doing both circuits, which can be done in a few hours.
• Brazil Side (our favorite side): Since Brazil is home to 20% of the falls, you actually get a better view of the falls from the Brazilian side, looking towards Argentina. In addition, there is a boardwalk that walks right out of the top of one of the falls, practically putting you in the center (or what feels like the center) of it all.

Now, to caveat the above, while the Brazil side was our favorite side of Iguazu Falls, the main highlight of the Argentina side (Devil’s Throat) was closed due to flooding when we visited.

TIP: If you plan to visit the Brazil side of the falls, be sure you meet Brazil’s visa requirements. Have your passport and any documents you need prepared and completed ahead of your border crossing into Brazil.

We spent about 5-6 hours on each side , and while doing both in a day is doable, it’ll make for a long day, but a private tour or group tour may be a good option for those wanting to experience both sides of Iguazu.

Each side of the falls offers such different views and vantage points! So if you have the time, it is really worth seeing both sides of Iguazu!

Where To Stay Near Iguazu Falls

The closest hotel to Iguazu Falls is the stunning Gran Meliá Iguazú ! However, you’ll pay a pretty penny to stay the night here! If you can afford it, you can see the falls from your hotel room, as well as have access to the falls for sunset and sunrise when the park is closed to the public.

For accommodations in the city center of Puerto Iguazu, places like Rincón Escondido , Secret Garden Iguazu , and Arapy Bed and Dream are top-rated places to stay!

However, we really recommend staying outside of the city and getting out into nature. You’re in the jungle , after all, so enjoy it! Accommodations like Selvaje Lodge Iguazu and Hotel , Tré Iguazú , La Reserva Virgin Lodge , and Overo Lodge & Selva .

Day 14: Depart Buenos Aires

The saddest day of any trip is departure day! If you’re like us, your Argentina 2 week itinerary only left you wanting more!

If your flight out of Buenos Aires is not till later in the afternoon, you can visit one of the locations you didn’t get to during your Day 1 – 3. Or, even opt for a morning walking tour !

Or feel free to take it easy, head to a coffee shop, and enjoy your last few hours in Argentina.

We hope you will enjoy this Argentina 2 week itinerary as much as we did! We’re already planning our trip back 🙂

Want More Information?!

How To Spend 3 Days in Buenos Aires

15 Things To Know Before Visiting Argentina

How to Spend 3 Days in Mendoza

How To Visit Argentina’s Rainbow Mountain

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Iguazu Falls

16 Things To Do In Humahuaca (Jujuy), Argentina

Iguazu Falls Itinerary: The Best Things To Do At Iguazu Falls

13 Can’t Miss Things To Do in Cafayate

Your Guide to Driving Scenic Quebrada De Las Conchas

Pin It For Later – Argentina 2 Week Itinerary!

For more travel tips, guides, and awesome travel shots, be sure to poke around our site and follow us on Instagram  @wanderingstus ,  Pinterest , and  Facebook . Oh, if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. We’re happy to answer. Or, leave us a positive note!

Happy Travels,

– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stu’s)

We're Lauren & Jesse, the creators behind Wandering Stus! We've been traveling for decades, exploring and experiencing the very best this world has to offer. Whether we're roadtripping the U.S. in our camper, hiking through National Parks, or jet-setting to different countries around the globe, we write detailed travel guides to help you plan one amazing (and unforgettable) adventure!

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2-week road trip in Argentina

You love the Argentinian atmosphere ? You have 2 weeks you don’t know what to do with? Vamos en Argentina! From North to South , explore the country and discover its hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes . A lovely trip is coming!

Here is a glimpse of the beautiful experiences awaiting in this 2-week road trip in Argentina:

• Discover the beautiful Pasaje de la Defensa during your visit to Buenos Aires
• Climb Cerro San Bernardo for a great view of the city of Salta
• See the rainbow mountains in Hornocal , a few kilometres from Humahuaca
• Walk through the salt desert of Salinas Grandes at sunset
• Walk among the cacti in Los Cardones National Park , not far from Cachí
• Visit the vineyards and wine tastings of Cafayate
• Take in the natural beauty of the Perito Moreno glacier or El Chaltén from El Calafate

To travel safely and without any worry on your mind, we recommend Chapka Insurance !

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Itinerary of a 2-week road trip in Argentina

Buenos Aires > Salta > Humahuaca > Salinas Grandes > Cachí > Cafayate > Salta > El Calafate > Buenos Aires

Some practical information before your trip to Argentina

For this itinerary we recommend  renting a car from Hertz . It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

You want to buy a paper travel guide ? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date!

Need a road map to prepare your itinerary? We recommend this one , the most detailed and the most pleasant to read!

The best time to do this itinerary in Argentina is from December to March , during the summer . The temperatures are more pleasant, there is not too much rain, it is ideal! However, as this itinerary takes you through several regions of Argentina, the weather will not be optimal in every region. It’s up to you to choose where you want to have the best weather during your trip. Click here for more information.

You can’t leave Argentina without trying some of the country’s culinary specialities ! Starting with empanadas , the country’s emblematic snack that can be eaten at any time of the day. They are a kind of pastry filled with meat or vegetables, with spices, it’s delicious! Then there is the other unavoidable speciality: the asado , in other words, the Argentinian barbecue. It is a very convivial moment during which friends and families like to meet. Finally, since this itinerary takes you to the Salta region, you should try its speciality: humita salteña , a delicious corn-based preparation wrapped in corn leaves.

Contents: 2-week road trip in Argentina

1- Buenos Aires – Stop 1 of the 2-week road trip in Argentina 2- Salta – Stop 2 of the 2-week road trip in Argentina 3- Humahuaca – Stop 3 of the 2-week road trip in Argentina 4- Salinas Grandes – Stop 4 of the 2-week road trip in Argentina 5- Cachí – Stop 5 of the 2-week road trip in Argentina 6- Cafayate – Stop 6 of the 2-week road trip in Argentina 7- Salta – Stop 7 of the 2-week road trip in Argentina 8- El Calafate – Stop 8 of the 2-week road trip in Argentina 9- Buenos Aires – Stop 9 of the 2-week road trip in Argentina

Itinerary of a 2-week road trip in Argentina: step by step

Stop 1: Buenos Aires

What to do in Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires is a very lively city, mainly because of its young population. You can not miss out on this city when going to Argentina. Don’t worry, you’ll be back at the end of your 2-week road trip in Argentina to explore the city in depth.

• Get a coffee in the famous  Café Tortoni , one of the oldest coffee shops in the city.
• Explore  San Telmo  neighbourhood and go back in time when visiting  Pasaje de la Defensa , a 19th century house.
• Dancers, learn a few Tango steps in the streets of San Telmo  during one of the many streets shows.
• Enjoy a  Bife de Chorizo or  Lomo  in  El Establo Parrilla .
• Taste delicious ice creams at  Freddo , Persicco  or  Volta .
• Go explore  Recoleta   cemetery (yes, a cemetery) and get right into Argentina’s history where former presidents and war heroes lie. Kind of like  Père Lachaise  cemetery if you’ve already been to  Paris (you lucky traveler!).
• Stroll around the streets of  La Boca . Football fans, stop at  La Bombonera  stadium, Boca Juniors ‘ famous club. Others, attend one of the street Tango shows.
• Don’t miss out on Palermo neighbourhood, flower heaven. Stop for a moment and have a coffee or an empanada (or both) while watching locals dancing.

Continue your visit of Buenos Aires with:

• Go to  Teatro Colón  to admire its beautiful architecture and go see a ballet or opera show.
• Take the time to go to  Plaza de Mayo (nothing to do with your favorite condiment) and admire the huge Casa Rosada, the president’s palatial mansion!
• Enjoy the regional specialities like  locro (hearty stew made of corn and meat) or l’ humita (a corn dish) in the folkloric district of  Mataderos .
• Visit an Argentinian ranch with Gauchos in  San Antonio de Areco  thanks to the many day-trips starting the city.
• You’ve seen enough of the city and want to go on an adventure ? Go for a 2-day trip in  Puerto Iguazú  and explore the famous  Iguazú falls . A unique and unforgettable experience!
• Go on an excursion to see the  Delta del Tigre .
• Feel like a movie star at Avenida Corrientes and enjoy a  Broadway  atmosphere.
• Party people, this is the perfect city for you!Indeed, Buenos Aires has a great nightlife scene that should please everyone!

Where to sleep in Buenos Aires?

• Mid-range: With a game room consisting of a pool table and a ping-pong table, My Soho Serrano and its owners will satisfy and delight you.
• High-end: The Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires offers spacious luxury suites with marble bathrooms and exclusive bars. It is the only hotel in the chic Recoleta district to have an outdoor swimming pool, so enjoy this exclusive feature! The staff are also always praised by the guests. You will be treated like real kings and queens!

Stop 2: Salta

What to do in Salta?

The city of Salta is the perfect place to explore the Nort-West of Argentina. Thanks to its touristic qualities, the city significantly grew over the last few years. This will be a short stop on your 2-week road trip in Argentina, but you will come back to it in a few days don’t worry!

• Take a nap on a shady bench on  Plaza 9 de Julio .
• Get to know General Güemes (or what’s left of him I should say), the hero of the independence, in the cathedral .
• Want to learn more about the history of the region? Head to the Cabildo ( town hall in english) where you’ll find the Museo Historico del Norte , don’t forget to admire its colonial architecture.
• You like to discover the dark side of things? Go to the  Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montana   (MAAM) where the bodies of 3 mummified children are kept (light hearted? stay away!).

More things to do in Salta:

• Take the cable car up to  Cerro San Bernardo .
• If you haven’t tasted empanadas yet, better take the chance in Salta. Stuffed with meat, veggies or other ingredients, these small savory pastries will please everyone at   Doña Salta restaurant .
• Drink some  Coca . No, not your usual American soda, here it is a herbal tea infused with coca leaves. It’s recommended when in the mountains to fight altitude sickness !
• Spend a night in the heart of  Salta ‘s culture and take part in the  peñas where singers and musicians will make you dance all night long.

Where to sleep in Salta?

• Mid-range: The Andes Apart offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, overlooking the city. This flat, located 1.9km from the centre, has free private parking, 24-hour reception and free Wi-Fi.
• High-end: Let us introduce you to the Alejandro 1° Hotel. With a swimming pool and a fully equipped indoor gym, this quiet and peaceful hotel with spacious rooms will give you all the comfort you need to get back on the road energised the next day.

Stop 3: Humahuaca

What to do in Humahuaca?

Humahuaca is the biggest ville in the Quebrada de Humahuaca region. Authentic, it hosts the February carnaval and the many visitors that go with it. 

• Walk around the paved streets and admire the traditional houses .
• Step in the  Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria  cathedral.
• Go up the tall stairwell and get to the Monument of Independence and the Santa Bárbara Tower .
• Art lovers, head to the  Estudio Museo Ramoneda,  it has many local artists’ artwork. A little bit further is the  Museo de Arte « Nicasio Fernández Mar » , a sculpture museum.
• 10km / 6.2 miles away, discover the  old Native American village of Coctaca’s ruins .
• Less than an hour away from the village, go to  Mirador del Hornocal  and be amazed by the outstanding scenery. These colourful mountains are a must-see on this 2-week road trip in Argentina.

Where to sleep in Humahuaca?

• Mid-range: Looking for a change of scenery? Then go and sleep in a typical Argentinean hostel, the Hostal Casa de Piedra , with owners who will take the time to explain everything to you.

Stop 4: Salinas Grandes

What to do in the Salinas Grandes?

Salinas Grandes is a must-see if you are nearby. It is considered to be one of the largest salt desert in the world, Salinas Grandes has breathtaking sceneries. Get your sunglasses and sunscreen on and let’s go! 

• Meet the local wildlife : flamingos, llamas and suris.
• Explore the  Salinas Grandes  by day it’s great, but during the sunset hours it’s even greater! Admire the colourful salt desert and enjoy a beautiful natural show. This is a unique landscape on this 2-week road trip in Argentina.

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Stop 5: Cachí

What to do in Cachí?

This charming and quaint village, is the fifth stop of your 2-week road trip in Argentina. 

• Step in San José Church  and admire its colonial architecture.
• The Archeological Museum   Pio Pablo Diaz  is one of the most beautiful in the region, you will learn about the history and culture of the valleys.
• Have a picnic under the pine trees at  9 de Julio   Square. 
• You want to get a great view of the village ? Go to the cemetery on top of the hill, you will get a 360 view over the valley.
• Taste some delicious local cheese, queso norteño .
• Less than an hour away, discover Los Cardones   National Park , where cacti and tall canyons will take your breath away.

Where to sleep in Cachí?

• Mid-range: Decorated in the style of the country, La Chakana , offers accommodation with a garden, a terrace and a shared kitchen. With a warm and family welcome, you will find your happiness.
• High-end: El Cortijo Hotel is housed in an old colonial house. It offers pleasant and spacious rooms with traditional Argentinean decoration and a gourmet restaurant. If you are looking for a pleasant experience during your trip, then this is the place for you.

Stop 6: Cafayate

What to do in Cafayate?

Cafayate is a must-see on the wine route, but most importantly one of the loveliest regions you will visit during this 2-week road trip in Argentina.

• Go enjoy the regional wines, the  torrontés , in the many wineries of the city.
• To learn even more about wine, go to the Museum of the Vine and Wine , where you will also be able to taste regional wines ( the trip is not over, do not have to much of it! )
• Enjoy local dishes at  Macacha restaurant .
• Get yourself some local products at the marketplace .
• Not far from Cafayate, go discover Quebrada de las Conchas,  a long canyon where you can admire beautiful sceneries.

Where to sleep in Cafayate?

• Mid-range: Stay at Calchaquí 6 , a 2 bedroom flat with a great view of the surrounding area! Clean and comfortable, it has it all!
• High-end: With both indoor and outdoor pools, the Grace Cafayate is located in the middle of vineyards. In addition, it offers a panoramic view of the Andes mountains. The hotel’s reputation is built on the hospitality and professionalism of its guests.

Stop 7: Salta

Back in Salta after your visit to the northwest, take the opportunity to explore this charming part of your 2-week road trip in Argentina. 

Stop 8: El Calafate

What to do in El Calafate?

El Calafate is the gate to Los Glaciares National Park (or Glaciers National Park), a UNESCO World heritage site with around 50 glaciers. The scenery will be breathtaking during this stop of the 2-week road trip in Argentina. 

• Explore  Perito Moreno glacier, go trekking and admire the ice falls.
• While you’re in the area, take some time to go on an adventure to discover El Chaltén and its beautiful scenery.
• Wait until 6pm and go to  La Zorra  pub, have a local beer and enjoy Happy Hour until 7pm.
• Drink some  maté , the local tea, in  Cambalache , located in the city center.
• Enjoy some delicious sheep meat, a Patagonia speciality.
• Observe flamingos in the swamps along  Paseo Kirchner .
• Tip : if you came here driving, be careful, there are no traffic lights!

Where to sleep in El Calafate?

• Mid-range: Well located, close to the city centre, stay at the Hosteria Patagonia . It’s great value for money, with the bare essentials, but after all, do you need more?
• High-end: Just a few kilometres from the city centre, Hotel Xelena & Suites offers a free shuttle to the city centre. In an idyllic setting on the waterfront, each room is equipped with a minibar, safe, LCD TV and DVD player.

Stop 9: Buenos Aires

Here we are back in Buenos Aires, enjoy the last few days ! 

Learn more about your road trip in Argentina…

• You want to know all the information about the country?  It’s here .
• Then, to rent a car at the best price, we advise you this website .
• To book a flight at the best price, we recommend you this website .
• You are looking for a great travel insurance  for your 2-week road trip in Argentina?  We recommend this one !

Do not hesitate to share your trip with us, we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!

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How to Spend Two Perfect Weeks in Argentina – Itinerary

Hi there! Welcome to your guide for how to spend two perfect weeks in Argentina. Argentina is a beautiful country with beautiful landscapes, delicious food and amazing things to do and see. It’s also a large county, and one that I recommend visiting for at least two weeks. Keep reading for your Argentina itinerary, that will allow you to have the best two week trip to the incredible South American country!

Ready for your itinerary? Let’s get right into it!

Overview – 2 Weeks in Argentina Itinerary

• Buenos Aires (4 days)
• San Martin, Patagonia (5 days)
• Bariloche, Patagonia (3 days)
• Buenos Aires (2 days)
• Optional: Camping in Lanin National Park (3 days)

Days 1-4 in Buenos Aires

• Arrive at your hotel and explore Calle Florida, a popular shopping street
• Be sure to visit La Recoleta Cemetery – it has been named one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world and has the graves of Eva Perón + former Argentinian presidents
• Day 3: Day Trip to Colonia, Uruguay – click here for more information
• Palermo is well known for it’s great nightlife

Sleep – Hotel Recommendations in Buenos Aires :

I recommend staying in the Recoleta or Palermo areas of Buenos Aires, they is a lot to do and see and they are beautiful neighborhoods.

• Urban Suites Recoleta
• Blank Hotel Recoleta
• Arc Recoleta
• Duque Hotel Palermo
• Krista Boutique Hotel Palermo
• Selina Palermo (hostel)

There are so many wonderful hotels and hostels to choose from in both neighborhoods, and all over Buenos Aires.

Be sure to check out my itinerary for 4 days in Olivos, Buenos Aires for a day-by-day plan of how to spend your time in the city!

Optional: 3 days in Paimun, Lanín National Park

Note: This would extend your trip to around 17 days. After spending a few days in the city of Buenos Aires, this is the perfect stop for anyone who loves camping, fishing, hiking and other outdoor activities!

Most campsites in Lanin National Park are about 30 minutes by car on a windy dirt road from the town of Junin de los Andes . However, don’t let this deter you! Once up the mountain, Lanin National Park has tons of beautiful camping and lodge options.

I recommend finding a campground or lodge near Paimún and Huechulafquen lakes, as there is great fishing and also lots of amazing hikes. You’ll also have amazing views of Lanin Volcano. There is no cell phone service in this area, but some lodges/campsites have wifi!

• Drive to your campsite in Lanin National Park
• This beautiful chapel is located in Neuquen and is walkable from many campsites.
• This hike takes about 30 minutes and is moderately difficult. There were lots of families with small children, but keep in mind you will have to climb up some large rocks and steep inclines.

Lodges + Camping in Lanín National Park

Sleep – lodge recommendations:

• If you’re looking for a quaint lodge that offers good food, fishing + kayaks check out The majority of the guests who stay at this hotel come for fishing, but there are tons of other activities available! Keep in mind there’s no wifi – but just a few minutes up the road you can visit a campsite where for about $1 you can use their wifi.
• Dreamed Cabin – a beautiful private vacation home (free wifi!)
• Cabañas Mirador de Huachulafquen – great for fishing, right on Lake Huachulafquen

Days 5-9 in San Martin de los Andes

• Check into your lodge and go to Lake Lacar Beach
• Visit all of the chocolate shops, especially Mamuschka
• If you’re into fishing, these are great spots!
• I recommend the early morning or the late afternoon, when the sun is weaker
• Finish up any last minute souvenir shopping

Be sure to check out my full San Martin de los Andes travel guide !

Sleep – Hotel Recommendations in San Martin de los Andes:

• Hotel Antiguos
• Latitud Cuarenta
• Patagonia Plaza Hotel  
• Cabañas Woodland (great for families)

Days 10-12 in Bariloche

• Check into your hotel and explore the town
• Check out the amazing Victoria Island arrayanes forest on this half day tour
• Drive to Colonia Suiza for their amazing artisan market – 15 miles from Bariloche. Keep in mind it’s only open on Wednesdays and Saturdays

Sleep- Hotel Recommendations in Bariloche:

• Hotel Tres Reyes
• Hotel Panamericano Bariloche
• Alma Del Lago Suites & Spa
• Selina Bariloche (hostel)

Be sure to check out my full guide and itinerary for 2 days in Bariloche , filled with fun things to do and see!

Day 13-14 in Buenos Aires

• Check into your hotel and visit the fun and colorful neighborhoods of La Boca + San Telmo (great for souvenir shopping)
• See a Tango show at Cafe Tortoni at night!
• Fly home on a late night flight if possible

So there you have it! I hope my two week Argentina itinerary and guide are helpful to you.

There are so many amazing places to explore in Argentina, and in two weeks you can see a bunch of amazing spots!

I definitely recommend starting in Buenos Aires and heading to Patagonia from there. This will make your initial flight time shorter (if you’re coming from the U.S.) and will also allow you to see both the city and the countryside.

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you’d like to add to this two week Argentina itinerary, let me know in the comments!

Lastly, I appreciate you sharing this post with someone you know who would love to visit Argentina!

This post includes affiliate links. Read our disclosure  here .

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14 comments.

So many cool experiences! Love the day by day guide, Buenos Aires looks so pretty!

Beautiful! Lanin National Park looks like a lot of fun, I love nature and hiking! I will definitely have to add that to my list, thanks for sharing!

Super handy itinerary, full with great tips! Definitely going to use them in Argentina!

I’ve never been to Argentina but it’s definitely on my bucket list! I’d so love to check out the national park!

I love traveling with my sister. This looks like so much fun and a good place to explore with her aswell. Loved the photos!

Such a cool post 🙂 Haven’t been to Argentina yet, but would love to visit! And your photos are wonderful 🙂

Oh yes! Argentina has been on my list for a little while so this post is perfect. Now I know what to expect and what to plan for my trip to Argentina. 🙂 I love your pictures as well!

Argentina is def on my bucket list! I really want to go camping and trekking out in Patagonia. This is a great 2-week itinerary!!

Argentina is high on my bucket list, so this itinerary really helps to see how much I can see and do in 2 weeks. Thanks for sharing 🙂

I so want to travel to Argentina as soon as the travel ban gets lifted. Absolutely loved the itinerary but would love to see the glaciers too. Would love if you can write about how to plan for a glacier trek in Argentina. 🙂

This is such a great guide, I especially love your photos!

This looks like a perfect itinerary! I would so love to visit Buenos Aires and the nature 😍

Hoping to go to Argentina for 2 weeks next year! This is a great start for planning my itinerary 🙂

There’s so much I’d love to see in Argentina, but if I go, I’ll definitely be visiting those chocolate shops in San Martin!

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Ultimate Argentina Itinerary For 2 Weeks (2024)

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

After a fantastic first trip to this incredible country, I can’t wait to share my Argentina itinerary and help you plan the perfect holiday. Due to my penchant for slow travel, I spent over a month in Argentina however I know most people don’t have that long. For that reason, I’ve put together a 2 week Argentina itinerary. Enjoy!

How to get around Argentina

The two main options are buses and flights . Since buses commonly take around 18 hours between some of the destinations listed below, I suggest flying if you have just two weeks in Argentina. Budget airlines include FlyBondi, Aerolineas and JetSmart.

What type of Argentina itinerary is this?

This is a fast paced 2 week itinerary for people who want to see as much as possible in a short trip. To slow it down, remove Patagonia or Mendoza (and drink wine in Cafayate in Jujuy instead if you’re headed there).

Buenos Aires – 2+ days

BA is a must for your Argentina itinerary. Even if you’re not a city person, you’ll probably fly into the capital. Also, you may need to transit again if you visit Iguazu and/or Patagonia.

I LOVED Buenos Aires; it’s my favourite city in South America. From cool neighbourhoods like San Telmo and Palermo to cultural attractions including museums and galleries, there’s so much to see and do. I also enjoyed the green spaces and the fantastic food and coffee scene!

With 2 days in Buenos Aires , I suggest…

Day 1: explore the centre and Recoleta including the famous cemetery. Don’t miss El Ateneo Grand Splendid voted one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores. Enjoy a steak dinner. Day 2: explore San Telmo (ideally on a Sunday for the famous outdoor antiques market) and eat lunch in the covered market. In the afternoon, take a walking tour around colourful La Boca neighbourhood known for football and tango. Hit a tango show in the evening. I recommend BA Free Walks ; they have a tour for each notable area. Tip what you think it’s worth.

Top attractions

• Galleries – I visited Belles Artes (fine art), MALBA (Latin American art), Museo Moderno (modern art)
• Teatro Colon – catch a show if you can!
• Palacio Barolo based on Dante’s Divine Comedy – guided tours available
• Recoleta Cemetery – walking tours available
• Plaza de Mayo – historic square
• The parks including the Japanese Gardens
• Puerto Madero – the modern waterfront area.

Eat: pizza at Guerrin , choripan at La Choripaneria , fancy cakes at Confiteria Ideal , ice cream at Cadore and steak and empanadas just about anywhere! Stay: the best areas to stay are Palermo and San Telmo. If you stay in hostels, I recommend America del Sur (chilled) Viajero or Milhouse (social, party hostels) in San Telmo, and PH Palermo in Palermo.

Patagonia – 3+ days

This world-famous region of snowy peaks, epic hikes and amazing nature was high on my bucket list and I’m so glad I ticked it off! If you have just 2 weeks in Argentina, I suggest picking either the south, middle or north of Patagonia rather than attempting to squeeze it all in. You’d need 2 weeks+ for all of it! North: Bariloche – paradise for adventurous sorts with opportunities to hike and kayak. Better yet, it’s known for its many Swiss chocolate shops. Middle: El Calafate and El Chalten (more details to come). South: Ushuaia and the end of the world. You won’t have time for an Antarctica cruise but you can still ride the Fin del Mundo train. For an easy-to-visit region with epic hikes, I recommend the middle. Here’s how to spend your time… El Calafate: although the town isn’t interesting or charming, it offers access to the majestic Perito Moreno glacier. Splash out to hike on the glacier or take the budget option of admiring it from the boardwalks. Stay at America del Sur hostel, a social base for solo travellers in Patagonia . El Chalten: this hiker’s haven boasts many trails however the Tres Laguna route to the base of famous Mount Fitz Roy is the winner.

To get to Patagonia, fly in and out of El Calafate and take a return bus to El Chaten. Day 3: travel from BA. Day 4: visit Perito Moreno glacier. Stay overnight in El Calafate. Day 5: travel to El Chalten and do an easy hike to the mirador. Day 6: hike the Tres Lagunas trail (or any easier one if you can’t handle the icy 500m scramble at the end). Reward yourself with pizza at Laborum . Day 7: bus back to El Calafate for an evening flight.

Mendoza: 2-3 days

If you love wine, then Mendoza should be on your Argentina itinerary, not to mention your culinary bucket list. It’s one of the top wine regions in the world known for its Malbec and other red varieties. Although the wineries are out of the city, it’s easy to visit the Maipu valley with an organised tour and Lujan de Cuyo by catching a bus and hiring a bike from Baccus Bikes . If time is tight, you can spend 2 days in Mendoza with a day in each wine area. If you can, add an extra day to explore the city, eat empanadas and walk in the lovely San Martin park. Day 8: travel to Mendoza. Day 9: Wine tasting. Choose Maipu or Lujan de Cuyo. Day 10: Mendoza. Explore the other wine region or have a city day.

One way to trim down your itinerary is by skipping Mendoza and visiting the other wine region of Cafayate while in Jujuy. More about this next…

Getting to Mendoza: you’ll probably want to take a 1-hour flight from BA since the bus takes around 14 hours.

Salta & Jujuy

Here’s where it gets tricky if time’s tight. I spent 10 days in Salta & Jujuy but you can spend however long you want. Salta is a pleasant city with cultural attractions but it’s the surrounding nature that stole my heart. Getting there: an 18-hour bus or 1-hour flight from Mendoza, or fly from BA.

Points of interest in Salta state:

• Humahuaca (3.5-hour drive from Salta) famous for the Hornocal AKA the 14 Colour Mountain located at the top of an elevated mountain pass
• Purmamarca (2.45-hour drive from Salta) – known for its 7 Colour Mountain located right in the town. Take the circular Paseo de los Colorados walk to admire the many colourful hills
• Selinas Grande salt pans – the third largest salt pan in the world created 10 million years ago by volcanos. Where could be better for a photo shoot?

With a tight 2 week Argentina itinerary, pick 1-2 places you’re most interested in. Hire a car, take a local bus trip (and be smart with timings so you don’t waste time travelling) or take organised day trips from Salta.

Points of interest in Jujuy state:

• Cafayate (3.5-hour drive from Salta) – a gorgeous wine region with a traditional town at its heart. Just a day is needed to visit the popular goat’s cheese farm and other wineries. There are day tours from Salta or stay overnight.
• Cachi – the appeal is the drive to this cute town along mountain passes and cactus-peppered plains. If you have a car, drive from Cafayate then back to Salta. If not, take a return day tour from Salta.

If you’re going to Chile next, save Salta ’til last and leave by bus destined for San Pedro de Atacama. Solo travellers, I have a girl’s guide to travelling alone in Chile for you!

Day 11: arrive in Salta and stay overnight. Day 12: day tour to Humahuaca or Purmamarca & the Salt Flats . Stay overnight in Salta. Day 13: day tour to Cafayate returning to Salta. Day 14: day tour to Cachi (I’m suggesting staying overnight in Salta the whole time but you could also hire a car and drive from Salta to Cafayate to Cachi to Salta).

Alternative stop – Iguazu Falls

Flying out east and then back again is time-consuming (you’ll likely have to transit in BA before continuing your travels to Mendoza or Salta) but worth it to see these wild and wonderful waterfalls.

Voted a New 7Wonder of nature, Iguazu Falls can be viewed from both Argentina and Brazil. I’ve done both and thought it was more impressive in Argentina because the site is larger with a wider array of viewpoints.

It’s possible to catch a morning flight from BA and see the Falls in the afternoon if you’re in a rush. From the airport, it’s a 30-minute bus ride to the Falls so, if you have limited luggage, there’s no need to visit Puerto de Iguazu town first. If you want to visit, swap out Mendoza or Patagonia from the above Argentina itinerary.

Note – if you’re heading to Brazil next, it’s easy to cross the border here. If you’re travelling alone, see my guide to solo female travel in Brazil .

Is Argentina safe for tourists? Yes, I felt very safe even as a solo female traveller. In particular, Salta and Patagonia are super safe. The main place to be wary is Buenos Aires, in particular areas like La Boca. Act as you would in any big city by not walking at night and keeping your valuables tucked away. Do I need to speak Spanish? It will certainly help to brush up on at least the basics. Yes, you can usually get by without it in touristy areas but you’ll have a better experience with locals if you’re polite – like anywhere! What’s the currency? It’s Argentine pesos. Due to the sad financial crash and extreme inflation, the rate against foreign currencies has changed rapidly. Because of this, you can only get small amounts from ATMs so it’s recommended to bring USD or EUR bills for exchange, or send yourself money via the Western Union app and collect it in branch.

Thanks for reading my 2 week Argentina itinerary!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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Not the trip you already saw

Our Patagonia Itinerary around Argentina and Chile in 2 Weeks

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If you enjoy hiking and exploring some of the world’s greatest natural landscapes, then this Patagonia itinerary is for you! Patagonia is one of the greatest natural destinations on earth, and for good reason.

Table of Contents

Overview: 2 Week Patagonia Itinerary

Here is an overview of our ultimate  2 weeks in Argentina Itinerary,  with our main recommendations of where to go in this order:

• Buenos Aires (3 days)
• El Chaltén (3 days)
• Calafate (3 days)
• Torres del Paine (4 day)

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires

Our flight from Barcelona arrived quite late in Buenos Aires, so we went directly to our hostel in Palermo , which is a neighborhood I can truly recommend to you!

Day 2: Buenos Aires: Recoleta & City Center

We started the day visiting the Recoleta cemetery , took something for lunch, and then took a free tour of the city center . Visiting the capital of Argentina is a must, even if the reason of the trip is Patagonia.

Day 3: Buenos Aires: La Boca & Palermo

You can’t miss walking around the streets of La Boca ! You can truly understand how Salsa was born, and although it’s very touristy, there are hidden gems, so we also recommend you take the free tour here 🙂 As our hostel was in Palermo , we spent the afternoon getting lost around the streets. We saw the sunset from a rooftop in the neighborhood.

Day 4: Flight to Calafate

We take the first flight from Buenos Aires to El Calafate, rent a car, and hit the road to El Chaltén, our first stop in our Patagonia itinerary. We couldn’t handle stopping in the middle of the road to admire the natural skyline of El Chaltén. What an amazing sunset!

Day 5: El Chaltén: Cerro Torre trek

The first trekking of our trip was Cerro Torre . Make sure to ask the receptionist about the weather forecast, as they can tell you a piece of local advice on which trekking is better for each day. The trail is absolutely gorgeous and the Laguna is also super worthy for your 14 day Patagonia itinerary. If you like hiking, I recommend you have a loot at our Costa Rica itinerary .

Day 6: El Chaltén: Fitz Roy Laguna de los tres trek

That was one of the best days of my life. The place seems like a dream! Unlike Torres del Paine, there were not a lot of people hiking Laguna de los tres , just try to start the hike early in the morning to avoid crowds. The views of Mt Fitz Roy are absolutely stunning and of course a must in your Patagonia itinerary.

Day 7: Road to Calafate

We wanted to catch the sunrise , which is a spectacle to watch when the first light in the morning hits Mt Fitz Roy, so we did a little hike at 5 am up to El Chaltén Lookout . Although we were not lucky due to some clouds, it was an amazing way to start the day! We then continued our road trip back to El Calafate . There’s a club in El Calafate that it’s quite fun if you want to go out at night!

Day 8: Perito Moreno Glacier

The big day arrived! We decided that if there’s a place on earth to book a glacier trekking tour , it must be Perito Moreno Glacier. So we took our crampons and joined a group on a day hike around Perito Moreno. We took the short one though, and it was good enough, so I recommend you to do it because it’s 100% worth it for your 14 day Patagonia itinerary . Btw, we didn’t know that, but to start the excursion you get there by boat, so you get to see the glacier super close without paying extra for it! :).

After the excursion, we stayed on the lookout, it’s crazy to see all these ice pieces fall down, so make sure you take this day easily because it’s so much fun.

Day 9: Boat tour around Perito Moreno

This boat tour around Perito Moreno is something I wouldn’t recommend, as it was expensive and we didn’t really enjoy it too much. I think it makes sense if you go with kids, but otherwise, I’d choose another activity for the day. What I am going to recommend is a place to have dinner called Mako !

Day 10: Road trip to Torres del Paine

Driving from Argentina to Chile is a long road trip , and the road is not in the best conditions. It’s fun though because there are tons of wild guanacos around! We decided to camp in Las Torres , which was the BEST option for us, the lodge near the campground is great, and it’s super safe.

In the afternoon, we hiked up to Ecopark Torres del Paine , which is one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. We didn’t stay there (of course) but it was a great place to have a drink at sunset . Make sure to ask for a tour around the installations because it’s stunning!

Day 11: Torres del Paine – Las Torres trek

The trekking to Las Torres takes around 10h but it’s 100% worth the effort! The views are fantastic! My only tip: Wake up as much as early as you can so you can avoid crowds! As you can see in all of my other trips , I love to find places that are not crowded. There was a super large line to get back.

Day 12: Road trip around Torres del Paine

A good thing about going by car to Torres del Paine is that you can actually drive around the National Park. We had no time for the full W trekking, but we managed to visit the main spots in one day. Chile, we’ll come back!

Day 13: End of our Patagonia Itinerary

Sadly, our trip arrives at its end, and we head back to El Calafate. Hope you liked reading about our 2 Week Patagonia itinerary, and let me know if you have any question about the trip 🙂

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Itinéraire: 2 semaines en Argentine

Visiter l’argentine en 2 semaines: que faire et voir.

Vous prévoyez de faire un voyage de 2 semaines en Argentine et êtes à la recherche d’un itinéraire pour votre séjour ?

Ça tombe bien, je vous ai justement préparé un programme aux petits oignons pour 15 jours dans ce magnifique pays.

L’ Argentine est un pays très vaste, d’une surface d’environ 5 fois la France, alors autant vous dire qu’il faut pouvoir passer plusieurs mois sur place pour en faire un tour complet. Mais sachez qu’il est évidemment possible d’avoir un excellent aperçu du pays avec un circuit 2 semaines en Argentine.

 À condition bien sûr de bien préparer son itinéraire pour ne pas perdre trop de temps en avion ou sur les routes. Et c’est ce que je vous propose!

De la capitale Buenos Aires en passant par les glaciers de la Patagonie du sud, les montagnes rouges de la province de Salta et les fameuses chutes d’ Iguazu , ce circuit en Argentine vous permet de découvrir les incontournables du pays.

Alors, que faire et voir? C’est parti pour visiter l’Argentine en 2 semaines !

Où dormir à Buenos Aires

Où dormir à ushuaia, où dormir à el calafate, où dormir à salta, où dormir à cachi, où dormir à tilcara, où dormir à puerto iguazu, circuit de 2 semaines en argentine, 1ère étape : buenos aires (3 jours).

Après un vol de plus de 14 heures au départ de Paris, vous arrivez le matin à Buenos Aires , capitale de l’ Argentine et première destination de cet itinéraire de 2 semaines.

Direction l’hôtel pour déposer vos bagages, puis c’est parti pour une journée de visite!

Vous serez certainement très fatigués du voyage, c’est pourquoi je vous propose un petit tour tranquille pour cette première journée, afin de vous acclimater et de commencer vos vacances en douceur.

1er jour – Suggestion d’itinéraire pour votre première journée à Buenos Aires  :

Commencer par une promenade dans le quartier de la Boca  : quartier des artistes, très coloré, chaleureux et animé. Vous pourrez y admirer les maisons typiques aux couleurs chatoyantes et pourquoi pas faire du shopping dans les boutiques tendance. C’est mon quartier favori!

Faire ensuite un tour dans le quartier de San Telmo : quartier bohème, berceau du tango. Il est aussi intéressant d’y passer le soir pour assister à un spectacle de tango dans un café ou même en pleine rue.

Ensuite, direction le centre-ville pour découvrir la fameuse Plaza de Mayo et son «  Obelisco  » blanc érigé au centre, symbole de l’indépendance de l’ Argentine . Petite balade sur la place et dans les rues alentours, avec entre autres la découverte de la Casa Rosada, bâtiment entièrement peint en rose et abritant le palais présidentiel.

En début de soirée, direction Puerto Madero , le quartier le plus moderne de la ville pour aller manger au restaurant et flâner dans les rues, puis retour à l’hôtel pour une bonne nuit de sommeil.

2ème jour – Le lendemain, pour votre second jour dans la capitale:

On commence la journée par une activité assez insolite pour un voyage en Argentine . Et oui, vous allez visiter les magnifiques jardins japonais du Parque Tres de Febrero . Ce sont les plus grands du monde en dehors du Japon!

À ne pas manquer, la roseraie ( Rosedal del Palermo ) qui abrite plus de 18 000 roses de toutes les couleurs. Une balade apaisante et parfaite pour s’ouvrir l’appétit en prévision du déjeuner. Que vous souhaitiez manger dans un restaurant ou prendre un sandwich sur le pouce, vous aurez le choix dans le quartier autour du parc.

Après un bon repas, direction le quartier de la Recoleta , luxueux et bourgeois. Je vous conseille ensuite une promenade dans le cimetière du même nom, grande attraction de la ville , sorte de cimetière du Père Lachaise, version argentine.

Le soir venu, pourquoi ne pas s’offrir un ballet ou un opéra dans le majestueux Teatro Colon , à 25 minutes de marche du cimetière et à 20 minutes à pieds de la Plaza del Mayo  ? Une autre option est d’aller passer une soirée sous le signe du tango à San Telmo .

Astuce : La ville est bien desservie par les bus « colectivo », c’est la façon la plus pratique de se déplacer d’un quartier à l’autre et il y a des bus à toute heure du jour et de la nuit.

Le mieux est d’acheter une carte « Sube » dès votre arrivée à Buenos Aires pour pouvoir bénéficier de tarifs dégressifs pendant vos 2 jours de visite. En vente dans certains kiosques et à la poste, elle vous coûtera 20 pesos.

3ème jour – p our la 3e journée de votre séjour de 2 semaines en Argentine , direction la jolie ville de Tigre (prononcer « Tigré »), à seulement 50 minutes en train du centre-ville de Buenos Aires .

Surnommée la Venise argentine , cette ville est bâtie sur les bords du delta du Paranà et est parfaite pour souffler un peu après avoir passé 2 jours immergés dans le tumulte de la capitale.

Tigre est une ville verte et paisible. Je vous propose donc de commencer par une balade sur les quais, près du centre-ville. C’est l’occasion d’admirer les imposantes villas et autres édifices datant du 19ème siècle (construits pour abriter les premiers clubs d’aviron de la ville).

Ensuite, on s’offre une mini-croisière en bateau sur le delta pour s’approcher des îlots sauvages et découvrir la beauté de la ville depuis les flots.

En fin de journée, retour à Buenos Aires pour passer une troisième nuit à l’hôtel et se préparer au départ le lendemain matin.

Il y a plusieurs quartiers sympathiques et centraux où  loger à Buenos Aires. Pour ma part j’ai particulièrement aimé Palermo , jeune et animé, et La Recoleta, plus chic. Voici mes trois suggestions d’hôtels à Buenos Aires:

• Hotel Costa Rica : si vous cherchez un joli petit hôtel bien situé dans le quartier branché de Palermo , je vous recommande l’hôtel Costa Rica les yeux fermés! J’y ai séjourné la première nuit à mon arrivée et je regrette de ne pas y avoir passé plus de temps. Les chambres sont très confortables, le personnel parle français et il y a une terrasse sur le toit!  À partir de seulement 42 euros
• Cyan Recoleta Hotel : Hôtel 4* très bien situé dans le chic quartier de Recoleta , c’est sans doute l’hôtel qui offre  le meilleur rapport qualité/prix de la ville . Décor tout de blanc, moderne et épuré, petit déjeuner buffet, excellent wifi. Idéal pour les voyageurs d’affaire. Chambres à partir de 70 euros , un tarif imbattable pour la qualité de prestations!
• Apart Hotel Shoshana : parfaitement situé à 8 minutes du musée d’art latino-américain MALBA, et à proximité d’une foule de cafés et restaurants, dans le quartier de Palermo , il offre une déco moderne et originale. Certains appartements ont même un balcon! À partir de 115 euros la nuit.

2e étape : Ushuaïa (2 jours)

La troisième étape votre itinéraire vous fait ensuite décoller pour le sud du pays, à plus de 3000 km de Buenos Aires (vol d’avion : 3h40). Destination Ushuaïa , la ville la plus australe du monde et porte d’accès vers l’ Antarctique  !

1er jour – À votre arrivée, vous constaterez tout de suite le changement d’ambiance et de climat : on est ici tout proche de la Patagonie , dans la province de la Terre de Feu , royaume des glaciers et du climat subpolaire ! Eh oui, l’ Argentine est définitivement le pays des contrastes !

Pour une immersion tout en douceur à Ushuaïa , on vous suggère de commencer par arpenter la ville tranquillement à pieds :

Découverte de l’avenue commerçante de Maipu qui longe la baie du Canal Beagle . Vous pourrez admirer les anciennes maisons de ville, flâner dans les boutiques et (on vous le conseille fortement) vous poser dans un café face à la superbe baie du Canal . Parfait pour apprécier la vue en dégustant une boisson chaude ou froide, ou carrément en déjeunant.

L’après-midi, visite d’un ou deux musées de la ville  : le musée maritime abrité dans l’ancienne prison de la ville ou par exemple le Musée del Fin del Mundo

Avant de rentrer à l’hôtel, si l’après-midi n’est pas encore trop entamée, profitez d’une mini-croisière sur le Canal Beagle pour aller observer les animaux sauvages du coin : pingouins, lions de mer, cormorans…

2ème jour – C’est parti pour une excursion toute la journée dans le parc national de la Terre de Feu . Pour s’y rendre, il faut prendre le «  train du bout du monde  » qui relie la ville au parc.

Conduit par une locomotive à vapeur, ce train touristique de charme part de la gare de la «  Estacion del fin del mon do » située à l’extérieur de la ville, à 8 km. Il s’enfonce ensuite dans le Cañadon del toro et traverse Rio Pipo . Puis le train s’arrête à l’ Estacion Cascada la Macarena (on peut y observer un camp reconstitué des Yamanas , peuple indigène de la région) avant d’arriver à la station du parc national . La visite du parc se fait ensuite à pieds.

Tarifs du train  : aller-retour adulte = 690 pesos / enfant 6-17 ans : 140 pesos / moins 5 ans : gratuit

Pour visiter le parc , suivez les sentiers aménagés. Vous pourrez admirer de superbes panoramas et observer facilement la faune locale: lapins, oiseaux, renards, castors…

• Hostel Cruz del Sur :  c’est un hostel assez simple, mais typique et chaleureux, fait tout de bois. Et surtout: il est très bien situé , à proximité de tout! Les dortoirs sont propres et les lits confortables, bon wifi et accès à la cuisine.  À partir de 20 euros la nuit
• Hostel Yakush : une autre auberge dans le même style traditionnel, mais plus moderne, et beaucoup plus ample et confortable. L’accueil est sympathique, j’y ai reçu plein de bons conseils pour mes visites et l’auberge est située en plein centre d’Ushuaia.  À partir de 22 euros en dortoir et 70 euros en chambre double
• Hotel de los Andes : si vous cherchez plus de confort pour profiter en grand de votre voyage à Ushuaia , c’est certainement l’hébergement qui offre le meilleur rapport qualité-prix dans la catégorie haut de gamme! Il est stratégiquement situé au centre d’ Ushuaia , mais proche du port pour les excursions en bateau (pratique pour les départs tôt le matin!) en plus d’être collé à un excellent restaurant. Les chambres et les salles de bain sont amples, bon wifi, et petit déjeuner buffet inclus. À partir de 90 euros la nuit

3e étape: El Calafate (2 jours)

Après ce passage à Ushuaïa , direction maintenant l’aéroport pour prendre votre envol vers El Calafate , ville emblématique de la Patagonie argentine. Réservez un vol tôt le matin pour pouvoir profiter pleinement de votre journée (1h30 d’avion seulement).

El Calafate , bâtie au bord du Lago Argentino , est le royaume des icebergs et lacs glaciaires. C’est un incontournable d’un voyage en Argentine !

1er jour – Pour votre premier jour sur place, on vous propose le programme suivant :

Visite de la ville à pied puis balade sur le sentier qui fait le tour de la Laguna Nimes (très jolie réserve ornithologique)

Ensuite, visite du Centro Interpretativo Historico Calafate pour s’instruire sur la région et l’histoire de la ville.

2ème jour – La 2e journée, partez à la rencontre du monstre de glace le plus mythique de la Patagonie argentine  : le Perito Moreno .

Pour s’y rendre depuis El Calafate , il faut prendre une navette (un bus, en fait). Et vous voilà partis pour un trajet de 80 km jusqu’au glacier. À l’arrivée, une passerelle aménagée permet de s’approcher au plus près du glacier, frissons garantis.

Si vous avez de la chance, vous pourrez même assister au spectacle unique des blocs de glace qui se détachent du glacier et s’enfoncent lourdement dans les eaux du lac. Si vous voulez vous approcher encore plus près, des bateaux embarquent les visiteurs pour venir au plus près du Perito Moreno et en faire le tour.

Après le Perito Moreno , partez ensuite aux alentours pour visiter le reste du parc national Los Glaciares , puis prenez un bateau pour faire une mini croisière sur le Lago Argentino . Vous naviguerez au milieu des icebergs et découvrirez quelques-uns des autres glaciers les plus connus (les glaciers Upsala et Spegazzini entre autres).

• Calafate Hostel :  pour avoir essayé plus d’une auberge à El Calafate , je peux dire que c’est de loin le meilleur rapport qualité prix que j’ai trouvé dans cette gamme de prix ! C’est un grand bâtiment en bois , très chaleureux, avec de jolis espaces communs et une bonne ambiance entre les voyageurs. On a accès à la cuisine qui est bien équipée, le wifi est bon et les installations sont propres. À partir de seulement 11 euros en dortoir ou 40 euros en chambre double
• ACA El Calafate : dans un style plus moderne et élégant , l’ hôtel ACA est un bâtiment avec de grandes fenêtres, un joli mobilier et des chambres confortables. On trouve sur place une salle de sport et un très bon restaurant, et le tout est situé à seulement un coin de rue de la rue principale.  À partir de 60 euros
• Mirador del Lago : voilà sans hésiter ma meilleure suggestion si vous cherchez un hôtel haut de gamme pour vraiment profiter au maximum de votre séjour! Avec sa  vue magnifique sur le lac , des lits moelleux, un petit déjeuner copieux et son restaurant La Bahia qui propose les meilleures spécialités argentines, c’est certainement le meilleur hôtel d’El Calafate . À partir de seulement 110 euros la nuit .

4e étape : Salta et sa région (5 jours)

Après une bonne nuit passée à El Calafate , partez dès le matin à l’aéroport pour prendre l’avion direction Salta , au nord-ouest du pays. Vous aurez environ 6 heures de voyage, avec un passage par Buenos Aires , il est donc préférable de partir tôt.

Vous arriverez dans l’après-midi à Salta , la plus grande ville du nord-ouest de l’ Argentine , bâtie au pied de la cordillère des Andes . Cette ancienne ville coloniale est vraiment très agréable pour y passer quelques jours.

1er jour – Profitez de votre premier après-midi sur place pour prendre tranquillement connaissance avec la ville, en visitant ses lieux phares. Bien que Salta soit relativement grande, son centre-historique est assez condensé et se parcourt facilement à pied en une demi-journée.

À voir dans le centre historique de Salta  :

• la Plaza 9 de Julio
• la Cathédrale de Salta
• l’église San Francisco
• le Couvent de San Bernardo

Après avoir parcouru le centre historique, la journée sera certainement déjà bien entamée et vous serez sûrement fatigués par le voyage depuis El Calafate .

Je vous propose donc d’aller dîner tôt et de vous reposer à votre hôtel pour être pleine forme dès le lendemain matin, car il y a énormément de choses à voir dans cette région!

2e jour – Pour votre 2e jour à Salta , vous pouvez profiter de la matinée pour aller voir les lieux et monuments que vous n’avez pas eu le temps de découvrir la veille ou visiter ces quelques musées :

• le musée historique du Nord
• le musée colonial
• le musée d’archéologie de haute-montagne (MAAM)
• le musée des beaux-arts

Le midi, vous devez gouter aux empanadas de Salta (les fameuses « salteñas ») qui sont considérés comme meilleures du pays!

L’après-midi, après un bon déjeuner en ville, je vous recommande l’ascension du Cerro San Bernardo . Cette colline domine Salta à 269 mètres et offre à son sommet un vue imprenable sur toute la ville.

On y accède en passant par le Parque San Martin , à l’intérieur duquel démarre le parcours pour monter au sommet. Un téléphérique permet aux visiteurs d’y grimper sans effort, mais les plus courageux parcourent cette distance à pied ! Attention c’est sportif, il y a quand même 1070 marches à gravir sur 400 mètres de dénivelé .

Si vous êtes en bonne forme physique, je vous conseille de vous lancer le défi d’y aller à pied. La montée vous prendra environ 1h mais une fois au sommet, vos efforts seront largement récompensés par un superbe panorama sur Salta et ses alentours.

En fin de journée, retournez tranquillement en ville pour dîner et boire un verre dans l’un des quartiers les plus animés de Salta , plus précisément dans la rue Balcarce, épicentre de la vie nocturne.

• Residencial España :  voilà votre meilleure option si vous cherchez un hôtel pas cher à Salta ! Bien sûr, les lieux sont assez simples, mais les chambres sont propres, l’accueil est franchement sympathique, il y a un petit café sur place où est d’ailleurs servi le bon petit-déjeuner, et surtout l’hôtel est situé en plein centre , à deux coins de rue de la cathédrale. Un bon rapport qualité-prix!  À partir de 40 euros 

Las Tulmas Apart Hotel : si vous préférez un plutôt une formule d’ appartement à Salta , on en trouve ici de 1 ou 2 chambres avec petit salon, du wifi et bien sûr, une cuisine tout équipée : très pratique ! L’intérieur est décoré avec goût, l’espace est lumineux, spacieux  et il est très bien situé. À partir de 65 euros

• Hotel Alejandro 1ro : Aucun doute, pour un séjour de luxe à Salta , Alejandro 1ro est le grand favori des voyageurs . On se trouve dans un beau bâtiment face à la place Belgrano , il accueille une piscine intérieure chauffée, une salle de sport avec hammam, deux restaurants avec une intéressante cave à vin et un piano-bar. Les chambres sont très confortables et la nuitée inclut un très bon petit-déjeuner buffet. En prime, son prix est imbattable dans sa catégorie .  À partir de 89 euros

5e étape : Les Vallées Calchaquies (1 jour)

Aujourd’hui, je vous propose d’aller explorer les Vallées Calchaquies jusqu’au village de Cachi . C’est l’un des plus beaux sites naturels du pays et un incontournable d’un itinéraire de 2 semaines en Argentine !

Cet ensemble de vallées et montagnes ocres et orangées vous offre un roadtrip exceptionnel à travers des paysages splendides. Il faudra louer une voiture à Salta et partir tôt le matin pour avoir le temps d’explorer, d’observer et de visiter les petits villages typiques de la vallée .

Je vous conseille l’ itinéraire suivant :

• En sortant de Salta , prenez la fameuse Route 40 . Le trajet commence par la traversée des plantations de tabac puis l’ascension de la côte de l’Obispo .
• Derrière la colline, vous découvrirez un paysage très aride et traverserez le parc national Los Cardones . L’occasion d’admirer de (très) nombreux cactus.
• Après environ 3 heures de route, vous arriverez dans le petit village de Cachi , la halte idéale dans la région. J’ai bien aimé ce petit village, la place principale est jolie et les gens sont adorables! Ne manquez pas le point de vue sur le village et ses alentours depuis le cimetière qui surplombe Cachi .
• Si vous avez encore le temps, les villages d’ Angastaco et Molinos sont tout proches de Cachi et également très agréables à visiter.
• Viracocha Art Hostel Cachi :  c’est l’auberge la plus sympa de la ville! Située en plein coeur de Cachi, elle se trouve dans un joli bâtiment à l’intérieur coloré. L’ambiance est calme et conviviale, et on trouve un bon petit resto avec terrasse sur place. À partir de 15 euros en dortoir ou 37 euros en chambre double. 
• Hosteria Villa Cardon : située dans une maison coloniale avec un joli cachet rustique, tout de blanc et bois, c’est un espace confortable et  joliment décoré, où l’on se pose avec plaisir au frais, idéal pour se détendre avec une journée de visite! À partir de 62 euros la nuit
• La Merced del Alto : cet hôtel de charme est idéal pour un séjour en amoureux ! En effet, on vient ici pour une expérience haut de gamme avec une piscine extérieure qui offre une vue exceptionnelle sur les montagnes, un spa qui propose différents massages, un restaurant avec une belle cave à vin. En prime le petit déjeuner est servi sur la terrasse surplombant la vallée. À partir de 135 euros la nuit

6e étape: Purmamarca et Tilcara (1 jour)

Revenez à Salta en matinée, puis reprenez la route vers le nord en direction de la province de Jujuy , à environ 2h30 de route.

Pendant ce petit roadtrip , vous aurez l’occasion de traverser la magnifique Quebrada de Humahuaca et ses montagnes colorées.

Le mieux, c’est de faire une première étape à Purmamarca pour découvrir, entre autres, la montagne aux 7 couleurs .

Direction ensuite le nord avec un arrêt à Tilcara , petite ville au milieu du désert située à seulement 30 minutes de route de Purmamarca .

À Tilcara , je vous recommande de faire:

• Visite du site historique Pucara de Tilcara . Il s’agit des ruines d’un village pré-Inca construit sur une colline. Depuis les ruines, vous avez un superbe point de vue sur le village et le Rio Grande .
• Tout près des ruines, vous pouvez visiter le jardin de cactus et le musée archéologique de Tilcara . Vous pourrez aussi déjeuner sur le pouce dans le marché couvert de la ville.
• En début d’après-midi, partez ensuite sur le sentier de 4 km qui va de Tilcara jusqu’à la Garganta Del Diablo , la cascade de la «  Gorge du diable  ». Le chemin est bordé de cactus, c’est vraiment une jolie balade d’une heure!
• Arrivé à la cascade , il faut payer un billet d’entrée pour pouvoir s’en approcher (15 pesos). Vous aurez encore 30 minutes de marche avant d’atteindre la chute d’eau en contrebas.
• Si vous avez encore du temps et souhaitez vous attarder un peu dans le coin, un impressionnant cimetière dans la montagne se situe à quelques kilomètres, dans le village de Maimara . Et c’est seulement à 12 minutes en voiture depuis Tilcara !
• Tilcara Hostel : si vous cherchez un hébergement pas cher à Tilcara , cette auberge est une valeur sûre! L’ambiance est détendue, un peu hippie. Accès au jardin avec bbq, cuisine toute équipée, petit déjeuner et wifi inclus. À partir de 7 euros en dortoir ou 24 euros en chambre double.
• Posada de Luz :  si vous cherchez plus de confort, la Posada de Luz se trouve dans un cadre enchanteur. On se trouve ici dans un édifice traditionnel tout en bois, pierre et adobe avec un grand jardin et une belle piscine avec vue sur les montagnes. Wifi et petit déjeuner buffet inclus. Mon grand coup de coeur! À partir de  61 euros la nuit. 
• Las Terrazas Hotel Boutique : à seulement deux coins de rue de la place principale, c’est un hôtel boutique qui se fond parfaitement dans le paysage avec ses tons de beige et de rouge. On y trouve une terrasse avec une jolie piscine, de grandes chambres décorées avec goût, et une belle cave à vin. Wifi et petit déjeuner buffet. À partir de 95 euros la nuit

7e étape: Retour à Salta, visite des chutes d’Iguazu côté Argentine et Brésil (3 jours)

Le mieux est de partir le matin de Tilcara pour retourner à Salta .

1er jour –  Vous arriverez en fin de matinée et pourrez déjeuner dans un restaurant de la ville ou au marché. Parfait pour déguster les spécialités locales ! En début d’après-midi, profitez de votre temps libre pour, par exemple, aller faire un peu de shopping au marché artisanal qui offre un grand choix d’aliments, de textiles et de pièces artisanales (tissages, objets en céramique, objet en bois de cactus…).

Ensuite, récupérez vos bagages et partez pour l’aéroport de Salta , direction Iguazù (environ 4h de vol via  Buenos Aires ).

À votre arrivée dans la ville de Puerto Iguazù , ce sera déjà la fin d’après-midi ou le début de soirée. Déposez donc vos bagages à votre hôtel puis partez pour un petit tour de la ville avant d’aller dîner, pour terminer la journée en douceur.

Les deux derniers jours de votre voyage en Argentine seront dédiés aux chutes d’Iguazu , qui font partie des 7  merveilles  naturelles du monde !

2e jour –  Je vous recommande de partir tôt le matin au parc national d’Iguazù .

Des excursions avec guide  sont organisées à la journée pour découvrir les chutes d’eau du côté argentin puis du côté brésilien . Selon vos envies et votre budget, il peut être intéressant de prendre un guide pour la journée. Il viendra vous chercher à l’hôtel et vous emmènera sur le site des chutes pour une visite de plusieurs heures dans les deux parcs argentins et brésiliens.

Mais pouvez également très bien faire cette visite par vous-même !

Voici l’itinéraire que je vous conseille pour la visite du parc national d’Iguazù  :

Suivez tout d’abord le «  Lower circuit  ». Vous découvrirez le long d’un sentier de 1,3km la végétation luxuriante du parc et vous approcherez de certaines des plus petites cascades du site , comme la cascade Carlos Bozzeti . Pendant votre trajet, vous croiserez beaucoup de petits animaux sauvages comme des oiseaux multicolores, des singes mais aussi de superbes papillons.

Ensuite, vous vous dirigerez vers le «  Upper circuit  ». Un sentier de passerelles aménagées vous emmène cette fois en hauteur, pour admirer les chutes d’Igazù dans leur ensemble au niveau de la Garganta del Diablo (elle a le même nom, mais ce n’est bien sûr pas la même qu’à Tilcara ).

Vous y découvrirez un panorama exceptionnel sur les 275 cascades d’Iguazù , sur l’ île de Saint Martin et sur une partie des chutes brésiliennes. Attardez-vous un moment sur le site, pas de précipitation, car c’est vraiment l’une des vues les plus spectaculaires au monde , sans exagérer.

Après en avoir pris plein les yeux, tentez l’aventure «  Gran Aventura  », un circuit organisé avec des guides qui vous emmènent dans un périple de 8 km en 4×4 en plein cœur de la forêt subtropicale, puis à bord de petits bateaux à moteur pour voguer sur le fleuve Iguazù et arriver jusqu’aux pieds des chutes.

3e jour – Pour ce dernier jour de votre voyage de 2 semaines en Argentine , je vous propose de finir en beauté en découvrant les chutes du côté brésilien .

Partez tôt le matin et rendez vous cette fois au Parc national Iguaçu du Brésil , avec un guide ou une voiture de location selon votre choix.

Le site des chutes du côté brésilien est plus restreint et se visite facilement en une matinée. Vous y découvrirez une vue d’ensemble et de superbes panoramas sur les chutes.

Je trouve que du côté brésilien , on se rend encore plus compte de l’envergure des chutes d’eau!

Et pour si vous avez le budget , c’est le moment de se faire plaisir avec un tour en hélicoptère au-dessus des cascades. L’occasion d’avoir encore un point de vue différent sur ce lieu exceptionnel.

Après une matinée riche en émotion, c’est déjà la fin de votre circuit de 2 semaines en Argentine et le temps est venu de rejoindre l’aéroport de Buenos Aires pour votre vol de retour.

L’ Argentine a encore plein de belles choses à vous faire découvrir et j’espère que cet itinéraire vous aura donné envie d’y revenir !

• Hostel Iguazu Falls : c’est l’endroit par excellence pour rencontrer des jeunes à Puerto Iguazu dans une ambiance décontractée. Jardin avec piscine, hamacs et barbecue, une cuisine toute équipée, bon wifi et petit déjeuner inclus, c’est une valeur sûre à petit prix! Seulement 10 euros en dortoir ou 30 euros en chambre double .
• Hotel Saint George : idéalement situé face à la station de bus qui mène aux chutes, c’est un hôtel chic avec une jolie piscine entourée de plantes et de grandes chambres modernes. Le petit déjeuner buffet est très varié, mais le restaurant est surtout l’endroit idéal pour goûter une parrilla typique avec un bon vin argentin!  À partir de 75 euros
• Selva de Laurel : voilà une expérience inoubliable à vivre à Iguazu si vous avez un peu plus de budget. C’est un petit hôtel exclusif de seulement 6 chambres, situé en pleine nature. Imaginez dormir en tout confort, la fenêtre ouverte donnant directement sur la forêt tropicale ! Sur place, on peut également profiter d’une piscine en toute tranquilité, et d’un restaurant de fine cuisine avec un service impeccable.  À partir de 100 euros

Rédaction: Eve Desnoyers

Avant d’organiser votre voyage en Argentine, je vous recommande de   faire une demande de devis gratuit à une agence de voyage locale : Grâce à notre partenaire Evaneos,  cela peut se faire en moins de 5 minutes! C’est gratuit, sans engagement un professionnel du voyage vous concoctera un séjour inoubliable!

De plus, les prix commencent à partir de 1850 euros seulement! Qu’est-ce que vous attendez? 😊

Guides de voyage de l’Argentine

• Acheter le guide du routard Argentine sur Amazon.fr
• Acheter le guide Lonely Planet Argentine sur Amazon.fr

Guides de Voyage Argentine

• Acheter le guide du Routard Argentine sur Amazon.fr

Vous partez en Argentine? À lire également

Tous nos articles sur l’Argentine sont ici:  Retrouvez tous les guides que nous avons écrits ici!

• Argentine : le top 20 des lieux à découvrir!
• Itinéraire : 15 jours en Argentine  – Une variante de la version 2 semaines
• Itinéraire : 3 semaines en Argentine
• Argentine : suivre la Route des vins
• Argentine : faire un roadtrip au nord du pays
• Buenos Aires : que faire en 48h?
• Patagonie : 15 lieux à ne pas manquer!

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Fondatrice et éditrice du magazine Voyage Perou, je suis une grande amoureuse de l’Amérique latine que j’explore avec émerveillement, stylo et caméra à la main. Ma motivation? Réunir le maximum d’information, de bons plans et de conseils pratiques pour vous encourager à partir vous aussi à l’aventure!

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Discussion 6 commentaires.

Ton itinéraire proposé est incroyable ! Et tellement magnifique ! Tu nous fais voyager avec ces photos. Je n’ai pas encore eu l’occasion de me rendre en Argentine mais je compte bien y remédier bientôt 🙂

Super voyage et bravo pour ton itinéraire bien détaillé! Je cherchais justement ce genre de périple pour mes prochaines vacances. Quelle est la meilleure saison selon toi pour ce voyage? Merci

Bonjour Mélanie En réalité la meilleure saison pour un voyage en Argentine dépend des régions car le pays est immense : -Pour la Patagonie le mieux est de septembre à avril -Pour le nord-ouest argentine donc Salta, les vallées Calchaquies, Purmamarca et Tilcara le mieux es avril à novembre -Pour Iguazu, en réalité toute l’année convient mais il y a beaucoup plus de pluie de décembre à février (ce qui par contre rend le débit de l’eau plus grand donc le spectacle plus impressionnnant). De façon générale on peut dire que le meilleur moment de l’année pour visiter l’ensemble est septembre à novembre, puis mars à avril. Bon voyage!

avec un tel article, plus besoin de passer par une agence pour choisir le lieu de ses prochaines vacances. tu as bien défini ton itinéraire et toutes les étapes de chaque arrêt. c’est vraiment impressionnant. en tout cas, avant de poser mes valises sur le sol argentin, tu me fais déjà découvrir de beaux espaces et une culture locale très authentique. Mais je suis sûr que tu n’as pas pu parcourir tous les paysages magnifiques du pays. Ce sera peut-être mon prochain défi.

Je trouve votre article super ! J’ai hâte de partir en Argentine, j’y vais dans quelques mois et pour deux semaines. Ca a l’air magnifique !

Un très bel itinéraire qui me donne envie de redécouvrir l’Argentine même si j’y vais depuis des années!

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North Argentina: A Mind-Blowing, 9-Day Argentina Road Trip Itinerary

Planning to visit north Argentina? This 9-day road trip itinerary is the perfect introduction to this stunning region.

One of the amazing things about travelling in Argentina is the varying landscapes. And one of the places that most surprised me was north Argentina .

In fact, after a road trip through the region, it’s now my favourite place to visit in Argentina , and I find myself constantly recommending anyone who’s travelling to Argentina to put the north of the country on their itinerary.

Hiring a car and tracing the windy roads of the provinces of Salta and Jujuy on an Argentina road trip is the best way to experience northwest Argentina . Along the way you’ll see surprising rock formations, taste incredible wines and experience a culture that is distinctly different to other areas of Argentina.

This part of Argentina is a little off the beaten path , so if this sort of trip is up your alley, I’ve put together the perfect 9-day North Argentina itinerary to help you experience the highlights of this region. This follows the route that my husband and our friends took, plus some advice for things I’d do differently next time.

Seriously, if you’re thinking about visiting Argentina , please consider the north of Argentina – it blew my mind and I know it will amaze you, too!

This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

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North Argentina road trip logistics

Before we get into the details of the north Argentina road trip itinerary , here are a few logistics to consider.

You should also stop by and read my full guide to planning a trip to Argentina for some handy tips if it’s your first time visiting.

When to visit north Argentina

We travelled to north Argentina in early September and it was perfect. It wasn’t super hot during the day, but also not too cold at night (do I sound like Goldilocks?). We did wake up to frost some mornings. We needed jackets but they were often peeled off during the daytime.

The great thing about the timing of our trip was that it was low season, so it wasn’t very busy and the other tourists we saw were mostly Argentines.

Most people recommend April to November as the ideal time to visit north Argentina . Summer (December to February) can be too hot for most visitors.

No matter the time of year, do keep an eye on the weather, especially if rain is forecast. Heavy rains can cause roads to become impassable and it’s not uncommon for roads to wash away.

How to get to north Argentina

To do this trip, fly into Salta or Jujuy . We flew into Salta and did a sort-of figure eight loop beginning and ending there.

You could also mix up this itinerary to avoid looping back, and fly into Salta and out of Jujuy ; simply alter the order of the itinerary.

Aerolíneas Argentinas flies daily to Salta and Jujuy, as does low-cost carrier FlyBondi.

How to get around northern Argentina

The best way to experience north Argentina is to hire a car and drive it yourself .

This gives you time to experience the north, stop in small towns that pique your interest, and relax as you drive around this beautiful area. It means you’ll also have the smaller towns without the crowds in the evenings.

We hired a car through a company that I think has now gone bust, so book online with DiscoverCars instead. They can collate all the car rental companies in Salta so you can choose the right one for you.

We had a teeny-tiny car that was fine for the four of us but was a little hairy in some parts. A four-wheel drive would have nice but not necessary. 

I’ve got a full guide to renting a car in Argentina with my tips and tricks.

The thought of driving around north Argentina may be a little intimidating, so there are plenty of tours that can take you on multi-day trips or day trips to the highlights that I’ll be outlining in this blog post. A few that I’ve found online that come recommended are:

• This day trip from Salta will have you exploring gorgeous Purmamarca and Salinas Grandes.
• This 7-day tour hits the highlights of north Argentina with a side trip into the Atacama Desert in Chile.
• Driving up to Iruya can be a little hairy, so consider this 2-day trip from Salta which visits Iruya and Purmamarca.
• If you’re all about the wine, this day trip from Salta heads straight to Cafayate for all the vino.

But, if you can, I highly, highly recommend DIY-ing this one and renting a car for the ultimate Argentina road trip!

Tips for a north Argentina itinerary

So now, hopefully I’ve convinced you that a self-drive road trip is the best way to get around the north of the country. If you do go down this path, here’s some Argentina travel advice for a safe trip :

I don’t think a four-wheel drive is necessary, but it may give you piece of mind on the road to Iruya.

Check that your car has a spare tyre . We got a flat on our final day (ugh) and were thankful that we knew there was a spare in the boot/trunk. Having said that, make sure you actually know how to change a flat tyre! (The funniest part about our flat tyre is that it happened on the smoothest tarmac of our trip, not on the bumpy, rocky roads we’d traversed the days before!)

Fill up with fuel whenever you can. Distances can be long here and you don’t want to end up in the middle of nowhere with an empty tank.

It’s the law in Argentina to drive with your headlights on when on a highway – even during the daylight hours. If you don’t, expect a hefty fine. 

While most of the towns along the way do have ATMs, bring cash . Cards aren’t accepted in all restaurants and you will need cash to purchase souvenirs sold in the marketplaces. Anyway, cash is always king in Argentina.

Always get travel insurance when you travel, especially to more remote areas.

North Argentina road trip itinerary

Let’s get into it! First up, here’s a map of the northern Argentina itinerary so you can visualise the suggested route that follows.

Map of northwest Argentina

Day 1: Salta

Off we go! We’re starting the Argentina road trip in Salta. They call this city Salta la Linda, and it’s easy to see why, with its beautiful buildings and peaceful plazas.

Make sure to visit the Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña . One of the top things to do in northern Argentina , here you’ll see the mummified bodies of the sacrificed Incan children discovered in 1999 on the top of Llullaillaco mountain.

Only one of the three children is displayed at a time, mesmerisingly frozen in time. It’s incredible to see the details in their faces still so well preserved after hundreds of years.

You can easily pass a day wandering the streets, people-watching in Plaza 9 de Julio and admiring the city’s colourful churches . Join a walking tour to see the best of the city.

Where to stay in Salta

On our first night in Salta, we stayed in Design Suites Salta , a modern hotel with spacious bedrooms. It’s located within walking distance of the main area of the city. | Book your stay at Design Suites Salta today on Booking.com or Expedia

Another hotel that gets great reviews is Legado Mitico , a boutique hotel in the heart of the city. It’s a contemporary hotel with a old-world style and charm. | Check rates online

Where to eat in Salta

We ate steaks the size of our heads at El Charrúa (Caseros 221) – photo evidence below.

Also try Doña Salta (Córdoba 46) for empanadas and José Balcarce (Necochea 594) for traditional regional dishes.

Day 2: Iruya

Pick up your hire car in the morning and begin the 320-kilometre journey to Iruya , a tiny, cloud-shrouded town perched on the side of a mountain.

This town is waaaayyyyy north Argentina. It’s one of the more remote places to visit in Argentina , but worth it! The last 50 kilometres of the trip is on a bone-jarring dirt road that winds through, over and around mountains (so this is where a four-wheel drive might come in handy).

The journey will take you to 4,000 metres above sea level at the crossing between the Salta and Jujuy provinces, and comprises an array of stunning landscapes, from dusty flat towns to mountains rippled with layers of brown, red, green, purple and slate-grey earth.

In town, you can wander the cobblestoned streets or spend a few extra days hiking in the area. We stayed here only one night, but if you have the time, I’d recommend staying here for at least two nights , as the drive here is difficult.

If you haven’t already chowed down on them in Salta, you can try your first empanadas salteñas , crispy pastries filled with meat and vegetables. The empanadas in this region are different to those you’ll find elsewhere in Argentina.

My top tip: always ask for them fried (rather than baked). Not as healthy, of course, but so tasty.

There’s a small shop in the square opposite the church that sells stellar empanadas (unfortunately, I never wrote down the name of the shop!).

Note that this part of the trip is completely optional, because it is a tough drive. You could skip Iruya and spend an extra day in Humahuaca, Tilcara or Purmamarca instead.

Where to stay and eat in Iruya

Hotel Iruya is perched at the top of the hill (San Martín 641) . The restaurant serves surprisingly good food. | Check the latest prices and book your stay at Hotel Iruya online with Booking.com

Days 3 and 4: Humahuaca, Tilcara and Purmamarca

Get back in your car and return the same way you came, stopping along the way to have lunch in the photogenic town of Humahuaca. The restaurant Pachamanka (Buenos Aires 457) serves great tamales and traditional dishes.

You can pick up handcrafted goods here including blankets and rugs, pottery, clothing and ornaments. There’s certainly no lack of options for authentic souvenirs in north Argentina.

Continue south to Tilcara where you can visit the Pucará ruins , a pre-Inca fortification.

This site was strategically chosen, as it offered views across the valley and plenty of chances to see any enemies approaching. Wander through the cactus-filled ruins, but be aware that it can be windy at times.

You can stay the night in Humahuaca or Tilcara, but we chose to base ourselves in Purmamarca.

Looming over this tiny town is the stunning Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colours), one of the best places to see in Argentina.

Staying here overnight will allow you to visit the various viewpoints before and after the busloads of tourists that pour in for their photo opps of this Argentina tourist attraction have left.

On day four, take a day trip along the winding road to the Salinas Grandes . This is the second largest salt pan in the world. This is one of those Argentina destinations that few people know exist.

Guides will take you out to the flats (for a reasonable price, negotiate first). One of the most fun things to do in Argentina is practice your forced perspective photos in the Salinas Grandes (or fail to do so, as we did!).

Back in Purmamarca, do the easy hike around the base of Cerro de los Siete Colores to see its layered colours from all angles.

Where to stay and eat in Purmamarca

El Manantial del Silencio (Ruta Nacional 52, Km 3.5) is built to look like an old estancia. We stayed here and thoroughly enjoyed it. It has a good restaurant serving local fish and meat. | Book online with Booking.com or Expedia

If you prefer to stay in Humahuaca or Tilcara, there are plenty of accommodation options. I recommend comparing prices on Booking.com and Expedia .

Days 5 and 6: Cachi

Get back on the road for more stunning north Argentina scenery, passing back through Salta.

Cachi is a charming village where you can take a few days to relax and wander the streets. It’s one of the best places to visit in Argentina to chill out. But if you’re after something more adventurous, local companies offer hiking and biking trips; ask around.

Head out to Miraluna (7 kilometres from Cachi in the small village of La Aguada) for a tour of the bodega. It’s one of the highest wineries in the world . Take a bottle (or two) of their great Malbec back to your hotel to enjoy with a picada plate (Argentina’s version of charcuterie).

Where to stay in Cachi

La Merced del Alto (Fuerte Alto 4417) is a white-washed adobe building with ceramic-tiled floors. The service is detailed and attentive. | Book your stay at La Merced del Alto online

Where to eat in Cachi

El Antigal for cheap and delicious food. There’s no written menu, so the staff will simply verbally reel off a list of what they have available that day.

Days 7 and 8: Cafayate

More driving ahead of you. Stop by Colomé (18 kilometres west of the town of Molinos) for lunch and a tour of the mind-blowing James Turrell Museum . The museum displays Turrell’s works of light and perception. I’m completely unable to describe it in words so you need to see it for yourself!

Follow up lunch with a tasting of their famous wines. Advance bookings are essential. The road to Colomé is rutted and bumpy so carefully pack any bottles of wine you’ve bought as you leave!

After lunch, continue on to Cafayate. The journey will take you through the Quebrada de las Flechas , a lunar-like place with leaning limestone structures that resemble quivers of arrows.

In Cafayate, hit as many wineries as you can possibly handle in two days. Start with San Pedro de Yacochuya (Ruta Provincial No 2, Km 6) , Piattelli (Ruta Provincial No 2, Km 3) and El Porvenir (Córdoba 32) .

I’ve written a guide to the best wineries in Cafayate , so check it out and plan your visit to Cafayate accordingly.

Try the Malbec and Torrontes-flavoured ice creams at one of the many stores around Plaza San Martín and pick up a box of alfajores at one of the stores nearby. Finish the day off at Chato’s Wine Bar (Nuestra Señora del Rosario 132) with a degustation of (more) wines and a picada plate.

Where to stay in Cafayate

Splash out for a room at Grace Cafayate (Ruta Nacional 40, Km 4340) . It’s located in a winery and has comfortable rooms. Ours had a huge bathtub. | Book your stay at Grace Cafayate online with Booking.com

Where to eat in Cafayate

Grab a table at Pacha Cocina de Autor (Avenida General Güemes Sur 143) . Casa de las Empanadas (Mitre 24) serves cheap and delicious empanadas.

Want tips on how to plan a trip like this north Argentina road trip? Check out my 15 easy steps on how to plan a trip from start to finish!

Day 9: Back to Salta

Heading back to Salta, you’ll pass through the astonishing Quebrada de Cafayate . It’s one of Argentina’s most amazing drives. You’ll see colours of all tones in the rock formations that have been carved out by the Río de las Conchas.

Along the way, stop at El Anfitreatro . Here, you’ll most likely come across a musician using the natural amphitheatre to entertain visitors. Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) is a huge cavern a little further along.

End your north Argentina road trip back in Salta. You can either fly out that same day or stay another night to prolong your time in Argentina.

Wrap up: North Argentina road trip

You’ve probably picked up by now that North Argentina is my absolute favourite part of the country. I loved how different it was to other regions, particularly the south, and the ever-changing landscapes.

This is, in my opinion, one of the best road trips in Argentina.

While it’s not as visited as other regions, I can guarantee this region will capture your heart and you’ll leave Argentina wanting to come back!

Did you find this article helpful? Consider buying me a coffee as a way to say thanks!

Have you been on a road trip through north Argentina? What was your favourite part? Leave your tips, advice and thoughts in the comments below.

Related posts

Before you go… you might also like these Argentina travel articles:

• Argentina itinerary ideas for 1-4 weeks
• 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary
• The best places to visit in Argentina
• Incredible things to do in Argentina
• The complete guide to visiting Iguazu Falls
• Biking the Ruta de los Siete Lagos
• Where to honeymoon in Argentina
• The best things to do in Ushuaia

ARGENTINA TRIP ESSENTIALS

• Book your flight to Argentina online with Skyscanner . I like how this site allows you to find the cheapest days.
• Find a great hotel in Argentina. Check prices on Booking.com   and Expedia online.
• Check out the huge range of day tours throughout Argentina on GetYourGuide or Viator . There’s something for everyone.
• Keep those bottles of wine you’ll be buying safe in these wine bags .
• A copy of the  Lonely Planet guide to Argentina will be handy. Also pick up a Spanish language guidebook to help you navigate your visit.
• One thing I always purchase is  travel insurance ! Travel Insurance Master allows you to compare across multiple policy providers, while SafetyWing is great for long-term travellers and digital nomads.

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About REBECCA

I'm a travel junkie who started dreaming about seeing the world from a very young age. I've visited more than 40 countries and have a Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management. A former expat, I've lived in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Argentina and the United States. I share travel resources, tips and stories based on my personal experiences, and my goal is to make travel planning just that bit easier.

18 thoughts on “North Argentina: A Mind-Blowing, 9-Day Argentina Road Trip Itinerary”

Hi Rebecca, I have really enjoyed reading your posts about Northern Argentina. It has proved to be a great source of inspiration. We are travelling to Argentina in June for a month, flying to Bueno Aires, planning to take the bus to Iguazu falls then fly to Salta. We really want to do the 9 day road trip from Salta. But I have a concern about altitude sickness. My husband has a heart condition and we were advised by the doctor not to travel to Peru to view Inca trails so opted for Argentina. Could we be liable to altitude sickness in Salta? After Salta we want to fly to Mendosa for a week then fly to Sydney from Santiago . Any advice would be gratefully received. Many thanks

Thanks so much Debbie for the great feedback! It’s a stunning part of the country and well worth the visit. Salta is around 1,152m high (Machu Picchu is 2,430m high in comparison) so depending on your husband’s condition, he might experience some altitude sickness. Some parts of the area are higher so you would have to check each area and avoid the higher parts. It’s probably worth checking with his doctor just to make sure! Mendoza is much lower, about 740m. Your trip sounds fantastic, hope it’s great! Feel free to get in touch if you have more questions.

Amazing itinerary! I am considering doing this trip, but I will be solo as a 22 year old female. Do you think I will be safe- driving and otherwise? Any tips for doing this drive alone will be very helpful! Thank you so much 🙂

I felt really safe in the north. I’d take all the usual precautions and plan to stay in populated areas, make sure you always have a working phone etc. If you’re confident travelling solo, I think you will have a great time.

Thank you for all your thoughtful and informative posts. My wife, son and I are considering booking a last minute vacation to Argentina in late July/early Aug for two weeks. We are circling around 5 days in BA and 2 days in Ignatz Falls area. The other week, we were thinking of both some days in the North, as you explain above, and/or taking the ferry from BA to Montevideo to explore Uruguay while we are down in that area. We loved your article above, but feel a lot of the scenery is very reminiscent of the Southwest part of the US (New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, etc.) which we have loved visiting and exploring multiple times. If we are looking to get the most out of our time when the amazing part of South America, would love your thoughts on where you might steer us for that additional week. Thanks in advance for your further thoughts and insight.

Hi Richard, thanks for the message! I also love the Southwest of USA and can see your point about the landscape being similar – but I can promise you, it’s so different! Throw in the different cultures and food and it’s a very different experience to travelling in that part of the country. I would definitely recommend going there! But if you do want to try somewhere else, heading over to Uruguay is fun, and you could hire a car if you have a week and spend some time exploring around Colonia, Montevideo and so on. Another option if you like wildlife is Ibera Wetlands. It might be a bit cooler in July/August and it is low season but I believe there’s still some good animal spotting to be had! Enjoy your trip!

Thanks for your itinerary! It’s really helpful! Just one question, did you drive to Salinas Grandes or join a tour? I’m a little confused as you said you had a guide to bring you out to the flats.

Hey! We drove to Salinas Grandes, but then you pick up a guide when you get there. There are several people at the “entrance” who will jump in your car. Let me know if you have any other questions 🙂

Oh, I so badly want to visit Argentina but never looked too much at the North, now I’ve got to visit. Salinas Grandes looks spectacular, so unique!

I think the north gets overlooked in favour of Buenos Aires, Patagonia and Mendoza. Which is good because it means the north is quieter 🙂 It’s so beautiful that way, I hope you get there!

Thank you for sharing, we found the post really helpful and informative for our upcoming travels to Argentina later this year.

Where are you going? Argentina is so amazing! So many things to do.

I’m always on the hunt for off the beaten track destinations, so this is perfect for me! I can’t believe how beautiful the landscape is!

I’m so happy we got to that part of the country, it truly is spectacular.

My goodness, I can’t get over this post! Such a beautiful road trip – Iruya looks so cute, and Cerro de los Siete Colores must be Argentina’s equivalent to Peru’s Rainbow Mountain – love the striation of colors. Just stunning! We were talking about possibly doing Argentina/Chile next year (possibly March), and this will be my go-to guide! Thanks for sharing your amazing adventures!

Yes, yes, yes you guys have to go!! Let me know if you have any questions. There are soooo many different places to visit.

Hello Rebecca, You are getting too good at this photography business. (I check in from time to time). Best wishes, Richard Dellman

Thanks Richard! I’ve known a few good photographers in my life that I’ve learned from 🙂

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• Road trip en Argentine de 2 semaines & Patagonie

Découvrez la beauté du Sud de l'Amérique

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Argentine Voyage

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Itinéraire : Road trip en Argentine de 2 semaines

Votre road trip en Argentine de 2 semaines vous accueille à Buenos Aires, la capitale du tango, avant de vous rendre en Patagonie, région aux multiples facettes. Observez les baleines en plongée ou en bateau, profitez d'un large éventail d'itinéraires de randonnée à travers les steppes et les forêts, et découvrez le monde fascinant des glaciers de Los Glaciares. Passez un séjour inoubliable en Amérique du Sud !

Les points forts de ce voyage :

Buenos Aires

Puerto Madryn

El Calafate

1. Buenos Aires

Votre road trip en Argentine de 2 semaines commence par la capitale, Buenos Aires. Capitale du tango, laissez-vous envouter par le quartier historique de San Telmo où vous pourrez observer cette danse fascinante lors d'un spectacle. Le long du Río de Plata se trouvent de nombreuses curiosités. Contemplez les points forts de la ville tels que la cathédrale Avenida de Mayo, qui ressemble à un temple grec, l'imposant bâtiment rose du gouvernement, la Casa de Gobierno, et l'église coloniale El Pilar, nichée dans des jardins verdoyants.

2. Puerto Madryn

Votre séjour en Argentine vous mène désormais à Puerto Madryn. Cette ville est le point de départ parfait pour explorer la Patagonie. La péninsule de Valdés est un endroit parfait pour les plongeurs, car le courant antarctique y attire une multitude d'animaux marins comme les baleines et les lions de mer. Vous pouvez également observer les baleines lors d'une excursion en bateau. Découvrez une flore et une faune uniques avec des guanacos, des nandous et des renards. Les amoureux de la nature pourront visiter Punta Delgada, Caleta Valdés, Punta Cantor et le Faro Punta Norte.

Rendez-vous ensuite dans la ville la plus méridionale d'Argentine : Ushuaïa. Faites un tour en canoë sur le fleuve Lapataia et visitez le bureau de poste le plus austral du monde. Lors d'une croisière sur le canal de Beagle, observez des cormorans impériaux, des mouettes de proie, des pétrels géants, des albatros à sourcils noirs et des lions de mer. Sur l'Isla Martillo, promenez-vous parmi des colonies de pingouins et visitez Acatushún, un musée des mammifères marins. Sur le chemin du retour vers Ushuaïa, faites une halte pour observer de près les abres typiques de la Terre de Feu, courbés par le vent.

4. El Chaltén

Votre voyage se poursuit à El Chaltén. Cette station de montagne en Patagonie est le centre de trekking de l'Argentine. Partez à l'aventure sur de nombreux itinéraires variés avec plusieurs niveaux de difficulté. Dans les environs d'El Chaltén, traversez des forêts verdoyantes pour atteindre de magnifiques lagunes comme Capri ou la Laguna de los Tres. L'itinéraire vous mène au point de vue Loma del Pliegue Tumbado, à 1 100 mètres d'altitude. Mais ce dernier n'est pas le seul à vous offrir une vue de rêve sur les montagnes : le Mirador del Torre vous promet également un panorama spectaculaire.

5. El Calafate

Le point final de ce road trip en Argentine de 2 semaines est El Calafete. Considérée comme la porte d'entrée du parc national Los Glaciares, vous pourrez traverser de nombreux glaciers. Le glacier Perito Moreno est particulièrement impressionnant, car vous pourrez l'admirer sous différentes perspectives grâce au réseau de sentiers avec plusieurs balcons d'observation. À El Calafete et dans les villages environnants, de nombreuses fermes proposent des programmes pour les voyageurs comme des promenades à cheval. Pour une courte excursion, visitez la réserve naturelle de la Laguna Nimez à pied.

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Argentina Itinerary | The Most Epic 10 Day Road Trip

An Argentina Itinerary has been our dream for a long time. To make a road trip in Argentina is quite obvious when you consider the size of the South American country. From Patagonia in the south to the Buenos Aires region and the far north with the Salta region and the Puna de Atacama. There are many reasons to take a road trip through Argentina by rental car.

We would have loved to do a round trip from the glaciers in Patagonia to the volcanoes of northern Argentina. But unfortunately we didn’t have the time. Since we were in the north of Chile anyway – in the Atacama Desert – a ritinerary through the north of Argentina offered itself. We started from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile, from where we drove directly to Salta in Argentina. You can also start your road trip from Salta if you only want to travel in Argentina.

We present you here our Argentina itinerary, which you can easily drive in 2 weeks. We also give you some tips, where you can get a rental car and where you can spend the night, if you do not have a campervan with roof tent.

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Argentina Travel Tips: Finding the right Rental Car

Finding a rental car in Argentina is not that difficult. There are at least in the provincial capital Salta numerous providers (Europcar, Avis, etc.), which one also knows from Europe. Renting a normal car is not expensive at all. On asphalted roads you have no problems, but what if you want to go into the pampas? Then you need a four-wheel drive car. In the following we want to give you some information to find the right car rental company.

Renting a Normal Car in Argentina

If you shorten the above itinerary and stay on the main road N68 or N9 between Cafayate in the south and Salta or Humahuaca in the far north of Argentina, you will not need an off-road vehicle. The roads are everywhere in good condition. If you don’t want to make an adventure trip out of your Argentina road trip, then just have a look at the available car rental companies and choose a car that fits your budget.

Campervan with Roof Tent

Since we didn’t want to spend most of the nights in the Puna de Atacama in hotels and also wanted to drive through areas where there are no paved roads , we decided to use a campervan. In our case, an off-road vehicle with a roof tent. So we could pitch our tent where we wanted and could make us with our small camping stove in the middle of nature something delicious to eat. Simply fantastic!

Our choice fell on the company Wicked Camper . This company also exists in the USA and Australia and since a few years also in Chile. Wicked offers small campervans, but also large off-road four-wheel drive vehicles. Mostly with gaudy and eye-catching designs. The target group is therefore rather younger people, which one would not believe at first because of the relatively high prices. But most things in Chile are expensive anyway.

The standard rental cars at Wicked are small minivans, which are rather less suitable for rugged terrain as we would find them on our round trip. So for a little more money, we took an all-terrain, four-wheel drive vehicle where we could be sure our car wouldn’t break down in the gnarly road conditions of Argentina’s wasteland. The problem here is that Wicked only rents its cars in San Pedro de Atacama in Chile and not in Argentina! So you have to start and finish the route in Chile. But this is not a big problem. How your Argentina itinerary could look like and what you have to keep in mind, we have described in an own article .

Campervan vs. Normal Rental Car 

With a normal rental car I mean a car that is not driven by four-wheel drive. These are here in the area mostly nevertheless larger off-road vehicles e.g. in the form of a Toyota Pickup. A normal rental car, as you would rent it in Europe, is also available here, but we would only recommend it if you really only drive on paved roads (e.g. between Salta and Cafayate). Otherwise, such cars are not up to the road conditions.

At least the roads in this region are paved. The advantage of a campervan is that you can sleep in it or on it. So on a mattress in the car or in a roof tent. So you can wild   camp with it relatively easily . When and where you want. And that is allowed everywhere in Chile and Argentina, except on private property, of course. So you not only save money compared to staying in a hotel, but you can also be sure of unique experiences in nature.

In areas where it gets very cold at night, it is of course less comfortable to spend the night in a tent or even in a car. Maybe we are just not hardy enough, but at more than 3500 meters above sea level it gets very easily below zero degrees at night . For such cases, we can resort to hostels (hospedajes), which can be found almost everywhere.

There are enough hotels in the big cities like San Pedro de Atacama (Chile), Salta and Cafayate. But also in the lonely areas of the Puna de Atacama there are a few accommodations where you can take refuge from the cold at night. The prices for simple accommodations (which you can’t find on the internet) are about 15-25 Euro for a double room. If you want more comfort, you have to invest at least 50 Euro per night.

Where can you camp on your Argentina Itinerary?

The only places where you can really sleep in a roof tent (or car) on your route through the north of Argentina without freezing to death are between Hualfin in the south and Humahuaca in the north. Only this region of Argentina lies at almost 1000 meters above zero and therefore has pleasant temperatures at night.

All other places in the Puna de Atacama (e.g. Antofagasta de la Sierra) are located so high that it quickly cools down to below zero degrees at night. So here you should resort to one of the hospedajes (simple private accommodations) available everywhere.

Our Itinerary for Argentina North

Our itinerary for Argentina led us clockwise through the northwest of the country  (and also through the Puna de Atacama ) and can be roughly divided into the following stops:

• Quebreda de las Conchas
• Campo de Piedra Pomez
• The volcano Cono Arita
• Ojos del Mar and Desierto del Diabolo
• San Antonio del Cobres

If you give yourself plenty of time, you can spend 2 weeks on this Argentina itinerary. But you can also do this route in 8-10 days if you have less time.

Additional Destinations with a Normal Rental Car

If you want to skip the inhospitable and difficult to drive landscapes in the Puna de Atacama (the area between the Ruta Nacional 40 and the Chilean border), then a simple rental car with front wheel drive is enough. We have written down a few additional destinations for you, so that you also get your 2 weeks full.

These destinations are all north of Salta and are very difficult to include as a round trip without driving on sandy roads. So you have to drive north from Salta on the RN9 and from the northernmost town back on the same route.

• A mountain almost 2500 meters high, which is said to have 7 different shades of red.
• 3 large salt deserts, which can be reached via a small detour on the RN52
• beautiful hiking area in the Jujuy region
• Hiking trail through reddish-brown rocks
• Mountain region with wonderful multicolored mountains and rocks
• Highlight in the region. The river Río Grande de Jujuy flows through this canyon and offers you colorful mountains and great hiking opportunities

Day 1 | Salta

We did not stay long in Salta. We would not recommend it to you either. If you can continue on the same day, you should do so. The city does not have much to offer and is rather gray and unattractive. In our opinion, the only beautiful viewpoint is the local mountain San Bernardo. You can easily visit it by car (alternatively by gondola or on foot) and you don’t have to pay any entrance or parking fees.

You can go all the way to the top and enjoy the great view over Salta. The 360° view from the top shows you the huge scale of this major city, and is a huge contrast to the rest of the cities on this Argentina itinerary. There is also a restaurant and restrooms at the top. By the way, Argentines also use the mountain as a way to do morning sports.

We met many joggers or even dog owners on the way, who walked or jogged up the kilometer-long road. But you don’t have to spend more than an hour up there, so you can spend the first day of your road trip packing your rental car or recovering from your arrival at the hotel. The next morning you should start early.

Day 2 + 3 | Quebreda de las Conchas

The stretch between Salta and Cafayate via the RN68 (also called Quebrada de las Conchas ) is one of the most beautiful stretches of road in Argentina , you read everywhere… and yes, we can only agree. The approximately 200 km long route makes you continuously marvel at the beautiful nature. The colors in the Quebrada de las Conchas tend to red-brown-loamy and form always new shapes on the left and on the right of the road.

In addition, in the middle of the gorge flows the – depending on the water level – more or less torrential Rio las Conchas and gives the Quebrada de las Conchas again a very special atmosphere. On the route between Salta in the north and Cafayate in the south, you can also camp in the wild off the road. The beautiful part of the route begins about 1 hour drive south of Salta and ends shortly before Cafayate. Where we found Cafayate itself also totally beautiful and – although relatively touristy – also very relaxed.

We spent a total of 2 days and 2 nights on the route, which really only takes 3-4 hours if you are short on time. There are also guided tours offered from Salta and Cafayate *, where you are channeled through the numerous sights within 1-3 days.

However, the roads are in super condition and therefore easy to drive even with a small rental car. On the way there are wonderful viewpoints, special sights and also smaller hiking possibilities. And if you also stay overnight on this route, you can watch the great sunrises and sunsets of this region in complete solitude and tranquility.

Quebrada de las Conchas | Roadtrip On The Ruta National 68

Day 4-5 | cafayate.

At the end of the wonderful Quebreda de las Conchas lies the small town of Cafayate, which is therefore naturally touristy, but still totally worth seeing. It serves as a starting point for the wine region around Cafayate and is popular with hikers and mountain bikers. There is a nice city center with a cozy Zócalo (main square) and also some colonial buildings. There are also many souvenir stores and restaurants that offer delicious empanadas.

You can spend here very well 2-3 days with souvenir shopping, excursions and strolling in the city. Cafayate is really excellent for that. The city manages to create a great mix of tourism and originality without being too hectic or too extinct. We felt really comfortable in the 3 days we were here in total and it has become our favorite city on our round trip through Chile and Argentina.

Hotel Recommendation in Cafayate

If you want to stay in a comfortable place that is also close to the main square we can recommend the Hostel Cielito Lindo *.

Cielito Lindo

• Modern Rooms
• Excellent breakfast
• friendly staff and dogs
• close to the main square
• Beautiful backyard

Withdrawing Money in Cafayate

This is always a bit difficult in Argentina, but especially in Cafayate. There are 2 banks in town, one of which had no cash during our stay and the other constantly a huge queue in front of the door. About half an hour we stood in line until it was our turn and in that time the number of machines in the bank that still spit out money dropped from 4 to just one .

I was worried that we wouldn’t be able to get any more cash , which would be bad since most things, like gas stations, can only be paid for with cash. In the end, thank God, it still worked. But you should always withdraw as much money as possible in this region, because especially in the lonely villages of the Puna de Atacama you can only pay cash.

Day 6 | Hike to the Rio Colorado (Cafayate)

After resting for a day in Cafayate, it is time to do something adventurous again. After a short research in our guidebook we found the hike to the Rio Colorado.

If you want to hike the Rio Colorado you just have to drive a few miles out of town and park your car near a campground. The hike itself leads through a wonderful green canyon along a small river and ends at a nice and not so small waterfall. You should start here already in the morning, otherwise the sun just disappears too early behind the mountains.

Cafayate Argentina | Amazing Hike At Rio Colorado

Day 7 | drive to el penon.

The seventh day of our Argentina trip was unfortunately a driving day. We had to do some distance to catch up after our extra day in Cafayate  (we tried to get our SUV repaired by Wicked Camper because the 4WD wasn’t working ) and get to the Puna de Atacama. So after breakfast we quickly went to the bakery, tried to pick up some more money and fill up our two gas cans we got from the mechanic.

I write deliberately tried , because both unfortunately did not work. The bank had unfortunately no money and the gas station attendant did not want to fill our canisters. His explanation mumbled in Spanish I unfortunately did not understand. So we had to fill up our emergency canisters at another gas station on the way.

The roads we traverse on our day of driving are often miles of dead-straight roads that seem to stretch to the horizon. Our understanding of vastness and distance is recalibrated here. On the way we pass the town of Santa Maria, which is a bit bigger than Cafayate, but completely untouristy and not so nice in atmosphere. On the other hand, it’s a good place to stock up on food, refuel (gas cans are also filled here at the local Perisol gas station) and withdraw money.

Refueling again in Hualfin

On our Argentina itinerary we continue to Hualfin, where we turn again into the contemplative place and fill up at the top modern gas station. By the way, like at most gas stations, this is only possible with cash.

Shortly after Hualfin the RP43 turns off to Antofagasta de la Sierra , which we want to follow today only to El Penon. We actually thought that from here on the gravel road should start again . But it continues nicely asphalted and there are only short pieces which are to be called gravel road.

Nevertheless, it goes from the beginning already very steeply uphill and our poor off-road vehicle has to fight properly to climb the gradients. Occasionally I even have to shift into second or even first gear, although it doesn’t look that steep to me. But the thin air, we are now again at an altitude of almost 4000 meters, probably also has its share.

The Fantastic Landscape Begins

After about 1.5 hours a continuous gravel road begins, but it is relatively straight and easy to drive. There are hardly any potholes and only some small rivers have to be crossed at low speed. Who has fun at driving comes here fully at his expense. I  (Andreas ) enjoyed the route very much . Therefore, we generally have the division that Sabrina drives the “boring” asphalt roads and I the “exciting” gravel roads.

The landscape during the trip is again extremely fantastic. Endless expanses, many guanacos, isolated donkeys and even ostriches we have seen here. One can look here again almost up to the horizon and if one thinks the street can lead nevertheless no more further highly, then it goes after the next hill again more violently uphill.

We found our accommodation  (Hospedaje Don Carmelo ) in advance in the app iOverlander and were very happy with it. We paid 800 ARS (16 Euro) for 2 people with breakfast. Breakfast in Argentina usually means bread, jam and coffee. We have a TV, a fan heater, an enormous amount of thick blankets and also our own bathroom in the room. What more could you want? After we have cooked something to eat on our gas stove in front of the garage, we crawl into our room and plan the next days.

Day 8 | Wondrous Rocks at Campo de Piedra Pomez

The seventh day of our Argentina trip is all about off-road driving. We drove from El Penon in about 1.5 hours to the Campo de Piedra Pomez. Most of it is (according to the sign next to the road) a  “4×4 only ” route. After we had tried in vain in Cafayate to have our four-wheel drive repaired, this caused me of course some beads of sweat on the forehead.

What if we get stuck somewhere? What if a sand hole could be easily overcome by four-wheel drive, and we just can’t move forward because our four-wheel drive has “a mechanical problem”? And anyway, what kind of a rough road will it be, if at the entrance to the road a “Touristic Check” is carried out, where normally  (at our passage nobody was sitting in it, thank God) the entering cars are checked?

Without trying it out, we’ll never know. So we drove off.

The route to the Piedra Pomez is, I can say after our return, very demanding . With a normal rental car I would not drive this route at all. Even if we didn’t have four-wheel drive, we still had a lot of ground clearance, thick knobby tires and generally a very robust vehicle. At the beginning the road is still quite easy to drive, also because it goes continuously downhill.

The Road becomes more and more Impassable

But after a while you encounter occasional sandbanks, tight blind curves and very sharp-stony ground, where normal car tires would probably have burst long ago. But in itself it was super fun to drive this route and the scenery along the way is just amazing.

Since the car of course rattled violently the whole time , not only our eggs in the cooler broke during the trip (later there should be a delicious omelet for it), but also some of our 5 liter water bottles have had enough of flying around in the trunk and developed discreet leaks in one place or another. After a short break, we then not only had to decant water into other containers so as not to lose it all, but also generally drove a little more leisurely.

Finally Arrived

Arrived at the unreal symmetrical rock formations of Piedra Pomez , we parked the car at the “road” edge and entered the sea of rocks that stretched out before us. From far away we could see this endless white landscape and wondered what exactly it would be. Only from close up we could see the 1 to almost 10 meter high rocks, which all seemed to be arranged in hundreds of parallel lines. Also, almost all of them were white on the outside and brown on top. A strange sight. As if someone had sculpted these rocks by hand.

Campo de Piedra Pomez: The Highlight of the Puna de Atacama

We climbed some rocks and took many photos. We were also completely alone most of the time in this moon-like landscape . Also we could not get out of the amazement. After we had prepared and eaten a small lunch  (the omelet ) we started our way back.

We actually wanted to make a short detour to the Laguna Carachi Pampa, which is on the way back to El Penon at a junction. But after the paths on maps.me kept branching out and we didn’t know if we were still on the right path, we decided to turn back. Better safe than sorry. We didn’t want to get stuck in this lonely area.

The way to Antofagasta de la Sierra

After we were back on the “main road”, we turned off towards Antofagasta de la Sierra. The road was mostly (freshly) asphalted and thus very good to drive. In about an hour we reached the place where we wanted to spend the night. On the way we passed the volcano of the same name shortly before Antofagasta.

This volcano is actually not that spectacular, but what makes it special is the sea of black lava rock that surrounds it over an area of several square kilometers. A fantastic sight, especially from the eagle perspective of my drone. Directly behind the volcano, which by the way can also be climbed, we made another small rest at the lagoon of Antofagasta, which again has the same name.

This is full of birds, reeds and even a small flamingo we saw. A real little oasis . Hard to believe that only an hour before we were in a totally lifeless place without plants, animals or water. Around 5 p.m. we arrived in the small Andean town of Antofagasta de la Sierra and went to the small hostel that Sabrina had already picked out on iOverlander.

Tips on Antofagasta de la Sierra : Here you will find a gas station, an ATM and several kiosks and restaurants to replenish your food supply.

Day 9 | Up to the Cono Arita Volcano

The next day of our Argentina road trip is unfortunately another exhausting day of driving. Our actual destination on this day was the Cono Arita. A pyramid-like rock in the middle of a huge salar . The drive there from Antofagasta can well be described as extremely strenuous and energy-sapping. The route is exclusively gravel road and partly so jerky and steep that we struggled in first gear up the slopes.

It was just shaking and jolting the whole time. Only a few slopes were prepared in such a way that one could drive 80 km/h there over longer distances. This, of course, only if you meticulously examine the road conditions in front of you.

The Salar itself is very beautiful to look at and you also have several miradors  (viewpoints ) on the descent from which you become aware of the inconceivable dimensions of the Salar. After about 4.5 hours we have (with some small breaks) on our route the 150 km from Antofagasta to Cono Arita finally behind us. During the whole trip we met only one car .

The Salar de Arizaro

We are now on the Salar de Arizaro, the third largest salar (after the one in Uyuni, Bolivia and the one in the Atacama Desert, Chile) in the Andes. You first drive a few kilometers along the edge of the salar until you finally see the outline of Cono Arita. During the drive you already notice the many trucks coming towards you. Accordingly, the road is better prepared here.

On the Salar, raw materials such as salt and various metals are mined – currently still on a small scale. On some sections of the Salar you can already clearly see the traces of industrial mining . Many excavators drive around on the Salar and dig up the earth. We hope that this will not increase in the coming years, so that this unique landscape will not be affected even more.

Arrived at Cono Arita

Finally arrived at the parking lot of Cono Arita, we park our car next to the only other cars and start to marvel. The stone pyramid is about 1 km away. You can’t get closer by car, but you can on foot. But we save ourselves the long walk over the razor sharp stones of the salar. You are not allowed to climb the Cono anyway. For religious reasons, as we read.

We limit ourselves to taking some photos and drone shots. The fact that it is cloudy on this day and it has even rained a little on the route, does the pictures even good, I think. A simple blue background would not be appropriate for this rock pyramid either. The dark blue cloud background makes the photos even more majestic.

Actually, we wanted to continue to Caipe after the visit of Cono Arita. But we decided to skip this detour for time reasons and go directly to Tolar Grande, 1.5 h away. The street there is actually well developed because of the many trucks, nevertheless, it shakes us once again strongly through and we arrive completely exhausted at shortly before 18 o’clock. Because we do not want to sleep in the roof tent because of the altitude and the associated cold at night, we look for accommodation again.

But this time it is a little bit more difficult. There are some Hospedaje Familiar (private rooms with locals) in the place, but most are full or simply do not open the door. Finally we found a room with a double bed for 900 ARS (about 18 Euro) for both of us. It is not super big or comfortable, but at least warm at night and with a hot shower in the morning.

Day 10 | Ojos del Mar and Desierto del Diabolo

Early in the morning we headed to the Ojos del Mar, located just a few kilometers outside of Tolar Grande. The Ojos del Mar are deep holes in a small salar , which have an interesting green color at the edge due to bacteria. In the middle, however, they are pitch black because of the depth. Hence the name “eyes of the sea”. The colors of these eyes look most impressive in the midday sun, as this is when the sun also reaches the depth of the holes and the colors come out best.

During our visit we were again completely alone , which underlines the atmosphere of such a place again. We took many photos and I flew around with the drone to be able to look at the Ojos from above. After a supervisor or would-be law enforcement officer – wherever he came from so quickly – loudly pointed out that you are not allowed to fly here with a drone, we continued our journey.

Since the roads were already in relatively good condition from Cono Arita onwards – due to the trucks passing by – the onward journey turned out to be quite easy. It was still an unpaved road , but with so few potholes and bumps that one could travel quite quickly . No comparison to the stretch between Antofagasta and Cono Arita.

Desierto del Diabolo

Our next stop was the Desierto del Diabolo. An impressive, reddish-brown clay hill scenery through which one drives for several kilometers on the way north. At first you could only guess at it from a distance, but the closer you got, the clearer it became that we would soon be driving through the reddish brown hills of the Devil’s Desert. We were very excited because we had seen photos of this desert at home, but didn’t know exactly where it was.

It had only been about an hour’s drive since we left Tolar Grande, but the landscape had changed completely. Instead of gray rock, we saw only reddish-brown clay. If you take the signposted truck route instead of the car route, you drive as if through a narrow gorge in which the red hills pile up on the left and right. A very impressive spectacle. One feels like on Mars . When trying to climb one of the loamy hills I (Andreas) had my problems, because the loamy mass broke off again and again when climbing.

After a few more hours we finally reached the main road that runs between Salta and the Paso de Jama (border crossing to Chile ). This last piece was therefore asphalted and thus again very easy to drive.

Exit to Chile or continue to Salta

We continued on our round trip to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile and therefore spent the night at the Paso de Jama border crossing. Right before the border there is a small hotel in a gas station. The YPF hotel in Jama was not as nicely modern equipped as we had hoped and unfortunately the windows – like everywhere else in Argentina – had no seal, which meant that the incredibly strong wind from outside penetrated through all the cracks into the room . But if you want to end your itinerary in Salta, you don’t have to spend the night here, but drive in the opposite direction and head for San Antonio del Cobres.

Day 11 | Via San Antonio del Cobres back to Salta

San Antonio del Cobres is a small (former) mining town with a lot of dust and far less charm . When the mines in the surrounding area and the associated railroad were still in operation, life was probably raging here. But since the shutdown, it is apparently much quieter here. For the passage and for refueling, the place is very well suited, but more time you do not need to spend here in our opinion.

In San Antonio we also had to get cash first, then we went to a small restaurant, ate a little tasty pizza and used the Internet there to call home. Because in the Puna de Atacama we had no cell phone reception. You don’t have to spend a lot of time here and only plan to stay overnight in case of emergency. The town doesn’t really have much to offer, and it takes about 2 hours to get to Salta. The drive is once again more than spectacular.

To the left and right of the road, colorful mountains gradually appear. As you continue downhill (Salta is just over 1000 meters in elevation), it can get really cloudy and even start to rain. Wow, we hadn’t experienced anything like that in over a week. But the climate change did our bodies a lot of good .

Finally we could breathe relaxed again. Arrived in Salta your Argentina road trip can be over. Or you can add a few more destinations north of Salta, which we presented above in the chapter Additional destinations with a normal rental car .

Road Trip Argentina – Conclusion and Travel Tips

• Keep warm:  Take enough blankets and a sleeping bag. Especially in the high altitudes it gets sensitively cold at night. But we found enough free blankets and sleeping bags at Wicked Camper . However, you should not necessarily rely on this.
• Supplies: Buy enough water and gas for the road. And of course stock up on food. There are kiosks in every small village with the most necessary things, but e.g. gas is not available everywhere. And you don’t want to take your food cold. You also want to be prepared for an emergency, when your car breaks down and you are on your own for some time until help arrives.
• The Routes:  The routes on an Argentina road trip are longer than you think. The app maps.me has always indicated these relatively accurately, but since most routes are really very difficult to drive, you always need more time than you thought before. Not even counting photo stops.
• Apps: Super helpful on a road trip through Argentina are the two apps iOverlander and maps.me. The latter can be used as an offline navigation app just like Google Maps. iOverlander, on the other hand, offers an almost endless list of accommodation options for campers and tents, as well as information on photo spots and sights. Partly also with current comments. Unfortunately, the app does not work completely offline, so you should scroll through the maps you will need later online, then they should still be available offline from the cache of your phone.

Do you have any questions about our travel report about our Argentina trip or do you have other experiences? Feel free to write us a comment.

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