Argentina is one of the most diverse and rewarding destinations in South America. In just ten days, you can experience vibrant city life in Buenos Aires, stand in awe of the powerful Iguazú Falls, and explore the dramatic glaciers and landscapes of Patagonia. If I were to recommend any way to do 10 days in Argentina, this is how it would go.
This 10-day Argentina itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who want to see the highlights while keeping travel efficient. It combines iconic destinations with realistic travel timing, allowing you to experience the best of Argentina without feeling rushed. From world-class food and tango culture to massive waterfalls and glacier views, this itinerary shows why Argentina is one of the most unforgettable countries to explore.
in This Guide
• 10 Day Argentina Itinerary Overview
• Days 1–3: Buenos Aires
• Days 4–5: Iguazú Falls
• Days 6–8: El Calafate
• Days 9–10: Ushuaia
• How to Travel Between Destinations
Overview of the 10-Day Itinerary
This itinerary focuses on three of Argentina’s most iconic regions:
- Buenos Aires – culture, food, and historic neighborhoods
- Iguazú Falls – one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world
- Patagonia – glaciers, mountains, and dramatic landscapes
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1–3: Buenos Aires
Day 4–5: Iguazú Falls
Day 6–8: El Calafate (Patagonia)
Day 9–10: Ushuaia
Flights between destinations make it possible to see all of this within ten days.
Day 1-2: Buenos Aires
Start your Argentina adventure in Buenos Aires, the country’s vibrant capital. Known for its European architecture, incredible food scene, and tango culture, Buenos Aires is the perfect introduction to Argentina.
I would suggest spending your first few days exploring the city’s most famous neighborhoods and landmarks in Buenos Aires. This will give you a chance to rest and acclimate to any time-zone changes, before the start of your bucket list adventure.
Things to Do in Buenos Aires
• Walk through the colorful streets of Palermo Soho
• Visit the historic Recoleta Cemetery
• See the famous Obelisk in the city center
• Explore the San Telmo Market
• Walk along the waterfront in Puerto Madero (one of my favourites)
• Watch a traditional tango show
• Stroll along Avenida Corrientes endless restaurant choices
Buenos Aires is also one of the best cities in the world for food. Don’t miss trying local favorites like Argentine pizza, empanadas, and asado.
👉 For a detailed guide to the best neighborhoods, restaurants, and attractions, read my Buenos Aires travel guide for first-time visitors.
Day 3-5: Iguazú Falls
Next, fly from Buenos Aires to Iguazú Falls, one of the most impressive natural wonders in the world. Located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazú Falls is made up of more than 250 waterfalls surrounded by lush jungle. The scale and power of the falls make it one of the most unforgettable destinations in South America. This was probably my favourite trip while Argentina.
Highlights of Iguazú National Park
• Walk the Upper and Lower Circuits
• Visit the famous Devil’s Throat viewpoint
• Take the boat ride directly into the falls (this was honestly so exhilarating, literally took my breath away)
• Explore the jungle trails and viewpoints
One of the best parts about visiting Iguazú is how immersive the experience is. The elevated walkways allow you to stand above, beside, and incredibly close to the waterfalls. Many travelers choose to visit Iguazú on a 2-3 day trip from Buenos Aires, which is exactly how I experienced it.
👉 Read my full Iguazú Falls travel guide for the exact itinerary, tours, and tips.
Many travelers book guided packages that include flights, accommodation, and park entry. You can compare Iguazú tour options here.
Day 6-8: El Calafate (Patagonia)
After Iguazú, I recommend flying south to Patagonia and basing yourself in El Calafate. El Calafate is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, home to one of Argentina’s most famous natural attractions: Perito Moreno Glacier. It is super easy to take tours from here to see the glacier, or to take trips deep into the mountains for the famous Patagonia hike and photo at El Chaltén.
Things to do in el calafate
• Visit Perito Moreno Glacier
• Walk the glacier viewing walkways
• Take a boat tour near the glacier
• Explore Los Glaciares National Park
• Visit Laguna Nimez nature reserve
Seeing Perito Moreno Glacier in person is one of the highlights of visiting Patagonia. Watching massive chunks of ice break off the glacier and crash into the water is an unforgettable experience.
👉 I share everything you need to know in my guide to the best things to do in El Calafate.
If you’re planning Patagonia, I recommend booking accommodation early. You can compare hotels in El Calafate here.
Day 9-10: Ushuaia
For the final part of your trip, fly to Ushuaia, often called the southernmost city in the world. Located at the tip of South America, Ushuaia sits between the Beagle Channel and the mountains of Tierra del Fuego, creating one of the most unique landscapes in Argentina.
Things to do in Ushuaia
• Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park
• Take a boat tour on the Beagle Channel
• Ride the End of the World Train
• Explore the waterfront and local restaurants
• See the famous “End of the World” sign
Ushuaia feels completely different from the rest of Argentina and offers incredible scenery at the edge of the continent. Plus its pretty neat to say you’ve been to the southernmost point of South America!
👉 Read my full Ushuaia travel guide for more details and recommendations.
How to get around argentina
Argentina is a large country, so flying between destinations is the most practical way to follow this itinerary.
Common flight routes include:
Buenos Aires → Iguazú
Iguazú → El Calafate
El Calafate → Ushuaia
Domestic flights in Argentina are relatively affordable and save a huge amount of travel time.
Final thoughts on 10 days In Argentina
Argentina is one of the most exciting countries to explore in South America, and this itinerary combines some of its most iconic experiences into one unforgettable trip. In just ten days you can experience:
• the culture and food of Buenos Aires
• the power of Iguazú Falls
• the glaciers and landscapes of Patagonia
• the remote beauty of Ushuaia
It’s a journey that showcases just how diverse and breathtaking Argentina can be, I loved every minute of it, and this is how I would recommend spending 10 days in Argentina.
Planning your trip to Argentina?
I’ve created detailed guides for each destination in this itinerary including Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls, El Calafate, and Ushuaia. You can also find my recommended travel tools, tours, and gear to make planning easier.
👉 Start exploring my full Argentina travel guides page.
