Argentina destinations • Planning tips • Travel connectivity
Best Places to Go in Argentina: 12 Destinations Worth Your Time
How to pick where to go in Argentina (fast)
Argentina travel gets easier when you pick a “base theme” for your trip. Try one of these:
- First-timer classic: Buenos Aires + Mendoza + (optional) Iguazú
- Nature-first: Patagonia + one city stop
- Culture + food: Buenos Aires + a slower countryside add-on
- Northwest landscapes: Salta/Jujuy region + wine + markets
Rule that prevents regret: If you have 7–10 days, choose 2 regions (max 3). If you have 14+ days, you can add Patagonia without rushing.
Top places to go in Argentina
1) Buenos Aires
Best for: neighborhoods, cafés, culture Ideal stay: 3–5 daysBuenos Aires is the entry point for most trips, and it earns the time. The city is built for wandering—markets, parks, late dinners, and a strong café culture. It’s also the easiest place to settle in before a bigger domestic flight.
2) Mendoza (Wine Country)
Best for: vineyards, long lunches Ideal stay: 2–4 daysMendoza is where you slow down. Tastings, day trips, and big skies. If your Argentina trip needs a “reset button” between big adventures, this is the place.
3) Iguazú Falls
Best for: a bucket-list natural wonder Ideal stay: 1–2 daysIguazú is loud, humid, and unforgettable. The falls experience is intense in the best way. Plan on getting wet. You will.
4) El Calafate (Patagonia gateway)
Best for: glaciers and big views Ideal stay: 2–3 daysEl Calafate is a Patagonia hub and a common base for glacier experiences. It pairs well with El Chaltén if hiking is your priority.
5) El Chaltén (Hiking capital vibe)
Best for: day hikes and trails Ideal stay: 2–5 daysIf your idea of a perfect day is hiking with dramatic scenery, El Chaltén is the obvious pick. Build buffer days here—weather can change quickly.
6) Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego)
Best for: “end of the world” energy Ideal stay: 2–4 daysUshuaia feels like a frontier town with serious scenery. It’s also a base for outdoor activities and a strong choice if you want southern Argentina without doing long multi-stop routes.
7) Bariloche (Lake District)
Best for: lakes, alpine scenery Ideal stay: 2–5 daysBariloche is a classic for a reason: lakes, viewpoints, and easy day trips. It’s a comfortable fit for travelers who want nature without going full-remote.
8) Salta
Best for: northwest Argentina base Ideal stay: 2–4 daysSalta is often the launchpad for exploring Argentina’s northwest—dramatic landscapes, local markets, and a totally different feel from Buenos Aires or Patagonia.
9) Jujuy & the Quebrada region (Purmamarca area)
Best for: colorful mountains, road trips Ideal stay: 2–4 daysNorthwest landscapes can look unreal—like someone turned the saturation up. If you want something visually different from the south, this region delivers.
10) Córdoba (city + nearby nature)
Best for: a less-touristy city stop Ideal stay: 2–3 daysCórdoba is a strong alternative city base if you want a different rhythm than Buenos Aires. It can also work as a stop between regions.
11) Mar del Plata (beach escape)
Best for: summer coastline energy Ideal stay: weekend–3 daysIf your Argentina trip is summer-heavy and you want a beach break, Mar del Plata is a familiar pick with a lively seasonal vibe.
12) Esteros del Iberá (wetlands)
Best for: wildlife and slow travel Ideal stay: 2–4 daysFor travelers who want nature without glaciers, the wetlands are a different kind of highlight—quiet, wildlife-rich, and ideal for slowing the pace.
Reality check: Patagonia plus the northwest plus Iguazú plus Mendoza in one trip is possible, but it’s not enjoyable unless you have serious time. Pick what you’ll remember, not what you can technically squeeze in.
Suggested routes by trip length
7 days (first-timer, not rushed)
- Buenos Aires (4 days)
- Mendoza (3 days) or Iguazú (2 days) + extra Buenos Aires time
10 days (best balance)
- Buenos Aires (4 days)
- Mendoza (3 days)
- Iguazú (2 days) + 1 buffer day
14–16 days (Patagonia included)
- Buenos Aires (3–4 days)
- Patagonia (6–8 days; choose 1–2 hubs)
- Mendoza or Iguazú (2–3 days)
- Buffer days for travel and weather
Staying connected while moving around Argentina
Argentina travel often means switching cities, flights, and plans. Connectivity helps with maps, bookings, day-trip pickups, and the inevitable “where are you?” messages. Zetsim positions itself as a global travel eSIM with no expiry, covering 180+ countries with 450+ local networks, plus instant top-ups available 24/7.
Why this matters in practice: When weather shifts a Patagonia day or a transport time changes, having working data makes rebooking and coordination painless instead of stressful.
Traveling across Argentina? Install your travel eSIM before you fly and land connected.
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FAQ: Best places to go in Argentina
What are the best places to go in Argentina for first-time visitors?
Buenos Aires is the best starting point, then add one or two regions based on your interests: Mendoza for wine, Patagonia for hiking and landscapes, or Iguazú Falls for a major natural highlight.
How many days do I need to visit Argentina?
7–10 days works for Buenos Aires plus one or two additional regions. If you want Patagonia and don’t want to rush, 14+ days is more comfortable.
What is the best region in Argentina for nature?
Patagonia is the headline for glaciers and hiking. Iguazú offers jungle and waterfalls. The northwest (Salta/Jujuy) is known for dramatic desert-and-mountain scenery.
What’s the easiest Argentina itinerary that still feels complete?
Buenos Aires + Mendoza is the easiest pairing. Add Iguazú if you have extra time. Save Patagonia for longer trips or a dedicated nature-focused itinerary.
How can I stay connected while traveling between destinations in Argentina?
A travel eSIM is a practical option if you want mobile data without swapping a physical SIM. Zetsim offers global travel eSIM plans with instant top-ups available 24/7.
