One Week in Argentina: The Ultimate Itinerary

Day 2: Iguazu Falls

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Catch a morning flight to Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport. Your mission today is to see Iguazú Falls, the largest waterfall system in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get a cab at the airport and head to your hotel in Puerto Iguazú. To optimize your time consider booking a day tour, but be aware that most don’t include the park admission fee.

 

At your hotel, change into light, waterproof clothing. Pack a swimsuit or extra change of clothes in your dry bag, as you will definitely get drenched. Stop at Aqva to eat at a lunch of river fish, tropical salad, or the bondiola (shredded pork), and the Yerba Mate crème brulee for dessert.

 

After lunch, head to Iguazú National Park. Walk the paths of the Upper Circuit to see the falls crashing from on high or traverse the Lower Circuit to experience the bottom of the falls, forests, and plenty of rainbows. Hike to the lookout to see Devil’s Throat, the tallest of Iguazú’s 275 waterfalls, crashing in a mammoth cascade into the Iguzaú River from a height of 262 feet. If you want to get even closer to the falls, book a boat tour to take you in front of the San Martín waterfall, the second largest waterfall in the park.

 

Finish the day by exploring more Argentine cuisine at the Argentine Experience, complete with an asado, empanada-making competition, free flow wine, and, of course, mate.

Day 3: Bariloche

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It’s time for blue lakes, rock climbing, and the Argentina version of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" in a magical land called Bariloche. Fly there early in the morning, then get your own cab or offer to split one with people from your flight. (This is fairly normal here, as is hitchhiking.) If you prefer, rent a car instead.

 

Drop your bags at your hotel, then order a bus, taxi, or remis (check with your hotel for recommendations) to go to Cerro Campanario. After an easy 30-minute hike (or seven-minute chairlift ride), you’ll arrive at one of Patagonia’s most famed views and a perfect introduction to Bariloche. From the 360-degree viewing platform, you can see lots of lakes, like Nahuel Huapi and Moreno, and multiple mountains, such as Campanario and Otto. You can also spot the swanky Llao Llao Hotel and the houses of Colonia Suiza.

 

For lunch, head to the lakeside Patagonia Brewery for craft beer and comfort food (offering meat and vegetarian options). On your way back to town, pull off on the side of the road and hop into any lake you pass for some “wild swimming.”

 

Back in town, stroll through the plazas and admire the Swiss and German-style buildings, then step into the chocolate wonderland that is Rappanui’s flagship store. Buy as many chocolates as you want from the display case or scoop up a cone of their decadent dulce de leche ice cream. If you’d rather have a warm dessert, order their waffles with hot chocolate. Later, go for a skate at their in-house ice rink.