Argentina

16-Day Argentina Adventure: From Waterfalls to Glaciers

Welcome to our wild 16-day adventure through Argentina — a country that blew our minds and stole our hearts. From roaring waterfalls in the jungle to glaciers the size of cities, from penguins waddling past your feet to close encounters with sea lions (yep, the real, wild kind), this trip was the perfect mix of adrenaline, nature, and empanadas. If you're dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime experience, keep reading. Argentina delivers.

16-Day Argentina Adventure: From Waterfalls to Glaciers

Quick summary

Start: Buenos Aires
End: Buenos Aires
Total Distance: Approx. 5,000 km (3,100 miles)
Duration: 16 days
Transport: Domestic flights & rental car
Best Time to Go: October–April (spring to early autumn)
Family-Friendly: Absolutely! Plenty of activities for all ages
Top Highlights: Iguazú Falls, Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn wildlife, Ushuaia, Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chaltén hikes

16-Day Argentina Adventure: Waterfalls, Wildlife & Wonders

Day 1–3: Iguazú Falls – Nature’s Thunder

Travel: Flight from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú (~1h 50m)

After landing in Buenos Aires, we took a 1h45 flight to Puerto Iguazú. The airport is tiny, and the jungle vibes hit you immediately.

We spent two days exploring Iguazú National Park. The star? Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) – a 150-meter-wide, 82-meter-high U-shaped waterfall that literally roars Iguazú Argentina. You feel the mist, hear the thunder, and realize nature doesn’t mess around.

Tips:

Stay on the Argentine side for immersive trails and boat rides.
Bring waterproof gear – you will get soaked.

Stay: Loi Suites Iguazú Hotel – Nestled in the jungle, offering serene views and top-notch amenities.

Eat: La Rueda 1975 – Renowned for its local cuisine and warm ambiance.

Experience here Iguazu Falls Tours

Day 4–6: Buenos Aires – Culture & Chaos

Back in BA for three days of city life. We rented bikes and met our guide, who showed us around like a true Porteño.

Top spots we visited:

Plaza de Mayo: The heart of the city, where all the history happened.
La Boca: Colorful, loud, full of tango dancers and street art.
San Telmo Market: Where you eat everything and regret nothing.
Palermo Soho: Trendy, full of cool cafés and boutique shops.
Tango show - check here
BA is vibrant, chaotic, and full of life. So decided to go for an all in bike tour
And the food? Don’t even get me started on the steaks and empanadas! Eat:
- Don Julio – Famous for its Argentine steaks.
- El Preferido de Palermo – Offers traditional dishes with a modern twist.

Travel: Flight back to Buenos Aires (~1h 50m)

Stay: Palo Santo Hotel – A boutique eco-hotel in Palermo with lush vertical gardens.

Day 7–8: Puerto Madryn – Wildlife Wonderland

Travel: Flight from Buenos Aires to Puerto Madryn (~2h 5m)
Stay: Hotel Territorio – Offers panoramic views of the bay and a cozy atmosphere.
Eat: Cantina El Náutico – Known for its fresh seafood dishes.

A short flight to Puerto Madryn brought us to Patagonia’s wildlife capital.

Activities:

Whale Watching: From May to December, southern right whales grace the waters.
Punta Tombo: Home to over a million Magellanic penguins – they waddle, argue, and are surprisingly loud
Sea Lion Safari: We swam with wild sea lions. Adorable until a 300kg male decided to join. Heart-pounding moment, but we survived and earned a diploma!

1/4

Day 9–11: Ushuaia – The End of the World

Travel: Flight from Puerto Madryn to Ushuaia (~5h 30m, with a stopover)
Stay: Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa – Located on a scenic hilltop, offering luxury and stunning views.
Eat: Kuar Restaurant – Offers Patagonian cuisine with a view of the Beagle Channel.

Flying to Ushuaia, the southernmost city on Earth, felt like entering another realm.

Highlights:

Local Hikes: Breathtaking landscapes and crisp air.
Rafting Tour: Wild rivers and stunning views.
Tierra del Fuego National Park: We went horseback riding on a horse that Leonardo DiCaprio rode in The Revenant. The guide was so proud.
Beagle Channel Cruise – Spot sea lions, penguins, and more.

Day 12–13: El Calafate – Glacier Majesty

Travel: Flight from Ushuaia to El Calafate (~1h 20m)
Stay: Eolo Patagonia Spirit – A luxurious lodge offering expansive views of the Patagonian steppe.
Eat: La Tablita – A local favorite for traditional Argentine barbecue.
See: El Calafate, home to the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier.
- Perito Moreno Glacier – Witness the awe-inspiring ice formations and listen for the thunderous ice calving. It’s 30km long, 5km wide, and 74m high
- Boat Tour – Get up close to the glacier's towering walls.

Day 14–15: El Chaltén – Hiker’s Paradise

Travel: Bus from El Calafate to El Chaltén (~2h 40m)
Stay: Hostería Senderos – A charming inn with mountain views and cozy accommodations.
Eat: La Cervecería – A rustic spot known for its craft beers and hearty meals.
A scenic drive brought us to El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital.

Top Hikes:

Mirador del Torre: Epic viewpoints with relatively easy access, yet a challenging hike
Mirador del Torre – A shorter trek offering panoramic vistas.
Senda El Fitz Roy: A challenging but rewarding trail leading to stunning vistas.
Laguna de los Tres: A moderate 8 to 9-hour trek to a turquoise lake at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy El Chaltén.

The air is crisp, the scenery is unreal, and our legs? Officially dead.

Day 16: Return to Buenos Aires & Home

We flew back to Buenos Aires, then onward to Madrid and finally home. Sixteen days, countless memories, and a newfound appreciation for Argentina’s diverse beauty.

And that’s a wrap! 16 days, 5 regions, countless wow-moments, and a few moments of sheer panic (looking at you, giant sea lion). We laughed, hiked, ate ridiculously good food, and made memories we’ll talk about forever. Argentina — we’ll be back. And if this sounds like your kind of trip, steal our itinerary and make it your own. Trust us, it's worth every second.

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