Argentina is one of the most interesting countries in South America. The second largest country on the continent, each corner has amazing highlights and unique offerings to delight visitors. But, there is a problem. Quite a few travellers are only passing through Argentina to Antarctica, given that trips to Antarctica from Argentina are the most common way of visiting the frozen continent. In doing so, they miss out on some amazing experiences and lifetime memories. Whether you have 2 days or 2 weeks in Argentina, or even 2 months, there is plenty to interest you in both locations.

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Trips to Antarctica from Argentina

If you’re looking at trips to Antarctica from Argentina, or maybe just looking for a unique place to visit, let’s have a look at some options to really explore this amazing country. We can start with a 1 week itinerary, starting off with Buenos Aires.

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“An Argentine is an Italian who speaks Spanish and thinks he's French”

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Argentina is a fascinating mix of cultures and landscapes. As Chileans often derisively claim about Argentina, “An Argentine is an Italian who speaks Spanish and thinks he's French”. And for most people thinking of Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, the analogy holds true. Buenos Aires is built on grandeur and wealth, with entire suburbs modelled on French stylings. Food is also a massive part of their lives, with unique local offerings and firm opinions on the best way to prepare it. The country is also famed for their tango and their art. All of this cultural contrast means that any 1 week itinerary in Argentina will often include days in the capital to experience it all.

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There are plenty of places to visit in Buenos Aires, like the famed Recoleta Cemetery. Whilst famed for the burial site of Eva Peron, former first lady of Argentina, it is also a snapshot into the historical excess of the early years. Architectural style meets ego in this collection of crypts and mausoleums, where legacy and art combine. You might also choose to take up a walking tour along the art-filled streets of Recoleta or Palermo, all whilst stopping in at various restaurants to sample the famed food of the region. Or, watch as tango dancers seduce your attention with their skill at this sensual dance style.

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Argentina: 1 Week Itinerary

But, to assume Buenos Aires is the epicentre of Argentina is to overlook the rest of the country. Just as the landscape changes as you move about, the ‘porteños’ (’people of the port’, as Buenos Aires locals are known) aren’t the only culture you will encounter as you travel. So, for the rest of the your Argentina 1 week itinerary, we need to leave the capital city and choose another region to visit. If you are planning to head from Argentina to Antarctica anyway then you will be heading south to Tierra Del Fuego, with the Southern port of Ushuaia being your launching point for trips to Antarctica from Argentina. Whilst down here you can hike at the southern tip of Patagonia, take the train ride to the ‘End of the World’ or enjoy visiting various species of penguins who live around this region.

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However, if you aren’t planning on heading from Argentina to Antarctica, then you will be unlikely to visit this region. For a Patagonian experience, you are more likely to head to the El Calafate region to visit the massive Perito Merino Glacier or any of the nearby attractions. The hiking down here is amazing, or you can also combine it with a trip slightly north to El Chalten for the enormous granite spires of Mount Fitz Roy. Or visit an estancia and see how the famed ‘gaucho’ (Patagonian cowboys) live. For an Argentina 1 week itinerary, this combination of Patagonian wildness and Buenos Aires culture will give you a great taste of the country.

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2 Weeks in Argentina

And if you can spare 2 weeks in Argentina before joining one of the trips to Antarctica from Argentina? Well, you are in for a treat. 2 weeks in Argentina will allow you to go slower, or explore more. High on the list of places to visit is the incredible Iguazu Falls, on the northern border with Brazil. One of the world’s greatest waterfalls and one of the main highlights of South America, Iguazu Falls must be experienced in person to be appreciated fully. It is a chain of waterfalls spanning the Brazilian and Argentinian borders, with the greatest views from the Argentine side. It is one of the world’s great wonders.

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If the time in Buenos Aires has seen you develop a taste for the finer things in life to go alongside the natural beauty, then maybe Bariloche might appeal. In Argentina’s lake district, and often thought to be a little bit of South American Switzerland, Bariloche is a wonderful way to take in nature whilst also taking in some amazing food and wine. 2 weeks in Argentina will allow time to soak this in. And if wine is the focus, then you can’t go past Mendoza, with some of the best wineries in the world. This is where Malbec was born, and you can enjoy as many tastings here to your heart's content.

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Or you can take in the attractions of Salta and the desert landscapes that invite you to step outside of the everyday hustle.

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Or indulge in animal watching along the Valdes Peninsula, including orcas and seals trying to outwit each other.

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Or any more of the countless places you can visit. An Argentina 1 week itinerary almost doesn’t seem enough, but then again, 2 weeks in Argentina doesn’t either. So what is best to do?

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In our opinion, for both logistical and cultural reasons, every trip should spend some time in Buenos Aires. This includes any trip from Argentina to Antarctica or any standalone Argentinian trip. As the cultural centre of the country, it is filled with both modern and historical enjoyment. After that, the answer really comes down to you. What do you enjoy? Do you love nature and hiking? Maybe tropical regions and deserts? Or maybe wine and desserts? Whatever you enjoy, you can find it in Argentina.

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Argentina is more than just a temporary stop, or starting point, for Antarctic trips. It remains a fascinating place to visit and stands proud as a memorable and fascinating country to spend some time in. Whether it is from an Argentina 1 week itinerary or from 2 weeks in Argentina (or longer), whether if is from the time spent with the gauchos or the porteños, and whether it is the north or the south you visit, you will find yourself leaving with a bit of Argentinean spirit in you as well.

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