-
Buenos Aires, Argentina
BA is a must for your Argentina itinerary. Even if you’re not a city person, you’ll probably fly into the capital. Also, you may need to transit again if you visit Iguazu and/or Patagonia.
I LOVED Buenos Aires; it’s my favourite city in South America. From cool neighbourhoods like San Telmo and Palermo to cultural attractions including museums and galleries, there’s so much to see and do. I also enjoyed the green spaces and the fantastic food and coffee scene!
-
El Calafate, Argentina
El Calafate: although the town isn’t interesting or charming, it offers access to the majestic Perito Moreno glacier. Splash out to hike on the glacier or take the budget option of admiring it from the boardwalks. Stay at America del Sur hostel, a social base for solo travellers in Patagonia.
-
El Chaltén, Argentina
El Chalten: this hiker’s haven boasts many trails however the Tres Laguna route to the base of famous Mount Fitz Roy is the winner.
-
Mendoza Province, Argentina
Day 10: Mendoza. Explore the other wine region or have a city day.
-
Salta, Argentina
Here’s where it gets tricky if time’s tight. I spent 10 days in Salta & Jujuy but you can spend however long you want. Salta is a pleasant city with cultural attractions but it’s the surrounding nature that stole my heart.
Getting there: an 18-hour bus or 1-hour flight from Mendoza, or fly from BA.
-
Humahuaca, Argentina
Humahuaca (3.5-hour drive from Salta) famous for the Hornocal AKA the 14 Colour Mountain located at the top of an elevated mountain pass
-
Purmamarca, Argentina
Purmamarca (2.45-hour drive from Salta) – known for its 7 Colour Mountain located right in the town. Take the circular Paseo de los Colorados walk to admire the many colourful hills
-
Salinas Grandes, Argentina
Selinas Grande salt pans – the third largest salt pan in the world created 10 million years ago by volcanos. Where could be better for a photo shoot?
-
Cafayate, Argentina
Cafayate (3.5-hour drive from Salta) – a gorgeous wine region with a traditional town at its heart. Just a day is needed to visit the popular goat’s cheese farm and other wineries. There are day tours from Salta or stay overnight.
-
Cachi, Argentina
Cachi – the appeal is the drive to this cute town along mountain passes and cactus-peppered plains. If you have a car, drive from Cafayate then back to Salta. If not, take a return day tour from Salta.