2-week road trip in Argentina

You love the Argentinian atmosphere? You have 2 weeks you don’t know what to do with? Vamos en Argentina! From North to South, explore the country and discover its hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes. A lovely trip is coming!

Here is a glimpse of the beautiful experiences awaiting in this 2-week road trip in Argentina:

• Discover the beautiful Pasaje de la Defensa during your visit to Buenos Aires
• Climb Cerro San Bernardo for a great view of the city of Salta
• See the rainbow mountains in Hornocal, a few kilometres from Humahuaca
• Walk through the salt desert of Salinas Grandes at sunset
• Walk among the cacti in Los Cardones National Park, not far from Cachí
• Visit the vineyards and wine tastings of Cafayate
• Take in the natural beauty of the Perito Moreno glacier or El Chaltén from El Calafate

To travel safely and without any worry on your mind, we recommend Chapka Insurance!

---

 

Itinerary of a 2-week road trip in Argentina

---

 

Some practical information before your trip to Argentina

 

For this itinerary we recommend renting a car from Hertz. It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

You want to buy a paper travel guide? We recommend this one! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date!

Need a road map to prepare your itinerary? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read!

The best time to do this itinerary in Argentina is from December to March, during the summer. The temperatures are more pleasant, there is not too much rain, it is ideal! However, as this itinerary takes you through several regions of Argentina, the weather will not be optimal in every region. It’s up to you to choose where you want to have the best weather during your trip. Click here for more information.

You can’t leave Argentina without trying some of the country’s culinary specialities! Starting with empanadas, the country’s emblematic snack that can be eaten at any time of the day. They are a kind of pastry filled with meat or vegetables, with spices, it’s delicious! Then there is the other unavoidable speciality: the asado, in other words, the Argentinian barbecue. It is a very convivial moment during which friends and families like to meet. Finally, since this itinerary takes you to the Salta region, you should try its speciality: humita salteña, a delicious corn-based preparation wrapped in corn leaves.

 

---

 

Contents: 2-week road trip in Argentina

1- Buenos Aires – Stop 1 of the 2-week road trip in Argentina
2- Salta – Stop 2 of the 2-week road trip in Argentina
3- Humahuaca – Stop 3 of the 2-week road trip in Argentina
4- Salinas Grandes – Stop 4 of the 2-week road trip in Argentina
5- Cachí – Stop 5 of the 2-week road trip in Argentina
6- Cafayate – Stop 6 of the 2-week road trip in Argentina
7- Salta – Stop 7 of the 2-week road trip in Argentina
8- El Calafate – Stop 8 of the 2-week road trip in Argentina
9- Buenos Aires – Stop 9 of the 2-week road trip in Argentina

---

 

Itinerary of a 2-week road trip in Argentina: step by step

 

 

What to do in Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires is a very lively city, mainly because of its young population. You can not miss out on this city when going to Argentina. Don’t worry, you’ll be back at the end of your 2-week road trip in Argentina to explore the city in depth.

• Get a coffee in the famous Café Tortoni, one of the oldest coffee shops in the city.
• Explore San Telmo neighbourhood and go back in time when visiting Pasaje de la Defensa, a 19th century house.
• Dancers, learn a few Tango steps in the streets of San Telmo during one of the many streets shows.
• Enjoy a Bife de Chorizo or Lomo in El Establo Parrilla.
• Taste delicious ice creams at Freddo, Persicco or Volta.
• Go explore Recoleta cemetery (yes, a cemetery) and get right into Argentina’s history where former presidents and war heroes lie. Kind of like Père Lachaise cemetery if you’ve already been to Paris (you lucky traveler!).
• Stroll around the streets of La Boca. Football fans, stop at La Bombonera stadium, Boca Juniors‘ famous club. Others, attend one of the street Tango shows.
• Don’t miss out on Palermo neighbourhood, flower heaven. Stop for a moment and have a coffee or an empanada (or both) while watching locals dancing.

 

Continue your visit of Buenos Aires with:

 

• Go to Teatro Colón to admire its beautiful architecture and go see a ballet or opera show.
• Take the time to go to Plaza de Mayo (nothing to do with your favorite condiment) and admire the huge Casa Rosada, the president’s palatial mansion!
• Enjoy the regional specialities like locro (hearty stew made of corn and meat) or l’humita (a corn dish) in the folkloric district of Mataderos.
• Visit an Argentinian ranch with Gauchos in San Antonio de Areco thanks to the many day-trips starting the city.
• You’ve seen enough of the city and want to go on an adventure ? Go for a 2-day trip in Puerto Iguazú and explore the famous Iguazú falls. A unique and unforgettable experience!
• Go on an excursion to see the Delta del Tigre.
• Feel like a movie star at Avenida Corrientes and enjoy a Broadway atmosphere.
• Party people, this is the perfect city for you!Indeed, Buenos Aires has a great nightlife scene that should please everyone!

 

Where to sleep in Buenos Aires?

 

• Mid-range: With a game room consisting of a pool table and a ping-pong table, My Soho Serrano and its owners will satisfy and delight you.
• High-end: The Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires offers spacious luxury suites with marble bathrooms and exclusive bars. It is the only hotel in the chic Recoleta district to have an outdoor swimming pool, so enjoy this exclusive feature! The staff are also always praised by the guests. You will be treated like real kings and queens!

 

---

 

What to do in Salta?

The city of Salta is the perfect place to explore the Nort-West of Argentina. Thanks to its touristic qualities, the city significantly grew over the last few years. This will be a short stop on your 2-week road trip in Argentina, but you will come back to it in a few days don’t worry!

• Take a nap on a shady bench on Plaza 9 de Julio.
• Get to know General Güemes (or what’s left of him I should say), the hero of the independence, in the cathedral.
• Want to learn more about the history of the region? Head to the Cabildo (town hall in english) where you’ll find the Museo Historico del Norte, don’t forget to admire its colonial architecture.
• You like to discover the dark side of things? Go to the Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montana (MAAM) where the bodies of 3 mummified children are kept (light hearted? stay away!).

 

More things to do in Salta:

 

• Take the cable car up to Cerro San Bernardo.
• If you haven’t tasted empanadas yet, better take the chance in Salta. Stuffed with meat, veggies or other ingredients, these small savory pastries will please everyone at Doña Salta restaurant.
• Drink some Coca. No, not your usual American soda, here it is a herbal tea infused with coca leaves. It’s recommended when in the mountains to fight altitude sickness !
• Spend a night in the heart of Salta‘s culture and take part in the peñas where singers and musicians will make you dance all night long.

 

Where to sleep in Salta?

 

• Mid-range: The Andes Apart offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, overlooking the city. This flat, located 1.9km from the centre, has free private parking, 24-hour reception and free Wi-Fi.
• High-end: Let us introduce you to the Alejandro 1° Hotel. With a swimming pool and a fully equipped indoor gym, this quiet and peaceful hotel with spacious rooms will give you all the comfort you need to get back on the road energised the next day.

 

---

 

What to do in Humahuaca?

Humahuaca is the biggest ville in the Quebrada de Humahuaca region. Authentic, it hosts the February carnaval and the many visitors that go with it. 

• Walk around the paved streets and admire the traditional houses.
• Step in the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria cathedral.
• Go up the tall stairwell and get to the Monument of Independence and the Santa Bárbara Tower.
• Art lovers, head to the Estudio Museo Ramoneda, it has many local artists’ artwork. A little bit further is the Museo de Arte « Nicasio Fernández Mar », a sculpture museum.
• 10km / 6.2 miles away, discover the  old Native American village of Coctaca’s ruins.
• Less than an hour away from the village, go to Mirador del Hornocal and be amazed by the outstanding scenery. These colourful mountains are a must-see on this 2-week road trip in Argentina.

 

Where to sleep in Humahuaca?

 

• Mid-range: Looking for a change of scenery? Then go and sleep in a typical Argentinean hostel, the Hostal Casa de Piedra, with owners who will take the time to explain everything to you.

 

---

 

What to do in the Salinas Grandes?

Salinas Grandes is a must-see if you are nearby. It is considered to be one of the largest salt desert in the world, Salinas Grandes has breathtaking sceneries. Get your sunglasses and sunscreen on and let’s go! 

• Meet the local wildlife: flamingos, llamas and suris.
• Explore the Salinas Grandes by day it’s great, but during the sunset hours it’s even greater! Admire the colourful salt desert and enjoy a beautiful natural show. This is a unique landscape on this 2-week road trip in Argentina.

 

---

 

---

What to do in Cachí?

This charming and quaint village, is the fifth stop of your 2-week road trip in Argentina. 

• Step in San José Church and admire its colonial architecture.
• The Archeological Museum Pio Pablo Diaz is one of the most beautiful in the region, you will learn about the history and culture of the valleys.
• Have a picnic under the pine trees at 9 de Julio Square. 
• You want to get a great view of the village? Go to the cemetery on top of the hill, you will get a 360 view over the valley.
• Taste some delicious local cheese, queso norteño.
• Less than an hour away, discover Los Cardones National Park, where cacti and tall canyons will take your breath away.

 

Where to sleep in Cachí?

 

• Mid-range: Decorated in the style of the country, La Chakana, offers accommodation with a garden, a terrace and a shared kitchen. With a warm and family welcome, you will find your happiness.
• High-end: El Cortijo Hotel is housed in an old colonial house. It offers pleasant and spacious rooms with traditional Argentinean decoration and a gourmet restaurant. If you are looking for a pleasant experience during your trip, then this is the place for you.

 

---

 

What to do in Cafayate?

Cafayate is a must-see on the wine route, but most importantly one of the loveliest regions you will visit during this 2-week road trip in Argentina.

• Go enjoy the regional wines, the torrontés, in the many wineries of the city.
• To learn even more about wine, go to the Museum of the Vine and Wine, where you will also be able to taste regional wines (the trip is not over, do not have to much of it!)
• Enjoy local dishes at Macacha restaurant.
• Get yourself some local products at the marketplace.
• Not far from Cafayate, go discover Quebrada de las Conchas, a long canyon where you can admire beautiful sceneries.

 

Where to sleep in Cafayate?

 

• Mid-range: Stay at Calchaquí 6, a 2 bedroom flat with a great view of the surrounding area! Clean and comfortable, it has it all!
• High-end: With both indoor and outdoor pools, the Grace Cafayate is located in the middle of vineyards. In addition, it offers a panoramic view of the Andes mountains. The hotel’s reputation is built on the hospitality and professionalism of its guests.

 

---

 

What to do in Salta?

Back in Salta after your visit to the northwest, take the opportunity to explore this charming part of your 2-week road trip in Argentina. 

• Take a nap on a shady bench on Plaza 9 de Julio.
• Get to know General Güemes (or what’s left of him I should say), the hero of the independence, in the cathedral.
• Want to learn more about the history of the region? Head to the Cabildo (town hall in english) where you’ll find the Museo Historico del Norte, don’t forget to admire its colonial architecture.
• You like to discover the dark side of things? Go to the Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montana (MAAM) where the bodies of 3 mummified children are kept (light hearted? stay away!).

 

More things to do in Salta:

 

• Take the cable car up to Cerro San Bernardo.
• If you haven’t tasted empanadas yet, better take the chance in Salta. Stuffed with meat, veggies or other ingredients, these small savory pastries will please everyone at Doña Salta restaurant.
• Drink some Coca. No, not your usual American soda, here it is a herbal tea infused with coca leaves. It’s recommended when in the mountains to fight altitude sickness !
• Spend a night in the heart of Salta‘s culture and take part in the peñas where singers and musicians will make you dance all night long.

 

Where to sleep in Salta?

 

• Mid-range: The Andes Apart offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, overlooking the city. This flat, located 1.9km from the centre, has free private parking, 24-hour reception and free Wi-Fi.
• High-end: Let us introduce you to the Alejandro 1° Hotel. With a swimming pool and a fully equipped indoor gym, this quiet and peaceful hotel with spacious rooms will give you all the comfort you need to get back on the road energised the next day.

 

---

 

What to do in El Calafate?

El Calafate is the gate to Los Glaciares National Park (or Glaciers National Park), a UNESCO World heritage site with around 50 glaciers. The scenery will be breathtaking during this stop of the 2-week road trip in Argentina. 

• Explore Perito Moreno glacier, go trekking and admire the ice falls.
• While you’re in the area, take some time to go on an adventure to discover El Chaltén and its beautiful scenery.
• Wait until 6pm and go to La Zorra pub, have a local beer and enjoy Happy Hour until 7pm.
• Drink some maté, the local tea, in Cambalache, located in the city center.
• Enjoy some delicious sheep meat, a Patagonia speciality.
• Observe flamingos in the swamps along Paseo Kirchner.
• Tip : if you came here driving, be careful, there are no traffic lights!

 

Where to sleep in El Calafate?

 

• Mid-range: Well located, close to the city centre, stay at the Hosteria Patagonia. It’s great value for money, with the bare essentials, but after all, do you need more?
• High-end: Just a few kilometres from the city centre, Hotel Xelena & Suites offers a free shuttle to the city centre. In an idyllic setting on the waterfront, each room is equipped with a minibar, safe, LCD TV and DVD player.

 

---

 

What to do in Buenos Aires?

Here we are back in Buenos Aires, enjoy the last few days ! 

• Get a coffee in the famous Café Tortoni, one of the oldest coffee shops in the city.
• Explore San Telmo neighbourhood and go back in time when visiting Pasaje de la Defensa, a 19th century house.
• Dancers, learn a few Tango steps in the streets of San Telmo during one of the many streets shows.
• Enjoy a Bife de Chorizo or Lomo in El Establo Parrilla.
• Taste delicious ice creams at Freddo, Persicco or Volta.
• Go explore Recoleta cemetery (yes, a cemetery) and get right into Argentina’s history where former presidents and war heroes lie. Kind of like Père Lachaise cemetery if you’ve already been to Paris (you lucky traveler!).
• Stroll around the streets of La Boca. Football fans, stop at La Bombonera stadium, Boca Juniors‘ famous club. Others, attend one of the street Tango shows.
• Don’t miss out on Palermo neighbourhood, flower heaven. Stop for a moment and have a coffee or an empanada (or both) while watching locals dancing.

 

Continue your visit of Buenos Aires with:

 

• Go to Teatro Colón to admire its beautiful architecture and go see a ballet or opera show.
• Take the time to go to Plaza de Mayo (nothing to do with your favorite condiment) and admire the huge Casa Rosada, the president’s palatial mansion!
• Enjoy the regional specialities like locro (hearty stew made of corn and meat) or l’humita (a corn dish) in the folkloric district of Mataderos.
• Visit an Argentinian ranch with Gauchos in San Antonio de Areco thanks to the many day-trips starting the city.
• You’ve seen enough of the city and want to go on an adventure ? Go for a 2-day trip in Puerto Iguazú and explore the famous Iguazú falls. A unique and unforgettable experience!
• Go on an excursion to see the Delta del Tigre.
• Feel like a movie star at Avenida Corrientes and enjoy a Broadway atmosphere.
• Party people, this is the perfect city for you!Indeed, Buenos Aires has a great nightlife scene that should please everyone!

 

Where to sleep in Buenos Aires?

 

• Mid-range: With a game room consisting of a pool table and a ping-pong table, My Soho Serrano and its owners will satisfy and delight you.
• High-end: The Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires offers spacious luxury suites with marble bathrooms and exclusive bars. It is the only hotel in the chic Recoleta district to have an outdoor swimming pool, so enjoy this exclusive feature! The staff are also always praised by the guests. You will be treated like real kings and queens!

 

---

 

---

 

Learn more about your road trip in Argentina…

 

• You want to know all the information about the country? It’s here.
• Then, to rent a car at the best price, we advise you this website.
• To book a flight at the best price, we recommend you this website.
• You are looking for a great travel insurance for your 2-week road trip in Argentina? We recommend this one!

 

Do not hesitate to share your trip with us, we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!

 

---

 

---

If you have any information, good tips, or simply a comment about this itinerary, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below! The whole team will be happy to hear from you!