Last updated: April 2026
Argentina in 5 Days: Buenos Aires + Iguazu
If you have exactly 5 days in Argentina, this is what gets you the most: Buenos Aires (2 days) + Iguazu (2 days) + 1 buffer day. It is the classic combo that delivers extreme contrast — cosmopolitan city with tango, steakhouses and European architecture + subtropical jungle with the most spectacular waterfalls on the planet. A 1h45 domestic flight connects the two. Tight but worthwhile if you stay efficient. The Buenos Aires + Mendoza alternative works if you prioritize wine over waterfalls.
TL;DR — what you cover and what you skip
| Length | Covered | Skipped |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days | BA + Iguazu (highlights) | Patagonia, Mendoza, Salta |
| 5 days alt | BA + Mendoza (wine) | Iguazu, Patagonia, NW |
| 7 days | BA + Iguazu with extra day | Patagonia, Mendoza, Salta |
| 10 days | BA + Iguazu + Mendoza | Patagonia, Salta |
Day by day
Day 1: Arrival in Buenos Aires — Recoleta & Palermo
- Morning: Land at Ezeiza (EZE), transfer to your hotel in Palermo or Recoleta (45-60 min). Check in and short rest.
- Afternoon: Stroll through Recoleta: Cemetery (free, 1h), Plaza Francia and the Floralis Generica steel flower. Coffee at La Biela.
- Evening: Dinner at a Palermo steakhouse (Don Julio if you booked 30 days ahead, or Las Cabras as walk-in). Bife de chorizo, Malbec and flan.
- Where to sleep: 3-4-star hotel in Palermo or Recoleta
- Day cost: USD 120-180 (hotel + meals + transfer)
Day 2: BA — San Telmo, La Boca and tango
- Morning: Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, Cathedral and Cabildo. If it is Sunday, the San Telmo street fair is the best in town.
- Afternoon: Lunch in San Telmo (El Desnivel). Walk through La Boca (Caminito), Quinquela Martin Museum. Return by taxi.
- Evening: Tango show with dinner at Rojo Tango or Cafe de los Angelitos (USD 90-180). Cheaper alternative: milonga at La Catedral Club (USD 8 entry).
- Where to sleep: Same hotel in Palermo/Recoleta
- Day cost: USD 130-220
Day 3: Flight to Iguazu — Argentine side
- Morning: Early flight AEP-IGR (1h45min). Check in at your hotel in Puerto Iguazu. Pack light, bring a poncho.
- Afternoon: Iguazu National Park, Argentine side: Upper Circuit (1h30) + Lower Circuit (2h). Eco-train to the Devil's Throat (the crown of the park).
- Evening: Dinner at Aqva or La Rueda in Puerto Iguazu. Try surubi or pacu, two local river fish.
- Where to sleep: Hotel in Puerto Iguazu (premium alternative: Loi Suites or Sheraton inside the park)
- Day cost: USD 200-350 (includes flight and park entry USD 45)
Day 4: Iguazu Brazilian side + Gran Aventura
- Morning: Cross to Brazil (45 min, bring passport). Brazilian National Park — panoramic view from the walkways (2h).
- Afternoon: Back to Argentina. Gran Aventura speedboat ride under the falls (USD 75, you get soaked). Quieter alternative: Macuco Trail to Salto Arrechea.
- Evening: Early dinner, late or next-morning flight back to Buenos Aires.
- Where to sleep: Last night in Iguazu or red-eye to BA
- Day cost: USD 180-280
Day 5: Tigre and departure
- Morning: If you slept in BA: train from Retiro to Tigre (1h, USD 1). Boat ride through the Parana Delta (USD 15-30). Mercado de Frutos for crafts.
- Afternoon: Riverside lunch. Back to BA. Last-minute shopping at Galerias Pacifico or Palermo Soho.
- Evening: Transfer to EZE. International return flight.
- Where to sleep: Red-eye flight or last night in BA
- Day cost: USD 80-150
Variants — wine instead of waterfalls
The base itinerary uses Iguazu because it is Argentina's most impactful destination. But if you prefer wine, swap it for Mendoza:
- Mendoza variant: Days 1-2 BA same, Day 3 fly to Mendoza (2h), Day 4 wine route in Lujan de Cuyo (4 wineries with gourmet lunch), Day 5 High Mountain (Aconcagua viewpoint, Puente del Inca) and back to BA.
- Salta express variant: Days 1-2 BA, Day 3 fly to Salta (2h30), Day 4 city tour + Cafayate wine route, Day 5 Quebrada de Humahuaca (long day) and return. More Andean culture but less efficient.
- Bariloche variant: Days 1-2 BA, Days 3-5 Bariloche (Circuito Chico, Cerro Catedral). Works well in winter for skiing, less ideal in peak summer (crowded).
Total estimated cost (5 days, excluding international flight)
- Backpacker (USD 700-950): hostels USD 20-30/night, set lunch menus USD 8-12, public transport, park entry, low-cost domestic flight (Flybondi). Per person.
- Standard (USD 1,200-1,700): 3-star hotel Palermo/Recoleta (USD 90-130/night), mid-range restaurants (USD 25-35), private transfer, regular domestic flight, Gran Aventura.
- Comfort (USD 2,300-3,500): 4-star or boutique hotel (USD 200-330/night), premium steakhouse (Don Julio, La Cabrera), helicopter over the falls optional (USD 180), checked-bag flight.
- Luxury (USD 5,500+): Faena BA + Awasi Iguazu all-inclusive with private experiences, business-class flights, helicopter transfers.
How to get there
International flights: Most arrivals land at Ezeiza (EZE), 35km from downtown. Aerolineas Argentinas, LATAM, Iberia, Air Europa, American, Delta, United, Air France, Lufthansa, Emirates, Qatar and Turkish all operate from Europe, US and Middle East. From Europe it is 12-14h direct. From the US East Coast 9-11h.
Domestic BA-IGR flight: Aerolineas Argentinas (most reliable on-time), Flybondi and JetSmart. 6-8 daily frequencies from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), not Ezeiza. Book 3-4 weeks ahead. USD 80-180 round trip.
What to pack
- BA year-round: smart-casual clothing (steakhouses are not beach-wear but not formal either), comfortable shoes, compact umbrella, light jacket.
- Iguazu: light breathable clothes, poncho or rain jacket (Gran Aventura soaks you), grippy shoes (wet walkways), SPF 50+, strong repellent (jungle), hat, hydration. Dry bag for camera/phone.
- Documents: valid passport (6 months remaining), travel insurance, digital backup in cloud, printed flight confirmation if requested at immigration.
Pro tip: The BA-IGR flight departs from Aeroparque (AEP), not Ezeiza (EZE). They are different airports 40 min apart. Confirm your domestic airport in advance and leave 4h between international and domestic flights if connecting same day.
FAQ
Are 5 days enough to see Argentina?
Not the entire country (Argentina is huge), but enough for a strong condensed experience: Buenos Aires + Iguazu Falls is the classic 5-day combo. If you prefer wine over waterfalls, swap Iguazu for Mendoza.
Buenos Aires + Iguazu or Buenos Aires + Mendoza in 5 days?
Iguazu wins on visual impact and uniqueness — these falls are unlike anything else on Earth. Mendoza wins if you love wine and care less about novelty. Iguazu sits in the subtropical north (humid, hot), Mendoza is in the dry west at the foot of the Andes. Logistics are similar: one flight under 2h either way.
How much does this 5-day itinerary cost?
Backpacker: USD 700-950. Standard: USD 1,200-1,700. Comfort: USD 2,300-3,500. Excludes international flight. The domestic BA-IGR flight is USD 80-180 depending on how far ahead you book.
Best time of year?
April-May and September-November. Skip January (Argentine summer holidays + extreme heat in Iguazu) and July (Brazilian tourists peak in Iguazu). February-March: maximum waterfall flow but very hot.
Do I need a Brazilian visa for Iguazu?
Most EU and US citizens do not for short stays. Always carry your passport — Foz do Iguacu is in Brazil. Argentine pesos do not work on the Brazilian side; bring USD or a card.
Should I book tours ahead?
Don Julio (steakhouse): 30 days ahead online. Premium tango show: 1 week. Iguazu Gran Aventura: 1-3 days direct at the park or website. Domestic BA-IGR flight: 3-4 weeks for the best price.
Can I do this trip without speaking Spanish?
Yes. Hotels, tourist restaurants in Palermo/Recoleta and Iguazu operators all have English-speaking staff. Google Translate covers the rest. Learning 5 basic phrases dramatically improves the experience.
What if I miss my flight to Iguazu?
Aerolineas Argentinas, Flybondi and JetSmart fly AEP-IGR multiple times a day. Same-day rebooking is available at reduced fees. Arrive 90 min early (domestic flight). Aerolineas Argentinas has the best on-time record on this route.
