For first-time visitors, the big sights are Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls, and Patagonia’s Moreno Glacier. Since most will arrive in Buenos Aires, this simplifies logistics, but great distances mean that flying to Iguazú and Patagonia is unavoidable.

Fortunately, El Calafate’s new airport has eliminated the tedious, time-consuming transfer from Río Gallegos to the Moreno Glacier. If you have just seven nights in Argentina, figure at least two nights in Buenos Aires (at the beginning and end), two nights in Iguazú, and three at El Calafate, gateway to the glacier. With two or three extra days, you could spend more time in the capital, take an excursion to the Fitz Roy Sector of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, or perhaps stay at an estancia near Buenos Aires or El Calafate.

If you can manage a two-week trip, you’ll have greater flexibility in itineraries, though the long distances can still mean airport time, and returning to the hub airport at Buenos Aires may be unavoidable. Possible extensions include Puerto Madryn for the wildlife of Península Valdés, Bariloche as a base for numerous excursions in the northern Patagonian “lake district,” and the “uttermost part of the earth” at Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city in Tierra del Fuego.

From Iguazú, a few additional days could include the colonial Jesuit missions, but also the wildlife-rich wetlands of Corrientes Province’s underrated Esteros del Iberá (in many ways, more appealing than Iguazú itself). Other worthwhile options could include the northwestern city of Salta, an ideal base for a variety of excursions including the Quebrada de Humahuaca or the Quebrada de Cafayate (also a wine district), and the Cuyo wine region in and around Mendoza.

Day 1
Arrive at Aeropuerto Internacional Ministro Pistarini (Ezeiza) and transfer to a Buenos Aires hotel, with the afternoon free for sightseeing.

Day 2
Catch an early morning flight to Puerto Iguazú, with the afternoon at the falls; if the timing’s right, take the full-moon tour.

Day 3
Take an excursion to the Brazilian side of the falls or, alternatively, hike the rainforest on the Argentine side. Or, visit the historic Jesuit mission at San Ignacio.

Day 4
A morning flight back to Buenos Aires and on to El Calafate will take most of the day. Make an evening excursion to a nearby estancia for an asado.

Day 5
Full-day excursion to the Moreno Glacier, Parque Nacional Los Glaciares.

Day 6
Overland by bus or rental car to the Fitz Roy Sector of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, with accommodations at the settlement of El Chaltén. With an early arrival time and good weather, you’ll have time for a swift hike to view the glaciated needle of Cerro Torre.

Day 7
Strenuous full-day hike to Laguna de los Tres, with stupendous views of Cerro Fitz Roy. Evening return to El Calafate.

Day 8
Spend a relaxing day at an estancia like the rustic Estancia Nibepo Aike or the more luxurious Hostería Alta Vista, on Estancia Anita.

Day 9
Return flight to Buenos Aires, with afternoon and evening free for sightseeing and perhaps a tango floor show.

Day 10
Morning and afternoon free for exploring Buenos Aires before an evening departure.