Backpacking across Argentina remains one of the most unforgettable adventures I’ve ever had. I bused, hitchhiked, and trekked my way across Argentina for over a month. It took me from the scorching deserts of the northwest to the rugged, mountainous terrains of Patagonia. I visited Argentina’s most-renowned highlights and stumbled into my fair share of hidden gems. Traveling in Argentina is full of surprises. It is a treasure trove of diverse experiences, from the electric energy of Buenos Aires to the raw beauty of Patagonia’s powerful peaks, encountering friendly faces and a cold birra every step of the way. Argentina is rich in unique experiences. To this day, one of my favorite countries I’ve ever backpacked in.

This Argentina itinerary is perfect for a first-timer looking to experience a wide range of Argentina’s bucket list destinations. I’ve written up this itinerary from my own experience of over-landing South America, starting with a bus from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile to the city of Salta in Argentina’s far north. Keep in mind that this Argentina itinerary will be written from a backpackers’ standpoint, relying mostly on bus travel and prioritizing budget-friendly destinations. From the colored canyons of the north, to the sizzling nightlife of its cities, and the pristine landscapes of Patagonia, it will be a great introduction to Argentina.

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Salta: 3 Days

Boasting plazas filled with music, tango, and rich Andean culture, Salta “La Linda” is a great place to kick off your escapades in Argentina. For those traveling overland from Chile or Bolivia, Salta will likely be your first stop in Argentina. Salta is home to beautiful colonial architecture, breathtaking panoramic views, and a strong gaucho heritage. Despite being a larger city, Salta maintains a relaxed atmosphere and the charm of a small town.

Along with Salta’s laid-back vibe and authentic nightlife scene, there are an abundance of day trips to keep you busy. Give yourself about three days in Salta. Take a day to get your feet set in Argentina and explore the city’s sights, like the San Bernardo cable cars and the Museum of High Altitude Archaeology. Stay close to Plaza 9 de Julio to put yourself in the heart of the city. I stayed at Salta Por Siempre hostel. While the hostel itself was basic, the social atmosphere and the location were great. Without a doubt, though, the highlights of Salta are the natural wonders outside of the city.

Recommended Day Trips from Salta

The region surrounding Salta features a variety of unique landscapes. One will find colorful mountains like the famous Cerro de Siete Colores in Purmamarca and striking rock formations like Quebrada de las Conchas in Cafayate. The Salinas Grandes salt flats are worth checking out if you missed out on the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia or similar sights in the Chilean altiplano. The Tren a las Nubes also departs from Salta, a train ride through the Andes with some breathtaking landscapes.

There is plenty to do in and around Salta, and you might find yourself staying longer than three days. Once you’ve gotten your fill of Salta, it’s time to continue your travels through Argentina.

Before setting off on desert adventures or to trek in the magnificent Andes, staying connected is an essential. I use Saily eSIM to keep me online during my travels, ensuring that I have internet from the moment I land to the moment I leave. Navigating directions, coordinating travel plans with new hostel friends, ordering a ride, and so on – having an eSIM makes life that much easier when you’re on the road. Data packages for Argentina start at just $5, and you can use my code “eli5” for an additional 5% off of your first Saily eSIM.

Salta to Cordoba by Bus:

From Salta, head towards Buenos Aires and Patagonia. A great destination in between is Cordoba, arguably the most beautiful colonial city in Argentina. The bus ride from Salta to Cordoba will cost about $70 and take around 13 hours. I’d recommend hopping on a night bus to save on a night of accommodation to offset the cost of the ticket.

Cordoba: 2 Days

Backpackers often tend to steer clear of big cities, opting for more secluded destinations like off-the-beaten-path beach towns and isolated mountain getaways. However, Cordoba doesn’t feel entirely like your typical big city. If you enjoy a mix of history, culture, outdoor activities, and a vibrant atmosphere, Cordoba is a fantastic destination to explore.

The historical center of Cordoba is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with some of the most beautiful colonial architecture in Argentina. Cordoba is much more than its rich history and culture, though. Despite looking like an old city, Cordoba feels young, progressive, and vibrant. There is always something going on in this trendy city, partially thanks to it also being a university city. You’ll encounter an abundance of art galleries, theaters, and buzzing nightlife spots. If you’re looking for an escape from the city, the Sierras de Cordoba mountain range is home to some opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and more. Ansenuza National Park is also a day trip away from Cordoba and is one of Argentina’s hottest new destinations for wildlife lovers.

I’d recommend staying at Aldea Hostel, a place I called home for a week. The staff might still remember me as the guy who did nothing but sit in the common room and eat empanadas for a week straight. I wouldn’t recommend staying in Cordoba for too long, especially if you’ve got limited time. I stayed in Cordoba for a week, although a big part of that was getting sucked into the nightlife and being too hungover to leave the next morning as planned. That happened quite a few times. Cordoba has a lively nightlife scene every day of the week, and I’m not one to turn down a good time.

Cordoba to Buenos Aires by Bus:

After Cordoba, it’s time to head on down to Argentina’s energetic capital city of Buenos Aires. One can break up the long drive with a stop in Rosario, famous for being the hometown of Lionel Messi. I skipped the city myself, and have often heard that there isn’t much to do and the safety concerns outweighed my curiosity at the time.

There are several different bus companies going from Cordoba to Buenos Aires. I went with Chevallier, although I’d say just go to the bus station when you’re ready to leave and find the bus company with the next departure. Most departures leave early in the morning or very late at night. It will take approximately ten hours and the average cost is about $50. Again, a night bus is a good option to save a night of accommodation.

Buenos Aires: 5 Days

You’ve made it! Buenos Aires is one of my favorite cities in the world. Prior to the pandemic, my plan was to settle down in Buenos Aires for a few months following my whirlwind adventures in Patagonia. This city is electric, and perhaps the liveliest city I’ve ever set foot in.

Along with its history and culture, Buenos Aires is a city where art, dance (especially tango), music, and literature thrive. Buenos Aires is a hub for expression, and you’ll find hundreds of hidden gems on your aimless wanders. Each neighborhood feels like an entirely different city altogether. A few favorites of mine are Palermo, Recoleta, San Telmo, and La Boca. They all have their own distinct vibe, from the colorful streets of old La Boca to the trendy shops and cafes in the more modern Palermo.

At night, Buenos Aires comes alive with an electric nightlife scene. There are no shortage of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Experiencing the nightlife of Palermo is a must. Milhouse is a legendary party hostel in Buenos Aires, and I’d recommend staying there if you want to experience Buenos Aires’ buzzing nightlife to its fullest. Seriously, I’d be leaving the club at 7 AM and there’d still be long lines of people queueing to get in. It was pure insanity. Buenos Aires is the real “city that never sleeps”.

Take as much time as you need to explore Buenos Aires, and get creative while doing it. I’d highly recommend hopping on a bike tour of the city and following that up with a food tour of Palermo to fill you back up. There are many ways to experience this incredible city, and you might want to stay a while. However, I think five days is enough to get a glimpse of its various neighborhoods and visit its numerous historical sites. From Buenos Aires, it’s time to detour to one of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders.

Detour to Iguazu Falls: 2 Days

To get to Iguazu Falls on the Argentine side, head to the city of Puerto Iguazu, serving as the gateway to the falls. The most convenient way is to fly into the Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport. There are daily flights from Buenos Aires. Alternatively, taking a bus is an option, although the ride from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu can take around 18-20 hours from Buenos Aires.

Once in Puerto Iguazu, there are local buses that run to the entrance of Iguazu National Park. The buses are frequent and affordable. With travel time, the detour to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires will take up at least two additional days, even with flying. From Iguazu Falls, head back to Buenos Aires, either by flight or taking the lengthy bus journey yet again. One can also fly from Iguazu Falls to Bariloche, but it’ll require a stopover, likely in Buenos Aires.

Fly from Buenos Aires to Bariloche

Let’s head on down to Patagonia. If you’re keeping count, you’ve already spent over one full day on buses just heading from Salta to Buenos Aires. Let’s switch it up with a flight. Going from Buenos Aires to Bariloche is one of the only times I’d recommend flying in Argentina. The journey by road is monstrous, and actually more expensive than a flight. Typically, a flight will cost about $50 USD with Aerolineas Argentinas. There are daily departures, but book a flight in advance during the busy season, which for Bariloche, is practically year-round.

If you’re insistent on taking a bus to Bariloche, it’ll cost around $90 USD. I mean, with a travel time of over 25 hours, you’re definitely getting bang for your buck. But if I were you, I’d hop on the flight.

Bariloche: 4 Days

Whew, what a journey, hey? Welcome to the gateway of Argentine Patagonia. There’s no better place to kick off your adventures than breathtaking Bariloche, a town nestled amidst the lakes and mountains of central Argentina. Seemingly everything here is worthy of a postcard. Bariloche boasts a variety of epic treks and a plethora of serene lakes and beaches to relax on after a long hike.

The hike to Cerro Campanario is a must when visiting Bariloche. I would spend a day hiking up Cerro Campanario, another day hiking the trails around Lago Moreno, and a day hiking up Cerro Llao Llao, passing by Villa Tacul and Lago Escondido along the way. Spend one day exploring Bariloche town and the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi. I did all of these just by using the local bus, although you might be able to knock out more if you rented a car. If you’ve got a car, the must-do in Bariloche is a road trip along the Circuito Chico, a scenic route passing through forests, lakes, mountains, and more.

Four days might not be enough, so feel free to spend longer here if you’ve got the time. Other hikes to consider doing would be Cerro Otto, Refugio Frey, and Mount Tronador. I stayed at Gravity Eco Hostel, which was easily accessible by public transportation, but a bit far outside the main hub of Bariloche town. Even without a car, I was still able to do a lot in Bariloche, although my nights were very quiet.

I only got a taste of Bariloche, but I adored every second. Hitchhiking and buses could only take me so far, and despite spending nearly a week here on my own trip, I barely scratched the surface. I made the most of it, but Bariloche has an abundance of lesser-traveled trails and mountains that couldn’t be accessed through public transportation alone.

Bus from Bariloche to Villa La Angostura

Villa La Angostura is a cheap and easy bus ride away from Bariloche. The bus company Via Bariloche has departures every other hour and tickets are as cheap as $8 for the 90-minute ride. You’ll need to get to Bariloche’s main bus terminal about 15 minutes outside of the city center either by local bus or by remise (taxi). The bus drops you off at the Via Bariloche station in Villa La Angostura which has a very central location.

Villa La Angostura: 1 Day

The charming town of Villa La Angostura offers a more serene vibe than Bariloche, surrounded by stunning and untouched natural landscapes. The turquoise lakes and lush green forests here are something to behold. It’s part of the Nahuel Huapi National Park, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking.

The highlight of Villa La Angostura, especially during the summer, is a visit to Los Arrayanes National Park. Whether you decide to hike, cycle, or take a boat ride through the area, you can’t go wrong. If you’re only in Villa La Angostura for a short time, this should be at the top of your list.

I stayed at Hostel La Angostura and loved it. It feels more like a cozy cabin than a hostel, and has great Wi-Fi, aesthetic, decor, and amenities. I would have loved to stay longer at Villa La Angostura for this hostel alone, as it was easily one of my favorites in Patagonia.

Take the Bus Back to Bariloche

From Villa La Angostura, head back to Bariloche in time to catch the bus heading towards southern Patagonia. Many people take the bus directly to El Chalten from here, but I wanted to break up the monstrous journey with a few detours along the way. My favorite of those detours was the tranquil town of El Bolson.

Bus from Bariloche to El Bolson

The bus to El Bolson is cheap and doesn’t take too long. Similar to Villa La Angostura, you’ll need to hop on the Via Bariloche bus. It takes around two hours and won’t cost you more than $5 USD. Alternatively, one can get on the Taqsa Marga bus to El Chalten and get off at El Bolson. Travel time is the same, although Taqsa Marga will be a little more expensive.

El Bolson: 3 Days

The hippie town of El Bolson is nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by the Andes mountains, offering breathtaking scenery to go along with one of the most easy-going vibes of anywhere I’ve ever been. There are numerous hiking trails, lakes, and viewpoints, making it perfect for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. My favorite hike in the area is the one to the stunning El Cajon de Azul.

Along with its escapades into nature, El Bolsón is renowned for its artisan market, where local artisans sell handmade crafts, jewelry, textiles, and organic products. El Bolsón has a reputation for its eco-friendly and alternative lifestyle. It’s a place where you can find organic farms, vegetarian restaurants, and a community focused on sustainability. It’s a truly one-of-a-kind destination, and it’s no surprise why it’s become a favorite of many travelers.

I’d recommend spending three days in El Bolson. Take one day to hike to El Cajon de Azul, another day to hike up Cerro Piltriquitron, and a day to relax and take in the tranquil vibes of the town. Heck, you might find yourself wanting to stay longer.

Be sure to stay at La Casona de Odile, an absolute fairy-tale of a hostel with cozy vibes and gorgeous views. It is a little further out of town, but you are immersed in nature. I remember getting off the local bus and walking the last few stretches of dirt road to reach the hostel and feeling that, finally, I had made it to the rugged and untamed Patagonia that I had been envisioning. One could happily spend the entire day at this hostel, exploring the nearby rivers and forests.

Optional Stop: Esquel

Esquel is a charming town nestled in the Argentine Patagonia and serves as a gateway to various natural attractions in the region. I wouldn’t consider Esquel a must-visit, especially if you’re itching to go deeper into the famed regions of Patagonia. However, it’s a decent town for breaking up the long voyage down to El Chalten. The highlight of Esquel is a train ride on the Old Patagonian Express, taking you from Esquel to Nahuel Pan.

If you’re skipping Esquel, hop on the Taqsa Marga bus down to El Chalten and buckle up for a long ride. Even with breaking up the travel time with stops to El Bolson and Esquel, the bus ride to El Chalten was still a whopping 28 hours. There aren’t many other places in Argentina to stop in between, although those traveling between Argentina and Chile might want to hop over to the Chilean side of Patagonia. There are a few popular stops across the border, while the Argentine side boasts vast expanses of nothingness.

Bus from Esquel or El Bolson to El Chalten:

El Chalten is one of the most popular stops along a Patagonian road trip. If a road trip isn’t your style, the quickest way to get to El Chalten is to fly to El Calafate airport and then catch a bus. The ride costs about $20 and lasts around three hours. If you are traveling by bus or by Ruta 40 from north to south, then you’ll likely need to find a Marga Taqsa ticket booth. Marga Taqsa is the only bus company that currently does routes from all the way north, such as Bariloche, El Bolson, Esquel, and more.

El Chalten: 4 Days

The town of El Chalten is nestled in Los Glaciares National Park, flanked by majestic mountains, glaciers, and pristine lakes. The scenery here is simply awe-inspiring, and I spent many hours sitting outside with a cold beer just taking it all in. The raw, unspoiled nature and the sense of remoteness contribute to the magic of El Chalten. It is a place where you can truly be immersed in nature’s finest offerings.

While in El Chalten, I’d prioritize one day to hike to Laguna Torre and another day to hike to Laguna de los Tres. Those are easily the two most famous hikes in the area. Once you’ve conquered those two, there are plenty of options for what to do next. Take a day to rest and enjoy the cozy bars and laid-back vibes of El Chalten, hopping from bar to bar to sip on a birra or mulled wine.

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For those looking to tack on a few more adventures, Huemul Glacier is a great short hike. However, it is well outside of El Chalten town so you’ll need to find a way of getting there. Another short hike that can be done from town is the Mirador de Aguila or Mirador del Condor. There’s much more to do in El Chalten than just hiking. One can go horseback riding, kayaking, rafting, bouldering, rock climbing, and so on. With the great outdoors at your fingertips, anything is possible.

There are countless hostels to choose from in El Chalten, but the majority of them won’t show up online. Good internet is hard to come by in El Chalten, so many businesses still operate off the grid. I’d recommend booking one in advance just to make sure you have a place to stay, and then shopping around for a different one in town if it isn’t up to par. Patagonia Travelers’ Hostel is where I spent most of my time in El Chalten and loved it, but it doesn’t show up online. Rancho Grande is usually a safe bet if you’d like to book something in advance. El Chalten is the most popular destination in Argentine Patagonia, so it gets packed during trekking season. Booking a hostel in advance is a must.

Bus from El Chalten to El Calafate

From El Chalten, hop back on the Taqsa Marga to El Calafate. I know, I know, you’ve seemingly spent a lifetime on this bus by now, but it’s been worth it so far, hasn’t it? Thankfully, this bus ride only takes about three hours. While El Chalten is rugged and untamed, El Calafate will be a welcome change back to civilization.

El Calafate: 2-3 Days

Despite being one of the larger hubs of Patagonia, the town of El Calafate itself is quite small. There isn’t much to do in town aside from soaking in the sights and walking along the shores of Lake Argentino. However, it is a great home base for exploring the natural beauty in the area, with the most famous destination being the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier.

Three days in El Calafate should be more than enough. Take one day to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier and another day or two to relax and explore the town. Trust me, you are going to want to soak in the comforts of hot showers and fast Wi-Fi after the last few rough and rugged days in El Chalten. Sometimes, a touristy town with tacky souvenir shops is a great way to break up a journey through the wild.

I stayed at America del Sur Hostel and absolutely loved it. It also wasn’t $67 a night for a dorm bed back when I stayed there, but if you’re visiting outside the busy summer season, the prices might drop back down to normal. Alternatively, Red House Hostel is a great option at a fraction of the price.

El Calafate Flight to Ushuaia

Flying is the best way to reach Ushuaia from El Calafate. There are daily flights from El Calafate to Ushuaia with Aerolineas Argentinas starting at $60.

El Calafate to Ushuaia By Bus

Traveling overland from El Calafate to Ushuaia is a bit more complicated. It involves crossing the Chilean border and hopping on a ferry across the Strait of Magellan. Here’s more info on getting from El Calafate to Ushuaia by bus or car

Ushuaia: 3 Days

At long last, after a voyage spanning countless biomes and a distance of nearly 4,000 kilometers, we have made it to the End of the World. Located at the southern tip of Argentina, it is a fitting nickname for this remote and otherworldly region. The town is surrounded by dramatic landscapes, with snow-capped mountains and glaciers standing watch over this small city that has timelessly challenged the unrelenting forces of nature.

If you’ve still got some energy left, take on the hike to Laguna Esmeralda, the must-do hike of Ushuaia. Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park, hop on a boat to Beagle Island, or go penguin-spotting. Take advantage of the region’s many activities because truly, it’s been one heck of a journey just to get here. Revel in it.

Argentina is the total package for backpackers. It’s a wild mix of lively culture, stunning scenery, and an energy that is simply contagious. There is so much to discover and fall in love with. I felt equally at home in the throes of Buenos Aires’ mayhem as I did in the savage solitude of powerful Patagonia. Few places have captivated me quite like Argentina, and hopefully this itinerary will help make your own Argentine adventures just as unforgettable.

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More on Argentina

• The Best Party Cities in Argentina
• The Backpacker’s Travel Guide to El Chalten
• The Backpacker’s Travel Guide to Bariloche
• The Backpacker’s Travel Guide to El Bolson
• The Backpacker’s Travel Guide to Salta