15-Day Ultimate Argentina Family Journey: From Waterfalls to Glaciers
Argentina is a vast playground that offers everything from world-class urban parks to breathtaking natural wonders that feel like they belong on another planet. This 15-day itinerary is designed for families who want to see the 'best of' without the stress of rushed schedules. We focus on comfortable intercity flights to bridge the distances, stroller-friendly paths in national parks, and plenty of downtime for the little ones to play.
From the European charm of Buenos Aires to the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier, this journey ensures that every member of the family is entertained. With a reasonable daily budget and a focus on accessible exploration, you’ll discover why Argentina is one of South America's most welcoming destinations for those traveling with children.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Buenos Aires - Arrival & Exploring Palermo
Arrival at Ezeiza (EZE)
Touch down at the international airport. Take a private transfer directly to your hotel in Palermo, a neighborhood known for its leafy streets and wide sidewalks.
Lunch at a Palermo Parrilla
Enjoy your first Argentine steak or empanadas at a local steakhouse. Many restaurants offer high chairs and a relaxed atmosphere for families.
Palermo Soho Walk
Stroll through the cobblestone streets. Kids will love the colorful murals and the many ice cream shops (heladerías) on every corner.
Plaza Serrano
Let the kids run around this central plaza while you enjoy a craft beer or coffee at one of the surrounding cafes.
Day 2: Buenos Aires - Parks & Culture
Bosques de Palermo
Visit the 'Lakes of Palermo.' This massive park system is perfect for strollers, featuring rose gardens, pedal boats, and wide paved paths.
Museo de los Niños (Abasto Shopping)
A fantastic indoor museum designed like a mini-city where kids can play at being doctors, bakers, or bus drivers.
Recoleta Cemetery
Explore this city of the dead. The wide alleys are stroller-accessible and the architecture is fascinating for adults and older children alike.
Dinner in Recoleta
Enjoy a family dinner near Plaza Francia, where there is often live music or puppet shows in the evenings.
Day 3: Buenos Aires - History & San Telmo
Plaza de Mayo
The historical heart of the city. View the Casa Rosada (Pink House) and let the kids see the pigeons and the changing of the guard.
San Telmo Market
Head to the historic market for lunch. Try the choripán (sausage sandwich) and browse the antique stalls.
Paseo de la Historieta
A comic strip walk through San Telmo featuring statues of famous Argentine cartoon characters like Mafalda.
Puerto Madero Sunset
Walk across the Puente de la Mujer. The waterfront is entirely pedestrianized, making it the safest spot for kids to wander.
Day 4: Puerto Iguazú - Gateway to the Falls
Flight to Puerto Iguazú
A 2-hour flight takes you to the tropical north. This is much more comfortable for families than the 18-hour bus ride.
Hotel Check-in
Check into a lodge with a pool. The humidity in Iguazú can be high, so a midday swim is essential for keeping kids happy.
Hito Tres Fronteras
Visit the spot where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet. There is a light and water fountain show in the evenings.
Dinner in Town
Puerto Iguazú is a compact town with many family-friendly restaurants serving river fish and pasta.
Day 5: Iguazú National Park - The Argentine Side
The Ecological Train
Take the open-air train through the jungle. It’s a highlight for kids and leads directly to the major trailheads.
Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo)
Walk the flat, metal boardwalks over the river to see the most powerful fall. The path is fully stroller-accessible.
Upper Circuit Walk
A shorter, panoramic walk that offers amazing views of the waterfalls without too many stairs.
Coati Spotting
Watch the funny-looking coatis near the food court, but keep your bags closed as they are very clever food thieves!
Day 6: Iguazú - Animal Rescue & Nature
GüiráOga Wildlife Refuge
A rescue center for jungle animals. You tour the facility on a tractor-pulled wagon, which is a hit with toddlers.
La Aripuca
A cultural theme park built with giant rescued logs. It teaches kids about the importance of rainforest conservation.
Pool Time
Dedicate the afternoon to relaxation at your lodge to recover from the heat before the next leg of the journey.
Ice Cream Night
Try the local 'Cremolatti' ice cream shop in town—the dulce de leche flavors are world-class.
Day 7: Salta - The Colonial North
Flight to Salta
Board a direct flight to the 'Salta La Linda.' The landscape changes from lush jungle to dramatic arid mountains.
9 de Julio Main Square
Check into your hotel and walk to the central plaza. The pink cathedral is a must-see for a quick photo.
MAAM Museum
The High Altitude Archaeology Museum. It houses the Inca mummies found on volcanoes; very educational for older kids.
Peña Folk Music
Visit a traditional 'Peña.' It’s a dinner with folk music and dancing. It’s loud and festive—perfect for families.
Day 8: Salta - Views & Puna Vibes
San Bernardo Cable Car
Ride the 'Teleférico' to the top of San Bernardo Hill for a panoramic view of the entire valley.
Hillside Play Area
There is a small park and waterfall at the top of the cable car station where kids can burn off some energy.
Mercado Municipal
Explore the local market. It’s a great place to buy cheap, handmade woolen sweaters and toys for the kids.
Relaxing at the Hotel
Enjoy the cooler Andean evening air with some local empanadas salteñas (the best in the country).
Day 9: Mendoza - Wine & Mountains
Flight to Mendoza
Fly south to the wine capital. The view of the Andes from the plane window is spectacular.
Aristides Villanueva Street
Grab lunch on this lively street. It’s great for people-watching and has many outdoor seating options.
Parque General San Martín
One of the largest parks in South America. Rent a 4-person family bike to explore the lake and rose gardens.
Dinner at a Bodega
Many wineries near the city center offer early dinners and have large lawns for kids to play on while you enjoy Malbec.
Day 10: Mendoza - Farm Visits & Olive Oil
Olivícola Laur
Visit an award-winning olive oil factory. Kids enjoy seeing how oil is made and tasting the different varieties on bread.
Maipu Family Picnic
Many estates offer picnic baskets that you can take into the vineyards. It’s much more relaxed for kids than a formal sit-down meal.
Cacheuta Hot Springs (Water Park)
Visit the 'Termas de Cacheuta' water park section which has several pools and slides heated by natural thermal water.
City Walk
Stroll through the 5 central plazas of Mendoza; they are beautifully lit at night.
Day 11: El Calafate - Patagonian Adventure
Flight to El Calafate
Travel to the deep south. This is the heart of Patagonia. Ensure you have your jackets ready for the drop in temperature!
Laguna Nimez Reserve
A short walk from the town center. It’s an easy, flat trail where you can see flamingos and local birds.
Main Street Shopping
Browse the shops on Avenida del Libertador for high-quality chocolate and Patagonian lamb toys.
Patagonian Lamb Dinner
Try 'Cordero Patagónico' at a local restaurant. It’s the specialty of the region and very tender.
Day 12: Perito Moreno - The Living Glacier
Los Glaciares National Park
Drive to the glacier. The walkway system is extensive and includes an elevator for stroller/wheelchair access to the main balcony.
Glacier Sightseeing Boat
Take a 1-hour boat ride that gets you close to the glacier walls. It’s safe and exciting for children to see the ice fall.
Picnic with a View
Eat your packed lunch at the designated picnic areas while listening to the 'thunder' of the glacier cracking.
Return to El Calafate
Enjoy a warm hot chocolate at one of the cozy cafes in town after a day in the cold air.
Day 13: El Calafate - Glaciarium & Relax
Glaciarium Museum
A world-class ice museum. There is a free shuttle from the town center. The displays are very visual and engaging for kids.
Yeti Ice Bar
Inside the museum, there is an ice bar. They provide warm ponchos, and kids love drinking juice out of glasses made of ice.
Estancia Visit
Visit a local ranch (Estancia) to see sheep shearing demonstrations and enjoy a traditional rural tea.
Last Patagonian Dinner
Try the 'Calafate berry' jam or ice cream—legend says if you eat the berry, you will return to Patagonia!
Day 14: Return to Buenos Aires
Flight to Buenos Aires
A 3-hour flight takes you back to the capital for your final night.
Check into Luxury
Choose a hotel in the Retiro or Recoleta area for a grand finale to your trip.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid
Visit one of the world's most beautiful bookstores, housed in an old theater. The children's section in the basement is excellent.
Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a high-end dinner in one of the city's historic 'Bares Notables.'
Day 15: Farewell Argentina
Souvenir Shopping
Pick up alfajores (cookie sandwiches) and leather goods for friends and family back home.
Late Brunch
Enjoy a final 'merienda' with medialunas (Argentine croissants) and café con leche.
Transfer to EZE
Take a comfortable private car back to the international airport for your flight home.
Departure
Board your flight with a camera full of memories and a suitcase full of leather and sweets.
Best Time to Visit Argentina
The best time to follow this specific route is during the Argentine Spring (September to November) or Autumn (March to May). During these months, the weather is mild in Buenos Aires, the waterfalls in Iguazú are spectacular, and Patagonia is not yet too cold. Summer (December to February) is great for Patagonia but can be oppressively hot and humid in the northern regions like Salta and Iguazú.
Currency & Money
Argentina's economy can be volatile. It is highly recommended to bring crisp, high-denomination US Dollar bills to exchange locally. While credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and hotels, you will often get a better 'MEP' exchange rate by using a foreign credit card or exchanging cash at 'cuevas.' Tipping is standard at 10% in restaurants, and small change is appreciated for taxi drivers and hotel porters.
Getting Around Argentina
Because Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world, domestic flights are the only practical way to see multiple regions in 15 days. Aerolíneas Argentinas is the national carrier with the most routes, while Flybondi and JetSmart offer budget-friendly alternatives. For city travel, the 'SUBE' card works for buses and subways in Buenos Aires. Within smaller cities like Salta or Mendoza, taxis and remises (private cars) are affordable and safe for families.
