18-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Argentina
Argentina is a massive, diverse country that offers a playground for families seeking both adventure and comfort. This 18-day journey is designed with a 'slow travel' philosophy, ensuring that even with the long distances, your family remains energized and engaged. We focus on stroller-friendly paths in national parks and city districts that offer plenty of green space for children to play.
By combining the urban elegance of Buenos Aires with the natural spectacles of the North and the deep South, you'll experience a full spectrum of Argentine culture. Expect world-class steaks, mesmerizing landscapes, and a very warm welcome for children, who are celebrated in local culture. Let's dive into your epic Argentinian family odyssey.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Arrival and Riverside Relaxation
Arrival at Ezeiza International Airport
Touch down in the vibrant capital of Argentina. After clearing customs, head to your family-friendly hotel in the Puerto Madero or Palermo districts.
Lunch at Puerto Madero
Enjoy a relaxed lunch along the waterfront. This area is completely pedestrianized and flat, making it the most stroller-friendly spot in the city for your first meal.
Puente de la Mujer
Take a gentle stroll across this iconic bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava. The wide boardwalks are perfect for kids to stretch their legs after a long flight.
Early Dinner & Rest
Try a classic Argentine 'parrillada' but early in the evening to accommodate little ones' sleep schedules before the city's late-night culture kicks in.
Day 2: Buenos Aires, Argentina - History and Parks
Recoleta Cemetery
Explore the famous 'city of the dead.' The wide, paved avenues between the ornate mausoleums are surprisingly easy to navigate with a stroller.
Plaza Francia Picnic
Grab some fresh empanadas and sit on the grass. There is often live music and a craft market on weekends that children will find fascinating.
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
A world-class art museum that is spacious and cool, providing a nice break from the midday sun. It is fully accessible via ramps and elevators.
Floralis Genérica
Visit the massive steel flower that opens and closes with the sun. The surrounding park is a great spot for kids to run around safely.
Day 3: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Palermo Greenery
Jardín Japonés
The largest Japanese garden outside of Japan. It’s incredibly peaceful with well-maintained paths and colorful koi fish that kids can help feed.
Palermo Hollywood Lunch
Enjoy a trendy but family-welcoming bistro. This neighborhood is known for its street art, which serves as a colorful backdrop for family photos.
Bosques de Palermo
Rent a pedal boat on the lake or simply walk through the Rose Garden. It’s the city’s green lung and very popular with local families.
Ice Cream Stop
Argentina is famous for its gelato. Visit a 'Freddo' or 'Persicco' for a dulce de leche treat—a guaranteed hit with the kids.
Day 4: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Culture and Colors
Caminito in La Boca
Visit the brightly colored houses of La Boca. It’s a bit touristy, but the street performers and tango dancers on the sidewalks are very entertaining for children.
Fundación Proa
A contemporary art center with a great rooftop cafe overlooking the docks. It’s much quieter than the main Caminito streets.
San Telmo District
Walk through the oldest barrio. If it's Sunday, the San Telmo Market is a must, though it can get crowded for strollers—weekdays are calmer.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid
Visit what is often called the world's most beautiful bookstore, housed in a converted theater. The children's section is located on the lower level.
Day 5: Puerto Iguazú, Argentina - Gateway to the Falls
Flight to Puerto Iguazú
Take a 2-hour domestic flight to the subtropical north. The change in climate and scenery is immediate and exciting.
Hotel Check-in & Lunch
Check into a jungle lodge. Many offer kid-friendly pools and paths through the forest where you might spot toucans.
Hito Tres Fronteras
Visit the spot where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet at the confluence of two rivers. There is a light and water fountain show in the evenings.
Dinner in Town
Try the local river fish, like Surubí, at a family restaurant in the center of Puerto Iguazú.
Day 6: Puerto Iguazú, Argentina - The Upper and Lower Circuits
Iguazú National Park Entrance
Arrive early to beat the crowds. The park is exceptionally well-organized with a small train that carries visitors to the main trailheads.
The Upper Circuit
This trail is entirely on flat catwalks, making it 100% stroller-accessible and offering incredible panoramic views of the falls from above.
Picnic at Dos Hermanas
Eat lunch at the park's designated areas. Watch out for the Coatis—raccoon-like animals that are cute but very cheeky about stealing food!
The Green Trail
A short, easy walk through the jungle where you can spot butterflies and monkeys. It’s shaded and perfect for a low-energy afternoon.
Day 7: Puerto Iguazú, Argentina - Devil’s Throat
Rainforest Ecological Train
Ride the open-air train to the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) station. The ride itself is a highlight for kids.
Devil’s Throat Catwalk
Walk the 1.1km catwalk over the river. It is completely flat and stroller-friendly, leading to the most powerful waterfall in the system.
Lunch at Fortin Cataratas
Enjoy a buffet lunch inside the park before heading back to the hotel for a afternoon swim.
La Aripuca
An educational eco-theme park built from giant rescued trees. It teaches kids about local Guarani culture and environmental preservation.
Day 8: Salta, Argentina - The Colonial North
Flight to Salta
Travel from the humid jungle to the high-altitude desert and colonial charm of the Northwest.
Salta Main Square (9 de Julio)
The heart of the city is beautifully preserved. The arches and cafes provide plenty of shade for families.
Teleférico San Bernardo
Take the cable car to the top of the hill for a view of the entire valley. There is a small park and waterfall at the top for kids to explore.
Empanada Dinner
Salta is the home of the best empanadas in Argentina. They are smaller and baked, perfect for little hands.
Day 9: Salta, Argentina - Museums and History
MAAM (High Mountain Archaeology Museum)
See the incredibly preserved Inca mummies. It’s a fascinating educational experience for older children, and the museum is very modern and accessible.
Patios de Cafayate Lunch
Enjoy lunch in a colonial courtyard. The atmosphere is relaxed and the sound of fountains is very soothing.
Church of San Francisco
The bright red and gold facade is one of the most photographed in Argentina. The interiors are cool and quiet.
Plaza Alvarado Playground
A local favorite with a great playground. It’s the perfect place for your kids to interact with local children.
Day 10: Purmamarca, Argentina - Seven Color Hill
Drive to Purmamarca
A 3-hour scenic drive into the Quebrada de Humahuaca. The roads are paved and safe for a family road trip.
View of Cerro de los Siete Colores
The iconic mountain of seven colors. The town itself is small, dusty, and magical, with many artisan markets.
Paseo de los Colorados
A short, flat 3km loop walk behind the town through red rock formations. It's easily doable with a sturdy stroller or a baby carrier.
Market Shopping
Buy soft llama wool sweaters and toys at the local market. They make excellent souvenirs for kids.
Day 11: Salta, Argentina - Rural Relaxation
Horseback Riding or Farm Visit
Many estancias near Salta offer gentle horse rides or the chance to see farm animals, which is always a hit with younger travelers.
Traditional Asado Lunch
Enjoy a long, slow barbecue lunch in the countryside while the kids play in the open fields.
Return to Salta City
A quiet afternoon to pack and prepare for the long journey south tomorrow.
Early Night
Rest up before your flight to the heart of Patagonia.
Day 12: El Calafate, Argentina - Into the Wild South
Flight to El Calafate
This is a longer travel day involving a flight connection (usually through BA). Keep kids entertained with pre-loaded tablets and snacks.
Arrival and Hotel Transfer
Check into your hotel overlooking Lake Argentino. The blue of the water is unlike anything you've seen before.
Laguna Nimez Reserve
A short walk from the town center, this reserve is full of flamingos. The path is flat and easy for strollers.
Lamb Dinner
El Calafate is famous for 'Cordero Patagónico' (Patagonian Lamb). Many restaurants have large windows where kids can watch the meat roasting.
Day 13: El Calafate, Argentina - Perito Moreno Glacier
Los Glaciares National Park
Take the bus or a private tour to the most famous glacier in the world. The facilities here are world-class.
Walkway Exploration
The park features an extensive system of steel catwalks. There is an elevator to the primary viewing balcony, making it accessible for everyone.
Watching the Ice Calving
Find a bench and wait. Hearing the thunderous crack of ice falling into the water is a sensory experience the whole family will remember.
Glaciarium Museum
Located just outside town, this modern museum explains how glaciers work. They even have an 'Ice Bar' for a fun (and cold) family photo.
Day 14: El Calafate, Argentina - Lake Navigation
All Glaciers Boat Tour
A full-day boat excursion to see the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers. The boats are large, heated, and have plenty of room for families to move around.
Lunch on Board
Enjoy a gourmet lunch box while floating amongst massive blue icebergs.
Return to Puerto Banderas
The boat ride is long but very smooth, often inducing a good afternoon nap for the little ones.
Main Street Shopping
Avenida del Libertador is great for a slow evening walk to buy calafate berry jam and local chocolates.
Day 15: Bariloche, Argentina - The Lake District
Flight to Bariloche
A short flight north brings you to the 'Switzerland of Argentina,' surrounded by lakes and snow-capped peaks.
Civic Center Exploration
The stone and wood architecture is very alpine. Kids will love taking pictures with the giant Saint Bernard dogs in the square.
Chocolate Museum
Bariloche is the chocolate capital of the country. A visit to the Havanna Chocolate Museum is a must for any family.
Fondue Dinner
Lean into the alpine theme with a cheese fondue—interactive and fun for the whole family.
Day 16: Bariloche, Argentina - Panoramic Views
Cerro Campanario
National Geographic rated this as one of the top 10 views in the world. Take the chairlift to the top (safe for kids) for a 360-degree vista.
Circuito Chico Drive
Stop at various viewpoints like Punto Panorámico. Most stops have paved parking areas and easy access for photos.
Llao Llao Hotel Gardens
Even if you aren't staying there, the gardens and the tea room are spectacular and very welcoming to families.
Colonia Suiza
A small artisan village nearby. If it's a Sunday or Wednesday, you can see the 'Curanto'—food cooked in a hole in the ground.
Day 17: Bariloche, Argentina - Sailing Nahuel Huapi
Boat Trip to Isla Victoria
Sail across the deep blue waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi. The boat is large and has restrooms and a cafe.
Arrayanes Forest
Walk through a forest of rare cinnamon-colored trees. The wooden boardwalks are perfect for strollers and the forest looks like something from a Disney movie.
Return to Port
Enjoy the mountain breeze on the deck. Keep an eye out for 'Nahuelito,' the local mythical lake monster!
Last Patagonian Dinner
Visit a local microbrewery; many are family-friendly and serve excellent pizzas and burgers alongside craft beer for the adults.
Day 18: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Final Farewells
Flight to Buenos Aires
One last domestic flight back to the capital for your international connection.
Final Shopping at Alto Palermo
A modern mall with all the comforts, including a great food court and baby changing facilities, perfect for killing time before a late flight.
Relax at a Coffee Shop
Experience one last 'merienda' (afternoon tea) with medialunas (Argentine croissants).
Transfer to EZE Airport
Head to the airport with plenty of time. Safe travels home with your lifetime of family memories!
Best Time to Visit Argentina
Argentina is a year-round destination, but for this specific multi-region itinerary, the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons: Spring (October to November) or Autumn (March to April). During these months, the weather is mild in Buenos Aires, the waterfalls in Iguazú are spectacular without the summer heat, and the Patagonian winds are less intense. If you want to see the glaciers with plenty of sunlight but fewer crowds, late October is ideal.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Argentine Peso (ARS). However, the economy can be volatile. It is highly recommended to bring crisp, high-denomination USD bills to exchange locally at the 'Blue' rate for much better value. Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and hotels, but always carry some cash for small towns in the North and for tipping. Tipping is customary at around 10% in restaurants.
Getting Around Argentina
Due to the vast distances, domestic flights are the most practical way for families to travel between regions. Aerolineas Argentinas and FlyBondi offer frequent connections. Within cities, Uber and Cabify are safe and reliable. For the Lake District (Bariloche) and the North (Salta), renting a car is highly recommended as it gives your family the flexibility to stop for breaks and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
