19-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Argentina
Argentina is a land of massive proportions, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming for families. This 19-day itinerary is crafted for those seeking an epic journey across the Southern Cone while maintaining a relaxed pace suitable for children and strollers. From the wide boulevards of Buenos Aires to the accessible boardwalks of the Perito Moreno Glacier, you will experience the heart of South America without the stress.
Traveling with kids in Argentina is a joy; the culture is deeply family-oriented, and most major attractions offer excellent facilities. We've prioritized comfortable domestic flights to minimize long bus rides, ensuring your little ones stay energized for the wonders ahead. Get ready for world-class steak, mesmerizing landscapes, and memories that will last a lifetime.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Arrival & Coastal Breezes
Arrival at Ezeiza International
Land at Buenos Aires International Airport and take a private transfer to your hotel in the family-friendly Palermo district.
Lunch at Puerto Madero
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at one of the many riverside restaurants in Puerto Madero, featuring wide pedestrian paths perfect for strollers.
Puente de la Mujer
Walk across this iconic bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava and watch the ships in the harbor.
Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur
Explore the flat, easy walking trails of this nature reserve right on the edge of the city.
Day 2: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Parks & Play
Palermo Woods (Bosques de Palermo)
Spend the morning in the city's green lung. Rent a pedal boat or visit the Rosedal (Rose Garden) with its beautifully paved paths.
Picnic Lunch
Grab fresh empanadas from a local bakery and enjoy a picnic under the shade of the Ombu trees.
Galileo Galilei Planetarium
A hit for kids, this futuristic building offers interactive space exhibits and a large park to run around.
Dinner at a Parrilla
Visit 'Don Julio' for an early dinner. They are extremely accommodating to families and provide high chairs.
Day 3: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Culture & History
Plaza de Mayo
Visit the historic heart of the city, see the Casa Rosada, and let the kids chase pigeons in the wide square.
San Telmo Market
Explore this indoor market for local crafts and snacks. It is less crowded on weekdays, making it easier for strollers.
Zanjon de Granados
Take a family-friendly underground tour of restored tunnels and cisterns from the 18th century.
Tango Show for Kids
Attend a family-oriented afternoon tango show at El Querandi, which is shorter and more engaging for younger audiences.
Day 4: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Recoleta Exploration
Recoleta Cemetery
While a cemetery, the wide paths and ornate mausoleums (including Evita’s) are fascinating for older children and easy to navigate.
Centro Cultural Recoleta
Located right next to the cemetery, this center has dedicated play areas and art workshops for children.
Floralis Genérica
Visit the giant metal flower that opens and closes with the sun. The surrounding park is ideal for a late afternoon run.
Relaxed Evening in Palermo
Enjoy ice cream at 'Freddo'—a local favorite that kids will love.
Day 5: Iguazu Falls, Argentina - Arrival in the Jungle
Flight to Puerto Iguazu
Take a 2-hour domestic flight to the subtropical north. The transition from city to jungle is exciting for kids.
Check-in and Tropical Lunch
Arrive at your jungle lodge and enjoy local river fish for lunch.
Hito Tres Fronteras
Visit the point where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet. There is a light and water show for kids in the evening.
Pool Time
Let the children burn off energy in the hotel pool before dinner.
Day 6: Iguazu Falls, Argentina - The Great Cascades
Iguazu National Park
Take the ecological train through the park. It is stroller-accessible and very fun for children.
Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo)
Witness the most powerful part of the falls via the accessible boardwalk system.
Upper Circuit Walk
A flat, easy walk providing panoramic views of the falls. Very safe and stroller-friendly.
Coati Spotting
Watch out for the local coatis (raccoon-like animals) but remember not to feed them!
Day 7: Iguazu Falls, Argentina - Wildlife Wonders
Güirá Oga Animal Rescue
A fantastic sanctuary for injured jungle animals. The tour is conducted in an open-air trailer, perfect for kids.
La Aripuca
Visit this eco-tourism center built from massive salvaged trees to learn about Guarani culture.
Jardin de los Picaflores
A small garden in town where you can see dozens of wild hummingbirds up close.
Dinner at La Rueda
A classic Puerto Iguazu restaurant with a great atmosphere for families.
Day 8: Salta, Argentina - Into the Northwest
Flight to Salta
Fly from Iguazu to Salta, the "La Linda" (The Beautiful). The landscape changes to colorful mountains.
Plaza 9 de Julio
A beautifully manicured square. Enjoy lunch at the outdoor cafes under the arches.
Salta Cathedral
Visit the bright pink cathedral, which is even more stunning on the inside.
Peña Balderrama
Introduce the kids to traditional folk music and dancing (folklore) at a local peña.
Day 9: Salta, Argentina - High Altitudes
MAAM Museum
The Museum of High Altitude Archaeology is famous for the Children of Llullaillaco mummies. Fascinating for older kids.
Teleférico San Bernardo
Take the cable car to the top of Cerro San Bernardo for the best view of the city and a playground for kids.
San Francisco Church
Visit this iconic red and gold church, one of the most photographed in Argentina.
Artisan Market
Shop for woven ponchos and local pottery at the Mercado Artesanal.
Day 10: Purmamarca, Argentina - The Seven Colors
Drive to Quebrada de Humahuaca
A scenic drive into the mountains. The roads are well-paved and suitable for a rental car.
Purmamarca & Seven Color Hill
Walk through the tiny village and see the famous Cerro de los Siete Colores.
Los Colorados Trail
A short, 3km circular walk behind the town. It’s flat and easy for little legs or sturdy strollers.
Return to Salta
Head back to the city for a quiet evening meal.
Day 11: Mendoza, Argentina - Land of Sun and Wine
Flight to Mendoza
Travel to the heart of Argentina's wine country, located at the foot of the Andes.
Parque General San Martín
This massive park features a lake, rose garden, and plenty of space for family activities.
Cerro de la Gloria
Take a taxi to the top for a massive bronze monument and views of the Andes.
Dinner on Aristides Villanueva
The main street for dining with plenty of outdoor seating options.
Day 12: Mendoza, Argentina - Vineyards for All
Bodega La Rural (Wine Museum)
A family-friendly winery featuring a fascinating museum of old wine-making tools.
Lunch in Maipu
Many wineries here offer lush gardens where children can play while parents enjoy a tasting.
Olive Oil Tasting
Visit Olivícola Laur to see how olive oil is made—always a hit with the little ones.
Ice Cream at Perin
Mendoza's most famous ice cream shop—a must-visit for families.
Day 13: Mendoza, Argentina - Mountain Majesty
Potrerillos Dam
A stunning turquoise lake surrounded by mountains. Great for a lakeside walk.
Cacheuta Thermal Spa
The TermaKids area has water slides and shallow pools perfect for family relaxation.
Uspallata Valley
Explore the high altitude valley where 'Seven Years in Tibet' was filmed.
Farewell Mendoza Dinner
Enjoy a final feast of grilled vegetables and local beef.
Day 14: Bariloche, Argentina - The Lake District
Flight to Bariloche
Head south to Northern Patagonia. The aerial views of the lakes are breathtaking.
Centro Cívico
Visit the alpine-style town square and take a photo with the famous Saint Bernard dogs.
Lago Nahuel Huapi Shoreline
Take a gentle stroll along the lakefront and let the kids skip stones.
Chocolate Tasting
Bariloche is Argentina's chocolate capital. Visit Mamuschka for a treat.
Day 15: Bariloche, Argentina - Scenic Loops
Circuito Chico
A famous 60km loop. It's best done by car or guided tour to see the hidden coves and viewpoints.
Cerro Campanario
Ride the chairlift (safe for kids) for what National Geographic calls one of the top 10 views in the world.
Lunch at Colonia Suiza
A small village with a traditional market. Try the 'Curanto'—food cooked in a hole in the ground.
Llao Llao Hotel Gardens
Visit the grounds of this historic hotel for a walk through the cypress forests.
Day 16: Bariloche, Argentina - Island Adventures
Boat Trip to Isla Victoria
Take a catamaran across the lake. The boats are modern, enclosed, and very safe for children.
Arrayanes Forest
Walk the wooden boardwalks through this unique orange-barked forest, said to have inspired Disney’s Bambi.
Patagonia Museum
Located in the Civic Center, this small museum is great for learning about local wildlife and history.
Dinner at El Boliche de Alberto
Legendary steakhouse where the atmosphere is loud and lively—perfect for families.
Day 17: El Calafate, Argentina - The Glacier Gateway
Flight to El Calafate
Final domestic flight deep into Southern Patagonia to see the mighty glaciers.
Glaciarium Museum
An interactive glacier museum. Use the free shuttle from the town center; it's very convenient.
Laguna Nimez Reserve
A short walk from town to see flamingos and local birds on the edge of Lago Argentino.
Dinner in El Calafate
Try the local Patagonian lamb (Cordero Patagónico) at a cozy restaurant on the main street.
Day 18: El Calafate, Argentina - Perito Moreno Glacier
Perito Moreno Glacier Tour
The boardwalks are exceptional—fully accessible for strollers and providing incredible views.
Glacier Balconies
Spend time at the various viewing platforms. If you're lucky, you'll see a massive block of ice 'calve' into the water.
Nautical Safari
A short boat ride that takes you within 300 meters of the glacier’s southern wall.
Shopping for Souvenirs
Pick up some Calafate berry jam—legend says if you eat the berry, you’ll return to Patagonia.
Day 19: El Calafate, Argentina - Departure
Morning Walk by the Lake
Enjoy one last look at the milky-blue waters of Lago Argentino.
Transfer to Airport
Take your flight back to Buenos Aires for your international connection home.
Souvenir Hunting at EZE
Pick up some Alfajores (caramel cookies) at the airport for friends back home.
Departure
Board your flight home with a heart full of memories.
Best Time to Visit Argentina
The best time to visit Argentina for a family trip is during the shoulder seasons: Spring (October to November) and Autumn (March to April). During these months, the weather is mild across most regions, from the heat of the north to the winds of Patagonia. Summer (December to February) is great for the glaciers but can be very hot in Buenos Aires and crowded at Iguazu. Winter (June to August) is ideal for skiing in Bariloche but many Patagonian trails may be closed due to snow.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Argentine Peso (ARS). Due to economic fluctuations, it is highly recommended to bring clean, crisp USD bills to exchange at the 'Blue Rate' or use a credit card that offers the 'MEP rate' for tourists. Cash is king in small towns and markets. Tipping (propina) is customary in restaurants; 10% is the standard for good service. Always carry some small bills for porters and taxi drivers.
Getting Around Argentina
Given Argentina's massive size, domestic flights are the most efficient way to travel between regions. Aerolíneas Argentinas and low-cost carriers like FlyBondi and JetSmart connect all major cities. For city travel, the 'SUBE' card is used for buses and subways in Buenos Aires. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Cabify are widely available and affordable. For the Lake District and the Northwest, renting a car is highly recommended for family flexibility.
