If you’re thinking about traveling to Argentina with your family, there are a few key things you should know to make the experience truly unforgettable. And who better to guide you than locals who live here and design family trips across Argentina every single day?

One of the most common questions we receive is how to plan the right trip to Argentina itinerary, especially when traveling with kids and limited time. Whether you’re coming for one week or two, smart planning makes all the difference.

Argentina is a massive country. From Iguazú Falls in the north to Patagonia in the far south, passing through Buenos Aires, Mendoza and the Northwest, it’s impossible to see everything in a single trip. That’s why prioritizing destinations based on the number of days you have — and your family’s interests — is essential.

 What Exactly Is Patagonia?

When we talk about Patagonia, we’re referring to a vast region in southern Argentina that includes destinations such as Bariloche Patagonia, San Martín de los Andes, El Calafate, El Chaltén and Ushuaia. Each of these places offers a completely different experience, and distances between them are long, which usually means flying from one destination to another.

The same applies when combining Patagonia with other regions of Argentina, such as Buenos Aires, Iguazú or Mendoza. Optimizing travel time becomes especially important when planning a Patagonia Argentina family vacation, where comfort and pace really matter.

When traveling with children, this factor becomes even more relevant. Long transfers, multiple flight connections and rushed schedules can quickly become exhausting. That’s why planning with a local agency that truly understands logistics and distances in Argentina can make a huge difference.

Patagonia Argentina Itinerary 7 Days – What Can You Really See?

When you’re planning an Argentina itinerary 7 days focused on Patagonia, deciding what to prioritize is key. Trying to fit too much into one week usually means spending more time traveling than actually enjoying the destinations.

One of the first decisions families need to make is whether to spend some time in Buenos Aires or head straight to Patagonia after landing. Both options work — the important thing is choosing what best fits your family’s travel style.

Buenos Aires + El Calafate + El Chaltén (7 Nights Total)

This is one of the most balanced and family-friendly itineraries, combining culture, nature and adventure.

The trip usually starts with 2 nights in Buenos Aires, which allows families to recover from jet lag while exploring the city at a relaxed pace. Buenos Aires offers a wide range of activities for all ages, from interactive museums and colorful neighborhoods like La Boca and Caminito, to football culture around Boca and River stadiums. Many families also enjoy ending their stay with a private family tango class or a dinner show that introduces both tango and Argentine folklore in a fun and engaging way.

From Buenos Aires, a short flight takes you south to El Calafate for 3 nights. This is where children usually have their first close encounter with Patagonia’s glaciers. Navigating among icebergs, visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier walkways and learning how glaciers move and change over time is an unforgettable experience for the entire family.

After El Calafate, families continue by road to El Chaltén for 2 nights. The 2.5-hour drive is incredibly scenic and often becomes part of the adventure itself. Known as the trekking capital of Argentina, El Chaltén offers family-friendly hikes surrounded by dramatic landscapes. Along the trails, it’s common to spot guanacos, foxes, condors and, with a bit of luck, huemules, turning every walk into a small wildlife safari for kids.

El Calafate + Ushuaia + Buenos Aires (7 Nights Total)

For families who are comfortable moving a bit more and want to experience two iconic Patagonian destinations, this itinerary works beautifully.

The journey begins with a flight directly to El Calafate, where families spend 3 nights exploring glaciers and enjoying nature-based excursions designed for all ages.

From there, a direct flight connects El Calafate with Ushuaia, where 2 nights are ideal to experience the magic of the “End of the World.” One of the most memorable activities for families here is the End of the World Train inside Tierra del Fuego National Park. Combined with light hiking and a navigation to Martillo Island to see penguins up close, this part of the trip is often a highlight for both children and adults.

The itinerary finishes with 2 nights in Buenos Aires, giving families time to slow down before their international flight. This is a great moment to add a family cooking class, a cultural experience or simply enjoy the city without rushing.

Patagonia Only – El Calafate + Bariloche (7 Nights Total)

Some families prefer to focus exclusively on Patagonia and leave Buenos Aires for another trip.

In this case, after landing in Argentina, families take a domestic flight south and spend 3 nights in El Calafate, followed by 4 nights in Bariloche Patagonia.

Bariloche is especially popular for family travel thanks to its lakes, forests and relaxed atmosphere. Chocolate experiences are always a hit with kids, who enjoy learning how chocolate is made while tasting along the way. Boat navigations to Victoria Island, gentle hikes and frequent wildlife sightings make Bariloche a perfect complement to El Calafate within a one-week Patagonian itinerary.

Patagonia with Family – A 15-Day Adventure

For families with more time, Patagonia truly opens up and allows for a deeper, more immersive experience.

We usually recommend starting with 1 night in Buenos Aires to recover from jet lag, especially when traveling with children. It’s the ideal way to ease into the trip while exploring iconic neighborhoods such as La Boca, San Telmo and other historic areas of the city.

From there, families fly south to Ushuaia for 3 nights. The first day is typically dedicated to exploring the city, followed by a full day in Tierra del Fuego National Park and the End of the World Train. Another unforgettable experience is visiting one of the southernmost fishing villages, where families get a glimpse into a slower, community-focused lifestyle and enjoy local flavors that can only be found in this remote corner of the world. A navigation to Martillo Island allows families to observe penguins up close while learning about their habitat and conservation.

After Ushuaia, the journey continues to El Calafate, and almost immediately crosses into Chile to spend 3 nights in Puerto Natales. From there, families explore Torres del Paine National Park, including a visit to Milodon Cave and panoramic viewpoints showcasing the Paine Massif, the Cuernos del Paine and turquoise-colored lakes. An additional day can be used for glacier navigation or wildlife excursions focused on spotting Patagonian fauna, including pumas.

Following the Chilean Patagonia experience, families return to Argentina for 3 nights in El Calafate, enjoying more time among glaciers, before continuing to El Chaltén for 3 nights, the national capital of trekking, where nature, hiking and wildlife encounters take center stage.

To end the trip, families fly back to Buenos Aires for 1 final night. We always recommend not connecting directly to an international flight on the same day. After two weeks of adventure, spending a last night in the city ensures a relaxed ending, whether through a family cooking class, a tango experience or a peaceful outing in the Delta.

Final Thoughts

Every family is different, and that’s why no two itineraries should ever be the same. The key to an unforgettable Patagonia Argentina family vacation lies in designing the journey around your children’s ages, energy levels and interests, while making the most of Argentina’s extraordinary landscapes.

And remember: Argentina will always be here, waiting for you to come back.