1 Week in Argentina: Tango Nights & Patagonia Views
The rhythm of Argentina sweeps you off your feet the moment you land—whether it’s the sultry sound of tango drifting through Buenos Aires or the wild wind howling across Patagonia’s glacial landscapes. In just one week, you can experience the passionate heart of the city and the remote soul of the south.
As a solo female traveler, I wasn’t sure how much I could fit into seven days, but Argentina surprised me. From sharing empanadas with locals in San Telmo to hiking alongside turquoise lakes in Bariloche, every moment felt like I was stepping into a different postcard. Here’s how to make the most of one week in Argentina, balancing tango-filled nights with Patagonia’s awe-inspiring views.
Buenos Aires: Tango, Cafés & Culture
Start your journey in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s dynamic capital where European charm meets Latin American flair. Stay in Palermo Soho for its tree-lined streets and boutique vibe, and spend your first morning sipping cortados in a sidewalk café before heading to the historic neighborhoods of Recoleta and San Telmo.
Don’t miss a tango show at El Querandí—elegant, intimate, and filled with emotion. And if you’re feeling adventurous, take a beginner’s tango class yourself. By night, the city pulses with music, and by day, it’s a playground of street art, museums, and open-air markets.
Day Trip to Tigre Delta
Just an hour north of Buenos Aires by train, Tigre offers a peaceful change of pace with its network of canals and colorful riverside homes. Hop on a boat tour from the Puerto de Frutos and glide past floating houses, leafy shores, and weekend getaways beloved by locals.
It’s a favorite escape for porteños, especially on weekends. You can also rent a kayak, visit the Museo de Arte Tigre, or just relax with a fresh pastry and yerba mate by the water. It’s a hidden gem that adds a unique contrast to the buzz of the capital.
Bariloche: Lakes & Chocolate in Northern Patagonia
Fly south to Bariloche, a town nestled in Argentina’s Lake District, surrounded by snow-dusted peaks and crystal-clear lakes. The best time to visit is October to April, when trails are open, skies are clear, and wildflowers bloom along the hiking paths.
The Circuito Chico drive is a must, especially with a stop at Cerro Campanario—one of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen. Bariloche is also known for its chocolate, so don’t leave without tasting artisanal sweets from Rapa Nui or Mamuschka.
Hiking in Nahuel Huapi National Park
Bariloche is the gateway to Nahuel Huapi National Park, where adventure awaits on every trail. If you only do one hike, make it Refugio Frey—a moderate 6-8 hour round-trip trek with stunning granite spires and alpine lakes at the top.
Solo hiking felt safe here, but I still joined a small group for the Frey hike, which turned out to be both scenic and social. There are easier walks too, like Llao Llao forest trails, perfect for a slower day before or after longer treks.
Patagonia Glaciers: Quick Trip to El Calafate
If your budget and time allow, take a short flight to El Calafate, the gateway to the legendary Perito Moreno Glacier. It’s one of the few glaciers in the world still advancing, and standing on the viewing platforms listening to the ice creak and crash is unforgettable.
I joined a mini-trekking tour on the glacier, complete with crampons and a celebratory whiskey served over glacial ice. It’s a splurge, but absolutely worth it. If you prefer to stay grounded, the boardwalks offer panoramic views without the climb.
Final Night in Buenos Aires: Farewell Fiesta
Head back to Buenos Aires for your last night and celebrate the week with a farewell dinner in Puerto Madero or a laid-back parrilla (steakhouse) in Palermo Hollywood. Argentinians dine late, so don’t be shy about sitting down at 10 p.m.—you’ll be in good company.
Try the bife de chorizo (sirloin steak) paired with a glass of Malbec, and savor the relaxed rhythm of Argentine evenings. It’s the perfect end to a whirlwind week of contrast—from ice to fire, mountains to milongas, and everything in between.
