This year, many travelers heading to Antarctica first fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and then board their ships in Ushuaia. Since many return flights also depart from Buenos Aires, with domestic and international flight connections, a stopover of 1-2 days in the city is inevitable for many.
So, how should you make the most of that 1-2 day stopover?
One-Day Simple Itinerary from Buenos Aires:
Buenos Aires City Day Tour: Start at Plaza de Mayo, then head to the oldest residential area, San Telmo. After visiting Boca Juniors’ stadium, switch to the modern Puerto Madero area (it’s all about contrast!). Finish your day in the upscale neighborhoods of Palermo and Recoleta.
Colonia, Uruguay Day Trip: This one is even simpler. Take a boat from the port to Colonia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, explore the charming town, and return by the same route.
Compact 2-Day Itinerary from Buenos Aires:
Combine the two one-day tours above into a perfect compact itinerary:
Option 1:
Day 1: Buenos Aires City Day Tour
Day 2: UNESCO World Heritage Site, Colonia, Uruguay Day Trip
Option 2:
Day 1: Buenos Aires City Day Tour, then fly to Iguazu in the afternoon
Day 2: Full-day trip to Iguazu Falls by flight
Option 3:
Day 1: Depart Buenos Aires for the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Colonia, Uruguay Day Trip
Day 2: Full-day trip to Iguazu Falls by flight
If you have at least 4-5 days left in Argentina after returning from Antarctica, aside from the 2 days in Buenos Aires, I highly recommend visiting Ibera National Park.
We all know that the name “Iguazu” comes from the indigenous language meaning “big water.” Similarly, “Ibera” shares that first letter “I,” which also symbolizes water!
When the legendary Douglas Tompkins first arrived in Ibera, he found the area incredibly damp and full of mosquitoes. But despite the challenges, he boldly purchased what was then a cattle ranch, eventually transforming it into the national park we see today!
When I visited Ibera, it was a pitch-black night. The nearby town of San Miguel (not to be confused with the one in Mexico!) could only be described as dark and isolated! At that moment, I was genuinely concerned about what I would actually do there!
The most important thing is that, compared to the world-famous Iguazu Falls, Ibera National Park is practically unknown to most people!
The park is massive! While walking through it, forget about crowds—sometimes, you won’t run into anyone at all! During my 3 days in the park, I saw fewer than 50 visitors! It was like having the whole place to myself—a truly unique, crowd-free travel experience that you wouldn’t want to miss!
5-Day Itinerary: Buenos Aires + Ibera National Park
- Day 1: Buenos Aires City Day Tour
- Day 2: Day Trip to Colonia, Uruguay (World Heritage Site)
- Day 3: Fly from Buenos Aires to Corrientes or Posadas
- Day 4: Ibera Wetlands Park Day Tour – Horseback riding, boat ride, and opportunities to spot deer, birds, and capybaras!
- Day 5: Return to Buenos Aires
If there’s one hidden gem in South America that’s not widely known yet, Ibera National Park is definitely one of them!
For more details on how to arrange your trip to Buenos Aires and Ibera National Park, feel free to email me.
I’m Summer, an avid outdoor backpacker. I only recommend the best adventures and destinations for you.
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