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31-Day Argentina + Bolivia Loop: Buenos Aires → Mendoza (luggage) → Salta → Salar de Uyuni → La Paz → Salta → Iguazú → Patagonia (El Calafate → Ushuaia) → Buenos Aires (Dec 27, 2025–Jan 26, 2026)

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Day 1: Arrival & settle

Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 27, 2025

10:00am

Arrival & transfer to hotel

Arrive Ezeiza/ AEP, transfer to Palermo or San Telmo (best central bases) to drop bags and rest after your flight.
USD30, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Café Tortoni (historic café)

Classic porteño café experience on Avenida de Mayo; good for light lunch and to soak up BA ambiance. (Open ~8:00–00:00).
USD15, 1h0m

15:00pm

Walk Puerto Madero & ecological reserve

Easy riverside walk to stretch legs and see modern BA contrasts; good short ride if jet-lagged.
USD0, 1h30m

19:30pm

Dinner — Parrilla: Don Julio (Palermo)

Classic Argentine steakhouse; reserve ahead (open ~12:00–00:00). Great intro to Argentine beef.
USD45, 1h30m

Day 2: City highlights

Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 28, 2025

08:30am

Breakfast — local bakery

Quick medialunas + café at a neighborhood bakery in Palermo or Recoleta (many open from 7:00).
USD6, 0h30m

09:30am

City walking: Recoleta cemetery & Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

Recoleta cemetery (open 7:00–18:00) and nearby museums for art and porteño history.
USD5, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Parrilla/empanadas at La Brigada (San Telmo)

Hearty local lunch; reserve for weekend crowds (open ~12:00–00:00).
USD20, 1h0m

15:00pm

La Boca & Caminito

Colorful street art and tango performers; touristy but iconic. Best daylight visit (outdoor, open all day).
USD0, 1h30m

20:00pm

Optional tango show (Esquina Carlos Gardel or Rojo Tango)

Classic gourmet-dinner + tango shows run evenings (book ahead).
USD60, 2h30m

Day 3: Transfer to Mendoza

Mendoza, Argentina on December 29, 2025

07:00am

Flight Buenos Aires → Mendoza

Fly Aerolíneas / JetSMART / Flybondi ~1h50; recommended to save time vs bus if you prefer convenience. Book early (holiday season).
USD80, 2h30m

10:30am

Arrive Mendoza & meet family

Settle in; leave your large luggage with family (your base) as planned — this will be storage while you travel onward.
USD0, 1h0m

13:00pm

Lunch — Mercado Central / Azafrán

Local market or downtown bistro; Mendoza's food is relaxed and delicious (many wineries nearby).
USD15, 1h0m

16:00pm

Stroll Parque General San Martín

Large park with lake & views; great first-day relaxer. Open daylight hours.
USD0, 2h0m

20:00pm

Dinner with family — local parrilla or family home

Enjoy home-cooked or local steakhouse; a good night to plan winery visits for following days.
USD0, 2h0m

Day 4: Mendoza — wine day

Mendoza, Argentina on December 30, 2025

09:00am

Breakfast with family

Leisurely start; Mendoza mornings are relaxed — fuel up for a winery day.
USD0, 1h0m

10:30am

Half-day winery visits (Maipú or Luján de Cuyo)

Visit 2 bodegas: wine tasting + short tour. Most bodegas open 9:00–17:00; book tastings in advance.
USD25, 4h0m

15:00pm

Lunch at a winery (asado or picnic)

Many wineries offer lunch pairings — recommended for a full Mendoza experience.
USD30, 1h30m

18:00pm

Return & relax

Back with family; evening stroll and planning for Aconcagua day or more wineries.
USD0, 2h0m

21:00pm

Dinner — 1884 Restaurante (Francis Mallmann) or local favorite

If you want a splurge, reserve 1884; otherwise local parrilla is excellent. 1884 requires advance booking.
USD60, 1h30m

Day 5: Mendoza — Andes day

Mendoza, Argentina on December 31, 2025

07:30am

Day trip to the Andes / Aconcagua viewpoint

Full-day excursion to high Andes viewpoints (Puente del Inca, Aconcagua mirador). Tours depart ~7:00–8:00 and return late afternoon. Carry sun protection and layers.
USD60, 9h0m

19:00pm

New Year's Eve dinner with family

Typical family celebration or public fireworks; many restaurants offer special NYE menus — reserve ahead.
USD0, 3h0m

Day 6: Recovery & relax

Mendoza, Argentina on January 1, 2026

09:00am

Late breakfast/brunch with family

Slow morning after NYE; enjoy local produce and mate with family.
USD0, 1h0m

11:00am

Light local stroll or bike ride in Parque San Martín

Rental bikes available; easy activity to enjoy the fresh air.
USD8, 2h0m

14:00pm

Lunch — empanadas & local wine

Casual meal; Mendoza invites relaxation after your mountain day.
USD12, 1h0m

17:00pm

Organize luggage storage & plan onward travel

Confirm luggage stay with family — ensure you only take carry-on for next legs.
USD0, 0h30m

Day 7: Mendoza — winery choice

Mendoza, Argentina on January 2, 2026

09:00am

Full-day Luján de Cuyo wine circuit

Visit premium wineries (Catena, Norton) for tastings + vineyard views; open 9:00–17:00, reserve tastings.
USD40, 6h0m

16:00pm

Relax at family home / siesta

Recharge; you'll be traveling north soon.
USD0, 2h0m

20:00pm

Dinner at a local parrilla or family meal

Take advantage of local knowledge for the best neighborhood restaurants.
USD20, 1h30m

Day 8: Mendoza — flexible days

Mendoza, Argentina on January 3, 2026

09:00am

Optional activities: hot air balloon or more bodegas

Balloon rides depart sunrise (book in advance) or take another winery route; hours vary (balloon ~5:00–9:00).
USD180, 4h0m

13:00pm

Lunch — street cafés

Casual midday meal, plan next intercity flights.
USD12, 1h0m

16:00pm

Pack carry-on for northern trip; leave large luggage stored

Take only essentials: warm layers for the altiplano, light daypack for tours.
USD0, 1h0m

Day 9: Mendoza family time

Mendoza, Argentina on January 4, 2026

10:00am

Relax with family / local markets

Visit Mercado Central or neighborhood plazas and enjoy local life.
USD0, 2h0m

14:00pm

Late lunch & siesta

Rest before departure to Salta in a few days; review bookings for Bolivia leg.
USD0, 1h30m

19:30pm

Dinner & plan Salta route

Decide if you prefer direct flight (if available) or connecting flight via BA; book seats early (holiday season).
USD0, 1h0m

Day 10: Mendoza free day

Mendoza, Argentina on January 5, 2026

09:00am

Optional bike the vineyards

Self-guided or guided bike tours around vineyards; rentals available from 9:00.
USD25, 4h0m

14:00pm

Lunch at family or local café

Pack for next day's travel to Salta; double-check luggage storage arrangements.
USD0, 1h0m

Day 11: Final Mendoza day

Mendoza, Argentina on January 6, 2026

09:00am

Short morning visit or last winery

Easy morning; anticipate travel to Salta on Jan 7.
USD0, 2h0m

13:00pm

Lunch with family & confirm luggage storage

Make sure your big luggage stays safely; you'll leave with carry-on for Salta + Bolivia.
USD0, 1h0m

18:00pm

Early night — travel tomorrow

Rest for early flight.
USD0, 8h0m

Day 12: Mendoza → Salta

Travel day → Salta, Argentina on January 7, 2026

06:30am

Flight Mendoza → Salta (recommended)

Direct flights (seasonal) ~2h or via Buenos Aires (longer). Flying is fastest and avoids long bus rides; book early. Estimated travel and transfer time ~4h door-to-door.
USD110, 4h0m

11:30am

Arrive Salta — check into hotel

Settle in central Salta (Plaza 9 de Julio area) and acclimatize to slightly higher altitude (~1,200m).
USD0, 1h0m

13:00pm

Lunch — Doña Salta (traditional regional food)

Sample empanadas salteñas and locro; great introduction to northwestern cuisine (open ~12:00–23:00).
USD10, 1h0m

15:00pm

Walk: MAAM museum & Plaza 9 de Julio

MAAM (Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña) open 9:00–19:00; see famous Inca mummies (check closed days).
USD7, 2h0m

19:30pm

Dinner — Martín Miguel (regional specialties)

Try regional wines and dishes; book if busy.
USD18, 1h30m

Day 13: Salta — Calchaquíes

Salta, Argentina on January 8, 2026

07:30am

Full-day tour: Quebrada de Humahuaca or Cafayate (Calchaquí Valley)

Choose: Cafayate (vineyards & rock formations) ~10–12h, or north to Purmamarca & Tilcara (Quebrada de Humahuaca) ~10–12h. Tours depart early; check availability and book in advance.
USD60, 10h0m

20:00pm

Return and dinner in Salta

Relaxed meal after long day; many restaurants open late (common in Argentina).
USD15, 1h30m

Day 14: Salta — prep Bolivia

Salta, Argentina on January 9, 2026

09:00am

Easy morning: San Bernardo cable car & views

Take the Teleférico up to San Bernardo for city panoramas (open 9:00–21:00).
USD6, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch & final purchases for altiplano (sun cream, layers)

Buy any cold-weather items (altiplano gets cold at night).
USD20, 1h0m

15:00pm

Prepare for border crossing: bus to Villazón

Tonight/tomorrow morning you'll head to Villazón (border) to cross into Bolivia en route to Uyuni. Confirm bus/train schedule and times (buses 5–7h).
USD0, 0h30m

Day 15: Salta → Villazón → Uyuni

Travel day: to Uyuni region, Bolivia on January 10, 2026

06:00am

Bus Salta → Villazón (border)

Direct shuttle/bus to Villazón ~6–7h including border formalities; morning departures recommended. Bring passport; cross into Villazón (Bolivia) on foot.
USD25, 7h0m

14:30pm

Transfer to train/bus Villazón → Uyuni

From Villazón you can take the early-afternoon train (schedule varies) or bus to Uyuni (~4–6h). Trains are limited — buses often more reliable. Overnight options exist; plan arrival time in Uyuni.
USD20, 5h0m

20:30pm

Arrive Uyuni & overnight

Check into a basic Uyuni hotel; rest before the salar tour which often starts next morning. Keep warm: Uyuni nights are cold (thin air).
USD12, 8h0m

Day 16: Uyuni — Salar tour start

Uyuni, Bolivia on January 11, 2026

08:00am

Start 3-day Uyuni / Eduardo Avaroa 4x4 tour

Most tours depart mornings. A standard 3-day/2-night tour covers Incahuasi, Tunupa, colored lagoons, geysers, and desert landscapes. Book reputable operator; tours include meals and basic lodging (salt hotel or refugio).
USD300, 3d0h

12:30pm

Midday: photography on the salt flat (mirrors)

Salar is perfect for perspective shots; midday is bright but afternoons offer golden light. Bring sunglasses and SPF (open 24/7).
USD0, 2h0m

19:00pm

Night: stay in salt or basic refuge

Accommodation included in tour; nights are cold (often below 0°C).
USD0, 10h0m

Day 17: Uyuni — Avaroa (Lagunas)

Altiplano, Bolivia on January 12, 2026

07:30am

Day 2 of 3: desert & high-altitude lagoons

Visit colorful lagoons (Verde, Colorado), flamingo colonies, and high-altitude altiplano landscapes; altitudes 4,000–5,000m—acclimatize and hydrate.
USD0, 12h0m

18:30pm

Stay in refugio near Laguna Colorada

Rugged but stunning; included in tour. Pack warm layers.
USD0, 12h0m

Day 18: Uyuni — Tour return

Uyuni, Bolivia on January 13, 2026

07:00am

Day 3: return to Uyuni via desert attractions

Final day drives back across high plateau; expect dusty roads and incredible scenery; tour ends in Uyuni late afternoon.
USD0, 10h0m

18:00pm

Arrive Uyuni & overnight

Overnight in Uyuni town; rest and prepare options to get to La Paz (overnight bus or flight next day).
USD15, 10h0m

Day 19: Uyuni → La Paz

Travel day → La Paz, Bolivia on January 14, 2026

08:00am

Flight Uyuni → La Paz (recommended if available)

Direct flights take ~1h20; book early. Cheaper alternative: overnight bus Uyuni→Oruro→La Paz (~10–12h, USD30). Flight avoids long nights after tour.
USD140, 3h0m

12:30pm

Arrive La Paz & check-in

Settle into central area (near Plaza Murillo or Sopocachi) and acclimatize to ~3,650m altitude — take it easy first 24–48 hours.
USD0, 1h0m

14:00pm

Lunch — Palacio de las Papas / local mercado

Try salteñas (Bolivian empanadas) and quinoa soups. Markets open broadly midday; be cautious with altitude and portion sizes.
USD8, 1h0m

16:30pm

Plaza Murillo & Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas)

Short walk to learn about local culture and Aymara crafts; open during daylight hours.
USD0, 2h0m

20:00pm

Dinner — Gustu (book ahead) or local Sopocachi restaurant

Gustu is high-end (check opening dates); Sopocachi has relaxed mid-range options. At altitude, eat light first night.
USD35, 1h30m

Day 20: La Paz — city & cable car

La Paz, Bolivia on January 15, 2026

08:30am

Teleférico (cable car) network for city views

Take lines Red/Yellow/Green for sweeping valley views; runs ~6:00–23:00 and is cheap — great orientation for La Paz topography.
USD3, 2h0m

11:30am

Valle de la Luna visit

Short excursion to the lunar-like rock formations just outside the city (open daylight).
USD8, 3h0m

15:30pm

Lunch — local mercado or café

Try trout from Lake Titicaca if available; eat light and hydrate.
USD10, 1h0m

18:00pm

Optional evening: craft shopping in Sopocachi

Good place for souvenirs and local handicrafts; many shops open to 20:00.
USD0, 1h30m

Day 21: La Paz — optional day trip

La Paz, Bolivia on January 16, 2026

07:00am

Optional day trip: Tiwanaku archaeological site

Tiwanaku (pre-Columbian) ~1.5–2h each way; depart early and return afternoon. Sites open daylight hours.
USD40, 8h0m

19:00pm

Dinner — sample local cuisine

Try chuño and local stews; light evening after the day's museum/site work.
USD15, 1h0m

Day 22: La Paz — final preparations

La Paz, Bolivia on January 17, 2026

09:00am

Reserve flights & verify documents for return to Argentina (Salta)

Book La Paz → Salta flight (direct or via seasonal connection). Flying recommended to avoid 24+ hour bus rides.
USD0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch & relax

Short afternoon relaxing; try local desserts and coca tea if you have altitude discomfort.
USD10, 1h0m

16:00pm

Light walking & packing

Pack light for flight; you'll retrieve large luggage back in Mendoza later — remember to carry travel copies of documents.
USD0, 1h0m

Day 23: Fly La Paz → Salta

Travel day → Salta, Argentina on January 18, 2026

07:30am

Flight La Paz → Salta (recommended)

Direct flights may be seasonal; you may connect via another Bolivian city. Flight ~1.5–2.5h; land in Salta and re-enter Argentina (immigration procedures at departure from La Paz).
USD160, 4h0m

12:30pm

Arrive Salta & check into hotel

Relax and recover from travel; reconnect with Argentina time zone and local rhythms.
USD0, 1h0m

14:00pm

Lunch — regional specialties

Enjoy lunch and light walk; prepare for flight east toward Iguazú in next day or two.
USD12, 1h0m

Day 24: Salta → Iguazú (via BA)

Travel day → Puerto Iguazú, Argentina on January 19, 2026

06:00am

Flight Salta → Buenos Aires → Puerto Iguazú (recommended routing)

Direct Salta→Iguazú is rare; usual routing is Salta→BA then BA→Puerto Iguazú. Allow long connection times, total door-to-door ~6–9h. Consider overnight in BA only if connections are tight.
USD180, 8h0m

15:00pm

Arrive Puerto Iguazú & check-in

Settle into town (Puerto Iguazú) — small, walkable base for Argentine-side falls.
USD0, 1h0m

17:30pm

Short stroll & early dinner

Try local river fish or steak; sample itineraries for next day at falls.
USD18, 1h30m

Day 25: Iguazú — Argentine side

Puerto Iguazú / Iguazú Falls, Argentina on January 20, 2026

08:00am

Iguazú National Park — Argentine side (Upper & Lower circuits)

Park opens ~8:00. Spend the morning on the upper and lower circuits; boats to Devil's Throat leave regularly — full-day visit recommended.
USD25, 6h0m

13:00pm

Lunch — park café or Puerto Iguazú

Bring water and light snacks; park options available near circuits.
USD12, 1h0m

16:00pm

Optional Jungle Truck/boat or birdwatching

Short add-on experiences available mid-afternoon; check operator hours (varies).
USD35, 2h0m

20:00pm

Dinner — La Rueda 1975

Local favorite for meat and river fish (open evenings).
USD20, 1h30m

Day 26: Iguazú — Brazilian side optional

Foz do Iguaçu/Puerto Iguazú on January 21, 2026

08:00am

Option: Cross to Brazil — panoramic views

If you have a visa or entry allowed, visit Brazilian side for panorama views of the falls (park ~9:00–17:00). Bring passport; border formalities apply.
USD20, 5h0m

14:00pm

Return & lunch

Light afternoon; start flying south to Patagonia next day — check flights via BA.
USD12, 1h0m

18:00pm

Pack carry-on for Patagonia

You will fly to El Calafate via Buenos Aires — leave your Mendoza-stored luggage untouched.
USD0, 0h30m

Day 27: Iguazú → El Calafate (via BA)

Travel day → El Calafate, Argentina on January 22, 2026

06:00am

Flight Puerto Iguazú → Buenos Aires → El Calafate

Most common routing is via BA (AEP/EZE) — total travel 6–9h including layover. Flights fill up fast during summer; book early.
USD220, 8h0m

16:00pm

Arrive El Calafate & check-in

Settle into town; Patagonia winds can be strong — layers recommended.
USD0, 1h0m

19:00pm

Dinner — La Tablita (local lamb specialties)

Classic Patagonian lamb and hearty cuisine; open evenings.
USD25, 1h30m

Day 28: El Calafate — Perito Moreno

El Calafate, Argentina on January 23, 2026

08:00am

Full-day Perito Moreno Glacier excursion

Bus tours depart ~8:00; visit walkways and optional short boat rides in front of the glacier. Park open ~8:00–19:00; boats run on scheduled times. Must-see Patagonian highlight.
USD70, 9h0m

17:30pm

Return to El Calafate & relax

Evening free to explore town and plan Ushuaia leg.
USD0, 2h0m

Day 29: El Calafate → Ushuaia

Travel day → Ushuaia, Argentina on January 24, 2026

09:00am

Flight El Calafate → Ushuaia (direct if available)

Flights sometimes direct (Aerolíneas). Otherwise route via BA (longer). Direct flight ~1h30; distances are great so flying is best. Book early; summer is busy.
USD140, 4h0m

13:00pm

Arrive Ushuaia & check-in

Southernmost city — base for Tierra del Fuego National Park and Beagle Channel trips.
USD0, 1h0m

15:00pm

Light walk on Avenida San Martín & harbor

Harbor views, museums, and maritime ambiance; short adaptable walk after travel.
USD0, 1h30m

20:00pm

Dinner — local seafood or cordero (lamb)

Try centolla (king crab) if in season, or local lamb, popular in Fuegian cuisine.
USD30, 1h30m

Day 30: Ushuaia — park & boat

Ushuaia, Argentina on January 25, 2026

08:30am

Tierra del Fuego National Park

Park open ~8:00–18:00; short hikes (Laguna Esmeralda or coastal paths) and scenic drives. Boat trips along the Beagle Channel (morning/afternoon slots) show sea lions and lighthouse views.
USD45, 5h0m

14:00pm

Lunch — harbor café

Fresh seafood, local breads and tea to warm up after hikes.
USD18, 1h0m

17:00pm

Souvenir shopping & light museum (Museo del Fin del Mundo)

Learn region history; museums typically open 9:00–18:00.
USD7, 1h30m

20:00pm

Pack for return to Buenos Aires tomorrow

Gather luggage from Mendoza on your return later; arrange flight Ushuaia→Buenos Aires (often frequent).
USD0, 0h30m

Day 31: Ushuaia → Buenos Aires (departure)

Travel day → Buenos Aires, Argentina (departure) on January 26, 2026

08:00am

Flight Ushuaia → Buenos Aires

Direct flights ~3.5h; arrive BA mid/late morning or early afternoon depending on schedule. Recommended: morning flight to allow final connections/homeward departures the same day or evening.
USD180, 5h0m

14:00pm

Arrive Buenos Aires & retrieve luggage from Mendoza (options)

Options: (A) Family in Mendoza can ship luggage to BA (costly/time), (B) before leaving Argentina earlier you could have taken luggage with you — but per your plan luggage stayed in Mendoza. Recommended approach: arrange a domestic courier from Mendoza to BA before you left or fly Mendoza→BA earlier to collect luggage. If not arranged, use carry-on for return international flight or plan an extra day to retrieve luggage. This note is critical: organize luggage retrieval/shipping at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
USD0, 2h0m

18:00pm

Final dinner / last-minute shopping in Buenos Aires

Enjoy a final meal in BA; head to Ezeiza or Puerto Madero for last evening.
USD30, 2h0m

21:00pm

Depart Argentina or overnight in BA depending on flight timing

International flights generally depart late evening/night; confirm your international departure time from Ezeiza (EZE).
USD0, —
0
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