Best day trips from Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a vibrant city where you’ll never get bored. But as anyone from outside the capital will tell you, there’s a marked cultural difference between country and city in Argentina. So if your trip is based around the capital, be sure to take a day trip out to one of these spots.  

1. Tigre

Why go: Spread lazily along the bank of the River Luján, Tigre is the gateway to a lush maze of waterways feeding into the River Plate. 

What to see and do: Boat trips to suit all budgets leave from the docks in the town centre. Meandering through the delta, you’ll pass little rivulets where families are splashing in the water and picturesque holiday homes will inspire longing thoughts about the good life. In town, there’s a small mate museum where you can satisfy your curiosity about Argentina’s favourite hot drink. 

Where to drink: For a small extra fee, you can learn how to prepare and drink mate at the mate museum when you finish your visit.

How to get there: There are several trains per hour from Retiro station. The journey takes about 50 minutes. 

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2. La Plata

Why go: This compact but upbeat city is the capital of Buenos Aires province. Come for the fabulous cathedral, stay for the craft beer scene.

What to see and do: Not only is the cathedral beautiful both inside and out, it’s also home to a museum with a series of exhibits about the cathedral’s architecture and the history of Catholicism in Argentina. Cross the square to admire the German Renaissance-style city hall building. Nature lovers should check out the botanical gardens, where a series of lovingly kept, Victorian-style patios are filled with native tree and plant species. It’s open weekdays from Monday to Friday.

If you’re travelling with kids, head to the República de los Niños (the Children’s Republic). This is a child-sized city designed to teach children about democracy and adult life. There’s a mini bank with booths for young bank tellers, a model parliament, and a museum of dolls. Take the train towards La Plata, but get off at Gonnet station. 

Where to eat and drink: Abra Maestro pizzeria comes highly recommended for its wood-fired oven. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to craft beer, but it’s hard to beat the brews and the atmosphere at Walden.

How to get there: Take the train from Constitución station. It takes 1¼ hours. 

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3. Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay)

Why go: It might be in a different country, but Colonia is closer to Buenos Aires than most of Argentina’s major cities. Oh, and it’s also a gorgeous Unesco World Heritage site.

What to see: Wander the rustic cobbles of the Street of Sighs (Calle de los Suspiros), where beautifully preserved colonial houses frame a stunning view of the River Plate. One of the houses is now an art gallery.

Colonia’s lighthouse is a whitewashed pillar that is bathed in subtle pinks and oranges as the sun sets over the river. For a modest entrance fee, you can climb to the top. Don’t forget your camera! The most interesting way into the old town is through the Puerta de la Ciudadela, or Portón de Campo. Built in 1745 by the Portuguese, this grand old city gate has stood the test of time splendidly.

Consider extending your stay and heading to Montevideo. At just over two hours’ drive from Colonia, it would be a stretch to do it in a day, but it’s well worth spending a night or two in this hip, cultured capital.

Travel time: The ferry takes around 1¼ hours, but be sure to arrive at the ferry terminal in advance. Buquebus and Colonia Express are the main companies operating. They leave from different terminals, so check your ticket carefully.

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4. Chascomús

Why go: As if the picture-postcard houses and parks of this peaceful little town weren’t enough, this town faces out onto a large lake offering all kinds of water sports. 

What to see and do: A road around the lake makes for a beautiful drive or long bike ride – it’s about 30km (19 miles). Dotted around the lake are water sports centres offering activities including kayaking, canoeing, and windsurfing.

The Casa de Casco was built by landowner Vicente Casco in 1831, the first two-storey building in town. Today, it’s a historic place of interest, filled with old artefacts showing what life was like in 19th-century Argentina. Out on Ruta 2 on the way into town is Estancia Plegaria, a traditional farm where you can ride horses or simply soak up the country way of life.

How to get there: Drive south from Buenos Aires along Ruta Provincial 2. You can take trains from Constitución, changing in Korn, but it takes around 2½ hours.

Drive time: 90 minutes 

5. Luján

Why go: This city is home to a stunning Gothic basilica, and is also a great base to visit rustic old railway town Carlos Keen.

What to do: The Basilica of Our Lady of Luján is a jaw-dropping neo-Gothic edifice in the centre of Luján. Millions of pilgrims make the journey each year. Adjacent to the cathedral is the Enrique Udaondo museum complex, featuring an exhibition about Argentine history and a fascinating transport museum. Luján is also home to one of Argentina's most popular zoos, making it a good day trip if you’re travelling with children.

Carlos Keen, a 20-minute drive from Luján, is a hamlet that popped up around the railway in the late 19th century. A series of careful building regulations mean it’s retained its traditional bucolic aspect.

Where to eat and drink: Carlos Keen has a surprising variety of traditional Argentine restaurants. Los Girasoles and La Casa de Ñata get especially good reviews, but there are many to choose from.

How to get there: Take Ruta Nacional 7 going west from Buenos Aires

Drive time: 1 hour 5 minutes

6. San Antonio de Areco

Why go: This gaucho town is so proud of its Argentine folklore customs that it’s officially the “National Capital of Tradition”. 

What to do: Take a guided tour of San Antonio de Areco's local handicrafts workshops. Whether they’re working exquisite Argentine silver, building sturdy leather saddles or weaving intricate traditional designs, these artisans have dedicated their lives to their craft. Or maybe learn about the history of gauchos, Argentina’s famed creole cowboys, at the Ricardo Güiraldes municipal museum.

Rousing three-part harmonies, cowhide drums and skirts swishing – you can’t learn about Argentine folklore without going to a peña (folk dance), and San Antonio has many. There are regular dances at bars at weekends and in the evenings during the summer, including dance classes - check with the tourist board for details.

Every November, San Antonio hosts the National Festival of Tradition. Celebrated on 10 November or the closest weekend to it, the streets fill with folk music, traditional handicrafts and delicious regional food.

Where to eat and drink: Boliche de Bessonart serves sumptuous boards of country cheese, sausages and Argentine fare. At least as impressive as the food is the setting: the building is over 200 years old and its antique shelves are filled with bottles, jars, and old workers’ tools. Stock up for the trip home at El Batará, an old-fashioned store where sausages are strung from the rafters and the shelves are piled high with jars of colourful preserves. You’ll wish you had a horse just so you could ride into the sunset.

How to get there: Take Ruta Nacional 8 going north-west. You could also take RN7 and stop off in Luján.

Drive time: around 1½ hours

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