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While you might spend the majority of your trip to Argentina in the capital city, you may want to venture out to visit some of these places. Here are the 12 best day trips from Buenos Aires.
There is so much to do in Argentina outside of Buenos Aires. Argentina is a large country that spans many different climates from Antarctica to the plains of Salta to the mountains and the vineyards.
1. La Plata
What is there to do? My dad’s side of the family actually hails from La Plata. A small town just south of Buenos Aires. There are many delicious places to eat as well as many fun activities. There is a planetarium, an amusement park, and some fabulous architecture.
How to get there? You can get to La Plata from Buenos Aires via car or bus.
How long does it take to get there from Buenos Aires? The bus will take about 1.5 hours with two transfers. Driving there will only take about 1 hour. You could also consider taking a taxi instead of driving.
2. Tigre Delta
What is there to do? This town is just north of Buenos Aires. Additionally, it is the gateway to the rivers and grasslands of the Plata River delta. It has a busy open-air market. You will find many affordable artisanal goods as well as furniture and home decor. There are many restaurants in the area that feature outdoor seating right on the river. Don’t forget to check out the Mate Museum to try some mate at the mate bar.
How to get there? Easily accessible from Buenos Aires by train! You will take the train from the Retiro Station to Mitre. Then you will exit the station and walk over to the floating city.
How long does it take to get there from Buenos Aires? This day trip from Buenos Aires takes a little over an hour on the train.
3. San Isidro & Peru Beach
What is there to do? The beach is pretty straightforward! Right on the river, it is a perfect place for a nice warm summer day. San Isidro has many things to offer like the cathedral, parks, and a variety of great restaurants. While it is a smaller town, it is very walkable.
How to get there? This is another location in which you can take the train from Retiro. You will then make a transfer at Bartolomé Mitre to get onto El Tren De La Costa. Of course, you can also drive there.
How long does it take to get there from Buenos Aires? By train, it takes 1 hour to get to Peru Beach. By car, it takes approximately 35 minutes. You could also consider taking a taxi instead of driving.
4. Acassuso
What is there to do? My favorite thing to do here is visit Via Flaminia. This ice cream place will give you tall ice cream and dip it in chocolate for a unique eating experience. You can also take your ice cream to go for a walk along the water down to Peru Beach. Additionally, this town is very walkable to check out all the cute neighborhoods.
How to get there? Just south of Tigre, you can take the same train from Retiro to Acassuso. It is a bit of a walk to Via Flaminia, but there are buses available.
How long does it take to get there from Buenos Aires? It takes just shy of an hour via train and about 1 hour 15 minutes on the bus.
5. Capilla del Señor
What is there to do? This small town has lots to offer. There are many museums for just about anyone’s preferences. Definitely check out the Puente “Las Cuatro Bocas” and the Plaza San Martín. Additionally, this quaint little town will give you plenty to do on your day trip from Buenos Aires.
How to get there? There is no public transportation option to get you to Capilla del Señor. You will need to rent a car in order to get here.
How long does it take to get there from Buenos Aires? One hour via car.
Everything you need to know about renting a car in Argentina.
6. Mar Del Plata
What is there to do? Mar Del Plata is a beach town. So, people flock here in the summer for all the beach activities. However, this town has more to offer. There is a waterpark, an aquarium, many plazas, and some historical sites as well.
How to get there? There are two ways to get to Mar Del Plata from Buenos Aires. The first is to drive there. The second is to take a flight from Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery.
How long does it take to get there from Buenos Aires? There are about 3-5 flights from AEP to Mar Del Plata a day. Each flight takes 1 hour. However it takes about 4.5 hours to drive to Mar Del Plata.
7. Pinamar
What is there to do? This beach town is a local hidden gem. Since it is much smaller you will see far fewer people. Other than the beach it is known for its sand dunes and pine forests.
How to get there? A little north of Mar Del Plata you’ll find Pinamar. This town is only accessible by car.
How long does it take to get there from Buenos Aires? The drive from Buenos Aires to Pinamar is just shy of 3 hours. If you don’t want to drive you can fly to Mar Del Plata and then drive 1 hour and 45 minutes to Pinamar.
8. Spend The Day like a Gaucho at an Estancia
What is there to do? There are many different estancias on the outskirts of the Buenos Aires province. We went to Estancia Los Dos Hermanos. The biggest perk about this one was that they’d come to pick us up anywhere in the city and drop us off at the end of the day. This was important for us because we didn’t want to rent a car. Many other estancias offer this service so you really want to look for a place you’ll feel comfortable, get to do a variety of activities, and is affordable.
La Estancia Los Dos Hermanos offered many things for us. We got breakfast, lunch, and merienda included. Of course, we got to learn how to horseback ride like gauchos. Then we went for 2 long rides. There was also a pool on the premises if you wanted to go for a swim. The hosts were wonderful and really in tune with all our needs. Plus we got to meet a flight crew for KLM that was also there for the day.
How to get there? We got picked up by the Estancia staff. Most estancias will either pick you up or only are accessible by car.
How long does it take to get there from Buenos Aires? It took about an hour for us to get to Estancia Los Dos Hermanos. I’d expect about an hour for most estancias.
9. Rosario
What is there to do? A day trip to Lionel Messi’s birthplace from Buenos Aires is a great way to spend the day. There are multiple museums and parks to wander through as you visit Rosario. Since it is on the river there are also beaches you can visit. Finally, Rosario has an active restaurant scene as there are many students in that area.
How to get there? Driving or by plane.
How long does it take to get there from Buenos Aires? The drive to Rosario is about 3.5 hours long. There are 2-3 flights a day between Buenos Aires and Rosario. The flight is 55 minutes long.
Check out our 2 week itinerary for Argentina and how to see all these places!
10. Carlos Keen & Lujan
What is there to do? Once you get to this small town you will notice the tiny town center. Around the main square, you’ll find the old train station. In this area, there are a number of restaurants to enjoy. Finally, the main attraction in Carlos Keen is the amazing parrillas. A steakhouse lunch is definitely required out of this day trip!
To walk off the steak you can meander through town and see some of the highlights. There is an old chapel that is over 100 years old. Additionally, if you’re a fan of mushrooms you can see some locally grown mushrooms at Mirando Al Sur.
How to get there? You can drive to Carlos Keen in Lujan. There is transportation available to Carlos Keen, but it will require either 2 buses and a train or 2 trains and 2 buses.
How long does it take to get there from Buenos Aires? It takes about an hour and 16 minutes to drive from Buenos Aires to Carlos Keen in Lujan. Public transportation takes about 3.5 hours.
Everything you need to know about renting a car in Argentina.
11. Colonia Del Sacramento, Uruguay
What is there to do? The old village of Colonia Del Sacramento is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can take in the history of this place on your day trip. There are many cobblestone streets to walk down. Additionally, there are many great small places to get chivito and ice cream. For more ideas on what to do in Colonia Del Sacramento and to find out if it’s even worth going check out this article.
How to get there? There are two ferry companies that can take you across the river to Colonia Del Sacramento. Don’t forget that Uruguay is another country and you will need your passport.
How long does it take to get there from Buenos Aires? The ferry ride takes about an hour and fifteen minutes.
12. Montevideo, Uruguay
What is there to do? Montevideo prides itself on being incredibly relaxed. Here you will be able to take a stroll along the water on the miles of coastline. Then at night you might hear some traditional drums playing on the streets. Since Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay there is a lot to do and see.
How to get there? There are two ferry companies that can take you across the river to Montevideo. You can also fly to Montevideo, there are 2-3 flights per day between the two cities.
How long does it take to get there from Buenos Aires? By ferry, it can take between 2 hours 45 minutes and 4 hours 45 minutes depending on the ferry company. There is a transfer at Colonia Del Sacramento for one of the companies. You can also fly from Buenos Aires to Montevideo. The flight is about 45 minutes.
In Conclusion about the Day Trips from Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is a large metropolitan city that has a lot to offer. Check out why Buenos Aires is worth visiting when you make the decision to go! Learn about all the things you need to know before going to Argentina. Argentina is a large country, Buenos Aires is not the only place with incredibly fun stuff to do. Finally, check out this list of all the other places throughout Argentina to visit.
So it is necessary to go on a day trip? No, but is it a great way to explore some of the smaller more historic areas in Argentina and Uruguay? YES! Consider these 12 day trips from Buenos Aires on your next trip to Argentina.
