Buenos Aires, the Paris of South America, is a destination filled with so much to see. However, sometimes, you just have to get out of the city. I get it, I really do. Cities can sometimes feel dauntingly huge and overwhelming. That’s why I reached out to other bloggers to bring you the best day trips from Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires is only a small piece of Argentina – there are so many things to see outside the city. It’s my hope that these day trips help you see more of what the country has to offer.
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El Tigre
By Claudia of My Adventures from Across the World
El Tigre is one of the easiest day trips from Buenos Aires. This lovely small town is located at 35 km from the Argentine capital. A favorite of Portenos, who crowd it at the weekend, this is a much more relaxed place compared to the hectic Buenos Aires.
The best way to get there is by train – you can hop on the Tren de la Costa for a lovely 30 minutes train ride that will cost you no more than $1 USD. The nicest thing to do in El Tigre is going on a cruise along the waterways, which go through a thick jungle dotted with beautiful mansions. Boats depart from the Estacion Fluvial. There are regular departures, making it easy to get there. If you are sporty, you may even opt for kayaking along the waterways.
Other interesting sights in El Tigre include the Art Museum, located in a truly gorgeous building; and the market of Puerto de Frutos, which is a nice place to buy souvenirs. There even is a mate museum you may want to check out to learn more about the history of Argentina’s favorite drink and how it is best prepared. If mate isn’t your thing, don’t worry – there’s plenty of wine in Argentina as well. You can even do a Malbec Wine Tasting experience right in Buenos Aires.
Bio: Claudia from My Adventures Across the World is a former human rights lawyer who abandoned her academic career to pursue a life of travel. Through her blogs, she inspires people to travel more and travel better. You can follow her on Facebook.
Colonia del Sacramento
In order to take a break from Buenos Aires (and Argentina in general), a great day trip is a quick ferry ride away. Cross into Uruguay and step back in time in Colonia del Sacramento. Not only is this a great day trip, but it’s one of the best things to do in Uruguay in general! The cobblestone streets date back to the 16th and 17th centuries so be sure to wear flat shoes or sneakers. You can even explore an original drawbridge used to protect the city from invaders. The gate (pictured right below) is still in its all original glory
Street of Sighs
The original drawbridge still stands
The city is small, making it perfect for walking aimlessly – explore small alleyways, locally-owned shops, and restaurants. Be sure to stroll down the Street of Sighs (above) – it’s said to be the most photographed road in Uruguay. Since most places take Argentine pesos or credit, you don’t even have to worry about converting cash (but there are plenty of ATMs if you do).
If you’d rather do a tour, here’s a great one that includes ferry tickets:
La Plata
By Deb of The Visa Project
La Plata is located about 35 miles from Buenos Aires and is considered to be the first completely planned city of South America. The best way to go there is to take a bus from Estacion Omnibus in Retiro. These buses run throughout the day and are comfy and cheap. The bus journey can take anything from 1-2 hours.
What will strike you about La Plata is that it has plazas every seven blocks, which earned it the name the ‘City of Diagonals’. It’s home to one of the oldest cathedrals of Argentina- a neo-Gothic cathedral with French and German-stained windows and European-style architecture. It’s both huge and beautiful.
Travel Tip: Venture inside and take an elevator up one of the towers for a 360-degree view of the city.
There is a world-class natural history museum that exhibits Egyptian mummies, pre-Colombian cultures, and more. And if you have children, there is a big theme park called La Republica De Los Niños. Love beaches? You can visit the Punta Lara beaches popular for windsurfing and sailing. If you want to venture a little outside of the city, you can go camping and bird-watching in Pereyra Iraola Park. La Plata has trendy craft beer bars, local music joints, and great restaurants all over. Since it’s the capital of the Buenos Aires province, you will come across many elaborate government buildings as well.
Bio: Deb Pati is a writer and traveler who backpacked and lived in Latin America for a long time. He runs an initiative called The Visa Project where he and other writers write about their first-hand experience about the process of getting different visas, extending them, and visa guides. Follow him on Facebook and Medium.
San Antonio de Areco
You can take a break from the city in this tiny, rural town. San Antonio de Areco is about 70 miles (115km) from Buenos Aires, but it feels much further away. Wandering the streets, perusing the shops for antiques, and getting a refreshment in an old bar is a great way to spend the day. You can find some amazing souvenirs like boina hats, hand-crafted knives, and other gaucho wares.
Travel Tip: If you’re visiting Argentina in November, be sure to visit on El Día de la Tradición (or Tradition Day).
The city is taken over by the ranches in the surrounding area. This means that HUNDREDS of horses are paraded through the city streets. That would be quite the experience!
Estancias
Another great day trip is without a doubt visiting an estancia, a working ranch on the outskirts of the city. Argentina is world-famous for its rural gaucho life and spending a day on one of the best estancias near Buenos Aires it a great way to experience the culture. While you can stay overnight, it’s most common to visit on a “dia de campo”, or day in the countryside excursion. You’ll get the complete ranch experience from horseback riding to a complete traditional asado (Argentina BBQ) lunch.
Travel Tip: Many ranches double as a bed-and-breakfast!
There are a lot of estancias to choose from. Some of the most popular, like El Ombu, are located in the historic small town of San Antonio de Areco.
Dress comfortably, as you’ll be spending your day outdoors and on horseback. Be sure to come hungry as well, so you’re ready to try all of the traditional food of the Argentine countryside!
Read More about Argentina
Free Things to Do in Buenos Aires
Best Day Trips from Buenos Aires
17 Awesome Things to do in Ushuaia, Argentina
Ride the Train at the End of the World
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This is a great post! I love day trips and I would especially love to stay at the ranch in Estancias! That looks so cool! Thanks for the interesting tidbits of history that you sprinkled throughout the article!
We had only a few days in BA both times we visited so we weren’t able to explore further afield. But I’m really happy to read your suggestions for what we can see next time. I think a day in El Tigre, and the recommendation to visit an Estancia appeal to me the most.
Thanks for the lovely post. I’ve been to Argentina once and sadly, I was only able to visit Buenos Aires. I did not know there were so many possibilities for day trips at the time. I hope to return someday!
These look like great options to go explore the surrounding area. I’m glad to know about these, it looks like he would need a few extra days in Buenos Aires just to see the spots on these day trips!
Yes absolutely. Never forget that there are plenty of things to do in the suburbs of major cities!
Definitely pinning this for later! I’d love to go to Buenos Aires!
I only had the chance to visit El Tigre and I wish I could have seen these other places. Saving this post for future reference 🙂
Those cities looks so interesting! It’s great to share some places that are easily accessible from Buenos Aires but offer a complete different vibes
Wow that’s a very useful post ..hope to visit soon
I love this guide! You really captured the city well.
Thank you!
You got me at El Tigre – how cute is that little port! I would love to explore Buenos Aires and even more so enjoying little day trips from the big city! Great tips thanks for sharing!
EL Tigre was my favorite – though we braved the waters in a kayak – it would have been a bit more peaceful to have a picnic by the water haha.
Wow, it is possible to go to Uruguay’s Colonia del Sacramento via a ferry! What a double treat that would be!
Thanks so much for putting this together! I’ve never been to Buenos Aires but would love to go someday! I’d love to try the food there, and I’ve missed horseback riding so much!
Thanks for sharing this. Hopefully, this pandemic will be over very soon so we could all travel safely.
100 Agreed!
The working ranch would totally be my cup-of-tea! You’ve put ideas into my head! Haha.
Buenos Aires is SO high on my bucket list! Thanks for this great post. I had no idea about what gems were surrounding Buenos Aires. Thanks!
Glad to help!!! Hopefully you get to visit soon!
Such diverse and interesting options! Thank you for sharing..
I went to BA with some girlfriends many years ago and I’ve been wanting to go back with my husband ever since. Love all these day trip ideas! I’ll have them keep them in mind and hopefully we’ll be able to go in the somewhat near future!
Yes hopefully! I was just thinking that my husband would love Buenos Aires too haha! I’ve also been dreaming about their empanadas!
Wow, all of these places look so quaint! I’d love to visit all of these places whenever I get to South America!
I didn’t know you could make so many day trips from Buenos Aires! I actually prefer that than upping and moving every other day. Definitely making me seriously consider Argentina once all this is over!
Awesome! I would LOVE to visit Argentina 🙂
Beautiful day trips indeed. I am especially attracted to the old world charm of Colonia del Sacramento. Will definitely take this day trip in future
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Buenos Aires is such a nice city! I really recommend it, it has such a rich culture and such a nice nightlife! The best of both worlds