Getaways from Buenos Aires

The first of the list is probably one of the most famous towns in the province of Buenos Aires. Just 120 km from the City, it can be easily reached by car or bus, leaving from Retiro station.

San Antonio de Areco is an ideal place to experience the countryside, since the oldest Creole celebration in the country, the National Tradition Festival, is celebrated here. That is why this town is known as the “Cradle of Tradition” and when you think about Buenos Aires countryside this is the place for a weekend escape. You’ll find a typical town: The central square is surrounded by the main municipal buildings: Police Station, Municipality, Civil Registry, and the San Antonio de Padua parish. Plaza Arellano is a meeting place and a reference point to start your visit.

A few metres from the main square, you find the Draghi family museum and silversmith’s workshop, with its impressive collection of 19th-century gaucho pieces made 100% of silver.

One of the city’s emblems is the Ricardo Güiraldes Gauchesco Museum. Located in an old country room, it displays typical furniture, silverware, and textiles. If you are an admirer of Florencio Molina Campos, Las Lilas Museum is a worth visiting spot.

Walking along the Ribera de Areco you will find different craft stalls, such as silversmiths and saddlers, and antique shops. Don´t miss the gastronomic offer, in the town you will find several restaurants and country houses with typical menus.

To spend the afternoon on the banks of the river and enjoy natural views, Areco has a park area with public grills. The craft market is open on weekends.

Capilla del Señor, a village within the Exaltación de la Cruz district, is 80 km from the City of Buenos Aires. Not only was it the first town to be declared of National Historical interest, but it is also one of the most traditional in Buenos Aires. The town preserves both its original architecture and its traditional lifestyle. 

During the Capilla del Señor city break you’ll explore historical buildings such as the old Cemetery at the centre of the square, the Municipal Palace and the old Miralejos House. Also, the Roma hall, the old Immigrants’ Social Club, the Posada del Palomar (which dates back to 1838 and is one of the oldest), the Parish Temple and Los Ombúes grocery store.

The Museum of Buenos Aires Journalism, with today’s old typewriters, the presses with which newspapers were printed, and antique objects from daily life is a place to enrich your cultural experience.

Save time for excursions to the milking yards, studs and farms, ideal weekend activities for a family outing near Buenos Aires. If you decide to stay over, you will find charming hotels in rural settings surrounded by landscapes with eucalyptus, casuarina trees and willow forests.

San Miguel del Monte’s origins date back to colonial times. Historical landmarks, well-preserved buildings and constructions, many of them related to politician Juan Manuel de Rosas, who owned several ranches and fields in that area, make this city a perfect weekend trip from Buenos Aires.

Located 110 km from the city, you can easily get there by car. 

One of the most popular attractions in San Miguel del Monte is its 740-hectare lake surrounded by 15 km of green areas. Not only is it an outdoor swimming spot, but windsurfing, sailing, and kayaking can be part of the adventure. San Miguel del Monte Lake is a popular place for its fishing clubs and campsites. An active day on the water will include jet skiing and motorboats, fishing for silversides, carp, and catfish.

The extensive Juan Manuel de Rosas waterfront boulevard offers an unmissable gastronomic tour. When it lights up at night, locals and tourists gather in bars and restaurants to enjoy views along with the varied menus. Favourite order? The grilled goat meat.

A few minutes away from town, you can experience rural activities at the local farms: horseback riding, hiking, and carriage rides. The Rancho de Rosas and the Guardia del Monte Museum, are open for visitors from Thursday to Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm.

Located a little more than 120 km from the city, Chascomús is another excellent option for a weekend getaway, The famous lake has a surface area of ​​more than 3,000 hectares and a maximum depth of 2.50 m, which allows all types of aquatic activities: kayaking, canoes, boats; practice windsurfing, kitesurfing or sport fishing. Exercising around the reservoir is a treat at any time of the year: go running, ride your bike or simply go for a walk.

On one of the shores of the lagoon, in front of the historic case, there are two historical monuments of democracy: the monument designed by Clorindo Testa in commemoration of the 25 Years of the Return of Democracy after the last dictatorship and a bust of former president Raúl Alfonsín, who is a native of Chascomús. The statue commemorates his contribution to the history of the country. His residence is one of the more visited places in town, even though it is not open to the public.

Around the main square, you will find the main buildings: the Church, the municipality, the Municipal Theatre the Pelota Club, and the Casa de Casco. The latter is a historic house where there is a small museum focused on the Casco family history, the city and the lagoon.

Chascomús also has the Puerto Aventura water park, which has large water slides, a soft plaza, and a barbecue area to spend a nice day outdoors with the family.

Carlos Keen is located 88 km from the City of Buenos Aires, one of the best-known countryside towns, ideal for visitors seeking a break from the city.

Carlos Keen is also famous for being a great gastronomic centre. One of its main attractions is the country restaurants and the varied offering of traditional flavours. The staples are sausages (such as salami and raw ham), different types of cheese, grilled meats, casserole dishes, knife-cut meat empanadas cooked in a disc, and classic pasta.

Walking around the town, you’ll discover centuries-old brick and adobe houses and typical buildings from the late 19th century. Although recycled, they still preserve their original facades. Among its most relevant tourist spots are the Rural Machinery Museum, installed outdoors, the San Carlos Borromeo temple and the Mirador al Sur farm, famous for its honey production and the cultivation of oysters.

The Granero Carlos Keen, an old grain storage shed, transformed into a cultural centre, offers exhibitions and street performances. The obligatory stop is at the old, former train station that connects us with the history of the Buenos Aires countryside.

One hour away from the City of Buenos Aires, Lobos offers things to do throughout the whole year. If you are looking for rooms or nearby rooms or villas to be rented for events and weddings, this is the town to visit.

Easy to access (you can get there by car or by train with Roca and Sarmiento branches), Lobos is known for its beautiful lake and the waterfront drive. 

One of the landmarks, The Railway Station, is a typical English construction from 1890, which is worth seeing. In its surroundings, you will find other places to visit, such as the Héroes de Malvinas Library of the Association of Ex-Combatants, the Amateur Radio Club, the Immigrants’ Square and the Cultural Shed.

Lobos is well known for being an ideal place for practising water sports. renting boats and kayaks or taking a walk around the lagoon.

Thinking about fishing? Lobos Lake is a popular fish stock place and a bird-watching spot: eagles, herons, roseate spoonbills and ducks are part of the spectacle.

In the city, you will be able to appreciate the old houses in a peaceful atmosphere, although there are some important buildings that we recommend you visit: Nuestra Señora del Carmen Church, built in a neo-Gothic architectural style, and the Lobense Social Club, founded in 1894, with a neoclassical façade and art deco influence. Also, you’ll find the birthplace of former president Juan Domingo Perón, currently a museum, which preserves the characteristics of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

For a homely place to stay for the weekend, a good option is Estancia La Candelaria. Founded in 1840, settled in an imposing French castle from the late 19th century, and has a park of more than 100 hectares designed by the renowned landscaper Carlos Thays, who was also the architect and landscaper of the Botanical Garden of the City of Buenos Aires.

Lobos has been the National Capital of Parachuting and the headquarters of the Argentine Parachute School Club (CEPA) for more than 35 years. There, you can perform baptism jumps, tandem jumps, and take courses for all levels.

This town, with its green and natural panorama, is ideal for an easy weekend away near Buenos Aires. San Pedro is a little more than 150 kilometres from the city frequented, also, by people from Rosario, Santa Fe. The beauty of its landscapes, its cultural attractions and the possibility of practising nautical activities make it a perfect place for a mini-break.

The historic centre of San Pedro can be explored on foot or two wheels while enjoying the landscape of the Paraná River and the ravines. Some of its oldest buildings are located on Bartolomé Mitre and Pellegrini streets, with historical plaques: the “Rafael Obligado” Popular Library, the 1830 House, the Historical Museum, and the San Pedro Sports League, among other heritage landmarks.

Places you can’t miss: The City Hall, which dates back to 1888 and has a neoclassical colonial style, and Nuestra Señora del Socorro Church, a work of the designer of the Teatro Colón.

Walking through the centre of San Pedro, you can find a variety of shopping and dining establishments. By the riverside, you will see that there are many Creole restaurants and grills to eat with a beautiful landscape.

San Pedro provides everything you would need when escaping from the city: the gastronomic offer includes its own orange production and the famous ensaimadas. The town was declared the National Capital of the Ensaimada in Argentina.

Having lagoons and canals of the Paraná River and the Delta, San Pedro is a weekend destination for fishing lovers and offers several services for this activity. Take kayak and boat tours to make the most of warm sunny days.

Last, but not least, is number one on foodie lists. Just one hour away from the city you’ll find a wide range of restaurants and grills.

Tomas Jofre is situated in the Mercedes district and is popular for its train station, Tomás Jofré, although its real name is Jorge Born. To be able to enjoy the silent atmosphere, mornings are the ideal time of the day, remember that the town has become one of the top gastronomic references of rural tourism. 

Local restaurants specialise in cold regional meats and cheeses, homemade pasta, roast meat and typical desserts.

Can’t miss being part of country games, horseback riding a tour around the Crafts Fair.

Visit the country stores, walk the unpaved paths, and enjoy some mates in San Pedro’s main square.