There are so many fun things to do in the capital of Argentina, but there are also so many great day trips from Buenos Aires. Between all the fun activities within the city limits and nearby places, you can easily spend weeks in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and not begin to touch on everything.
I only know too well, having been there three times already, and hoping there will be more trips to Argentina. I have explored much of the country in-depth, and I still feel like I only know a fraction of it.
The capital of Argentina is a great place to visit, but I will be honest: it can get overwhelming, especially in the summer when it gets terribly hot and sticky. The good news is that there are a bunch of good places that you can easily reach on day trips from Buenos Aires to spend a day away from the chaos.
Some of these places will give you insights into the local culture and way of life away from the city. Others will conquer you with their natural, lush beauty or interesting history.
In this post, I highlight the best places to visit on day trips from Buenos Aires and share practical information and useful travel tips for Argentina to help you make the most of your day.
14 Great Day Trips From Buenos Aires
Tigre
Tigre easily wins first place for best out-of-town destination. It should definitely be first on your Argentina itinerary for the best day trips from Buenos Aires.
It is a truly pleasant small town about 35 km (21.7 miles) from Buenos Aires, equally appreciated by tourists and Portenos who typically go there for the weekend as it is way more relaxed than the capital – in fact, some even took the step of completely moving there!
There are many nice things to do to keep entertained in Tigre. The most enjoyable one is going on a cruise along the waterways, through the thick jungle, to admire the glorious mansions that have been built there. You can hop on one of the boats departing regularly from the Estacion Fluvial or even kayak if you are up for it.
Tigre Art Museum is another nice place to visit, located in a fabulous building. Make sure to also hop to the market at the Puerto de Frutos for some souvenirs, and if you want to learn how to master the art of mate, consider visiting the small but well-curated Mate Museum.
The easiest way to Tigre is by train. Tren de la Costa is a tourist train that stops at 10+ different spots along the river. To get to Tren de la Costa, you can take the Mitre line to Tren de la Costa station. From there, hop on and head to Tigre. The views along the way are also a great experience.
I also recommend this Buenos Aires: Tigre Delta Boat and Van Tour with Snacks guided tour. The tour includes roundtrip transportation (though you can also opt to stay in Tigre and return on your own if you want more time there), a boat ride through various channels, and time to explore Tigre itself.
Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay)
You might not have considered day trips from Buenos Aires to Uruguay, but you’re really missing out if you don’t try to fit this into your Argentina plans. One of the nicest places to visit close to Buenos Aires is the absolutely charming Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay.
This small colonial town was founded in 1680 by the Portuguese and was often contended due to its favorable position on the Rio de la Plata. It is a truly pleasant place to explore for a day (or more if you have time).
You can enjoy walking the cobbled alleys in search of vintage cars, sitting in one of the small restaurants overlooking the river, climbing the Lighthouse for fantastic views, and drinking Tannat in one of the small wine bars. There also are a couple of interesting museums you can visit.
The best way to get to Colonia del Sacramento from Buenos Aires is by ferry. The fast one takes about one hour. There are regular departures from the harbor in Puerto Madero, and the most reliable company is BuqueBus. Take the earliest ferry from Buenos Aires and the last ferry back to Buenos Aires so that you can enjoy a gorgeous sunset over the Rio de la Plata. You can also opt for this small group guided tour from Buenos Aires which includes pick-up from your hotel, transportation by boat, and a guided tour of Colonia.
Make sure to read my post, 15 Great Things To Do In Colonia Del Sacramento Uruguay, so you can plan ahead and make the most of your day during your day trip from Buenos Aires.
Montevideo (Uruguay)
Many people find it strange to leave a big city to visit another big city, but I promise you Montevideo is nothing like Buenos Aires and is actually a cool place to visit, even just as one of your day trips from Buenos Aires. The vibe is completely different, and the city is much more manageable.
Among the sights you should not miss in Montevideo are Plaza Independencia and Palacio Salvo. Make sure to walk around the Old City—it is actually rather small.
Yet, the two most enjoyable things to do are eating at Mercado del Puerto (though don’t go there looking for vegan food—we are talking a real meat feast here!) and walking along the Rambla—in fact, you may even rent a bike to explore a bit further.
If you’re going for the food, you won’t be disappointed. You’ll find many of the best foods in Argentina right around the mercado!
If you are visiting in the summer, bring a swimsuit. There are several nice beaches along the Rambla where you can relax for a couple of hours.
The easiest way to get from Buenos Aires to Montevideo is by ferry with BuqueBus. The fast ferry takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes, and you can book it online. Book well ahead for the best rates.
Check out my post 25 Cool Things To Do In Montevideo to find the Montevideo activities that are most interesting for your travels!
An Estancia
Some of the best day trips are to nearby estancias—ranches where you can truly experience Argentina’s most traditional culture and learn the skills of a gaucho (similar to a cowboy from the western United States).
You will ride horses, eat plenty of empanadas, and enjoy a proper Argentine asado (barbecue). But more than anything else, you will be in the countryside, away from the chaos of the city, and in a wholly different environment.
There are several ranches you can visit. Unless you have your own car, I recommend picking one that offers hotel picks, as they are not the easiest places to reach otherwise.
If you want to take a tour of an estancia, I recommend this From Buenos Aires: Gaucho and Ranch in San Antonio de Areco. The tour begins in San Antonio de Areco, a small nearby village. You’ll watch gauchos in action and visit El Ombu estancia. You’ll also enjoy an authentic Argentinian BBQ and other little treats.
If you want to check out another ranch, I also recommend this Santa Susana Ranch, Day Tour, BBQ, and Shows activity from Buenos Aires. You’ll visit a Gaucho Festival, visit Santa Susana estancia, and enjoy a delicious BBQ.
Play Polo
One of the most fun day trips from Buenos Aires that will take you away from the city and introduce you to a new sport is a polo experience. Though this sport sounds very much British, it was first introduced in Argentina as early as the 1800s.
It became part of the local culture, to the point that nowadays, some of the best polo players are actually from Argentina.
I recommend these Polo Lessons from Buenos Aires. This activity takes you out into the countryside and, of course, includes exciting polo lessons. It’s a really fun way to escape the city for a day and possibly try something new.
San Antonio de Areco
About 115 km (83.8 miles) from the Argentine capital, San Antonio de Areco is actually a world apart.
This small rural town is one of the best places to visit on day trips from Buenos Aires. If you happen to be in Argentina in November, make sure to visit El Dia de la Tradicion (Tradition Day), when every gaucho in the area parades his horses in the city – it is quite a show to watch.
If you go on a different day, you will still find this a pleasant place to explore, with nice shops and a nice retro feeling.
I recommend this Gaucho and Ranch in San Antonio de Areco mentioned previously when talking about estancias near Buenos Aires. The tour takes you to an estancia and provides that authentic gaucho experience but also sets aside time to explore the beautiful San Antonio de Areco.
Temaiken Biopark
About a 45-minute drive from the center of Buenos Aires, Temaiken Biopark is a nice place to visit. Referred to as a zoo, it actually is a conservation center that does an incredible job in the research about flora and fauna.
It’s a place where you can admire various species of animals. The conservation center is divided into various environments, all of which mimic the natural environments around Argentina and other parts of the world.
The “Chacra” characterizes Argentina’s countryside, “Patagonia” characterizes Patagonia, “The Place of Birds”, and so on. There’s also an aquarium that’s also split up by environments. You have the Ocean, the Tide Pool, and the Fresh Water.
Overall, it’s an educational, fun, and relaxing way to get out of the city for a day.
The easiest way to get to Temaiken Biopark is by driving yourself or taking a tour. However, buses and train stations are relatively close by. The closest train station is Escobar Station, which is about a 20-minute walk from the park.
If you want the most hassle-free option, I recommend this Buenos Aires: Bioparque Temaiken with Transfers. The activity doesn’t include tour guides inside the park, but it takes care of all transportation, ticket needs, and other such needs.
Lujan and Carlos Keen
These two small towns are in the same direction outside of Buenos Aires and can be visited on the same day.
Just an hour’s drive northwest of Buenos Aires, Lujan is a nice place to visit for a day. Its main attraction is the impressive gothic Basilica. The Provincial Museum Complex is a good place to learn about the city’s history.
Past Lujan, Carlos Keen, a bit further west, is one of the nicest pueblos turisticos (touristic towns) near the Argentine capital. It used to be connected to the capital via railway, but when railway transportation in Argentina was pretty much discontinued, it became less and less visited.
Thanks to a new highway, though, Portenos started visiting this lovely town again to enjoy eating a good parrilla (grilled meat) in one of the many restaurants located in historical buildings.
There is no easy public transportation connecting Buenos Aires to Carlos Keen, so if you want to go, you will have to rent a car. I recommend DiscoverCars for your car rentals abroad. You can compare prices across companies, and have good support.
My post A Useful Guide to Renting a Car in Argentina explains everything you need to know for a smooth car rental experience.
Feria de Mataderos
Located within the city of Buenos Aires, the Feria de Mataderos takes place every Sunday on the western borders of the city and is a cool place to learn a bit more about the local culture.
Founded 20 years ago in an area where slaughterhouses were located, it offers traditional dance shows, sightings of people wearing traditional costumes, and the opportunity to buy and sell goods. Needless to say, you will also be able to eat many Argentine staples, such as empanadas.
You can get to Feria de Mataderos from the center of Buenos Aires by bus, but the journey may be long and, depending on where you are, you may have to take several buses. The easiest option is to catch the metro (Subte) line E all the way to the end and then catch a taxi from there. I recommend downloading the app Cabify to order taxis.
La Plata
La Plata was actually meant to be the capital of the province of Buenos Aires. Construction started in 1882, and the city’s layout is very grid-like.
The city has quite a lot to offer, with interesting buildings and attractions. The most important one is the Cathedral, which is built in neo-Gothic style and is famous for having 37 French and German stained glass windows.
Other attractions include the Museo de La Plata, one of the best archeology and natural sciences museums in South America. Its exhibits range from Egyptian mummies to various animal species. La Plata also has an observatory and—should you want a respite from city life—Punta Lara, a set of nice beaches a short distance from the center of town.
La Plata is about one hour from Buenos Aires. You can easily get there by train, bus, or car, but for ease you may want to consider this guided tour which includes transportation from Buenos Aires and a guide to take you around La Plata.
San Isidro
San Isidro is a small town along the coast, about an hour from Buenos Aires proper. It’s often overshadowed by Tigre, but there are fewer tourist activities there.
For that very reason, San Isidro is a unique day trip and a good way to break away from popular tourist activities.
As mentioned, San Isidro isn’t built for tourism as much as Tigre or even La Plata. But there’s still a lot to do in a day here. It’s known as one of the more high-class communities, so you can wander and admire the beautiful architecture and scenarios.
For a taste of wealth and high society, check out Villa Ocampo, a massive building built in San Isidro in 1891. It has since been turned into a cultural heritage site and museum, which is open to the public.
San Isidro is about an hour by train from Buenos Aires. You’ll take a train from Retiro Station to Bartolomé Mitre, where you’ll get on the El Tren de la Costa.
Spend a day in a beach town
Buenos Aires is not known for having the most beautiful beaches in the world, but it is a coastal city near some great beaches. Again, this isn’t the Caribbean, and you won’t find beaches like the ones in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
That said, it’s still a really nice place to escape. And there are so many lesser-known beach towns within reach of Buenos Aires.
If you’re already going to San Isidro, you should stop by Peru Beach on your way. Peru Beach is only about 10 minutes from the heart of San Isidro village. And it’s a very quiet and relaxing sandy area.
Pinamar is another popular beach destination in Buenos Aires. It’s about a four-hour drive from the City, so you’ll either want to stay a night or two or plan for a really long day of travel.
Capilla del Señor
Capilla del Señor is one of the most charming towns near Buenos Aires that you’ve probably never even heard of. It’s only about an hour from Buenos Aires, with a population of less than 10,000.
The architecture is often referred to as a jewel of Spanish architecture with its colorful designs and colonial style.
The Parish Church in Capilla del Señor is the centerpiece of the small town, but there are many other great things to see and do. Several small museums around the city are worth passing through to learn more about the town’s history and art.
Museo de Arte Sacro is a rare religious museum that also tells a little story about the area’s religion and art. It’s a fascinating experience, albeit pretty small.
Capilla de Señor is about a one-hour drive from Buenos Aires. The easiest way to get there is to rent a car and drive on your own. However, you can also take Train Mitre to Victoria Station. In Victoria Station, you’ll make a transfer to Capilla de Señor. Trains and public transportation are more limited, so it’s recommended to drive yourself if that’s possible.
Iguazu Falls
I have debated a lot about whether to include Iguazu Falls in the list of day trips from Buenos Aires. The truth is: I honestly do not recommend it. All the best Argentina national parks deserve your full attention rather than a sped-through day trip.
First of all, it’s one of the most amazing places in Argentina, and you should spend at least two full days there to visit both sides of the falls—the Argentine and the Brazilian ones. Second, between the cost of the flights and the park entrance, this is a very expensive day trip from Buenos Aires.
If you still want to do it because you have limited time in the country or an extra day in town that you don’t know how to spend, you will be glad to know it is doable – provided you plan in advance.
If you’re dead set on going to Iguazu Falls on a day trip, I recommend Iguazu Falls Private Full Day with Airfare from Buenos Aires. The tour is completely private, so it is perfect for those who want a more low-key tour with no other tourists. It includes all transportation, national park fees, domestic flights, and a guide.
I also recommend the Private Iguazu Day Tour with the Great Adventure on Boats for a similar experience. This private tour also includes all transportation, guides, and entrance fees. It also guarantees a skip-the-line privilege and a boat tour to get closer to Iguazu Falls.
Read my post Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Iguazu Falls Argentina for more information.
Final Notes
I have seen others recommend places such as Mar del Plata, Tandil, and even Mendoza as suitable destinations for a day trip from Buenos Aires, but I don’t think they are – in fact, I am not even too sure that Iguazu Falls should be mentioned at all.
These are all gorgeous destinations, but—let alone the fact that they deserve more time than a day trip—they are simply too far to reach in a day unless you can go on an organized (and very expensive) guided tour.
Mendoza is a good two-hour flight from the capital, whereas Mar del Plata and Tandil are 5 and 4.5 hours drive, respectively, meaning that you’d end up driving for at least 10 hours if you were to stay there just for the day. I honestly don’t think it is worth going for just 2 hours!
Further Readings
To help you plan your trip, make sure to read my other posts on Argentina:
- A Flash Pack’s Argentina Itinerary
- The Best Way To Get From Ezeiza To Buenos Aires
- A Complete Guide To Where To Stay In Buenos Aires
- A Guide To Palermo Buenos Aires
- A Complete Guide To Puerto Madryn, Argentina
- 30 Things You Should Consider Before Traveling To Patagonia
- Hiking In Patagonia: 15 Incredible Trails
- Hiking Gear And More: The Perfect Patagonia Packing List
- A Complete Guide To El Calafate Argentina
- A Complete Guide To Perito Moreno Glacier
- A Complete Guide To Hiking To Laguna Torre
- A Guide To Hiking Around Fitz Roy, In El Chalten
- Everything You Need To Know About Ushuaia Patagonia
- A Complete Guide To Hiking Laguna Esmeralda
- A Complete Guide To Salta Argentina
- The Best Argentine Movies
Pin It For Later!
There are also some other noteworthy day trips from Buenos Aires not covered here:
– La Plata: Nicknamed “The Perfect City” for its well defined layout, it is a smaller city with a more laid back vibe, but with a similar elegance like Buenos Aires.
– Mar del Plata: A local favourite during the summer for its beach, but it also has few nice buildings and views outside the beach going period.
– San Ignacio: A very affluent town in front of Rio de la Plata, with a elegant and beautiful cathedral.
Actually a bit surprised these were not included in the listing 🙂 !
And for something more off-the-beaten path:
– Tandil: A charming town, with monuments in lakes and hills that will get you enjoying their well kept parks.
Thanks for the suggestions. I agree with you re. La Plata. I should insert it (forgot about it!). Re. Mar del Plata and Tandil: I am not sure about them. Mar del Plata is at 5 hours drive from Buenos Aires, and Tandil at about 4.5 hours. I would be reluctant to recommend them as a day trip – that’d mean spending at least 10 hours on the road!
I agree that both Tandil and Mar del Plata are better done by staying a night there, but since we have a day tour by plane to Iguazu Falls as an option thought these would be fair game as well :).
There is another notable omission I missed on my post above:
Rosario – An elegant provincial capital, 3rd largest city in Argentina (but way more laid back than Buenos Aires), home to the iconic National Monument to the Flag. It can be done for around 3.5 hrs drive from Buenos Aires.
Hello again Austin! There are many reasons Rosario hasn’t been included. First of all, for as many times I have been to Argentina, I have yet to visit Rosario. Secondly, again a 3.5 hours drive is – in my humble opinion, of course! – still too far for a day trip. I also agree that Iguazu isn’t best visited on a day trip. I wrote it all over the post 🙂 Having said that, watch this space! As soon as travel restrictions are lifted, I will visit Argentina again and include aaaaall the destinations I have yet to visit 🙂