Hidden Beaches to Discover in Argentina

They call it “the Argentine Caribbean” and, although it doesn't have fine sand, it does share the Caribbean's turquoise waters. Unlike those destinations, however, the natural landscape remains the main attraction. There are no loungers or background music, but there is a vast beach where you can spread out a blanket and enjoy the Patagonian summer.

Although many families choose to bring their own food and drinks, you can also grab something tasty to eat or drink at the Punta Perdices beach bar. The churros are the stars of the menu, perfect with a mate. You can also go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.

The tip: Punta Perdices has little infrastructure, so it's best to stay in San Antonio Oeste, 62 kilometres away, or Las Grutas, around 74 kilometres away. It's important to keep the tides in mind, as they change several times throughout the day.

Where: to reach the beach, take National Route 3, whether you're coming from Las Grutas or San Antonio Oeste. From Buenos Aires, it's 1,090 kilometres by car (approximately 13 hours), or a two-hour flight to Puerto Madryn, followed by another three hours by car.

There's a foolproof Atlantic Coast formula: a quiet beach, a cool breeze and a cliff that offers shelter. San Eduardo del Mar is a peaceful beach resort, 15 minutes from Miramar, that follows this recipe to the letter and attracts those looking to escape the noise.

It's the last beach resort in General Pueyrredón district and has little infrastructure. It's ideal for enjoying the sun, taking a dip in the cool water and going for aimless walks along the sand. There are lifeguards on the beach, but keep in mind that the water gets quite deep just a few metres from the shore.

The tip: it's best to stay in Miramar or Mar del Plata and come here for the day, as there isn't much infrastructure.

Where: from CABA, take Highway 2 towards Mar del Plata, then Provincial Route 11 south towards Miramar. It's 450 kilometres.

A few kilometres from Necochea, the coast becomes wilder, dunes blend into the grass and the sea crashes against the rocks, creating a landscape that feels different from the province's traditional beaches. There are no large crowds or urban noise here: just the horizon, the wind and a sense of vastness that invites you to slow down.

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The trip doesn't end at the coast: near the beach you'll find Médano Blanco, one of the largest dune systems in Argentina, as well as Cueva del Tigre, a rocky formation steeped in stories and legends. It's a special destination for those looking to enjoy a peaceful holiday.

The tip: at Los Ángeles, you can go horseback riding, take 4x4 excursions and even go sport fishing. You can book the excursion through this link.

Where: take Highway 2 from Buenos Aires towards the Mar del Plata area. Then take Provincial Route 88 towards Necochea, and from there continue along the coastal road towards Balneario Los Ángeles. The final kilometres are on an unpaved or improved dirt road, so it's best to drive carefully, especially after rain.

Here, the forest reaches all the way to the shore. A few kilometres from San Martín de los Andes, Playa Yuco combines crystal-clear waters with a setting of coihue trees and mountains that changes colour throughout the day.

The waters of Lake Lácar are usually cold even in summer, although on sunny days the temperatures can be pleasant enough for a dip. The beach is inside Lanín National Park, so access is controlled and involves a short gravel road through the forest.

The tip: at Playa Yuco, you can go kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and hiking, or enjoy a picnic among centuries-old trees, especially during the summer.

Where: from San Martín de los Andes, take Provincial Route 48 towards the entrance to Lanín National Park and follow the signs for Playa Yuco. The journey is around 30 kilometres, with the final stretch along a short gravel road through the forest.

Here, silence can be heard and whatever happens in the sky is painted across the water. From above, Lake Traful looks like a mirror, while from below, it combines sand and pebbles with crystal-clear waters and a privileged view of the mountains surrounding the valley.

The water is usually cold even in summer, although on warm days it invites visitors to take a dip. La Puntilla is part of the protected surroundings of Nahuel Huapi National Park and is easily accessible via a coastal road, with nearby parking and convenient access for families.

The tip: one of the most recommended excursions is a boat trip on Lake Traful to see the Sunken Forest, a group of cypress trees that ended up underwater and can now be seen clearly thanks to the lake's transparency. It's one of the most emblematic experiences in Villa Traful.

Where: from Bariloche, take National Route 40 towards Villa La Angostura, then Provincial Route 65 to Villa Traful; the journey is approximately 100 kilometres and takes around two hours. It's just a few minutes from the centre of town.

Many people might argue that a river can't be considered a beach, and they would be partly right if we're thinking only of fine sand, waves and salt water. But in mountain landscapes, that definition falls short: there are shores where crystal-clear water and the natural surroundings create true mountain beaches, perfect for spending the day, cooling off and enjoying summer in a different way.

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Los Reartes is one of those mountain spots where the river flows between huge rocks, forming small natural pools and becoming so clear that you can see the bottom even from the shore. It's a peaceful place, ideal for families.

The tip: in addition to enjoying the river, from Los Reartes you can explore mountain trails, visit the town's historic centre and combine the trip with a getaway to Villa General Belgrano, just a few minutes away.

Where: from Córdoba city, take Provincial Route 5 towards the Calamuchita Valley. After passing through Villa General Belgrano, you'll reach Los Reartes, and from the town centre it's easy to reach La Toma beach resort. The journey is approximately 90 kilometres and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

This beach resort, on the banks of the Los Espinillos River, feels like a hidden beach tucked among the hills. The clear river winds around rocks and forms small natural pools, perfect for a dip. There are sandy areas where you can set up a beach chair and relax (ideally with your feet in the cool water).

In summer, the water is usually warmer than that of many mountain rivers, which is why it's a popular spot for swimming and spending the day with the family. The surroundings remain peaceful, with plenty of space to relax and open views that make Golpe de Agua one of the prettiest spots in Potrero de Garay for enjoying the lake away from the crowds at busier beach resorts.

The tip: getting there involves driving along gravel roads to the campsite, which is open only in summer and has barbecue grills and bathrooms.

Where: from Córdoba city, take Provincial Route 5 towards the Calamuchita Valley. Once you reach Potrero de Garay, access Golpe de Agua beach resort via the internal roads that run along Los Molinos Reservoir. The journey is approximately 75 kilometres and takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

In Mendoza, you can also enjoy summer at the beach. This place has something of an oasis about it: greenery appears amid Mendoza's characteristic arid landscape, while the river brings a freshness that completely changes the atmosphere.

The water is cool year-round, even in summer, but the beach resort has areas equipped for a more comfortable day out. It's a popular choice for families and groups of friends looking to combine nature and relaxation, with a privileged view of the foothills and a much quieter setting than other beach resorts in the province.

The tip: one of the best experiences is to combine a visit to Luján Playa with a tour of the wineries and restaurants in Las Compuertas and Chacras de Coria, one of the most prominent food and wine areas in Mendoza.

Where: from Mendoza city, take Provincial Route 82 towards Cacheuta. After passing through Chacras de Coria and Blanco Encalada, you'll reach Las Compuertas, home to Luján Playa. The journey is approximately 35 kilometres and takes between 35 and 45 minutes by car.

Mendoza is also home to a beach where the sand meets a mountain landscape. Bahía Príncipe, on the southern shore of Potrerillos Reservoir, stands out for its turquoise waters and wide beach, contrasting with the peaks of the Andes. It's one of those places where the Mendoza summer heat feels less intense, with plenty of space to relax and swim.

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The beach has a wide stretch of sand, designated swimming areas and a setting equipped for enjoying the lake safely, as well as food services and recreational spaces.

The tip: one of the most recommended activities is kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on Potrerillos Reservoir, especially at sunset, when the light turns the mountains golden and the lake becomes a mirror.

Where: from Mendoza city, take Provincial Route 82 towards Cacheuta and Potrerillos. The entrance to Bahía Príncipe is at Parador No. 1 on Potrerillos Reservoir, on the southern shore of the dam. The journey is approximately 70 kilometres and takes around 50 minutes by car.

A few kilometres from Puerto Madryn, this is one of the few places in the world where southern right whales can be seen from the shore, often just a few metres from the water's edge. The beach is wide, with sand and pebbles, and the landscape combines low cliffs, open sea and a sense of vastness that exists only in Patagonia.

During winter and spring, whales arrive to reproduce and raise their calves, turning El Doradillo into a unique natural setting. Even outside whale-watching season, the area retains a special charm: quiet beaches, dramatic sunsets and a protected environment that invites you to walk along the sea for hours.

The tip: the best time to visit El Doradillo is between June and October, when southern right whales often come so close to shore that they can be seen without getting on a boat. You can book the excursion through this link.

Where: from Puerto Madryn, take Provincial Route 1 north. El Doradillo is about 15 kilometres from the city centre, and the access road is fully passable, with several viewpoints and paths leading down to the beach along the route.