The 12 best towns near Buenos Aires for a weekend getaway

Known as the "birthplace of tradition," its history began in 1730, making it one of the oldest towns in the province. It's an ideal option if you're into horseback riding, visiting rural estates, or having lunch at a pulpería (traditional Argentine tavern). It also has several nearby villages for a peaceful stroll, such as Vagues, where you'll find restaurants, antique shops, and even a Railway Interpretation Center.

Tip: Corazonada, a gourmet restaurant by the renowned Argentine chef Paula Mendez Carreras.

How to get there: Take RN 8 for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

A rural town 90 kilometers from Buenos Aires inhabited by fewer than 400 people. Gastronomy, nature, and some 19th-century buildings make this little town one of the most chosen for a weekend getaway. We recommend visiting its old train station, its granary, and its artisans' market. The town has about 4 blocks where around 25 restaurants are located.

Fun fact: Since April of last year, the streets of the town have been named after prominent residents as a tribute.

How to get there: Take RN 7 towards Luján and take the exit at kilometer 72.

Its main attraction is the lagoon, not only for its scenery but also for the possibility of water sports. It's 100 kilometers from Buenos Aires and also has a nature reserve with easy trails to enjoy. The historic center of the city has some buildings worth visiting, such as the Church of Our Lady of Carmen and the Municipal Palace.

Tip: Staying at Estancia La Candelaria, a 120-year-old castle of 1,200 square meters, elevates the experience to another level.

How to get there: Accessible via RP 41 or RN 205.

Primarily a gastronomic hub with countryside cuisine and rural experiences. It's about 100 kilometers from Buenos Aires, and most tourists come in search of tranquility. The most common dishes on the tables are barbecue, pasta, and platters of assorted meats and cheeses. On weekends, there are also craft and regional fairs.

Tip: Antenor is a restaurant with a traditional menu that offers options without gluten and for vegetarians and vegans. It opens on weekends, and we highly recommend going.

How to get there: Take RN 5 to kilometer 91 and then take the detour to Tomás Jofré.

It's the perfect place for cheese lovers. It's a town that revolves around this product, offering a route to various cheese producers where you can take guided tours, tastings, and even stay overnight. Some of the producers are Quesos Fermier, Cabaña Piedras Blancas, and Il Mirtilo.

Tip: Fermier, for example, offers a guided tour of its "cheese route."

How to get there: Accessible via RN 5 for 1 hour and 45 minutes.

It's a region where nature is the main protagonist. Some see many similarities with the mountains of Córdoba, but the truth is that this oasis 600 kilometers from Buenos Aires has its own identity.

It has several places for trekking, such as the Private Reserve Sierras Grandes, the Ernesto Tornquist Provincial Park, and the Tres Picos Hill.

Tip: While you're there, take a stroll through Villa de la Ventana, a charming and beautiful little village about 18 kilometers from Sierra de la Ventana.

How to get there: Take RN 3, then RP 76, and RP72.

A town dating back to 1890 that still retains its dirt streets and some of its country stores. It's 80 kilometers from Buenos Aires and is another popular spot for gastronomic getaways. On weekends, it has a craft and entrepreneurship fair. You can also visit a goat farm where tea is served and a winery offering guided tours.

Hidden gem: El Retoño, a tea house run by women from the town.

How to get there: Take RN 205 to kilometer 82.5.

Known as "the town of a million trees," this place is famous for having the country's most important municipal nursery, with over 200 hectares of plantations. It's 178 kilometers from Buenos Aires and has only 300 inhabitants. In a short tour, you can also visit the Plaza de la Juventud, the Cazón Social and Sports Club, and the old charcoal ovens.

Tip: Make sure to visit Casa de Susana Soba, a famous writer and poet, which today is a cultural space hosting events, presentations, and art exhibitions.

How to get there: Take RN 205, and at kilometer 170, take the paved road to Cazón.

Its lagoon is the reason why many tourists come here, especially in the summer. It has about 3 thousand hectares and is surrounded by yacht clubs from where boats depart for water sports or fishing.

You can also tour its historic center, which has some must-see spots like the Main Square, the Chascomús Municipality, and the unique Capilla de los Negros, recognized by UNESCO. At 126 kilometers from Buenos Aires, this place is ideal for visiting on foot or by bicycle.

Tip: The Domingo Cazaux fishing pier is ideal for watching the sunset.

How to get there: Take Autovía 2 or RP 20 from the northwest area of the city.

It's one of the most popular destinations for a getaway from Buenos Aires because it has everything: from nature, adventure sports, culture to gastronomy and wineries. 360 kilometers from CABA, it has the only chairlift in the province with 650 meters of panoramic views of valleys and mountains. Monte Calvario and Parque Independencia are other classic outdoor attractions in Tandil.

Tip: Visit the old bodega (winery) Época de Quesos and taste some local cured meats.

How to get there: First take RN 3 and then connect with RP 30. You can also go via RP 29 or AU Ezeiza-Cañuelas and then take RN 3 and RP 30.

It's a small town with a few blocks, dirt streets, and sidewalks that end in the middle of the countryside. It's quiet during the week and bustling on weekends when dozens of tourists arrive in their cars or motorcycles to occupy any available space. Two hidden gems to visit before heading back are the old train station and the mill.

It also preserves some period houses and some recipes that are surely passed down in families and translate into tables full of sweets, cheeses, and other delights sold to tourists.

Tip: Le Four, a restaurant with a strong French influence, cloth napkins, and an ideal patio to enjoy some warm sunshine.

How to get there: Take RP 193. It's 11 km from San Andrés de Giles.

Considered the corner of country stores and old estates, Roque Pérez catches the attention of tourists for being the place where a gem shines: the Cine Club Colón. With a history that began over 90 years ago, this place - renovated since 2012 - is a true must-see in the area. The building is a Historical Heritage of Roque Pérez and is the meeting point for all the locals in the area.

After taking a stroll around this place, you can enjoy some regional food in a store with two premises: abundant dishes and homemade food.

Hidden gem: Almacén San Francisco, over 90 years old, which has some outdoor tables and serves vermouth at any time.

How to get there: It's 135 kilometers from Buenos Aires. Take Autopista Ricchieri, Autopista Ezeiza-Cañuelas, and RN 205.