12 day trips and weekend getaways near Buenos Aires

This corner of the province, located on the banks of the Río de la Plata, is a well-rounded destination, with beaches, nature and a historic center that seems frozen in time. Start your visit at Plaza San Martín, the Santa María Magdalena parish church and the Teatro Español.

Then head to the Municipal Beach (especially on a sunny summer afternoon) and continue to the El Destino Nature Reserve, around 17 km from the town center, where you can enjoy trails, native forests and birdwatching. To round out the visit, you can go horseback riding and visit the Casa Museo, dedicated to the Pearson family, who created the park.

The tip: bring binoculars (or at least a good camera with a zoom lens). Magdalena is a favorite destination for birdwatchers and nature photographers: hundreds of species have been recorded in the reserve and along the coast, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

Getting there: by car, the most direct route is to take the Buenos Aires–La Plata Highway and then continue along Provincial Route 11 toward Magdalena. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Like many small towns in the province of Buenos Aires —and throughout the country— Arditi grew up around a railway station that opened at the end of the 19th century. It is one of the smallest communities in the Magdalena district and still has a slow, peaceful rhythm where the “magic” lies in wandering without a plan or destination.

The village has fewer than 100 residents and was named after Julio Arditi, who served as president of the Buenos Aires Provincial Railway. The idea here is to walk its streets and photograph its oldest houses and historic landmarks, following a route that connects the station with the former school, the oratory and the police station. A good option is to combine it with the previous destination or with some of the other rural villages in the area.

The tip: the family of Dr. René Favaloro owns a farm here, which was purchased while he was working in Vieytes.

Getting there: the most direct route is via the Buenos Aires–La Plata Highway and then Provincial Route 36, turning onto the roads leading to the village. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. Arditi is around 17 km from the city of Magdalena.

Many people know it as “the village of a million trees” because it is home to one of the country’s most important nurseries, covering more than 200 hectares where various species are grown. There are also walking trails with self-guided audio tours. This initiative encouraged many local residents to establish their own nurseries and small farms, which have also become part of the route.

If you visit on a weekend, you can explore Paseo de los Emprendedores, where local artisans sell crafts, fresh produce and more. September is usually a particularly good time to visit, as the town celebrates its anniversary with parades, live music, fairs and more. Located in the Saladillo district, the village is also a good place to enjoy traditional Argentine country cooking, such as homemade cannelloni at La Pulpería de Cazón. It is located on the town’s best-known corner and only opens a few days each month (inquiries and reservations: 1137596886).

The tip: you can stay at Modo Domo Cazón, a geodesic dome for up to three people, ideal for getting close to nature and enjoying a different kind of getaway.

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Getting there: the most direct route is National Route 205 until kilometer 171/175, where you take the paved access road to Cazón. The journey takes between 2 hours 30 minutes and 3 hours, depending on traffic.

One of the main attractions of this town, located in the northern part of the province, is its natural lagoon, perfect for sharing a mate at sunset or taking a dip in summer (swimming is allowed). It also has great historical significance: it was founded in 1767 to halt the expansion of the Spanish Crown. Although the original fort no longer exists, a replica was built in 1977 and is still standing today. Navarro was also where Manuel Dorrego was executed in 1828, and a Biographical Park dedicated to the Argentine political leader can be found here.

You can add three rural villages to the historical route: Las Marianas, known for its railway station; Villa Moll, famous for its Empanada Festival; and J.J. Almeyra, which retains the atmosphere of a small railway town.

The tip: the town has several traditional roadside inns where you can try local dishes such as empanadas, asado, locro and cured meats. We also recommend stopping at a bakery to try its famous buñuelos (the local festival takes place on September 12 and 13 this year).

Getting there: Navarro is approximately 124 km from Buenos Aires. If you want to explore the rural villages, a car is practically essential, as they are connected to the main town by country roads. Las Marianas is around 25 km away, while Villa Moll and J. J. Almeyra are also connected to Navarro and to one another by rural roads.

Gouin has one culinary specialty that alone is reason enough to make the trip: pasteles criollos. These crispy pastries, filled with sweet potato or quince paste and finished with a little syrup, are something you simply can’t leave without trying. The National Festival is usually held every December and draws not only pastry makers competing to be named the best, but also different artists and musical groups.

Beyond this culinary tradition, Gouin is also worth exploring on foot, with its little streets, Plaza San Martín, old railway station and Capilla San Agustín, all surrounded by traditional buildings. The former station is now home to a country restaurant, the perfect place to enjoy a good asado, fried empanadas, cured meats and more.

The tip: the village has several traditional inns where you can stop for lunch and, if your visit falls on the second or fourth Sunday of the month, you can experience La Matera, an event where local artisans and entrepreneurs showcase their products.

Getting there: take Acceso Oeste and then National Route 7 toward Carmen de Areco. Around kilometer 129/138, depending on the reference point, take the access road to Gouin and continue for approximately 10 km along a rural road until you reach the village. The journey takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic.

It’s on the other side of the Río de la Plata, and getting there requires taking a boat from Tigre (the journey takes around two hours). Once you arrive, this getaway feels as though you’ve traveled much farther than you actually have. The city was founded in 1816 and combines family-run wineries, beaches and a historic center.

A winery visit is an absolute must, so we recommend touring the wineries in the morning and having lunch there. Some options include Bodega Boutique El Legado, Bodega Zubizarreta and Almacén de la Capilla-Bodega Cordano. In town, make sure to visit the Swing Bridge over the Las Vacas stream and spend the afternoon at one of the beaches, such as Carmelo or Seré, before heading back.

The tip: whichever winery you choose, we recommend booking both the tour and lunch in advance.

Getting there: one of the most convenient options is to take a boat from Tigre directly to Carmelo, a journey of around two hours, although service availability depends on the season and operator. Another option is to take a ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento and continue overland to Carmelo.

Its old mansions, general stores and historic buildings are among the main attractions of this town in San Antonio de Areco. The best way to explore it is on foot, stopping at its century-old railway station, San José Chapel and Museum, and the Los Rostros de la Pampa Cultural Center, which preserves objects belonging to local residents.

This corner of the province is also known for its country restaurants and general stores, such as La Argibay, a place run by two sisters in honor of their mother. It occupies a carefully restored 1920s mansion. Locro, homemade pasta and flan with dulce de leche are among the highlights on the menu.

The tip: give yourself plenty of time to explore it on foot. Only one of its streets is paved, and much of the village retains its rural landscape. It is precisely this small scale that makes Villa Lía feel like a genuine escape from the pace of Buenos Aires.

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Getting there: take National Route 9 and then National Route 8 until you reach San Antonio de Areco. From there, take Provincial Route 41 toward Baradero and, after around 18 km, you’ll reach the turnoff for Villa Lía. The total distance is approximately 127–132 km, depending on your starting point, and the drive takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

This small rural village, just a few blocks wide, is located in the Brandsen district. It also grew up around its railway station and still preserves some buildings from that era. Its main attraction is its country cuisine, particularly the famous country biscuits from La Odilense bakery, which has been operating in the village for more than a century. If you enjoy regional flavors, this is a good opportunity to try honey, cured meats and locally made cheeses.

You’re likely to encounter cyclists exploring the town along its quiet trails, with hardly any cars around. It’s also a popular spot for those who enjoy walking with a mate in hand and taking in the peaceful surroundings, which are only interrupted every September by the Country Biscuit Festival, an event that attracts more than 15,000 people.

The tip: other places worth visiting include La Vieja Etel general store (run by her son) and Chacinados La Piara, where you can try salami, bondiola and prosciutto-style cured ham from Oliden.

Getting there: one option is to take the Buenos Aires–La Plata Highway and continue along Provincial Route 36 until the turnoff for Oliden. The journey takes around an hour and a half, although the exact time depends on traffic and your starting point.

This small rural town in the General Las Heras district grew around the railway and today retains quiet streets, old houses and small spots serving homemade food. One of its main attractions is the old railway station, which is still standing, and El Resorte, a traditional roadside inn that opened in 1912 and now serves picadas, empanadas and country-style asado (inquiries and reservations: 2227-629447).

Another option for trying traditional Argentine flavors is La Tacuara, located directly opposite the station and the best-known restaurant in town. It has an outdoor patio where you can enjoy lunch in the sunshine, and its signature dish is homemade pasta. The venue also hosts peñas and other events.

The tip: you can reach Lozano by train on the Belgrano Sur line, but make sure to check the schedule before setting off: Lozano currently has very limited rail service, with one outbound and one return service on weekends. It’s a picturesque way to arrive, but you’ll need to plan your day around the train schedule.

Getting there: by car, take Acceso Oeste toward Luján and then continue along Provincial Route 47 until the turnoff for Lozano. The town is around 12 km from General Las Heras, accessible via a dirt road branching off Provincial Route 40.

This corner of the province not only has its origins in the railway, but also grew up alongside the old Camino Real, the route that once connected Buenos Aires with Upper Peru. In recent years, thanks to community-based tourism, Villa Ruiz has developed its own tourist circuit, with attractions including the Félix Lapegüe general store, the Social and Sports Club, and the Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Chapel, among others.

Located in San Andrés de Giles, this rural spot has fewer than 500 residents. Walking its streets, admiring the façades and visiting its former railway station, now a museum, is a good way to continue the day after a delicious lunch at one of its traditional inns, such as La de Ruiz, where polenta with stew is one of the signature dishes, especially in winter.

The tip: if you’re driving, take the opportunity to combine Villa Ruiz with Azcuénaga. They’re very close to each other and both form part of a community-based tourism initiative: you can visit two rural villages in a single day, exploring their railway stations, general stores, chapels and food offerings. The province promotes them together as a countryside getaway.

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Getting there: the usual route is Acceso Oeste to Luján, followed by Route 7 and the turnoff toward Carlos Keen; from there, Villa Ruiz is about 16.5 km away. The total journey is around 93 km.

This is a place where country life is everywhere. Its old railway station is now home to the Posta Cultural y Museo Estación Bavio, where you can learn more about the history of the village. There are photographs, period objects and testimonies that offer a glimpse into the everyday lives of local residents in the past.

This corner of the province is popular with cyclists on weekends. The plan can include horseback riding and visits to farms and estancias around the village center. Some of the stops worth making include Nuestra Señora de Luján Parish, School No. 16 and Bavio Lagoon, an ideal place to enjoy a peaceful afternoon or have a barbecue by the water (there are grills, tables and even a pier).

The tip: if you want to stop for lunch, we recommend El Quincho de Simurro, a family-run spot serving 100 percent homemade Argentine cuisine.

Getting there: one option is to take the Buenos Aires–La Plata Highway and continue along Provincial Route 11, then take Provincial Route 54, which runs through Bavio. The village is around 35 km from Magdalena. For a day trip, driving is the best option, as it allows you to combine Bavio with other destinations in the Magdalena district.

This small rural village in the Rauch district seems frozen in time. It grew up around a station on the former railway line connecting Las Flores and Tandil, but the closure of passenger services caused the village to lose residents and activity. Today, the station, a chapel, a general store, a club and several buildings remain as reminders of its past.

One of its main attractions lies outside the small town center: Castillo San Francisco, a historic building associated with the former San Francisco estancia, located near Egaña. It is probably the most striking addition to the itinerary. To round out the getaway, it’s worth exploring the surrounding countryside and combining Egaña with Rauch, around 20 km away, which offers more services, restaurants and attractions if you want to spend the night.

The tip: don’t expect to find a traditional tourist town. Egaña has very few services, and that is precisely part of its charm: it’s a getaway for those who enjoy railway history, rural landscapes and off-the-beaten-path destinations. It’s best to arrange accommodation and food before you arrive.

Getting there: the route involves taking the Buenos Aires–La Plata Highway, continuing south along Provincial Route 29 and then heading toward Rauch. From Rauch, Egaña is approximately 20 km away. For a trip of this distance, a car is highly recommended, and it’s a good idea to check the condition of the rural roads beforehand.