There are several exciting opportunities available to take one of more side trips from Buenos Aires to visit the Pampas region of Argentina. Some are quite close to the city and are only a short drive away, while others are farther away and may require that you book a flight in order to visit this beautiful part of the country.
San Antonio de Areco
This quiet little town is located deep in the heart of the Pampas and is only an hour and a half from Buenos Aires. Here you will find the center of the country’s gaucho culture – Argentina’s version of the cowboy. Although there are hotels in the town most visitors choose to make this a day trip and simply explore the attractions.
Shopping is mainly situated on two streets – Alisana and Arellano. While tourists do come here year round, if you are visiting in the fall, try to be in the town on November 10 for the annual Dia de la Tradicion when gauchos fill the town and play all kinds of games.
See the memorial to Juan Hipolito Vieytes in Plaza Arellano and visit the church of San Antonio de Padua with its mixture of Gothic and neoclassical architecture. Stroll the vine-covered walkways of the Parque San Martin and walk the picturesque bridges of Puente Veijo. The Gaucho Museum is located in this area and is the most visited and famous tourist attraction in the city.
Mar del Plata
Mar del Plata is a very popular beach resort located about 248 miles from Buenos Aires. It is extremely crowded during the summer months, which in South America are from December to March. The long and winding coastline is dotted with beaches and coves, but there are beautiful and quieter locations further inland.
The social center of the city is the Mar del Plata Casino with walkways that lead up from the beach. Street performers and musicians entertain crowds in the evenings. If you like surfing, then Waikiki is the place to be with its long slow breaks, even though the water may be a little colder than what you are used to.
Watch the fishermen unload their catches from their colorful boats in the harbor and see the colony of sea lions that bask on the rocky shoreline. Visit Villa Victoria to see how the rich and famous lived in the early 20thcentury and perhaps even take in a theatrical performance in the garden.
Miramar
For a less crowded area for your side trip from Buenos Aires Miramar offers you an opportunity to enjoy the beaches. There are not a lot of attractions in this city, which is about 279 miles from the capital. If you want to enjoy a hike and the great outdoors, visit the Vivero Dunicola Florentino Ameghino, which is a 200-acre forest with walking trails and sand dune excursions for your enjoyment. Miramar also sports a casino and a pedestrian only street that connects the business and shopping district with the beach.
La Plata
If you don’t have a lot of time to spare and want to visit the countryside outside of Buenos Aires, then La Plata is only 34 miles away. Climb the Tower de Jesus at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception where you will feel as if you are close to heaven and be able to take in a glorious view. The City Zoo houses about 180 animals and offers a great treat for children visiting the city.
If art is your passion, then you have several galleries and museums to choose from where you can browse various works of art from international and regional artists. Downtown you can spend the day at the theme park that actually gave Walt Disney the inspiration to create Disneyland.
For those who want to spend some time here, there are a variety of hotels. However, if you only have a few hours to spare, choose a half or full day city tour so that you get to see all the important sights.
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