After a few culture-packed days in Argentina’s capital, it’s time to hit the road and head to greener pastures. Day trips from Buenos Aires offer activities for every interest. In just a few hours, you can sail along the waterways of the Tigre Delta or stroll the cobbled streets of Colonia del Sacramento. Here are six Buenos Aires excursions to add on to your Argentina trip:
1. Iguassu Falls
Travel time: 1 hour, 50 minutes by plane
Taking a day trip from Buenos Aires to Iguassu Falls is ambitious but absolutely worth it. Located between two national parks along the Argentina-Brazil border, Iguassu Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The site has 275 individual waterfalls, and 80% of them are located on the Argentina side. For the best views, head to the Devil’s Throat viewpoint or take a boat ride under the falls. You’ll be soaked by the time you’re through, so dress comfortably.
Getting there
The quickest way to reach Iguassu — and the only way to make it a day trip – is by plane. There are three airports nearby, and the closest is Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU). From there, it’s about a 25-minute taxi ride to the entrance of the park.
2. Colonia del Sacramento
Travel time: 1 hour, 15 minutes by ferry
For a more architecture- and history-filled adventure, head to Colonia del Sacramento across the border in Uruguay. The city was founded in 1680, and many of its original buildings and cobbled streets remain today. The city wall dates from 1745 and the reconstructed city gate was once the only way in and out of Colonia. Over the centuries, the city has changed hands several times. Before being part of Uruguay, it belonged to Spain, Portugal, and Brazil at different points. A stroll through the historic quarter reveals influences from each period.
Getting there
Two operators, Buquebus and Colonia Express, run ferries between Buenos Aires and Colonia del Sacramento year-round, with multiple sailings every day. Remember to bring your passport to enter Uruguay.
3. San Antonio de Areco
Travel time: 1 hour, 20 minutes by car
Experience the pampas, a vast grassland region, on a day trip from Buenos Aires. San Antonio de Areco is a town on the Areco River in central Argentina and gives a great glimpse into the gaucho lifestyle. The original 18th-century gauchos were skilled horsemen who worked on the pampas, and the culture is still alive today and remains a folk symbol for Argentina. See the revival of gaucho silversmithing by visiting the Draghi Silversmith Museum and the workshops of the Mariano and Patricio brothers.
Getting there
The drive to San Antonio de Areco takes about 1.5 hours from Buenos Aires. Travelling by car also allows for time to explore the surrounding estancias, cattle ranches in the pampas that range from small family homes to plush country houses.
4. Tigre River Delta
Travel time: 50 minutes by train
Tigre is the gateway to the Paraná Delta, a network of waterways and islands reachable only by boat. The best way to explore the area is to hop aboard one of the panoramic boat cruises that depart from the Tigre Fluvial Station and take you past houses, churches, and schools. The islanders live in houses built on stilts, a protective measure against floods during heavy rains. Many travellers compare the Tigre to Venice because of all the little waterways and river branches. Some attractions — such as the Museo de Arte, which showcases famous Argentine artwork from the 19th and 20th centuries — are also reachable on foot.
Getting there
Tigre is reachable by trains that depart from Retiro LM station in Buenos Aires. Trains leave every 20 minutes.
5. Luján
Travel time: 1 hour, 20 minutes by bus
Known by many as the ‘city of faith’, Luján is home to the large neo gothic Basilica de Nuestra Señora, which was built in honour of the Virgin of Luján, the patron saint of Argentina. Designed by French architect Ulderico Courtois between 1889 and 1937, the church features a 246-bulb baroque-style lamp that used to be part of Buenos Aires’ old opera house, as well as a celebrated statue of the Virgin Mary. The basilica is situated within the pedestrian-friendly Plaza Belgrano, which also has hotels and restaurants.
Getting there
A direct bus departs from 1247 Jujuy Av. in Buenos Aires and arrives in Luján. Buses run daily and leave every 30 minutes.
6. Montevideo
Travel time: 2 hours, 15 minutes by ferry
While it might seem strange to take a day trip from one big city to another, Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, is well worth the trek. Start with a visit to the Plaza de la Independencia, which was once home to a Spanish citadel and also leads to Ciudad Vieja (old town). For a major city, the old town is fairly small and easy to explore on foot.
Come lunchtime, head to the Mercado del Puerto and sample fresh meats at one of the packed parrillas (steak restaurants). If you happen to visit on a weekend, you’ll also find artists, street musicians, and craftspeople selling handmade items.
Getting there
You can take a direct ferry to Montevideo from Buenos Aires, which departs a few times each day. Book in advance for cheaper prices. Because you’ll be entering another country, it’s best to arrive at the ferry terminal two hours before departure.
