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Buenos Aires is an awesome city in itself, but it would be a shame not to explore beyond the city limits while you’re here. It’s a fantastic base for exploring more of Argentina – and even a little bit of Uruguay!
A lot of locals will tell you that Buenos Aires is, in many ways, very different from the rest of the country. It’s definitely worth getting out of the city to see what life is really like in Argentina. We’ve taken many day trips while staying in Buenos Aires, and it’s given us a broader perspective of the culture. Plus, it’s a great way to get some much-needed fresh air!
Whether you want to visit vineyards, ranches, or historic towns, there are plenty of day trip options you can take from Buenos Aires. We’ve listed our top picks so that you don’t miss out on all of the fun and interesting experiences within reach of the city.
Best Day Trips from Buenos Aires
1. Gaucho Day Tour Ranch in San Antonio de Areco
If you want to dive deeper into Argentine culture, then this gaucho day tour to a working estancia (ranch) is an absolute must.
A gaucho is like the Argentine version of a cowboy, and the figure of the gaucho is very much celebrated in the country’s folklore and literature. They are skilled horsemen who are known for their bravery, and the gaucho way of life is deeply rooted in rural tradition.
Before you arrive at the estancia, you’ll visit the Draghi Museum, where you’ll learn more about the history of the gaucho and goldsmithing in Argentina. On this full-day tour, you’ll also stop at a church and a historic bar (where gauchos still meet in their off hours for a glass of fernet and coke).
After trying a local drink or two, you’ll head to the Estancia El Ombu de Areco in the village of San Antonio de Areco. You’ll hear stories from gauchos as they take you on a guided tour of their ranch, either on horseback or in a horse and cart. You’ll learn all about what it’s like to actually live on a working estancia and experience a totally different side to Argentina.
Afterward, you’ll enjoy a traditional asado lunch. The gauchos will regale you with folk stories and entertain you with live music, dancing, and rope tricks. You’ll even witness a live horse-wrangling demonstration, which is pretty insane to watch!
We think that this is such a unique and fascinating experience, and it’s great for pretty much everyone. We even put this tour on our ideal 3-day itinerary for Buenos Aires! And if you want to learn even more, read our guide to what you should know before booking a gaucho tour in Buenos Aires.
It costs $159 USD per person or $80 USD for kids under the age of 8. The price includes round trip transport and a big barbecue lunch, so we think it’s pretty good value for money, too. Hotel pick-up begins around 8:30 am, and tours last approximately 9 hours.
To experience life as a gaucho, check availability and book this tour online today!
2. Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls is among the largest waterfalls in the world, and it’s certainly the most impressive falls we’ve ever seen!
About 80% of the falls are in Argentina, and 20% are in Brazil. On a day trip from Buenos Aires, it’s possible to explore the Argentinian side, which is the most impressive part anyway. It does require taking a domestic flight, but it’s a short one!
You’ll need to get up pretty early to catch the 2-hour flight to Puerto Iguazu, but it is possible to do it in a single day. Plus, it’s a cheap flight – we found seats for around $40 USD for a one-way ticket. You’ll be tired by the end, but you really can’t miss these falls. Even if you’re short on time, it’s definitely worth making the trip.
Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi to Iguazu Falls Park for around $13 USD. It opens at 8 am each morning, and entry costs roughly $30 USD per person. You can also rent a locker to store your belongings if you like.
When you first get to the park, we think the best thing to do is take the eco-train to see the Devil’s Throat, which is the most impressive part of Iguazu Falls. Eco-train tickets are included in the price of your park entry, but you will have to visit a ticket booth so that they can print you an eco-train ticket.
We also recommend booking a jet boat ride along the river. On the boat ride, you’ll see the Devil’s Throat from below, and you’ll also be taken right up to the waterfall so that you get soaked! Don’t worry, though, you’ll get a dry bag to protect all of your belongings.
You can book a jet boat tour when you arrive or plan ahead and grab a spot on this combined jet boat tour and jungle safari. You get the whole jet boat experience along with hiking near the falls and some off-roading in the jungle nearby. It’s $84 USD per person – plus the entrance fee you’ll pay when you arrive.
Make sure you leave a bit of time to explore the park’s hiking trails. When we went, we were able to see the upper and lower falls before returning to the airport to fly back to Buenos Aires. As we said, it’s a long day, but totally worth it to see this insane natural wonder.
Speaking from experience, a rush visit to Iguazu Falls can be a bit of a hassle to organize yourself. This is exactly why we suggest joining an Iguazu Falls tour from Buenos Aires. We recommend this private Iguazu Falls tour. It includes return flights from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu, admission fees, a private tour of the park, and all of your transport from door to door. Just be ready for hotel pick-up around 5:30 am.
At about $730 USD per person, it’s not cheap, but it’s so nice to have everything taken care of for you! You don’t need to worry about missed connections or logistics. You can just relax and enjoy your day, which is how a day trip should be! For a stress-free trip to Iguazu Falls, I recommend booking this tour in advance.
Related Read: If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you absolutely must visit the Patagonia region! To understand why, read about the best things to do in Patagonia!
3. Tigre
Tigre is a small town just outside of Buenos Aires, and it’s the gateway to the Paraná Delta. So on a day trip here, you not only get to explore the charming little town but also spend some time in nature. Plus, if you limited time in Buenos Aires, Tigre makes an easy getaway.
There’s plenty to see in Tigre, from a bustling local fruit market to a mate museum. However, we think the best thing to do is take a cruise down the delta to see the streams, islands, and wetlands that make up this unique ecosystem. You can spot lots of interesting wildlife along the way – in fact, it feels so tropical out here that it’s actually hard to believe it’s so close to a capital city!
Tigre is 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) from Buenos Aires, and it takes about 45 minutes to drive there. You can also take the Mitre train from the Retiro Station or Lisandro de la Torre for less than $0.50 USD.
But really, why would you want to go by land when you could take a boat?!
Group tour
On this group tour, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the port, where you’ll board a cruise along the Tigre Delta. When you arrive in Tigre, you’ll head to a historic rowing club for some tasty empanadas.
Then, head to the fruit market to explore the many artisan stalls. While it’s called a fruit market, you’ll find more handicrafts and souvenirs than anything else. Next up, you’ll explore the historic San Isidro Cathedral with its beautiful neo-gothic architecture. You can’t visit Argentina without seeing at least one cathedral, right?
With transfers and everything mentioned above, this tour costs $89 USD. Be ready for hotel pick-up at 9 am. Alternatively, if you want to save $10 USD, you can forego hotel pick-up/drop-off and meet your group at 9:30 am at the Hilton Hotel. Just choose the most convenient option and pay online here.
Private tour
Or, if you’d prefer a private experience, this 4-hour tour includes a private boat ride along the Tigre Delta as well as time to explore the town. Since it’s a private tour, you’ll be able to ask your guide lots of questions about the area and find out what life is like in this unique region.
Roundtrip transportation is included, and you can choose when to be picked up anytime between 9 am – 5 pm. The private option is a little pricey, but it really is nice to have that boat all to yourselves! For two people, it’ll cost $250 USD per person, but this price decreases the larger your party is. So if you know you want a private boat ride from Buenos Aires to Tigre, book this half-day tour here.
Taking public transit in Buenos Aires
The public transportation system in the city is great and super inexpensive (one ride can be less than $0.25 USD!). It runs frequently all throughout the city and to the neighboring suburbs. However, you’ll need a SUBE card to use the trains, subways, and buses on this system since drivers don’t take cash.
SUBE cards can be bought at kiosks and inside metro stations, and you can also get one by bringing your passport to a tourist information center (or a centro de atencion). Just know that SUBE cards are in short supply for some odd reason, and sellers often run out. You’ll eventually find one, but might need to hit up a few places. And to top it up, just visit a teller inside any station.
4. San Isidro
San Isidro is a historically wealthy town about 28 kilometers (17.4 miles) from the center of Buenos Aires. You can take the train here by catching the Mitre train line from the Retiro Station or Lisandro de la Torre for less than $0.50 USD. Alternatively, it takes around 40 minutes to drive.
San Isidro is pretty compact, so it’s an easy place to explore. It’s home to a beautiful cathedral, an awesome weekend market, and some historic homes that you can go inside and explore.
For example, Villa Ocampo was the home of prominent intellectual, Victoria Ocampo, who hosted many famous writers. Her palatial home has now been transformed into a cultural center. You can go and check out her impressive private library, as well as a tapestry made by none other than Pablo Picasso! It’s open Fridays from 12:30-6 pm and on weekends/holidays from 10 am to 7 pm.
On a less intellectual note, while you’re in San Isidro, you should also make sure to check out the Peru Beach restaurant! It feels like a beach club, but instead of being situated on sand, it’s on a grassy knoll along the riverfront. It’s a really nice place to spend a summer’s day.
San Isidro is 11 kilometers (7 miles) from Tigre, so there are even some sightseeing tours from Buenos Aires that include both.
One of our favorite options is this 5-hour tour. Although we mentioned it in the Tigre section above, it’s worth discussing again! Basically, this tour gives you an overview of San Isidro as well as a boat ride along the Tigre Delta. You’ll be picked up from your Buenos Aires accommodations by 9 am and taken to the port. Here, you’ll board a boat that will take you along the river leading up to Tigre.
You’ll try yummy local empanadas, visit the famous fruit market, and get a feel for the beautiful coastal town of San Isidro. With roundtrip transportation, it costs $89 USD. To see these two towns in one go, check availability and book your day trip online.
5. Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento is a city in Uruguay, and it’s right across the River Plate from Buenos Aires. It’s easy to get here, so you can take a day trip to a totally different country!
Colonia is one of the oldest cities in Uruguay, and exploring its historic quarter really does feel like stepping back in time. It’s full of colonial architecture, tons of museums, a 19th-century lighthouse, and lots of old-timey restaurants.
You can take the ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia, and the journey lasts around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Ferries depart at 8:30 am, 9:30 am, and 10:30 am, although we think it’s best to take the first ferry so you get more time to explore. You can then catch the ferry back at 5:45 pm, 6:15 pm, or 7:15 pm.
The ferry costs between $83 – $105 USD for a roundtrip ticket. And don’t forget to bring your passport!
If you want to take a day trip to Colonia, we highly recommend this small-group tour. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ferry tickets, and a guided tour of Colonia. Everything is handled for you so you can fully enjoy the day. Plus, you get lots of free time to explore by yourself after your tour – it’s the best of both worlds!
This 12-hour tour runs every day, starting with pick-up around 7 am. It includes everything above for $260 USD. You’re responsible for the cost of food and drinks and make sure to bring your passport and comfy walking shoes. To experience Uruguay in just one day, you can book your day trip to Colonia online!
Related Read: If you’re also spending a day in Chile, check out our 1-day Santiago itinerary. We’ll tell you the best things to see, experience, and eat, along with our favorite tours.
6. Bodega Gamboa Vineyards
Argentina is famous for its wine, especially Malbec, and it would practically be a crime not to go wine tasting while you’re in Buenos Aires!
While you can go wine tasting in the city, nothing beats getting out to the countryside to visit some vineyards! The Mendoza area is the best place to go wine tasting in Argentina, but it’s a pretty long way to go for a day trip (although it is possible, as you’ll see later on in this blog!).
If you’re not up for a long journey, then the closest vineyard to Buenos Aires is Bodega Gamboa, a winery that’s about 75 km (46 mi) from the center. You can’t take public transport to get there, but it’s only an hour’s drive away if you have a rental car.
The winery is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am – 5 pm. However, it’s always best to reserve ahead of time in case there are any special events. Argentina is big on WhatsApp, and most businesses communicate this way. You can call or send them a message at +54 911 3084-6084.
Of course, when visiting a winery, it’s kind of a bummer when someone has to be the designated driver. This is exactly why I suggest booking this tour instead. It includes round-trip transportation to Bodega Gamboa, as well as tasting fees and lunch.
They’ll pick you up around 8:30 am, and you’ll head to the outskirts of the city. When we went, it felt perfect to start our day! At the winery, you can explore the grounds and sample Argentina’s amazing Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Your small group will enjoy a picnic lunch by the vineyards. And believe me, the delicious local cheese paired perfectly with the wines.
The wine really does flow on this tour, and you get a ton of food, so we think it’s worth it for a great day out. Tours are offered from Wednesday to Sunday for $150 USD per person. With the number of sunny days in Buenos Aires, I always recommend a vineyard wine tasting! So check availability and secure your spot here!
7. Montevideo
Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay, and it’s known for its friendly, laid-back atmosphere, city beaches, and neoclassical architecture. Overall, we think it’s definitely a city worth visiting!
It takes longer to get to Montevideo than it does to Colonia del Sacramento, but if you’ve been to Colonia before and want to visit new pastures, then you can definitely go to Montevideo on a day trip.
While you’re here, you should take time to explore the Old Town (Ciudad Vieja). If I were you, I’d eat at one of the beautiful old restaurants at the Mercado del Puerto and then head up to the Fortaleza del Cerro for amazing city views. These two locations are about a 20-minute taxi ride from each other.
There are two ways to get from Buenos Aires to Montevideo: by plane or by ferry.
It’s only a 55-minute flight from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, but you’ll need to arrange an airport transfer into town. This costs $36 USD for a group of up to 4 people.
Or, if you take a ferry, there are two different ferries that run from Buenos Aires to Montevideo: the Colonia Express and the Buquebus. You should go for the Buquebus because it’s significantly faster (you’ll save 2 hours each way!). With Buquebus, the crossing takes just under 3 hours, and return tickets cost anywhere between $85-$220 USD.
If you’re taking a day trip to Montevideo, we think it’s best to visit as part of a guided tour. There are three main options:
Private Full-Day Tour
This Montevideo tour includes hotel pickup and dropoff, ferry tickets, a city tour, and plenty of free time too. We like that everything is handled for you, and you don’t have to stress about timings and logistics!
The ferry ride itself is peaceful, but Montevideo is obviously the highlight! Here, your guide will take you to top sights like Mirador Panoramico for a great introduction to the city. You’ll walk alongside the beaches, visit the upscale Carrasco neighborhood, and stroll through Old Town. Everything is covered, except for meals.
Tours are available daily when you book online here and cost $400-500 USD per person depending on the size of your group.
2-Hour Private Walking Tour
If you’d rather book the ferry tickets separately, then go for this 2-hour walking tour of Montevideo. It’s a great way to get acquainted with the city quickly and since it’s a private tour, timing is flexible and pick up is offered right at the port.
Your guide will take you through the Mercado del Puerto, so feel free to try the food as you walk around! You’ll also pass by several notable plazas, the National History Museum, and even a couple of palaces.
The guides do a wonderful job of keeping this tour interesting, sharing fun facts and mysterious stories behind each landmark. This walking tour is also cost-effective at $101 USD per group (up to 8 people). So for a window into Montevideo’s history and culture, don’t hesitate to book this walking tour.
City Tour with Optional Wine Tasting
This 4-hour excursion gives you an overview of the city with a look at the history behind many of its most impressive landmarks, including the Legislative Palace, the Plaza Independencia, and the fashionable seaside neighborhood of Playa Pocitos. Plus, they’ll pick you up directly from the port and drop you off after.
What we also love about this tour is you have the option to add a wine tasting! You’ll spend an additional 2 hours at Pizzorno Family Estates, a beautiful family-owned winery. Try only the best Uruguayan wines, along with some empanadas to coat your belly.
The walking tour portion takes about 4 hours, and the price depends on the number of people. For two, it’ll be $165 USD each. The walking tour with wine tasting costs $290 USD per person (for a couple), but again prices decrease as your party increases. So invite friends and experience the best of Montevideo by booking this tour!
Related Read: Do you want to explore another of Argentina’s neighbors? Read about the best things to do in Chile!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, read our complete Viator review to learn more about what we think about Viator.
8. Temaiken Bioparque
About 50 minutes from the city, Temaiken Bioparque is an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo. The animals wander freely here, which we love, and you really do feel immersed in nature – although some creatures, like lions, are behind acrylic screens for your safety.
There’s a big focus on conservation here, and you can see a ton of interesting creatures. One of my favorites was the Patagonian mara, which looks like a small desert version of a capybara (which you can also see here!). You’ll also find tapirs, lagoon turtles, and even white tigers (which are super rare).
There’s also a huge birdhouse and a movie theater with a 360-degree screen where they play educational films. We think that this is a fantastic day trip for families because kids can also feed some of the animals and even brush goats!
The Biopark is open Wednesday to Monday from 10 am – 6 pm. Tickets are about $14 USD for adults and about $11 USD for kids (ages 3-10). You can take the public bus all the way there, but bus cards (called a SUBE) are hard to come by these days – and drivers don’t take cash. However, you can get one by bringing your passport to a tourist information center or a centro de atencion.
But again, it might be worth renting a car in Argentina and hitting up other sights en route, like San Isidro.
To make planning really easy, you could also take this small group tour. It includes hotel pick-up starting at 8:45 am and once you get to the park, you are free to explore for the day! With admission to the park covered, it costs $99 USD per adult and $90 USD for kids (ages 3 -9). Without admission, the tour is $75 USD for adults and $70 USD for kids.
Please note this tour doesn’t include return transportation – which is both good and bad. You can choose just how long you want to spend at the park, but you’ll need to catch a cab or bus back. For a hassle-free way of getting to this animal sanctuary, secure your seat online here!
9. La Plata
Somewhat confusingly, La Plata is the capital of the Buenos Aires province. You would think that it would be Buenos Aires, but that’s the federal capital. So instead, La Plata was designed in the late 1800s to serve as the provincial capital.
La Plata is 58 kilometers (36 miles) north of Buenos Aires. It’s an easy drive, or an Uber will cost around $15 USD. You can also take the bus, but there are a series of changes, and you’ll need a SUBE card to travel. These are quite hard to get ahold of at the moment, but you should be able to find one if you bring your passport to a tourist information center (or a centro de atencion).
Once you get to La Plata, there’s plenty to see and do. You should definitely check out the town’s neo-Gothic cathedral and the Teatro Argentino de La Plata, which is one of Argentina’s most important opera houses.
The Museo de la Plata is also worth a visit because it’s widely regarded as one of the best natural history museums in South America. It’s open Wednesdays to Mondays from 10 am – 6 pm, and admission is around $8 USD.
10. Lujan
Lujan is about an hour and 15 minutes drive from Buenos Aires. There’s no convenient way to get here via public transport, so you’ll need to a car for this one!
Bus 57Q does run from the capital to Lujan, but it’ll take almost 2 hours. Again, you’ll need a SUBE card, and truthfully, the bus can get crowded and runs through some sketchier areas. You’re better off renting a car and enjoying a leisurely day!
This small town is best known for its amazing basilica. The Basilica de Lujan was built to honor the patron saint of Argentina, and it’s absolutely beautiful. The church itself is open daily from 8 am – 8 pm. This is what draws most people to Lujan, but there are a couple of other nice things to do here.
There’s an amusement park here called Argenpark that kids will definitely enjoy. In the winter, it’s open on weekends, but the schedule expands in the summertime (December – March).
Meanwhile, for history fans, the Enrique Udaondo Museum is worth a visit to check out the exhibits about life in colonial Argentina. It also has a whole exhibit on transportation and is kid-friendly. It’s open Wednesday – Sunday.
In general, Lujan is just a peaceful place to come and spend a few hours outside of the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires. It’s great for a short day trip, but to be honest, you probably only need a few hours here. So if you’ve got a rental car, you can easily combine this town with nearby Carlos Keen.
11. Carlos Keen
Carlos Keen is a traditional town that’s centered around one main square. It’s a great place to come and eat Argentinian steak because the square is full of historic buildings that have been converted into restaurants. We came here for lunch – and it was the ideal setting for an authentic meal in small-town Argentina.
All these restaurants serve set menus that aren’t catered to tourists in the same way that many Buenos Aires steakhouses are. This is a good chance to really sink your teeth into the local cuisine – both literally and figuratively!
There’s also a historic train station that maintains its old architecture. Here, you’ll find a market selling lots of local goodies like cheese, chocolates, and cured meat – basically, all of the good stuff that Argentina is known for! It’s typically open on weekends from 9 am – 7 pm. Lastly, there are lots of cycling trails in the town too.
This town is off the beaten tourist path, which is not a bad thing, but it does mean that it’s very quiet during the week. On the weekend, however, the locals are out to play, and there’s a much livelier atmosphere, so save this one for a Saturday or Sunday!
Related Read: For those who want to stick within the city limits, read about the best tours in Buenos Aires as recommended by a local!
12. Mendoza
We mentioned earlier that it’s possible to do a day trip from Buenos Aires to Mendoza, but it will be a very long day! However, Argentina is famed for its wine, and Mendoza is considered the best wine region. It’s worth it if you love wine but don’t have time for an overnight trip to Mendoza.
It’s a 2-hour flight from Buenos Aires to Mendoza, and you can get return flights for around $85 USD.
The best Mendoza wine tour
There are many things to do in Mendoza. However, a wine tour is really the best way to experience this city, especially if you’re short on time. We did this luxury wine tour when we went and had an absolute blast!
You’re picked up from the center of town, so just make sure you get an early flight that allows you to be there in plenty of time. Since it’s a small group tour, I felt like I was having a fun day out with friends. And we got way more food than I was expecting! Argentinians are big on food and wine, and they aren’t shy with their portions, either … so be prepared to enjoy plenty of both.
It goes to 3-4 different wineries depending on the day. When we went, we visited the Lujan de Cuyo region, which is known for its Malbec. We also stopped by the quaint town of Chacras de Coria with its smaller, family-owned wineries. For $160 USD per person, I thought it was really good value as beverages, lunch, guide, and transportation are covered. You can also upgrade to a private tour for an extra $80 USD. To visit the best Mendoza wineries in one day, book your wine tour online here!
All-inclusive day tour of Mendoza
Alternatively, if you’re worried about timing on a Mendoza day trip, book this all-inclusive wine tour. It covers door-to-door transport with flights, airport transfers, and a private guided tour of the Maipu region. Plus you’ll visit three wineries with some of the best wine in the region and an amazing meal with wine pairings at the Finca Agostina Winery.
With flights and transport to the Buenos Aires airport, it costs $700 USD per person. If you’ve already bought flights, no worries! You can book this tour without flights for $400 USD. So to take the pressure off planning, book your full-day Mendoza wine tour here.
13. Quilmes
You might already know the name Quilmes from the major Argentinian beer brand, but you may not realize that it’s a small city located just 20 km (12.5 mi) south of Buenos Aires. And if you don’t know Quilmes yet, trust us, you’re going to see it everywhere you go in Argentina!
You probably know where we’re heading with this – you can visit the Quilmes Brewery on a visit to the town! It’s actually the largest brewery in Argentina and has been operating for over 130 years. It’s really cool to see some of the old machinery, and of course, a cold glass of Quilmes beer is included! It’s generally open for tours on Saturdays from 6 pm to midnight in the summer.
Aside from the brewery, you can visit the Quilmes Cathedral, which is the oldest cathedral in Argentina. It’s quite beautiful inside and out. Just make sure to be respectful of mass, which happens 2-3 times daily.
There’s also a Transport Museum where motor enthusiasts can check out vintage cars, motorcycles, and model ships. It’s open daily from 10 am – 6 pm.
It’s easy to get the train to Quilmes, but you’ll need a SUBE card. There’s a train that runs from Plaza Constitución to Quilmes Station every 20 minutes throughout the day. The train takes less than 30 minutes, it’s faster than driving, and it costs less than $1 USD.
Alternatively, if you want to visit the Quilmes brewery, this tour from Buenos Aires includes round-trip transport from the city as well as a guided tour of the cerveceria (brewery!). It’s a great evening out for beer lovers! You’ll be picked up around 4 pm, explore the brewery, and enjoy a beer with snacks before returning.
You must be 18 to drink alcohol, but anyone over 10 can join the tour. However, it’s not available year-round, so check availability and book your ticket online here.
14. Salta
Like Mendoza, Salta is well known for its wine, but it’s a lot less touristy. It’s also steeped in tradition, so you really get a feel for the Argentina of the past – oh, and did we mention that that landscape is incredible?
Again, you’ll have to fly to Salta. However, it’s a 2-hour domestic flight each way, so it is possible to do it in a day. Salta’s airport is only a 20-minute taxi ride into the city center, so it should be smooth sailing once you get off the plane.
Salta is the name of both the province and its capital, which can be a bit confusing. The city itself is historic, so it’s worth exploring, but the real draw here is the town of Cafayate, which is home to some amazing wine farms and beautiful red rock formations.
It takes several hours to drive from the city of Salta to Cafayate. If you want to explore both in one day, I recommend this guided tour. It includes some incredible natural attractions, including the Calchaqui Valleys, colorful rock formations at the Devil’s Throat, and the natural Amphitheater.
You also visit two wineries in Cafayate to sample the Torrontes wine that Salta is famous for. This is one of the most iconic wines in Argentina, and it tastes pretty unique! I found it was citrusy but super crisp – the perfect summer wine!
We like this tour because it gives a great overview of Salta in a single day, and come on, who doesn’t love wine tasting? Plus, the $34 USD includes all of your transport and tastings, so the only thing you’ll need to buy is meals. To see the best of Salta and Cafayate in one day, don’t hesitate to reserve this tour online.
15. Polo Match, BBQ, and Lesson
Last but not least, this might be one of our favorite Buenos Aires day trips! Polo is one of the most popular sports in Argentina, and the whole country has a strong equestrian culture.
This full-day polo tour gives you the opportunity to watch a polo match and enjoy a polo lesson on a day trip from Buenos Aires. You’ll be picked up from your hotel around 10 am and travel to a super fancy country club.
Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted with some empanadas and a glass of wine. Then, you listen to a talk about polo and its history in Argentina. You also get to learn about how much effort goes into creating a champion bloodline. We loved getting a window into this unique world.
Then it’s time to watch a polo match! Even if you’re not into sports, this is really exciting to watch, and your guide will be on hand to help you understand the rules. Post-game, there’s an asado for lunch, which is an Argentinian barbecue. There will be lots of delicious meats on offer, but if you’re a vegetarian, alternatives will be provided as well (let them know of any dietary requests at the time of booking).
After lunch, you have some time to relax. You can visit the country club’s outdoor pool, so remember your swimsuit. When we went, we also took a stroll around the grounds to work off some of the asado.
Finally, you get to saddle up and try out polo for yourself! Don’t worry if you have no experience with horses, because you’ll get a safety lesson and the polo lesson is very beginner-friendly. Finally, the day ends with a quick mini-game of polo.
The tour costs $252 USD per person, including roundtrip transport, lunch, and all activities. There aren’t many places in the world where you can have this kind of experience, and it’s bound to be super memorable! So if you’re up for a day of polo in the Argentinian countryside, secure your spot online in advance!
Related Read: To see a completely different side of Argentina, take one of these epic tours in Ushuaia – also known as the End of the World!
Other Activities to do While You’re in Buenos Aires
Day trips are awesome, but if you want to stay in town, there are plenty of things you can do in Buenos Aires. So if you’re looking for even more activities, check out some of my favorites below!
- Wander around La Boca – This is our favorite neighborhood in Buenos Aires! La Boca is famous for being so colorful, and you’ll often hear tango music while you’re walking around here. There are some great bars and art museums, or just walk around on a sightseeing tour or on your own and see what you find!
- Gran Café Tortoni – Gran Café Tortoni is an iconic Buenos Aires coffeehouse. it’s one of the oldest cafes in the city and has even been named one of the most beautiful cafes in the world! This is the perfect place to grab a late-morning coffee or medialunas (Argentina’s mini croissants).
- Shop at the San Telmo Market – Located in one of the most historic and atmospheric neighborhoods, the San Telmo Market is a huge indoor market with fresh produce, amazing street food stalls, and antique stores. The market is open daily from roughly 9 am to 8 pm, although some restaurants close around 4 pm, and other stalls and shops are only open on weekends.
- Try an interactive dining experience – Food is incredible in Buenos Aires, and The Argentine Experience takes it to the next level. When you book this immersive dining experience, you get to make (and eat) your own empanadas, taste world-renowned wine and steak, and mingle with other guests. It’s a night to remember and the perfect way to sample all the local treats!
Where to Stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina
If you’re heading to Buenos Aires soon, you might want to figure out where you’re staying! Luckily, there are many great options in the city. As you’re narrowing it down, you can take a peek at our guide to the best areas to stay in Buenos Aires.
You don’t need to break the bank to stay here, but if you are searching for a luxurious getaway, you can find that too. Here are my top picks for various price ranges!
Hilton Buenos Aires – $$$
You can’t beat the location with the riverside Hilton Buenos Aires. You’ll be within walking distance of downtown and about a 30-minute drive from Palermo. There’s a rooftop pool to relax in or sit down for a meal or drink at the hotel’s restaurant or bar.
The service is exceptional, and the rooms are spacious. It’s a more expensive place to stay at $250-350 USD per night, but worth it if you’re looking for a five-star experience. So for the ultimate luxury in Buenos Aires, book your stay at the Hilton online here.
Broadway Hotel & Suites – $$
Located in the heart of Buenos Aires, the Broadway Hotel & Suites offers really spacious rooms at a great price. The swimming pool on the roof has amazing panoramic city views and a sun deck to soak up some rays. The rooms feature large windows, minimalistic art deco-type décor, and bathrooms with marble fittings. You’ll also have plenty of choices for shopping and restaurants nearby.
Plus, a junior suite here can be under $70 USD! To snag this awesome deal, I highly recommend you check availability and book online in advance.
Selina Palermo – $
Stay in one of the trendiest neighborhoods of Buenos Aires on a budget! Selina Palermo puts you close to the best bars and nightclubs – in the heart of Palermo. The place feels really modern, and there are nice extras like a rooftop bar, hostel events, breakfast, and bike rentals available.
Shared dorm rooms with bunk beds are around $20 USD per night. If sharing isn’t your style, there are affordable private rooms with nice balconies overlooking the city starting at around $90 USD. You can book your stay on Booking.com or HostelWorld.com to secure your room!
Planning your Trip to Argentina
Accommodation in Argentina
Booking accommodation is one of the biggest aspects of your trip, and we should know as we stay in a new hotel up to 40 times per year! Funny enough, we make 99% of these bookings on one website and that’s Booking.com – and there are a few reasons why we use this site!
Number one is the website is easy to use and sorts accommodation options. That takes the stress out of planning which honestly still affects us and we do it more than not.
Second, is the price guarantee. We have literally booked a hotel months before and then 1 week out found it cheaper (we always do a quick search), and they’ll match that price from anyone’s website including the hotels!
And third, is the Genius loyalty program. If you make a certain amount of bookings per year you get a Genius discount. We are level-two geniuses because we make more than 5 a year. At participating hotels, we get things like free breakfast included, early check-in, and up to 15% off.
You can check out all their accommodation options throughout Argentina!
Renting a car in Argentina
We enjoyed a rental car for our second trip to Argentina when we travelled in Patagonia – and wow, what a way to travel! But the best part was that we only paid $40 USD per day for a 5-person sedan!
But how? Well, if you’re renting a car in Argentina, the cheapest company is Discover Cars. We often get questions from readers asking us if the website is fake because it seems too cheap! It’s a great website and the one we used for our rental.
If you do want to compare prices (and you should), do a quick search on Airport Car Rentals too. They’re another big competitor and each company often has its own deals to offer!
Tours in Argentina
Tours are a tricky one. We love booking online because we can check reviews of that exact tour but they can be pricier than booking directly in person. So for this, we often do it 50/50 – half of the time in person and the other half of the time we book tours online in advance.
When we do book online, we use Get Your Guide and Viator. Both companies offer the same service with different selections of tours and reviews on each tour.
Don’t get Caught without Travel Insurance!
We never travel without travel insurance! We’ve had a few instances during our travels when one of us has ended up in the hospital, and travel insurance has saved us thousands of dollars over the years!
SafetyWing is our go-to insurance, we both have policies with them whenever we travel.
They offer travel medical insurance that’s super affordable (only $45 USD per 4 weeks!)The only thing to note is that the insurance must be purchased once you’ve left your home country – we typically buy it as soon as we land at the airport.
We’ve personally used SafetyWing for many different trips, and we’ve been reimbursed for countless expenses when we’ve fallen ill. SafetyWing even covered our flights back to Canada in full when the pandemic first happened (when last-minute flights before the borders closed were super expensive!) While most travel insurance companies left people stranded, SafetyWing fully reimbursed us for our last-minute, pricey flights!
Also, because it is so affordable, there really is no excuse not to take out a policy. Check prices and get a quote online here with SafetyWing (you can even take out a policy if you’re already traveling!)
Thanks for reading!
When visiting Buenos Aires, I highly suggest getting out of the city. You’ll get a beautiful window into the culture, some fresh air, and amazing memories. Whether you want to explore nature, taste incredible wine, or experience life as a cowboy – you’ve got options! And hopefully, our list has helped you pick one or two.
To learn more about traveling in this country, you can read our blog about Argentina here. We’ve also written about several other places in South America. To give you an idea of the topics we cover, we’ve linked to some articles below. Thanks for reading!
23 Awesome Things to do in El Calafate, Argentina
COMPLETE Guide to the Torres del Paine W-Trek in 2023
12 BEST Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Source: destinationlesstravel.com
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
