Swathed for miles by the fertile grasslands of the Pampas, the natural landscape of Buenos Aires Province also features beaches, hot springs, lagoons, mountains and rivers. This is Argentina’s biggest and most densely inhabited province. It spreads west and south from the nation’s autonomous capital, Buenos Aires. Escape the city’s mayhem to glide along subtropical waterways, relax in surf towns, uncover gaucho traditions and visit culinary centers.
High on the agenda of visitors to Buenos Aires Province is the Paraná Delta. While cruising along the peaceful waterways of the delta, spot lavish stilted houses set amid lush vegetation. Boat tours around the delta depart daily from Tigre. Get here via the scenic Tren de la Costa and stop off at affluent residential suburbs such as Olivos and San Isidro.
Go to La Plata, the purpose-built provincial capital where you are never more than six blocks away from a tree-lined plaza. Admire the city’s belle époque architecture, stroll around Paseo del Bosque park and watch concerts at Estadio Ciudad de La Plata.
Travel south from La Plata to the point where the Río de la Plata meets the Atlantic Ocean and tour Argentina’s coastal region. Find sweeping beaches, museums and a bustling urban vibe at ever-popular Mar del Plata. Party with a young crowd at Pinamar and Villa Gesell or enjoy an upmarket beach stay at Cariló. Mingle with the surfing community at Chapadmalal, Miramar and Necochea.
The province’s interior is a showcase of cattle-farming heritage, cowboy culture, religious landmarks and low-rising mountains. Spend the night at an estancia in the gaucho town of San Antonio de Areco. Join pilgrims at Luján’s Basilica of Our Lady, one of the nation’s most sacred shrines. With an annual beer festival and gourmet restaurants, Uribelarrea is fast becoming a foodie’s paradise. Feast on delicious cheeses and cured meats in Tandil or go hiking in the Sierra de la Ventana mountains.
Getting around Buenos Aires Province is easy via buses and trains that depart from Buenos Aires’ Constitución and Retiro stations. Rent a car when traveling along the coastline and consider continuing further south into the breathtaking wilderness of Patagonia.