The Best Day Trips from Buenos Aires: 10 Great Adventures

Buenos Aires, which can be translated as ‘fair winds’, is often referred to as ‘the Paris of South America’, famed for its stunning architecture, wide boulevards, and rich culture. This cultural powerhouse combines its proud European heritage with an undeniable South American spirit.

In terms of food, you’re treated to some of the best steakhouses on the planet, wonderful Italian-Argentinian restaurants, as well as mouth-watering empanadas, and world-renowned Argentinian wine. In terms of architecture, you have the classic European boulevards as well as quirky barrios outside the center. And of course, you can’t talk about Buenos Aires without talking about football, and the famous Boca Juniors.

However, as wonderful as Buenos Aires is, a visit to this city is incomplete without taking a day trip or two while you’re there. Here at Civitatis, we’ve got you covered with the must-do day trips from Buenos Aires, along with some hidden gems a little bit off the beaten track. Ready? ¡Vamos!

1. Discover Uruguay’s Charm at Colonia del Sacramento

The first stop on our list of the best day trips from Buenos Aires is an international destination! Did you know you can visit a whole different country on a quick 1-hour 15-minute ferry from the city? Well, you can! Just across the Río de la Plata you’ll find Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay, Argentina’s friendly neighbor.

This charming, cobbled city is a welcome change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires, while still being interesting in its own right. With your passport stamped, you can wander the city’s UNESCO-accredited old town, climb its lighthouse have some lunch at a local Parrillada (steakhouse).

If you’re a history buff, you’ll enjoy exploring this city, which was originally founded by the Portuguese in 1680 and became a strategically vital city as part of Spanish resistance for over a hundred years. Today, the city boasts a charming mix of Iberian and post-colonial architecture, which tells Colonia del Sacramento’s story. Check it out for yourself on this Colonia del Sacramento day trip from Buenos Aires!

2. Learn about Gaucho Culture in the Countryside

Did you know that Argentina has its own cowboys? Argentina celebrates a similar folk-hero style of nomadic horseman/cowhand, the likes of which were especially prevalent in the mid-18th to 19th centuries. Today, Gaucho’s are not especially prevalent, but they remain a symbol of Argentina’s cultural heritage.

If you’re interested, you could consider checking out this Gaucho cultural tour in San Antonio de Areco, a beautiful town not far from BA. As part of this experience, you’ll explore the town itself with a guided tour, visit artisan workshops, eat a traditional lunch, ride on a horse–drawn carriage, and enjoy some folk dancing accompanied by classical guitar!

3. Explore the Medieval Village of Campanopolis

Only around 12 miles (21 kilometers) from Buenos Aires is the city of Gonzalez Catan, which is home to Campanopolis, a magical, if bizarre creation, which was the brainchild of an Argentinian millionaire Alberto Campana in the 1970s. This folly consists of a fantastical medieval-style village, complete with a church and a windmill. Campana, who made his money in supermarkets and preserves in Mendoza, designed the village despite his lack of architectural experience.

Visiting Campanopolis is a lovely experience, where you can let your imagination run wild as you pass through narrow streets lined with quirky buildings, some of which you can enter and explore for yourself.

• Check out this day trip to Campanopolis from Buenos Aires with Civitatis!

4. Get in Touch with Nature at the Temaiken Biopark

The only AZA-accredited zoo in Argentina, this massive biopark houses both native Argentinian and exotic species across its 72-hectare land. Of the South American species, visitors can encounter caimans (small crocodiles), tapirs, capybaras, and pumas in their natural environment. The park’s international collection includes everything from vibrant flamingoes to hippos to tigers and flying foxes. The biopark’s commitment to conservation, research, and education makes it a wonderful place to visit.

• Check it out for yourself on this day trip to Temaiken Biopark from Buenos Aires!

5. Feel the Rush at Argentina’s Finest Amusement Park: Parque de la Costa

Sometimes, after days of exploring a city and doing touristy things, you need to let loose and enjoy a day at an amusement park—especially if you’re travelling with kids. That said, while there’s plenty to enjoy for little ones, this park is also home to some seriously adrenaline-inducing attractions—check out Boomerang, and El Desafío for a wild ride.

Parque de la Costa is quite easy to get to from Buenos Aires—around 35 minutes by taxi. Alternatively, you can take all of the planning and stress out of the equation, and simply enjoy this Parque de la Costa day trip with Civitatis (transport included), and leave the details to us!

6. Explore the Basilica of Luján

The next item on our list is the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján Neogothic Catholic church dedicated to the patron saint of Argentina, the Virgin of Luján. The story goes that in 1630, Portuguese merchant Antonio Farías de Sá was transporting a small clay statue of the Virgin Mary from Brazil to Santiago del Estero. When his ox cart stopped near the Luján River and refused to move until the statue was unloaded, people saw it as a sign the Virgin wished to stay there. The spot became a major pilgrimage site, leading to the construction of the grand Neo-Gothic basilica.

• See the iconic Basilica of Luján for yourself on a day trip from Buenos Aires!

7. Tigre Delta Boat Trip

One of the most popular ‘day trips’ from Buenos Aires is a boat trip to Tigre along the River Plate and the Parana Delta—a labyrinth of rivers, streams, and islands that will bring you right to Tigre, north of Buenos Aires. On the way, you’ll glide along gorgeous waterways aboard a comfortable boat, providing lovely views along the way. On this Tigre boat trip with Civitatis, you’ll also get to spend some time in Tigre itself to grab yourself some lunch, visit the Tigre Art Museum (MAT), and wander along the famous Paseo Victoria.

Note: the Tigre Art Museum (MAT) is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan accordingly!

8. Visit Montevideo + Learn to Play the Candombe

Another visit over to Uruguay, Montevideo is a little further away than Colonia del Sacramento, and provides a completely different experience. Montevideo is busier and more bustling than Colonia del Sacramento, but its not as crazy as Buenos Aires. In Montevideo, you’ll find lively markets, cultural hotspots, and a picturesque waterfront, along which you can easily grab some food, a coffee, or a beer!

If you want to visit Montevideo and you’re interested in music, check out this Montevideo day trip + Candombe workshop from Buenos Aires. Along with a general visit to the main landmarks of the city, you’ll visit the districts of Barrio Sur and Palermo, the birthplace of Candombe—an Afro-Uruguayan music and dance style. As part of this experience, you’ll listen to some of this music and even learn to play a little bit on the drums!

9. Check out La Plata

Just a short drive from Buenos Aires, La Plata is a city full of architectural and cultural gems. Known for its unique diagonal street layout and impressive neoclassical buildings, this city is also home to the famous La Plata Cathedral, the Natural Sciences Museum, and the charming Plaza Moreno. A day trip here allows you to soak in the city’s history, stroll through its parks, and explore its rich artistic scene. Don’t forget to check out the local cafés for a taste of La Plata’s culinary offerings.

• Check out La Plata on this day trip from Buenos Aires!

10. Visit the Iguazu Falls

If you’re up for a truly unforgettable adventure, a trip to Iguazu Falls certainly is one! This stunning natural wonder is everything it’s cracked up to be, over twice as tall as Niagara Falls and three times as wide. Iguazu boasts 275 waterfalls. In short, it’s unimaginably vast.

Located far to the north of Buenos Aires, it’s a bit of a journey, but perfectly doable by plane. Once there, you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking waterfalls, lush jungle surroundings, and the roaring power of nature—an experience you’ll never forget.

• Experience the magic of Iguazú Falls on this private day trip with Civitatis!

There you have it! Those are our picks for the best day trips from Buenos Aires. Of course, there are some other great options… let us know, what did we miss? Also, if you’re planning a trip to Buenos Aires and you’re looking for some non-day-trip-related activities, check out more tours and experiences in Buenos Aires with Civitatis!