Make the most of your time in Buenos Aires and visit one of the most important places of worship in Argentina with this day trip to the Basilica of Luján. You'll also get to choose between climbing up one of its turrets or going on a 360 Viewpoint circuit. You'll love it!
Day Trip Options
During the booking process, you'll be able to choose between the following options. Both begin and end at the Combis terminal at the Obelisk, include transport by bus, an English-speaking guide, tickets, and lunch.
Here are the details of each option:
Basilica of Luján + Climb up the Towers (7 Hours)
Our experience at the breathtaking Basilica of Luján will begin in the crypt. Here, we'll admire over 70 Marian images from across the world. As we explore this subterranean space, we'll tell you some fascinating stories about faith and the devotion to our Lady of Luján, the patron saint of Argentina.
Next, we'll visit the Historical Museum of the Basilica, where we'll get to see priceless relics, including the original crown of our Lady of Luján, used during the Papal Coronation of 1887, and the Golden Rose, granted by Pope Saint John Paul II. After learning more about the spiritual and cultural significance of this location, we'll hop onto a vehicle to make our way to 1516 restaurant, where we'll enjoy an à la carte lunch.
After re-energising, we'll return to the basilica to climb its towers. Once we're at the top, we'll visit the upper gallery, which offers unique views inside the church. Adorned with a neogothic style, this building is notable for its sleek columns, stained glass windows, and architectural details.
We'll then reach the A Giorno gallery, 32 metres (105 feet) high, where we'll have some of the best scenic views of the city of Luján. We'll also see the main organ and its 3800 tubes. It's so impressive! To end the tour on a high note, we'll venture outside onto the basilica's roof and marvel at the views we get from that angle.
Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Basilica of Luján + 360º Viewpoint (9.5 Hours)
Want to reach the highest point of the Basilica of Luján? If you're not afraid of heights, this is the ideal tour option for you! In this case, we'll follow the same route described in the previous itinerary.
However, after lunch, our ascent will reach a height of 65 metres (213 feet). Once we've reached the top, we'll begin the popular 360º Viewpoint circuit, an exclusive visit to the hidden corners at the top of the building. As well as visiting the gallery A Giorno, we'll access the bell tower, home to 20 bells. Did you know that they were made from melted war cannons? Here, we'll tell you about its history as we see the original machinery that controls and makes the clocks work.
We'll continue our trip to the tallest viewpoint which gives this circuit its name: the 360º. From here, you'll be blown away by the unparalleled views of the city of Luján. To end the visit on a high note, we'll taste some regional sweets paired with herbal teas.
Afterwards, we'll descend and visit the Pilgrim's Rest, where we'll find the original cross of the Basilica of Luján, which fell in the year 2000 due to violent storms. Lastly, we'll visit the cloister, a tranquil inner patio which is home to a 6-metre (19.6-foot) cross.
Schedule: Saturday and Sunday.
