Mar del Plata

Very often acquaintances write to me: "What is warm to you there? I suppose you are swimming in the ocean ?!" And in general they often ask: "Is it possible to swim in Buenos Aires?" - Yes, and they ask about the sea! Is it warm! I want to cry from such questions ... Because in Argentina as a whole, it’s not warm for 5 months even in the northern cities (we are talking about the southern hemisphere - the other way around!), But what can we say if we go down to Antarctica? Yes, and on the coast, where cold Atlantic winds blow. In general, now I’ll tell you about the Argentine Sochi - the city of Mar del Plata, of course, looking at the map, you can see more than one coastal city, but this is perhaps the most popular among tourists, including local ones. not just like that - the city is conveniently located. It is only 400 km from the capital. I say only 400, because the Argentine roads are good, and this distance is easy to overcome by bus or car. Here developed tourist infrastructure, many hotels. A good access to the sea and, probably, the main entertainment - sea lions! Yes, just lying on the rocks! It’s worth a call.

How to get there

And despite the fact that this is a resort, and even Argentinean, there are, of course, no direct flights from Moscow or St. Petersburg here. The most convenient way to get from Buenos Aires.

By plane

Ástor Piazzolla Airport is located almost within the city, to its very center is only 11 kilometers or 25-30 minutes drive. Flights are operated from Buenos Aires twice a day, as well as from other cities such as Ushuaia or Bariloche. But we must remember that this is a tiny local airport, it is not uncommon for flights to be canceled. On top of that, a ticket back and forth from the capital costs 200-300USD (3000-4500ARS) - 55 minutes on the road, I'm not sure if saving time is worth that kind of money. Find flight options here.

By train

Oddly enough for Argentina, you can get to Mar del Plata by train. There are several trains a day leaving Constitución Station - the trip takes about 6 o'clockcost from 6 USD (90ARS) to 20USD (300ARS) depending on the season and class of wagon. The train arrives at the station, just 2 kilometers from the main square of the city.
Train tickets in Argentina are sold only at authorized ticket offices at train stations.

By bus

Easiest, fastest and regarding The cheapest way to get to the coastal city is to take a bus from the capital. There are a great many of them, almost once every 30 minutes at any time of the day. It takes approximately 5 and a half hours. Costs vary by season, class, and flight departure time. Average 32-46USD (500-700ARS) one way. Not super-cheap, but we are still going to the resort. If you travel around Argentina by bus, you can stay in Mar del Plata for a few days or continue on your way to the city of Bahia Blanca, also a fairly well-known Argentine resort.

By car

As I already wrote, renting a car in Argentina is expensive and often not so easy, you better speak Spanish to surely and reliably agree with the landlord about all the nuances. Yes, world-famous rental offices are present on the market, but there the car is even more expensive - more than 100USD per day. View and compare prices here. It is better to try carpooling.

If you are traveling with a company and sharing the cost of a car is not a problem for you, then it is worth recognizing that such a way to get to Mar dal Plata is very simple and fast.

hint: Mar del Plata - time now is 10: 0113 OctoberDifference in hours: Moscow & plus; 6 Kazan & plus; 6 Samara & plus; 7 Yekaterinburg & plus; 8 Novosibirsk & plus; 10 Vladivostok & plus; 13

When is the season. When is the best time to go?

In general, it all depends on your goals - to sunbathe and swim? The end of spring or the beginning of autumn. If you feel the sad romance of the Atlantic city, then autumn or the beginning of winter, perhaps in winter it will be too windy. The main thing is not to go there at the height of summer - then you will be forced to share the beach with another 6 million Argentine tourists.

Mar del Plata in the summer

The super peak season of January-February is the heat, the height of the summer, everyone has a vacation. Prices are inflated, crowds of people, if you miss Sochi from the times of the USSR, then you can nostalgia, but, in general, I do not recommend this city in the summer.

Mar del Plata in the fall

Perhaps this is the best time to visit the Mar del Plata. March is the very beginning of autumn, it is still warm, the ocean also did not have time to cool down, but everyone has already left to study. I was in the city in May, I can say that it was already cold: there was no talk of any bathing. But then we felt the romance of the coastal winter city. Cold and dull in his own way.

Mar del Plata in spring

The beginning of spring is the same "dull", but it is worth recognizing that everything is blooming and everyone is preparing for the season. For example, it is worth remembering that in November there is an Argentinean film festival (well, just Cannes) and some hotels may be closed for booking.

Mar del Plata in winter

Well, firstly, it's cold in winter! It is very cold, cold winds blow from Antarctica and from the sea, it is no longer very pleasant. There is certainly a romance in this, but doubtful. But taking into account that the city as a whole is positive, it is still possible to drop in here for a day (definitely better than in summer).

Mar del Plata - monthly weather

hint: Mar del Plata - weather for the months of January January ± 20.9 February ± 20.4 March ± plus 18.1 April ± 14.7 May ± plus 11.0 June ± 8.3 July ± 7.7 August ± 8.9 September ± 10.5 October ± 13.3 November & plus; 16.2 December & plus; 18.6

Areas. Where is better to live

  • Center on the map it is indicated by a green square, of the pluses: first of all, at your fingertips, you are in the center of the party. And markets, and restaurants of different price categories, and all kinds of entertainment. Of the minuses: this is the busiest part of the city. And of course, here are the most expensive hotels, which become even more expensive in the high season. Although at the end of autumn we lived in the center, in a beautiful hotel with an excellent breakfast for 20USD (~ 300ARS). If you come for a short time, it is more advisable to stay here. You can find accommodation options at Booking, and compare here.
  • What is indicated on the map as seals - you don’t need to live here, there are seals, those still stinks. There is also a parking of ships (the port doesn’t call it a port) in general, a kind of port district, where the tourist has nothing to do but stop by to look at the marine "local" residents.
  • Cape and the beach of the same name Waikiki, behind it begins the calm part of the city, with its beaches, which, as the locals themselves say, are cleaner and better. Definitely, if for some reason you are going to the sea for a long time - a week or two, it is better to choose this area. Housing prices are lower here. 11 highway connects the entire coast, buses run quite often, so if necessary to get to the center is not difficult. Prices in this area are not much lower. In high season, a hostel bed costs from 20USD (~ 300 ARS), separate accommodation is much more expensive - apartments for a long term start from 45USD (~ 700 ARS) per day. Of course, if you want to rent a house or apartment by the sea for a long time, I recommend haggling on the spot, and not book for the whole period in advance. But you can search for options here.

What are the prices for vacation

AT high season

  • The cheapest double room costs 38USD (575ARS) without breakfast
  • Bed in 8-bed dorm 20USD (302ARS)
  • Combo in a fast food restaurant - 9USD (138ARS)
  • 0.5 local beer at the supermarket - 1.25USD (19ARS)
  • Bottle of Wine - 3.8USD (58ARS)

I specifically gave prices in the high season, since in the low everything depends on your luck and ability to agree :)

hint: Cost of food, accommodation, transport and other currency: Euro, € US dollar, $ Russian ruble, rub Argentine peso, $ Prices in restaurants and cafes
Eating (lunch / dinner) in a reasonably priced restaurant136 rub
Lunch / dinner for two, 3 course, middle class restaurant620 rub
McMill at McDonald's or similar combo lunch141 rub
More details

The main attractions. What to watch

Here again I would like to remind you that this is a resort town, and as you know, all resort towns are somewhat "perceptibly" similar to each other. Beaches, animators, cafes along the sea, classically high prices on the first line. Perhaps the main difference between the Mar del Plata and the usual coastal bacchanalia is that you have never sunbathed so close to Antarctica - it gives its own charm.

Top 3

  1. View on fur seals - Reserva de Lobos Marinos. In my humble opinion, this is definitely the main point why it is worth driving 400 km from Buenos Aires. The animals are not in the zoo, but on the beach - lazy, smelly and very cool.
  2. Mar del plata cathedral and the area around, as always the elements of Spanish colonization, is beautiful. Not far from the cathedral, you can see half-forgotten houses of the same era and imagine how beautiful it was to once live in such houses on the ocean.
  3. Go to Cariló 110 km from Mar dal Plata is worth it - an amazing village in the forest for Argentina.

Beaches. Which are better

The coastline of Mar del Plata extends for a total of 47 km. So you can pick up something to your taste. Sand on the beaches of the city from medium to fine, color from transparent to red. Most often mixed and rather dark. I will talk about a few of them. Umbrellas and sunbeds on the beaches are paid, you can come with your own.

  • Playa Grande - from the name it’s clear, the city’s huge central beach, the noisiest and busiest, is often where performances are held.
  • Playa Varese is calmer than the central one, not far from the city center.
  • Playa Escondida is the first nudist beach in Argentina. Actually, it sounds loud, rather, they are simply loyal to the degree of your dress / nudity, as well as to people of non-traditional sexual orientation (however, as elsewhere in Argentina). In general, it is a clean, quiet beach 34 km from the city. A minibus goes there. Highly recommend.
  • Waikiki is considered the calmest beach, located almost outside the city. The map shows its very beginning. The length is almost a kilometer - there is where to turn around, even in the high season. I recommend.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

  • Mar del Plata Cathedral - the main cathedral of the city, on the largest square of the city. Made in the Gothic style. Inside you can hide from the heat of the day. Free admission.
  • Torreon del monje - in fact, the building does not carry any religious significance, built in 1901 and stylized as a monastery on the ocean. Inside the restaurant, from the terrace, a stunning view of the sunset opens. Torreon del Monje - in fact, the building does not carry any religious significance, built in 1901 and stylized as a monastery on the ocean. Inside the restaurant, the terrace offers stunning sunset views.

Museums Which are worth a visit

MAR Museo de Arte Contemporaneo - Modern Art Museum. Like all Argentine museums made cool and conceptual, located inside is pleasant and not boring. The exposition is constantly updated. Before the entrance there is a huge stylized statue of a fur seal, which is worthy of special attention.

Open on weekdays from 9 to 17. On weekends and holidays from 12 to 20. Closed on Wednesdays.

Free admission.

Parks

If you are bored of the sea and want to spend a day with your family in nature, you can drive off just 24 km from the city and visit the park Laguna de los padres. Peaceful beautiful nature, lake shore. They say there is great fishing. It makes sense if you stayed more than a week in Mar del Plata. Here you can even stay at the campsite.
Get on bus 717 that departs from the mall on Alberti and Sarmiento streets, pay for travel with a SUBE card, the journey takes about 50 minutes.

Tourist streets

Paseo adolfo davila - a well-executed promenade along the beach, portraits in the rock, windmills, bridges, ocean views. Everything a tourist needs for great photos.

Visit the casino street. Even if you do not like to gamble, beautiful buildings seem to be from a different era. A nice walk along the coast, here is also located in the traditional architecture Hotel Provincial - feel like in the 30s of the last century.

What to see in 1 day

  • 10:00 (A) Start your day at the authentic Argentinean Oceanfront Confiteria Boston. Do not deny yourself the medial moon (Argentinean version of the croissant) and coffee, or maybe mate, with ocean views.
  • 11:00 (B) - move lazily to the beach. Remember, it is loaded in the summer season, here moderate waves will be fine with children. Do not forget to use sunscreen.
  • 13:30 (C) After a hearty breakfast and sunbathing, it's time to stroll along the promenade to the port. Here I suggest you look at the fishing boats and fur seals that live here. Because fish are thrown from the ships. I warn you right away - they look cool, but the smell is just awful!
  • 14:00 (D) If the smell didn’t discourage your appetite, then it’s time to eat something that the cats didn’t get. This is best done here at the port - La Marina fish restaurant.
  • 15:00 (E) After a hearty dinner, it would not hurt to sleep, but no, we have only one day in Mar del Plata, and therefore I suggest moving slowly in the opposite direction, namely towards Torreon del monje.
  • 16:00 (F) Regardless of whether you waited for sunset or not, you should definitely visit the main square of the city Plaza san martin.
  • 17:00 (G) If you are hungry, you can stop by the Manolo Restaurant and order a plate of Argentinean snacks with a glass of wine.
  • 18:00 (H) If you have time, visit museum MAR - A very cool building, and you can make a bow with a fur seal.
  • 19:00 (I) Toward evening, before dinner, of course, it’s worth taking a walk along the promenade again, for example, along the casino street, at the same time you can win money for dinner.
  • 20:00 (J) Best place to have dinner in town, Sur Restaurant. Of course, it’s worth eating mariscos, i.e. seafood - as much as you can. Book better in advance.

What to see in the surroundings

I highly recommend not too lazy and visit the village Cariló 150 km from Mar del Plata (all along the same highway 11, easy to reach by bus).

Why? This is an amazing place for the rich! Honestly, Argentina is a rather poor country, and there are not many places or things of a luxury segment here, and this is a real Argentinean Barvikha in the forest! There are only 3 car dealerships, and all this, again, surrounded by pine trees. The roads are covered with sand, you can’t hear the sound of a car - only a quiet rustling, no fences, neat flat houses. It was like falling into a fairy tale. And among all this, shops and restaurants. And what dunes on the beach - a fairy tale!

Honestly, my enthusiasm for this place cannot be described in words - it’s better to go and see for yourself. And better to stay in this silence and beauty for several days.

Hint: Routes to neighboring cities Mar del Plata - Montevideo 365 km Mar del Plata - Viedma 562 km Mar del Plata - Rosario 629 km Mar del Plata - Puerto Madryn 826 km Mar del Plata - Santiago de Chile 1,287 km

Food. What to try

More fish! There is meat in the rest of Argentina. And Mar del Plata is one of the largest fishing ports on the entire South Atlantic coast. Be sure to try out "Mariscos", "Rabas" as much as you can.

Recommended Places

  • Confiteria boston
  • La marina
  • Manolo
  • Sur

Budgetary

  • Bristol cafe
  • El argentino
  • Punto y banca
  • Ivo Café

Mid level

  • Torombolo
  • Francesco
  • Mundo salad
  • Don joe

Expensive

  • Alito
  • Nonna raffaela
  • Dei fiori
  • La mulita
  • Taberna basque

Holidays

As in any other coastal city, in summer there is a holiday every day, entertainment is everywhere, and nothing concrete can be singled out. Except maybe Argentine Film Festival, which is held every year in November and takes its history from 1954. I liked the fact - the Soviet film Girls received the award of this festival in 1962 - appreciated! The festival often ceased to exist, then resumed again. However, it is currently taking place every year. At this time, you can admire the "gold bars" of Argentina on the coast of the sea, almost Cannes :) Many hotels lift prices, so if you are planning in November, it is better to book in advance.

Security. What to watch out for

As in all of Argentina pickpockets. It’s better not to bring valuables with you to the beach, and certainly not to leave them unattended, and not to fall asleep with the phone in your hands. In general, be on guard.

Things to do

For all its seemingly exoticism, for the hundredth time I repeat - this is a resort. Do what you love: relax, eat, drink, sunbathe. The city offers a lot of options - the main thing is to choose the right time for travel.

Shopping and shops

As such, it does not exist in Argentina, and even more so in a resort town.If you want to cool off and buy slippers, I recommend Shopping Los gallegos (Calle Catamarca 1880).

Diagonal pueyrredon (Diagonal Puerreidon) street with various craft leather items, magnets and dolphins. Buy souvenirs (bargain) and take a walk in the evening.

Bars Where to go

Like all cities in the world, Mar del Plata suffered the same fate - everyone was flooded with craft beer :) But this is good, it’s nice to enjoy cold foam at the resort. As for cocktail bars, here it is inseparable from a disco, but for something expensive and serious it is better to go to the capital or to Carilo.

List of attractive places:

  • Cheverry bar de fábrica
  • Unattimo
  • Antares
  • Rico Tiki Bar

Clubs and nightlife

Naturally in the summer, nightlife blooms here. After dinner (and dinner in Argentina is late) around twelve - one in the morning. Young (and not very people) usually crowd in the streets of Alem and B. de Irigoyen, which are not far from Grande Beach. This is the epicenter of the night party of the city, the best discos are concentrated here.

  • Stadium
  • Samsara beach
  • Gap

Extreme sports

Mar del Plata is also known as surf spot. But the waves are mostly in winter, when the water temperature is about 8 degrees. Accordingly, you will need a wetsuit. The best time of day is early morning, there are waves and the wind or evening before sunset is still not rising. There are no sharks, but since it is a port, it brings garbage. The best beaches are: Playa Grande, Playa Varnesse,
Playa Mariano. In the city you can find a rental board and suit. But, of course, for beginners there is no such developed infrastructure as, say, in Bali.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Read about what to bring from Argentina as a souvenir here.

How to get around the city

Mostly, moving around the city is certainly on foot, firstly, it’s not that big (the part that is especially interesting for tourists), and secondly, everyone resides in the resorts and eats a lot, so you need to move! Do not miss the most interesting - the spirit of the South Atlantic city!

Taxi. What features exist

Taxis are more expensive than in other cities, but still affordable, especially for short distances and for a few people.

1.79 USD (27.6 ARS) for landing and 0.14USD (2.3ARS) for each 160 meters.

Taxi is traditionally black and yellow.

Buses

Buses are a comfortable and fast way to move between beaches, especially along the coast. It is very convenient that in Mar del Plata the same magnetic card is valid as in the capital, so you can immediately catch a bus.

A convenient bus scheme Mar del Plata is here.

The fare is $ 0.51 (7.97 ARS).

Vehicle rental

Of course, there is Avis and other European expensive offices that break their price (from 100 USD - the day of rental). I think it’s illogical to rent a car here, if you rent, then in the capital, and go here. See rental prices here.

Mar del Plata - holidays with children

Finally, there is something to say in this section! Mar del Plata, of course, is not a paradise for families with a child, but there is at least something! Perhaps I’ll start with the fact that Argentines are generally child friendly, like all Latin Americans — family people will give you and talk about in Spanish.

Of the main children's entertainment, we can distinguish:

Aquarium

Show dolphins and fur seals, penguins. Everything is cute, of course, this is not Kuala Lumpur, but also not bad.

Ticket price: adult - USD 27.80 (429 ARS), children 21.35USD (329 ARS), children under 3 years old are free.

Opening hours: in the summer - from 10:00 to 20:00 (ticket office until 18:00); in winter - from 10:00 to 18:00 (ticket office until 16:00)

Travel by bus: 221, 511 D, 581.

Address: Av. de los Trabajadores 5600.

Outdoor water park - Aquasol

Of course, this is not the top world water activities, but also quite good, a bit overloaded in the summer of course. But the child needs to be entertained with something, and there are also slides for adults. It is open in the summer in any weather from 11 am to 7 pm. The cost varies greatly from season to season (not cheap, there are promotions). Argentines are advised to buy tickets in advance. You need to pay for the locker separately. Children under 3 years old have free admission. The park organizes free travel from Colon Square and España Square - there are many who wish, so it is better to come in advance or use another means of transport. The water park is 2 km from the city via Highway 2.

Ski vacation

Watch the video: Resumen de Ciudad: Mar del Plata, Argentina HD (March 2024).

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