Buenos Aires, Colonia and Gaucho Town
Four days in the city, plus one night in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, and a day at a gaucho estancia in San Antonio de Areco.
Beyond the city's three classic neighborhoods, take a one-hour boat ride to Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage old town in Uruguay. Spend a night there to watch the sunset and wander the quiet cobblestone streets. Then spend a day in the gaucho town and estancias of the Pampas, with grilled meat and horse shows. Stay in Puerto Madero, close to the ferry terminal. Suited to a week-long trip for travelers who want both the city and nearby sights.
Summer weekend ferries are busy, so book tickets in advance.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival and Puerto Madero
Buenos Aires(Puerto Madero、Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve)
A taxi from the airport to Puerto Madero takes about 50 minutes. In the afternoon, walk along the docks and into the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve.
The ecological reserve is closed on Mondays.
Stay: Puerto Madero
Day 2 · Historic Center and Teatro Colón
Buenos Aires(Plaza de Mayo / Casa Rosada、Buenos Aires Cabildo、Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral、Café Tortoni、Teatro Colón、Obelisco de Buenos Aires)
Walk about 15 minutes to Plaza de Mayo, then continue along the streets to the Teatro Colón and the Obelisk.
Book Teatro Colón tours in advance.
Stay: Puerto Madero
Day 3 · La Boca and San Telmo
Buenos Aires(La Boca / Caminito、La Bombonera、Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art (MAMBA)、San Telmo Market / Feria de San Telmo)
Taxi to La Boca, about 15 minutes. At noon, walk around San Telmo. In the evening, you can catch a tango show in San Telmo.
Try to schedule this day on a Sunday.
Stay: Puerto Madero
Day 4 · Ferry to Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento(Portón de Campo、Barrio Histórico、Calle de los Suspiros、Plaza Mayor 25 de Mayo、Museo Portugués、Lighthouse & Convent of San Francisco Ruins)
In the morning, take a fast ferry from the Puerto Madero ferry terminal, about 1 hour 15 minutes to Colonia del Sacramento. Walk the historic district and watch the sunset in the evening.
A passport is required for cross-border travel. Immigration is handled at the terminal.
Stay: Historic Quarter
Day 5 · Colonia Stroll and Return
Colonia del Sacramento(Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento、Bastión del Carmen、Plaza de Toros Real de San Carlos)
In the morning, walk or rent a golf cart to the Plaza de Toros San Carlos. In the afternoon, take the ferry back to Buenos Aires.
Arrive at the terminal one hour before the return ferry.
Stay: Puerto Madero
Day 6 · Gaucho Town and Estancia
Buenos Aires(San Antonio de Areco)
Take a group tour or a long-distance bus from Retiro bus station, about 2 hours to San Antonio de Areco. Return after lunch at the estancia.
Most estancia day trips include transfers and a barbecue lunch.
Stay: Puerto Madero
Day 7 · Recoleta and Departure
Buenos Aires(Recoleta Cemetery、Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar、El Ateneo Grand Splendid)
Taxi to Recoleta, about 15 minutes. Walk around the area, then in the afternoon taxi to Ezeiza airport, about 1 hour.
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