A getaway by car: discover San Antonio de Areco, Uribelarrea and Mercedes, three must-sees very close to Buenos Aires

San Antonio de Areco, Uribelarrea and Mercedes invite you to spend a perfect weekend. Gastronomy, history and nature await you in these destinations in the Province of Buenos Aires.

The weekend is approaching and you want a break from the daily grind. Plus, you’re looking for places near Buenos Aires that are affordable, offer activities and are less than 120 kilometers away. We have an answer for you: a getaway to the towns in the province of Buenos Aires.

San Antonio de Areco, Uribelarrea and Mercedes are three excellent options. A few days of pure sun, rest and the possibility of tasting the best dishes await you. The ideal way to get there is by car, either your own or rented.

At Rentennials we give you all the information so that you can organize your getaway for the next weekend.

A field day in San Antonio de Areco / Photo by @visitargentina

What to do in San Antonio de Areco: History, countryside and gastronomy

Founded in 1730, San Antonio de Areco is synonymous with tradition, gaucho culture and excellent food. Its cobblestone streets, colonial-style buildings and its people make it a unique corner.

It is 113 kilometers from the city of Buenos Aires, an ideal distance to get there by car. And if you dare, you can visit rural towns that are very close to San Antonio de Areco.

Where to eat in San Antonio de Areco

Surely, the first thing you do when you arrive is go to lunch and enjoy its gastronomy. There are restaurants for all tastes and budgets. Just make sure to reserve your spot a few days in advance.

Here are some recommendations:

• Almacén de Ramos Generales. An old grocery store that offers roast beef, stews, and pasta. Send a message to (2326) 414786 to make a reservation. Every day, from 12 to 4 pm and from 8 to 12 am. Address: Zapiola 143.
• El Boliche de Bessonart. An old house that was restored to enjoy traditional salads, snacks, and empanadas. Open Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, starting at 11 am. Whatsapp: (2325) 655600. Address: Zapiola 151.
• La Olla de Cobre. If you are looking for one of the best alfajores in the country, then this is your place. You will have to wait in line, but every minute is worth it. Address: Matheu 433.

Gastronomy in San Antonio de Areco / Photo by @visitargentina

Tradition and nature

After lunch, it’s time to walk through the historic cobblestone streets of the old town. You can get lost at your leisure and always return to the main square, Ruiz de Arellano. In its surroundings you will see the Municipal building, the San Antonio de Padua church and some historic bars, such as Mitre, Tokio and Balthazar Areco.

Considered the “National Capital of Tradition”, San Antonio de Areco invites you to learn about the history and culture of the Humid Pampas. A good option is to take guided tours. For days and times, go to the Tourism Office or call (02326) 453165.

In the afternoon, rest on the Costanera on the edge of the Areco River. Sit down and relax after a day of walking. In addition, the Puente Viejo is the emblem that everyone looks for to take one of the classic photos of Areco.

Museum circuit

San Antonio de Areco has numerous museums to help you understand the area’s past. Here are some recommendations:

• Ricardo Güiraldes Museum and Pulpería La Blanqueada. Located within Parque Criollo. Open from Wednesday to Monday from 11:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• City Museum and Usina Vieja Cultural Center. Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Address: Blvd. Alsina 66 and Matheu.

Ricardo Güiraldes Museum and Pulpería La Blanqueada / Photo by @visitargentina

Visit the towns near San Antonio de Areco

If you travel by car to San Antonio de Areco, don’t miss a short tour of the nearby rural towns such as Duggan, Vagues and Villa Lía. Buildings from the beginning of the 20th century, country warehouses and old parishes await you in the peace of the plain.

If it rained a few days before, it is good to check the access to the towns.

How to get to San Antonio de Areco by car

From the City of Buenos Aires you have to take the Panamericana Pilar branch. It is 120 kilometers of highway. Leaving early allows you to avoid traffic.

We’ll leave you the map in case you have any questions!

Uribelarrea, a rural town for a gastronomic getaway

This small town was founded in 1889 as an agricultural colony. Its train station gave life to the town for a long time, until it closed in the 1990s.

Today it has become an important gastronomic center in the province of Buenos Aires. If we decide to go, we already know that we are going to enjoy a good lunch and an afternoon snack.

Where to eat in Uribelarrea

The options are varied, but all focus on a gastronomic experience that combines tradition and modernity.

We suggest some options. Don’t forget to book!

• El Palenque de Uribelarrea. In a mansion from 1890, this a la carte restaurant offers meats, pastas, snacks and many more dishes. Whatsapp: (2326) 414786. Address: Zapiola 143
• Sixto Cantina. It used to be a hotel, and today it has become a must-see in Uribelarrea. The ossobuco empanadas, lamb raviolones and sorrentinos are some of the recommendations. And of course a flan for dessert. Whatsapp: (2226) 537223. Address: Rosenbusch 68.
• El Retoño. An excellent option for afternoon tea. We recommend that you arrive around 4 pm to enjoy a snack surrounded by a garden with a vegetable garden, pastries, and churros. In the afternoon it is on a first-come, first-served basis. Telephone: (11) 3889-9039. Address: María Auxiliadora 595

What to visit in Uribelarrea

You can start at its old train station. Then, walk to the old pelota court and arrive at the Don Miguel Nemesio Uribelarrea square. It is only a few blocks away, but you will see mansions from the beginning of the 20th century that make everything look like a place from a movie.

We leave you a tip. Before returning, stop by the Don Bosco Salesian Agricultural School. The local products made by the students, such as cheeses and dulce de leche, stand out. It closes at 6 pm.

How to get to Uribelarrea by car

From the City of Buenos Aires it is 88 kilometers. You have to take the Ricchieri highway and then the access to Cañuelas. Up to this point it’s all highway. Once you’ve passed Cañuelas, drive another 25 kilometers to the entrance of the town, which is on the left.

Mercedes, a destination with a country aroma

It is one of the oldest cities in the province of Buenos Aires. Founded in 1745, its streets are filled with a historic center and old grocery stores. A perfect combination to spend an afternoon.

Also, go to Tomás Jofré, a gastronomic town where you can taste all the flavors of the countryside.

Mercedes and its old grocery stores

What stands out the most about the city are its old grocery stores. Some are located within the historic center, while others are on the outskirts of Mercedes.

We recommend three options to choose from. And don’t forget to try the famous Salame Quintero Mercedino.

• El Trompezón. A corner from 1903. The best thing is to try their snacks. It is located on the outskirts and opens on Saturdays and Sundays after 2 pm.
• La Vieja Esquina. Within the historic center, this place recalls the past of Mercedes. Open every day. Address: Calle 280 Nº 600.
• La Pulpería de Cacho Dicatarina. A place that remains standing for a country gastronomic experience. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Reserve by Whatsapp: (2324) 498741.

The grocery stores of Mercedes, province of Buenos Aires / Photo by @visitargentina

What to see in Mercedes

Don’t miss walking through its streets to perceive the spirit of this city. Its old town is located around Plaza San Martín. The Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes Cathedral Church, the Palace of Courts and the Dr. Víctor Míguez Historical Museum will immerse you in the history of the area.

If you are looking for greenery, the Parque Municipal Independencia has 54 hectares and the Luján River runs through it.

Get to Tomás Jofré

This small rural town of about 200 inhabitants is just 17 kilometers away by car. It is a renowned gastronomic hub, so it has many restaurants to try local flavors. We leave you the list to see which one you want to go to.

A recommendation: Visit the Mercadito de Campo Sustentable located in the old train station. You will find regional agroecological products made by local producers. It opens on weekends from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

How to get to Mercedes by car

From the city of Buenos Aires, you have to take the Acceso Oeste. Before reaching Luján, continue along Ruta Nacional 5 until you reach Mercedes. It is all highway. If you go to Tomás Jofré, there is an access on the left three kilometers before.

Rent a car with Rentennials

The best way to get around the tourist towns near Buenos Aires is by car. It allows you to get there in a short time, explore freely and in your own way. There is much more to see near each place.

If you are looking to rent a car to get to these corners of the province of Buenos Aires, Rentennials is the option for you. It guarantees you a car at your doorstep, safe and at a good price.

Go ahead and travel!