5 autumn getaways less than 5 hours from major Argentine cities

1.Visit Buenos Aires province estancias: countryside air near Buenos Aires

Less than two hours from the City of Buenos Aires, the province offers a network of rural estancias that invite visitors to reconnect with nature, taste criollo asados, and enjoy traditional activities such as horseback riding, hiking, or country-style snacks.

Places like San Antonio de Areco, Lobos, Chascomús, or Brandsen are excellent options, with historic estancias or boutique proposals that combine tradition and comfort. In autumn, the landscapes dress in reddish and golden tones, and the mild weather allows for full outdoor enjoyment.

What to do at Buenos Aires province estancias

The estancias of Buenos Aires province offer typical activities of the Argentine countryside, ideal for relaxing and reconnecting with tradition. Visitors can enjoy horseback rides along rural trails, sulky rides, tours of organic orchards, and criollo cooking workshops. In addition, many estancias organize events with horse training exhibitions, live folklore music, and traditional countryside games.

At midday, the essential asado with homemade empanadas and Argentine wine completes an experience that blends culture, gastronomy, and relaxation. Some estancias also offer spa services, swimming pools, and accommodation for a full weekend stay.

Some Buenos Aires province estancias to visit in autumn

• Estancia El Ombú de Areco – San Antonio de Areco

Historic estancia with more than 130 years. Offers horseback riding, criollo asado, live folklore music, and accommodation in an old colonial house.

• Complejo Estancia de Lobos – Lobos

Outdoor activities, horseback rides, and local gastronomy in an open countryside setting surrounded by autumn trees.

• Estancia La Alameda – Chascomús

Boutique style with swimming pool, spa, and signature cuisine. Outdoor activities, a restaurant with traditional dishes, and event spaces.

• Campo Brandsen – Brandsen

Offers rural activities, interaction with farm animals, recreational games, and the chance to enjoy an Argentine asado.

2. Villa de Merlo: microclimate and sierras just a step away from Córdoba or San Luis

Villa de Merlo, in the province of San Luis, is one of the most popular destinations for weekend getaways from Córdoba city (3:30 h) or from San Luis city (2:30 h). Known for its mild microclimate and high oxygen levels, the city invites visitors to explore the sierras, practice hiking, cycling, or simply relax in its wide range of cabins, inns, and spa accommodations.

In autumn, nature transforms, and the trails of the Parque Recreativo de Merlo or the ascent to the Filo Serrano viewpoint offer unparalleled views. Visitors can also visit wineries, artisan workshops, and try regional mountain gastronomy.

What to do in Villa de Merlo

This destination is ideal for those seeking nature and tranquility without giving up comfort. You can go trekking at the Salto del Tabaquillo or Cerro de Oro, explore the Mogote Bayo Nature Reserve, visit the historic Algodonal, or go paragliding from the Filo Serrano viewpoint.



Moreover, downtown Merlo offers artisan fairs, cafés, regional gastronomy, and wellness spaces. Autumn is ideal for walking through the molles forests, whose colors intensify, and for enjoying pleasant temperatures during the low season.

3.Quebrada de Zonda: nature and adventure from San Juan

Just 20 minutes from the city of San Juan lies the Quebrada de Zonda, a natural corridor perfect for a short and active getaway. The area offers reddish geoforms, mountains, native vegetation, and multiple options for active tourism, such as trekking, mountain biking, climbing, and paragliding.

The El Jardín de los Poetas recreational complex is a good starting point, along with the Eduardo Copello Autodrome, ideal for motorsport enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore nearby wineries like Bodega Fabril Alto Verde or Casa Montes. Autumn is ideal for exploring the area without the summer heat and with intensely colorful landscapes.

What to do in Quebrada de Zonda

This natural corridor offers the chance to experience an active and varied getaway. You can hike along the mountain trails of Cerro Tres Marías, go trekking or cycling in the Quebrada de Zonda Faunal Reserve, and visit the autodrome for those who enjoy motorsports.

Local wineries offer tastings and guided tours. There are also thermal baths and wellness spaces, which pair wonderfully with the autumn weather, ideal for relaxing without the extreme heat of the San Juan summer.

4. Amaicha del Valle: culture and tradition from Tucumán

Amaicha del Valle is located in the Valles Calchaquíes, less than 4 hours from San Miguel de Tucumán, and is one of the most fascinating destinations in the northwest due to its cultural richness and unique landscapes. It is an indigenous village that preserves ancestral traditions visible in its architecture, music, textiles, and gastronomy.

Visitors can explore the Museo de la Pachamama, stroll through the artisan fair, or taste artisanal wines and sweets. From here, it is also easy to access The Sacred City of Quilmes or Tafí del Valle. The dry and sunny autumn climate is ideal for enjoying the region.

What to do in Amaicha del Valle

This ancestral village is an ideal destination to combine culture, history, and high-altitude landscapes. One of the main attractions is the Pachamama Museum, an architectural artwork that pays homage to the indigenous worldview. Visitors can also tour artisanal wineries producing high-altitude wines, visit the Piedra Pintada, go hiking in the surroundings, or participate in weaving and pottery workshops.

The artisan fair of Amaicha offers unique local products and is an excellent place to meet its inhabitants. From here, you can also continue to the Sacred City of Quilmes (also known as Ruins of Quilmes), one of the most important archaeological sites in the country.

5.Lago Pellegrini: tranquility in Patagonia from Neuquén capital

Located just over 100 km from the city of Neuquén, in the province of Río Negro, Lago Pellegrini is an ideal oasis for those looking to disconnect from routine and enjoy nature without crowds. This body of water allows activities such as kayaking, birdwatching, sport fishing, and coastal walks.

Autumn offers sunny and cool days, perfect for camping or staying in one of the cabins surrounding the lake. It is easily accessible from Neuquén via Provincial Route 151.

What to do at Lago Pellegrini

Lago Pellegrini is perfect for those seeking nature without hurry. Activities include kayaking, paddle surfing, sport fishing, birdwatching, and coastal hiking. Many of its beaches are peaceful and feature beach bars or camping areas.

In autumn, the days are sunny with cool temperatures, ideal for exploring the trails around the lake or simply sitting and reading by the water. Moreover, it is common to see flamingos, swans, and other migratory birds. Some cabins offer gastronomic services with regional products, perfect for savoring the most intimate side of Patagonia.

Bonus: getaway from Montevideo – Colón, Entre Ríos

For those living in Montevideo, Uruguay, crossing into Argentina for an autumn getaway is a great option. One of the best alternatives is the city of Colón, Entre Ríos, located just over 4 hours away by road, crossing the Paysandú-Colón international bridge.

Colón combines thermal springs, nature, river, beaches, good gastronomy, and a picturesque urban center. The Termas de Colón are one of the main attractions, with indoor and outdoor pools, ideal for enjoying even with cool temperatures. In addition, from there you can visit the El Palmar National Park or take a catamaran ride along the Uruguay River.

Ready for your getaway?

These autumn getaways, all less than five hours away from major cities, show that you don't need to travel far to enjoy the best of Argentina in this season. There are options for all tastes: rural experiences, cultural discoveries, and adventures in nature, because Argentina offers the most diverse choices for any travel plan. Keep adding ideas and destinations to discover on our official website.