72 Hours in Mar del Plata, the Atlantic Coast’s Gem

In Argentina, everything is intense and affectionate: hugs are long and with meaning, kisses are loud, and nicknames show the touch of warmth distinctive of the South American character. We have this habit of mitigating names with loving nicknames when addressing someone. And, it’s not surprising that it is transferred to cities. Salta is not Salta; it’s La Linda (the beautiful province). Ushuaia becomes the End of the World. Buenos Aires is Ciudad de la furia (the city of fury), coined by the famous local rock band Soda Stereo. And Mar del Plata, located in the coast department and 419 kilometres away from the country’s capital, is La Feliz (the happy city). With this in mind, nothing can go wrong in the natural unmissable, the chosen one for Argentinian summers, from December to March. 

Being in the city glowing with happiness is not easy. Actually, this note aims at making it simpler if possible. The big picture is similar to the following scene: feet on the hot sand, the sound of waves breaking on the shore, half green and half concrete, and the best company. Friends, family, partners: Mar del Plata knows no ages nor generations —offers are for all tastes. Haven’t we convinced you yet? Keep on reading and let yourself be surprised by the Mar del Plata magic in a three full-day trip.

Day One

Morning in Wide Beaches and Full of Waves 

A 47-kilometre coast houses a canopy of sand fusing the Atlantic Ocean waves that break in the background. Those are La Feliz’s beaches: extensive, like its tourist offer. The sea temperature is ideal for the intense heat typical of the summer season, and the waves, for getting started in the art of surfing, the area’s favourite sport. Of course, the gastronomic component is always present, so there are plenty of food huts to delight yourself with seafood. Also, the culinary classics won’t make you get to the restaurant: hawkers will tempt you with corn with butter, churro stuffed with dulce de leche, drinks, and ice cream.

What beaches can’t you miss? Playa Grande, a hectic classic near the city centre, Punta Mogotes, and the beaches to the south of the city, also hosting big music festivals and nightlife for young people.

Lunchtime with Seafood Dishes

Our palate plays a key role, marking the rhythm of Argentinians’ heartbeats. They throb faster with beef, of course; yet, the port city offers a menu just as exciting. Fish and seafood dishes glow on the restaurant boards, honouring the strategic sea position of the house. You can find craokers, narrownose smooth-hounds, silversides, hakes, Atlantic wreckfishes, groupers, common soles, and more. In the seafood category, the top of the podium is for the exquisite rabas (fried squids coated in flour); of course, you’ll also have to try prawns, garlic shrimps, octopus, and baby cuttlefishes. The port area is a good option for immersing in the local gastronomy culture and covering its quaint corners.

Besides seafood, Mar del Plata is a craft beer venue. So, a technical stop at any beer house is also part of the plan. Oh! And you, sweet lover, don’t forget to taste bakery treats, such as medialunas, churros, or any other pastry. 

Afternoon in Bosque Peralta Ramos

If we talk about green areas, the main figure will be, for sure, the Bosque Peralta Ramos forest. The 500 hectares packed with trees and local fauna delight eyes and renew the urban air to make room for silence and deep unwinding among pines and flowers. You can walk around the dust street and visit the craftwork fair; if you feel like exploring the gastronomic angle, the forest also offers culinary options to satisfy any craving. Most importantly, the main idea is maintained: pure-air-filled lungs, green tops weaving together, and a ton of energy to keep on covering Mar del Plata’s pavement.

Day Two

Getaway to Chapadmalal

One of the destinations on trend in the Atlantic Coast. Half an hour from Mar del Plata by car, Chapa (we’ve already said there are nicknames for everything) captivates people with fresh energy, lots of nature, and special magic that attracts mainly youngsters. Reddish cliffs, very long beaches (don’t miss Luna Roja beach), marked surfer vibes, and stands facing the train of waves are the main attractions, complementing the views and breathtaking sunsets. Surf classes are common, and professionals choose this destination to put themselves to the test. 

That’s not the full picture, though. The first winery with oceanic notes is set among green fields, slightly elevated hillocks, and air giving off the typical sea aroma. Intense greenish wineries spread out in Chapadmalal and invite visitors to discover wine production processes and try the area’s varieties. Is that the perfect closure of a getaway on the coast? Sure it is.

Day Three

Photographic Stop on the Cliffs

With 22 metres above sea level, Mar del Plata cliffs are also one of the reasons to visit the city. Rocky walls of ochre hues dance with the sun’s reflection, witnessing a unique spectacle of vegetation, beaches, and a horizon of an endless sea. Where does the magic happen? In Los Acantilados beach resort, to the south of the city: the ideal postcard-like view to absorb the peace of this natural environment. 

Walk around Stores

The trip to Mardel is not complete without a shopping tour. You can buy the classic alfajores, jumpers, tinned food, and seafood in galleries and malls designed for you to enjoy the cement ride. The main areas to shop around are the San Martín pedestrian precinct, and the streets Güemes, Alem, and Avenida Juan B. Justo. You’ll be able to stroll among shop windows, restaurants, and street shops

Closure with Culture and Local Shows

Mar del Plata is famous for its show during the summer: theatre and artistic performances gather tourists across the globe and offer alternatives involving museums and cultural centres. The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MAR) is unmissable, welcoming visitors with the iconic sea lion work at the entrance. This piece of art created by the acclaimed artist Marta Minujín is made with 50,000 alfajor wrappers, and it is 10 metres tall. The museum displays several avant-guard exhibitions.

Music, sense of humour, films, fashion, and dance: art invades Mar del Plata’s streets, creating the perfect environment to relax, apart from the beach offers. All theatre performances live up to the expectations, and the heat season offers the most amusing parties in the sand and music shows while fulfilling the obligatory sanitary measures.