10 low-cost destinations for summer vacation

A city 110 kilometers south of the capital, Embalse’s main attraction is the largest dam in the province. Located in the Calamuchita Valley, it combines nature with various activities such as water sports (kayaking, SUP, windsurfing, wakeboarding) and trekking.

A cabin without a pool currently costs around $25,000 per day per person, while a cabin for four with a pool costs about $150,000 per day. Renting a house for two costs $35,000, and one for seven costs $70,000 per day. If the stay is longer than three nights, the fourth night is free (prices valid as of December 2024).

Best part: The city has several lakeside paradores to enjoy. It also has a broad gastronomic offer that can be explored through this link.

Where: From Buenos Aires, take National Route 9 to Córdoba, then divert to Oliva. Continue along Provincial Route 2 and merge with National Route 36 to reach Embalse. It's about 740 kilometers.

Paraná offers everything: from parks for outdoor enjoyment, dining options, and the continent’s largest river, where you can enjoy its beaches, go boating, practice water sports, and visit its islands. There are also various museums and other attractions, like the Tourist Bus that runs on weekends and takes you around the most important spots.

Bungalows for up to six people with a pool and grill by the river cost $20,000 per person per night (for up to two nights; for more, $17,500 per person). Cottages with linen, pool, and tennis and football courts cost $35,000 per person per night (prices valid as of December 2024, subject to change).

Best part: The city offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets. You can check some hotels, inns, and apartments here.

Where: From Buenos Aires, take National Route 9 to Santa Fe, then National Route 168 to Paraná. It’s about 500 kilometers.

Necochea is one of the most visited coastal destinations, known for its wide range of accommodations and dining options. It offers various beaches to choose from and activities such as surfing, biking, ATV excursions, and even a thermal complex.

A night in a two-star hotel six minutes from the beach with breakfast starts at $35,300 per person, while a department 300 meters from the sea starts at $44,000 per person per night. You can find more accommodation options in the city here.

Best part: Necochea boasts some of the most beautiful sunsets on the entire Atlantic Coast, which can be enjoyed on its 64 kilometers of beaches.

Where: From Buenos Aires, take Provincial Route 2 to Coronel Vidal, then Provincial Route 55 to Necochea. It’s about 511 kilometers.

Nestled between mountain ranges and surrounded by crystal-clear lakes and rivers, Esquel offers dozens of attractions such as Los Alerces National Park, Laguna La Zeta Urban Nature Reserve, and the La Trochita train. For example, a tour of the Alerzal Milenario (trekking + boat ride) costs $85,000 for adults and $68,000 for children. The La Trochita train ride costs $68,000 for adults and $27,000 for children aged 6-12. A kayak rental at Laguna La Zeta costs $5,000 per person for half an hour (prices are valid as of December and may change).

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Best part: In summer, it’s perfect for nature lovers and outdoor activities. Other activities you can enjoy in Esquel include rafting and canopy, which start at $30,000 and $50,000 per person, respectively (both include guides and equipment).

Where: Located in the northwest of Chubut, Esquel is about 1,870 kilometers from Buenos Aires. There is a daily flight connecting Buenos Aires and Esquel, except on Wednesdays.

This small town is surrounded by waterfalls, rivers, and streams, perfect for summer enjoyment. It has a small historic center with museums, its church, and a historical castle. Popular attractions include the Villa Yacoana and Dique La Isla beaches, and the Vaquerías Natural Reserve, which spans 380 hectares and is visited to see the Angel and Fern waterfalls.

Accommodation options vary widely, from cabins to hostels and hotels. Prices range from $10,000 (camping) to $120,000 per night, depending on services offered (prices valid as of December 2024). Look here.

Best part: Valle Hermoso is located in the Punilla Valley and can be reached via one of the most scenic routes in the province, the Camino del Cuadrado. It's ideal for stopping to take photos, enjoy mate, or visit roadside paradores.

Where: From Buenos Aires, take National Route 9 to Córdoba City, then take the E53 Route and merge with the Camino del Cuadrado. It's about 760 kilometers.

La Rioja offers many attractions, but we recommend two destinations: Chilecito, known for its wineries and emblematic Torrontés wine, and Villa Unión, the gateway to Talampaya National Park. In Chilecito, a double occupancy apartment starts at $40,000. In Villa Unión, a double room with breakfast and a complimentary wine costs $120,000 per day, and a quadruple room starts at $210,000. A house surrounded by vineyards for five people starts at $80,000 for double occupancy, $100,000 for quadruple, and $120,000 for quintuple occupancy (prices valid for summer 2025).

Best part: From Villa Unión, you can also visit the Los Colorados Reserve, Laguna Brava, and the Anchumbil Canyon, some of the province's most spectacular landscapes.

Where: By car, Chilecito is about 1,200 kilometers from Buenos Aires, and Villa Unión is about 1,300 kilometers. From Buenos Aires, take National Route 9 to Córdoba, then take National Routes 38 and 74 to reach Chilecito and Route 150 to reach Villa Unión.

Puerto Madryn is known for its abundant wildlife, especially in summer when it also offers 4 kilometers of vast beaches. Activities like kayaking, snorkeling with sea lions, and dolphin watching are popular in this season.

A night in a four-star hotel for two starts at $150,000, while a one-star hotel costs between $20,000 and $40,000. Cottages range from $30,000 to $86,000, and a meal for two at a restaurant starts at $68,000 to $90,000.

Best part: Prices remain fixed until Easter, thanks to an agreement with local businesses.

Where: Located on the western coast of Chubut, Puerto Madryn is accessible by daily flights from Buenos Aires, with a flight duration of about two hours.

Villa Mercedes combines cultural offerings with natural beauty. Situated along the Río Quinto, it has beaches and parks like Parque El Lago, which has courts, green spaces, grills, and pools perfect for family outings. Other attractions include the Railway Museum and the Angosta Street with its amphitheater.

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A two-person apartment near the center costs around $35,000 per night, while a three-star bed and breakfast with breakfast included starts at $50,300.

Best part: At the Espejos de Agua resort, you can enjoy water sports like pedal boats, SUP, kayaks, canoes, and torpedoes.

Where: From Buenos Aires, take National Route 7 and drive about 700 kilometers.

Trelew, one of the largest cities in Chubut, is known for its paleontology and ecotourism. The Patagotitan Mayorum, the largest dinosaur ever discovered in Argentina, greets visitors. The Egidio Feruglio Paleontological Museum is a must-see, and visitors can also head to Punta Tombo for penguin watching or Puerto Madryn for dolphin watching.

A shared room in a hostel costs around $24,324 per night, while an apartment for two in the center starts at $36,789. An apartment for four starts at $70,944 per night.

Best part: It’s one of the top destinations for stargazing, especially at its Astronomical Center with its two observatories.

Where: Located in northeastern Chubut, Trelew is accessible by direct flights from Buenos Aires, typically on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The flight duration is about two hours and five minutes.

With expansive and less crowded beaches, Puerto San Julián is ideal for those looking to discover a different side of Argentine Patagonia. It holds historical significance as the site of Magellan’s first landing in 1520. There’s a coastal circuit around San Julián Bay, and one of its most visited beaches is Cabo Curioso, 15 kilometers from the center. The low tide creates turquoise tidal pools perfect for a quick dip.

Activities include a penguin island tour (from $60,000 per person), kayaking (from $40,000 per person with a guide), and bike rentals (from $30,000 per person). A room with a bay view starts at $52,000, and a cabin for two costs around $40,000. A meal for two at a restaurant starts at $60,000, and pizzas or burgers cost from $20,000 (all prices valid as of December but may vary).

Where: Located in Santa Cruz, about 2,158 kilometers from Buenos Aires, the nearest airports are in Río Gallegos (360 km) and Comodoro Rivadavia (430 km).