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[title]Leaving Buenos Aires, taking Route 3, and 350 km later being in the middle of the sierra is reason enough to escape to Tandil. The air already feels different: the climate is drier in the highest city of Buenos Aires Province. Where to begin? Here’s what to do in Tandil to make the most of your visit.
We’re walking on 2.5 billion-year-old hills, land filled with both real and invented stories, immortalized in local legends. Tandil began as a fort—Fort Independence—in 1823, serving as a bastion against Indigenous attacks.
Why all the history? Because seeing the city through this lens changes everything. Understanding that its cobblestones—and even those in Buenos Aires—came from the generous quarries of the hills and the craft of stonecutters, Spanish, Italian, and Yugoslavian immigrants. This immigration, along with Basques and Danes who settled in Tandil, gave rise to the unique flavors of its local cuisine.
Tandil is known for its salami and tennis—it’s the only city in the world that’s had two players in the Top 10 simultaneously, Pico Mónaco and Juan Martín Del Potro—but its identity is as multifaceted as the stories of its people. Here are some places to explore, and if you’re with a local guide, all the better.
1. Visit the Moving Stone
This emblematic stone, which appears on Tandil's flag, oscillated for centuries on the edge of a hill. Legend says that this granite block reflects the agony of Mini, wife of the cruel chief Tandil. When he learned she was plotting against him, he ordered her to be tied to the rock and stoned to death. Mini then cursed him: “My death will shake the mountain, and you will see my heart beating in this stone.” In fact, “Tandil” means “beating stone” in the Mapuche language.
Mysteriously, in 1912, the stone fell and shattered. No one knows what happened. Today, a replica, installed in 2007, can be visited via a path of granite steps. From the top, you can see fragments of the famous original stone.
2. Climb El Centinela Hill
Perfect for families, this hill combines nature with legend. You can enjoy the scenery from the chairlift, go horseback riding, trekking, rappelling, and zip-lining. At the summit, there’s the impressive Sentinel Stone, and nearby, a lodge of the same name where you can enjoy delicious casseroles and wood-fired pastries while learning about the area’s romantic legend. We won’t spoil it for you—you’ll have to go.
3. Walk Around the Fuerte Dam
This lake is the heart of the city, where much of Tandil’s social life happens. Locals come here to run, picnic, relax with friends, and enjoy activities like rowing or kayaking. We recommend walking or biking around it (about 3 km). If it's summer, head to the nearby Sol Beach, a municipal pool complex with water slides, and the Children's Park.
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4. Enjoy the City from Independence Park
Another must-do is visiting the Independence Park lookout by day or night. A grand granite arch, gifted by the Italian community, invites you up a paved path. At the summit, the Moorish Castle offers the best views of the city and the surrounding hills.
5. Hike Monte Calvario
During Holy Week, Tandil is packed with visitors, and one of the main events is the Stations of the Cross at Monte Calvario. A stone staircase of 195 steps leads to a towering cross at the top, designed by engineer Alejandro Bustillo. Day or night, with torchlight, pilgrims walk through the woods past life-size stone statues.
Where to Eat in Tandil?
You can’t leave without trying Tandil’s famous salami and banquet cheese, a local specialty. "Época de Quesos" is one of the most famous delis, where you can sit and eat or buy to-go items. This house was once a cart station and general store, adding to its charm.
For gourmet dining, one local gem is Basilico, an Italian restaurant that earned a spot in the last Tandil Gastronomic Market, and will compete in the 2025 Federal Chefs Tournament in Buenos Aires. Another treasure is Tierra de Azafranes, known for its paella and risottos and a fantastic choice for those with gluten sensitivities, as 80% of the menu is gluten-free.
For a relaxed night out, Calabaza and Tandilia combine traditional cuisine with craft beers from their own brewery. If you’re looking for something iconic, Al Ver Verás empanadas are so famous that young Tandil residents studying in Buenos Aires often request them as a gift from family when they visit.
For a taste of local spirits, consider a visit and tasting at the Cordón Blanco winery, or cap off the night at one of many downtown bars with a cocktail featuring gin from the Campo Distillery.
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Where to Stay in Tandil?
The city offers a wide range of accommodations, whether you prefer to be closer to the center or nestled in the hills for a romantic getaway or a family outing. Some top-rated options include:
- Cabañas Colinas Serranas
- Mulen Hotel Tandil
- Hostería & Spa La Cascada
- Amaike Hotel Golf & Spa
- Posada La Protegida
You’ll also find hostels and campgrounds.
Tandil is always evolving, like its iconic stone. It offers a sublime mix of tranquility, nature, great food, and welcoming locals who carry on the entrepreneurial spirit of their immigrant ancestors. Truly, it’s a city to rediscover again and again.