Mar Del Plata: Where Beaches, Culture, and Penguins Collide for a Memorable Getaway

Pack Your Sunscreen and Dancing Shoes, Because Mar Del Plata Has It All

Mar del Plata is located on the Atlantic Ocean coast in the Buenos Aires Province of Argentina. It is approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles) south of Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina–a vibrant and exciting destination with plenty of activities to offer. 

Mar del Plata boasts casual activities like exploring the port and strolling along the Rambla to visiting the museums and attending a show at the Teatro Colon; there are endless opportunities to discover the beauty and culture of this enchanting city.

So if you’re planning a trip to Mar del Plata, read on to find the top things to do in this Argentinean paradise.

1. Visit the beaches: Mar del Plata has several beaches along its coastline, including Playa Grande, Bristol, and Varese. These beaches are great for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.
2. Explore the port: Mar del Plata is an important fishing port in Argentina. You can tour the port and watch the fishermen bring in their catch of the day.
3. Visit the Casino Central: Casino Central is a historical casino in Mar del Plata. It offers a variety of games, including poker, blackjack, and roulette. It is also a great place to grab a drink and people-watch.
4. Walk along the Rambla: The Rambla is a long, broad avenue along the beach in Mar del Plata. It is a popular spot for strolling, jogging, and cycling. There are also several cafes and restaurants along the Rambla where you can stop for a drink or a meal.
5. Visit the Mar del Plata Aquarium: The Mar del Plata Aquarium is home to various marine animals, including dolphins, sea lions, and penguins. You can watch the animals perform in shows and learn about their habitats and behaviors.
6. Explore the museums: Mar del Plata has several museums, including the Museum of the Sea, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Juan Carlos Castagnino Municipal Museum of Art. These museums offer a glimpse into the city’s history and culture.
7. Take a day trip to Sierra de los Padres: Sierra de los Padres is a small mountain range outside Mar del Plata. It is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
8. Attend a performance at the Teatro Colon: The Teatro Colon is a historic theater in Mar del Plata that hosts a variety of performances, including plays, operas, and ballets. It is a great place to catch a show and experience the city’s cultural scene.

Did you know?

Mar del Plata is home to the world’s largest alfajor (a traditional Argentine sweet). The giant alfajor is located in the main square of Mar del Plata and is a popular tourist attraction. It measures over two meters in diameter and weighs around 500 kilograms. The alfajor was created in 2010 to promote the city’s tourism industry and celebrate its culinary traditions.

A little history:

Mar del Plata was founded in 1874 by Patricio Peralta Ramos, a businessman, and politician from Buenos Aires. The city’s name means “Sea of the Plate” in Spanish, and it was named after the Rio de la Plata, the river between Argentina and Uruguay.

It started out as a small fishing village, but it quickly became a popular tourist destination in the late 19th century. Wealthy Argentinians built summer homes in the city, and it became known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic.”

In the early 1900s, it continued to grow and develop by constructing several grand hotels, casinos, and cultural institutions. It also became a hub for sports, creating a golf course, tennis club, and horse racing track.

During the mid-20th century, the town faced economic challenges, but it continued to be a popular destination for domestic and international tourists. Today, it is one of the largest cities in Argentina and a major center for tourism, culture, and commerce.