MAR DEL PLATA...
Argentina's foremost seaside resort
© Secretariat of Tourism Buenos Aires
Mar del Plata, "Mardel" as it's popularly known in Argentina, is the first and foremost summer destination, big rival of Punta del Este, Uruguay.
It has all you can ask for: from a healthy perspective of swimming, surfing, horseback riding, ecological tours, aquiariums and theme parks, to the vibrant nightlife of the summer month.
Mar del Plata hosts a varied number of conventions, fashions shows, the Valencian falla week, the National Sea Festivity (January), that culminates with the coronation of the Sea Queen and her princesess.
It's also home of two international film festivals...
- Mar del Plata International Film Festival
- Independent Film Festival
And let's not forget the Sea Star Awards (Premios Estrella de Mar), for the best shows in the season, and the National Fishermen Festival.
It has 17 km of beaches and the most visited are...
- La Perla
- Playa Chica
- Playa Grande
- Punta Mogotes
- Costa Bonita
- Chapadmalal Beach Resort
You will never get bored there, particularely in the evenings. There are many different options to enjoy yourself..
- discos
- theaters
- music concerts
- tango-shows
- countless cafes and restaurants
- a famous casino to try your luck
If you are seafood lover as we are, go to the Port.
It's home to the best fresh fish and seafood you can think of.
© Secretariat of Tourism Buenos Aires
The city was founded in 1874 by Patricio Peralta Ramos.
The famous Hotel Bristol opened its doors in 1888 and soon became th exclusive choice for wealthy and aristocratic families.
This elite, that travelled regularly to Europe for their summer vaction, turned to Mar del Plata when the outbreak of war made the Atlantic cruise an unnecessary and little exhilarating endeavor.
It was victoria Ocampo, writer and founder of the magazine Sur, who put Mar del Plata in the cultural map.
She invited famous writes from all over the world to her summer house.
You can visit her house/museum in the wealthy suburb of Los Troncos.
In the 40s and 50s, the populist government of Peron, made the city accessible to the middle and working class.
So if you come to Argentina in summer (December to March), don't forget your swimsuit and sunblock lotion, because the location you know it already... Mar del Plata, the Pearl of the Atlantic...
How to Get There
By Train: From Buenos Aires, Argentina, go to Constitucion Train Station.
It takes about 5 hours. By Road: Take Route 2 By Air
From Buenos Aires's Aeroparque is a half an hour flight.
Where to Stay
There are countless options for lodging, for all budgets and needs.
Here's some of them...
- Casa Clara Resort: José Maria Orensanz s/n - Phone: 460-2322
- Complejo La Serena: Ruta 11 km 3.4 - Phone: 4672883
- Baloo Hotel: Las Heras 2459 - Phone: 492-5229
- Boulevard Hotel: Corrientes 1965 - Phone: 492-2069
- Gran Hotel Mar del Plata: Rivadavia 2235 - Phone: 493-0061
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