Mar del Plata: Argentine Sochi. How to get there in 2 days and how much it costs
Mar del Plata is the most important seaside resort Argentina. There are about 6 million tourists here every year, so during the peak seasons, from December to February, there are a lot of people here, and the beaches, of course, are crowded.
Tickets are best bought at least 2 months in advance, as they are quickly disassembled for all modes of transport.
We decided to go for a reconnaissance in the off-season. Now in Mar del Plata about 15 degrees during the day and 5 degrees at night. The sea is cold, no one swims, but there is something to see, and the trip is worth it even in autumn and winter.
How to get to Mar del Plata
The city is located 350 kilometers from Buenos Aires, so it is most convenient to get from the capital.
There are several options:
1. Buenos Aires - Mar del Plata. Cost from 7000 rubles per person in one direction. It's 1.5 hours.
2. Buenos Aires to Mar del Plata train. Cost from 1900 rubles per person in one direction. It's 6 hours.
3. Bus Buenos Aires (or La Plata) - Mar del Plata The cost from 5000 rubles per person in one direction. It's 5 hours.
4. Car rental Buenos Aires (or La Plata) - Mar del Plata. The cost from 3500 rubles per day. It's 3.5 hours.
We chose the option with the train, as we thought it was the most convenient and understandable option. We arrived from La Plata, so our way was as follows:
- 4:00 May 26: La Plata - Buenos Aires commuter bus. 200 rubles for two.
- 6:05 May 26: Buenos Aires - Mar del Plata train (from Constitución station).
In total, the train tickets cost 7600 rubles at the current rate for two in both directions + 540 rubles bus tickets to Buenos Aires and back.
The hotel we chose one of the cheapest, was 3000 rubles for two nights for two, including breakfast.
What to see in Mar del Plata off-season?
Beaches.
First of all, we recommend walking (you can even walk to see the city) to the beaches.
One of the most popular and top is Bristol 1. It is located next to sea lion monuments. The beach is beautiful sandy with long waves. You can walk along three piers and take beautiful photos.
Also right on the beach there is a market with clothes and various souvenirs, so you can immediately arrange a little shopping. You can walk along all the beaches and see different views.
Sea lions
Be sure to visit the port of Mar del Plata, because sea lions live right in the port. Most of the time they just lie down, but sometimes something happens. We understand that they are being watched and cared for. Although they are a little sick, sneezing and snotting. It's all free.
You can get to the port by regular city bus, Google maps perfectly show all routes. Travel costs 75 rubles per person. You can start viewing from the port, then move along the spit to the very end.
We promise you that the experience of closely watching lions in the natural environment will be absolutely unforgettable. If you smell it, the lions are nearby. You won't get lost.
Parks.
Be sure to walk along the long bridge along the beach, admire the views of rich nature. You can get to the stairs from the port.
You can also visit a nice park with ducks and gulls. You can walk to the park by footbridge. It is not so interesting, but if time allows, you can spend time with the birds on a picturesque pond.
How much does the trip cost?
For 2 days for the whole trip, including the road, hotel and food, we spent 18,700 rubles (187,400 pesos).
- Train: 7400 rubles.
- Bus: 540 rubles.
- Hotel: 3,000 rubles.
- Food (coffees and restaurants),
- Taxi and expenses: 7800 rubles.
We highly recommend visiting this city. This is a cool and inexpensive journey, full of vivid emotions.
Photo and text: Oksana Shtirbetz
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