ASA Excursions from Buenos Aires
To understand a country in greater depth, including its history and its culture, it’s important to head out of the big cities. We plan some excursions to help you do just that (and you’re welcome, of course, to venture off on your own during your breaks and weekends).
If you’re studying abroad in Buenos Aires, you’ll be able to join in on the following program inclusions:
Semesters: 1 overnight excursion and 2 day trips
Summer term: 2 day trips
Excursions planned for each program vary, but past terms have included trips to:
MENDOZA
(Overnight)
The ASA excursion to Mendoza in western Argentina takes you to several vineyards. This area, at the foot of the Andes Mountains, is the largest wine producer in Latin America and is known worldwide for its find wines, enjoying its status as one of the Wine Capitals of the World. It’s the altitude of the vineyards that makes the wine produced in Mendoza so special. This combined with the climate here makes insects, fungi and mould less likely so there’s not much use of pesticides. Mendoza is a beautiful city with tree-lined streets and charming plazas and it even has a wine museum that highlights the history of winemaking here.
On this excursion, you’ll pay a visit to Argentina’s border with Chile where there are hot springs and the Puente del Inca (a natural limestone bridge important in the legends of the native Huarpe people).
You’ll also spend one exciting, adventure-filled day exploring the Andes Mountains. You can drive up through the three mountain range levels from here, including the winding path up Mount Villavicencio which is famous for its bottled spring water.
EL TIGRE
(Day trip)
Just beyond the northern borders of Buenos Aires, where the Parana and Uruguay Rivers flow into the Río de la Plata, you’ll visit one of the world’s largest estuaries. You’ll spend a relaxing day eating, exploring, and shopping in El Tigre, and take a boat ride.
One of the most popular things to do in El Tigre is to visit the riverfront market of Puerto de Frutos where vendors sell everything from touristy souvenirs to artisan crafts to fruit, cured meats, olives and homemade jam. There’s a museum (the only one in the world) dedicated to the traditional drink, mate, which includes a mate bar for tastings. There’s a signposted walk called Paseo Victoria that takes you past some of the city’s landmarks. You can also spend time wandering through the colorful, bohemian area around Boulevard de Tigre, filled with street art, art galleries, artist studios, and a trendy flea market with vintage clothes.
ARGENTINE RANCH IN THE PAMPAS
(Day trip)
This trip takes you deep into the history and culture of the countryside where you’ll visit a traditional Argentine ranch in the beautiful Pampas (an area of low grasslands). This area is home to the gauchos, the country’s famous cowboys, who are the characters around which much folklore centers. On this day trip, you’ll spend time taking in the great outdoors, going horseback riding, listening to folk music, and watching locals dance. You’ll also be treated to a delicious Argentine barbeque (an “asado”), prepared in the old gaucho way.
Which trip sounds like the most exciting to you?