72 hours in Mar del Plata, the jewel of the Atlantic Coast

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It is the dream city for a getaway of pure nature and relaxation, and in this article we tell you the reasons for the mandatory visit for three days in pure vacation mode.
In Argentina everything is intense and affectionate. Hugs are long and heartfelt, kisses are loud and, when addressing another person, nicknames denote the hint of warmth that characterizes the South American character. It is not surprising, then, that this mania for softening names with close nicknames is also transferred to the cities. Because Salta is not Salta, it is La Linda. Ushuaia becomes the city of the End of the World. Buenos Aires is the city of fury - named after the famous local rock band, Soda Stereo - and Mar del Plata, located in the coastal district and 419 kilometers away from the capital of the country, is La Feliz (The Happy). And with that premise, nothing can go wrong in the favorite natural must-see of the Argentine summer (from December to March).
Finding your way in the city that radiates joy is not a difficult task at all. In fact, this article is intended to - if possible - make it even easier. But the screenshot is something very similar to this scene: feet in the warm sand, noise of waves breaking in the background, half green and half city in the distance and the best company. Friends, family, couple: Mar del Plata does not distinguish between ages or generations, because there are plenty of proposals for all tastes. Still not convinced? Keep reading and let yourself be surprised by the magic of Mar del Plata in a 3-day tour:

Day 1

Morning on the wide beaches full of waves

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47 kilometers of coastline are home to vast stretches of sand that meet the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. This is what the beaches in La Feliz are like: vast, just like its tourist offer. The sea temperature is optimal for the very hot days of the summer season and the waves are perfect for beginners in the art of surfing, the favorite sport in the area. Of course, the gastronomic component is always present, so there are plenty of inns to taste the delights of the sea. In addition, there are culinary classics that do not require a trip to the nearest restaurant: street vendors tempt anyone with stalls of corn painted in butter, churros filled with milk sweet and drinks and ice cream.
Which beaches should not be missing in the itinerary? Playa Grande, a classic beach near downtown and very busy, Punta Mogotes, and all those in the south of the city, which also serve as venues for large music festivals and youth nightlife.

Lunch with seafood gastronomy

  

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The palate plays a fundamental role and sets the rhythm of the Argentine heart. It beats stronger with beef, of course, but the port city presents a menu that matches the pulsations. Fish and seafood dishes shine on the boards outside the restaurants, announcing that the house specialty honors the strategic maritime location. Corvina, gatuzos, silversides, hakes, chernias, groupers, soles and more abound. And, in the seafood family, the podium is occupied by the exquisite rabas, fried squid breaded in flour (although it is never too much to try the prawns, prawns with garlic, octopus and squid). The port area is a good option to delve into the local gastronomic culture and, at the same time, to walk around its picturesque corners.
Beyond seafood, Mar del Plata is a craft beer pole, so a technical stop at any of its breweries is part of the plan. In addition, its bakeries dazzle with croissants, churros and any other ideal for the sweet tooth.

Afternoon in the Peralta Ramos Forest

The protagonist if we talk about green corners is, without a doubt, the Peralta Ramos Forest. The 500 hectares of trees and local flora flood the retina and renew the city air to give way to silence and deep disconnection between pines and flowers. The activity consists of walking along the dirt roads and even visiting the handicrafts fair, but if the compass points to the gastronomic side, the forest also offers culinary alternatives to satisfy the craving of the moment. The most important thing is that the premise remains the same: full lungs, green peaks that intertwine at their tips and lots of energy to continue walking along the pavement of Mar del Plata.


Day 2


Getaway to Chapadmalal

It is one of the trendy destinations of the Atlantic Coast. Half an hour by car from Mar del Plata, Chapa -we already warned that everything deserves a nickname- enchants with a fresh energy, lots of nature and a special magic that attracts, above all, the youngest. Reddish cliffs, kilometer-long beaches (not to be missed is the Red Moon Beach), a very marked surfer vibe, and beachside stands facing the ocean waves are the main attractions, complemented by breathtaking views and sunsets. Surfing lessons are commonplace and professional surfers choose this destination to test themselves.

But that's not all. The first winery with oceanic dyes is located among green fields, slightly elevated hills and airs that give off the characteristic smell of the sea. Vineyards of intense green unfold in Chapadmalal and invite visitors to discover the processes behind wine production, with the possibility of tasting the varieties produced in the area. The perfect ending to a getaway to the coast? Of course it is.

 

Day 3


Photo stop at the cliffs

  

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With a height of up to 22 meters above sea level, the cliffs of Mar del Plata also join the list of reasons to visit. Rocky walls are dyed in an ocher color and dance with the reflection of the sun, witnessing a unique spectacle that involves a horizon of endless sea, beaches and vegetation. Where does the magic happen? In Los Acantilados beach resort, south of the city. The ideal postcard to absorb the peace of the natural environment.

Walking along the shopping promenades

A trip to Mardel is not complete without a shopping tour. Because its classic alfajores, sweaters, canned food and seafood can be found on the way and in walks designed to enjoy the cement. The San Martín pedestrian street, Güemes Street, Alem and Juan B. Justo Avenue are the main centers for strolling among shop windows, restaurants and shops on the street.

Closing the day with local culture and shows

  

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Famous for its shows during the summer season, Mar del Plata is the owner of theatrical and artistic shows that summon tourists from all over the world, besides offering proposals that involve museums and cultural centers. The most important must-see in this area is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAR), which welcomes visitors with the iconic work of the sea lion at its entrance. Assembled with 50,000 alfajores wrappers, it measures 10 meters and It is a creation of the acclaimed artist Marta Minujín. Inside the museum you can see various avant-garde exhibitions.

Music, humor, cinema, fashion and dance: art floods the streets of Mar del Plata and creates the perfect atmosphere to relax outside the beach offer. Any theater performance meets the expectations and the hot season offers the most incredible parties among the sand and loud concerts, complying with the sanitary measures.

Tips

One of the world's three largest cave systems is in Puerto Rico - the Parque de las Cavernas del Rio Camuy.