Buenos Aires Excursions

One of the benefits of studying abroad is the ability to venture outside your host city and explore the surrounding area. Excursions are offered for all semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered two to three excursions and summer students are typically offered one to two excursions. You will receive a calendar of the specific CEA excursions offered for your program during orientation. To give you an idea of the possibilities, we have collected typical experiences from some of the day trips and weekend tours offered to our students in the past.

Colón and Villa Elisa

Students will spend a long weekend relaxing and recovering energy by enjoying an Argentine health spa located between the sea and the mountains in a privileged natural environment. The wonderful thermal water resorts are a perfect place to decompress—they will return to class completely refreshed after this wonderful weekend at the mineral spring waters!

Colonia, Uruguay

Recently declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this attractive riverside town lies just across the great Río de la Plata in Argentina’s neighboring country, Uruguay. A walk through this charming colonial town will leave students in awe of its picturesque cobbled squares and renovated colonial style mansions. CEA departs in the morning from the Port of Buenos Aires and travels to Colonia del Sacramento, Republica Oriental del Uruguay. After a noon arrival, students will be able to enjoy a lunch at a downtown Colonia restaurant. A city tour will familiarize students with historical neighborhoods the coastline up to “San Carlos with its Plaza de Toros”. Students will be free to roam the area until 6:00 PM, when they will return port to take the ferry back to Buenos Aires. The experience will leave them with the feeling of having stepped into a century past.

Día de Campo

The Argentine gaucho is a prominent figure in the history and culture of Argentina. During this excursion, CEA students have the unique opportunity to visit a farm near Buenos Aires and learn about the life of an Argentine gaucho and his farming traditions, and taste traditional country cuisine. Students experience traditional gaucho music and dances. The day is made complete with insight into the history and preparation of “mate,” a traditional tea, and an “asado,” Argentine-style barbecue. Students will also have the opportunity to go horseback riding or swimming. This excursion is a fantastic way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life while becoming more familiar with Argentine culture.

Iguazú Falls

Spanning three countries, Iguazú Falls is perhaps one of South America’s greatest natural wonders. Thousands travel to this waterfall every year to marvel at the Garganta del Diablo, undoubtedly the fall’s single most remarkable cascade. This excursion combines the wonders of the falls with the historical ruins of San Ignacio, a visit to a typical ranch where they show the plantations of tea and “yerba mate” and also visit an Indian reserve. CEA students will depart from the bus station in a very comfortable bed bus at night and enjoy a hot dinner. Breakfast is served on the bus before the early morning arrival at Posadas, the Capital city of the province of Misiones. A van will transport students to the San Ignacio Ruins, a very centurial and historical place, before spending the rest of the day in a typical estancia. Students will visit the tea and mate plantations and enjoy the hospitality of the locals with a barbecue meal. The next stop is Puerto Iguazu, where dinner is served at the hotel. Iguazu National Park fills the next day with adventure; it is one of the most enchanting places in the world. Students will also visit the aboriginal Indian reserve M’BORORE. This experience is a fantastic cultural exchange between people from different walks of life.

Mar del Plata

Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” Argentine families fill the coastline of this active beach community every summer. Students can enjoy a frivolous week-end at the beach on the Mar del Plata’s sunny shores. The Port is beautiful and one can even catch glimpses of sea lions and fishermen bringing their fresh hauls back to the coast. Students will arrive at Mar del Plata in the evening and will be transferred to the hotel for a group dinner. The next day is spent acquainting the students with the city through a tour of Mar del Plata and its famous port. During the afternoon students are free to explore the city or spend the day at the beach. At night, students have many options open to them, such as relaxing in Alem pubs, visiting the Guemes area or venturing downtown to see the famous Mar del Plata Casino.

Tigre

This popular riverside retreat is just north of Buenos Aires; it is a wonderful getaway from the bustling city. Students will explore the Paseo Victoria, one of the city's main streets, relax on a ferry tour of the river delta, and purchase crafts handmade by artisans at the Puerto de Frutos.