If you’re looking for places near Buenos Aires for the weekend of July 18–19, Tapalqué is hosting a new edition of the Pastelito and Hot Chocolate Festival. We’ll tell you everything there is to do and how to get there.
Two full days of activities: What to do at the Pastelito Festival
Tapalque is about 270 kilometers from Buenos Aires, and if you’ve never been there, it’s a town that perfectly balances nature, hot springs, and great food. For the Pastelito and Hot Chocolate Festival, the heart of the celebration is at Plaza Adolfo Alsina. The day kicks off at 12:00 p.m., when you can enjoy stalls offering artisanal pastries (puff pastries, quince pastries, sweet potato pastries, and countless other local specialties) and hot chocolate.
One of the most anticipated moments is when the jury evaluates the pastelito entries to award the Best Pastelito of the 2026 edition. Plus, you’ll find a craft fair and a main stage where you can enjoy live music and cultural performances to set the mood.
A destination to extend your weekend: Hot springs and nature
The best part is that it’s the perfect excuse to discover the Tapalqué Thermal Complex, with its hot spring pools, spa, and relaxation areas. Plus, you can take the opportunity to stroll through the Municipal Spa and explore the trails on foot or by bike.
How to get to Tapalqué from Buenos Aires
If you’re traveling by car, leave Buenos Aires via the Ezeiza-Cañuelas Highway and then continue on National Route 205 to Saladillo; from there, take Provincial Route 51, which leads directly to the entrance of Tapalqué. The trip takes about 3½ hours.
If you’d rather take the bus, you can catch one at the Retiro or Liniers terminals; it’ll drop you off at the local terminal in about 5 hours.
