If you’re looking for a place to eat asado in Buenos Aires but don’t mind venturing a bit outside the city— just two hours from Buenos Aires—the Fiesta del Asado Criollo is taking place this weekend for its fifth edition. Take a short trip near Buenos Aires and enjoy the region’s best barbecue chefs competing for the best stake-roasted ribs. The event takes place on September 12 and 13.
Spit-roasted ribs, tradition, and a folk festival: Where is the Fiesta del Asado Criollo?
Moquehuá is a town about 2 hours from Buenos Aires, and every year this rural town celebrates a festival dedicated to the asado. At this festival—perfect for a weekend getaway—the best stake-roasted meat chefs gather to crown the undisputed champion, and you, as a member of the audience, have the chance to taste the very best stake-roasted meat.
The competition is the heart of the festival: dozens of pairs of grill masters light the coals early in the morning to slow-cook ribs over low heat for hours (and make your mouth water). At the Moquehuá Festival, you’ll find:
- Country cuisine: In addition to the classic spit-roasted barbecue, you’ll also be able to enjoy traditional empanadas, choripanes, suckling pig, and artisanal pastries—perfect for mate time.
- Music and culture: The venue features a central stage where traditional dance troupes, folk music groups, and live musical performances take the stage.
- Artisans’ and Entrepreneurs’ Market: A stroll lined with booths featuring regional products, leather and wood crafts, traditional silverware, and homemade preserves—so you can see what to take home.
To make sure you don’t miss out on lunch, head to the ticket booths as soon as you arrive at the venue—and it’s a good idea to bring your own chairs, even though the venue is set up to welcome you. Moquehuá is the perfect place to settle in under the shade of the trees with a lounge chair, a blanket, and some mate.
How to get to Moquehuá from Buenos Aires
Moquehuá is about 180 kilometers southwest of Buenos Aires. If you’re driving, take the Acceso Oeste Expressway from Buenos Aires to Luján, then merge onto National Route 5, passing through Mercedes and Suipacha toward Chivilcoy. At kilometer 172 of National Route 5, take the turnoff onto Provincial Route 30 (or the paved access road to Moquehuá) and drive about 12 kilometers further to the entrance to the town.
You can reach Moquehuá by public transportation: Take a long-distance bus from the Retiro or Liniers Terminal bound for the Chivilcoy Terminal. From the Chivilcoy Terminal, take the intercity bus that connects Chivilcoy with Moquehuá (a journey of approximately 30 km), or take a taxi or Uber.
- 📍 Location: Railroad Station Grounds / Main Square of Moquehuá (Chivilcoy District, Province of Buenos Aires).
- 🎟️ Admission: Free (food and drinks are paid for at each stall).
- 🚗 Parking: Designated parking areas around the venue organized by local authorities.
