When living in Buenos Aires becomes overwhelming and you want to hop in the car for a getaway that’s neither too far nor too expensive, rural towns are always the first choice. If you think you’ve already been to all the closest ones, there’s a village with fewer than 100 residents —not served by the train— that has two lakes and an old general store well worth a visit.
Just over an hour from the city of Buenos Aires, there’s a rural corner that mass tourism hasn’t fully discovered yet: Paraje Adela. It’s in the Chascomús district, on Route 2, and has everything you need to relax and spend the day: the peace of the countryside, two interconnected lagoons, dirt roads that invite you to slow down, campgrounds, and traditional local cuisine.
Paraje Adela: A Natural Retreat with Fewer Than 100 Residents
Paraje Adela—or simply Adela—owes its name to Adela Dodds. It was her father, Diego Dodds, owner of the Estancia Adela, who donated the land to the railroad so that the station could be built, thus giving birth to this small town.
Although passenger trains currently pass right by without an official stop, the old train station remains in excellent condition. It’s the perfect postcard image of a “roadside stop” that, with just 19 permanent residents, keeps its vibrancy and history intact.
Adela’s greatest treasure is its direct connection to the Chain of Lagoons. If you’re looking to unwind, water is your best ally, and you have two options depending on your plans:
- Laguna Adela: This is the closest lake to the village. The waters are shallow and surrounded by vegetation. It’s ideal for birdwatching, quiet walks, and fishing for the classic pejerrey.
- Laguna del Burro: Located at Kilometer 135 of Highway 2, it’s a body of water covering nearly 1,100 hectares. This is the spot with campgrounds, general stores, yacht clubs, and opportunities for water sports.
A Trip Back in Time: Dirt Roads and the Legendary “Pulpería Adela”
Adela isn’t just nature and dirt roads. It used to have a general store that also served as a gathering place for local women and curious visitors like you, who came to the village looking to clear their heads and see if, far from the city and the cars, time passes more slowly. It closed recently, but hopefully a village like this can once again have a place where traditional local cuisine makes a comeback.
How to Get to Paraje Adela (Easy and Without Breaking the Bank)
One of the great things about Adela is that you don’t have to plan a long trip or spend a fortune. You can go for a day trip or stay to camp over the weekend:
- By Car: Take the Buenos Aires–La Plata Expressway and merge onto Highway 2 (Route 2) toward the coast. After passing Chascomús, between kilometers 134 and 135, you’ll find the turnoffs to the area, the general store, and the lagoons. You’ll only pay the tolls at Hudson and Samborombón.
- By Public Transportation: You can take the Roca Train from Constitución to Alejandro Korn, transfer to the branch line to Chascomús Station, and from there take a bus or taxi (it’s only about 10 km to the village).
