It’s possible to visit the place where San Martín and Pueyrredón discussed the crossing of the Andes. This spot is located in a natural park with free admission very close to Buenos Aires, and in addition to its historical significance, it’s a beautiful place to explore because it offers free guided tours every month. Want to enjoy a cup of mate under the ancient tree where one of the most important feats in Argentine history was planned? We’ll tell you all about it. What are you waiting for? Keep reading.
That place exists, and it’s called the La Barranca de la Quinta Pueyrredón Municipal Natural Park . It’s a hidden gem that combines ancient nature with the best-kept secrets of Argentine history, and it’s located in San Isidro, right behind the Pueyrredón Museum.
This nature reserve, less than an hour from Buenos Aires, was designated a protected area in 2009 and is one of the few places in Buenos Aires where you can still walk through a “Talar”—the native forest that once covered our region before urbanization. But what really makes this park worth a visit are the legends held by its centuries-old trees.
A historic mate under the 330-year-old carob tree
Imagine sitting in the shade of the very same tree where San Martín and Pueyrredón planned the liberation of the Americas. The star of this park is a white carob tree that’s over three centuries old. Tradition has it that Juan Martín de Pueyrredón and General José de San Martín would sit under this enormous carob tree to drink mate, discussing the preparations and strategy for the Crossing of the Andes. If only that carob tree could talk…
As you walk along the trails through the ravine, you’ll come across an aguaribay (also known as a pimentero). This tree didn’t grow there by chance: Domingo Faustino Sarmiento personally brought it and planted it in 1870 during his presidency, as a gift for his family.
However, the undisputed king of this green reserve is a nearly 400-year-old coronillo tree, the only plant where the Argentine Flag butterfly breeds and feeds. And just as you’re thinking, this butterfly is famous for its sky-blue and white colors.
How to Discover the Beauty and Secrets of This Historic Nature Reserve
Visiting this corner of the northern region is super easy because they offer monthly guided tours open to the general public, so you can explore the ravine’s trails and learn about its flora and fauna, as well as the secrets and insights into our history.
To join the guided tours, just check the park’s Instagram (@sanisidroecologia) for dates. No sign-up or reservation is required. If you’re passionate about hidden spots rich in history and greenery, this “secret forest” has to be on your list of upcoming weekend getaways.
📍 Location: Rivera Indarte 48, Acassuso, San Isidro District. (The park is part of the grounds of the Pueyrredón Historical Museum.)
🎟️ Admission: It’s 100% free!
🕒 Winter hours (April through October): Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. ☀️ Summer hours (November through March): Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
🚂 How to get there from Buenos Aires: You can take the Mitre Train (Retiro-Tigre line) and get off at Acassuso Station. You can also get there by bus on lines such as the 60 or 168.
