Every time the weekend rolls around and you start thinking about where to find a weekend getaway near Buenos Aires, Luján is a great option just a few kilometers away that combines nature, a river, and a touch of city life.
If you’re craving a break from the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires without a car and without spending a fortune, the Quinta de Cigordia Forest Reserve is one of the best-preserved outdoor gems in the western part of the city.
Unspoiled nature: what to do at the Quinta de Cigordia Reserve
The Quinta de Cigordia Municipal Nature Reserve is located at 9 de Julio 2299 in Luján; it serves as a biodiversity haven right next to the Luján River.
This forest reserve, less than 2 hours from Buenos Aires by public transportation, is full of trails through groves of trees and dirt paths where you can discover native species and century-old trees—perfect for enjoying their shade and sipping some mate.
As you walk along the water’s edge, the surroundings reveal their wildlife, including herons, ducks, and other riverside birds. Your visit to the reserve will be much more rewarding if you take the opportunity to stop by the city of Luján and visit the sanctuary, a Neo-Gothic church well worth exploring to get a close-up look at its central nave and towers.
Step-by-step guide: how to get there from Buenos Aires
Getting there by public transportation is easy and doesn’t require complicated transfers. First, take bus line 57 from Plaza Italia (in Palermo) with a sign indicating Luján as the destination. The trip to the Luján Bus Terminal takes about two hours, depending on traffic.
From the bus terminal or the Basilica area, you can get to the reserve’s entrance (at 9 de Julio 2299) by local public transportation or by taxi (it costs no more than $5,000).
