← Mar del Plata Marathon·Day trip

Sierra de los Padres: Woodland and Hills Above the Coast

A short drive inland from the seafront to a hill village with a forest reserve, a lake and country cafés, kept to level walks and long lunches.

DurationDay trip
TransitTaxi, remis or hire car, about 20 km from central Mar del Plata
DepartsMar del Plata

After the Mar del Plata Marathon: Sierra de los Padres

The Route: Mar del Plata → Sierra de los Padres → Laguna de los Padres → Mar del Plata Logistics: Taxi, remis or hire car from central Mar del Plata, about 20 km each way. Ask the hotel whether a bus serves the village at useful times, as the car is the easier choice. Marathon Month: April Duration: Day trip

Mar del Plata ──(about 20 km inland)──> Sierra de los Padres
                                              │
                                  Laguna de los Padres
                                              │
Mar del Plata <──(same road)──────────────────┘

The marathon is two laps of the coast, and this trip turns the other way. Sierra de los Padres sits in low hills a short drive from the city, away from the sea wind, with trees, quiet lanes and a lake. It asks little of tired legs.

April in Mar del Plata: Autumn temperatures average about 14°C at night and 19°C by day, with showers possible at any time. The hills can feel cooler than the seafront, and the ground may be damp after rain, so bring a light waterproof and shoes with grip.

A taxi or remis with a return time agreed in advance is the simplest plan, and a hire car gives more freedom. The distance is short, so the journey takes well under an hour in normal traffic.

The village

The village centre is small and picturesque, with a cluster of shops and cafés that locals and visitors share. Wander the main lanes, keep to level stretches and sit down when the legs ask. Country stores sell local produce, and the area is known for strawberries in season. Check what is available in autumn, because fruit stalls follow the harvest.

The forest reserve and the lake

The hills hold a forest reserve with marked walking routes. Choose a short, flat loop rather than a climb. Jesuits gave the Laguna de los Padres its name in the eighteenth century, and the lake is a few minutes from the village by car. Visitor facilities vary, so ask the hotel what is open before setting out.

Horse rides are offered in the area. They involve sitting rather than walking, though mounting needs a good hip and knee. Ask the stable about the horse and the route before booking.

Lunch

Country restaurants in the village serve grilled meat, regional dishes and cakes. Book at the weekend, when day-trippers from the city fill the tables. A long lunch is the main event of the day.

Getting back

The road back to Mar del Plata is the same road. Leave before dusk, as lanes in the hills are dark and winding. A taxi back to Playa Grande or the centre is straightforward.