I hade been for a few weeks in Buenos Aires, studying at AMAUTA SPANISH SCHOOL and I enjoyed this so much that I extended my stay. That gave me the opportunity to do some more weekend trips, so one of those weekends my friends and I hit the road for Mar del Plata. One motorcycle tap, ten U-turns, a flat tire, and forty-eight hour later we returned to good old Buenos Aires, happy to be home. In the States we would say “this trip is one is for the books” Nevertheless, even with our many mishaps along the way, Mar del Plata was worth our while.

An easy drive from Buenos Aires–just stay straight on Autopista La Plata for 400 Klms– Mar del Plata offers the perfect weekend getaway. Quaint and welcoming, this massive beach town claims a special place in the hearts of many Porteños. Whether you visit in chilly mid July or in the extreme heat of December, the deep blue tone of the delta and white sands are always there to greet you…. By the way, the cost of visiting Mar del Plata also varies greatly depending on the season. In the off season, everything is very inexpensive, roughly half the cost of things in Buenos Aires.

Although we were unable to swim during our visit in July, (a consequence of the 10 degree temperature), I was able to leisurely traverse the ocean shores–(during the tourist season such a feat is supposedly unheard of). Apparently everyone and their mother heads to the Mar de Plata on the first warm weekend of verano (summer: January and Februery) and stays until the last. Like the Jersey Shore or Atlantic city, or the Costa Brava in Spain, Mar del Plata is THE vacation destination for Porteños.
While the beauty of Mar del Plata is undeniable, I would argue that the character of the local people is of equal merit. From the moment we arrived in town I felt welcomed. Often when I travel to more typically tourist destinations, I experience a sense of misbelonging. As if, I am just a part of the mass horde of consumers bombarding the beaches and restaurants. This time, however, the experience of my friends and I was quite different.

Hungry after our seven hour drive (our inability to follow directions, coupled with the lack of street signs turned a supposedly four hour trip into a seven hour one) we stopped in at the first restaurant we could find. While waiting for our empanadas, we began chatting with the owner and her daughter. Unlike Porteños, these women actually talked slow and enunciated with a precision I have not experienced (outside of the classroom at AMAUTA) in Buenos Aires. Since we ordered our Empanadas “bien calientes”, we ended up chatting for almost a half hour. I don’t know if I have ever felt more comfortable speaking Spanish in public before.

I think that my favorite place in Mar del Plata is the Main Port. If you´re in the mood for some exercise its about an hour walk from the center. If not there are a number of different colectivos that you can take to get there. Upon arrival, you will quickly understand why this port makes the tourist books. After traversing though a cobble stoned pathway, lined with stores hosting a variety of local delicatessens, you will come face to face with a colorful mass of antiquated sea boats (for those who have seen Pirates of the Caribbean I think you might find some similarities). If sailboats aren’t really your thing, don’t worry, this port also promises a showy display by the local sea lions. Even with their horrendous stench, the frisky cuteness–from the kissing to the roaring battles– will touch your heart.