Last year I moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina in the middle of winter – what would become one of the coldest winters in over 20 years. Now, I’m a desert gal use to hot Arizona summers and for the previous year I had been living in the Caribbean. I hate the cold and spent all winter in Buenos Aires dreaming about summer. Thankfully, I was rewarded for all my patience with amazing spring and summer days in the city later that year. As soon as the temperature hit high enough, I was in search of something that would remind me of summers back home. Well I found it – Argentina’s largest operating amusement park – Parque de la Costa.
Tigre / River Delta
For visitors to Buenos Aires, there is a summer getaway that just can’t be missed – Tigre. Located around one hour from the city center and accessible by frequent trains, Tigre is home to not only the Parque de la Costa amusement park, but also a great farmers market, craft market, tours of the river delta, and much more.
If you are staying in Buenos Aires for a while, and blessed to visit in the spring or summer, take the train out to Tigre. You wont regret it!
Parque de la Costa
Now Tigre is a relaxing, peaceful getaway from the city, but if you are looking for a bit more excitement in your visit, head to Parque de la Costa. You will see countless advertisements around Tigre for the park and it is hard to miss, located right in the middle of town.
The park is actually the largest operating theme park in Argentina and features over 30 rides, including 4 roller coasters and a number of kid friendly rides. The roller coasters are high quality too, with some going up to 80km/hr, over 600 meters long, and over 65 meters high. In addition to the rides, the park has an amphitheater, bumper cars, laser tag, and numerous performances throughout the high season. The best part is that it is located right next to the delta and is a relatively cool escape from the city’s summer heat.
Unlike most theme parks in the US, Parque de la Costa is a very affordable option and if you end up being in Buenos Aires long term, their yearly pass is extremely cheap. A full day, all ride pass for an adult is around $100 pesos or about $20 US dollars. The yearly pass is only $180 pesos.
If you are going all the way to Argentina, you are probably looking to do something a little bit more uniquely “Argentinian” than going to an amusement park, but if you are missing summer fun back home, Parque de la Costa is a blast.
Couple Travel Tips
- If you are heading to the park in the middle of summer, take a hat and put on some sunscreen! I know we provide this same tip on many of our Argentina travel guides, but it can get very hot and uncomfortable while waiting in the ride lines.
- There are a number of different levels of tickets that include or exclude different rides. Grab a park map before you buy your tickets to make sure you are getting the one you want.
- Argentina is full of romantic date ideas such as tango and wine tastings, but if you are heading to Parque de la Costa, make it a FUN date. Jump on a few “kiddie” rides and laugh at yourselves in the fun house mirrors.
- Consider leaving the park an hour or so early. The train back to the city is packed at the end of the day and you might end up sitting on the floor or not with your partner if you leave with the rest of the crowd.
