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Buenos Aires Getaways

Luján

Luján is a popular day trip from Buenos Aires, and a must stop for religious tourists pursuing the Basílica Nuestra Señora de Luján. Amid the souvenir vendors around the church, tourists can get a taste of the interior of Buenos Aires without a long bus ride. The town boasts cobblestone streets, local restaurants and stores, tranquility, and a friendly local population. Its peaceful streets allow for wandering and appreciation of the small-town feel that is profoundly absent in the Capital Federal.

The town is known for the French-style, gothic cathedral, one of the most popular in Argentina due to the statue of the Virgin Mary housed inside. Legend has it that in the 1600’s, a carriage carrying a stature of the Virgin Mary got stuck in the mud and could not be moved until the statue was removed. The owner took it as a sign and decided that Luján would be her home. The statue sits within the basilica and is now the reason for about five million visitors to the basilica and town per year.

Luján has a small river passing through, along which one will find families lounging on Sundays, lovers strolling, and children playing the continent’s favorite sport. Paddleboats are also available for rental. In addition, there is a small area with rickety rides - not quite big enough to call an amusement park, but enough to entertain the little ones for a while.

Getting There

To get to Luján, take Transportes Atlántida bus #57 from Plaza Italia in Palermo, Buenos Aires. The ride is about 2 hours, costs $4.50AR and drops travelers off at the bus station within walking distance all Luján has to offer.