Chascomús
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Traditional in its way of life, the town of Chascomús is in the northeast of the province of Buenos Aires, offering its customs and beauty to all who come to visit. It is considered the capital of mini-tourism, with a variety of recreational activities, perfect for a little getaway, without traveling too far from the major urban centers.
Chascomús, Buenos Aires
Old houses, narrow, winding cobblestone streets, and historical touches at every step, Chascomús is like a large-scale, living museum exhibition. The main attractions in town contribute to this feeling, capturing the history of the area. The Casa de Casco is one of the principal sights to see, which has also been called La Casa de Rosas. It was constructed in 1831 upon Vicente Casco’s orders. Casco was later executed for treason, while the house, still in excellent condition, was ironically chosen to be the venue for the celebration of the federal triumph.
Plaza Independencia is another important historic sight, sitting upon the land where Chascomús was originally founded in 1779. From here, the city expanded and grew into what it is today. A statue honoring General San Martín was erected in 1912, and a municipal order has protected the colonial feel of the area since 1938.
Finally, don’t miss the Iglesia Catedral, a church built in 1879, for the patrons San Juan Bautista and Nuestra Señora de la Merced. Since 1980, the church has officially been a cathedral, thanks to Pope Juan Pablo II.
Other important sights to see while in town include the Capilla de los Negros, which served the black population of Chascomús, and served as a refuge from the yellow fever and cholera epidemics that attacked the city in 1868. The Museo Pampeano is a multifaceted museum, which features permanent exhibitions of the indigenous culture, as well as of the life and customs of the Argentine gaucho, and of the everyday life in Chascomús in the 18th and 19th centuries. Castillo de la Amistad is another interesting sight: an old castle built because of the magic of friendship, as a group of neighbors decided to celebrate Día del Amigo (Friend’s Day), a major national holiday, in a manner more extraordinary than usual. This Kingdom of Friendship even hosted dances on the shores of the lake, in its heyday.
You will also want to take a stroll through the Parque de los Libres del Sur, a park filled with pine trees, eucalyptus, cedars, carob trees, and other vegetation, creating a relaxing environment with plenty of shade under which you can escape a hot summer day. The large park runs right up to the bank of the lake in the city’s central natural spa.
There are also plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Chascomús, from hiking to horseback riding to sport fishing. While many of these activities can be enjoyed alone, there are also plenty of local, knowledgeable guides who can help you get the most out of your time.
The city has plenty of accommodation and great restaurants. To arrive, simply head 120 kilometers south of the city of Buenos Aires along Autovía 2. For more information about traveling in Argentina, see this Argentina travel guide.