Excursions from Buenos Aires: Lujan
Lujan is mostly known for its beautiful cathedral and the statue of the Virgin Mary. This town holds the name of La Capital de la Fe (the Capital of the Faith). It can make a great, one-day-long excursion from Buenos Aires.
Going there wasn’t a plan. We got invited to a beautiful wedding in a country very close to Lujan, which we decided to visit on a Sunday. The town was full of people, mostly to visit La Patrona of Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. The cathedral itself is extraordinary and I am not afraid to say that Notre Dame in Paris stands in a shade of this one. I had never heard of Lujan before and after doing some research I realized that it is not a very popular travel destination for non-Argentinians and I thought that it is a little bit overlooked. So if you have a spare day while staying in Buenos Aires province, visiting Lujan is a good idea.
What to see in Lujan
Luján, a city located in the Buenos Aires Province of Argentina, offers a blend of historical, religious, and cultural attractions. Here are some best places to visit in Luján:
- Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Luján: The Basilica of Our Lady of Luján is the most renowned attraction in the city. This impressive Neo-Gothic basilica houses the statue of the Virgin of Luján, Argentina’s patron saint. Pilgrims from all over the country visit this religious site.
- Museo de Transporte: The Transport Museum exhibits a wide range of historical vehicles, including carriages, cars, trains, and agricultural machinery, showcasing the evolution of transportation in Argentina.
- Luján Historical Museum: This museum provides insights into the local history, displaying artifacts, documents, and exhibitions related to the city’s past, colonial times, and the development of the region.
- Pueblo de la Paz: A small village near Luján, Pueblo de la Paz, preserves its historic colonial architecture, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of the 18th century.
- Luján Zoo: While controversial due to its housing of exotic animals, the Luján Zoo attracts visitors interested in seeing a variety of wildlife up close. It offers opportunities for interaction with some animals under supervision.
- Plaza Belgrano: Luján’s main square, Plaza Belgrano, is a pleasant place to relax, surrounded by trees, benches, and monuments. It’s often bustling with locals and tourists.
- Casa Ameghino: This historical building once belonged to the Ameghino family and now functions as a cultural center, hosting art exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events.
- Gastronomy and Local Cuisine: Explore local eateries and restaurants to savor Argentine cuisine, including traditional dishes like asado (barbecue), empanadas, and regional specialties.
- Churches and Colonial Architecture: Apart from the Basilica, Luján boasts several churches and colonial-style buildings that add to the city’s historical charm.
- Sanctuary of Our Lady of Luján Park: The surrounding park area of the basilica offers a serene environment for reflection, with gardens, sculptures, and spaces for quiet contemplation.
- Complejo Museografico Provincial “Enrique Udaondo”
Inside the museum complex, there are four areas. The one that I liked most is the Museo Colonial e Historico. In this part, you can find two historical buildings: Antiguo Cabildo (1770) and la Casa del Virrey, which are the monuments most significant for Argentinian history and well-known in the whole continent.
Visiting Luján provides an opportunity to experience Argentina’s religious heritage, delve into its history, and enjoy a blend of cultural and natural attractions.
See also:
Visiting Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires.
7 short excursions from Buenos Aires
Salta la Linda. A city in the north of Argentina you should visit.
4 steps to happiness in Bariloche if you are a chocolate lover.
Casino city of Mar del Plata- weekend escape from Buenos Aires
Where to stay in Lujan
Luján offers a variety of accommodation options catering to different preferences and budgets. For those seeking proximity to the Basilica and the city’s historical sites, staying in the downtown area around Plaza Belgrano is an excellent choice. Here, you’ll find a mix of hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs offering convenience and easy access to Luján’s main attractions. Some hotels situated near the basilica provide scenic views of this architectural marvel, enhancing the overall stay experience.
Additionally, for a more serene and peaceful atmosphere, outskirts and countryside accommodations provide a retreat-like setting. Several estancias (ranches) and rural lodges in the surrounding areas offer a taste of Argentine rural life, allowing guests to immerse themselves in nature, relax amidst tranquil landscapes, and experience farm activities.
Whether you opt for a centrally located hotel or prefer the tranquility of the countryside, Luján ensures a pleasant stay with its warm hospitality, local charm, and a range of accommodation choices. Travelers can select from various lodging options that suit their preferences, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable visit to this culturally rich city.
Accommodation recommendations for Lujan:
- Wyndham Garden Lujan– a beautiful hotel outside the city surrounded by nature. It has a swimming pool and breathtaking views from the rooms.
- Casa de campo– a countryside house with a pool.
- Casona Alegre– this apartment with a jacuzzi is a perfect place if you want to stay in the very center of Lujan.
Favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
- Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
- Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
- World Nomads travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
- Jack’s Flight Club is a service that can save you hundreds of dollars on flights, it works especially well in Europe.
- Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
- Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money.
- Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
- Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.
Thank you for visiting. What places would you recommend to visit in Argentina?
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¡Qué bonitas las fotos de Luján q habéis colgado en el blog! Están preciosas.
¡Y qué cielo tan azul se ve, maravilloso! Se nota q hace un tiempo y una temperatura ideales.
Felicitaciones.
Great job, Anna! I really enjoy reading your blog, for sure I will follow some of your advices on my next trip to Hispanoamérica in the near future!!
Hermosas fotos Anna! , te felicito !!! me alegro que hayas disfrutado pisar las tierras de María en Luján. Su cielo estrellado y su cielo azul. Me gusta mucho tu blog, seguiremos disfrutando tus envíos.- Éxitos y un abrazo y bendiciones desde Bs.As.
Nelly de Olivos
Muchas gracias Nelly.