from the Tourist Unit to the cliffs and small forests

Mar del Plata and its surroundings are associated with its beaches and a series of popular icons: La Rambla as an emblem of Alejandro Bustillo’s construction, the monument to the sea lion, the bustle of Bristol… And so the list could go on.

But the main city of the General Pueyrredón district, along with other nearby towns, also offers the possibility of doing placid walks, which combine the sea with the countryside. Mar del Plata as a trekking destination, but also the trip on foot as a way to get to know the surroundings of that city that we all feel close to in more depth.

For some time now, guide Juan Pablo Marchesi Vignolo has offered several interpretive circuits of natural spaces of Mar del Plata and its areas of influence.

“We started with the tours in 2013 through the city and through spaces that have not been altered by man. We were combining scenarios with the idea of ​​innovating and enhancing attractions,” says Marchesi Vignolo.

The proposals are for a wide range of age and physical condition. There is circular itineraries of just over two kilometers and other linear of about 10 and up to 15 kilometers in half a day or a whole day. It is recommended to bring a hat, white t-shirt, sunglasses and sunscreen. And a swimsuit in case you’re tempted for a dip in the middle of the road.

He Starting point of one of the most requested tours is the Chapadmalal Tourist Unitthe national historic monument that has nine hotels and complementary buildings for administration, medical service and general services.

“We tour the entire space, which on many occasions people see only from the car. We stop at the Chapadmalal Stream reservoirwhere recreational activities were carried out. The place was shared between the temporary residents of social tourism and the neighbor of the area. That is why it is so entrenched in the collective memory,” he says.

From there, the environment that one knows changes. The steps are lost on extensive beaches, but also in cliffs and small forests of lambertiana pines and eucalyptus.

“On the other side of Route 11, the lush forests guard the first constructions of the place along with the most modern ones. There we surrounded rural roads, streams and waterfalls, in addition to being distracted by the singing of birds. Also We tell Chapadmalal’s link with surfing and as a new destination for young people”says the guide, who also makes other excursions to Balcarce, Laguna de los Padres, southern beaches, Bosque Peralta Ramos and Mar Chiquita. The routes are adapted to each group.

The idea of ​​these tours is also break with seasonality of the area, very crowded in summer and with much less public during the rest of the year.

“Ours is a sun and beach destination, with many visits in a short time. Due to the demographic density of locals and visitors, there is a frenetic pace. Our excursions propose the opposite: live in the here and now and return to the origins. We do it by appreciating natural landscapes with their own dynamics. We want to turn off the noise and for the trip to transform us as well,” adds Marchesi Vignolo.

When the walk comes to an end, there will be vivid images of the landscaped hills, the trees, the cliffs and the sea that always turns us, even for a while, into contemplative beings.

• Walks from $18,500. Minors (up to 10 years old) free of charge and from 10 to 18 years old pay 50%. Prices vary according to the duration and route and include, in addition to the guide, water, snacks, fruits and repellent. Small groups; prior reservation required.

• More information: on Instagram @experiencias_memorables; 0223 5307264.