Necochea Travel Guide

Explore the culturally and naturally rich Necochea and make your journey wonderful.


Introduction to Necochea

Located in the Buenos Aires province of Pampas, Argentina, Necochea is a beautiful city known for its pristine beaches, stunning sunsets, and cultural landmarks. Its strategic location at the mouth of the Quequén Grande River has made it one of the busiest ports in the region. Necochea is dotted with parks, museums, churches, and monuments, making it a perfect destination for a memorable vacation.

List of Places to Visit in Necochea

Here is a list of the must-visit places in Necochea:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Municipal Museum of History: It displays the history and culture of Necochea. The museum has a vast collection of artifacts, antiques, and objects related to the city’s early days.
  • Puente Colgante Mariano Moreno: It is an iconic suspension bridge that connects the city of Necochea and Quequén. It is listed as a National Historic Monument.
  • Querandí Museum: It has a comprehensive collection of indigenous history and exhibits artifacts from ancient times.

Natural Attractions of Necochea: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Quequén Grande River: A boat ride on the Quequén Grande River will take you through beautiful scenery surrounded by lush green forests.
  • La Dulce Beach: Located on the coast of Necochea, it is a secluded beach surrounded by cliffs and is perfect for picnicking and fishing.
  • Parque Miguel Lillo: A large nature reserve that offers various outdoor activities like hiking, biking, golfing, and bird watching.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Necochea

Necochea is famous for its hiking and biking trails that offer excellent views of the surrounding nature.

  • La Cascada: A popular hiking trail in Necochea, which leads to a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
  • Bicycles in Necochea: Visitors can rent bicycles right on the beachfront. The rental companies provide bicycles equipped for different types of terrain.

Best Things to Do in Necochea: Activities and Tours

  • Tour of the Coastal Lighthouse: A guided tour that lets you explore the lighthouse at the coast of Necochea and witness stunning views of the ocean and the surroundings.
  • Sea Kayaking and Surfing: There are several operators that offer sea kayaking and surfing classes for visitors on the beaches of Necochea.

Week-Long Itinerary for Necochea

Here is an ideal itinerary for a week-long trip to Necochea:

Day 1 - Arrive in Necochea and visit Puente Colgante Mariano Moreno

Day 2 - Explore the Municipal Museum of History and La Cascada

Day 3 - Visit Querandí Museum and go sea kayaking

Day 4 - Tour the Coastal Lighthouse and go surfing

Day 5 - Relax on the La Dulce beach and enjoy a picnic

Day 6 - Play golf, hike the Parque Miguel Lillo, and visit nearby towns

Day 7 - Shop and bring back souvenirs and local products from Necochea and depart in the afternoon.

Food and Drink Scene of Necochea

Argentine cuisine is famous for its grilled meat, wine, and empanadas. Necochea offers many traditional Argentine dishes and local seafood.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Asado: Traditional Argentine barbecue that includes grilled meat and vegetables like beef, chicken, and sausages.
  • Empanadas: Handheld pies stuffed with meat, cheese, chicken, and vegetables.
  • Milanesa: Battered and fried meat cutlets, usually made with beef or chicken.

Local Beverages

  • Mate: A popular local tea made from yerba mate leaves and sipped from a gourd with a metal straw.
  • Malbec: A red wine variety grown extensively in Argentina.
  • Quilmes beer: A popular Argentine beer made by the Quilmes Brewery.

Where to Stay in Necochea: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Necochea offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences.

  • Hotel Neptuno: A four-star hotel that provides luxurious amenities and easy access to the beach.
  • Hostel Don Felipe: A cozy and affordable backpacker hostel in the heart of Necochea.
  • Brisas de Necochea: A peaceful guesthouse located on the beachfront, with private balconies and sea views.

What to Buy in Necochea: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Alfajores: A type of cookies filled with dulce de leche and covered with icing sugar or chocolate.
  • Mate gourds and bombillas: Take back home a locally handcrafted mate gourd set as a souvenir.
  • Handmade knitwear: The cold weather in Necochea makes it a perfect place for handmade knitwear, a perfect Necochea souvenir for your loved ones.

Local Culture and Customs of Necochea

Necochea is known for its vibrant and traditional culture that is heavily influenced by Spanish and Italian immigrants. Some of the local customs and traditions include:

  • Spanish is the spoken language in Necochea.
  • Locals are very welcoming towards tourists and expect visitors to respond in kind.
  • It’s considered rude not to greet someone with a kiss on the cheek, especially during social gatherings.

Best Time to Visit Necochea

The best time to visit Necochea is during the summer season from December to February when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors can also plan their trip during the fall season from March to June, which offers a more relaxed and quieter environment.

Do’s and Don’ts of Necochea

Do:

  • Respect local customs and speak respectfully.
  • Try the Argentine cuisine and enjoy traditional mate tea.
  • Learn a little Spanish to interact more easily with locals.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter on the beaches and parks and respect nature.
  • Don’t drink and drive.
  • Don’t forget to wear sunscreen, even on overcast days.

Safety and Health

Safety in Necochea

Necochea is a relatively safe city, but as with any tourist destination, visitors should take some precautions to avoid petty crimes like theft and pickpocketing.

Health in Necochea

Necochea has good healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics. Visitors are advised to take travel insurance and carry any necessary medications.

Getting to Necochea: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can reach Necochea by air, land or sea.

Airports Near Necochea

The nearest airport to Necochea is the Astor Piazzolla International Airport, located in Mar del Plata, a three-hour drive from Necochea.

Bus Stations Near Necochea

Necochea has a central bus station that offers regular services to most major cities in Argentina.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent cars to drive through the scenic landscapes and make their way to Necochea.

How to Get Around in Necochea

Visitors can easily move around Necochea using public transport, rental cars, bicycles, and on-foot. Taxis and buses are affordable and available throughout Necochea.

Where to Go Next from Necochea: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Mar del Plata: A buzzing beach town known for its nightlife, casinos, and seafood markets.
  • Sierra de la Ventana: A mountain range in Pampas known for its scenic beauty and hiking trails.
  • Miramar: A popular seaside resort town known for its sandy beaches and a serene environment.

Conclusion

Necochea is a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrancy. From its beautiful beaches to cultural landmarks, Necochea has a lot to offer. This comprehensive travel guide can help you plan your trip and make the most out of your visit to this beautiful Argentine city.

Beach of Necochea Beach of Necochea