Pergamino Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich, natural beauty of Pergamino, Buenos Aires with this comprehensive tour guide. Learn about the top attractions, food and drink scene, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to Pergamino

Located in the heart of Buenos Aires province in Argentina’s Pampas region, Pergamino is a city famous for its rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and inspiring history. Founded in 1648, Pergamino has been a thriving agricultural center since the 19th century. Visitors can experience the true spirit of Argentina while exploring the city’s museums, scenic routes, natural vistas, and local markets. In this comprehensive tour guide for Pergamino, we’ll explore the top attractions, food and drink scene, accommodations, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Pergamino

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Pergamino is home to an abundance of museums and historical attractions, all of which provide a unique glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture.

  • Museo Histórico Regional Guillermo Enrique Hudson: This museum provides visitors with an insight into the life of one of Pergamino’s most famous residents, William Henry Hudson. The museum houses some of Hudson’s personal belongings, as well as many objects from his life.
  • Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes Giuseppe Bernardino Bisoni: The museum showcases contemporary art from both Argentina and around the world. Visitors can also learn about the famous local artist, Giuseppe Bernardino Bisoni.
  • Casa de la Cultura: This beautiful building is the city’s cultural center and hosts exhibitions, events, and workshops related to art, music, and literature.

Natural Attractions of Pergamino: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Pergamino is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, which makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, who can go hiking, biking, or enjoy scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

  • Reserva Natural Salto Las Rosas: Located just 30 km from Pergamino, this nature reserve offers a stunning view of the Salto Las Rosas waterfall, and many opportunities for bird watching, hiking, or just enjoying the peaceful nature.
  • Parque Municipal General San Martín: A popular spot among locals, this park features a lake with pedal boats, a playground, and a picnic area.
  • Laguna El Potrerillo: An excellent destination for nature lovers, this lagoon is an ideal place for bird watching, boating, or just sitting and enjoying the view.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pergamino

If you are an adventure enthusiast, Pergamino has plenty of opportunities for you to explore the countryside by bike or on foot.

  • Circuito de las Lomas: A 12 km bike route that takes you through the beautiful countryside.
  • Los Eucaliptus: A 5 km hiking trail that starts at the entrance of the Salto Las Rosas Nature Reserve and offers some stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Sendero El Gauchito: Another popular option for hiking enthusiasts, this trail is 6.5 km long and weaves through the agricultural fields surrounding Pergamino.

Best Things to Do in Pergamino: Activities and Tours

From cultural experiences to outdoor activities, there are plenty of things to do in Pergamino to keep visitors engaged and entertained.

  • Visit the Central Market: A hub of local culture, the market is the best place to sample regional foods, buy some local handicrafts or souvenirs, and mingle with the locals.
  • Try horseback riding: Pergamino is famous for its horse culture. Visitors can book horseback riding tours and enjoy the local beauty of the surrounding countryside.
  • Take a brewery tour: Craft beer is growing in popularity in Argentina, and Pergamino is home to several local breweries. Visitors can take a tour and learn about the beer-making process while sampling some local brews.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pergamino

For visitors who want to experience all that Pergamino has to offer, here is a week-long itinerary that includes some of the city’s highlights:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Museo Histórico Regional Guillermo Enrique Hudson
Day 2 Spend the day exploring Parque Municipal General San Martín
Day 3 Go on a hiking tour of Los Eucaliptus
Day 4 Take a brewery tour of the local breweries
Day 5 Visit the local Central Market and buy some souvenirs
Day 6 Spend a day relaxing at Laguna El Potrerillo
Day 7 Explore the Casa de la Cultura and the Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes Giuseppe Bernardino Bisoni

Food and Drink Scene of Pergamino

The food scene in Pergamino is deeply rooted in the region’s agricultural heritage and local ingredients. Here are some of the area’s must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Asado: A traditional Argentine barbecue, asado is a must-try dish in Pergamino. Visitors can experience the best asado at local parrillas (steakhouses).
  • Empanadas: These are small pastries that are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, cheese, or ham, and are baked or fried to perfection. It’s the perfect snack or a meal option.
  • Milanesa: A breaded and fried meat preparation, similar to a schnitzel. It is usually served with mashed potatoes and vegetables in local restaurants.

Local Beverages

  • Mate: A traditional Argentine tea, mate is not just a beverage but has also become a social ritual. It’s prepared in a calabash and drunk through a metal straw. The locals drink it anytime, anywhere, and it’s not something that visitors should miss when visiting Pergamino.
  • Fernet con coca: A cocktail made with fernet and Coca-Cola, Fernet con coca is a popular drink among Argentinians. It is an acquired taste but worth trying at least once during your visit.

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

Pergamino offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious boutique hotels.

  • Hotel Americano: A classic hotel that’s well-known for its elegant rooms and exceptional service. It is located downtown and has an on-site restaurant.
  • Hotel Los Bosques: A modern hotel that offers comfortable rooms and a range of amenities, including an outdoor pool, fitness center, and spa.
  • Hostel Pergamino: A budget-friendly option with basic amenities, including a shared kitchen, lounge area, and free Wi-Fi.

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

Pergamino is famous for its agricultural heritage. There are unique handicrafts and products available that make for excellent souvenirs, including:

  • Leather goods: Argentina is known for its leather products, and visitors can find a variety of leather goods, including belts, wallets, and bags.
  • Artisanal craft works: There are many local artists and artisans in Pergamino that create unique handicrafts, such as traditional pottery, woven baskets and textiles, and handmade silver jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of Pergamino

Argentina is famous for its passionate people, love for tango, and its vibrant culture. In Pergamino, locals are particularly proud of the area’s agricultural heritage, and visitors will often find themselves surrounded by farm fields and cattle ranches. It is not uncommon for locals to engage in conversations about farming and livestock over dinner or drinks.

Best Time to Visit Pergamino

The best time to visit Pergamino is during the fall months of March to May, when the weather is mild, and the summer crowds have dissipated. The winters can get very cold, and summers are hot and humid.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pergamino

Here are some do’s and don’ts for visitors to Pergamino:

Do:

  • Learn some Spanish before you arrive. English is not widely spoken in Pergamino.
  • Be respectful to the locals and their culture. Learn about the local customs and traditions before visiting.
  • Try the local cuisine. There’s no better way to experience the city’s culture than by sampling its food.

Don’t:

  • Excessively haggle while shopping or give too low of an amount for a service. Bargaining is not common in local markets.
  • Ignore the safety rules while hiking, cycling, or during other outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Pergamino

Pergamino is a safe place to visit, but like any other city, visitors should take extra care with their belongings and keep an eye out for pickpockets in crowded areas. It’s also important to be vigilant when traveling on public transportation and avoid walking alone at night.

Health in Pergamino

Visitors don’t need any special vaccinations before visiting Pergamino. However, it’s essential to drink bottled water and avoid any uncooked or unpeeled fruits and vegetables.

Getting to Pergamino: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Pergamino

The nearest international airports to Pergamino are:

  • Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) – 181 km from Pergamino
  • Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) – 174 km from Pergamino

From both airports, visitors can take a bus to Retiro Station in Buenos Aires and then take a local bus or a train to Pergamino.

Bus Stations Near Pergamino

Pergamino has a central bus station that connects the city to the rest of the country. Visitors can take a bus from Buenos Aires or any other major city in Argentina to Pergamino.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car from Buenos Aires and drive to Pergamino, which is a scenic three-hour drive. Another option is to take a train from Buenos Aires or from some nearby cities like Rosario and Tucuman.

How to Get Around in Pergamino

Pergamino is relatively small, and most of the city’s attractions are within walking distance. Visitors can use local taxis or hire a car or bike to explore the surrounding countryside. Most of the hotels and hostels in the city can also arrange transportation for visitors.

Where to Go Next from Pergamino: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Pergamino is located in an ideal location for exploring other cities and sites in the surrounding area. These are some of the nearby destinations and excursions visitors can explore:

  • Salto: A small town located just 26 km from Pergamino, where visitors can see the famous natural landmark, Salto Las Rosas.
  • Junin: A larger city located 60 km from Pergamino, with its own array of museums, parks and a variety of shops.
  • Buenos Aires: The capital city of Argentina, located 180 km from Pergamino.

Conclusion

Pergamino is a cultural and natural gem of Argentina, offering visitors a chance to experience the country’s rich agricultural heritage, fascinating museums, and beautiful countryside. With this comprehensive tour guide, visitors can make the most out of their trip by exploring Pergamino’s top attractions, food, and drink scene, accommodations, and other useful tips. So pack your bags, layer accordingly and explore Pergamino in style.