Mar del Plata

Where to stay

Budget hostels cluster in two main zones: the port area (Puerto), where prices are lowest but you are a walk from the beach, and the northern end of Playa Grande, closer to the promenade and the casino. The upscale Los Troncos neighborhood is scenic but pricey and far from the action, while the central Güemes street area offers a middle ground with shops and transit links.

Getting around

• Buses from Buenos Aires (Retiro or Terminal de Ómnibus) take about five and a half hours and are far cheaper than flying or driving. The bus terminal is on the edge of town, so factor in a short taxi or bus ride to your hostel upon arrival.
• The local bus network is extensive but requires a prepaid card, which you can buy and reload at the bus terminal or local kiosks. Taxis are relatively affordable for short hops, but agree on the fare before getting in if the meter isn't used.
• Mar del Plata is a massive domestic beach resort. Outside of summer, the city is quiet and prices drop significantly, but some seasonal services may be limited. In peak season, book well in advance as beds fill up fast with Argentine holidaymakers.

When to go

Hostels are cheapest and easiest to book from May through October, when the weather is cooler and the city is quiet. Prices spike and rooms vanish from December through March, especially during Argentine school holidays in January and February, when the city swells with domestic tourists.