Traveling through the Buenos Aires countryside is the best way to break from routine without having to plan long trips. Capilla del Señor is located in the province of Buenos Aires , just over an hour from the city of Buenos Aires. It was the first town in Buenos Aires province to be declared a National Historic Monument (in 1994), so it still retains its original layout and century-old architecture.
This destination is steeped in history and gaucho tradition. It's the perfect place to unwind, stroll along cobblestone streets, and savor local cuisine . Below you'll find all the information you need about routes, historical attractions, accommodation options, and rural excursions. You can also check out our options for getaways and day trips from Buenos Aires .
Where is Exaltación de la Cruz located and how to get there
Capilla del Señor is the main city of the Exaltación de la Cruz district , in the northeast of Buenos Aires province. The town is located exactly 82 kilometers from the City of Buenos Aires (CABA), and the fastest way to get there is by car.
Take the Pan-American Highway (National Route 8) towards Pilar . At kilometer 68 (Parada Robles intersection), turn right onto Provincial Route 39 , continuing for 14 kilometers on paved road until you reach the town entrance. The trip takes approximately one and a half hours.
For those without a vehicle, public transportation is a viable, albeit slower, option. You can travel on the San Martín train line from Retiro to Pilar station, and there transfer to the diesel service that goes directly to Capilla del Señor station . There are also bus services (Line 57 - Expreso Atlántida) that depart from Plaza Italia (Palermo) and reach the town center in just over two hours.
And if you don't have a vehicle but want to arrive comfortably and with everything organized, the best option is to book excursions or guided tours. Let's look at the most recommended ones.
Rural tourism: stays in Capilla del Señor, Buenos Aires province
The true charm of the Exaltación de la Cruz region lies in its vast plains and cattle-ranching tradition. If you're looking for an immersion in gaucho culture without worrying about transportation logistics, the Day Trip to Estancia Don Silvano is the perfect choice.
This traditional ranch welcomes you with meat empanadas and wine. The itinerary includes an authentic Argentine barbecue cooked on a spit, accompanied by salads and homemade desserts . In the afternoon, you can enjoy horseback riding or carriage rides , and witness a folkloric show featuring traditional dances, gaucho skills such as the "ring race," and demonstrations of Indian horsemanship . Finally, you return to Buenos Aires before nightfall.
The polo capital: exclusive experiences
As part of the northern region of Buenos Aires province, Capilla del Señor is famous for horse breeding and polo . If you're interested in this high-performance sport, you can't miss the Polo Tour experience .
This full-day program includes a visit to a professional polo field. There, guides explain the rules of the game, the selection of horses, and the players' equipment . The experience culminates with a practical lesson on riding and hitting the ball , followed by a traditional lunch.
The night variant is the The Polo Night excursion in Capilla del Señor begins at sunset with an appetizer of empanadas and local wines. The highlight is watching a professional nighttime polo match on a floodlit field, a unique experience in the region . The event concludes with a barbecue under the stars, sharing the space with the players themselves.
Things to do in Capilla del Señor: urban tour and history
The historic center of Capilla is easily explored on foot, as its main attractions are concentrated around the main square. The starting point for any visit is Plaza San Martín, the town's civic and social center . On weekends, this square comes alive with local artisan markets.
Facing the plaza stands the Church of Capilla del Señor (Parish of the Exaltation of the Cross). This church has a Neo-Renaissance façade and a bell tower that dominates the town's skyline. Its current construction was completed in 1866, but the original church dates back to 1735, marking the town's founding. Its interior is austere, with stained-glass windows and altars of great historical value.
House of Culture of Capilla del Señor and museums
As you stroll along the streets surrounding the plaza, you'll see colonial-style houses with wrought-iron gates and original 19th-century facades . A must-see is the Capilla del Señor Cultural Center (located on Rivadavia Street). This historic building served as the town's first school, but today it houses temporary art exhibitions, musical events, and the Municipal Historical Archive .
A few blocks away is the Buenos Aires Journalism Museum . It's housed in the mansion where "El Monitor de la Campaña," the first newspaper in the province's rural interior, was printed in 1871. The museum displays the original Marinoni hand-operated printing press, imported from Paris , and documents the evolution of the printed press in Argentina.
Gastronomy in Capilla del Señor: Where to eat?
Lunchtime and dinnertime bring out the town's culinary offerings, centered on home-style cooking and Creole traditions. Traditional taverns and general stores operate along the main square and surrounding streets .
On weekends, it's essential to arrive early or book in advance, as the shops fill up with tourists who come to spend the day. In the afternoon, the town's bakeries (some with centuries-old wood-fired ovens) offer pastries, traditional Argentine cakes, and country biscuits, perfect to enjoy with mate in the plaza or along the railway tracks.
Let's look at the most recommended places to eat in Capilla del Señor.
Still lifes and grills in Capilla del Señor
On the corner of Urcelay and Casco streets is El Mirador Bodegón (1862) , housed in a two-story building that once served as a general store. Their most popular dish is the breaded cutlet with Roquefort cheese and French fries , perfect for sharing. Due to high demand on weekends, it's advisable to reserve a table in advance.
Nearby, at the corner of Mitre and 25 de Mayo, La Fusta Bar preserves the aesthetic of an old-fashioned general store with exposed brick walls and rustic furniture. It's a popular meeting place for locals during vermouth hour, where they serve snacks with local cold cuts and ravioli with stew in a relaxed atmosphere .
If you're looking for a quick stop while exploring the historic center, Di Trevi, located at Rivadavia 411 , right across from Plaza San Martín, is the place for you. The restaurant features a heated interior patio for winter and its menu focuses on wood-fired pizzas and pasta .
Finally, Parrilla El Paisano is perfect for sitting down to a barbecue without leaving the city limits. It's a neighborhood spot, affordable and focused on the quality of classic cuts like flank steak and short ribs. It's located next to the Mitre train station.
Restaurants in Capilla del Señor
Located at Mitre 400 is Los Naranjos , a restaurant housed in a restored townhouse. Its menu features dishes such as lamb sorrentinos, venison goulash, and ribeye steak with bacon , complemented by a carefully curated wine selection.
A unique experience awaits at Casa Oliva , a private restaurant nestled in a natural setting at 580 Rivadavia Street. Its menu is organized into courses based on seasonal ingredients, highlighting fresh meats, vegetables, and pastas in signature combinations . To enter, you must contact them through their digital channels and confirm your attendance.
Cafes and places to have a snack
Afternoon tea time in Capilla del Señor offers a mix of new trends and local classics. Rèveillez Café, located at Moreno 411 , has introduced specialty coffee in a modern space that welcomes pets. Its menu focuses on filter coffee, barista-prepared coffees, and French-style pastries such as croissants and pain au chocolat.
In contrast, La Dominga maintains the essence of a traditional tea room . Its homemade cakes, such as lemon pie or chocotorta, are large, ideal for sharing in the center of the table after a day of hiking.
Accommodation in Capilla del Señor, Buenos Aires province
Unlike in large cities, accommodation in Capilla del Señor isn't limited to international chain hotels. The best options are staying in guesthouses or boutique hotels housed in restored mansions in the historic center. Another choice is cabins on the outskirts , with spacious grounds and inns offering personalized service and homemade breakfasts.
The complete experience of spending the night in the countryside is unbeatable at places like Estancia El Cencerro . This 3-star accommodation operates in a former ranch house surrounded by a vast wooded park, just a few kilometers from town. It features fully equipped rooms with rustic décor, an outdoor swimming pool, sports courts, and full board with home-cooked meals . It's the ideal retreat for families or couples looking to wake up to the sound of birds and enjoy rural tourism in an authentic setting.