The General Pueyrredón district — home to the city of Mar del Plata — is much more than beaches and cliffs. Between Parque Camet, Sierra de los Padres, and Chapadmalal lies a world of countryside, pine forests, and equestrian tradition that makes the region one of Argentina's best destinations for horseback experiences, from high-level polo to beachfront rides. Here is our selection of the ten activities you shouldn't miss.
1. Polo Lessons at Argentina Polo School (Parque Camet, Mar del Plata Polo Club)
Topping the list, deservedly, is the region's most distinctive offering: learning to play polo at the facilities of the historic Mar del Plata Polo Club, inside Parque Camet. Argentina Polo School offers lessons for all levels — from first-time riders to players looking to refine their technique — with AAP-accredited instructors (Argentine Polo Association).
Lessons cover riding, mallet handling, game rules, and on-field tactics; all equipment is included, and classes are taught in Spanish, English, and Russian. It's an experience designed both for curious travelers and for seasoned players looking to raise their handicap in a setting of pine groves and open fields by the sea.
Lessons cover riding, mallet handling, game rules, and on-field tactics; all equipment is included, and classes are taught in Spanish, English, and Russian. It's an experience designed both for curious travelers and for seasoned players looking to raise their handicap in a setting of pine groves and open fields by the sea.
2. Argentina Polo School Cavalcades: Mar del Plata Polo Club and Chapadmalal (Station La Moringa)
Alongside its lessons, the school offers guided cavalcades in two very different settings. At the Mar del Plata Polo Club in Parque Camet, rides cross the club's own grounds while guides share the history of Argentine polo. In Chapadmalal, cavalcades run in partnership with Estancia La Moringa, on Provincial Route 11, where the landscape changes completely: rolling hills, groves, and rural quiet just minutes from the sea. It's the ideal choice for those who want to combine the world of polo with a more relaxed, scenic ride.
3. Beach Horseback Rides
Riding along the shoreline at a trot, hooves striking the wet sand with the Atlantic as a backdrop, is one of the Costa Atlántica's classic images. Several operators in southern Mar del Plata and Chapadmalal offer short rides — from thirty minutes to an hour — combining beach and woodland, suitable even for first-time riders.
4. Sunset and Full-Moon Rides
For a more contemplative experience, various operators organize night rides timed to the full moon, as well as sunrise outings. The contrast of pine forest, dunes, and sea under moonlight has become one of the region's most sought-after summer experiences.
5. Horseback Rides in Sierra de los Padres
Just a few kilometers from downtown Mar del Plata, Sierra de los Padres offers a hilly landscape unusual for Buenos Aires Province. Rides through its lagoons, streams, and woodlands are a perfect alternative for those seeking a more natural outing, away from the city and closer to local wildlife.
6. Forest and Cliff Rides in Chapadmalal
Known locally as "Chapa," Chapadmalal combines pine and eucalyptus forests with cliffs overlooking the sea. Its rides — many led by guides with generations of family tradition in the area — cross dunes, woodlands, and coastline, often finishing with a traditional Argentine asado.
7. Traditional Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Through the Pines
For those who'd rather enjoy the scenery without riding directly, horse-drawn carriage rides are a popular alternative in Chapadmalal and its historic estancias. It's an unhurried way to explore tree-lined roads and discover colonial-era homesteads and early 20th-century architecture.
8. Photo Safaris on Horseback at Traditional Estancias
Estancias such as Santa Isabel — with a riding school founded in the early 1900s and its long tree-lined galleries — offer horseback photo safaris: rides designed to capture local wildlife, sunsets, and rural architecture, ideal for travelers with a camera in hand.
9. Polo Practice and Tournaments for Advanced Players
Beyond beginner lessons, Argentina Polo School and the Mar del Plata Polo Club organize practice chukkers and tournaments throughout high season, drawing players from around the world. It's the go-to option for those with prior experience looking for friendly but competitive play.
10. A Day in the Countryside: Ride + Asado
Rounding out the list, several estancias in Chapadmalal and the surrounding area offer full-day outings combining a horseback ride, a tour of the historic homestead, and a traditional Argentine asado. It's the most complete way to experience Buenos Aires' rural culture in a single outing — perfect for families and groups of friends alike.
How to choose your activity: if your interest lies in the sport itself and you want to genuinely learn to play polo, Argentina Polo School in Parque Camet is the reference option. If you're after a more scenic, relaxed ride, the combination of the Mar del Plata Polo Club and Estancia La Moringa in Chapadmalal offers the best of both worlds — the prestige of polo and the rural beauty of the coast.
