Tigre Delta: Day Trips and Tours from Buenos Aires

After only an hour’s boat ride, you’ll be transported from a bustling capital city to a tranquil, green oasis on a day trip to Tigre Delta from Buenos Aires. See for yourself the islands and canals that the New York Times has described as “what Venice might have looked like before development.”

After sailing up one of the largest natural deltas in the world, you will arrive to Tigre and explore the Puerto de Frutos, where the stalls are bursting with local fruits. Try one of the best empanadas in the city and then move on to the impressive Cathedral of San Isidro.

Whether you’re seeking heaven on earth or a testament to what lies beyond, the Tigre Delta has what you’re looking for.

Continue reading to learn more about Tigre Delta, one of the most exciting day trips from Buenos Aires.

How to get to Tigre Delta from Buenos Aires?

Only around 30 kilometers north of Buenos Aires, an hour’s train or boat journey is all you need to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital.

From Buenos Aires to Tigre Delta by car

Driving is the fastest option to reach Tigre Delta and will take about 40 minutes. Take Au Panamericana (RN9) north until you see exit signs for Tigre.

From Buenos Aires to Tigre Delta by train

Train rides to Tigre Delta will take a little over an hour. Take the Mitre line towards Tigre until the last stop — Tigre station. Please note that the Buenos Aires train lines are regularly closed or diverted due to construction.

Guided tour to Tigre Delta from Buenos Aires by boat

Guided tours is the most convenient option to visit Tigre Delta. Round-trip tours include pickup and drop-off at most hotels in Buenos Aires.

In the morning, you will be transferred from your hotel to the port for a 90-minute boat cruise up the Río de la Plata through narrow channels passing islands in the delta of the Parana river.

What does the typical Tigre Delta day trip look like?

Around 9 AM, you will be picked up directly from your hotel in Buenos Aires. You will then be taken to the port to board a first-class sail or motor boat for a scenic cruise up the widest river in the world — la Río de la Plata.

First, you will enjoy views of the city until reaching the narrow channels of the Parana river delta. Here you will pass small islands and immediately sense the slower pace of life and understand why “porteños” have rediscovered this area as a green escape from the big city.

You will eventually stop for snacks and shopping at the Puerto de Fruto, or Fruit Port, and to visit the San Isidro Cathedral. On the way, you will also see the elegant residences on the islands and suburbs of Buenos Aires, including the Presidential Residence of Quinta de Olivos.

The tours generally last from 5 to 7 hours, which will give you plenty of time to have lunch and enjoy the art and naval museums in Tigre. Before sundown, you will be dropped off directly at your hotel in Buenos Aires.

What kinds of tours are there for Tigre Delta?

Guided tours to Tigre Delta from Buenos Aires

On your excursion to Tigre Delta, you will visit the Puerto de Fruto and the San Isidro Cathedral. From the boat, you will first enjoy views of the city and then the islands in the Tigre delta.

You can upgrade the experience by adding lunch, dinner or a tango show. You can also choose to travel by sail or motorboat with a small or large group.

Private tour to Tigre Delta from Buenos Aires

For a more exclusive jaunt to Tigre Delta, you can choose a private tour by sail or motor boat for a relaxing time with only your friends and family. Private tours include pickup and drop-off directly at your hotel. You can choose between a half-day or full-day tour.

2-Day tour to Tigre Delta plus Gaucho day tour from Buenos Aires

Combine your day trip to Tigre Delta with a half-day tour of the capital and a full day in the Argentine pampas experiencing life as a gaucho.

Ride through the ranch on horseback or horse-drawn carriage. Feast on empanadas and an assortment of grilled meats while sipping on Yerba maté or a glass of wine. Enjoy the gauchos showing off their skills at throwing “boleadoras” and herding animals, among other demonstrations.

Beach Cruiser bike tour

On a bike tour in Buenos Aires, you will meet in the morning in the city center and travel to Tigre by train. (Round-trip train tickets are included). Then, you will hop on a Beach Cruiser bicycle to explore the Tigre Delta with your guide and a small group of riders (15 people max). Tours last around six hours. Rain gear is provided if necessary.

Tigre Delta kayak tour

On a kayaking tour in Buenos Aires, you will need to prepare yourself for a full day of physical activity. First, you will bike through the green lung of Buenos Aires, Los Bosques de Palermo, until you reach Tigre. Then, you will kayak around the Tigre Delta and its islands. You’ll be sure to build up an appetite, but don’t worry — water, Yerba maté, snacks and an asado lunch are all included.

What's the average price for a day trip to Tigre Delta from Buenos Aires?

A basic day tour to Tigre Delta from Buenos Aires costs from US$40 to US$80 per person. These tours generally include hotel pickup and often also include drop-off. The transport to Tigre Delta from Buenos Aires will usually be by sail or motor boat, although some tours are by train.

The difference in price is mostly due to group size, boat type and duration of the tour.

A premium day tour to Tigre Delta from Buenos Aires costs from US$100 to US$300 per person. The difference in price reflects the group size (small group or private), boat type and duration of the tour.

Also, you can choose a package with extra amenities, such as bike riding, kayaking, lunch, dinner, drinks or even a tango show.

What activities can you see and do there?

Boat ride on Río de la Plata and the Tigre Delta

A highlight of the excursion is the view from the boat as you sail up the Río de la Plata from the center of Buenos Aires to the narrow channels of the Tigre Delta.

With its scenic waterways and green islands, you will see why this has become a popular weekend destination for locals and get to experience the laid-back rhythm of the “isleños” that call the delta home.

Puerto de Frutos

This is a traditional fruit market where all the fruit produced in the Paraná delta would be on display to eventually be shipped to Buenos Aires and the rest of the world. You can still find fresh, local fruits and vegetables, along with authentic souvenirs. Be sure to try some of the national savory pastries — empanadas.

San Isidro Cathedral

Dating from the late 19th century, this is the main Catholic church of San Isidro. Its main tower reaches a height of 70 meters, and its Neo-Gothic design lends it an imposing beauty that wouldn’t feel out of place in any major northern European city.

What's the best time of year to visit Tigre Delta?

Although it’s possible to visit Tigre Delta year-round, the best time to visit is spring (September to November) or autumn (April to June), so you can avoid the summer heat. Don’t forget that Argentina is in the southern hemisphere, so it’s winter there when it’s summer in the northern hemisphere and vice versa.

What are the other day trips from Buenos Aires?

• Iguazu Falls — See the largest waterfall system in the world on a day trip to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires.
• La Plata — Explore the architectural and geological history on a day trip to La Plata from Buenos Aires.
• San Isidro — Visit one of the largest Neo-Gothic cathedrals in the world on a day trip to San Isidro from Buenos Aires.
• On a Gaucho day tour from Buenos Aires, you can live, eat and drink as a gaucho for the day. Some of the most popular gaucho tours are at San Antonio de Areco, Santa Susana Ranch and Don Silvano Ranch.

Travel tips

• Check the weather forecast before booking. Boat tours to Tigre Delta from Buenos Aires will not depart if the weather is bad. Although refunds are given in the case of cancellations, it’s best to avoid the hassle if you can.
• Bring snacks and water. Many of the tours include such amenities, but some don’t. If you tend to get seasick, some crackers or medication could help relieve any nausea.
• Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. You’ll be out on the water, so those pesky UV rays will be hitting from above and below.