Book Cheap Flights to Mar del Plata

About Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata is a classic beachside resort city in Argentina, located about 400 km south of Buenos Aires. A city this beautiful is known to attract large summer crowds, with numerous places of interest that include museums, aquariums and superb architecture to admire. Popular attractions include Torre Tanque, Mar del Plata Cathedral, and Laguna de los Padres.

Prepare to unwind on the beaches of this city, because cheap flights to Mar del Plata are now available for a limited period of time. Mar del Plata is home to Astor Piazzolla International Airport (MDQ), which is a 20-minute drive from the city centre. Astor Piazzolla International Airport serves a number of airlines, including Aerolíneas Argentinas. Popular connecting flights to Mar del Plata depart from Johannesburg and Cape Town. The flight duration from Johannesburg to Mar del Plata is approximately 28 hours.

Popular flights to Mar del Plata

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* Please note that the prices are subject to availability and block out dates do apply over peak season.

Why visit Mar del Plata

museums-mar-del-plata

Museums

The chosen location for a number of local and international artists, the museums of Mar del Plata cover a vast array of themes. You’ll be sure to appreciate the history of this Argentine city.

mar-del-plata-beaches

Beaches

Leisure time should be spent relaxing with the sun kissing your toes and a refreshing holiday drink in your hand. And the beaches of this Argentine resort city will definitely not disappoint.

tango-dances-mardel-plata

Tango

Feel the summertime soul of the city come alive with fiery evening tango performances. Get even more intimate with this playful dance by joining in a class and learning this classic, passionate dance yourself.

General information

Essential details you need to know before your trip

Country Argentina
Currency Argentine Peso
Exchange Rate 1 ZAR = 1.32 ARS
Language Spanish
Hub Airport Astor Piazzolla International Airport (MDQ)
Airline Aerolíneas Argentinas
Time Zone GMT-3
Travel Adaptor Type C & I

Best time to visit Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata is the second-most popular city in the country, after the capital city, Buenos Aires. Summer time can get excessively overcrowded, and the number of people during this time triples between June and August. It would be a better idea to visit during the shoulder seasons: plan your stay for some time between either September to November, or right after the summer time madness, from March to May. During this time, you will be able to enjoy the beaches and historic attractions without the queues and hassles that comes with peak season.

Weather & Climate in Mar del Plata

Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Low °C 13°C 13°C 12°C 9°C 6°C 4°C 3°C 5°C 5°C 7°C 9°C 11°C
High °C 25°C 24°C 23°C 20°C 16°C 13°C 12°C 13°C 14°C 17°C 21°C 23°C
Rainfall (mm) 82 74 98 87 72 55 61 57 61 82 69 80

Casually referred to as ‘Mardel’ by the locals, this beautiful city was once the elitist place to be in the 1930’s, with its high-end luxury hotels, glamourous A-list guests and elegant architecture. These days, the city still retains all of its charm, and is the vacation spot for all of Argentina, with some of the country’s most-loved beaches.

The most beautiful of these beaches, La Perla, is known to get especially crowded over the summer season; but is a dream to visit over the less common months of March to May (autumn), or from September to November (spring). Make sure to spend at least a few hours in this heavenly location. There are casual restaurants to eat at, or you could simply snack on favourites such as corn on the cob and sweet churros.

There is plenty to see in Mar del Plata on foot, and you should definitely walk through Plaza Colon and admire the old architecture and marvellous fountains. Take a stroll alongside the famous Rambla Casino and find yourself face-to-face with the two gigantic limestone seals that are often photographed by tourists.

Compare several airlines, and book your cheap flights to Mar del Plata online with Travelstart!

South Africans who wish to visit Argentina can do so without a visa. You should ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your arrival in the country.

For more information, please contact the embassy of Argentina.

Address: 200 Standard Bank Plaza, 440 Hilda Street, Hatfield, 0083, Pretoria

Phone: (+27) 012 430 3516

Fax: (+27) 012 430 3527

It is safe to visit Mar del Plata, as there is relatively little crime. Of course, as it is a top tourist destination and it gets crowded, it is always best to practice caution. Avoid walking around with large sums of money, try not to wear expensive or flashy clothing, and leave your valuables locked in your hotel safe.

It is recommended to get your routine vaccinations before your trip to Mar del Plata. There are no health travel requirements to enter Argentina, but it is a good idea to get a shot for hepatitis A and typhoid. Depending on your plans in the country, you might also be interested in getting a shot for hepatitis B, rabies and yellow fever. Please consult with your doctor about this before your trip.

Currently, there has been an outbreak of Zika in Argentina and pregnant women are not recommended to travel there. Zika is spread via mosquito bites and unprotected sexual encounters.

Item Cape Town Johannesburg Mar del Plata
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant R 90.00 R 100.00 R 124.72
Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) R 22.00 R 20.00 R 37.80
Cappuccino (Regular) R 19.00 R 20.00 R 32.76
Taxi 1 km (Normal Tariff) R 10.00 R 12.00 R 10.89
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) R 35.00 R 35.00 R 45.35
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