With a forecasted heat wave keeping temperatures above 27 degrees and a feels-like temperature of 29°C for the start of the week, many porteños are looking for ways to cool down without the costs of a long stay. According to a survey by the Argentine News Agency, the strategy of a 'day trip' to Mar del Plata is becoming a popular alternative: it involves traveling at night to sleep on the road and renting a tent to serve as a 'day hotel' to shower before the return.
Below is a breakdown of costs and logistics for this 'lightning-fast' trip next Monday, January 26.
The Trip: Sleeping on Wheels The key to the plan is to save on accommodation by traveling on executive or sleeper bus services. The service includes access to climate-controlled pools (for children and adults), soccer fields, inflatable games, security, and a key money-saving detail: free hot water for mate.
The 'Base Camp': Beach with Showers and Services Without a hotel, renting a beach pavilion becomes essential not only for shade but also for locker rooms and showers that allow you to freshen up and change before heading back out or having dinner. At reference pavilions like Balneario 12 in Punta Mogotes, the rates for the day are: Tent (up to 6 people): $80,000. Front sea tent: $90,000. This cost, if split among a group of friends or family (e.g., 4 people), comes to about $20,000 per person.
The Weather: Heat and High UV Index The National Meteorological Service forecasts ideal beach conditions for the area, but ones that require caution. Therefore, shelter in the tent and the use of sunscreen (SPF 25-50) will be mandatory between 11 AM and 4 PM.
Final Budget For a group of 4 people who decide to take this trip on Monday, 26: Buses (x4): $528,400 Tent: $80,000 Total: $608,400 Cost per person: $152,100 (not including meals).
An option that, although physically demanding, allows you to enjoy the sea and escape the porteño concrete jungle for less than a hotel night costs in high season.
A 'partly cloudy' sky is expected with a maximum temperature of 27°C at 2:00 PM (ST 29°C). The data to consider is the UV Index, which will reach a level of 10 (Very High!).
