Buenos Aires Luján River: Sailing tour with tango & choripán

Summary

Sailing, Tango & Choripán on the Water in Buenos Aires

Step onto a private sailboat in Buenos Aires for a day trip along the Luján River with a local guide. Taste mate with peanuts, enjoy freshly grilled choripán and Malbec wine as tango music drifts over the water, then finish with dulce de leche for dessert. It’s an easygoing way to see another side of Buenos Aires you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really expect to feel so far from the city just a few minutes after leaving Marina Punta Chica. One moment we were dodging traffic in Buenos Aires, and then suddenly it was all reeds and slow-moving water, the boat creaking a little underfoot. Our guide—Martín—handed me a mate gourd (I tried to look like I knew what I was doing), and he laughed when I coughed at that first earthy sip. He told us about his childhood here, growing up along the riverbanks. There was this faint smell of charcoal already drifting from the little grill at the back of the boat.

We sailed along the Luján River, which Martín called “the real lungs of Buenos Aires.” The city skyline looked almost soft from out there, like it belonged to someone else. He put on some old tango records—scratchy and warm—and pointed out birds I’d never seen before. At one point he explained the ritual behind mate drinking; it’s not just tea, it’s kind of a social handshake here. I fumbled my way through saying “choripán” properly (Li snorted at my accent), but Martín just grinned and said everyone has their own way.

The best part? Probably when Martín sliced open fresh bread for our choripán—smoky sausage straight off the grill, dripping with chimichurri. We ate with our hands and wiped our mouths on our sleeves because napkins seemed pointless out there. The Malbec was cold enough to make you forget how hot the sun felt bouncing off the water. For dessert: dulce de leche spooned onto crackers, sticky-sweet and gone too fast. There was something about eating like that—no rush, no phones—that made time feel slower.

On the way back I watched sunlight flicker through willow branches while tango played low in the background. The whole thing felt strangely personal, like we’d borrowed someone’s weekend ritual for an afternoon. I still think about that view of Buenos Aires from the river—quiet but somehow more alive than any street downtown.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sail Lujan River and Taste Tango

• Depart Marina Punta Chica on sailboat
• View Buenos Aires from river
• Taste mate with shelled peanuts
• Grill choripán with chimichurri
• Enjoy Argentine wine
• Listen to traditional tango music
• Taste dulce de leche dessert

Top questions

How long does this sailing tour on the Luján River last?

The experience typically lasts around half a day, including sailing time and meal.

Is food included on this Buenos Aires sailing tour?

Yes, you’ll get mate with peanuts, choripán with chimichurri, Malbec wine, and dulce de leche for dessert.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes, pizzas can be prepared as a vegetarian alternative if requested in advance.

Where does the tour depart from?

The sailing tour departs from Marina Punta Chica in Buenos Aires.

Is this suitable for children?

The activity is suitable for anyone over 5 years old.

Will there be a local guide?

Yes, your sailing trip includes a local guide who shares stories and cultural context during the journey.

What is included in the price?

The price covers all food and drinks mentioned: mate, peanuts, choripán or vegetarian pizza option, wine, and dessert.

Can people prone to seasickness join?

This tour is not recommended for travelers who are easily dizzy or have water phobia.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Marina Punta Chica aboard a private sailboat with a local guide; tasting traditional mate with shelled peanuts; freshly grilled choripán (or vegetarian pizza option) dressed with chimichurri; Argentine Malbec wine; classic tango music onboard; and dessert featuring dulce de leche before heading back to shore together.