Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 420245;
www.amigosmuseolujan.com.ar
; admission AR$5; 12:30-4:30pm Wed,
11:30am-4:30pm Thu & Fri, 10:30am-5:30pm Sat, Sun & holidays)
On the west side of Luján's
gargantuan basilica plaza, this gorgeous colonial-era museum complex rambles with sev-
eral display rooms, pretty patios and gardens. The Sala General José de San Martín
showcases Argentina's battles for independence, while the Sala de Gaucho contains some
beautiful
mate
(a bitter ritual tea) ware, horse gear and other gaucho paraphernalia.
Museo de Transporte
MUSEUM
(admission AR$5; 12:30-4:30pm Wed, 11:30am-4:30pm Thu & Fri, 10:30am-5:30pm Sat, Sun &
holidays)
Luján's transportation museum displays a remarkable collection of horse-drawn
carriages from the late 1800s, the first steam locomotive to serve the city from Buenos
Aires and a monster of a hydroplane that crossed the Atlantic in 1926. The most offbeat
exhibits, however, are the stuffed and scruffy remains of Gato and Mancha, the hardy Ar-
gentine criollo horses ridden by adventurer AF Tschiffely from Buenos Aires to New
York. This trip took 2½ years, from 1925 to 1928.
Festivals & Events
On the first Saturday in October, Día de la Virgen de Luján, throngs of the faithful walk
the 65km from the Buenos Aires neighborhood of Liniers to Luján - a journey of up to
18 hours. Other large gatherings occur on May 8 (Virgin's Day), the first weekend in
August (the colorful Peregrinación Boliviana), the last weekend in September (the
'gaucho' pilgrimage - watch for horses) and December 8 (Immaculate Conception Day).
Sleeping & Eating
Luján can easily be seen on a day trip from Buenos Aires. If you decide to overnight on a
weekend, however, be sure to reserve ahead.
Pilgrims won't go hungry here - the central parts of San Martín, 9 de Julio and the
riverfront are all lined with restaurants.
Hostel Estación Luján
HOSTEL $
( 429101;
www.estacionlujanhostel.com.ar
; 9 de Julio 978; dm/d/tr/q AR$160/300/350/400;
)
Nicer than it looks from the outside, this small, modern hostel offers four clean
rooms sleeping three to six, some with balcony overlooking the basilica half a block
away. There's free kitchen use and a large common area. Avoid Saturdays, when rates
jump.
