Hotel in La Plata, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Hostel El Encuentro La Plata
A lively, well-run hostel in La Plata popular with students and backpackers exploring the provincial capital. The hostel has a sociable common area, a shared kitchen, and organized walking tours of La Plata's major sights.
Hostel El Encuentro is a well-regarded budget accommodation in La Plata, the planned capital of Buenos Aires Province and a city known for its remarkable neo-Gothic cathedral, the symmetrical grid-and-diagonal street layout designed by urban planner Pierre Benoit in the 1880s, and the intellectual vitality generated by the Universidad Nacional de La Plata, one of Argentina's most prestigious public universities. Located on Calle 10, the hostel sits in a residential neighbourhood within easy walking distance of the city's major cultural and architectural landmarks.
The hostel has a deliberately social character, catering primarily to backpackers, student travellers, and budget-conscious visitors exploring Argentina's provincial capital. The common room is the communal hub of the property, regularly used for meeting fellow travellers, sharing route advice, and relaxing after a day of sightseeing. A shared kitchen allows guests to prepare their own meals, which is particularly practical given La Plata's excellent local markets and its proximity to Buenos Aires city — approximately 56 kilometres, just over an hour by train from La Plata's central station.
Dormitory and private room options are available, with lockers provided for security in shared accommodation. The hostel organises walking tours of La Plata's major sights, which are particularly useful for first-time visitors navigating the city's complex diagonal grid. The cathedral on the central plaza, the Pasaje Dardo Rocha cultural centre, the Museo de Ciencias Naturales (which houses one of the most important natural history collections in South America, including extensive dinosaur and megafauna exhibits), and the Estadio Ciudad de La Plata are all within reach.
La Plata is well served by bus and rail connections to Buenos Aires city, making the hostel a practical base for travellers who want to experience provincial Argentina while remaining within easy reach of the capital. The city itself is a rewarding destination: its architecture is unique in Argentina, with the central Rambla, four ornamental squares, and the cathedral visible from multiple vantage points across the planned grid.
Amenities
- wifi
- shared kitchen
- common room
- walking tours
- lockers
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +54-221-425-1000
Location
Calle 10 N° 544, La Plata, Buenos Aires Province
-34.9200, -57.9600 — View on map
Highlights
- Social hostel in La Plata, capital of Buenos Aires Province, near the stunning neo-Gothic cathedral and world-class natural history museum
- Organised walking tours of La Plata's unique grid-and-diagonal urban layout and architectural landmarks
- Lively common room and shared kitchen ideal for backpackers and budget travellers
- Excellent transport links to Buenos Aires city, just over one hour by train or bus
- Lockers and security-conscious layout for dormitory guests
Tips
- La Plata's Museo de Ciencias Naturales is a world-class natural history museum and free to enter — do not miss the dinosaur and megafauna exhibits.
- The hostel's walking tours depart in the morning; sign up at check-in on the evening before to secure a place.
- Trains to Buenos Aires city depart frequently from La Plata's terminal station; the journey takes approximately 70 minutes and is the most comfortable option.
- La Plata's diagonal streets can be disorienting — download an offline map before exploring independently.
- The Estadio Ciudad de La Plata hosts both Estudiantes and Gimnasia, the city's two rival football clubs; match schedules are available at reception.
FAQ
Does Hostel El Encuentro offer private rooms as well as dormitories?
Yes, the hostel offers both dormitory beds and private rooms. All room types have access to the shared kitchen, common room, and lockers.
How far is the hostel from the La Plata Cathedral?
The cathedral is located on the central plaza and is within walking distance — approximately a 10-minute walk from Calle 10.
Are walking tours of La Plata included in the hostel rate?
The hostel organises walking tours of La Plata's major sights. Guests should inquire at reception about current tour schedules and any associated costs.
How do guests get from La Plata to Buenos Aires city?
La Plata is connected to Buenos Aires city by frequent trains and buses. The journey takes approximately 60–90 minutes depending on the service. The main terminal is a short taxi or bus ride from the hostel.
Accessibility
The hostel is in a standard residential building with some stairs. Full wheelchair accessibility cannot be guaranteed; guests with mobility requirements should contact the property directly before booking to discuss room options.
When to visit
La Plata is a year-round urban destination. March to June and August to November offer the most comfortable visiting weather. Avoid major university event dates if a quieter stay is preferred.