Venue

The School will take place at Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas (FCAG) of Universidad Nacional de La Plata (also known as Observatory of La Plata). FCAG is located in La Plata, about 60 km from Buenos Aires, Argentina. In particular, the lectures and practical sessions will be held at the auditorium of Planetario Universidad Nacional de La Plata, located within FCAG.

La Plata is the capital of the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Founded in 1882, it is recognized by its carefully planned design: a perfect square crossed by diagonals forming rhombuses, spangled with green areas exactly every six streets. The city is the seat of the government of the Province. It enjoys a lively cultural life with several theatres and museums, notably the Argentinian Theatre (the second most important opera house in the country) and the Museum of Natural Sciences. The monumental Cathedral of La Plata, located in the geographical centre of the city, is the largest Neogothic temple in South America. Other remarkable buildings include the Curutchet House, the only work by the renowned architect Le Corbusier in Latin America, which has been designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Images Credits: FCAG Museum and Planetario Universidad Nacional de La Plata

Travel

The city of La Plata is about 60 km from Buenos Aires. International flights arrive at Ezeiza International Airport Ministro Pistarini (Ezeiza—EZE), located near Buenos Aires, or Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP), located in the city of Buenos Aires. Most international flights arrive at Ezeiza airport, although flights coming from countries adjacent to Argentina may arrive at either airport.

From Ezeiza Airport

  • By car: Buenos Aires and La Plata are approximately 60 km apart. The cities are easily connected by the La Plata-Buenos Aires Motorway (Autopista La Plata-Buenos Aires). There are many taxi services, for example: https://onbaires.com/en/ or https://taxiezeizaoficial.com/. You can book in advance or directly at the airport. The cost varies between 65 and 80 USD.

  • By bus: A bus service to Buenos Aires from the airport is also available. Tickets can be purchased inside the airport at Manuel Tienda León stand. The webpage is Tienda Leon.

From Jorge Newbery Airport

  • By car: Take the AU 1 motorway to Buenos Aires and then the La Plata-Buenos Aires motorway (Autopista La Plata-Buenos Aires). The journey takes approximately one hour. You can hire a personal taxi at the airport. The taxis at the airport are the official BA City taxis, and you can purchase the ticket at the moment at the “national arrivals” sector, in front of MacDonald’s. The cost is around 50 USD.

  • By bus: Shuttle buses can be taken from the airport to different places in Buenos Aires. The webpage is Tienda Leon. If you prefer to travel to La Plata by bus, you might take a bus or taxi to the bus station named “Estacion Retiro,” and then you can catch the 195 bus that goes directly to La Plata city. This cost around 15 USD  (contact us if you will try this option).

Uber is also available as a transportation option.

In the arrival halls, several people usually offer transportation. However, care must be taken since these services are not regulated.

From Buenos Aires to La Plata

Buenos Aires and La Plata are very well connected by public transportation. There are bus services from downtown Buenos Aires to La Plata Bus Terminal (travel time approximately one hour). Reaching La Plata by train from Buenos Aires is also possible  (contact us if you will try this option).

Public transportation additional information

If you’re visiting Argentina and plan to use public transportation (buses, trains, or the subway), you’ll need a SUBE card. Here’s how to get one as a foreigner:

1. Where to Buy a SUBE Card

You can purchase a SUBE card at:

  • Official SUBE Centers
  • Kiosks and Convenience Stores (look for the “SUBE” sign)
  • Train and Subway Stations
  • Some Tourist Information Centers
  • Some tourist offices (especially in Buenos Aires) offer SUBE cards with preloaded credit for convenience. Ask at the airport or major tourism hubs.

The price of the card may vary slightly, but it’s generally around ARS 1,000 – 2,000 (as of 2025).

2. How to Load Credit

To use your SUBE card, you must add credit. You can do this at:

  • Kiosks and convenience stores
  • Self-service machines in subway and train stations

3. Using the SUBE Card

When you board a bus, train, or subway, simply tap your SUBE card on the reader. The system will automatically deduct the correct fare.

Accomodation

Participants are expected to make their own lodging arrangements. La Plata offers a variety of options, from four-star hotels to youth hostels.

Hotel AMAU offers a special rate for XI LAPIS participants who mention the event at the time of booking.