Where to Run in Buenos Aires: Best Routes, Parks & Scenic Trails
After ten years of pounding the pavement here and getting a lot of people to join me along the way, I’ve put together a list of my favorite running routes.
This is a guest post from Freddie Faull, a personal trainer based in Buenos Aires. Make sure to subscribe to his Substack below, follow him on Instagram, or shoot him a message on WhatsApp. And check out the details at the end of this post to join his free running club every Tuesday morning.
For most people, Buenos Aires is a city to visit for its rich history and culture, to savor steak and drink Malbec, to dance tango, and to indulge in all the pleasures this marvelous part of the world has to offer.
But more recently, I’ve noticed something new: visitors from abroad using their time in this city as an opportunity to improve their health and fitness, incorporating wellness routines and regular exercise into their stay. It’s a reflection of a growing global trend where people are becoming more conscious of their health and more proactive about taking care of themselves.
A City That Encourages Movement
Life in Buenos Aires moves at a slightly slower pace than in places like the United States or the United Kingdom. There's less of a "hustle" culture, and that means many people work fewer hours and dedicate more time to leisure, movement, and community. The weather also helps, whether it’s summer or winter; the sun is almost always shining.
It’s also a beautiful city. With wide, tree-lined boulevards, classical architecture, and an abundance of parks, walking or running is easily the best way to take it all in.
Best Places to Run in Buenos Aires
After ten years of pounding the pavement here and getting a lot of people to join me along the way, I’ve put together a list of my favorite running routes. I’ve broken it down based on the kind of running you’re doing, so there’s something for everyone.
Los Bosques de Palermo / Rosedal
Start: Facultad de Derecho Finish: Lago de Regatas Best for: Scenic long runs, tempo runs Post-run coffee: Tomate Rosedal
This is Buenos Aires’ most well-known and picturesque park — and probably the first place I’d recommend. This route takes you from the epic steps of the law school (worth a look), past the iconic silver flower (Floralis Genérica), the Japanese Gardens, Planetarium, and the rose gardens, eventually reaching the Regatta Lake. You can run loops around the lake to extend your distance.
Along the way, you’ll spot various outdoor gyms, making it easy to stop for a quick strength session if you fancy some active recovery.
The Rosedal track itself is a dedicated lane for runners, cyclists, and skaters — a smooth surface surrounded by greenery and free from traffic. Great for picking up the pace or running in intervals.
Ecological Reserve / Puerto Madero
Start: Casa Rosada Finish: Puente de la Mujer Best for: Easy long runs, nature lovers Post-run coffee: Llama Coffee Roasters
You’ll likely visit San Telmo at some point during your stay, so why not combine it with a run? Start at the presidential palace (the "Pink House"), jog through Puerto Madero, and enter the Ecological Reserve. You’ll switch from concrete to gravel paths and soon be surrounded by birds, trees, and open space to give you the sensation that you’ve left the city.
Make your way to the river’s edge for a quick view of the Río de la Plata before looping back to finish at the iconic Woman’s Bridge. It is a beautiful spot to take in the view (and maybe snap a post-run selfie).
Parque Centenario
Video: Me running in Parque Centenario with my weekly run club.
Start/Finish: Natural History Museum Best for: Casual runs, local vibes Post-run coffee: Café Galpón
Further from the city center, Parque Centenario is a hidden gem nestled between Villa Crespo and Caballito. This park is a green oasis surrounded by residential neighborhoods, and the outer path is exactly 1.5km, ideal for laps or tracking distances.
You can mix it up by running through the inner paths and stopping by the lake. The nearby Natural History Museum is surprisingly charming and worth a visit if you're into dinosaurs, fossils, or vintage taxidermy.
Parque Chacabuco
Start: Rosedal de Parque Chacabuco Finish: 400m Track Best for: Speedwork, intervals Post-run coffee: Truffa Café
A bit more off the beaten track, Parque Chacabuco is a large, well-kept park in a less touristy part of the city. It earns its spot on this list for one big reason: it has a 400m running track.
If you’re into interval training, sprints, or structured speed work, this is one of the few Olympic-sized tracks open to the public — and it’s free. It’s also rarely crowded. Well worth the taxi ride.
Run With Me – Weekly Run Club
One more reason to run in Parque Centenario? I host a free run club there every Tuesday morning.
We meet outside DOC Café in Villa Crespo at 7:50 AM, do a light warm-up, and head out for an easy 5K loop around the park. Afterward, we grab coffee and breakfast together. It’s a great opportunity to connect with locals and expats, get your body moving, and start your day on a high note.
Interested? Send me a message and I’ll send you the details. All paces welcome.
Whether you're training for a race or just looking for a better way to explore the city, Buenos Aires is a runner’s playground. The views are beautiful, the people are active, and the café reward at the end never disappoints.
See you out there,
Freddie.