Buenos Aires is the gateway to Argentina and the third largest city in Latin America as well as the most important and cosmopolitan city in the whole country. Well known as "The Queen of Silver", it is one of the biggest cities in the world, a real megalopolis It is also the most elegant and active city in South America and the one that somehow summarizes, the varied and heterogeneous essence of its inhabitants known as "porteños".
City of modern structure and dynamic activity, Buenos Aires has managed to preserve old traditions and intimate corners. One becomes fascinated by its atmosphere, the different personality of each district, the warmth of the people and the wide scope of its cultural and commercial proposals. Surrounded by the splendid nature, Buenos Aires is the great cosmopolitan gateway to South America.
The city is famous for the great variety of architectonical styles that decorate and surprise the tourist with its monuments, churches, galleries and museums. During the night, it offers diverse restaurants, discos, cafes and bars. Therefore, Buenos Aires is the owner of an identity that offers an endless variety of alternatives for every type of people.
Highlights
This tour allows you to get a first hand look of the historic, architectural and demographic aspects of this great urban centre, the city of Buenos Aires. On this tour we will visit "Plaza de Mayo", the Pink House, Buenos Aires Cathedral, 9 of July Avenue, Colon Theatre, the Obelisk, the National Congress, La Boca neighbourhood with the traditional "Caminito Street" and Boca Junior's Stadium, "Plaza San Martin", Recoleta Cemetery and Palermo Woods.
The City
This complex, energetic and seductive port city, which stretches south-to-north along the Rio de la Plata, has been the gateway to Argentina for centuries. Porteños, as the multinational people of Buenos Aires are known, possess an elaborate and rich cultural identity. They value their European heritage highly Italian and German names outnumber Spanish, and the lifestyle and architecture are markedly more European than any other in South America.
Buenos Aires' physical structure is a mosaic as varied and diverse as its culture. The city has various monuments and natural monolith that serve as its focal point. Nonetheless, it is also composed of many small places, intimate details, and tiny events and interactions, each with a slightly different shade, shape and character that represent the city. The city's neighbourhoods are small and highly individualized each with its own characteristic colours and forms. For all its diversity, the elusive spirit of Argentina as a country is present everywhere in Buenos Aires. The national dance, Tango, is perhaps the best expression of that spirit.
Plaza de Mayo
Founded by Juan de Garay in 1580, this plaza dates back to the origins of the city. It is bordered by Ave. de Mayo and North and South Diagonal Streets. Since 1810, it has been one of the most important places for Argentine political events. Surrounding it, you will find the Cathedral, Casa Rosada and Cabildo.
Casa Rosada (Pink House)
The Pink House is the Government house, where the President of the Republic works. This building is truly an emblem of the Argentine aristocracies, including those of Peron and his famous wife, Evita. The primary entrance is found on Ave. de Mayo. Its famous pink colour, ordered by President Sarmiento in 1813, only remains on one side of the building. It is also famous for its statues and lush furnishings. The museum at Yrigoyen 218 holds an unusual collection of personal effects of past presidents.
Recoleta
Characterized by its aristocratic and French style, Recoleta is one of the paradigms of Argentine wealthy life. The area is the most fashionable place in Buenos Aires to dine; elegant restaurants and fashionable stores in a relaxing setting. On Alvear Avenue, you may see beautiful residences and modern apartment houses, "El Pilar" church, 200 years old and the Cemetery of Recoleta, one of the cities "must see" attractions with some fabulous architecture and Eva Peron’s grave. Generations of the wealthiest Argentines lie in elaborate yet tasteful splendor. Visit the National Fine Arts Museum, Palais de Glace and Recoleta Cultural Center.
Puerto Madero
Puerto Madero is a relatively new area of the city with recycled docks facing the river. You can find first line shops and restaurants, together with the most modern intelligent buildings of the city: crystal towers in which the most important companies, as well as national and international holdings gather. Walk the restored shipping docks, where the yacht club is currently located. This is Puerto Madero, the latest architectural trend. Here, the calmness of the river gets mixed with all the glamour of a "fashion world".
San Telmo
The district of San Telmo was born close to the primitive port that had the city and grew around what is currently Dorrego Square. Their first inhabitants were fishermen and ports workers, between which there were Italians, Africans, Creoles and Irish. Tod craftsmen installed a wide range of Houses of Antiques. More than 200 Houses work in the district, selling all kind of objects: furniture of style, petits meubles, sculptures, statues in marble, glassware, signed glasses, old silver, object last century, paintings, old radios, schemes of photos and scientific objects from the XVIII century. The onlookers will find objects which will reproduce the nostalgia and the surprise, the uses and customs of the dai unforgettable experiences of childhood.
La Boca
Its unique and colorful houses in the country, foreign customs, mixed languages and local festivals, as well as its artistic, cultural and sports activities make La Boca one of Buenos Aires' most popular tourist attractions. More than 100.000 people from all over the world, visit monthly this place enjoying and discovering the famous Caminito Street.
