Buenos Aires is unlike any city in the Western Hemisphere. It has the art, architecture, and arrogance of a European capital. It has the 24-hour life of New York City, and it has a gastronomy perhaps without a rival in the world. With the influence of immigrants from Italy, Germany, and England, other parts of Latin America, and Native Peoples, the Argentines are diverse in their ethnicity but united in their nationality. Proud to be from Argentina, they happily share their traditions, favorite restaurants, and laughs with visitors. A trip to Buenos Aires is a trip to one of the most vibrant and unique urban centers in the world.
Day 1: Start with a guided tour of the financial and political center of the city, Plaza de Mayo. Learn about the history of Argentina and Buenos Aires as it would have unfolded in front of the presidential Pink House. Visit the historic Café Tortoni, changed little since the 19th century and the grandiose Teatro Colon, one of the premier cultural venues of Latin America. Then take a stroll on the coble-stone streets of one of Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhoods, San Telmo, as antique dealers, tango performers, and artists all vie for your attention. This Sunday fair is one of the best places for people watching and is a unique shopping experience. Relax in the late afternoon before dinner of traditional Argentinian Parillada barbeque. Let’s just say the main ingredient is meat.
Day 2: Visit one of Latin America’s premier modern art museums, MALBA, for a guided tour with an art historian. Then venture into Recolleta Cemetery the final resting place of Eva Peron, multiple Argentinian presidents, Noble Prize winners, and the granddaughter of Napoleon. Ninety four of the nearly 5000 vaults, all above ground, have been declared national historic monuments, and you will easily see why. These sculptures are incredible works of art. After lunch and some free time in the afternoon, take a tango class and then practice your skills at a Milonga, a tango dance club, in the evening.
Day 3: Learn about contemporary painting in Argentina with a visit to an artist’s studio, then take an architecture tour of Palermo, the artists’ neighborhood of Buenos Aires. In the afternoon enjoy a coffee, ice cream, and a newspaper at a coffee shop, just like the locals. Then take a cooking and wine pairing class to understand the magic behind Argentinian cuisine and wine. After the leisurely afternoon, enjoy a theatrical performance.
Day 4: Walk the modern neighborhood of Puerto Madero, which, in fact, has a long history as Argentina’s port of arrival for immigrants. Visit the Immigration Museum, a nature park, and the art collection of one of the wealthiest people in Argentina, in between espressos overlooking the tranquil waters and stylish bridges of the port. In the evening see the true passion of Buenos Aires come out during a soccer match. Argentinians are crazy about their teams and going to a match is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Day 5: Travel by boat the Uruguayan town of Colonia, a 2 hour boat ride from Tigre that takes you much further back in time. Enjoy the cobblestone streets and hundreds-year-old buildings in this UNESCO world heritage site.
Day 6: Experience life in the Argentinian country side with a day trip to Las Pampas, or Argentina’s cowboy country. Ride horses or horse-drawn carriages, enjoy a true Argentinean country-side parillada barbeque, and relax in the clean air and welcoming environment of a working ranch. Then visit one of the most quint towns of Las Pampas for a great contrast of culture of the country’s capital.
*Note: This itinerary is subject to change.
What You Will Learn
How to dance tango
How to cook and eat like Argentinean
How to match fine wine with fine food
How to really cheer at a sports event
Who are important emerging and contemporary artists in Buenos Aires ... and much more
Amenities
Mid-range hotels (6 nights)
“There would be no debate about who was the best footballer the world had ever seen - me or Pele. Everyone would say me.”
