Buenos Aires - Argentina Travel Information
Buenos Aires is the Capital of Argentina. The population of Buenos Aires is 12 millions, which makes it the largest city in Argentina and one of the largest in South America. The city is located by the Rio de la Plata estuary.
The city was established in 1536 by a Spanish gold-searcher group, commanded by Pedro de Mendoza. Attacks by the native inhabitants of the area led to the desertion of the city until 1580, when it was reestablished by Juan de Garay.
In the beginning, Buenos Aires was an illegal trade zone since the Spanish government insisted that all trade from South America should pass through Lima in Peru (to collect taxes). This encouraged the dealers to perform illegal action in the vivid city harbor.
In May 25, 1810 the citizens of Buenos Aires expelled the Spanish governor, and announced independence. This day is still celebrated as a national holiday. Spain recognized this independency only in 1816.
La Boca
La Boca is Buenos Aires' first harbor, on Rio Riachuelo riverside. La Boca was built by immigrants, mostly Italians, who arrived to the place towards the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th.
La boca is mostly known as the birth place of Tango dancing.
Following the successful advice of the designer Benito Quinquela Martin, the metal walls of the houses in the area were painted with strong and vivid colors and the place became an arts and culture center.
The center of the renovated area is Caminito pedestrian-only street, where artists present their work of arts and tango street-dancing. The Caminito market is open every day between 10am to 6pm.
The area around Caminito remained a tough harbor as it used to be, and it is not recommended going there, even by day light.
La Recoleta cemetery
La Recoleta is the most glorious and old cemetery of Buenos Aires. It contains glorious graves of the country's rich and famous, who showed their wealth through building grandiose graves. In the cemetery area there are more than 6,400 chamber tombs (mausoleums).
If you wish to buy a grave plot in the cemetery, you can do it for $20,000 per square meter, as long you can find someone who will be willing to sell it to you.
La Recoleta cemetery is considered the third most important and beautiful cemetery in the world.
Since it was opened in 1882, the cemetery is hosting presidents, generals, intellectuals and even the grave of Evita Peron, which still attracts many visitors. In order to prevent the stealing of her body (as happened already in 1955) she was buried in a concrete safe 8 meters below the ground.
 Costs |
The enrance is free. |
 Hours |
Everyday: 10am to 5pm. |
Costanera Sur Reserve - Reserva Ecologia Costanera Sur
Costanera Sur reserve is located close to Buenos Aires center, within a walking distance from the city center!
In the reserve there is an extensive variety of animals, different insects and water birds. The place is preferred by the local people who come here for a pleasant walk in the reserve's trails.
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Costs |
Entrance is free |
|
Hours |
08:00-18:00 |
 Getting there |
The entrance is from Avenida Costanera near the old harbor. |
 Website |
Additional information may be found at Costanera Sur Reserve |
