Why Argentina?

Argentina offers a great life…as it’s supposed to be lived. We’ve tried to put our finger on why this is true, exactly. What is it about Argentina that keeps drawing us back? That attracts hundreds of thousands of travelers every year? Is it the wonderful food and the long dinners that last for three hours at a stretch? The best beef in the world…fabulous wines and entertainment that goes on into the early hours of the morning? Or is it that, every time we return, we find new sights to see and new places to explore?
It’s all of these things, of course. But right now, it’s primarily that it’s so cheap. It’s like Europe…but at a third of the price. It’s hard to go wrong there…whether you are thinking about relocating…or just investing. Now is the time to act.

Don't cry for me Argentina … unless I never had a chance to visit you

As the second largest country in South America [and sixth in the world], it has four seasons and enough variety of ecology, culture and activities to satisfy most any traveler.

 

Since we arrived in August, and had no interest in skiing, spending time in Patagonia was bypassed for a longer stay in Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls.  Argentina was experiencing a colder than usual winter, and just a few weeks prior to our arrival, it snowed in Buenos Aires for the first time in ninety-seven years!

We stayed at the Hotel Paname-ricano which was across from the Obelisco, a sixty meter high monument, built in the thirties, where people come to celebrate sports or political events.  The Panamericano is a five star hotel with an excellent and attentive staff who were very helpful in assisting us in navigating the city.  It is centrally located and near the famous Florida Street where the shopping is easy and the cars are banned.  It has a spacious lobby but the real attraction is the rooftop health club and indoor pool from which one has a spectacular panoramic view of the city.  We enjoyed the extensive buffet break-fasts and afternoon coffee breaks in their lounge, made all the more tasty with an assortment of complementary chocolates.  In fact our most memorable dining experience was at the renowned Restaurant Tomo 1 which has been in the hotel for years. First class service and first class cuisine make this dining Mecca second to none. Check out their menu at www.tomo1.com.ar and learn more about the hotel at www.-panamericano.us.

How about kosher food choices you may ask? The answer is as easy as www.mapakosher.com.ar. It will tell you places to eat, such as a kosher McDonalds, as well as Jewish sections of Buenos Aires and synagogues. Argentina has one of the largest Jewish communities in the world, and the flag of Israel is visible on the facade of several buildings.

One of our cab drivers spoke to us in Yiddish [which was barely better than our Spanish], and told us that his family came to Argentina from Warsaw, Poland.  There is, in fact, a European ambiance in this city that is not surprising as so many of its inhabitants emigrated from that area.  Buenos Aires is referred to by many as the Paris of South America.

There are several different neighborhoods in Buenos Aires to explore.  The Recoleta section is best known for its Cementario de la Recoleta, the burial ground for the rich and famous, as the nation's great leaders are buried there. One of the most visited tombs [under the name of Duarte Familia] is that of Eva Peron.  The architecture of the mausoleums is quite elaborate and reflects the wealth of the families buried within them.  It is suggested that you have a guide or purchase a map to appreciate the history of the cemetery.  Recoleta is also known for its parks, variety of restaurants, and for its flea market which is held on the weekends.

The place to go for a delicious dinner is Puerto Madero, a waterfront neighborhood that is undergoing a vibrant transformation with the construction of upscale restaurants and housing.  We found the food to be consistently good.

Interesting boutiques and restaurants are plentiful in the San Telmo area, Argentina's equivalent to New York City's Greenwich Village, where artists and intellectuals reside.  A major event is the Sunday flea market in the central plaza where one can find a large selection of handmade leather goods and jewelry.

We ventured back to San Telmo one evening to attend the La Ventana Barrio de Tango show [www.la-ventana.com.ar].  One must not leave Buenos Aires without a Tango experience.  In addition to the sensual tango dancing there were gauchos and performers in native dress entertaining us with music and twirling bolos.

The Italian influence is strong in La Boca, which is famous for its brightly colored houses made from sheet metal. It is also known for its Boca Junior soccer team - a sport that is a passion for Argentineans.  If you have a chance to see them play, hopefully against their rival, River Plate, do not hesitate to do so.  

In order to get a sense of the city it is suggested that one take a city tour.  One company that combines video displays in addition to a description of the various areas by their guide in both English and Spanish is Opcionsur [www.opcionsur.com.ar].  The tour is well worth the $30 charge.

From Buenos Aires, there are several side trips that can be arranged.  We visited the town of Tigre, situated at the mouth of the delta, which is especially popular during the summer months for the water activities offered.  A trip to a gaucho ranch where one can observe the life of a cowboy is another popular attraction.  For assistance and suggestions there is a well established company specializing in Argentina tourism that can help arrange the ideal side trips at www.argentinain-coming.com.ar.

Even though the economy of Argentina has improved over the last several years, the American dollar is still strong, and one can get great bargains in leather goods, silver and certain gems.

We had leather jackets custom made at a cost of a little more than $100 each!  While there are many places to shop for these items, we felt comfortable staying away from the "factories" and perusing the popular shopping districts.

Places to go in Buenos Aires

There are plenty of places to visit in Buenos Aires, while a weekend seems not enough. From a tour of their different but identifying neighborhoods to an afternoon of shopping on Avenida Alvear flirtatious and a tour of the impressive Recoleta Cemetery are some of the plans that we expect there.

Want a guide to what to visit in the capital of Argentina? Below is a list of places to visit in Buenos Aires to help you organize your visit to this great city.
Take a tour of the different neighborhoods. Buenos Aires is a big city with distinct neighborhoods, each with distinct characteristics. You have the color and the joy of La Boca, where you can not miss a walk along Calle Caminito, the distinguished Recoleta, an elegant modern Puerto Madero and Palermo, filled with shops, pubs, restaurants, theaters and cafes: the downtown, where they found almost all the entertainment, hospitality and entertainment and the famous obelisk on Avenida 9 July.
The Teatro Colon. This is a classic and famous opera house, the second largest in the southern hemisphere, only surpassed by the Sydney Opera House in Australia. In addition, houses an Art Institute which have formed the most distinguished artists of Argentina.
Walk the Recoleta Cemetery. One of the most visited cemeteries in the world is the Recoleta, in Buenos Aires. There are the tombs of historical figures of the country as President Perón and Evita. In addition, it is highly distinguished by its architecture and sculptures. We've already talked about it, here.
Visit the Plaza de Mayo. In front of the Casa Rosada, which is the seat of executive power, and the Cathedral, the square is one of the most important city. Has been the scene of many political rallies and protests, including the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo. This is a gathering of mothers who have lost loved ones during the military dictatorship in the late 70's.
Visit the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires. Better known as Malba, it is a private museum with an impressive collection of Latin American works. In addition, there are temporary exhibitions and activities for children.
Go shopping. Buenos Aires is a city of shopping. From Florida Street to Avenida Alvear, the downtown, you find the best fashion houses to buy.