Argentina - Buenos Aires - Tigre and Delta

This is the second time have been to Argentina. After a very long day flying with a 7-hour layover in San Paulo, Brazil we made it to Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina and is located on the  Rio de la Plata. When you visit the marina all you can see is water but you are actually looking at the river. The Atlantic coast is 240 km away from the city.

We decided that we wanted to do a delta tour before we connect with our Trafalgar tour group.  The tour started from the marina and we took a two-hour boat ride to the city of Tigre. 

The surrounding delta region is a popular destination as it is only 35 km from Buenos Aires and during the summer people from the city will frequent the area. The water in the Tigre river is the colour due to the high iron content from the jungle streams that flow into the area.

There are numerous canals in the area and residents get around by boat. Children take a boat to get to school. While we were touring we saw several boats selling supplies to residents along the canals. Bottled water is also delivered and the empty jugs are collected from the piers.

After the boat ride, we had a lovely lunch at a local canoe club before visiting the market area. The market sells everything that you need from furniture and decorating supplies to groceries. There are several restaurants for a quick meal.

Supplies for the home

Plants for sale

After visiting the market we took the van back to Buenos Aires which is 35 km from the area.

We met with other Trafalgar travellers at the welcome drink that evening before going out to a restaurant for a lovely steak dinner at Parrilla Cero5 which was close to the Alvera Art Hotel.

Rooftop pool at Alvera Art Hotel

During our stay, we made several trips up to the pool to enjoy the hot tub and the views of Buenos Aires. At night the lights make the view very romantic.

Our first day with Trafalgar was a city tour. 

Colonial Building on Government Square

Obisc on Avenue De Julio

Metropolitan Cathedral

Cathedral Interior

La Boca

The buildings in La Boca are brightly painted as the paint initially used was leftover from the ships that came into port. This area is known for street performers dancing Argentine Tango.

 

From La Boca we traveld by tour bus to Recoleta where the first cemetary in Buenos Aires is located. There are many famous people located in this cemetary including Evita Perone.

Evita Perone's Grave Marker

Another interesting stop was at the old El Ateneo Theatre. This building has been transfored into a bookstore with a small resturant located on the stage. 

Theatre converted into a bookstore 

After the city tour, we went to a private house for dinner in a lovely area of the city. This was a be-my-guest experience where the family cooked dinner, shared Argentine traditions like matte, and we learned about three different Argentine tango dances.

After dinner wer returned to the hotel to pack up and get ready for our flight to Ushuaia at the bottom end of Argentina.