Buenos Aires
The Multifaceted Jewel Of Argentina

Buenos Aires is a vacation destination in itself.  It is also a step back in time, a step ahead in fashion, a city of culture and history, and a city on a rapid forward move.  It carries its traditions with pride and dignity, yet is always on the lookout for the cutting edge of progress.

The metropolitan area of Argentina's capital city consists of 78 square miles and houses 3 million people. The combined population of greater Buenos Aires is 16 million.  There are 48 barrios or neighborhoods in the metropolitan area.  With an architecture that is more European than other South American cities, the city also boasts a superior infrastructure.  There are over 450 lodging facilities from high-end hotels to youth hostels and apartments.   Getting around the city is made easy with a 5-line subway network, over 100 bus lines, as well as a wide variety of taxi services. Car rental is also available.  

The local multi-national citizens of Buenos Aires are known as portenos , or port dwellers.

Stretching south to north along the Rio de la Plata, the chocolate-brown river basin that is the port of entry for Buenos Aires, the "Pearl" of South America's major local business industries are mining, oil and gas, communications, banking, agriculture, electricity, chemicals and automobiles.

Places of Interest

Plaza de Mayo -- This is the city center, the main square that all of Buenos Aires was built around.  It is surrounded by the Cabildo, colonial era city council, and the Casa Rosada (pink house), the government palace and residence of the President of Argentina.

The Recoleta -- This area is home to the wealthiest citizens of Buenos Aires, as well as one of the most fashionable areas to dine.  La Recoleta Cemetery is the burial site of Eva Peron and other famous personalities.

San Telmo -- One of the oldest and well preserved barrios, San Telmo is home to many old churches and museums, boutiques, antique shops, an outdoor antique market, and numerous cafes.   Bohemian artists are attracted to the cobblestone streets and colonial buildings along with outdoor tango in the Plaza Dorrego, the main public square.  San Telmo is famous for being the birthplace of the tango.

La Boca -- Famous for its brightly painted houses of wood and metal, this port side barrio was settled by descendants from Genoa, Italy.  There are many Italian taverns and tango clubs.  Open air tango shows are held in Caminito, the main street.

The Parque Lezama -- The former grounds of a mansion built in the 19th century is now home to the National History Museum and one of the city's most attractive parks.  With a river winding through its grounds, the park provides a tranquil place to relax.  Local musicians offer impromptu serenades while artisans display their wares.

Palermo -- This area is filled with woods, lakes, parks and polo clubs.  Palermo is home to the Buenos Aires Botanical Garden, the Galileo Galilei Planetary, and the Japanese Garden.

Tigre -- Located on the Parana River Delta where 350 rivers and streams converge, the Tigre has superb fruit growing regions with open air markets, a fruit dock, a Naval museum and ecological preserve.  It is a wonderful area for those interested in fishing and water sports.

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