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Founded by the Spanish in 1536, Buenos Aires spent
its first few centuries as an isolated backwater. But by
the turn of the century, the Argentine pampas'
ability to feed vast herds of cattle combined with new
refrigerated shipping technologies resulted in an
economic boom. Like a child longing for the approval of
its parents, Buenos Aires had always admired its
European counterparts. So when the wealthy came to build
out the city, the once dusty little colonial town
embraced all things European, quickly becoming the
"Paris of South America."
Streets were widened into grand avenues like the
Avenida 9 de Julio, which imitates the Champs-Élysées.
Parisian-style cafés sprinkled the city, along with
railway stations straight out of London and Liverpool.
Even the most famous of Buenos Aires's inventions—the
tango—didn't gain respectability until the dance became
fashionable in France.
A porteño way of
life.
The people of Buenos Aires are
known as porteños and are descended mostly from
Italian and Spanish immigrants. Noticeably different
from their neighbors in both style and attitude, a
popular joke claims that a porteño is a
Spaniard who talks like an Italian, dresses like a
Frenchman and thinks he is British.
Like their Parisian counterparts, cafés play a large
role in porteño life. They're a place to do
business, meet friends and be alone to read or indulge
in the porteños' famous melancholia. And as in
Spain and Italy, life really gets rolling after dark,
with the "dinner hour" anywhere from 9 to 11 p.m.
Collection of
villages.
Ask an Argentinian where
he's from and if he's a porteño, odds are he'll
name his barrio and not "Buenos Aires." The city
evolved as a cluster of almost self-contained villages.
And fortunately for visitors, these 46 barrios
are all great for walking.
El Centro is the heart of the city.
The Plaza de Mayo, built as a tribute to Madrid's Gran
Via, has been center stage for most of the important
events in Argentine history. A short walk away is the
world-famous Colon opera house. Faithfully emulating La
Scala in Milan, the theater was 30 years in the making,
finally opening in 1908.
For a taste of Buenos Aires as it used to be, head
for bohemian San Telmo. This is where
Argentine history began, and it retains a more
traditional feel with its European-style buildings (many
of which are national historic monuments), balconies and
cobblestone streets.
La Boca was the home of Genovese
dock workers in the mid 19th-century, and is one of
Buenos Aires's most colorful neighborhoods. Homes here
were built of corrugated iron and other materials
scrounged from incoming ships, all painted in bright
primary colors.
The neighborhood of Recoleta is
probably best known for being home to the Cemeterio de
la Recoleta, where Eva (Evita) Peron is buried. It's
also one of the most upscale neighborhoods and a
delightful one to stroll, with popular restaurants,
cafés and designer boutiques.
Beyond Buenos
Aires.
There is much to see outside
the confines of Buenos Aires proper as well. At the
eastern edge of the city lie the grassy plains known as
pampas, where cattle still graze and
gauchos still practice their ancient cowboy way
of life.
Perhaps the most awe-inspiring vistas, though, are at
Iguazú Falls. Comprising a spectacular
display of 250 giant cascades twice the height of
Niagara Falls, they plunge 260 feet over hard granite,
ending in a thunderous roar of crashing water and
rainbow-colored mist.
The best characteristics of Europe, a seductive
climate and stylish residents... Buenos Aires offers
visitors an experience that is 100 percent original.
Explore Buenos
Aires.
On these 16- to 68-day South
America cruises, you'll spend one or two days in the
Paris of South America, Buenos Aires—time to take in an
evening of tango, the thunder of Iguazú Falls or a
gaucho barbecue.
Featured
cruises sponsored by Cruise Direct Online. Click on the
Ship's name for more information.
16-Day South America
Explorer
Valparaíso to Rio de Janeiro (and
reverse)
Rotterdam
Dec 6, 2006; Jan
31; Feb 16; Mar 4, 20; Nov 16;
Dec 2, 2007
20-Day South America Explorer & Antarctic
Experience
Valparaíso to Rio de Janeiro (and
reverse)
Rotterdam
Dec 22, 2006; Jan
11; Dec 18, 2007; Jan 7, 27, 2008
68-Day Grand Circle South America &
Antarctica Voyage
Roundtrip Ft.
Lauderdale
Prinsendam
Jan 3, 2008
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