Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
- Congresso Square
- Palacio Barolo
- Teatro Colón
- Retiro Neighborhood
- Plaza San Martin
Photos & Highlights
- Decipher hidden messages in the ornate facade of Palacio Barolo, a Dantean allegory waiting to be unraveled.
- Create unforgettable memories of hidden gems discovered, secrets unveiled, and lively discussions amid the grand architecture of Buenos Aires
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Tour Description
Ready to experience Buenos Aires as it was in its golden age? Transport yourself back in time, hearing the cobblestone streets echo with horse-drawn carriages and smelling the scent of jasmine as it’s carried on the breeze. This is Buenos Aires, the "Paris of South America.”
- Meet your guide in front of the neoclassical facade of the National Congress. Standing in the presence of the building’s Corinthian columns, you’ll feel the echoes of power and the ambition of a nation fueled by agricultural wealth.
- Move toward the breathtaking Palacio Barolo, a building whose design was greatly influenced by the architect’s love for Alighieri. Lift your gaze to the heavens to take in the Gothic spires that reach to the sky and absorb the building’s intricate details that perfectly capture the nation’s intertwining of wealth with artistry. Run your fingers along the cool, polished marble as you discuss the ideas of how Argentine citizens chose to present themselves both publicly and privately.
- Stop in front of the opulent Teatro Colón, a culmination of the work of several renowned architects, one of whom was murdered during construction… Dive into the mystery and beauty of this building with your guide, and discuss the social commentary that played out alongside soaring arias, a microcosm of Argentina's evolving identity. Fun fact: This national icon is considered one of the top ten opera houses in the world by National Geographic.
- Explore hidden gems like Palacio Pizzurno, its intricate carvings whispering tales of progress and education, or the Water Company Palace, a Neo-Gothic testament to infrastructure's transformative power, if time allows.
- Stroll through Recoleta and Retiro, moving along Avenida Alvear to take in the elegant Parisian-inspired mansions and charming plazas that hold grand stories from the past. Walk the same streets as the former Argentine elite and imagine the laughter that echoed through grand salons, the clinking of glasses at lavish soirées.
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Stop at the Retiro Train Station, a majestic melody of iron and glass. Listen for the rhythmic click of approaching trains and examine the foreign influences that played a hand in the Argentine economy and social standing on the global stage.
Though your tour ends here, your understanding of Buenos Aires is only beginning to unfold. Against the backdrop of incredible architectural feats, you now have a greater insight into the complex threads that shaped a nation and a newfound appreciation for its architectural grandeur.
- You want to unravel the hidden Dantean allegory embedded in the Barolo's design.
- You're not just a tourist, you're a time traveler. You don't settle for snapshots, you seek the forgotten narratives, the secrets tucked away in every archway and weathered facade.
- You want to gain a deeper understanding of the city's power dynamics, ending your experience feeling like a history buff with a secret handshake.
Where You'll Start
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182 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Very knowledgeable. Lots of interesting info about history and city development. Very friendly. Highly recommend him
Stephanie
Reviewed on:
Jan 16, 2018
Juan guided us beautifully, explaining the historical basis for the architectural choices made in Buenos Aires. His expertise was in evidence as he showed us architectural highlights. He tailored the talk to our questions and we all felt highly satisfied.
Kanur
Reviewed on:
Dec 30, 2017
Juan Pablo was an outstanding guide. He was not simply deeply knowledgeable about architecture, the city of Buenos Aires and Argentinian history—he was passionate about the history and politics of his country without being partisan, and about the ways in which history lives in the present. We asked him all kinds of questions and he addressed each one, including many that went off the official topic of the tour. He also checked in throughout, making sure we were ok with the directions of the conversation and departures from the official subject. He was personable and kind, and handled unwanted interactions with panhandlers with grace, firmness and kindness.
Juan Pablo made the subject interesting but in some ways I wonder what the tour would be if he had stuck to the topic. Perhaps Belle Époque is a little narrow. A more interesting tour might be to tell the political history of the city through its built environment.
Jacqueline
Reviewed on:
Nov 26, 2017
