Tour Details
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
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- Congresso Square
- Palacio Barolo
- Teatro ColĂłn
- 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 that’s 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 ColĂłn, 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.Â
- 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 Argentenian elite and imagine the laughter that echoed through grand salons, the clinking of glasses at lavish soirĂ©es.Â
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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. Â
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
135 Reviews
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Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Juan was knowledgeable, friendly, and catered the tour to our specific interests!
Keith
Mar. 26, 2024
The three members of our family agreed that this outstanding tour was one of the best experiences we had on our South American vacation. It provided a wonderful overview of the development of the City of Buenos Aires. Our leisurely walk through the central city was extensive but manageable and gave us the opportunity to view many significant buildings. Before we began, our guide thoughtfully outlined our walking itinerary on a map to be sure we agreed with his plan. This really was much more than just an architectural tour. Our guide, Santiago Fallon, is a teacher in the architecture school and was not only exceptionally knowledgeable but also very engaging. He not only provided background about the history and development of Buenos Aires, including the "belle epoque" architectural style, but also shared fascinating insights into certain extraordinary buildings such as the Palacio Barolo, which we would never appreciated without the tour. In addition, he added cultural and political commentary which enriched our understanding of Argentine history. We highly recommend this tour. This is our second Context Tour and we will be looking for others when we visit other countries.
Santiago is an outstanding and very engaging guide. The three members of our family thoroughly enjoyed our time with him. We were a bit late because of traffic problems but we texted him and he assured us there was no problem. He greeted us with a broad smile and friendly hand shakes. He thoroughly reviewed our walking plan before we began and made sure we agreed. The walk was extensive, but Santiago was always considerate to be sure it was manageable for us--with two of us being seniors--even finding a place to use public restrooms. He was also very willing to provide additional cultural, political and historical insights in answer to our questions--and sharing tips on where to go for good Argentine pizza and empanadas. By the end of the tour we thought of Santiago as our friend in Buenos Aires. He is truly an excellent guide and equally, if not more important, a good, kind and thoughtful person. Context travel could not have a better representative.
Paul
Mar. 22, 2024
Awesome way to see the city - absolutely recommend this tour if you are at all interested in the city in general and also architecture!
Frederick
Mar. 16, 2024
Context Experts in Buenos Aires
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Meet Juan Cruz
