Guide 2007 / 2008

-REPUBLICA ARGENTINA and BUENOS AIRES-

Area: 2,776,890 sq km (1,083,000 sq mi). Population: 40,120,7074 (May 2007). Capital city: Buenos Aires. Language:Spanish.Government: Rep.President Dr. Nestor Kirchner.People:84%: European descent.17%: Mestizo. Indian and other minorities 1%.

Religion: 93% -Roman Catholic. 2.5% -Protestant. 2%. Jewish.:1.5%.Ukrainian Catholic. 1% -Armenian Orthodox.

Currency -ARS - Argentinean Peso.Exchange Rate: $3.09 Argentinean Pesos per 1 US/Dollar (as of 04/27/06). The $ (Peso):symbol represents an amount in Argentinean Pesos.Rarely, in goods sold only to foreigners, you will encounter a price in USD which will be represented by u$s.

Buenos Aires City

World class capital city and the gateway to Argentina. Experience the sights, the people, the dining and the entertainment in this unforgettable city. Population: 12.101.343 (as of 04/27/06). Abbreviations: A commonly used abbreviation for Buenos Aires is: Bs.As.

Is a seductive world capital located on the banks of the Rio de la Plata. Porteños, as the diverse people of Bs.As. are known, possess an elaborate and rich cultural identity. Built by European immigrants, Bs.As. often surprises first-time visitors with its resemblance to parts of Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, and Rome.

Buenos Aires is more known for its world-renowned culture than famous monuments. Bs.As. as well as the Porteños, is characterized by pride in its character and uniqueness. The book readers in the outdoor cafés, the dancers in the smoky tango bars, and the passionate citizens discussing government and futbol on the street-corners are all part of the essence of Bs As. The city has one of the greatest entertainment and nightlife scenes in the world. Theaters, tango shows, bars, and clubs all exhibit the great South American flair.

References

The city of is broken up into little barrios -or neighborhoods- each one with its own personality:

the beautiful and prestigious RECOLETA, trendy PALERMO commerce-minded EL CENTRO, timeless SAN TELMO, picturesque PUERTO MADERO and colorful LA BOCA all contribute to the Bs.Aires' culture and way of life. Bs. Aires' architecture contributes indelibly to life in Bs.As. as well.

There are a number of City-Tours that can introduce you to the highlights of Bs As. Additionally, you can take a night tour of Bs.As. an excursion to a Soccer -futbol- match, and an Argentine Tango Tour.

RECOLETA

Is a trully european and luxurious neighborhood that is packed with elegant restaurants, outdoor cafes, bars, and a cinema complex that is the biggest and best in Argentina.

In the 1870's, a yellow-fever epidemic sent many of the cities elite from their comfortable lodgings of San Telmo to this neighborhood. As a result, Recoleta prospered. The fabulous Avenida Alvear is a great example of the wealth and style of the upper classes in Argentina.

PALERMO

The area was started by the President Mr.Juan Mauel de Rosas that built gorgeous parks as playgrounds for Argentina's elite. The parks are now visited by locals of every economic standing.

Palermo is broken up into the sub-areas of Palermo Viejo (old), Palermo Chico (small), Palermo Soho and Palermo Holywood. Although understanding the difference among each area may be difficult to the casual tourist, one needs to know and visit two parts of Palermo: Palermo Viejo and Palermo Park.

Palermo Viejo (Old Palermo):
The area of Old Palermo started out as the favorite place for bohemians and intellectuals tied to arts and literature. Today it is a hip neighborhood that is frequented by young people.

Old Palermo has become a gastronomic center with more than forty bars and restaurants, which are in the able hands of young and creative chefs. The food offered offers is ethnic in Mediterranean and international genres as well as authentical tapas bars in old, renovated houses with courtyards, terraces and sidewalk tables.Is an area also known for being full of new designer clothes and decoration shops.

EL CENTRO

The center of Buenos Aires is quite busy during working hours with people coming in and out of the many government offices and shopping stores in the neigh-borhood.

On nights and weekends many shops and restaurants close and the area becomes significantly quieter.Is home to some of the major sights in Bs.As. sights that are symbols of Argentina. Visit each one of the highlights mentioned below, and enjoy all the shopping Bs.As. has to offer.The area referred to as "El Centro" (also referred to as the micro-center) is really broken up into a number of separate neigh-borhoods.

SAN TELMO

Is one of the oldest neigh-borhoods in Bs.As. This is reflected in the convergence of its XIX and XX century architecture. This area was the residential district in colonial times until the yellow fever epidemic in 1871 forced the upper classes to move to what is now the Recoleta neigh-borhood.

PUERTO MADERO

Is the site of the new restaurant, shopping and entertainment area in Bs As. This area was first used for storage by the docks, but, ten years ago, was transformed into the modern hotspot that it is today. Enjoy a walk around the marina and take a break at one of the numerous outdoor cafes and restaurants. Some of the best restaurants in Bs.As. are found in Puerto Madero. restaurants in Bs.As. are found in Puerto Madero.

LA BOCA

La Boca is the oldest -most colorful- and most authentic neigh-borhood in Buenos Aires. The neighborhood was settled and built by Italian immigrants that worked in the warehouses and meatpacking plants in the area. Is partly an artist colony, and mostly a working-class neighborhood. Few tourists venture out of the main street in La Boca -Caminito- because the rest of the neighborhood is not considered safe.

Caminito (little-path):
The most famous street in La Boca is called Caminito, nd is the center of tourist activity in the area. The street is commonly shown on postcards for its multi-colored houses. Many artists also show off their work on the sides of the main street.

Stadium:
The Boca Juniors is one of the biggest soccer teams in Argentina and happens to be one of the clubs that the soccer great Diego Maradona played for. Their stadium, "La Bombonera" , is not so surprisingly located in the La Boca barrio. It is possible to get tickets to most games and be a part of a truly Argentine experience.

Tours

 Call or Email to book your hunt: - 0054 223 6887305