Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, currently the third-largest metropolitan Area in South America. Located by the Rio de la Plata, the widest estuary in the world, Buenos Aires offers its visitors numerous tourist options.

The heart of the city today, as in colonial days, is the Plaza de Mayo with the Casa Rosada (Pink House - Presidential Palace) and the Cathedral where San Martin, the Father of Independence is buried. The Avenida 9 de Julio is the widest avenue in the world -the obelisk commemorating the 400th anniversary of the city stands midway. Tree-lined boulevards, parks and plazas are plentiful and the skyline, resembles that of Paris. The world famous Colon Opera House spans an entire city block and offers a wide range of cultural presentations.

Buenos Aires is famous for its chic boutiques. A walk down elegant, traffic-free CalleFlorida gives the visitor almost every imaginable shopping experience. Visitors can also enjoy sidewalk cafes and excellent museums. The La Boca area is popular for its many sidewalk cafes, bars and shopping.

Things to see and do

* The Palermo Viejo district
* Recoleta Cemetery
* Presidential Pink Palace and Museum
* Shopping or watching a tango show in the La Boca area
* Dorrego Square

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - Argentinian Nuevo Peso (Arg$)
Language - Spanish
Land Area - 203 sq km
Population -3,050,730 approx
Electricity - 2 round pins European style
Time - GMT minus three hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 54

Port Location - The cruise ship terminal at Puerto Buenos Aires is located about ½ miles from the city center. If your ship is moored at one of the outlying docks at the port, a complimentary shuttle bus is provided to deliver you to your ship. Taxis are readily available and very reasonable.

Transport Links - Ezeiza International Airport (referred to as Aeropuerto Internacional Ministro Pistarini), is located in the suburban area named Gran Buenos Aires, about 30-45 minutes from downtown by highway. Direct flights are available to and from most countries in South America, the United States, and Europe. Buenos Aires can also be reached by train, bus, car and boat.

There is an excellent public transport system including buses, metro, taxis and train. However Buenos Aires is a great place to explore on foot. Rental cars are not recommended