For many, arriving in Buenos Aires, the gateway to Argentina, requires a long journey. If that’s the case, consider adding pre-or-post cruise days so that you can see more of the city and explore other areas of Argentina.

Tip: The city awakens around 10 p.m., so check your itinerary to see if you can enjoy local restaurants and tango shows.

Adventurer

Sampling some of the country’s natural adventures requires a pre-or-post tour add-on. Any of the following picks are well worth an additional few days.

Argentina is known for its blue-ribbon trout streams, trophy-size brown trout, and fresh water dorado. Northern Patagonia’s San Martin de los Andes is surrounded by seven rivers in addition to the Chimehuin. Good fishing rivers also surround Bariloche, an incongruous Swiss-type village known for its skiing. Bird hunters may want to head to the region south of the colonial city of Salta. Hard-core climbers can challenge themselves on the imposing 180-foot ice walls at Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park.

Entertain Me

If you are fortunate to be in Buenos Aires on a Sunday, don’t miss Feria de San Pedro Telmo, a flea market. Allow about four hours, including the 30-minute,one-way drive. Finds may include vintage gaucho garb, a WW II souvenir or an antique sterling platter or pin. For more than forty years, the market has been a weekly happening. These days the crowded streets may also feature artists, mimes, and tango dancers.

La Boca has become trendy in the last decade. The barrio’s European flavor was influenced by Italian settlers. Tourists are likely to find themselves spending an hour or more on the Caminito, a small street with colorful houses, coffee shops, and taverns. As in other of the city’s barrios or neighborhoods, it is hard not to encounter a couple doing a tango in the streets.

In addition to many tourist-attracting tango shows, Buenos Aires’ hopping nightlife includes Teatro Colón, a top- rated opera, symphony, and concert house. Tango recommendations include El Nacional and Niño Bien located in El Centro Region Leonesa.

If you have a full day to explore, Uruguay’s Colonia del Sacramento is a ferry ride across the Rio de la Plata. The 1995 UNESCO Heritage Site is a historic Portuguese settlement. While it formerly served as a port for contraband, Colonia del Sacramento is now considered a tourist destination. The winding streets are edged by colorful Portuguese-style homes.

Family

Located in the center of Plaza de Mayo, Pirámide de Mayo, constructed in 1811 by the Primera Junta to celebrate the first anniversary of the May Revolution, is the city’s oldest national monument. Both Casa Rosada or Pink Palace (similar to United States’ White House) and the Metropolitan Cathedral edge the Plaza. Since 1997, the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo walk the square daily, carrying protest signs and photos of their children, who mysteriously disappeared during the 1970s Dirty War.

Buenos Aires does have numerous parks, including El Jardín Botánico Carlos Thays’ garden, plus a small zoo.

Children, as well as many adults, struggle with the late dinner hour, typically around 10 PM. Fast-food places come in handy for feeding hungry kids.

Foodie

Buenos Aires is a carnivore’s delight. La Cabrera boasts “steak so tender you can cut it with a spoon.” Waiters wearing starched, white shirts and boinas (berets) deliver enormous portions of grilled meat on wooden boards. In the city’s restaurants, try Mendoza produced red wines. Porteños are especially proud of their Malbecs.

A longtime tradition is Sunday Brunch at the Alvear Palace L´Orangerie restaurant, located in Recoleta. The exquisite décor inspires a bit of formality. Don’t arrive in shorts.

Luxury Lover

For those luxury lovers who have extra days ashore, fly beyond the city limits. Explore the 200-some waterfalls of Iguazu National Park, the wine country surrounding the town of Mendoza and the wilderness landscapes of Tierra del Fuego National Park. Tranquility and coziness can be found at Argentine estancias (rural estates). The upscale ones are pricey and reservations depend upon each family’s travel plans.

Romantic

If you feel the urge to dance the sexy two-four beat, give it a try at the century old Confiteria Ideal. For atmosphere, try Bar Sur or Mansión Dandi Royal, complete with art nouveau architecture. Rojo Tango or Madero Tango are even more luxurious dancing options. Admire the scene and each other over afternoon tea at the L´Orangerie restaurant at the luxurious Alvear Palace Hotel. Tea is served 4:30-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and on Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m.

Wallet Watcher

The locals, called porteños, are exceptionally friendly. You are likely to come upon couples dancing the tango curbside and encounter the city’s mimes in popular Recoleta, a downtown residential neighborhood, bustling with upscale hotels, shops, and restaurants. The area, however, is best known for its famous cemetery and park.

Recoleta Cemetery, built in 1822, surrounds Our Lady of Pilar convent. Only the wealthy and most respected were allowed to be buried in the 14-acre cemetery. As a result, the mausoleums resemble sculptures usually found in a fine art gallery. Initially, Eva Peron, the country’s catalyst for social reform, campaigner of women’s rights, and champion of the needy, was denied burial in Recoleta Cemetery. The aristocracy finally relented and she now lies in the austere Duarte Family crypt. How to find her? Follow the crowd. There is usually a line.

Two more barrios to stroll: Palermo and Puerto Madero. Alto Palermo is noted for its shopping along Santa Fe Avenue. Palermo Soho attracts younger upper-middle class visitors with its fashionable areas, restaurants, bars and interesting street culture. A weekend craft fair is held in the plaza.

The newest and most contemporary neighborhood in Buenos Aires, Puerto Madero, home to the trendy Puerto Madero and Hilton hotels, features an upscale, riverfront promenade with bars and restaurants.

–Mary is a freelance adventure travel writer and book author, her writing can be found at peachin.com

Photo courtesy of Buenos Aires Tourism Board