There are only 32 km. between the Tigre Delta and the Obelisc in downtown Buenos Aires. Tigre, located in the North of the Province of Buenos Aires is undoubtedly a piece of living history.  This city on the delta of Rio de la Plata is a bubble of serenity compared to the tempo of Buenos Aires living.

Getting to Tigre is a simple affair: simply show up to the train station in Retiro and buy a ticket. Trains run often (pretty much every hour) between Buenos Aires and Tigre, which is the last stop on the line. If you get on the platform early there is no trouble finding a seat and the ride is comfortable.

There are tourist information offices in Tigre located in the train station and next to the McDonalds. You can call them on 011-4512-4497 or visit the website on www.tigre.gov.ar (in Spanish).  When you get to the tourist information office you are also near the ticket offices for the boats and cruises.   The moment you arrive and leave the station in Tigre, the surroundings become foreign. The lazy river, a naturally formed canal, looks like it could be somewhere in France. A nice bridge spans the water and a promenade follows along the bank where you can purchase tickets for boat rides on a variety of vessels from catamarans to kayaks.

Colonization started here with the second foundation of Buenos Aires by Don Juan de Garay.  A document dated 24th October, 1580 records the distribution of the land. The name Tigre is derived from an old story of jaguar hunters. It is said that a couple of very famous and virtuous hunters used to live in the region. The region is vast. At 5,405 square miles, the Tigre Delta is among the world’s largest, and it is one of the only major deltas in the world that does not empty into a sea or ocean. It flows instead into the Río de la Plata, which separates Argentina and Uruguay, after the Río Paraná splits into several smaller rivers and forms a multitude of sedimentary islands covered in forest and grasslands. With its islands and canals, Tigre is what Venice might have looked like before development.   With the vertiginous passing of time, these lands were populated by farmers who lived with their families upon the products they grew and harvested. In 1611, the Cabildo asked the for a report on land farming and appointed 15 farmers residing in the area to cultivate wheat, thus giving origin to the village, which grew and became established both socially and economically.

Today, the City of Tigre is a destination neither foreigners nor local people should miss.

But beyond all activities, its main attraction is the Fruit Market (Puertos de Frutos), a different, almost magical world. The port has three inner docks. Daily catamaran excursions leave from one of them to the Delta. The central docks concentrate the grocer’s boats, which supply the inhabitants of the islands with the most varied products. In the last harbour, the timbering boats full of poplar and willow logs from the forested islands of the Delta are unloaded. The port of Tigre lodges the open market with streets full of the colors of rustic fabric, furniture and accessories made in cane and willow, delicious jams and honey, brilliant flowers, and of course, all the variety of native fruit co-existing in absolute harmony.

Also be sure to check out the stunning belle-époque building that houses the Museo de Arte Tigre in the Tigre Delta of Argentina opened as a social club a century ago, when rich bohemians would visit the region to give themselves a respite from Buenos Aires. The building eventually fell into disuse before reopening as a museum in 2006, newly refurbished with marble, bronze and stained glass as part of a municipal improvement project.

There are also two historical museums in Tigre, the Navy Museum (Museo Naval de la Nación) and the Sarmiento House Museum (La Casa Museo Sarmiento). There are many tours leaving Buenos Aires on half or full day excursion. They are standard or private tours, with or without lunch. The may or may not include a ride on the modern Coastal Train, sailing on the Tigre Delta (Parana River) or the tour of citadel. A popular local place is Isla Martin Garcia which is a short ferry trip from Tigre. It lies only 1.2 miles off the Uruguayan coast and is a park-like island acting as a nature reserve and recreational retreat.

For an afternoon, an amazing family vacation destination, a romantic weekend getaway, or longer, Tigre is sure to thrill!

We will be heading out to tigre the next few days and will be presenting some great articles on lodging, restaurants and more…

Introduction

The province (state) of Buenos Aires is located in the immensity of the Pampas Plains only interrupted by the Tandilia and Ventania mountain ranges.  It is the largest and most populous province of Argentina and takes its name (meaning “good winds”) from the City of Buenos Aires although the city is autonomous and not part of the province.
Buenos Aires is the land of the gauchos filled with tradition and history.  For the tourist, there are a variety of great travel opportunities to be found all over the province.   There are many tours located around the many districts not far from Buenos Aires such as Luján, Mercedes, Pilar, San Isidro and Tigre (and its delta region).  Chascomús and other lagoons of Buenos Aires offer intense fishing excursions.  Rural areas such as San Antonio de Areco invite tourists to perform activities typical from that countryside along with offering accommodation in ancient estancias along with the opportunity to breath in the pure air of the Pampas Plains while enjoyed a cup of mate and a traditional asado criollo (a gaucho styled cookout).  Adventure travel in Balcarce, Sierra de la Ventana and Tandil round out tourist opportunities in Buenos Aires Province. 

History

Prior to colonization by Spain in the 16th Century, the original inhabitants of Buenos Aires Provinces were aboriginal peoples.   However, over the course of the next 350 years their culture was lost due to their virtual genocide.  Those who did survive either joined with other tribes or were gradually absorbed by Argentina’s European majority. 

Pedro de Mendoza founded Santa Maria del Buen Ayre in 1536, but the city was evacuated 6 years later in 1541 due to hostility with the aboriginals.  In 1580 the city was re-established by Juan de Garay and renamed as Santisima Trinidad y Puerto Santa Maria de los Buenos Aires. 

Shortly thereafter, expansion into what would later become the Province of Buenos Aires began amid ongoing aboriginal conflict.  Cattle farms were extended from the city and following the establishment of the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata at the end of the 18th Century, the exportation of meat and leather and their derivatives through the port of Buenos Aires became the foundation of the economic development of the area. 

For a while the Jesuits tried to peacefully assimilate the aboriginal peoples into the European culture that was expanding in the region, but those efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful.  In 1879 then General Roca (later President Roca) began his Conquest of the Desert Campaign (Conquista del Desierto) which ultimately led to the near extermination of all indigenous persons not only in the region, but nationwide. 

Territorial issues involving control continued throughout the 19th Century with the city and province of Buenos Aires allied in confrontation with the other provinces.  The 1859 Pact of San Jose de Flores put an end to secessionist thoughts of the time but instability remained until 1880, at which time the city became federalized and removed from the province and in 1994 a constitutional amendment made it autonomous leading to its formal name: Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires in English).

By the latter part of the 19th Century the province has around half a million inhabitants, constituting around one fourth of the country’s entire population.  In 1882 La Plata was founded for the purpose of becoming the province’s capital city.  At about the same time nearly a billion dollars were invested by British and coupled with the implementation of pro-development, education and immigration policies administered at the national level, the population of the area doubled by 1895 and again by 1914.  Also, at the same time the railroads were developed which connected nearly every town and village in the province and as in other nations, many new towns were later developed around those new railway lines themselves. 

Development of the area was cut short by the Wall Street Crash of 1929 which led to dramatic drops in commodity prices which constituted 99% of Argentine exports at the time.  This also led to a halt of the flow of investments between nations.  Like in the United States, Argentina began pursuing ambitious lending and public works programs throughout Buenos Aires Province to include the development of clinics, municipal buildings, paved roadways, power plants, regional hospitals, schools and water works systems.  

Buenos Aires Province Today

Since that time, the areas outside of the City of Buenos Aires began to develop disproportionately quickly particularly in the suburban areas and includes around 10 million people constituting two-thirds of the total population of Buenos Aires Province today. 

Today the province also finds itself in the midst of a great paradox.  While it enjoys vast agricultural and industrial production, its economy nevertheless strains to find the means to provide for its nearly 15 million inhabitants which constitutes nearly 40% of the nation’s total population of which 9.7 million live in Greater Buenos Aires and 5 million in the rest of the province.

The province’s economy has long been the largest in Argentina.  Its manufacturing accounts for about 40% of the country’s total production and its agriculture is renowned around the world for its level of production.  Cattle have historically provided the main animal husbandry activity but the province is also the country’s top producer of chicken, pork and sheep.  Of equal importance is the province’s dairy industry and in recent decades crop harvests have become vital to include flax, maize, soybean, sunflower and wheat. 

Tourism remains important in the province.  There is a thriving industry along the province’s coastline which begins some 150 miles south of the City of Buenos Aires and extends southward beyond the border of the province.  Tourism is also important in suburban areas north of the City of Buenos Aires are fishing trips to lagoons of the province and rural vacations to estancias (ranches) as well as many new agri-tourism services increasing in popularity with foreigners visiting the province. 

Attractions

Buenos Aires Province has many tourist attractions to offer visitors.  The many cities and towns along the coast line are increasingly popular with Mar del Plata being the most popular followed by Miramar, Necochea, Pinamar and Villa Gesell.  The most important summer even is the National Sea Festival held annually in Mar del Plata in February. 

Just to the north of the City of Buenos Aires, Tigre is a popular “not to be missed” destination.  The name Tigre itself refers to tigres or jaguars that were hunted there in its early years.    Tigre’s main attraction is the “Puerto de Frutos” (fruit port) which is now home to a magical crafts market by the riverside.  The market also includes rustic fabric, furniture and accessories made of cane and willow, delicious jams and honey, brilliant flowers, and of course, a wide variety of local fruits.  Tigre is also home to a variety of antique shops, riverside restaurants and pubs.  There is also a great casino nearby (Casino de Tigre) as well as the Naval Museum and Parque de la Costa, an amusement park. 

Tigre is also the beginning point of the Rio de la Plata Delta, otherwise known as the Parana Delta.  Mahogany commuter launches and motorboats are favorites of locals and tourist alike who enjoy traveling the maze of interconnecting rivers, streams and islands that make up the delta.  Visitors can also enjoy countless marinas, English-style rowing clubs, restaurants, teahouses, picnic areas as well as many upscale lodges and hotels, humble dwelling and elegant mansions. 

Located about 75 miles from Buenos Aires, Chascomus is a wonderful oasis in the Pampa Plains.  Situated on the edge of the Chascomus Lagoon it offers a variety of water sports to include: canoeing, jet skiing, windsurfing as well as fishing.  If you wish to take out your own boat, there is a yacht club offering ramps.  The area also has sports centers, the Pampas Museum and a variety of agri-tours for persons interested in enjoying the local estancias and nearby rural areas.  At night Chascomus offers a wide variety of restaurants, pubs and discos. 

Tandil, Sierra de la Ventana and Balcarce all offer adventure travel opportunities.  Located in the southeast portion of the province, Tandil offers wild and untamed scenery outlined by the Pampa Mountains, streams and ancient forests.  Paragliding, hang gliding, horseback trekking, mountain biking, mountaineering and kayaking are just a few of its attractions. 

Sierra de la Ventana is located in the southwest portion of the province in one of the most attractive parts of the Pampa Mountains, providing an ideal environment for mountain activities.  Mountain climbing and biking, nature trekking and horseback rides are but a few of the area’s many offerings.   Fans of sports fishing can spend the day at the Sauce Grande Stream or at one of its tributaries where they may also swim and refresh themselves in their crystal clear waters. Local excursions include trips to Ernesto Torquinst Park and to Hueco de la Venta with its waterfalls, cave paintings and beautiful views.  Other area attractions include visits to Cerro de la Cruz (the Hill of the Cross), Cerro Tres Picos (Three Peaked Hill), La Fuente del Bautismo (The Baptismal Fountain) or Paso de las Piedras Dam.  Sierra de la Ventana is an excellent location for those wanting a relaxing vacation in a magical mountain environment. 

Balcarce lies on the southeastern bank of Buenos Aires Provinces about 250 miles from the City of Buenos Aires and offers a diverse scene of mountains, lagoons, creeks and fertile valleys.  Founded in 1876 and with a current population of nearly 42,000 people, Balcarce still maintains the charm of a provincial village complete with tree lined streets, statues and a wealth of public buildings.   Outdoor activities include mountain climbing, fishing, hand gliding, hiking, mountain biking, paragliding and tandem skydiving.  Balcarce is also home to a motor raceway and the Juan Manuel Fangio Automobile Museum, which pays tribute to Fangio a five time Formula 1 world champion who was born in Balcarce.  Other attractions include: the Cerro el Triunfo Municipal Park, the Brava Lagoon and the San Jose Church, one of the area’s most valuable resources of a rich architectural heritage.

San Antonio de Areco is located 70 miles from the City of Buenos Aires next to the Pampa Mountains and the Areco stream.   This quaint village is one of Argentina’s most ancient and traditional settlements in the province and dates back to the early 18th century when a chapel was built there to honor San Antonio de Padua.   San Antonio de Areco has now become synonymous with traditional gaucho culture and every year hosts a large gaucho celebration known as the Dia de la Tradicion (Day of Tradition) which takes place every November.  The town hosts countless regional workshops and shops selling rope and leather crafts where the ancient art is still taught and performed as it was centuries ago.  Lovers of sports fishing will have a chance to practice their techniques along the entire Areco River course, using the local Fisherman’s Club as a base of operations.  Agri-tourism and rural tourism abounds in the area along with regional dish tasting, horseback riding and games, and of course the traditional asado criollo (Argentine cookout) at one of several estancias.  An almost endless list of attractions makes San Antonio de Areco a unique place worth visiting.

Pros and Cons

There are no real cons to planning a vacation to Buenos Aires Province, however one of its strongest points is its ease of access to international travelers as many of its more entertaining destinations are within a short distance from the City of Buenos Aires, the port of entry for international travelers. 

Buenos Aires Province Links

Province of Buenos Aires Official Website:  http://www.gba.gov.ar/
Secretary of Tourism, Buenos Aires Province: http://www.buenosaires.tur.ar/inicio/index.php
Events and Meetings (English): http://www.mice.turismo.gba.gov.ar/cd_ingles/reuniones/indexen.html
Encyclopedia Britannica Online Article (English): http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/83532/Buenos-Aires
Photos:  http://www.guiafe.com.ar/argentina-pictures/categories.php?cat_id=18

Other Links

Tigre Official Site: http://www.tigre.com.ar/web/home/Default.aspx
Mar del Plata Official Site: http://www.mardelplata.gov.ar/Index00.asp
Tandil Official Website:  http://www.tandil.gov.ar/
Museo Fangio (Fangio Automobile Museum): http://www.museofangio.com/
San Antonio de Areco Day of Tradition Festival Event Schedule: http://www.sanantoniodeareco.com/turismo/fiestadelatradicion/tradition_festival.htm