Tango Argentino
Learn about the world of the tango in the place of its origin, the barrio of San Telmo, Buenos Aires!
Duration:5 days
Day 1
Buenos Aires
Arrival and reception at Buenos Aires International Airport. There, a folder will be provided by the assistant, which includes a city map where the tango circuits are indicated, a summary of the origins of tango and a CD with its music. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation. In the afternoon, enjoy the Malevos Circuit. This tour is an introduction to the city and the history of Tango, recreated in the background of the most elegant neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, such as Recoleta, one of the most sophisticated areas of the city. In the old days, several celebrations used to take place in the park opposite to 'Nuestra Señora del Pilar Church' and the cemetery, where polka and other traditional waltzes were danced. We will also visit the Palais de Glace, a circular building where tango was introduced into the high society ballrooms for the first time, leaving behind the slums and the brothels. The visit continues to Palermo Park. In the XIX century, “lo de Hansen” was one of the first tango places where the high class society used to hide while they learnt this dance, which was not appropiate for the time. Palermo was an area of 'malevos' (small-time hoods) and 'cuchilleros' (knife-fighters). According to the days of opening, you will enjoy a guided visit to the Evita Museum, where it is possible to appreciate the life and work of one of the most important women in Argentine history: Eva Perón. Finally, the visit continues to Belgrano district. In the evening, enjoy your first tango lesson. The tango is known for its vulgar lyrics and for being a sensual and provocative dance, which incites a unique encounter. Later, you can enjoy an unforgettable tango show at a typical tanguer’a to discover the unique sensualism and magnetism of tango performed by the best dancers and singers, while enjoying a delicious meal. Return to the hotel. Overnight. D
Day 2
Buenos Aires
Your second approach to the history of tango will start with the Tango Origins Circuit, guided by professional experts with tango music playing in the background. The visit goes on to San Telmo, one of the oldest and most traditional neighbourhoods in the city. This, which used to be the area for 'candombe' and 'tango', was inhabited by black people and 'compadritos'. We will also visit San Telmo Foundation, a typical colonial house, Pasaje de la Defensa and Dorrego Square, where there is a flea market offering interesting antiques, only on Sundays. Continuing to Lezama Park, we will visit the National Historic Museum and make a brief stop at the typical “Café Británico”. As an optional alternative and according to the days of opening, we can visit the Zanjón de Granados, a multi-space full of history and myth which constitutes a true work of arqueology. This restored derelict mansion from the XVII century preserves the history of different periods within an austere and modern framework which develops into a work of art. Later, we will have lunch at 'Los Inmortales' in Corrientes Avenue, a restaurant that used to be frequented by Carlos Gardel, who also performed in some of its theatres. This restaurant is a real photographic museum which portrays well known local personalities. The visit continues to the place where Tango was born, La Boca neighbourhood, located at the Riachuelo River bank, where Genoese immigrants settled at the end of last century, creating this picturesque Italian style neighborhood. Walking along Caminito street will bring memories of this most characteristic music that seems to be everywhere in the city. We will visit a typical 'conventillo', a house in which many families used to live together. We will also visit the local museum, where an interesting selection of Quinquela Martin's paintings are on exhibition; and visit some of the well-known Italian canteens. As an optional alternative and according to the days of opening, we can visit Tango del 900, which offers a theatrical play within a realistic setting, representing the stories, the dances and the singing in a characteristic atmosphere of a typical “conventillo”. As another option we can enjoy a drink at one of the traditional 'confiterías' (typical coffee shop), that date back to the beginning of the XX century, known as 'Las Violetas'. Finally, we will visit Boedo neighbourhood, reminder of the unforgettable tango: 'Sur', passing by Homero Manzi, officially declared a 'historical building' which portrays the very true Argentine tango spirit. Enjoy another sensual tango lesson led by proffesionals. Enjoy a dinner & tango show, and later, as an option, you will be able to dance at a typical 'tanguería'. As an optional alternative enjoy a dinner show at “Piazzola Tango” or dance at a typical “milonga” (tango dancing club) guided by your tango teacher. Return to the hotel. Overnight. BLD
Day 3
Buenos Aires
Enjoy a Gaucho Party at a traditional 'estancia' (Pampean ranch) and do not miss the opportunity of tasting a delicious 'asado' (typical barbecue). As you finish your lunch enjoy a show with folk music and typical dances. Later, enjoy the ring races in which gauchos show their skills as horsemen. As an optional alternative enjoy a dinner show at “El Viejo Almacón”, a colonial style 'temple of tango', where the greatest artists perform an exceptional traditional show. Return to the hotel. Overnight. BL
Day 4
Buenos Aires
The visit aims at making a hindsight into Carlos Gardel's history, the greatest tango singer of all times. Carlos Gardel Circuit: the visit starts at Plaza de Mayo and continues along Avenida de Mayo, with its typical Spanish cafés and theaters, stopping at Café Tortoni, a place where artists and poets used to meet in the old days. Later we will visit the 'Abasto' neighbourhood, a district most frequented by Carlos Gardel, where you will be able to see a monument built in his honour some years ago, just at the door of the old 'Chanta Cuatro', - now known as Casa de Carlos Gardel - which was, at that time, a restaurant and hostel where he used to meet his friends. Nowadays it makes an excellent choice for thematic tango restaurants. We will continue to Chacarita Cemetery to see another Carlos Gardel Monument, and then return along the famous Corrientes Avenue, the street that never sleeps, and feel amazed by its spectacular theaters, cinemas, cafés, bars and restaurants. In the afternoon, join some more tango lessons. Later in the evening, transfer to downtown and enjoy a great 'bife de chorizo' (steak) at a typical steakhouse (drinks not included). End your visit of Buenos Aires by enjoying the Milonguero Circuit: we will visit the most popular 'milongas' in Buenos Aires, such as El Beso, La Viruta or La Ideal, guided by your tango teacher. This is the perfect opportunity to show what you have learnt. Return to the hotel. BD (no drinks)
Day 5
Buenos Aires
Transfer to the Airport. B
