Join Greer and local expert Javier as they wine, dine and tango their way through Latin America's vivacious metropolis, Buenos Aires. The pair take to the city streets, rub shoulders with locals in popular hot spots, and head out into the countryside where they get a taste of the traditional gaucho ways. It's a 48 hour adventure that can't be missed!
Greer checks in at the Air New Zealand kiosk before boarding her flight, where she upgraded to Premium Economy for the long haul. She enjoys the Kiwi hospitality, the extra space and comfort of the cabin, and gets a great sleep, landing fresh and ready for her Buenos Aires adventure.
11am – Café Tortoni
Javier is waiting for Greer in Café Tortoni, a famous meeting place, and one of the most iconic cafés in all of Argentina. They catch up over the city’s best hot chocolate and fresh, warm churros.
12pm – Teatro Colon
Next up Javier has a surprise in store, he takes Greer to the city’s main opera theatre where his friend Trini meets them. Trini happens to be a professional opera singer, who often performs at the Teatro Colon, as well as venues around the world. She takes the pair through for a personal VIP tour.
2pm – Palermo
Trini, Javier and Greer make their way to Palermo, one of the city’s trendiest suburbs, full of eclectic restaurants, chic cocktail bars and quirky shops. Also home to some amazing street art, they walk through some of the mural-lined streets on their way a street art bar that is run by local artists. Here Greer and Javier learn about graffiti stencilling, and have a go at it themselves, leaving their mark on Buenos Aires.
3pm – Don Julio Parilla
Trini has one more spot in store for them before they part ways; she takes them to lunch at Don Julio, a parilla known for serving up the best steak in Buenos Aires. The three graze on sweetbread, chorizo and sample a few different cuts of steak. Like Trini says, when in Argentina, you must eat as the gauchos eat!
4pm – MALBA Museum
After a busy morning, Javier and Greer are off to visit the Museo de Arte Latino Americano de Buenos Aires; Argentina’s premier contemporary art museum. Soledad from the gallery takes them through a photography exhibition, where they admire some fantastic pieces of art.
6pm – Urban Adventures Walking Food Tour
Local Argentine Elvira from Urban Adventures Buenos Aires has a tasty evening planned for the pair. They take to the streets and experience Buenos Aires through food and wine, walking to some of her favourite spots. They start with baked empanadas; try the local asado style of cooking, stop in at a gorgeous ice cream parlour and finish up in an Argentinian wine bar, where they learn about the Mendoza wine region.
7am – Breakfast at Casa Cavia
Up and at ‘em, Javier has a lot planned for Greer today, her only full day in his wonderful city. First up he takes her to Casa Cavia for breakfast, a renovated 1920’s mansion that now operates as a boutique hotel. He explains that Argentinian’s don’t typically eat a big breakfast, but when they do, it is more of a ‘Sunday brunch’, and Casa Cavia boasts an impressive menu. They enjoy their meal surrounded by manicured gardens, chirping birds and are ready to take on the day.
8am – Drive from Buenos Aires to San Antonio de Areco
Heading out of the city, they drive through flat farmland and rural landscapes before arriving in San Antonio where they are welcomed by locals. They take in the quaint streets of the historical centre and visit a traditional pulperia where they meet a 77 year old gaucho who is one of the last remaining genuine gauchos in the area.
11 am – La Bambade Areco Estancia
Beautiful La Bamba is one of the oldest Estancias in Argentina, combining luxurious comfort and colonial elegance; it makes for a wonderful little escape from the city hustle and bustle. Full of history and tradition, Greer & Javier are greeted by gauchos on horseback, before sitting down to a traditional asado lunch. They enjoy exquisite cuisine of traditional salted meats, freshly baked bread, chargrilled vegetables and fresh salads, all washed down with some of the region’s best red wine. Next the pair is enchanted by a horse whisperer who has been practising this hobby his entire life. It is quite a moving and magical sight.
Next up, Greer is in her element as they prepare to go horse riding through the beautiful Argentinian countryside. Javier and Greer are charmed by the Gaucho traditions and La Bamba’s incredible hospitality.
5pm – The Argentine Experience
For tonight’s dinner, Javier has organised something a little different; The Argentine Experience which is a cultural food adventure. Greer & Javier make some local food, try local wine and learn the local lingo. Their amusing hosts teach them the fundamentals of what being an Argentine is all about, whilst they all eat, drink and laugh the night away. They finish off with a traditional mate tea drink, and make their own alfajores with dulce de leche. Delish!
8pm – El Taller de Omar, Local Tango Hall
A visit to Argentina is not complete without carving up the tango dance floor, and that’s exactly what Greer and Javier get up to at this local dance hall. They rub shoulders with the locals, and salsa, sway and sashay their way across the floor. What a night!
9am – San Temo Markets
Greer and Javier stroll through the San Telmo neighbourhood; a suburb filled with art galleries, antiques dealers, bars and street murals, it has quite a bohemian vibe. They meet up with Natalia from Air New Zealand’s Buenos Aires team at Plaza Dorrego, where a flea market and street performers attract crowds every Sunday. Natalia takes them on a true local tour of the San Telmo markets, and all the foodie goodness it has to offer.
10am – La Boca
The final stop of the journey is the cute ‘Caminito’ street in La Boca which is famed for its colourful houses. Javier and Greer reflect on their previous 48 hours, which has been a whirlwind!
