Buenos Aires

My Journal Notes from the 2024 Expedition to Antarctica on board of the
National Geographic Explorer.

Buenos Aires, our first stop, the entrance to the journey we were about to embrace.

We gather together on a Saturday at the iconic Alvear Art Hotel, a beacon of luxury and tradition nestled in the heart of Barrio Retiro. I arrived in Buenos Aires the morning prior, on a crisp Friday morning, I savored the opportunity to explore the enchanting neighborhoods of Retiro and San Nicolás.

This page is still a work in progress.

If you're planning a visit to Buenos Aires, consider staying in the vibrant neighborhoods of Retiro and San Nicolás. I found it convenient to book hotels in these areas both the night before our team meeting and upon my return after the expedition. It's worth noting that some taxi drivers mentioned this period as a quieter time due to vacations, with many residents leaving the city.

Below, I've included a map indicating the hotels where I stayed: Hotel Alvear (~$300), Hotel Bisonte ($70), and Hotel Goya ($40). Each offered its own unique experience and affordability.

While exploring this area, be sure to visit some iconic landmarks such as Teatro Colón, Teatro Nacional Cervantes, and Plaza Lavalle, renowned for their stunning architecture.

Map of barrios Retiro and San Nicolás, and some places I recommend to visit.

Visiting El Obelisco and Plaza de la República will immerse you in the energetic nightlife of Buenos Aires alongside the porteños. Here, friends and families gather, creating a lively atmosphere before strolling down Avenida Corrientes for a bustling night filled with people, quaint shops, and street performers. Many establishments remain open late into the evening, adding to the allure of the experience.

Make sure to reserve a night to visit Tango Porteño, an elegant restaurant offering various options to enjoy the show. I opted for the "show with wine and empanadas" package ($35), but there are other packages available that I don't quite recall the prices for.

Within walking distance from this area, you'll find other noteworthy attractions such as Galerías Pacífico, Puente de la Mujer, Plaza de Mayo, Monumento a los Caídos en Malvinas, Torre Monumental, and Retiro train station—places I had the pleasure of exploring upon my return from the Antarctica Expedition.