Buenos Aires Gets Carnaval Fever

Throughout the month of February, the Carnaval 2012 spirit has been sweeping across Buenos Aires with some of the best 2012 Carnaval celebrations outside of Rio taking place on the Porteño streets. On Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st February, over 100 murgas (Carnaval bands) will be spread out across the city, ready to perform and create an incredible Carnaval atmosphere. 

Declared part of the Cultural Heritage of the city of Buenos Aires in 1997, experiencing the murga show is an activity that cannot be missed! The lyrics of the street musicians are called ‘’criticas’’ which use humour and irony, to critically analyse their neighbourhood and society. 

Don't  forget to buy your foam to spray!

Each murga is therefore different and unique with each band creating their own rhythms, playing different instruments and wearing extravagant clothing. The murga of Buenos Aires has flourished in recent years due to the development of this art form in Argentina making Buenos Aires one of the top destinations for tourists to visit during the Carnaval period.

All pictures are from Secretaria de Cultura de BsAs

The Carnaval Parades are being held in the following neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires: Abasto, Almagro, Bajo Flores, Bajo Núñez, Balvanera, Barracas, Belgrano, Boedo, Caballito, Coghlan, Colegiales, Flores, Liniers, Lugano, Mataderos, Monserrat, Palermo, Parque Avellaneda, Parque Centenario, Parque Patricios, Paternal, Piedrabuena, Pompeya, Saavedra, San Telmo, Villa Crespo, Villa Pueyrredón and Villa Urquiza. On Saturdays the celebrations begin at 19.00 and continue until 02.00 and on Sundays and the holidays the parties begin at 19.00 and end at 00.00. To make sure you don’t miss out on these authentic shows, click here to find your nearest Carnaval party in Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires and the Porteños do not need to be asked twice to enjoy a National Holiday and a good party. The following weekend, from Saturday 25th until Monday 27th February, the Gran Corso de Carnaval (The Big Carnival Parade) will be taking place on Avenue 9 de Julio and it marks the final event of Carnaval in Buenos Aires. Carnaval groups and samba schools from South American countries such as, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia and Bolivia are invited by the Government of Argentina to perform in this unmissable Carnaval Parade alongside street musicians and entertainers creating an unforgettable party atmosphere.

If you are looking for tours and activities in Buenos Aires during the summer, visit our official website www.bsas4u.com

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ATP Tennis Smashes Into Buenos Aires

Copa Claro

Buenos Aires is the home of Argentine sporting events whether it is the passion of the football season or the sophisticated  Polo league which is loved by almost all Porteños. From Saturday 18th February 2012 to Sunday 26th February 2012, the famous  ATP Copa Claro will be taking place at the nostalgic and main tennis stadium of Argentina, the  Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club, also known as, the ‘Cathedral of Argentinean Tennis’.  

The tennis stadium of Buenos Aires is located in the beautiful and popular tourist neighbourhood of  Palermo near to its many parks and quaint cafes. The tennis stadium has a capacity of 5,500 and the tournament is in its 15th edition on the outdoor clay courts and is regarded as an important date in the ATP World Tour Calendar. Highly ranked players such as, David Ferrer (ESP); Nicolas Almagro (ESP); Gilles Simon (FR) and Argentina’s  David Nalbandian (ARG) will be stepping into the Buenos Aires court to fight it out for the USD$600,000 prize money of this prestigious tournament. 

All pictures are from Copa Claro Facebook Fan Page

Ticket Information:
Make sure you get the seats you want so that you don’t miss that winning match point shot. You can buy your Copa Claro tickets online from the TuEntrada.com.

Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club: Visit the tennis club in Palermo and buy your tickets from the box office outside Gate 4. The box office is open, Monday to Fridays from, 12.00 – 20.00 and Saturday to Sundays from 12.00 – 18.00.

Prices: Ticket prices vary depending on the day and time you decide to go as well as the seats you choose. You can buy full day tickets, day tickets and evening tickets as well as, full weekday (ARS$540-ARS1320), weekend (ARS$450-ARS$1250) and full week (ARS$900-ARS$2450) packages. 

2008 Champion. David Nalbandian

The economy tickets located in the stands (Platea) cost on average ARS$130 and the corner tickets (locally called Codo tickets) are located either side of the Platea stand are approximately ARS$140. The box seats at the side of the court (Palco Lateral) are on average ARS$190 and the box seats at the head and bottom of the court (Palco Sur/Norte) are about ARS$245. The most expensive seats are the courtside box seats called Palco Lateral Bajo where you will be able to see a bead of sweat drip from Nalbandian’s eyebrow. These seats are on average ARS$320. Click here to see detailed ticket prices and the seating plan for the ATP Copa Claro in Buenos Aires.

Tickets can be bought online using a credit card or with cash at the box office (Gate 4) in the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club. It is highly recommended to buy your tickets in advance to ensure that you don’t miss out!

If you are visiting Buenos Aires on a traveller’s budget but want to enjoy a day at the tennis or experience a major sporting event whilst basking in the sunshine of Buenos Aires all is not lost. Head down to the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th February to see the first and second round of qualification with free entry to the tournament on these days! The Copa Claro tournament is perfect if you are searching for sport activities in Buenos Aires, visit the home of Argentine Tennis and enjoy the Buenos Aires weather with a fun-filled day at the tennis. 

If you are looking for tours and activities in Buenos Aires during the summer, visit our official website www.bsas4u.com

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Top 5 Valentine´s Day activities in Buenos Aires

The  summer weather, the delicious Porteño cuisine, the aromatic  Argentine wines and the sexy tango in Buenos Aires makes this city the perfect destination to spend a romantic Valentine’s Day (Día de los Enamorados) with that special someone. 

Latin America is the continent of love and passion and Buenos Aires is seen as a romantic destination, because of its connection to the nostalgic lyrics of the tango and the sounds of the bandoneón. The city offers a number of activities to have a unique, authentic and exclusive Valentine’s Day and we have selected the best travel activities for San Valentin in Buenos Aires. 

Querandí Tango Show

1- There’s nothing more romantic than a tango show: Yes we know, there are many houses, dozens of options and some of them very touristy; but if you want to surprise your other half and have a special fancy dinner that she/he will never forget, there are very few houses that offer an exclusive service with a romantic and cosy atmosphere providing the perfect evening and Valentine’s Day tango celebration. You can see a heart pounding and sexy tango dinner show at  Rojo Tango, one of the most fashionable and elite tango houses in Buenos Aires in the exquisite Hotel Faena.

If you want something even more authentic and special,  El Querandi and BsAs4U are offering a very special Valentine´s Day promotion that includes an exclusive wine tasting at the Querandi winery and a complete and exclusive dinner. The authentic tango show of El Querandi was declared of cultural interest by the Government of Buenos Aires and to complete the experience, the couple will also receive a special present to continue celebrating their love.

2- Sweep your partner off their feet with private Tango Lessons at one of the best tango schools of Buenos Aires and practice your dance skills to show your partner passion and impress your friends with all your new steps. 

3- Book an enchanting and glamorous sailing tour along the tranquil waters of the Rio de la Plata in Buenos Aires. Choose between a day sailing tour, sunset sailing tour or an evening sailing tour with a loved one and get a unique, uninterrupted view of the Buenos Aires skyline which is truly breath-taking.  

sailing tour along Rio de la Plata

4- hot air balloon ride just before sunset flying over the picturesque and magnificent Argentine Pampas just outside of Buenos Aires, could definitely be an overwhelming experience and a top activity for you and your loved one. 

5- Give you and your partner’s 5 senses the treat of a  wine tasting experience of some of the best wines in the Southern Hemisphere in the heart of Palermo that will leave you both relaxed and content. The semi-private wine tasting will leave you with a taste of romance to continue enjoying your perfect Valentine´s Day.

hot air balloon ride

Looking for some Valentine´s Day romance whilst on a traveller’s budget? Do not worry! You can take your partner on a night’s stroll through Puerto Madero with its clean and modern docks lined with high-end restaurants and bars or go to the beautiful Bosques de Palermo and stroll through the stunningly kept grounds and its famous Rose Garden. Hire a pedalo or rowing boat and take a trip along the serene and picturesque lakes and waterways in the park. Once evening approaches, head to the Planetarium for a spot of star gazing, and then the rest is up to you!

If you are looking for tours and activities in Buenos Aires during the summer, visit our official website www.bsas4u.com

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Discover The Beauty Of BA this Summer By Yourself

Some travellers enjoy visiting and exploring a new city on their own instead of booking onto one of the many city tours. The biggest problem that faces travellers wanting to do a self guided tour is the lack of information or insiders’ tips  they would normally get from a tour guide and knowing which the important attractions are to visit in the limited time they have in a city. So this summer why not enjoy getting slightly lost and discover the undiscovered as you show yourself around this fantastic city:

Microcentro & Puerto Madero: If you have a limited amount of time in Buenos Aires or you want to see some of the major landmarks on your first day in Buenos Aires, this is the tour for you. Begin with a visit to the breath-taking Teatro Colón and walk down the widest avenue in the world, 9 de Julio and stop off at the impressive Obelisk. Head over to Plaza de Mayo to see the Houses of Parliament (Pink House) and end up at the graceful ‘Woman’s Bridge’ in the trendiest and most modern area of Buenos Aires, Puerto Madero. Here you can sit back and relax next to the beautiful docks. Click here to see a route of your walking tour.

Puerto Madero

La Boca: This walking tour takes in all the major landmarks in the famous neighbourhood of La Boca, from the colourful and vibrant Caminito to the erupting Bombonera which is getting itself ready for the start of the Clausura Season. Click here to see your route.

Caminito

San Telmo: The self guided tour of the most traditional neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, includes the beautiful Plaza Dorrego with its bustling San Telmo Market which takes place on Sundays throughout the year. Want to start exploring this area, click here to discover your route.

Palermo: One of the most famous areas of Buenos Aires, it's also the largest neighbourhood of the city, and is divided into smaller sub-districts, namely: Palermo Chico, Palermo Viejo, Palermo Soho, Palermo Hollywood, Las Cañitas and Alto Palermo. This green, young area has a number of parks and is full of accommodation possibilities ranging from hostels to boutique hotels. Click here to see the most popular places and buildings in Palermo.

Bosques de Palermo

However, if you want to explore any neighbourhood in depth in Buenos Aires, it might be more interesting to book a walking tour to discover all the treasures and to get local tips and information from the tour guide. We highly recommend the chic and beautiful Recoleta walking tour, where you can discover all the European heritage of Buenos Aires. Try a new and interesting way to tour a city with the Palermo running tour. Exercise whilst sightseeing the prestigious neighbourhoods, boutique shops and cobbled streets of this exclusive area in Buenos Aires.

If you are looking for tours and activities in Buenos Aires during the summer, visit our official website www.bsas4u.com

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An Old Theatre is Now an Elegant Bookstore.

Bookstores are not usually on a traveller’s sightseeing list however, in a city like Buenos Aires where reading is a huge part of its culture, with people reading books constantly whether walking in the street or standing in the SUBTE, you must visit the most outstanding library of Buenos Aires: El Ateneo Grand Splendid.

Buenos Aires has over 200 bookstores, 70 libraries, and scores of kiosks meaning there are books for sale on nearly every corner in the capital. In 2011, it was named World Book Capital by UNESCO and holds one of the biggest Book Festivals on the continent, so while travelling in Buenos Aires, you probably don´t want to miss this beautiful piece of art and architecture and one of the best representations of the meaning reading has in the Porteño culture. 

As you are sightseeing in Recoleta, make a stop at Santa Fe 1860, and prepare your camera as you will not be able to help being drawn inside the bookstore. Originally a 1,050 seated theatre, the aptly named Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires opened in 1919 and showcased a number of famous shows including a performance by the father of tango, Carlos Gardel. The theatre was later converted into a movie theatre and in 1991 the Ilhsa Group saved the theatre from being destroyed and began its ARS$3million restoration project. At the end of 2000, the beautifully restored theatre had been transformed into one of the most beautiful bookstores and buildings in the world. 

The Ateneo became one of the best landmarks in Buenos Aires, the bookstore is split over 4 floors with, children’s books and popular music CDs in the basement; books on the first and second floor; classical and jazz music CDs on the third floor and an art gallery on the fourth floor. Make sure you take the elevator to the top level, as you will be able to take the best photographs and get the best view of the bookstore and it’s decor from here. 

The Impresso Cafe of the Ateneo now sits on the stage that the great Carlos Gardel once performed on and gives an impressive outlook across the whole ground floor of the bookstore. Sit and relax with a book whilst drinking a coffee behind the large red velvet stage curtains or sit in one of the old theatre booths which have been converted into private reading areas with comfy chairs and lose yourself in the world of fact or fiction with a great book.

El Ateneo has over 200,000 books and 4,000 non-Spanish books available leaving you spoilt for choice. The El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore will leave you in awe of the architecture and design of the building, proving why on average 3,000 people pass through its doors each day. So pick up a book and enjoy the perfect way to escape the summer heat or thunderstorms in one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.

If you are looking for tours and activities in Buenos Aires during the summer, visit our official website www.bsas4u.com

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Football & Travelling The Perfect Complement For All!

After months of enjoying the taste of Argentinean steaks, the aromatic aromas of Malbec Wine and the best that the Porteño nightlife could offer, it was time to find some form of exercise or sports other than sightseeing in Buenos Aires. 

An organisation orientated to promote football games among travellers and friends called, Buenos Aires Fútbol Amigos, commonly known as BAFA, was founded to fill this need among travellers and expats looking for a space where they can burn their travelling energy and dream of being like Messi or Mascherano playing football with their barrio friends.

All pictures are from BAFA's Facebook Fan Page

The Buenos Aires Fútbol Amigos is a football club set up by 2 expat friends from the USA and the UK. The group has rapidly grown from 10 friends playing football in Buenos Aires once a week to approximately 20 five-a-side games a week. A newly-designed website has been created with a set of football club rules to ensure people turn up and to ensure the football games are kept clean, fun, competitive yet friendly.

The football games vary from an hour long 5-a-side men-only, women-only and co-ed games to full day and monthly tournaments and as the organization is growing, they intend to expand into the Buenos Aires tourism market arranging football games for travellers visiting Buenos Aires, as well as continuing to work on the integration atmosphere that caters for locals, expats, students and travellers from around the world with the common interest and love of this passion that means both: football and travelling. 

The motto of Buenos Aires football friends is ‘Unidos en Diversidad’ (‘United in Diversity’) and the co-founder of BAFA reinforced this by stating, ‘‘what we (BAFA) strive for the most, is providing a 'buena onda' atmosphere that is welcoming and makes everyone feel comfortable’’. BAFA certainly succeeds in this aspect by not only providing the football games and football tournaments but by providing a number of social events in Buenos Aires to the ever growing BAFA community bridging the gaps between cultures and language barriers spreading this feeling of familiarity across all its members, even if it is your first time playing with the club.

Football games with BAFA cost AR$30 however, if you hold a current SAE (South American Explorers), ISIC (International Student Identity Card), or BAIS (Buenos Aires International Students) card it costs, AR$25. The teams consist of a core group of football players who turn up most weeks alongside friends of friends, travellers, students and young professionals who have just arrived or are passing through Buenos Aires.

If you love playing football and meeting new people, then Buenos Aires is an inspiring place to practice it. The city breathes football, and it is impossible not to get swept up in the craze, so no matter if you are a traveller just passing by or an expat that has moved to Buenos Aires for a while, get your weekly exercise and join a group of football friends like this to get your real football experience during your stay in Buenos Aires as a complementary activity to the exciting football matches in La Bombonera.

If you are looking for tours and activities in Buenos Aires during the summer, visit our official website www.bsas4u.com

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Introducing the Gaucho way of life

For a fun filled day on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, visit the Santa Susana Ranch to experience a typical gaucho festival. The Santa Susana gaucho ranch is located in the Pampa, just an hour’s drive north of Buenos Aires and is set in 1200 hectares (2965 acres) of grounds dedicated to agriculture and tourism and everyday they receive travellers from all over the world who want to discover the Buenos Aires Pampa and the gaucho lifestyle.

As you arrive at Santa Susana Ranch, you are greeted by real gauchos in their traditional clothing who lead you to the estancia’s pub where you can enjoy delicious empanadas with homemade wine, local beer or soft drinks if you feel that is too early to drink! However tasty the empanadas are, your 5 senses will be slightly distracted and drawn towards the large gaucho asado slowly sizzling and cooking the best Argentinean beef, farm chicken, chorizo and black pudding for your taste buds to enjoy during lunch.

 After the reception and wiping away your drool from this gaucho asado, you are free to make a tour through the Santa Susana Ranch and the quaint church converted into an interesting museum about the gaucho lifestyle. The building housing the museum is an example of true Spanish-colonial architecture and its interior kept all the original objects, furniture, artefacts and other personal belongings that recalls all the original gaucho´s history and daily life on the ranch making you feel that you have travelled 40 or 50 years back in time.

If you are ready to try your hand at being a gaucho or gaucha, then this is your chance to climb up onto one of the gorgeous and calm horses of the Santa Susana Ranch and go horse riding across the endless landscape of the remote Pampas If horse riding isn’t your thing, there is a tranquil horse drawn carriage ride which will take you around so that you can appreciate the amazing Pampa landscape of this gaucho ranch.

Santa Susana´s lunch is ready! Your senses will start tingling due to smell of the  incredible gaucho asado filling the air. The estancia bell rings as you are led into the large dining hall where you will enjoy an authentic, mouth watering gaucho asado lunch. The meal is accompanied by a tango and Argentinean folklore show including the typical gaucho “malambo” dance and an impressive demonstration of gaucho skills with the boleadoras show that will leave you clapping your hands and tapping your feet to the beat.

After dancing, clapping and singing along to the gaucho party, the day tour in Santa Susana Ranch comes to a close with an authentic and charismatic gaucho exhibition of horse riding skills. In the gaucho language this is known as, ‘entrevero de tropillas’ and is where a group of horses are herded together and controlled by one master horse. Following, the gauchos will star in an invigorating and exciting ring race or ‘carrera de sortijas’ where they will gallop at their highest speed as they try to remove a little ring from a goal with a small, thin pointer. Afterwards, they offer the rings as a sign of seduction to the most beautiful women in the audience.

And this is how the 6 hour gaucho experiences sadly comes to an end. However, after this gaucho day you´ll have many beautiful memories; tired from singing and laughing from the gaucho craftiness; and your stomach will be fully satisfied and you might even be a bit drunk. The bus back to your hotel will give you the perfect recovering nap  so that you can keep enjoying your Argentine adventure and sightseeing Buenos Aires at night. 

If you want to explore more of the Buenos Aires pampas with a Fiesta Gaucha Day tour, check out our website to find out other similar estancias near to Buenos Aires providing on top of the gaucho experience, accommodation services at, Estancia La Alameda and Estancia Don Silvano where you get to spend not only a day, but also a night in the impressive Pampa.  Book your gaucho day tour today and enjoy the most authentic experience in the scenic Pampa countryside!

If you are looking for tours and activities in Buenos Aires during the summer, visit our official website www.bsas4u.com

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Happy New Dragon Year!

The city of Buenos Aires is getting prepared for more activities to celebrate another New Year’s in style. Sunday 22nd January marks the Chinese New Year 4710 and the Year of the Dragon with celebrations taking place in and around Chinatown in Belgrano. 

To commemorate the  Year of the Dragon there will be two days of festivities taking place on Saturday 21st January (3pm – 10pm) and Sunday 22nd January (10am – 8pm).

This year, the Chinese New Year in Buenos Aires will be marked with bigger events than ever before, with over 60,000 people expected to turn up to the various activities and events over the two days. There will be over 100 food and cultural stands placed between Barrancas de Belgrano and the streets of Arribeños and Mendoza in Belgrano creating a festive and enjoyable atmosphere with two stages set up to mark the New Year: the main stage will have large screens, lights and sounds and will be located in Barrancas de Belgrano and Plaza de la Glorieta. The second stage will be located within the Chinese Quarter in Belgrano. 

The large event features the traditional Dragon Dance and Lion Dance which will inaugurate this year’s ‘‘Dragon Corridor’’. The entertainment and cultural events on offer will include Oriental martial arts; traditional Mulan dances; a Tea Ceremony; a Chinese calligraphy exhibition; Chinese horoscopes and Origami. Entertainment will also be provided by performances from two Korean and Japanese taiko percussion groups.

Tango in Buenos Aires with a Chinese style:
As the Chinese community becomes more integrated into Argentine society and as Buenos Aires becomes more multi-cultural, the fusion of the Argentine-Chinese cultures can be seen with the tango performances. The tango shows will be accompanied by live orchestras and the dancing partners will include Argentine and Oriental dancers. To further instil the multi-cultural aspect of Buenos Aires, young Argentine choirs will sing Chinese songs and Chinese artists will sing traditional and modern songs. 

The two days of celebrations will culminate on Sunday evening when Argentina and Asia are joined together and a toast is made on the stage for a prosperous Year of the Dragon whilst everyone in unison will be singing the official song, "The descendants of the Dragon".

新年快乐

Xin Nian Kuai Le (Happy New Year, pronounced sin-nien-kway-leh)!

If you are looking for tours and activities in Buenos Aires during the summer, visit our official website www.bsas4u.com

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