La Boca, Buenos Aires

La Boca is one of the most exceptional neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. Its name derives from its location: exactly at “the mouth” of the Riachuelo (“boca” is the Spanish term for “mouth”).

Its aesthetics of curious colors and irregular shapes corresponds not only to its architectural history but also to its people. Narrow streets, bright colors, different heights and gaily painted houses are the visual characteristics given by the lively Italian immigrants that arrived at the end of the 19th century. They grew in different groups and developed not only work activities related to the port business but also cultural gatherings and a bond of hospitality.

Nowadays, there is no port activity; however, La Boca still is and will always be an inspirational place for those artists fond of painting, writing, dancing and singing.

Do not miss the opportunity of taking a tour around this colorful Porteño neighborhood, whose main characters are history, art and joy.

Main attractions:

VUELTA DE ROCHA: The emblematic square where the famous Caminito street begins. It is the place where Admiral Brown built the yard to repair ships during the war in the first half of the 19th century. It is also known as the “Plaza de los Suspiros” (Square of Sighs), due to the young ladies that sighed to the sailors there.

NICOLÁS AVELLANEDA BRIDGE: This emblematic bridge was made entirely from iron by the Southern Railway in 1914 in order to carry people, cars and trams from one side to the other. Nowadays, it is not working; however, it is one of the places from where you can appreciate the best sunsets and contemplate the city from above posing for your great photograph.

CAMINITO: This pedestrian street is as short as interesting. In 1959, the painter Benito Quinquela Martin turned this street into a place where artists could exhibit their work. So it remains nowadays: an open art gallery named Caminito by the painter after the tango “Caminito”, composed by Juan de Dios Filiberto (song that, in fact, paradoxically refers to the Argentine province of La Rioja).

“LA BOMBONERA”: The emblematic football (or soccer) stadium also known as Boca Juniors Club. It is the symbol that distinguishes the neighborhood. You cannot miss the opportunity of experiencing the national football passion during a classic Boca vs. River football match.