Explore the cultural gathering of one of Argentina's most prized cultural groups, the Gauchos of Buenos Aires. Tour the Sunday Gaucho Fair in Mataderos and immerse yourself in local culture during this Buenos Aires half day tour.
After meeting your guide, you will head over to the famous Mataderos Fair, centered in the traditional gaucho neighborhood of Buenos Aires. The fair was first founded 20 years ago on the location of the old Buenos Aires slaughterhouse and offers a rich array of music, food, and dance. Tour the market and the Museo de Corrales Creole, which displays numerous items that highlight how the gaucho culture developed and what the cultural value of the livestock is in Argentina's history. You will also enjoy a delicious lunch of typical Argentine cuisine, which is included in your tour. Sample dishes like tamales (boiled beef with spices inside a corn husk), husk tamale (similar to a tamale, but with corn and cheese instead of beef), locro (typical Argentine stew), and empanadas. You will be provided with wonderful local wine to accompany your meal, as well.
After lunch you will have the opportunity to roam the fair's many booths for any items that interest you. There are a multitude of things for sale, including crafts, candy, instruments, records, clothes, and other accessories. Visit the famous Bar Oviedo, a historic and popular attraction during the Sunday fair. The bar used to be a meeting point for the old slaughterhouse workers after a long day of work when it was just a small grocery store in the early 1900's, but since then it has been developed into the historic bar it is today. It is also home to one of the oldest billiard tables in Buenos Aires, dating back to 1920.
After all of this excitement, you will see the famous "ring races," where the gauchos ride their horses in a cultural presentation. You will also have a nice snack of mate with pastries before heading back from the fair. This tour of the Buenos Aires Mataderos Fair will certainly open your eyes to the rich culture of the Buenos Aires people.
