Most travelers arrive in Buenos Aires in search for it’s amazing cosmopolitan city life, but when the noise and pollution become a bit too much and you are ready for a break there are some alternatives to discover.
You don’t even need to go to far for a little bit of green and clean air and you don’t even need to jump out of your budget either!
So, when you are ready for a break from the crazy city life, just join any of the following FREE (or really cheap) and GREEN activities Buenos Aires has to offer!
Please, do double check for updates in times and meeting points and bare in mind that unless specified, the activities are in Spanish only!
So put on your most comfortable shoes and discover what Buenos Aires has to offer for the green travelers on a budget!
ECOLOGICAL PROTECTED AREA
The Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve is a green area having unique features located by the River Plate, in the southern corner of the city of Buenos Aires. A few blocks away from the heart of the City and government buildings, the Reserve offers a different promenade where people can come into else contact with wildlife.
A great variety of trees, grasses and shrubs typical of the Delta and the coast of the River Plate can be appreciated from the trails. Vast Pampas grasslands add to “aliso de río” and native willow woods. In the riverside small groups of “ceibos”grow from seeds brought in by the water. Reedmace and reeds act as a background for ponds where a varied fauna lives. Bird species typical of the Pampas wetlands prevail. Other zoological species are present, though not so easily seen: several fish species many amphibians and reptiles, some mammal, countless insects and other invertebrates that can be found in the water, among the plants, or when crossing trails.
Besides their regular guided tours (held Saturdays and Sundays 10:30 and 15:30) they also organize moon light walks once a month.
Please contact them to reserve your place on their tours.
BOTANICAL GARDENS
With 18 acres of gardens and 5,500 varieties of exotic and local flora, the Charles Thays Botanical Garden is an unexpected green haven wedged between three busy Palermo streets. Different sections re-create the environments of Asia, Africa, Oceania, Europe, and the Americas. Among the treasures is the Chinese “tree of gold,” purportedly the only one of its kind. Winding paths lead to hidden statues, a brook, and past the resident cats and dragonflies. The central area contains a beautiful greenhouse, brought from France in 1900, and the exposed-brick botanical school and library.
In recent years a large community of cats has established itself within the garden, encouraged by neighbors who leave food out for them. Attempts to remove the cats have so far proved unsuccessful.
Their next ENGLISH spoken guided tours will be held:
* 28/12
* 04/01
* 11/01
* 01/02
* 08/02
* 15/02
* 22/02
* 29/02
You do need to sign up in advance by calling the number: 4831-4527/4614.
NATURAL SCIENCES NATIONAL MUSEUM
Founded 1823 in Buenos Aires. It has zoological, botanical, and geological departments.
The museum has about 2,000,000 exhibits and a library of more than 500,000 volumes. Areas of expertise include archaeology, botany, ecology, entomology, hydrobiology, mineralogy, paleontology, and zoology.
You can book a guided tour by calling: 4982 6595 / 8370 / 8797 / 4791 ext.180 o 234
PALERMO PARK
Originally owned by Governor Rosas, the Palermo park opened to the public in 1874. Visit the Jardín de los Poetas, with sculptures of famous writers such as Alfonsina Storni, Felix Amador, Paul Groussac and Enrique Larreta. Enjoy the Rosedal where the colorful roses are kept. Other features include pergolas, bridges, fountains, seats, street lamps and a magnificent array of sculptures. Many activities are available at the lake, including rowing and pedal boats. These woods are the preferred choice for local joggers and bicyclers.
You can enjoy a free guided tour of it’s rose garden by calling: 4800 1135
JAPANESE GARDENS
Tucked in the midst of all the other Palermo gardens is this tiny gem opened in 1969 in honor of an official visit by one of the Japanese princes. Special landscaping, rock islands, and small red bowed bridges give the feeling of being in Japan as soon as you step through the gates here. Carp swim in the large central lake, a delight for children as well as adults. Beyond the lake lies the Cultural Center, with a small museum and various art exhibitions. Kids can also learn origami folding and many other Asian crafts. There are Asian fairs are held throughout the year in both the center and the park.
Free (Admission in the garden $5 pesos) guided tours every Saturday and Sunday at 15:30
Tourist groups can also get an organized tour by contacting the Garden directly.
LARRETA MUSEUM
This museum’s collection consists primarily of 16th and 17th century paintings, sculptures, furniture, ceramics and diverse objects representative of Spain. There are also medieval and early 20th century works. The collection belonged to Argentine writer and Hispanist Enrique Larreta, and is still housed in his old Belgrano estate. With the help of architect Martín Noel, Larreta endowed his house with a Spanish character, transforming it into a noble example of neocolonial architecture surrounded by a 7,000 square meter Andalusian garden.
You can visit the gardens + museum for free on Thursdays from 14 to 20 hs.
