Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Buenos Aires is a modern, sophisticated city, and women travelers - even those traveling alone - should not
encounter many difficulties. Men do pay more overt attention to women in Argentina, however, and a little
open-mindedness might be in order. Argentina's machismo culture is, after all, alive and well.
A few men feel the need to comment on a woman's attractiveness. This often happens when you're walk-
ing alone and pass by a man; it will never occur when you're with another man. Comments usually include
whistles or
piropos,
which many Argentine males consider the art of complimenting a woman.
Piropos
are
often vulgar, although a few can be poetic. Much as you may want to kick them where it counts, the best
thing to do is completely ignore the comments. After all, many
porteñas
are used to getting these 'compli-
ments', and most men don't necessarily mean to be insulting; they're just doing what is socially acceptable
in Argentina.
On the plus side of machismo, men will hold a door open for you and let you enter first, including getting
on buses.