Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
dow frames. Color co-ordination was a mere
coincidence.
The multi-colored houses and
cantinas
of today
mimic these early dwellings. The plaster walls
are painted in pastel tones - with three or four
colors applied to each. The streets are built up,
so the houses are well above ground level to
avoid the flooding when southwesterly winds
blow. These houses remain, but this area of La
Boca is shrinking. Much of the it contains mod-
ern apartment buildings and street-level side-
walks. You will want to spend your time in the
distinctive waterfront area.
La Boca is one
of the few areas
in Buenos Aires
where it is not
safe to wander
at night. If you
intend to dine
and dance here,
take a cab to
and from
Nicochea Street.
In addition to the houses, other La Boca sights
inclu
de the
ships cemetery
- anchored ves-
sels, some still navigable, while others are just
rusting away into ghosts of their former selves;
a weekend art fair; and a fine arts museum. No-
frills
cantinas
in the wildly painted buildings
are open for lunch but roar into life at night.
The
cantinas
are family-run restaurants with a
limited menu and unlimited entertainment -
part of which is supplied by you if you join in the
tarentella dancing and singing.
More about
cantinas in
Bue-
nos Aires After
Dark
.
Daytime in La Boca
Whether you arrive by bus, bicycle or taxi, your
first acquaintance with La Boca will likely be
by way of
Avenida Pedro de Mendoza.
This
circuitous road extends from Avenida Brasil,
near the Parque Lezama, and follows the
course of the Riachuelo. It also bypasses the
“Catalina Sur” complex, a relatively new devel-
