A country's tragedy has become a tourist's opportunity, and in between the two is hope for an improved economy for all of Buenos Aires, the glamorous capital of Argentina. Up until the peso crisis of December 2001, Buenos Aires was regarded as Latin America's most expensive city, if not one of the world's, with prices for some hotels and restaurants rivaling those of New York and Paris. But now that the peso, once on par with the U.S. dollar, has fallen to a third of its former value and stabilized there, tourists from all over the world are flocking to this city, often called the Paris of South America.

The peso crisis hit the locals all the harder because of this, making the lifestyle and good times that they cherished almost unattainable for a period of time. But don't think that the new Buenos Aires is a depressing shell of its former glorious self. Instead, when you get to Buenos Aires, you'll find a city quickly recovering from its former problems, with old cafes and restaurants not only full of patrons but competing with all of the new restaurants and cafes opening up at a breakneck pace all over town.

The crisis also had a remarkable effect on the country's soul. Argentines as a whole are becoming more self-reflective, looking at themselves and the reasons why their country fell into so much trouble and trying to find answers. This has lead, ironically, to an incredible flourishing of all things Porteño, the word Buenos Aires locals use to describe both themselves and the culture of their city. Unable to import expensive foods from overseas anymore, Buenos Aires's restaurants are concentrating instead on cooking with Argentine staples like Pampas grass-fed beef and using locally produced, organic ingredients as seasonings.

This new Argentine self-reliance and pride is not just limited to its restaurants. The same thing has happened with the country's fashion. Importantly, the most Porteño thing of all, the tango, has also witnessed an explosive growth. Up until the peso crisis, Argentines worried that the dance would die out as young people bopped instead to American hip-hop and European techno. But the peso crisis and the self-reflection it created, helped bolster the art form's popularity: New varieties of shows for tourists mean you can now see a different form of tango every night of your stay.

The city is also home to an incomparable array of theaters and other traditional venues. Buenos Aires's vast arrays of museums, many in beautiful neoclassical structures along broad tree-lined Avenida Libertador, are as exquisite as the treasures they hold inside.

1- Arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Meet and greet at the airport in Buenos Aires and arrival transfer to your hotel. Your room will be ready by noontime, if you prefer we can also arrange you an early check-in (at a surcharge) and you will have your room ready upon arrival, so you can freshen up and rest before exploring Buenos Aires.

2- Buenos Aires
Half Day City Tour through Buenos Aires, visiting the imposing Colón Theatre, one of the five most important opera houses in the world and the peculiar architecture of buildings such as the Palace of Justice, the National Congress, the Cabildo (Old Town Hall) or the Pink House (Government House). You may change the date of this tour at your convenience.

3- Buenos Aires
At leisure in Buenos Aires. As an optional tour, experience Buenos Aires nightlife with dinner at a typical restaurant and show at a classic tango house, visit the historic district of San Telmo with its stories, realities and mysteries of times gone by or enjoy a Gaucho Party with typical barbecue in the Argentinean pampas.

4- Depart Buenos Aires - Next City
Check-out at noon. Transfer to the airport in Buenos Aires. Homebound flight or proceed to your next destination.

Land-Only prices in US-Dollars per person in double occupancy (single supplement available), including:

• Private roundtrip transfer Airport EZE in Buenos Aires/Hotel/Airport EZE in Buenos Aires featuring air-conditioned vehicle with English speaking guide.

• Half Day City Tour through Buenos Aires (private, approximately 3 hours) with English speaking guide.

• Accommodation in the hotel of your choice.

• Daily buffet breakfast, unless indicated above.

• Meals as per description (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner).

• Hotel taxes.

-> Additional for Russian speaking guide = US$ 89 per person.

-> To reduce or extend number of nights in this package, simply click on the hotel of your choice and check the desired period.

To receive more information, please email us at office@opcotours.com.