Based in London, I love travelling and trying out new things. My areas of expertise include, shoes,...
Based in London, I love travelling and trying out new things. My areas of expertise include, shoes, clothes, shopping and make-up (I never realized how girlie I sound). I enjoy eating out and dancing.
Member since:30.09.2005
Reviews:14
BACKGROUND:La Boca means 'the mouth' and that refers to the mouth of the Riachuelo River. This was BsAs first natural port. The dock facilities of Darsena Sur lie nearby. In the latter part of the 19th century, immigrants settled the area, especially Italians, giving it a peculiar appearance and nature. The tourist heart is located next to the small plaza by the Vuelta de Roca - the site where Almirante Brown, whose bust sits in the plaza - established the Argentina navy's fleet shipyards.
GETTING THERE: I took the 86 bus from Plaza Mayor towards La Boca. Make sure you get the right one as there are more than one 86s. Other buses also go there including the 23 and the 64. Please check with the bus guide.
The 86 does not take you all the way to Caminito so I had to walk about 8 blocks to reach it (remember a map is ALWAYS handy).
What struck me initially was the poverty in the area. The houses were grey and drab and the people simply clothed. La Boca is an area to avoid at night following the economic crises in 2001. As I made my way towards my goal, on reaching it, I was shocked at the difference one block of buildings could make.
Caminito is a VERY short pedestrian street in the heart of the La Boca neighborhood. Once a poor living area now it is a typical tourist spot.The colorful houses were very pretty but somehow a complete FARCE following the poverty I'd witnessed getting to it.. Next to Caminito there is an open air market for sculptures, artwork and handicrafts. The only shops lining the street are cheap souvenir shops selling the usual tourist gear - T-shirts, cups, etc. plus tango tapes and CDs. Walking around the place was nice but I can not say it was my biggest thrill in Buenos Aires. It took me not more than 20 minutes to see Caminito.
OTHER SITES: There a few wax museums and the football stadium of Boca something or other (you can tell that I am NOT a football fanatic). But the main reason to go to La Boca would be Caminito.
ALL IN ALL: Go there, take a few photos, enjoy the market but do not be fooled- it is very pretty but all for show.
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