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Museo Gauchesco Ricardo Güiraldes
This sprawling museum in Parque Criollo dates from 1936 and is largely dedicated to Ricardo Güiraldes, author of the novel Don Segundo Sombra, and local…
©Christian Saez/Shutterstock
San Antonio de Areco
San Antonio de Areco is the prettiest town in the pampas. Located 70 miles (113km) northwest of Buenos Aires, it welcomes many day-tripping porteños (residents Bueonos Aires), who come for the peaceful atmosphere and picturesque streets. The town dates from the early 18th century and preserves many gaucho and criollo traditions, including the fine silverwork and saddlery of its artisans. Gauchos from all over the pampas gather here for November’s Fiesta de la Tradición, when you can catch them, and their horses, strutting the cobbled streets in all their finery.
San Antonio de Areco’s compact town center and quiet streets are very walkable. Around the Plaza Ruiz de Arellano, named in honor of the town’s founding estanciero (ranch owner), are several historic buildings, including the iglesia parroquial (parish church).
Like many other small towns in this part of Argentina, Areco shuts down during the afternoon siesta.
Explore San Antonio de Areco
- MMuseo Gauchesco Ricardo Güiraldes
This sprawling museum in Parque Criollo dates from 1936 and is largely dedicated to Ricardo Güiraldes, author of the novel Don Segundo Sombra, and local…
- MMuseo Las Lilas de Areco
Florencio Molina Campos is to Argentines what Norman Rockwell is to Americans – a folk artist whose themes are based on comical caricatures. This pretty…
- MMuseo y Taller de Platería Draghi
This small museum contains an exceptional collection of 19th-century silver facones (gaucho knives), beautiful horse gear and intricate mate paraphernalia…
- PPuente Viejo
The pink puente viejo (old bridge) spanning the Río Areco dates from 1857 and follows the original cart road to northern Argentina. Once a toll crossing,…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout San Antonio de Areco.
See
Museo Gauchesco Ricardo Güiraldes
This sprawling museum in Parque Criollo dates from 1936 and is largely dedicated to Ricardo Güiraldes, author of the novel Don Segundo Sombra, and local…
See
Museo Las Lilas de Areco
Florencio Molina Campos is to Argentines what Norman Rockwell is to Americans – a folk artist whose themes are based on comical caricatures. This pretty…
See
Museo y Taller de Platería Draghi
This small museum contains an exceptional collection of 19th-century silver facones (gaucho knives), beautiful horse gear and intricate mate paraphernalia…
See
Puente Viejo
The pink puente viejo (old bridge) spanning the Río Areco dates from 1857 and follows the original cart road to northern Argentina. Once a toll crossing,…
Guidebooks
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