La Boca

On our first morning in Buenos Aires, we took a private city tour to see the top sights. One of our unexpected pleasures was visiting the barrio of La Boca, which was once the principal port of B.A. A former African slave colony, La Boca owes its vibrant appearance to the Italian immigrant community (go figure!) that settled here in the 1880's and spruced up their corrugated tin homes with brightly colored paints.

Accordion Player

Brightly Colored Homes in La Boca

Strolling Along the Caminito (Little Walkway)

More Colorful Houses

An Homage to the Barrio's Past as a Port


The Epicenter of La Boca: 2 Italians in La Boca

Although it is a bit touristy (and reportedly unsafe after dark), a visit to La Boca will provide you with an excellent sense of what the city is all about: colorful, chaotic, musical, romantic, and unexpected. Along the Caminito (Little Walkway) you will encounter hustling street vendors, artisans, and of course, tango dancers, twirling in homage to the dance form that originated here. The Tango was born here in La Boca's conventillios (tenement house).

Tango Dancers Dancing in La Boca...

...and More Tango Dancers!


La Boca in Black and White

A Sleeping Dog Amid the Chaos

The most iconic landmark in La Boca is the Puente Transbordador. This magnificent transporter bridge is one of the few surviving of its type in the world. This particular iron bridge was built in 1908 and straddles the Rio Riachuelo. Its original purpose was to transport pedestrians, trams, and cars across the river; however, since it was replaced in 1939 by another bridge, its main purpose now has been to appear in numerous tango-themed films as an evocative icon.

Puente Transbordador