San Antonio de Areco

San Antonio de Areco is a town on the Areco River, 113 km (70 mi) northwest of Buenos Aires, on the riverside of Arroyo Areco.

Understand
Founded in 1730, the town is proud of its gaucho (Argentine cowboy) tradition, and visitors can explore the surrounding villages and ranches. It was declared "The National Capital of Tradition" on January 29th, 2015.

The origin of the name of the city has two versions, some historians say that it takes its name from a soldier, named Areco, who fought against the aboriginal people on those shores. The version of a local historian affirms that the name of that river is due to the fact that on its shores grew the "areca", which was a kind of palm tree.

Important dates
Tradition and history joined in this site, and Tradition Day was established in 1939. Nowadays this day is celebrated on November 10th, date of birth of the Argentinian poet José Hernández. The protagonists of this celebration are the countrymen with their horses, but also the artisans, musicians, dancers, painters. The folkloric events are the reason for meetings at any place and time of the year. As you walk through its streets you will discover, behind its colonial bars and narrow paths, the history and tradition of the country.

Other dates of its tourist calendar are: Easter (April), the Horse Party (May) and San Antonio Patron festivities (June).

By bus
Pullman and Chevallier run buses from the Retiro Bus Terminal in Buenos Aires between 6.05am and 12.45am, with approximately 18 daily departures. The journey costs between Ar$29 and Ar$37 and takes about two hours. There are also several daily departures from Rosario, costing Ar$60 and taking about four hours.

By car
San Antonio de Areco is accessible by car from Buenos Aires along National Route 8.

Get around
The city centre is compact and can be easily covered on foot, but there are also several radio taxi companies available for hire if one wishes to explore the nearby ranches.

Alternatively, the tourist office at the junction of Arellano and Zebroni on the north side of town has four free bicycles available for hire between 8.15am and 6.45pm.

It is a beautiful place to spend a weekend and get to know a city that seems to have stopped in time, protecting our customs and traditions.

See
There are eight museums on regional and traditional themes which can help a visitor form a complete idea of the history and culture of this town.



Cope
The tourist office at the junction of Arellano and Zebroni on the north side of town is open Mondays to Fridays 8.00am to 7.00pm, and on weekends and holidays 8.00am to 8.00pm. It can be reached at (54 2326) 453165 or direcciondeturismo@areconet.com.ar.

Go next
Pullman and Chevallier run buses to the Retiro Bus Terminal in Buenos Aires between 5.30am and 11.15pm, with approximately 18 daily departures. The journey costs Ar$26 and takes about two hours. There are also several daily departures to Rosario (including at 2.20pm, 6.10pm and 8.50pm), costing Ar$60 and taking about four hours.