5.0(7 reviews)
San Telmo & Mataderos Fair Cultural Tour
FromARS 93
6 hours
Buenos Aires, Argentina
About this activity
Immerse yourself in Buenos Aires' rich culture with a guided tour of San Telmo's historic streets and a visit to the vibrant Mataderos Fair, featuring local artisans and traditional performances.
Highlights
- Explore historic San Telmo's cobblestone streets
- Discover local crafts at Mataderos Fair
- Experience authentic Argentine culture
- Enjoy tango performances in San Telmo
- Savor traditional Argentine street food
Full description
Dive into the heart of Buenos Aires' cultural scene with this engaging tour. Wander through San Telmo's charming cobblestone streets, where colonial architecture meets lively tango performances. Then, head to the bustling Mataderos Fair, a hub for local artisans, traditional music, and authentic Argentine street food. This experience offers a unique glimpse into the city's artistic soul and culinary delights, making it a must-do for culture enthusiasts seeking an authentic Argentine adventure.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of San Telmo neighborhood
- Visit to Mataderos Fair with local artisans
- Transportation between locations
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
Pass by: At 10:30 AM, we will meet at Tangol Agency, in San Telmo neighborhood.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
After everybody is together, we will head to the Feria de Antigüedades de San Pedro Telmo (San Pedro Telmo Antique Fair). This fair has taken place every Sunday since 1970 in the Plaza Dorrego and Calle Defensa, areas which become pedestrianized especially for this traditional event each week. More than 10,000 people, many of whom are tourists from all around the world, flock to the 270 stalls each Sunday. Orchestras playing music for tango dancers in the streets, live statues and other street performers as well as the antiques themselves and the cultural value really make this Feria worth the visit.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
3
Early in the morning, every Sunday since 1970, the San Pedro Telmo Antiques Fair begins to take shape on the pavement of Plaza Dorrego. More than 270 stalls are distributed around the square and on the Defensa street which becomes a pedestrian street only for this day. The fair receives about 10,000 visitors each Sunday and there is a high percentage of tourists from all around the world. At the fair, you can find almost anything you are looking for. From furniture and artifacts, to traditional Argentine crafts, clothing and leather goods.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
We’ll continue on to the Mercado de San Telmo (San Telmo Market) for anyone who fancies grabbing some original and unique souvenirs.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
We’ll head over to the southwestern side of the city to Feria de Mataderos. which is one of the most important fairs in the city and one of the least known. This fair has become a traditional weekend tour for those who want to connect with Argentine countryside traditions. Founded 30 years ago, this unique fair serves as a true celebration of ‘gaucho’ culture. It is made up of 3 main areas and a food court: Artesanías tradicionales, Festival Artístico and Destrezas Gauchescas. Each Sunday, different activities take place here. As soon as we get to the fair, you’ll notice that it is rich in parrillas (grills) on which delicious meats and other typical meals are cooked. This tour includes a great lunch where you can try traditional foods such as empanadas. Both crafts and regional foods (jams, liqueurs, cheeses and alfajores) can be bought at better prices than in the more central, touristy shops. Sometimes you’ll be able to watch horse races or even get involved in some tango classes!
Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES
6
After this, we will have some free time to visit the Museo Criollo de los Corrales. This rural-style museum gives us a glimpse of how the gauchos live in the pampas: their clothes, tools and other everyday objects. We’ll also see how Argentina became one of the world’s leading meat exporters: things like traditional knives, weapons, carts, animals and rural paintings are all on show.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NO
7
05:00 pm: approximately 3 hours later we’ll arrive right back where we started - at the Tangol offices in San Telmo!
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates on specific days; confirm availability
- Group size may vary; inquire about maximum capacity
- Photography may be restricted in certain areas
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets
- Bring cash for purchases at the fair
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Good to know
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Season: Mid-March to Mid-December
Traveler reviews
5.07 reviews
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San Telmo and Mataderos Fair with an excellent guide
It was a rainy Sunday when we visited San Telmo Market and Mataderos Fair. Silvia was an excellent guide. She made the market visit very interesting and showed us a lot of artists we would have overseen. She has a profound knowledge about different handcraft work, historical buildings such as the Pasaje de la Defensa or the the Mercado de San Telmo. On Mataderos Fair she recommended different specialities such as Humita, which we would have never tried without her. We enjoyed being with her and can truly recommend Silvia as a guide.
Monika_DOct 10, 2023VIATOR
Lovely day for shopping and eating and shopping and eating!
We had a great time on this tour, shopping and eating and learning so much about the local culture. Our guide did a great job and he was very thoughtful to give us space to explore and also some guided time to show us around and get the overall feel for the place.
HimateeJ_PAug 10, 2022VIATOR
We loved it!
What I enjoyed about the Mataderos Fair is, it is not touristy. This is where locals meet, sell, make music and dances. Gaby our guide was the best.
hermiena2018Jan 14, 2020TRIPADVISOR
Soooooo interesting & fun!
Our guide, Sylvia, Made this tour most fun. We thoroughly enjoyed ever aspect of it. And we felt Sylvia went out of her way to make this all happen! She is adaptable as well as knowledgeable. Jane & Paula.
Jane TJul 10, 2018VIATOR
Excellent services, thanks for making...
<p>Excellent services, thanks for making my trip so enjoyable.</p>
Pari GSep 28, 2016VIATOR
Additional information
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Season: Mid-March to Mid-December