Located about 17 miles outside of the city center, Tigre is a perfect weekend day-trip for city dwellers. Don’t expect to escape the hoards of people, but do expect to see trees, sky, water. That’s exactly what Maggie and I wanted, so this past weekend we went with a group of other students from Verbum Spanish School to visit Tigre.
The journey for us started at the Retiro train station in the city. For an Argentine $5 (that’s about U.S. $1.17) we got two round-trip tickets.
Retiro train station in Buenos Aires
Our group lined up for the train.
What’s great about Tigre is that it’s located right in a river delta, so there are numerous canals to explore. But, the only way to explore them is by boat. You can ride in a “lancha colectiva,” a public water bus that has routes throughout the delta.
"Lancha colectiva" - Public transportation 'bus' on the river.
If you know someone or happen to have one these handy, you could skip along in one of the little guys. We saw a handful docked along the river bank.
You could also row your way around. I guess that’s the water equivalent to a bicycle. Maybe conservationists prefer this way of traveling, but they get stuck breathing in the fumes from the boats.
We didn’t ride any of those this time. With our group we took one of those site-seeing boats that wanders up and down the canals for an hour for about $12 each (AR $50). I get seasick really quickly, so I was a bit worried to be on any boat without Dramamine, but the crew said if worse comes to worse I should use the toilet and not the river to “heal” myself.
I made it the entire hour without getting seasick.
Here are some of the sights from our journey through the canals of Tigre’s river delta.
After the boat ride we followed the crowds to a large outdoor market. Food was on our mind, not shopping, so we sat down at an outdoor restaurant to have some pork. I ordered the “sandwich de bife de chorizo” and Maggie had the “choripan.” The chimichurri sauce we spread on top was amazing.
Sandwich de bife de chorizo.
Choripan, a sausage link on a white bread bun.
In all, we had a wonderful time in Tigre. Next time we go, I’m hoping to spend some time on the grassy river bank with a book and a beer.
Before We Age 
Rosario, the teacher, told me that Tigre was full of people!!!
Now, the train tickets to go to Tigre are really unexpensive, but today I was reading in the newspaper that without goverment´s subsidy, public transportation would be 450% more expensive. And they are considering to reduce / remove it…
If subway and train tickets were to increase in price, the privately owned buses would benefit the most it seems. They’d probably raise they’re prices too though since there wouldn’t be the same competition.
Love the train station! The water, however, doesn’t look too people friendly…a bit dingy(?) but a good way to see the sights. It’s good to hear from (see) you. Blessings! Ellen of the Reekies
Hi Ellen. Actually the water isn’t so bad when you get out of the main boat depot. The brown water is a result of mud and even upstream, that’s what the river looks like. It’s just a muddy river, not polluted. Still not sure I’d go swimming in it. We’ll see. :)
Loved hearing from you and the pictures were great. Reminds me of Mississippi with the grass and houses right on the river. Loved the green grass right down to the water. We miss you. Keep the updates coming.
God Bless
Becky Buccola
Maggie and I were wondering if there were any places in the U.S. with river banks like that, with areas of manicured yard all the way up to the river. No we know! Hope you are well.
U all are living the life! Oh, Ginger Snap cookies are also good when u r on a boat…helps w/sea sickness. U know me…Mr. Natural methods…no medication….LOL!
Blessings & stay safe!
That’s a great excuse to carry those around day. “Why are you eating so many of those cookies?” “Oh, um, I feel nauseous.”
Looks like you’re settling in nicely. I love your photos, especially the food!
If you like the food photos, you’ll love of the posts we have planned. Stay tuned!
What’s that pretty yellow house in the glass cage? Is the weather warm? Maggie looks all bundled up!
Hola amiga! La casa es un museo. El cuarto presidente de Argentina vivía alla durante los veranos. Estudiando español no es facile. (Recuerdas – estudié frances en la escuela), pero estoy disfrutando la vida de una estudiante.
I love the new life and family you are forming. God bless you brother.
Mike Perez
NEW EMAIL:
mkprz@att.net