Cosmopolitan Capitals on the Rio de la Plata

Buenos Aires and Montevideo: two cosmopolitan wonders perched on the boundless shores of Rio de la Plata. Simultaneously contemporary and colonial, sharing the same fusion of European and Latin American influences, these charming capital cities have evolved together in a clearly comparable fashion.

Both sets of locals play out their time before a backdrop of centuries­ old architecture, gorgeous tree­lined boulevards, and a dynamic cultural scene fuelled by exquisite gastronomy and thriving art movements. In the hands of Daytours4u, uncovering their unique, sophisticated sights and sounds has never been easier.

Buenos Aires: Sensual, Sophisticated, Spectacular
Things to do in Buenos Aires for Art Lovers
To say that Buenos Aires is home to many of the best museums and theatres on the continent would be no exaggeration. Indeed, the modern Museo de Arte Latino americano de Buenos Aires (MALBA), and the cutting­ edge Fundacion PROA are essential stopovers for any art connoisseur, while the city’s grand Teatro Colón is one of the most important musical venues in the world. Tickets to a performance can be purchased for as little as AR$60 from the Box Office. Other, more eclectic offerings come in the form of La Bomba del Tiempo, a raucous percussion­ based music concert (every Monday at the Konex Cultural Centre), and the revolutionary orchestral shows at Club Atlético Fernandez Fierro (general entry AR$150).

Watch, Admire, and Dance the Tango
Graceful. Charged. Seductive. Tango is the very soul of Buenos Aires. Developed on the streets of immigrant neighbourhoods in the 19th century, this sultry dance remains fiercely popular with locals and tourists alike. Piazzolla Tango (US$49) and Complejo Tango (US$54) represent two of the best options in town. For those of you who fancy slipping into some dancing shoes and learning a few basic moves, these two houses also complement their shows with fabulous tango classes at no extra cost. If you’re travelling with family, the authentic Esquina Carlos Gardel is one of the finest alternatives ­ the ambience inside is almost mythical and the performances themselves are some of the slickest there are. Prices here start from US$69.

The Beautiful Game
The excitement surrounding football in Buenos Aires is arguably unmatched across the world. La Bombonera and El Monumental, the respective stadiums of Boca Juniors and River Plate, are real citadels of world sport, and to experience the aura and atmosphere of these fortresses on a match day is magical. A guided tour in the hands of bsas4u is the best way to see either of these two sporting giants in action. (River US$179; Boca US$195)

History and Politics
Argentina has a somewhat chequered recent history; marked by catastrophic wars, devastating military dictatorships, and recurring financial crises. Travellers interested in tales from this bygone era of complex political order can find much to see and do. A bsas4u T races of Buenos Aires Political Tour (US$29) is a fascinating place to start ­ visit some of the famous landmarks that have shaped this great city and gain a real insight into the country’s social struggles over the last 50 years.

Montevideo: A Small City with Big Character
A Beautiful Cityscape
The Uruguayan capital’s somewhat sleepy atmosphere and tranquil pace of life sets it apart from the other major cities of South America. Don’t let this cloud your opinions though: mellow and serene it may be, but it also boasts untold cultural delights. On Uruguay4u’s Montevideo City Tour (US$29) you can discover all the main attractions: wander through the historical old town and marvel at the timeworn colonial architecture; head to the imposing, cast iron surrounds of Mercado del Puerto to sample some heavenly local food delicacies; and stroll along the breathtaking riverside boardwalks of Rambla de Montevideo for truly stunning coastal views. Sporting fanatics can also visit the impressive Centenario Stadium and Museum, the only Historical Monument of World Football.

Boutique Wine ­Tasting
Many visitors to this small South American nation are often surprised to learn that it is a viticulture wonderland; a proud producer of top­quality wines renowned for their bold and experimental new flavours. The country’s finest bodegas are only a short journey north from Montevideo, and with a Uruguay4u W inery Tour (US$93), you can visit one of the small, family­owned, vineyards that have helped elevate the region’s artisanal wine labels. To indulgein some wine­tasting here is, quite simply, a joy – the verdant rolling hillsides make for the perfect setting as you sip on the fruity, full­bodied tannins of Uruguayan Tannat.

Dynamic Nightlife
Music here is everything. Whether it’s opera in the neoclassical Teatro Solís, or tango until dawn – Montevideo’s nightlife is at once rich and eclectic. Perhaps what sets this city apart from other capitals though, are the thunderous street parties that reverberate to the sound of Candombe, a roaring drum­inspired African rhythm. Every Saturday and Sunday evening, in the bohemian neighbourhoods of Palermo and Sur, groups of musicians pour into the streets and dance the night away – it is a spectacle to behold. Book a Uruguay4u Tango and Candombe Night Tour (US$104) and you can learn how Montevideo’s unparalleled musical culture came to be.

Book your tours and activities online by visiting the Daytours4u brand websites bsas4u.com and uruguay4u.com, or email the company at [email protected] to receive further assistance.