Visiting the River Delta

A little town called "Tigre":

That's right!  Your Spanish is getting better!  And yes, I did go visit a town called Tiger.  

If you've ever seen an Argentine drive *anywhere*... you'll understand just how this happened. 

Tigre is an easy hour to an hour and half trip by train and SUBTE (subway) outside of Buenos Aires and a favorite spot for Porteños seaking a little rest and relaxation.  While I may not be a real porteña, I can assure you that once I got over the harrowing train ride from Retiro to Mitre - at which time we boarded the very touristy little train (Train de la Costa) that carts two air-conditioned cars from Mitre to Delta - I felt as relaxed, refreshed and renewed as any other porteño.

One look at one of these slick little "lanchas" and you'll want to hop on board.  Sure I was a little worried were were going to be swamped by the wakes of larger boats, but these little things are as smooth and steady-as-she-goes as they get.  They are also kind of chic.

Yes, the river is brown!  That is because the Delta is fed by a number of streams and small rivers that run through nearby rainforests.  Very nutrient rich waters.  As surprising as it may sound, although the it looks grubby the river(s) didn't smell in the least - a welcome change of pace after Buenos Aires.


The Delta has a great weekend arts and crafts fair as well.  Although there was a really great selection of cheeses, oils, dried flowers and lots of woven reed baskets, hammocks and any number of delightful other arts and crafts I didn't make it back with a single one... A shame.

The delta is actually also very highly populated.  There are lanchas that run during the week, much like public buses, to and from the islands.  There are also floating super markets that, if hailed properly, will stop at your dock and stock you up on anything from dulce de leche to panty hose to fuses.  If you like your neighbors you build little wooden walk-ways that connect your private "islands".

I didn't make it here either; this is the very fashionable boating club for wealthier vacationers.  There is also a beautiful casino nearby and lots of yachts who are being dry docked for repairs.  Tigre is a great town and the perfect day trip from busy, dirty, loud Buenos Aires.  No wonder Porteños make the extra effort to enjoy an effortless weekend on the water. 

Useful travel vocabulary: 

• viajar: (v). to travel 
• Estoy viajando a Tigre - I am traveling to the town of Tigre
• Viajamos a Tigre este fin de semana - This weekend we are traveling to Tigre.  
• cúanto sale un viaje: how much does a trip cost?
• estoy perdido(a): I'm lost