I’m not one for the standard city tour, preferring to wander the city with a handful of funky off-the-beaten spots and my iPhone as my map, but a visit to the Recoleta Cemetery is a must when in Buenos Aires. Located in the heart of the Recoleta neighborhood, the cemetery is 14 acres of 6400 above ground vaults. Its a peaceful place to escape the hustle and bustle, but still get a feel for this amazing city and country. The cemetery is a great place to spend a couple hours wandering the labyrinthine pathways checking out the unique architecture of each mausoleum, you might even meet a furry friend.
The land was one the orchard of the adjoining Basílica Nuestra Señora del Pilar, the glistening white church overlooking the Plaza Francia, it became the city’s first public cemetery in 1822. Many notable people, including Eva Peron and boxer Luis Firpo, are buried here. Bold crosses, cathedral-like domes and winged angels are the common decorations to these grand resting places. A feeling of wealth and power abounds; only the most influential Argentines earn themselves a ticket to the Recoleta Cemetery once they moved on to the afterlife. Their mausoleums varying in styles from Neo-Classical, Neo-Gothic, and Art Nouveau design. These well-maintained vaults are juxtaposed to the many that have fallen into disrepair giving them an eerie, forgotten feeling. Some corners of the cemetery feel like you are lost in time.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.