Shared Afro-Argentine Heritage Walking Tour in Buenos Aires

The Shared Afro-Argentine Heritage Walking Tour in Buenos Aires provides a unique opportunity to dive into the often overlooked history and contributions of the Afro-Argentine community. Offering an immersive two-hour experience, this tour takes participants on a journey through the historic San Telmo neighborhood, uncovering the legacy of a community that has faced centuries of invisibilization. From exploring significant sites to engaging in thought-provoking discussions, the tour not only highlights the richness of Afro-Argentine culture but also supports anti-racist activism and promotes awareness of this integral part of Argentina’s past. Those interested in experiencing this profound exploration of shared heritage won’t want to miss out.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Historical Tours In Buenos Aires.

Good To Know

• Immersive 2-hour walking tour exploring the rich Black history and culture in the historic San Telmo neighborhood of Buenos Aires.
• Highlights the pivotal role of the Afro-Argentine community in Argentina’s past and their ongoing efforts against racial discrimination.
• Visits significant sites like Casa Minima, Plaza Dorrego, and San Telmo Church to uncover the hidden histories of Afro-Argentines.
• Offers a community-focused approach with affordable experiences, free tours for children, and support for anti-racist activism.
• Convenient meeting point at the intersection of Defensa and San Lorenzo streets, with the tour concluding at Parque Lezama.

Tour Overview

The Shared Afro-Argentine Heritage Walking Tour in Buenos Aires provides an immersive exploration into the city’s rich Black history and culture.

This 2-hour tour takes visitors through the historic San Telmo neighborhood, showcasing significant sites like the Casa Minima, Plaza Dorrego, and San Telmo Church.

With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, the tour offers an intimate and personalized experience. Priced at $70, the tour has received outstanding reviews, with a 5.0 average rating from 6 participants.

The tour starts at 2:00 PM and follows a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior.

This community-focused experience aims to highlight the often-overlooked contributions of the Afro-Argentine population.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour highlights the rich Afro-Argentine history and culture throughout San Telmo, Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhood.

Travelers will:

• Visit Casa Minima to learn about the path to freedom post-slavery
• Explore the famous Plaza Dorrego antiques market
• Step inside the historic San Telmo Church
• Discover hidden tenements and the minimal house
• Discuss the invisibilization of Black heritage and current anti-racist activism

Through these immersive experiences, participants gain a deeper understanding of the Afro-Argentine community’s contributions and the ongoing efforts to celebrate their heritage.

Exploring Afro-Argentine History

Deeply woven into the fabric of Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhood, San Telmo, lies the rich and often overlooked history of the Afro-Argentine community.

This walking tour sheds light on their pivotal role in Argentina’s past, from the path to freedom following the abolition of slavery to their lasting cultural contributions.

Participants will visit historic sites like the Casa Minima, a symbol of the Afro-Argentine struggle, and learn about the ongoing efforts to combat the invisibilization of this community.

Through engaging discussions and immersive experiences, the tour aims to amplify the voices and experiences of a vital but marginalized segment of Argentine society.

Historic Sites on the Tour

Along the walking tour, visitors explore several historic sites that bring the Afro-Argentine heritage to life.

These include:

• Casa Minima: A small, preserved house that provides insight into the path to freedom after slavery.

• Plaza Dorrego: The famous antiques market, where visitors can enjoy the vibrant culture.

• San Telmo Church: A prominent landmark that holds significance in the Afro-Argentine community.

• Dorrego Square: A gathering place where the legacy of the Black community is highlighted.

• Tenements: Modest dwellings that offer a glimpse into the living conditions of the past.

Through these sites, the tour illuminates the often-overlooked contributions and experiences of the Afro-Argentine people.

Invisibilization of Black Heritage

Despite the rich cultural heritage of Afro-Argentines, their contributions have often been marginalized and overlooked in the country’s historical narratives.

This invisibilization has led to a lack of awareness and understanding about the significant role Black Argentines have played in shaping the nation’s identity.

The walking tour aims to shed light on this hidden history, highlighting the legacies of Afro-Argentine communities and the ongoing efforts to combat racial discrimination.

Community Impact and Support

The Afro-Argentine Heritage Walking Tour’s community-focused approach is reflected in its efforts to provide affordable and accessible experiences.

Profits from the tour’s Black Heritage department are reinvested to:

• Offer affordable tours for locals
• Provide free tours for children
• Support anti-racist activism
• Highlight the contributions of the Black community in Argentina
• Foster greater awareness and appreciation of Afro-Argentine heritage

Meeting and End Points

The meeting point for the Afro-Argentine Heritage Walking Tour is at the intersection of Defensa and San Lorenzo streets in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

This convenient location allows participants to easily find the starting point of the tour.

After exploring the historical sites and learning about Afro-Argentine culture, the tour concludes at Parque Lezama, near the Museo Histórico Nacional.

This ending point provides an opportunity for participants to further reflect on the insights gained during the tour.

The tour’s logistics are designed to ensure a seamless and enriching experience for all attendees.

Additional Tour Information

Along With the tour’s starting and ending points, the Afro-Argentine Heritage Walking Tour in Buenos Aires provides several other helpful details for participants.

The tour includes complimentary coffee or tea at a stop along the way. While tips for the guides aren’t included in the price, they’re appreciated.

The tour is accessible to service animals but isn’t wheelchair-friendly. Plus, the tour is located near public transportation, and most travelers can participate.

• Complimentary coffee or tea
• Tips for guides not included but appreciated
• Service animals allowed, not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Most travelers can participate

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The tour appears suitable for families with young children, as it includes a maximum group size of 15 travelers and offers free tours for children. However, the tour may not be wheelchair accessible.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. However, refreshments like coffee or tea may be provided at a stop during the experience. Check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines or policies.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Gear?

You don’t need any special equipment or gear for this tour. Just wear comfortable walking shoes and bring along any personal items you may need. The tour provides all necessary resources for the experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no option to extend the tour duration. The tour is scheduled for a fixed 2-hour duration. Travelers should plan accordingly, as the tour provider does not offer extensions or longer versions of the experience.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Participants With Mobility Issues?

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. However, it’s near public transportation, and service animals are allowed. Travelers with mobility issues may have difficulties navigating the tour’s historic sites and uneven terrain.

The Sum Up

The Shared Afro-Argentine Heritage Walking Tour in Buenos Aires offers an immersive and enlightening experience that highlights the rich history and cultural contributions of the Afro-Argentine community. By visiting significant sites and engaging in discussions, participants gain a deeper understanding of the community’s legacy and the ongoing efforts to promote awareness and combat the invisibilization of Black heritage.