Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires sits on the estuary of the River Plate, where ships dock just half a mile from the heart of the city. It is Argentina's largest cruise port and the country's capital. The port serves primarily as a turnaround point for cruises to South America, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Antarctica, and the Falkland Islands.

The cruise terminal, Terminal de Pasajeros Benito Quinquela Martín, was inaugurated in 2000 and named after the painter Benito Martín (1890-1977). Shuttle buses and taxis are readily available from the terminal, which has restrooms, shops, and places to eat.

The city has deep roots as a maritime hub. Buenos Aires was founded as a port by Captain Juan de Garay in 1580 for the Spanish Empire. When the modern Port of Buenos Aires was inaugurated in 1925, it became the largest port in Latin America and the southern hemisphere. Passenger traffic peaked during the golden era of immigration in Argentina (until 1930), and later was limited mainly to tourist visitors to Argentina and Argentine visitors to Uruguay.

Buenos Aires is a city of strong European influence and cultural vitality. The 19th century saw waves of immigration, particularly from Spain, Italy, and France, and Buenos Aires today is a cosmopolitan and captivating city. Teatro Colón is a seven-story performing arts venue occupying an entire block, and is one of the grandest opera houses in the world, with seating for 2,478 and standing room for 500 more. On shore, the Benito Quinquela Martín terminal opened in 2000 and serves as a modern gateway to exploring the surrounding neighborhoods and attractions.

Food and wine are central to Buenos Aires life. Argentine barbecue, known as asado, features different cuts of meat and a range of spicy condiments, and is a must-try for visitors. Argentina is also famed for its wines, many of which have won global awards.

The city has a humid subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and cooler winters, though it typically enjoys warm weather all year round. Cruisers can see where their ships actually docked on The Cruise Globe.