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- La Recoleta Cemetery
In contrast to the sugarcane of Salta and the soybeans and corn of Paraguay (and la pampas region of Argentina), the Iguazu region (province of Misiones) is timber country. On the bus trip back to Buenos Aires the logging trucks were a frequent sight as they plied the highway en route the lumber mills (which were also a clearly visible sight). It was yet another long trip, but I relished knowing that it would be the last (at least for this trip).
The return trip would take me back to the Colonial Hostel. Being a bit savvier at this point in my travels, I chose to return to the Colonial Hostel for its location and the acquired knowledge that I could make the lodging affordable by choosing a dormitory room and locking up my gear.
The Colonial is located on Avenida Tucuman just off the corner of Avenida San Martin. It’s ideally located just a short walk to Puerto Moreno, Avenida Florida and the Plaza San Martin areas; from the Plaza San Martin you can catch the subte (subway) to almost anywhere in the city.
The one place that I wanted to make sure to visit on my return to Buenos Aires was the Recoleta area and in particular La Recoleta Cemetery.
The Recoleta is the “Hollywood” of Buenos Aires, and the Recoleta Cemetery is like no other; the entire cemetery is filled with family crypts of prominent “dearly departed” citizens of the “upper crust” (not intended to sound in anyway disparaging). The statuary is outstanding; it’s like walking through an art museum.
Tourists visiting the site are, quite naturally, drawn to the crypt of the Duarte family, “Evita” Peron’s final resting place. Surprisingly, the crypt, although very nice, is less grandiose than one might expect when contrasted with other more inspiring crypts.
After returning to the hostel I decided, on a whim, to explore the Pacifica Gallery; the massive four story shopping mall that was less than 3 blocks from the hostel. It turned to be a great decision. The dome ceiling in the center of the mall is like a mini Sistine Chapel (doubtful that they true frescoes, but nonetheless – very impressive). As the photos show the rest of the Pacifica is equally impressive.
