Buenos Aires & Tigre Delta: River tour with local guide

Summary

From city pulse to river calm — a day in Buenos Aires’ north

Start your day with hotel pickup in central Buenos Aires before exploring River Plate Stadium and San Isidro Cathedral with a local guide. Cruise quietly through Tigre Delta’s waterways, browse crafts at Puerto de Frutos market, then enjoy empanadas and Argentine wine in colorful La Boca. It’s an easygoing day trip that leaves you with small moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely settled into the van when our guide, Sofía, pointed out the Obelisk flashing by outside — “That’s where everyone meets up after football wins,” she said, and I could almost hear the echo of old celebrations. The city felt wide awake even at 9:30am. We stopped outside River Plate Stadium for photos; I’m not a football person but seeing locals in red-and-white scarves grinning for selfies made me wish I’d caught a match. There was this faint smell of grass and street coffee drifting around — not sure if it was from the vendors or just my imagination.

San Isidro Cathedral surprised me. I thought it’d be grand and cold, but there was something gentle about the way sunlight hit those Gothic arches. Sofía told us about weddings that happen there — apparently people come from all over Buenos Aires just for the photos. Then we drove out to Tigre, and suddenly everything slowed down. The catamaran ride on the delta was quiet except for birds and the slap of water against wooden docks. Houses on stilts peeked through green trees; some looked like they hadn’t changed in decades. I tried to picture living there — boat instead of car, river instead of road.

The Puerto de Frutos market smelled like oranges and wood polish. I wandered past stalls selling mate cups and handwoven baskets (almost bought one, but my suitcase is already a lost cause). After that, we looped back toward La Boca — colors everywhere, blue-and-yellow flags flapping above cobblestones. Lunch was homemade empanadas and Mendoza wine in a tiny spot where an old man played guitar by the door. Dulce de leche for dessert — honestly, I still think about that taste.

We ended up taking photos in front of La Bombonera stadium; Sofía joked that you can’t leave Buenos Aires without at least pretending to be a Boca fan once. The tour wrapped up near the Obelisk again, right back where we started but feeling like we’d been somewhere else entirely for hours. It’s funny how much you can see (and eat) in just one day trip from Buenos Aires to Tigre Delta — though my feet were ready for a nap by then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Buenos Aires and Tigre Highlights

• Pick up from central hotels
• Photo stop at River Plate Stadium
• Visit Cathedral of San Isidro
• Sail the Tigre Delta
• Free time at Fruit Port
• Transfer from Tigre to La Boca
• Taste Argentine flavors in La Boca
• Photo at La Bombonera stadium
• Transfer and tour completion at Obelisk

Top questions

How long is the Buenos Aires & Tigre Delta tour?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup is included from anywhere in downtown Buenos Aires.

What attractions are visited during the tour?

You’ll visit River Plate Stadium, San Isidro Cathedral, Tigre Delta (by boat), Puerto de Frutos market, and La Boca neighborhood including La Bombonera stadium.

Are food and drinks included?

The tour includes lunch with homemade empanadas, artisan dulce de leche, and Mendoza wine tasting in La Boca.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

What time does the tour start?

Morning pickups are between 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM; afternoon pickups between 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM.

Do I need to bring cash for purchases at Puerto de Frutos?

You may want cash if you plan to buy crafts or snacks at Puerto de Frutos market.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from central Buenos Aires, air-conditioned transport throughout the route, entry to all scheduled stops like River Plate Stadium and San Isidro Cathedral, a guided catamaran cruise through Tigre Delta’s canals, free time at Puerto de Frutos market, plus lunch featuring empanadas and Mendoza wine before returning downtown in the afternoon.