Buenos Aires The dark years of the Dirty War
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Buenos Aires The dark years of the Dirty War worth booking?
Buenos Aires The dark years of the Dirty War is a 4-hour experience in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from $215 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (12)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $215 per person
Learn of Argentinas past in the company of an English speaking guide who will take you on a journey through this dark period of Argentinas history. Visit the park of memory to learn of the thousands that disappeared under the brutal dictatorship of the 70s and 80s. visit the ESMA centre which was run by the navy and was one of the most notorious torture and dissapearance centres. We will also visit the Plaza de Mayo where the mothers of the disappeared have marched every Thursday since 1977. Also we will visit the Falklands War Memorial located at Plaza San Martin
What you get
About this experience
Learn of Argentinas past in the company of an English speaking guide who will take you on a journey through this dark period of Argentinas history. Visit the park of memory to learn of the thousands that disappeared under the brutal dictatorship of the 70s and 80s. visit the ESMA centre which was run by the navy and was one of the most notorious torture and dissapearance centres. We will also visit the Plaza de Mayo where the mothers of the disappeared have marched every Thursday since 1977. Also we will visit the Falklands War Memorial located at Plaza San Martin
What's included
Included
- TripAdvisor Experiences brokerage fee
- Local taxes
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Parque de la Memoria
The park is dedicated to the thousands of people murdered by the dictatorship during the Dirty War. I will take you through the history of this very dark history.
60 minutes here
Espacio Memoria y Derechos Humanos ex Esma
The navy training school where thousands were tortured then murdered. We will see where the prisoners were detained and tortured before being sedated and thrown to their deaths from military planes.
60 minutes here
Plaza De Mayo
We will visit the Plaza De Mayo in the heart of the city.See where the mothers of the Plaza de Mayo march weekly to remember their missing youngsters that disappeared in the 70's and 80's.
40 minutes here
Ex clandestine centre functioned in the basement of what was then the Federal Police supply service. More than 1500 people were kidnapped and tortured here. The former building was demolished to make the motorway.
30 minutes here
Monumento a Combatientes de Malvinas
A memorial to the soldiers who died in the Falklands War- 1982-
40 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Buenos Aires taxis private tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Dress code is smart casual
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for Buenos Aires The dark years of the Dirty War. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Historical Tour
If you like history, Howard has a lot of knowledge to share. We learned so much and saw many important historical sites. We would have missed a lot of information had we gone without a guide. Thanks for a great day.
via Viator
Disappointing and Incomplete Historical Tour of Argentina's Dirty War
Based on the reviews, we were excited about getting a better, more in-depth understanding of the history and impact of the dictatorship years in Argentina. Having just had a similar experience of tours in Chile with native tour guides who were able to share with us a balanced perspective of the different sides, and in a way that was empathetic to both, we had hoped that this experience would provide the same but felt that, rather than receiving a cohesive tour with personal or historic stories, our guide largely functioned as a chauffeur who drove us to the historical sites and merely pointed out or left us to read the descriptions on signs at those sites - with only very cursory (and seemingly biased) explanations. When Howard did speak about the history, his knowledge appeared limited and, at times, factually incorrect, with misinformation repeated rather than clarified. Given the gravity and sensitivity of this period in Argentina’s history, this lack of accuracy and preparation was especially troubling and undermined the purpose of the tour entirely. Additionally, the tour was advertised as a four-hour experience, yet it concluded after approximately two hours. This shortened duration seemed to be a direct result of the absence of guided content; there simply was not enough substance to justify the promised timeframe. For the price charged for this tour (~$440), we expected a lot more. We have requested a refund since this experience did not meet expectations in terms of depth, accuracy, or value, particularly for such an important historical subject.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are sorry to hear that the tour did not meet your expectations. This is a complex and sensitive period of Argentina’s history, and our tours are designed to present it with care, professionalism, and historical responsibility. We consistently receive positive feedback highlighting the depth, preparation, and engagement of our guides. Our experiences are designed as guided, interpretive tours that combine site visits with historical context and explanations provided throughout the journey. We regret if this approach did not align with what you were hoping for. About the duration of the tour, while the experience is advertised as approximately four hours, timing may vary depending on traffic conditions, site access, and the pace of the group. However, we understand your frustration if the tour felt shorter than expected and did not deliver the level of engagement you were hoping for. Regarding your request for a refund, the tour took place on January 4th, and the request was submitted 21 days later. As clearly outlined in our policies, any concerns should be raised during the tour or shortly afterward so they can be addressed at the time. For this reason, we are unable to approve the refund request. Thank you for sharing your experience. Kind Regards, Clara Boyle BUenos Aires TAxis
via Tripadvisor
Howard was a good and...
Howard was a good and informative guide and these sites are important, disturbing and deeply emotional experiences However, the ESMA and Maldeves Museums were regularly CLOSED when we visited. This was a huge disappointment as it was an key part of of the tour and something we very much were looking forward to. The guide and/or Viator should have notified us in advance. Not excusable.
via Viator
An emotionally-heavy and perspective-altering day
My mom and I took this tour together, and Howard was an excellent guide! This tour is great for anyone interested in learning more about the Dirty War and the historical, political, and economic context in which it took place. Visiting the ESMA museum is a life-changing and emotive experience that we likely would have missed otherwise, and Howard re-formatted other parts of the tour based on what we had already done in Buenos Aires and what we wanted to do. He was thorough in answering our questions, and created a helpful background on the topic. We were so happy to have had this opportunity!
Response from the operator: Many thanks for your review, Bayley. I´m glad you really enjoyed the tour with Howard. Best, Clara Boyle
via Viator
brilliant, haunting
I would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in Latin American history, U.S. history, the Cold War, fascism--or just Buenos Aires. We learned so much and Howard was a very engaging and informative guide. He took us to sites that we would have missed on our own, including the ESMA prison and the memorial to the desaparecidos in the northern part of BA. I will never forget this tour --thank you for a very special and unforgettable day!
Response from the operator: Thanks Samantha for your kind review. I am glad you enjoyed the tour with Howard. Best, Clara Boyle
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Buenos Aires The dark years of the Dirty War: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Buenos Aires.
How much does Buenos Aires The dark years of the Dirty War cost?
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Prices start at $215 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Buenos Aires usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Buenos Aires The dark years of the Dirty War take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Buenos Aires is not rushed.
Is Buenos Aires The dark years of the Dirty War worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 12 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Buenos Aires, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Buenos Aires The dark years of the Dirty War?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Buenos Aires The dark years of the Dirty War suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Buenos Aires The dark years of the Dirty War?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Buenos Aires can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Buenos Aires and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Buenos Aires The dark years of the Dirty War start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Buenos Aires within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Buenos Aires?
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On Outty we rank every Buenos Aires experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Argentine Cooking, Wine & Beef Tasting at Argentine Experience, Historical Sherpa Food Tour of San Telmo with Street Food, Drinks, Cooking Class with Empanadas Steak & Flan by Argentine Experience. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Buenos Aires?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Buenos Aires The dark years of the Dirty War?
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Included: TripAdvisor Experiences brokerage fee; and Local taxes. Not included: Food and drinks; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Buenos Aires The dark years of the Dirty War include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 1 listed pickup location in and around Buenos Aires. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Buenos Aires The dark years of the Dirty War offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Buenos Aires The dark years of the Dirty War?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Buenos Aires The dark years of the Dirty War wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Buenos Aires The dark years of the Dirty War if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Buenos Aires. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Buenos Aires The dark years of the Dirty War?
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Across 12 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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