Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair

Outty Ranking 65 5.0 · 7 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $93
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Outty Ranking

65/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair worth booking?

Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair is a 5-hour experience in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from $93 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
65 / 100
Rating
5/5 (7)
Duration
5 hours
From
$93 per person

Take a guided tour of two of the most famous fairs in the city of Buenos Aires: San Pedro Telmo Antique Fair and Mataderos Fair. This unique tour is a great way to become familiar with new Argentine traditions, especially thanks to our professional tour guide who will accompany you throughout. You will enjoy strolling around and discovering the various goods and stalls. Learn about the traditions and history of these fairs and even buy some souvenirs yourself. The tour includes lunch, transport from a central meeting point and a professional guide.

What you get

    About this experience

    Take a guided tour of two of the most famous fairs in the city of Buenos Aires: San Pedro Telmo Antique Fair and Mataderos Fair. This unique tour is a great way to become familiar with new Argentine traditions, especially thanks to our professional tour guide who will accompany you throughout. You will enjoy strolling around and discovering the various goods and stalls. Learn about the traditions and history of these fairs and even buy some souvenirs yourself. The tour includes lunch, transport from a central meeting point and a professional guide.

    What's included

    Included

    • Professional local guide
    • San Telmo Fair (if option selected)
    • Lunch (2 empanadas and a soft drink)
    • Mataderos Fair
    • Transportation from/to meeting point

    Not included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. At 10:30 AM, we will meet at Tangol Agency, in San Telmo neighborhood.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Plaza Dorrego

      After everybody is together, we will head to the Feria de Antigüedades de San Pedro Telmo (San Pedro Telmo Antique Fair). This fair has taken place every Sunday since 1970 in the Plaza Dorrego and Calle Defensa, areas which become pedestrianized especially for this traditional event each week. More than 10,000 people, many of whom are tourists from all around the world, flock to the 270 stalls each Sunday. Orchestras playing music for tango dancers in the streets, live statues and other street performers as well as the antiques themselves and the cultural value really make this Feria worth the visit.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Early in the morning, every Sunday since 1970, the San Pedro Telmo Antiques Fair begins to take shape on the pavement of Plaza Dorrego. More than 270 stalls are distributed around the square and on the Defensa street which becomes a pedestrian street only for this day. The fair receives about 10,000 visitors each Sunday and there is a high percentage of tourists from all around the world. At the fair, you can find almost anything you are looking for. From furniture and artifacts, to traditional Argentine crafts, clothing and leather goods.

      60 minutes here

    4. Mercado San Telmo

      We’ll continue on to the Mercado de San Telmo (San Telmo Market) for anyone who fancies grabbing some original and unique souvenirs.

      60 minutes here

    5. Feria de Mataderos

      We’ll head over to the southwestern side of the city to Feria de Mataderos. which is one of the most important fairs in the city and one of the least known. This fair has become a traditional weekend tour for those who want to connect with Argentine countryside traditions. Founded 30 years ago, this unique fair serves as a true celebration of ‘gaucho’ culture. It is made up of 3 main areas and a food court: Artesanías tradicionales, Festival Artístico and Destrezas Gauchescas. Each Sunday, different activities take place here. As soon as we get to the fair, you’ll notice that it is rich in parrillas (grills) on which delicious meats and other typical meals are cooked. This tour includes a great lunch where you can try traditional foods such as empanadas. Both crafts and regional foods (jams, liqueurs, cheeses and alfajores) can be bought at better prices than in the more central, touristy shops. Sometimes you’ll be able to watch horse races or even get involved in some tango classes!

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    6. Museo Criollo de los Corrales

      After this, we will have some free time to visit the Museo Criollo de los Corrales. This rural-style museum gives us a glimpse of how the gauchos live in the pampas: their clothes, tools and other everyday objects. We’ll also see how Argentina became one of the world’s leading meat exporters: things like traditional knives, weapons, carts, animals and rural paintings are all on show.

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    7. 05:00 pm: approximately 3 hours later we’ll arrive right back where we started - at the Tangol offices in San Telmo!

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Buenos Aires

    Meeting point: TANGOL SAN TELMO, Address: Defensa 831. Dates: Sundays Visitors must be present 15 minutes before the scheduled time at the meeting point. Pick up transfers from hotels is not included

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Meeting point: TANGOL SAN TELMO, Address: Defensa 831. Dates: Sundays Visitors must be present 15 minutes before the scheduled time at the meeting point. Pick up transfers from hotels is not included

    Options you can book

    • Mataderos Fair Only

      Duration: 5 hours

    • San Telmo and Mataderos Fairs

      Duration: 7 hours

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Sun
    Group size
    Up to 9 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Tangol

    Know before you go

    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Season: Mid-March to Mid-December

    Photos

    Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair in Buenos Aires, photo 2San Telmo Fair, Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair in Buenos AiresMarket, Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair in Buenos AiresEmpanadas, Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair in Buenos AiresPopular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair in Buenos Aires, photo 6Mataderos Fair, Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair in Buenos Aires

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    7 verified traveler reviews for Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    7
    4 star
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    3 star
    0
    2 star
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    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Monika_D · October 2023

    San Telmo and Mataderos Fair with an excellent guide

    It was a rainy Sunday when we visited San Telmo Market and Mataderos Fair. Silvia was an excellent guide. She made the market visit very interesting and showed us a lot of artists we would have overseen. She has a profound knowledge about different handcraft work, historical buildings such as the Pasaje de la Defensa or the the Mercado de San Telmo. On Mataderos Fair she recommended different specialities such as Humita, which we would have never tried without her. We enjoyed being with her and can truly recommend Silvia as a guide.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words, Monika! We’re happy you enjoyed the markets despite the rain and that Silvia made the experience so special.

    via Viator

    HimateeJ_P · August 2022

    Lovely day for shopping and eating and shopping and eating!

    We had a great time on this tour, shopping and eating and learning so much about the local culture. Our guide did a great job and he was very thoughtful to give us space to explore and also some guided time to show us around and get the overall feel for the place.

    via Viator

    hermiena2018 · January 2020

    We loved it!

    What I enjoyed about the Mataderos Fair is, it is not touristy. This is where locals meet, sell, make music and dances. Gaby our guide was the best.

    via Tripadvisor

    Jane T · July 2018

    Soooooo interesting & fun!

    Our guide, Sylvia, Made this tour most fun. We thoroughly enjoyed ever aspect of it. And we felt Sylvia went out of her way to make this all happen! She is adaptable as well as knowledgeable. Jane & Paula.

    via Viator

    Pari G · September 2016

    Excellent services, thanks for making...

    <p>Excellent services, thanks for making my trip so enjoyable.</p>

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Sun
    Price range
    $93 to $184
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Tangol, who run 256 experiences we rank across 22 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 48.8.

    See everything Tangol runs

    Why this scores 65

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)81
    Review evidence (18% weight)31
    Booking momentum (14% weight)19
    Value for money (12% weight)94
    Listing quality (10% weight)77
    Local standing (8% weight)62
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Buenos Aires.

    How much does Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair cost?

    +

    Prices start at $93 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 Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair take?

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    Plan for about 5 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 Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 7 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 Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair?

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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 Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair?

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    Around 2 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?

    +

    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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair 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?

    +

    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 Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair?

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    Included: Professional local guide; San Telmo Fair (if option selected); Lunch (2 empanadas and a soft drink); Mataderos Fair; and Transportation from/to meeting point. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair?

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    Meeting point: TANGOL SAN TELMO, Address: Defensa 831. Dates: Sundays Visitors must be present 15 minutes before the scheduled time at the meeting point. Pick up transfers from hotels is not included Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair offered in?

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    It is offered in English and Spanish. 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 Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair?

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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.

    What happens to Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair?

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    Across 7 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair?

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    There are 2 options to choose from, including Mataderos Fair Only, San Telmo and Mataderos Fairs. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Popular Culture Tour to San Telmo & Mataderos Fair.

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