The Estrugamou in Buenos Aires – The Pinnacle of French Classical Architecture
On the corner of Juncal and Esmeralda streets, in the Retiro neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, sits a stately and imposing relic of an era of French architecture in Buenos Aires, a city often dubbed the “Paris of South America.” The residential Estrugamou Building, or Edificio Estrugamou, resembles an aristocratic French mansion with its chimneys, mansard roof, cornices, and three-story classical columns. The first wave of French architects came to Argentina in the 1820s, shortly after independence from Spain…
The 10 most important rules for investing in agriculture favour South America
Rule 1. Only invest in investor-friendly countries: Agricultural investments require a medium to long-term view. A typical investment in mainstream agriculture will require 70-80% of your investment to go into the land. There is no need to add to these risks by going into countries where you put your capital at risk. This rules out most of Africa, Eastern Europe and parts of Asia. Rule 2. Countries with low, preferably no, subsidies for agriculture. Subsidies can be alluring because they can be seen as underwriting…
The Complete Guide to Estancias (Traditional Farms) of Argentina
Guide to Estancias of Argentina Rarely does one get something for nothing, but the complete guide to the Estancias of Argentina is right now. But author Stephane Parrenin is offering the new release of his e-book via Gateway to South America for FREE. The complete e-book guide to Estancias of Argentina is called eStancias: It offers readers a list of estancias, per province, with a link to the property’s website and location on Google maps. These estancias provide various levels of hospitality at various…
Classical French Architecture in Buenos Aires
From 1880, admirers of France as a model republic for cultural and aesthetic tastes, known as the ‘Generation of ‘80’, began to expand globally. The classical French style began to heavily influence even Non-French European Architects. At the beginning of the 19th century, after the wars of independence, European tendencies and influences penetrated into Argentina. As the new republic set about constructing a nation, the Argentine government aimed to move away from its colonial roots. At the time Argentina…
Welsh settlers in Patagonia: a legacy that moves the emotions
The arrival of 153 settlers who arrived on the Atlantic coast of Chubut in 1865 meant the starting point of a cultural encounter whose legacy is incalculable and ranges from architectural forms to recipes and culinary ceremonies. This July 28 marked the 155th anniversary of the arrival to the Atlantic Coast of Chubut of the sailboat “Mimosa” in which, after two months of the voyage, the first Welsh contingent would arrive to settle in Patagonia. From the Atlantic to the Cordillera, gastronomy, words…
The Basilica in the Retiro of Buenos Aires and the myths that surrounded it
It was eight years of specialised construction, taking care of every detail to the extreme. Travelling to France to buy the best materials and even purchasing the largest organ in Argentina. Luxury, good taste and its Gothic-Romanesque construction with its exterior had a status of “forbidden love” amongst the Buenos Aires aristocracy. This was the birthplace of the Basilica of the Blessed Sacrament in the Retiro neighbourhood of Buenos Aires. “If I live in a palace, then my God also deserves…
What You Need to Know before Buying Agricultural Land in Argentina
Argentina is one of the world’s breadbasket. Blessed with a mild climate, fertile soil and abundant water, it has become an increasingly attractive opportunity for investors. Before you buy your crop farm or cattle ranch in the Pampas, the sheep ranch in Patagonia, the resort in Bariloche or the winery in Mendoza, you need to understand a few specific things about Argentine law and practice. We offer answers to eight questions as a starting point. As with anywhere else in the world, before you buy, seek the…
Agribusiness in Brazil jumps the most in 20 years and is now equivalent to the GDP of Argentina
Between 2002 and 2022, the country’s agricultural GDP jumped from US$ 122 billion to US$ 500 billion and is already equivalent to that of Argentina, informs José Maria Tomazela. For 2023, a record harvest of more than 300 million tons is expected, according to the National Supply Company (Conab). With this, Brazil establishes itself as the world’s third-largest producer of cereals, behind China and the USA. This growth is based on investment in research and public policies for the field. “It…
The facade of the De Ridder mansion on Alvear Avenue in Buenos Aires during its expansion, around 1927
In Buenos Aires’ golden age, Alvear Avenue was Frenchified, an idea based on the aesthetics of large residences preserved along with its short six blocks that, with few exceptions, recreated in the Beaux-Arts style of the Ancien Régime. The culmination of its axis is the great dome of the old residence Ortiz Basualdo, the current French Embassy, to which the Plaza Carlos Pellegrini with its monument by Jules-Félix Coutan serves as a setting, that can be considered as the apotheosis of a paradigm that…
Why is Argentina considered the Polo Capital of the world?
There are over 3,000 registered polo players in Argentina, more than ten times more than US and UK for a start. There are many thousands of grooms who specifically care for horses. Polo, or “The Sport of Kings,” as it is often referred to, is frequently thought of as something that extremely wealthy people do for fun. And it is. However, Argentina is more affordable than most countries, and it is played at a higher standard than anywhere else. Argentina has the world’s best polo team and has not…
La Candelaria Castle in Lobos, Buenos Aires
In 1840 Don Orestes Piñeiro (pharmacist) bought his first farms in Lobos, around 100km from Buenos Aires city. The castle itself was designed by the French architect Alberto Favre hired by Manuel Fraga, who was impressed by a similar one he saw in France on the banks of the Loire river. He hired the best workman, bringing all the necessary materials from Europe. Construction started in 1894 (it took approximately 5 years) and has a size of 1200 m2. The family then had it landscaped by Charles Thays, a French…
China dominates fishing in South American Waters
Giant squid, squid or Dosidicus gigas, measures up to 3 meters in length and can reach 50 kilos in weight. It is one of the main species of the southeastern Pacific Ocean, and at the same time, it is one of the species with the most significant commercial pressure in the world. Thousands of tons are extracted annually, a large part from the international waters located off Ecuador, Peru and Chile. The main player behind that voracious appetite is China: it has a declared fleet of 671 ships. The squid catch…
The Vestey Meat Empire in South America
The Vestey Brothers were once the largest meat retailers in the world The company once controlled one-third of the refrigerated storage capacity in Britain and two-thirds of multiple butcher shops. It accounted for 20 per cent of all meat imported into Britain. Origins and early growth William Vestey (1859 – 1940) and Edmund Hoyle Vestey (1866 – 1954) were born to Samuel Vestey, a Liverpool provisions merchant. William Vestey William Vestey was sent to Chicago to scout for opportunities in 1876. He was…
Americans are quitting plant-based meat in droves due to high prices, worse taste, and questionable health benefits
Meat producers have nothing to fear from Fake Meat. Plant-based meat looked poised to change the world — but then Americans stopped buying it. In 2020, retail sales of plant-based meat grew 45%, surpassing the $1 billion mark for the first time. Increasing awareness of companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, in addition to climate change and animal welfare concerns, nudged many Americans to give fake meat a shot. The nature of the pandemic helped sales as well. Many consumers faced meat shortages,…
El Tigre of Argentina – A fisherman’s paradise
By Larry Larson – Professional Fishing Guide“Don’t cry for me, Argentina. The truth is I never left you,” that’s how the song goes, and I felt like I’d never left after looking through my passport, which contained 25 border crossing stamps for Argentina in the last eight years. It was early December, and I had time to reminisce as I waited for dinner aboard my flight from Washington-Dulles airport to Buenos Aires. My thoughts of the hunting expeditions, good friends and the fantastic food I’d…
