The Travel Chica

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Buenos Aires Odd Jobs: The Tour Guide Part 1

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We’ve covered the dog walkers and the human billboards.  Now I present an odd job for expats.

The Tour Guide

Buenos Aires is such a huge, exciting city with lots of history, grand architecture, diverse artwork, high-end fashion, and much more.  Because of all of this, there are a lot of tour guides in this city.

Over the next week, I will introduce you to three expats who each found their tourism niche in Buenos Aires.

How did I choose who to feature?

These three were chosen because they have interesting backgrounds, and I think they really do add value to anyone taking their tours.  They all have a genuine interest in knowing Buenos Aires, and they have really taken the time to gain the knowledge to be considered experts in their niches.  If you are

First up…

Meet Jonathan from Buenos Aires Local Tours

What is your tourism niche in BA?

I run free tours which show people how to get around Buenos Aires using public transport and I try to paint a picture of what living in Buenos Aires is like for me. We then catch buses and Subtes (aka the subway) around town, visiting some of the major sights and places a little off the beaten track.

 

Where are you from and how did you end up living in Buenos Aires?

I’m from the UK but had been living in Geneva for 4 years when I came to Buenos Aires on a 2-week holiday in 2007. A year later I had given up my job, bought a backpack, and returned to this city. I used it as my base for the following 18 months as I traveled all over South America and then came back to stay permanently in May 2010.

What did you do before jumping into tours?

In Europe I was in Information Technology (IT), more specifically a database developer for a private bank in Switzerland!  I went back to IT in Buenos Aires for 4 months – it didn’t work out!

How did you get the idea for your business?

During my travels in South America, I have covered over 25,000km by bus, and I find them pretty fascinating as each country has their own system and differences. Catching a bus here, or rather figuring out which bus to catch, from where and where to get off always seemed like such a challenge.  Getting to my destination successfully felt like such an achievement. It took so long to feel comfortable with the bus system here, and it occurred to me that it would be fun to share that with people who were only here for a few days.

Note from Stephanie:  I completely agree about feeling like I’ve conquered the world when I take the bus like a local in this city. 

Why is your tourism niche successful?

It’s an adventure.  If you’re staying here for a short time, and if your Spanish is a little rusty, then you would never dream of catching a bus, but come on my tour and not only will you see places you would otherwise miss, but you get around in a completely novel way.  It’s like spending a few hours as a local!

 What do you love most about Buenos Aires?

The freedom.

People here don’t worry about the details in the same way people do in Europe. If you want to do something or act in a certain way, you can and nobody will judge you for it. It seems chaotic but things get done, slowly, but eventually everything comes together. I also love the architecture and the style of the city – it has a very unique feel. It’s European enough that I never feel out of place, but there’s enough South American flavour to keep life interesting!

How is your tour different from other tours?

Mine is the only tour that takes you on buses and the subte (we catch a wooden train from the 1920s on Line A) and gives you all the history and current affairs that make up Argentina today. I like to travel independently and I’ve tailored the tour so that it’s a mix of information, fun & fact – the sort of tour I would like to go on!

Go take a tour!

Get more details on Jonathan’s tour at Buenos Aires Local Tours.  I took this tour after I lived in the city for almost 2 months, and I still learned a lot and saw places I had not yet been.  The tour is free, so don’t forget to tip your awesome guide!

Comments

  2. You really are a good tour guide because it seems like I have been to this place. The name of the place is very unique and I am sure people who are living are satisfied and contented with their life there. I just hope you have shared us some photos of the place.
    Julie Hayes recently posted..mark nason boots

  5. Good articles Stephanie,
    It looks like your break has worked well for you. Your writing and insight are really starting to shine through.
    Keep it up – your blog is going in the right direction.
    Thanks for the insights on Buenos Aires.
    Cheers,
    John D. Wilson

  10. Hello everybody – Jonathan the tour guide in question here!

    Sebastian – groups tend to be smallish, generally between 2 and 6 people. I’ve done bigger groups but to be honest the bigger the group the harder it gets herding them all onto a bus. For me, small is good!

    Philip – Look forward to having you along soon!

    Cheryl – Whenever you want!

    Abby – Too kind, but it means a lot to hear that sort of comment – so much more rewarding than sitting in an office ;o)
    Jonathan Evans recently posted..Porteño Corner – Wander Argentina meets Buenos Aires Local Tours

  11. Sounds fabulous! I like Buenos Aires, but have never done a guided tour. I’d probably learn a lot more about the city that way…

    OH! And you are the one Abby toured with?! Ok, she told me about you too, definitely will be contacting you next time we’re in town!
    Kyle recently posted..Play with me!

  14. That´s so funny! I actually met Johnatan during a World Cup match at Sugar! And I don´t think I need his tour being a porteña, but I can vouch for his great attitude and likeability, he´s a really funny guy.
    Marcela recently posted..Muffins de banana split

  15. Me resulta tan interesante lo que ofrece Jonathan Evans que, siendo porteña, en cualquier momento me anoto para disfrutar un tour con él.
    Stephanie: tu blog me gusta cada día más! Felicitaciones y buena estadía!

  17. The tour sounds really interesting, but as an IT person who is currently not working, I’m curious to know what Jonathan’s experience was of IT in BA.

  18. Sounds like a great introduction to Buenos Aires. Plan on bringing my kids to see that great city (and country). Haven’t been to BA in nearly 15 years, so this tour would be a good refresher :)
    Sophie recently posted..Paris is Child’s Play

  24. Hello John,
    My Young family and I (including a three year old) will arrive in December for two weeks and I am looking forward to your tour. We’ve never been to BA

  25. My wife and I are staying in Palermo Soho as you recommend. We love this place. We arrived here last Friday and have spent the past few days getting to know the hood. Tomorrow we are planning to take Jonathan’s tour. We love this city! Your blog is very helpful. THANK YOU.

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