buenos aires cemetery tour

RECOLETA CEMETERY TOUR Only $13000 ars or $10 usd per person.

Recoleta cemetery tour.

ONLY $13000 ars or $10 usd PER PERSON

Booking has no cost . Payment for the tour is in person once you show up at the meeting point.

ATTENTION:  In order to join this tour you need previously to acquire the mandatory entrance ticket to the Recoleta Cemetery. The ticket price is $11400 ARS for foreign visitors to be paid to the government of the City of Buenos Aires.  You can buy this ticket at the cemetery entrance (only credit cards accepted).

Once you have paid for your ticket you can join our tour. Our tour guide will be waiting for you right next to the ticket case, so it will be very easy to get your ticket and join him/her right away.

Our tour price is $13000 pesos or $10 dollars per person and does not include the entrance ticket. You will pay this price in person in cash to the tour guide and the end of the tour.

INFO AND RESERVATION

Groups larger than 10 people: please, contact us..

A tour dedicated especially to the Recoleta Cemetery , one of the most wonderful and captivating places in Buenos Aires! In this tour we are going to see the most classic and mysterious stories in almost 2 hours. The tour includes the story of the death and burial of Eva Perón , a fascinating story to discover one of the most famous and controversial personalities in the country, as well as historical, architectural data of the vaults and artistic heritage.

Recoleta Cemetery Tour Highlights

• Evita's Grave
• "The Sailor and his Daughter"
• "The Grotto"
• "The Girl who Died Twice"
• "The Wild Bull of the Pampas"
• "The Gravekeeper"
• "Till Death do us Part"
• "Knights of the Night"

Check our Meeting Point

Photo of the Meeting Point

Activities to do in Buenos Aires

Memory and Human Rights Museum ex ESMA

Memory and Human Rights Museum ex ESMA: A Place of Remembrance in Buenos Aires The Memory and Human Rights Space, also known as ex ESMA, is one of the most emblematic sites in Buenos Aires. This space, which once was a clandestine center for detention, torture, and extermination during Argentina’s last military dictatorship (1976-1983), has […]

MACBA: The Pinnacle of Contemporary Art in Buenos Aires In the heart of the San Telmo neighborhood, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Buenos Aires (MACBA) stands as an essential destination for contemporary art enthusiasts. Founded in 2012, MACBA has revolutionized the city’s cultural scene with its innovative approach and commitment to avant-garde artistic trends. […]

MAMBA Museum

MAMBA: A Beacon of Modern Art in Buenos Aires Located in the vibrant neighborhood of San Telmo, the Museo de Arte Moderno de Buenos Aires (MAMBA) is a cultural icon that you must visit. Founded in 1956, MAMBA has been a cornerstone in promoting both Argentine and international contemporary art. In this article, we will […]

Isaac Fernández Blanco Museum

Isaac Fernández Blanco Museum: A Cultural Treasure in Buenos Aires Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital of Argentina, is known for its rich cultural heritage and numerous tourist attractions. Among them, the Isaac Fernández Blanco Museum stands out, a place that encapsulates history, art, and architecture in a unique and fascinating way. If you are a […]

#1 Ranked walking tour on TripAdvisor

• New Here? Read Me First
• Must Read Articles
• Latest Articles
• This is My Story
• Countries I’ve Visited
• Media Appearances
• Follow the Adventures
• All Travel Destinations & Guides
• South America
• Budget Travel Tips
• Save Money for a Trip
• Best Resources to Book Your Trip
• What is Backpacker Travel Insurance?
• Travel Hacking
• Travel Gear
• Road Trip Planning
• Travel Inspiration
• Truck Camping
• How to Travel Forever
• Browse the Store
• My book: Big Travel, Small Budget
• Truck Camping Gear
• D2D Apparel
• Shop REI.com
• Shop Amazon.com
• Discount Outdoor Gear: Deals of the Day
• Write for D2D
• Work with Us – Media & Press

Most Beautiful Cemetery in the World: Visiting Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires

Sharing is caring!

How would you like to spend some time in a cemetery on your next vacation? It doesn’t sound like the typical attraction, but here in Buenos Aires, Argentina, you can just do that. Indeed, Recoleta Cemetery is one of those top things to do in Buenos Aires . Why? Because Recoleta is considered to be one of the most beautiful graveyards in the world, more akin to an incredible open-air museum. In this post, we will give you everything you need to know about visiting Recoleta Cemetery , as well as suggest some tours that you can take to get even more out of your visit.

Walking the narrow alleys here is like taking a walk and meeting the Who’s Who of Argentina. Because of that, it is also a place rich in interesting history and marvelous architecture. Whether you’re a history buff who wants to meet the Argentine greats of the past or just an admirer of art and architecture, this is a place worth checking out.

Though we usually find gravesites as depressing, dark, dull, and eternally gloomy, the Recoleta Cemetery is a place of wonder, full of exquisite beauty with its mini-cathedrals, Greek temples, Baroque structures, fairytale grottoes, mini-houses, and intricately designed mausoleums. Indeed, the BBC even included Recoleta in its list of the World’s Best Cemeteries , and CNN also included it as one of the 10 Most Beautiful Cemeteries .

Stunning mausoleums here are just like the tip of an iceberg because underneath them lie the many coffins and crypts to house many prestigious and prominent personalities and their families. One family mausoleum may contain as many as 20 corpses.

History of Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires

For more than two centuries, the city of Buenos Aires existed without an official cemetery. The monks of the Order of the Recoletos was in the outskirts of Buenos Aires and had built a cemetery and the Church of Our Lady of Pilar (the Iglesia around its convent). The order was disbanded in 1822 and eventually turned it the to the first public cemetery.

It was first named as Cementerio del Norte or Northern Cemetery under then-Governor Martin Rodriguez, who was also eventually buried there. The French civil engineer Prospero Catelin did the 1822 layout of the cemetery (Catelin also designed the facade of the Buenos Aires Metro Cathedral). In 1881 it was remodeled to accommodate more tenants.

The site spans more than 5.5 hectares or 14 acres and contains 4,691 vaults, 94 of which were declared National Historical Monuments like the tomb of the 7th Argentinian president Domingo Faustino Sarmiento. The entrance gates are designed with Neo-Classical Doric columns.

You’ll find a wide mix of architectural styles in this cemetery ranging from Baroque, Neo-Classical, Art Nouveau, and Neo-Gothic and most of the materials come from Italy and France.

The Recoleta Cemetery sits adjacent to the upscale neighborhood of Recoleta and has become the luxurious resting place of Argentina’s most famous personalities and families. The entire lot is laid out like city blocks with tree-lined main streets and sidewalks with mausoleums.

Honestly, strolling the grounds of this cemetery is quite unlike anything we’ve ever seen before, on a scale and level of grandeur that is almost shockingly impressive.

There are a few big names buried in this cemetery museum (below we have listed 10 of these famous residents of the City of the Dead of Buenos Aires like the international icon Evita Peron). But hundreds of important Argentinians like presidents, politicians, writers, philanthropists, businessmen, generals, heroes, actors, artists, poets, and so many more who have contributed to what Argentina is today are also buried here.

Like most visitors, you’ll probably want to make your way to the humble tomb of Evita, but one of the best things to do in Recoleta Cemetery is just wandering around aimlessly and take photos of the stunning architectural displays packed into its tiny streets. Or you can take a peek into one of the tombs to see what’s inside.

Before we get into the Top 10 most noteworthy tombs in Recoleta Cemetery, let’s get a few important things to know out of the way first.

Things to Know Before Visiting Recoleta Cemetery

The Recoleta Cemetery is FREE and it is open every day from 8 AM to 6 PM, making it one of the best free things to do in Buenos Aires, for sure!

Closing time is prompt, so make sure you get out before it closes or you will be a part of the City of the Dead with the ghosts and chubby cats who walk the narrow alleys at night, haha, just kidding. BUt if you want to avoid the crowds, try to get there early in the morning.

There are free guided tours every 11 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can also get a free map at the entrance if you ask, but I just used my Maps.me app to help guide me around and to particular tombs.

Plan to spend at least an hour wandering around here. You’ll see heavy crowds in the initial entry areas and in the area surrounding Evita Peron’s grave, but keep walking and you can find alleys that are basically deserted.

The closest subway station is Pueyrredón which is about a 20 minute or so walk from the entrance to Recoleta Cemetery.

Before or after visiting, be sure to go hang out in the awesome Plazoleta outside the entrance and maybe grab an outdoor seat at La Biela or La Panera Rosa for a great Argentinian cafe experience.

The 10 Most Famous Residents of Recoleta Cemetery

This cemetery is definitely a red carpet of ultra-rich and famous people, at least for Argentinians, but they are not exactly walking the red carpet but lying horizontally in their graves.

Since 1822, there are hundreds of known personalities that have been residents of the City of the Dead in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Along with the most famous Evita Peron, there are heroes, generals, celebrities, Nobel Peace Prize winners, artists, and aristocrats of Argentina.

Unfortunately, most foreigners will not have heard of most of these people, so let’s take a minute to get to know a few of these interesting stories about these most famous personalities of Recoleta. It will help you better understand the history of this country and make your visit to Recoleta Cemetery a little more interesting!

Liliana Crociati de Szaszak (1944 – 1970)

Let’s start first with a love story. Liliana was the daughter of Italian parents. During her honeymoon in Innsbruck, Austria, a fatal avalanche took Liliana and her husband’s lives. She was only 26 years old when this tragedy struck in 1970. Utterly grief-stricken, her parents designed her grave with wood and glass and designed it just like their daughter’s childhood room.

A life-sized bronze statue of Liliana in her wedding dress accompanied by her dog Sabú is standing outside of the mausoleum. It was said that Sabú also died the exact time as Liliana died, despite the distance between them. Her mother designed it in the Neo-Gothic style which made it stand out from the other tombs around it. 

Her father wrote a poem in Italian and had it written on a plaque near her statue. One of the lines in that poem is translated to: “Because we can’t be without you, why? …You were so beautiful that invidious nature destroyed you. Why?” Clearly, the grief of a father longing for his daughter after an early demise.

Her tomb is near President Sarmiento’s grave and is not hard to find.

Rufina Cambaceres (1883 – 1902)

What is one of your greatest fears? Is being buried alive one of them? Then this 1902 story about Rufina Cambaceres will really creep you out.

Rufina Cambaceres was in her prime at 19 years old when she was believed to have fallen ill and fell into a coma. She was declared dead and was buried in this elaborate tomb built by her family. But, as the legend goes, a few days after her burial some grave-workers curiously wondered if the screaming and noises they heard were coming from her tomb.

When they checked it out, the coffin seemed slightly disturbed. They feared that some things were stolen from her coffin or her body might have been disturbed so they decided to open it. What they saw shocked them as they saw the unsuccessful attempt of Rufina to claw her way out of the coffin.

Her mother was so distraught and sad that she had her tomb rebuilt in Art Nouveau design. Rufina Cambaceres’ tomb is one of the most iconic tombs in this cemetery which mirrored her family’s grief. Beautifully sculpted flowers adorned her tomb with a life-sized statue of Rufina standing in front of a door.

David Alleno (1881 – 1915)

A ghost story needs to be on this list since we are talking about graves, crypts, and coffins. Okay, so David Alleno is a former grave worker who was said to have been obsessed with where he will eventually be laid to rest. He had saved a lifetime’s work for making his tomb grander than his own life.

Photo Credit to Recoleta Cemetery Website

His brother has already bought this lot but David Alleno was the one who commissioned a statue of himself complete with a broom, watering can, and keys. As soon as the statue was finished by the Italian architect, Alleno was said to have hurriedly gone home and killed himself.

Recent research by the Recoleta Cemetery showed that David Alleno worked in this cemetery for 28 years and had passed away on August 31, 1915. The cause of death stated was trauma and cerebral contusion. But whether he really committed suicide was not proven.

Still, urban legends never cease and David Alleno is one of these ghost stories in this cemetery. Many said you can still “see” him wandering at the cemetery at night… jangling keys and all.

Domingo Faustino Sarmiento (1811 – 1888)

President Domingo Faustino Sarmiento is one of the most prominent personalities in this cemetery because he was the 7th president of Argentina. His tomb here is the only one with signposts and it is easily recognized because it is designed with a mini obelisk with a giant condor at the top. The condor, a native to the Andes Mountains, had become a symbol of Sarmiento for his contributions to the countries of Chile and Argentina.

This was designed by the Italian sculptor Victor de Pol. The base of the obelisk has a relief of Mercury, the Roman god of communication. Another is of Sarmiento holding books and is seen reading to children. Once when he was exiled to Chile, he inscribed onto a stone in the Andes Mountains the French phrase “on ne tue point les idées” which means “One never kills ideas”.

Sarmiento was widely known for pushing for education for everyone. When he was 15, he founded a school in his native province of San Juan. All of his students were older than him but he taught them how to read and write. These actions were highly influenced by his early years of studying and reading.

He became an authority in education and even after his presidency he continued to serve in various government positions for education. Later in his life, he stayed in Asuncion because of his health challenges.

When he passed away at the age of 77 in 1888, his body was ferried back to Buenos Aires and buried in Recoleta Cemetery. His tomb which Sarmiento designed himself was declared a National Historic Monument in 1946.

Isabel Walewski Colonna (1847)

An infant was buried here. Not just another baby girl but one who was said to be the illegitimate grandchild of Napoleón Bonaparte. Baby Isabel was born in Buenos Aires but died shortly after just 6 days.

Baby Isabel’s father was Aleksander Florian Józef Colonna-Walewski who was a Polish-French diplomat and politician who was rumored to be the illegitimate son of Napoleon by his mistress Countess Marie Walewska. There were recent research studies done but none officially confirmed the bloodline.

Isabel was buried in the family tomb of her godmother María Sánchez de Mendevielle in Recoleta Cemetery.

Dorrego-Ortiz Basualdo (1849 – 1920)

This amazing family mausoleum by the family of Dorrego-Ortiz Basualdo is one of the most beautifully designed pantheons in Recoleta Cemetery.

This wealthy landowner family highlights a sculpture about the Parable of the Virgins. There is a sculpted virgin lighting a candelabrum.

Designed by the French architect Louis Dubois, this is one of the largest and most majestic vaults in this cemetery, certainly worth tracking down!

Luis Ángel Firpo (1894 – 1960)

Luis Ángel Firpo or the Wild Bull of the Pampas is Argentina’s most famous boxer and in 2003 he was named as one of the greatest punchers of all time. He was incredibly popular in the 1920s.

The most epic fight of his life was with Jack Dempsey where he was able to send him out of the ring. Although he lost in this fight, he became widely known in Latin America for this inspirational fight that led a Salvadoran football club to name themselves as C.D. Luis Ángel Firpo.

When he died in 1960, he was buried in his tomb with a life-sized statue of him in his boxing uniform. His boxing record was 32 wins and 6 losses in 38 fights, with 26 wins by knockout.

Admiral Guillermo Brown (1777 – 1857)

Admiral Guillermo Brown or William Brown was an Irish-born Argentine Admiral who founded the Argentine Navy. Regarded as one of the national heroes in Argentina, Brown is revered by many for his victories in the Cisplatine War, the Independence War, and the Anglo-French blockade of the Rio de la Plata.

His tomb is adorned with carvings related to sea and sailing and the exterior is painted in green in honor of his Irish heritage.

His mausoleum was partially built with melted down bronze from the canons of his battleships.

Salvador María del Carril and Tiburcia Dominguez

Salvador María del Carril was a prominent lawyer, jurist, policy-maker, and Argentina’s first Vice President. He is known in Argentina for his appointment to different positions in the government and was even in the Argentine Supreme Court and became Chief Justice in 1870.

He became a wealthy man and in his later life, he owned more than 130,000 hectares of land in the La Pampa Province. However, he had constant financial troubles due to his wife Tiburcia Dominguez. He grew so tired of settling the debts incurred by his wife that he obtained an order that he is not responsible for the payment of these debts, leaving them all in her name. Despite having seven children between them, they eventually separated. Can you blame him?

Salvador María del Carril died in 1883 and was buried in an ornate crypt in Recoleta Cemetery. However, Senora del Carril commissioned a sculptor to create her bust and instructed that this will be positioned facing the other way around so she doesn’t have to face her husband ever again. Yes, they are depicted giving their backs to one another.

Eva “Evita” Perón (1919 – 1952)

No one goes to Recoleta without visiting her grave. Humble is the best way to describe the final resting place of the most popular and famous of all the Recoleta residents, with a simple plaque at the family grave.

Eva Perón, widely known as “Evita” to the world, was the nation’s iconic first lady to General Juan Perón. She was idolized by all of Argentina for her fight for the workers. Perhaps owing to her own humility and efforts, it is only fitting that her tomb is a rather simple, dull bronze plaque.

Coming from poverty, she grew up with her four other siblings in Los Toldos, Pampas. When she was 15, she moved to Buenos Aires to pursue her dreams of being a stage, radio, and film actress. She met Colonel Juan Perón, her soon-to-be husband, in 1944 in a charity event at the Luna Park Stadium. They were married the following year and in 1946, Juan Perón was elected President of Argentina.

Eva Perón became powerful herself and supported and spoke passionately for labor rights. She championed labor, health, education, and women’s suffrage in Argentina which endeared her to her countrymen.

She ran for Vice Presidency while receiving a lot of support from the low-income and working-class Argentines. She had to withdraw her candidacy because of her declining health and succumbed to cancer at the age of 33. She was given a state funeral upon her death.

Although she died from cancer in 1952, her body wasn’t interred in Familia Duarte’s mausoleum until 20 years after a controversial transatlantic odyssey to bring her home. Protecting it from any other disturbance, Evita’s remains are buried in a heavily fortified crypt some five meters underground.

Evita has sparked an international cult following because of her fight for labor rights and the poor and even had her life made into a movie “Evita” in 1976 and another movie starring the pop icon Madonna. If you visit her tomb, you will see some Argentines and tourists alike paying respects to Evita. Just try not to start singing “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” when you’re there… Thanks!

Recoleta Cemetery Tours

While the free walking tours are a great option, there are a number of other guided tours that might be worth your while if you want to make the most out of your time and visit Recoleta Cemetery as well. While anyone can wander aimlessly and admire architecture (not a bad thing!), in a place like Recoleta, you may want the help from a local tour guide to make the most out of that place.

I highly recommend these guided tours that will really help you find a way to fully experience an extraordinary graveyard like this that you cannot find elsewhere in the world.

La Recoleta Cemetery Guided Tour

La Recoleta Cemetery is one of the most fabulous cemeteries in terms of artwork, craftsmanship, and design. This guided tour (both in Spanish and English) will show you the different mausoleums in this vast cemetery of 6,400 graves.

Although there are free guided tours on specific days, you might not be able to catch them. But for just $10 USD, you can experience this tour of La Recoleta Cemetery with an expert guide.

Visit the mausoleums of the most important celebrities, politicians, and Argentinian presidents. Know more about the stories of the different families who built these impressive structures in different styles. Hear about the legends of the “Sailor and his daughter” and the “Wild Bull of the Pampas”.

More than ghost stories, La Recoleta Cemetery has more history to tell with its different personalities as its residents.

Book your La Recoleta Cemetery Guided Tour now.

Buenos Aires City Walking Tour

One of the best ways of getting to know Buenos Aires is to do a full-day walking tour which will cover almost all the most important places and attractions in the city. And in this tour, Recoleta Cemetery is included.

This tour will bring you to the coolest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, including Palermo, Downtown, San Telmo, La Boca, and Recoleta. You will get to experience the different ways of how the Argentinians live their daily life. There are a lot of historical buildings, streets (9 de Julio Avenue is the widest avenue in the world!), and monuments that you will see and visit.

Experience the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires which is San Telmo with its tango and art scenes. This is my favorite neighborhood in Buenos Aires and I am sure you can see why with its many antique markets, candle street lighting (called ‘ faroles ’), cobblestones and bohemian atmosphere. Here you can learn about the underground tunnels or the famous weekly market.

La Boca is a place where you can learn tango dancing and the history of this working-class neighborhood. There is also a big pool of different influences as La Boca became a neighborhood that welcomed all immigrants from different parts of the world. See the main city square and the political core of Argentina, and visit Piramide de Mayo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Colonial Town Hall and the Casa Rosada.

And lastly, you will be touring the Recoleta Cemetery, also known as the City of the Dead, famous as one of the most beautiful graveyards in the world. With its thousands of mausoleums, you can see the most impressive mini-cathedrals and sculptures as the final resting place of the rich and the famous of Argentina like its famed first lady Evita Peron.

Book your The Best of Buenos Aires: Full-Day Walking Tour now.

Buenos Aires Bike Tour: North Circuit

Bike around the city of Buenos Aires to get to know more interesting facts and incredible architecture in its many neighborhoods.

For this half-day fun ride, you will be meeting your guide in San Telmo first and have a quick safety briefing before getting your bike (plus helmet). Make sure you tell the guide from this point that you will be taking the North Circuit tour which includes the Recoleta Cemetery.

The North Circuit route will start in the newest neighborhood of Puerto Madero where you can see the old port area developed into a more modern area for dining and entertainment.

Then you will proceed to the Recoleta neighborhood where you can see large parks and a good number of French-style buildings. There are a number of embassies here and this upscale neighborhood is home to the first public cemetery of Buenos Aires which is called Recoleta Cemetery.

Here you will find out how the rich and the famous get to rest in peace and luxury with its intricately designed mausoleums with amazing sculptures and design.

After this area, you will then proceed to the district of Palermo which is the city’s largest neighborhood. Visit Palermo Woods and the 400 rose bushes in the rose garden. You can also find Buenos Aires Zoo, Plaza Italia, Galileo Galilei Planetarium, and the Botanical Garden. You will end this tour in the San Telmo neighborhood where you can visit many shops, antique markets, art stores, cafes, and restaurants.

Book your Buenos Aires Bike Tour: South or North Circuit now.

Evita Tour in Buenos Aires

So many people have watched the Evita movie and have read about the stories of the most famous first lady of Argentina, Eva Peron (popularly known as Evita). But with this long-awaited Evita Tour, you will get the chance to answer most of the questions that you might have come across with regards to the life of Evita.

The Evita Tour will include visits to the most important places in her life like the General Confederation of Labor or The “CGT” where she gave most of her memorable speeches. You will also visit The Luna Park Theater where she first met General Peron.

Of course, Casa Rosada is also an important place for the President and her first lady. And last but not least, you will visit her in her final resting place at the Recoleta Cemetery.

Book your Evita Tour now.

More about Recoleta Cemetery and Buenos Aires

The city of Buenos Aires offers plenty of interesting places to go for your wandering feet, and Recoleta Cemetery is just one of these places that are unarguably different and magical.

I absolutely loved Buenos Aires and everything it had to offer, whether you’re just hanging out enjoying cafe life, or learning to dance the tango at night. There are tons of great Buenos Aires tours and activities to do, like going to a polo match and learning the ways of the Gaucho in a ranch outside the city. Either way, always remember to get your steak fix with a glass (or bottle) of Malbec when you’re here.

The good life, great people, and sumptuous food are waiting to greet you in Buenos Aires. This is my favorite city in all of Latin America and would love to go back in a heartbeat. How about you? Vamos!

Traveling to Buenos Aires soon? Be sure to book your room from Booking.com now to save on the best Buenos Aires hostels . If you are staying on for a few weeks, I highly recommend looking into Airbnb units. Don’t forget to purchase international travel insurance for Argentina to protect yourself against theft, sickness, and injury. I use and recommend World Nomads for the best combination of affordability and coverage.

Read Next: The 18 Coolest Things To Do In Buenos Aires

Did you enjoy this article about the Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires ? Then take a moment to share it on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. Thanks!

• Latest Posts

Desk to Dirtbag

Latest posts by desk to dirtbag ( see all ).

• 8 Best National Parks to Visit With Your Dog - August 10, 2022
• Where to Stay in Bogota: Ultimate Guide to the Best Neighborhoods, Hostels & Hotels - September 26, 2019
• 10 Best Santiago Tours: Activities to Experience in Chile - September 22, 2019
• Volunteering Abroad: 20+ Ways to Travel the World with a Purpose - September 19, 2019
• How to Avoid Cusco Altitude Sickness When You Visit Machu Picchu - September 15, 2019

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Login / Sign Up
• Your Orders

• Buenos Aires: La Recoleta Cemetery Guided Tour in English

Appreciate the artwork, craftsmanship and design of Buenos' Aires oldest cemetery. Experience a guided tour that will show you famous mausoleums, such as that of Eva 'Evita' Perón.

Our Top Experiences and Tours in Argentina:

• From Salta: Full-Day Tour to Cafayate with Wine Tasting
• Mendoza: 4-Hour Mountain Trekking With Lunch
• Foz do Iguaçu: Wanda Mines and San Ignacio Ruins Day Trip
• From Buenos Aires: Tigre Delta Tour with Boat Ride
• Experience a guided tour of Buenos Aires’ oldest and prettiest cemetery
• Have your pick of English or Spanish as your tour language
• Visit and find out the mystery surrounding Evita's resting place
• Hear about the legend of the ‘Sailor’ and his daughter, and the ‘Wild Bull of the Pampas’

Description

Important information.

• In order to join this tour you need to have previously acquired the mandatory entrance ticket to the Recoleta Cemetery. The ticket price is 5009ARS (aprox 5 USD) for foreign visitors to be paid to the government of the City of Buenos Aires. You can buy this ticket at the cemetery entrance (only credit/debit cards accepted)
• The tour guide will be waiting for you next to the ticket case

Easy cancellation

Reserve your experience.

Create New Guide

Mini guides.

Login to create your guides for Argentina.

Add to My Guide

• Add to New Guide

Local Car Rental Comparison

500+ trusted car hire partners globally, free cancellation.

No need to worry if your plans change with free cancellation options available

Create & Share your own Guide to Argentina with friends and family!

Add your recommended places to visit by browsing the website and pressing the icon.

Create your own guide of favourite 'must see' places

Earn your Local Expert badge by Sharing your guides with others

Get your guide seen by submitting it to the Mini Guides section

Best entry tickets in Buenos Aires

Handpicked by a Local Expert

Top Things to do at Night in San Telmo & Palermo Buenos Aires

Best activities to do in San Telmo Buenos Aires

Best activities to do in Palermo Buenos Aires

Best walking tours in Puerto Madero Buenos Aires

Best walking tours in Recoleta Buenos Aires

Best walking tours in San Telmo Buenos Aires

Best transfer options to Puerto Madero Buenos Aires

Best transfer options to Recoleta Buenos Aires

Best transfer options to Palermo Buenos Aires

Best day trips san telmo buenos aires.

Best Day trips in Caminito La Boca Buenos Aires

Best day trips in Recoleta Buenos Aires

Best day trips in palermo buenos aires.

Most unique hotels in Argentina

Best vegan and Vegetarian restaurants in Argentina

Best pizza places in Argentina

Best Italian restaurants in Argentina

Highly recommended traditional restaurants in Argentina

Best asian fusion restaurants in Argentina

Best Argentina restaurants in Argentina

Best Spanish and Tapas restaurants in Argentina

Best luxury hotels in Argentina

Best hotels in Argentina

Where to stay when traveling in Argentina

We Are Part of the My Guide Network!

My Guide Argentina is part of the global My Guide Network of Online & Mobile travel guides.

We are now in 120+ Destinations and Growing. If you are interested in becoming a local travel partner and would like to find out more then click for more info about our Website Business Opportunity .

Nearby Destinations

• My Guide Chile
• My Guide Peru
• My Guide Ecuador
• My Guide Recife
• My Guide Colombia
• My Guide Trinidad and Tobago
• My Guide Panama
• My Guide Barbados
• My Guide Costa Rica

No results found

• Activities with Animals
• Airport Lounge
• Culinary & nightlife
• Culture & history
• Day Trips From
• Day Trips To
• Day trips to Champagne
• Deals & Discounts
• Eco Certified
• Entry tickets
• Family-friendly activities
• Good for groups
• Guided tours
• Hop-on Hop-off tours
• Horse riding
• Multi-day tours
• Mural Tours
• Nature & adventure
• Nature Reserve
• Outdoor activities
• Outdoor sports
• Reseller exclusions
• Seasonal & Holiday Activities
• Sensitive products
• Shore Excursions
• Sightseeing on wheels
• Snow & winter sports
• Team-Building Activities
• Things to do at Night
• Things to do for adults
• Walking tours
• Water activities
• Wheelchair accessible
• WiFi & SIM Cards

{[{item.label}]}

• {[{data.title}]}

Events in Argentina

Filter Events by Sub-Category

• This Weekend

Please select a Date first.

We have received your request correctly.

You will receive an email with a summary of your bookings.

Can't find it? Leave us your email and we'll send you a summary of your bookings.

Free Walking Tour of the Recoleta Cemetery

• 8 / 10 4 reviews | 3,247 travellers Très bien. Excellente connaissance. 10 Francine Emond
• X (Twitter)

Explore the rich history of Buenos Aires' legendary Recoleta Cemetery and uncover the stories of the illustrious people buried there on this captivating free tour.

Description

We'll delve into the enigmatic world of funerary culture, a topic that often sends shivers down our spines. Yet, there's no better place to confront it than at Buenos Aires' legendary graveyard – the Recoleta Cemetery .

After meeting up at the entrance to the cemetery, our journey commences at the grave of Rufina Cambaceres , the daughter of Argentine writer Eugenio Cambaceres and the famous Italian dancer Luisa Bacichi . Ever wondered how this young lady met her untimely end? Legend has it that a week after her burial, signs of movement were spotted within her coffin...

Next, we'll continue our stroll, paying our respects at the final resting place of Federico Leloir , one of Argentina's great scientists who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1970!

We'll pause at the mausoleums of other illustrious figures, whose graves are shrouded in mystery, adding an aura of intrigue to our tour.

Our journey concludes with a visit to the epitaph of Eva Perón , a figure whose history is equally captivating and thought-provoking.

After this captivating 2-hour free tour of Recoleta Cemetery, you can continue wandering through the cemetery's captivating sections if you wish.

This free tour doesn't admit groups of more than 6 people, even if they book the activity separately. If you're in a large group, we recommend checking out this  private tour of Buenos Aires .

More Information

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

English–speaking guide

Not included

Admission to the cemetery: 8,270 ARS ( US$ 9.10) for non–nationals and 2850 ARS for Argentine residents

When to book?

You can book up until 30 minutes before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Most areas are accessible. This must be indicated in the reservation. An accompanying person is required.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

Maximo Velazquez Weimann Show more

Corporate name: MAXIMO ARIEL VELAZQUEZ WEIMANN

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities .

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 2 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

Recoleta Cemetery

You may also be interested in

Tango Porteño Theatre Show

Buenos Aires Bike Tour

Argentine Asado Experience + Workshop

Login to add activities to your favorites and access them from any device

This site is reCAPTCHA protected and Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Basic information regarding personal data protection

Person responsible for the processing: CIVITATIS TOURS, S.L. (CIVITATIS). Purpose: Provision of the services requested; Sending commercial communications about CIVITATIS products and services, for which commercial profiles of our customers may be drawn up; Sending surveys in order to assess the services offered and their degree of satisfaction, as well as the publication of opinions about the service received; Compliance with accounting, legal, fiscal and administrative obligations; Publication of customer images and processing of data for statistical purposes. Rights: You have the right to access, rectify and delete data, to limit its processing, to oppose its processing and to its portability. Additional Information: You can consult additional information on Data Protection in the General Terms and Conditions .

Log in to rate the opinions of other travelers

La Recoleta Cemetery Tour In Buenos Aires: An Unexpected Architectural Marvel

Exploring A Recoleta Cemetery Tour In Buenos Aires

On our first visit to Buenos Aires, we had pre-booked a Recoleta Cemetery tour in English and it was one of the best tours that we experienced in the beautiful capital.

You might wonder how a walking tour around a cemetery could be so high on our list – that is, until you actually pass through the cemetery entrance.  There you see not just a place of internment, but an architectural delight of impressive monuments , structures and palatial tombs laid out like a pseudo-city before you.

The architectural styles in Recoleta Cemetery include Baroque, Neo-Gothic, Neo-Classical, Art Deco and Art Nouveau .  It is truly worth visiting Recoleta just to admire the stunning structures. But there is much more to this cemetery than just the architecture!

Don’t Have Time To Read This Right Now? Pin It For Later:

Highlights Of A Recoleta Cemetery Tour In Buenos Aires

✅ Experience some of the most stunning architecture and eclectic tombs, sculptures and mausoleums of any burial place in the world.

✅ Learn about the history of Argentina through the lives of the many significant people buried here including a visit to the tomb of Eva Peron.

✅ Be intrigued by the bizarre tales and legends of this iconic “City of the Dead”.

History Of La Recoleta Cemetery

One of the most renowned cemeteries in Argentina, Recoleta is located in the neighbourhood from which it gets its name.  The Recoleta Neighbourhood, is often referred to as the city’s most elegant place to visit and contains many of the capital’s most interesting sites.  In fact, it was because of the Recoleta Neighbourhood that Buenos Aires became referred to as the “Paris of South America”.

The name Recoleta, is a tribute to the Recollect monks who had a convent here from the middle of the 18th century until they were disbanded in 1822, the same year the cemetery was established. 

This was the first public cemetery in Buenos Aires and was designed by the French engineer Próspero Catelin who also designed the  Metropolitan Cathedral in Plaza de Mayo.

Recoleta Cemetery Map

What Is Special About Recoleta Cemetery?

La Recoleta is one of the most famous cemeteries in all of Argentina and one of the most beautiful in the world.  It is the final resting place of over 10,000 souls .  More than 90 of its nearly 7,000 mausoleums have been declared National Historical Monuments. And some of Argentina’s most famous citizens are buried here including several past presidents.

While most of what you see in the cemetery is at street level, many of the tombs actually have 2 storeys under street level.  And most of the tombs contain 7 to 10 people.

✅ Check out our video that shows some of the highlights of Buenos Aires including our visit to the cemetery.

Can People Still Be Buried In Recoleta Cemetery?

Technically, the answer to this question is yes.  But you may have to wait for a while for that to happen.  91 of the cemetery’s mausoleums are permanent and belong to the most important families in Argentina.  The families who own them pay nothing for the space.

The remaining tombs are leased on a 99-year renewable term meaning that after 99 years the families can pay to renew the lease for another 99 years.  If they don’t pay, or decide to forfeit their lease, the remains are removed and the tombs refurbished and re-leased.

Who Is Buried In Recoleta Cemetery?

Considering that the cemetery has been around for over 200 years it is not surprising that there are a lot of very important and influential people who are buried here.

From heads of state to artists and performers, Recoleta is a virtual Who’s Who of Argentina’s rich and famous .  Let’s dive into the story of the most significant inhabitant of this City of the Dead.

Undoubtedly, the most famous and influential celebrity who makes her post-mortal home in the cemetery is Eva Peron , the First Lady of Argentina who was married to the former President, Juan Perón.

Eva Perón, affectionately known as Evita, has gained international fame as a result of the musical that bears her name.  In fact, as you wander around different parts of Argentina, you will often hear the lyrics “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” emanating from various venues.

The musical describes her political life and the huge impact and popularity that she gained by lobbying for the rights of disadvantaged Argentinian women and labour workers.  She was bestowed the title “Spiritual Leader of the Nation” by the country’s Congress.

What happened to Eva Perón’s body after her death is one of the most intriguing and bizarre stories of the cemetery. When she died from cancer at the very young age of 33 in 1952, Eva Perón was not buried in Recoleta Cemetery.  

Her body was kept at the headquarters of the Peron-backed labour union from 1952 until 1955.  This was a time of political turmoil in Argentina and Juan Perón was in the process of being exiled.  An anti-Peronist group stole the body of Eva and kept it in the offices of the Military Intelligence.

Two years later her body was recovered and moved to Milan, Italy where she was buried under a false name and where she remained until 1971.  Then, Juan Perón, who was now living in Madrid with a third wife had the body disinterred and moved to his property in Spain.

Finally, in 1976, with the help of the Argentine government, her body was brought back to Argentina and buried in her father’s family tomb, the Duarte Mausoleum, in Recoleta Cemetery.  She now rests in a nuclear-style bunker 2 storeys below ground to ensure her body does not get taken again.

To find Eva’s final resting place, refer to our map of the cemetery below.

Intriguing Myths And Legends About Recoleta “Guests”

There are some fascinating stories that our tour guide shared with us surrounding the lives and deaths of a few of the cemetery’s inhabitants.  These stories have evolved to the level of urban legend. Here a just a couple of examples.

In 1902, Rufina Cambacérès, the daughter of a wealthy writer, was only nineteen when she suddenly collapsed while preparing to go out to a performance.  The doctors who examined her pronounced her dead, presumably from a heart attack, and she was subsequently buried in the family mausoleum.  

Days later, a worker surveying the cemetery noticed that the coffin lid appeared to have been disturbed and broken.  When he opened it, he found that Rufina’s hands and face were scratched and bruised, apparently in an attempt to escape the coffin.  Rufina had been buried alive!  Apparently, her collapse had been caused by catalepsy – a trancelike state where the body becomes rigid.

The legend of Liliana Crociati involves another Argentinian young woman, a 24-year-old who died in an Avalanche in Austria in 1960 while she was on her honeymoon.  Her parents buried her in Recoleta and commissioned a tomb that some say is a replica of her honeymoon suite.  A lifelike statue of Liliana appears at the entrance to the tomb where she is wearing her wedding dress.

Finally, there is the story of Salvador Maria del Carril and Tiburcia Dominguez, a husband and wife who had a falling out over money.  Tiburcia was an extravagant spender and when Salvador cut her off, the couple continued to live together for 20 years without speaking to one another.  

Before Tiburcia died, 15 years after her husband, she had requested that a bust of her and Salvador be positioned on the tomb facing away from each other so she would never have to look at him, even in death.

✅ There is so much to see and do in Buenos Aires – read our blog on the top sights that we have visited and recommend.

Do You Have To Pay To Visit Recoleta Cemetery?

Up until 2022, there was no admission fee for visiting the cemetery. That has now changed and there is a mandatory entrance ticket that is charged to non-resident Argentineans.  

While the fee has increased since it was first administered in 2022 from 1400 pesos to just over 5000 pesos, the cost in US dollars has actually dropped by half, from 13 USD in 2022 to just over 6 USD in 2024 because of the high rate of inflation in Argentina. 

The money that is collected is used for a general maintenance fund for all of the cemeteries in Buenos Aires. 

Tickets are not available for purchase at the cemetery, so you have to buy them online before you come to Recoleta .

Recoleta Cemetery Tickets

To purchase tickets to the cemetery at this link .

Tickets can be used only once on any day for the selected month that the tickets were purchased.  Please keep in mind that anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult to visit the cemetery.

While tickets are available online, the best way to visit the cemetery is to get a guided tour .  Otherwise, you may find yourself walking aimlessly around this huge venue and missing some really incredible stories.  You will also get a good overview of the eventful history of the cemetery.  See our section below on the Best Recoleta Cemetery Tour   in English.

What Are The Hours Of Recoleta?

If you are looking to visit the cemetery, it is open daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm. A free guided tour is offered in Spanish at 11:00am and 2:00pm Tuesday to Friday, and at 11:00am and 3:00pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. 

If you are looking for a tour of the Recoleta Cemetery in English see our suggestion below for the Best Recoleta Cemetery Tour.  The city tourist board also offers a Spanish guided tour of the cemetery and the wider Recoleta neighbourhood once a week.

Best Recoleta Cemetery Tour

✅ Here is a perfect small group tour of the cemetery in English. In 2 hours you will learn about the history, interesting people buried there and the legends that make this location so colourful.

The Final Word….Is It Worth Doing A Recoleta Cemetery Tour?

We have visited quite a few cemeteries in our travels and without a doubt, the Recoleta Cemetery is the most beautiful .  You can’t help but appreciate the artwork of the magnificent tombs and mausoleums.  The wide streets and tiled alleys are reminiscent of the city of Buenos Aires itself.  

You will be fascinated by the stories and legends that your guide will reveal to you as you tour through the cemetery.  Being Buenos Aire’s oldest cemetery, la Recoleta is home to its most significant historical figures and is worth a visit.

You will experience an unexpected architectural marvel when you put a Recoleta Cemetery Tour on your bucket list for your visit to Argentina.

Denis is always up for a new adventure and has aspirations to explore a minimum of 100 countries. He originally travelled for his work going to all but one of the United States. Now he enjoys travelling for fun and his first love is African countries including Rwanda, Tanzania and South Africa. Wherever he is, he loves to check out unique destinations, try all the local foods and of course, taste the beer and wine from the region.

Similar Posts

Don Julio vs Fogón Asado in Buenos Aires 2024: An Argentine Eating Experience!

Explore Valdes Peninsula from Puerto Madryn in Patagonia, Argentina

Best Things To Do In Ushuaia, Argentina – 2024 Travel Guide

Visit Iguazu Falls Argentina Side – Your Ultimate Guide

Palacio Barolo Tours – All You Need To Know For A Visit in 2024

Is Buenos Aires Worth Visiting? Top 27 Things To See In 2024

• Destinations
• Tours in Buenos Aires

Recoleta Cemetery Tour

Overview of the tour in Buenos Aires

Recoleta is one of the most spectacular cemeteries in the world, not only for its ornate graves, statues, and stained glasses; but also for the incredible stories these families hide. We are going to tell you the scariest stories and reveal the best secrets of the aristocratic families of Buenos Aires. Love and revenge, legends of heroes and warriors; and the history of Eva Peron ́s stollen body. Some stories: . The most eligible bachelor of Buenos Aires. . The curse of the three best friends. . Until death brings you back together. . The Anarchists and the police. . The girl that died twice. . The bridge and the dog. . Eva Perón: the story of her stolen body.

This activity includes:

• Buenos Aires Urban Walks - Recoleta Tour

Meeting point

Quintana 600

Quintana 600. Next to the big tree.

Things to note

I will be wearing a yellow t shirt

Free Cancellation

Free Cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts. Late cancellation or your non-arrival is not refundable.

• Join Freetour
• Provider Sign In
• Affiliate Program
• Security & Privacy
• Terms & Legal
• Cookie policy
• Freetour Awards
• Ratings & Reviews powered by

• What to see and do
• Monuments and tourist attractions

Recoleta cemetery

Located in the affluent neighbourhood of the same name, the Recoleta Cemetery is the spot where some of the most famous figures in Argentine history are laid to rest alongside the anonymous citizens who raised the necessary funds for this luxurious space.  

Founding the Recoleta Cemetery

At the beginning of the 18th century , friars from the order of Franciscan Recollect monks settled in the area and built a church and a monastery.

In 1822 , this order was dissolved and the city’s first public cemetery was established on this site.

An overview of the cemetery

The cemetery spans an area of over 50,000 square metres and surpasses 4,800 vaults .

Mausoleums built in marble and bronze , grand Greek temples and small Egyptian pyramids stand alongside monumental, Art Nouveau cenotaphs. 

The cemetery’s large avenues and narrow passages lead to the graves of several famous people . Among them, we’ll find Eva Perón ( Evita ), Carlos Pellegrini , Nicolás Avellaneda and Bartolomé Mitre.

Fascinating history

While the idea of visiting a cemetery may strike you as a little macabre, the Recoleta Cemetery is one of the best places to visit in Buenos Aires .

The cemetery’s impressive sculptures and mausoleums constitute a unique open-air museum that presents visitors with the chance to learn all about the art and history of Buenos Aires . 

If you’d like to explore the cemetery’s main points of interest while discovering its fascinating history, it’s best to visit accompanied by a guide .

Free Walking Tour of the Recoleta Cemetery

Junín, 1760.

Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 5:30 pm

Free admission

Public Buses : lines 5, 10, 17, 37, 38, 39, 41, 59, 60, 61, 62, 67, 75, 92, 93, 95, 101, 102, 106, 108, 110, 124, 130 and 152.

Nearby places

Recoleta (378 m) National Museum of Fine Arts (394 m) Floralis Genérica (669 m) Plaza General San Martín (1.7 km) Retiro (1.7 km)

You may also be interested in

Zanjón de Granados

Zanjón de Granados, a small stream that once crossed the San Telmo neighbourhood, was accidentally rediscovered in 1985 under a large house built in 1830.

Puerto Madero

Located next to Río de la Plata, Puerto Madero is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the city and is a very pleasant place to stroll around and dine on the terraces of its many restaurants.

• City Center
• Recoleta Cemetery
• Graffiti Palermo

Tour Recoleta Cemetery

Recoleta cemetery tour, monday to friday 3:30pm.

Only $13000 ars or $10 usd per person.

When: Monday to Friday 3:30pm

Where: Gate of the Recoleta Cemetery. Junin 1760

Language: English

Duration: 2 hours

Price: $13000 ars or $10 usd per person. (Cemetery entrance ticket not included).

We will see:

• Evita’s Grave
• “The Sailor and his Daughter”
• “The Grotto”
• “The Girl who Died Twice”
• “The Wild Bull of  the Pampas”
• “The Gravekeeper”
• “Till Death do us Part”
• “Knights of the Night”

¡Meeting Point!

We will meet at the Gate of the Recoleta Cemetery. Junin 1760

We invite you to the most visited place in Argentina. The Recoleta Cemetery is considered an open-air museum because it presents Tombs, Sculptures and Works of Art in each of its internal streets. Of course we will cover the death and history of Evita Perón’s body, but we will also introduce ourselves to the history and construction of the Cemetery. Also, we will know the most mysterious and outstanding stories of the personalities that are buried.

WE ARE WAITING FOR YOU TO DISCOVER THE RECOLETA CEMETERY!

Free Recoleta Cemetery Tour Buenos Aires

• Visit the best example of the opulence of the Argentine social elites at the end of the 19th century.
• Hear the story of young Liliana Crociati , whose tomb was decorated exactly as her bedroom.
• Discover the cultural spaces and parks full of life that surround the cemetery.

FAQs for Free Tours

Latest reviews, guides leading this tour, see all tours in buenos aires.

Free Tours in Your Language

Free Tour - Free Tour Buenos Aires › Free Recoleta Cemetery Tour Buenos Aires

Other Tours in Buenos Aires