Mataderos is a neighborhood in the southwest of Buenos Aires, Argentina (lat -34.6528, lng -58.5078), famous for the Feria de Mataderos, the most authentic gaucho culture event you can experience within the city. Every Sunday (April to December, daytime; January to March, Saturday evenings), the intersection of Avenida Lisandro de la Torre and Avenida de los Corrales transforms into a festival of criolla tradition with rodeo shows, live folk music, traditional dances, stalls serving regional empanadas and locro, and artisans selling silverwork, leather goods, textiles and ceramics from across Argentina. Free admission.
Getting there — distances & times
| From | Distance | Flight | Bus | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK) | 8500 km | 10 h 30 direct | — | — |
| Miami (MIA) | 7100 km | 9 h direct | — | — |
| Madrid (MAD) | 10000 km | 12 h direct | — | — |
| São Paulo (GRU) | 1700 km | 2 h 50 | — | — |
| Santiago (SCL) | 1140 km | 2 h | 20 h | 14 h |
| Mendoza | 1050 km | 1 h 45 | 14 h | 11 h |
| Córdoba | 700 km | 1 h 15 | 10 h | 8 h |
| Iguazú (IGR) | 1300 km | 1 h 45 | 18 h | 15 h |
Month-by-month climate
| Month | Temp. | Rain | Crowds | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 21° / 30°C | 120 mm | Hot summer | |
| Feb | 20° / 28°C | 125 mm | ||
| Mar | 18° / 26°C | 130 mm | Ideal fall start | |
| Apr | 14° / 22°C | 95 mm | ||
| May | 11° / 19°C | 75 mm | ||
| Jun | 8° / 15°C | 60 mm | ||
| Jul | 7° / 15°C | 60 mm | Winter break | |
| Aug | 9° / 17°C | 70 mm | ||
| Sep | 11° / 19°C | 80 mm | Ideal spring | |
| Oct | 13° / 22°C | 120 mm | ||
| Nov | 16° / 25°C | 125 mm | ||
| Dec | 19° / 28°C | 120 mm | Year-end holidays |
Typical prices by category
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel/night | USD 20–35 | USD 60–110 | USD 180–500 |
| Food/day | USD 15–22 | USD 30–55 | USD 80–200 |
| Tango show | USD 25–40 | USD 60–90 | USD 120–250 |
| Day tour | USD 30–50 | USD 60–90 | USD 150–300 |
Approximate ranges in USD as of April 2026. Subway & bus: flat ~ARS 500 fare.
How to Get There
Mataderos is in southwest Buenos Aires, about 10 km from downtown (Obelisco).
By Bus
Lines 36, 55, 63, 80, 92, 97, 103, 117, 126, 141, 155, 180 reach Mataderos. From downtown: 40-60 minutes.
By Car
Take the Dellepiane Highway (AU 6) to the Mataderos exit. 25-35 minutes from downtown. Parking available on surrounding streets.
What to See and Do
Feria de Mataderos
Since 1986, every Sunday features rodeo shows (riders on untamed horses), ring jousting at gallop, live folk music (chacarera, zamba, chamame), the best empanadas in Buenos Aires, locro, choripan and artisan crafts. Hours: Sundays 11:00-19:00 (April-December), Saturdays 18:00-01:00 (January-March). Free admission.
Rodeo and Gaucho Skills
The main arena hosts rodeo shows, ring jousting and other gaucho skills. Riders wear traditional attire. Main shows in the afternoon (15:00-17:00).
Museo Criollo de los Corrales
Located in the historic Recova (1901 building), this free museum displays gaucho artifacts and neighborhood history. Open Sundays during the fair.
When to Visit
- Autumn (March-May): Fair in full swing. Pleasant temperature.
- Spring (September-November): Best time: perfect weather, full fair, most shows. November has special events for Tradition Day.
- Summer (December-February): The fair shifts to Saturday night format (18:00-01:00).
Practical Information
Budget
Bus: USD 0.50. Fair admission: free. Empanadas + locro + drink: USD 5-8. Crafts: from USD 3. A full day in Mataderos can cost less than USD 15 including transport and food.
Tips
Bring cash (many stalls do not accept cards). Arrive early (11:00-12:00) to browse stalls before crowds; rodeo shows are in the afternoon.
