I took a bus to La Boca to see Caminito, which is the famous coloured artwork of the local artist Benito Quinquela Martín. Caminito, meaning “little walkway” or “little path” in Spanish is like an outdoor street museum.
In 1960 Martín painted the walls of what was then an abandoned street and erected a makeshift stage for performances, and it quickly became a haven for artists. With its cobblestones, colorful corrugated-iron houses and artists’ studios, Caminito is a must-see when visiting Buenos Aires.
Some would describe La Boca as a rampant tourist trap, full of touts, hawkers, hustlers and overpriced knick-knacks and although it was clear many locals avoid Caminito I was amazed by the area. It’s an arty ‘cool’ place I was impressed by the market’s and open-air tango on display to entertain the patrons at the outdoor cafes that line the streets.
