Buenos Aires Leisure
Argentina's passion is football. There are many who claim that you just can't visit Argentina without going to a football match. If you do enjoy football, your hotel will be able to help organise this for you. They should be able provide transportation to the match, tickets for you in a reserved seating area and a guide who will stay with you for the duration. Be sure to wear neutral or home team colours and never those of the opposing team!
Football
Argentina has a long and respected history in the world of football, being the winner of two World cups and having produced one of the best players in history - Diego Armando Maradona. In times of political turmoil and economic crisis, football seems to be the only thing able to raise the country's spirits. The national league has 20 first division teams that participate in both national and international tournaments, with most matches being played on Sundays. For more information, you can visit: www.afa.org.ar.
Pato
The only truly native sport is known as pato, and it has been played in Argentina since the 17th century. In today's version, two teams of four players each, on horseback, try to insert the pato (a football-shaped ball with six leather handles) into a hoop of 1m in diameter, which is placed on poles at both ends of the field. Players must be excellent riders and have the strength, stability and speed necessary to manoeuvre around the field. For more information on pato, visit the Argentine Pato Federation's official website at: www.fedpato.com.ar.
