Buenos Aires in $630s-$650s RT

Buenos Aires is sometimes called the "Paris of South America" for its European-style architecture, but make no mistake — this is a decidedly Argentine city.

For proof, look no further than the tangueros performing on every street corner. Latin America's most sensual dance was invented right here on the banks of the Río de la Plata, and to this day the soundtrack of Buenos Aires springs from countless soulful accordions.

Despite its elegance, the city also holds on to its gaucho roots. These legendary cowboys used to bring their cattle to the working-class neighborhood of Mataderos to be sold, and locals still celebrate gaucho culture every week at the lovingly traditional Feria de Mataderos.

Pro tip: keep an eye out for musicians performing payadas, improvised lyrical duels that date back to the 1880s.