Our Featured Tours
Explore the rich Jewish history and culture in Buenos Aires with our specialized tours
Virtual Tour of Jewish Buenos Aires - Second Part
In the second part of the Virtual Tour of Jewish Buenos Aires, we will explore the more polemical and controversial aspects of the history of the Argentine Jewish community. We begin by looking at the political, economic, and cultural background that explains the neutrality of Argentina in Second World War and the coming of the Nazi war criminals to Argentina after the war. We take a close look at the story of Perón and Evita, and with the help of benchmark academic works of leading scholars in the field, we will evaluate the complex relationship of Perón with the Germans and the Nazis on the one hand and with the Jewish people on the other hand. We will learn about the capture of Adolph Eichmann in a Northern suburb of Buenos Aires by the Israeli Mossad. And we will study the last military dictatorship, which killed 30,000 young people, 20% of whom were Jewish. We will focus on the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, highlighting the work of an American-born rabbi on behalf of human rights and the story of an internationally famous Argentine journalist who was kidnapped and tortured by the military regime.
View DetailsVirtual Tour of Jewish Buenos Aires - First Part
This first part of the Virtual Tour of Jewish Buenos Aires will introduce us to the Argentine Jewish community. Beginning with a brief presentation of the story of Portuguese Crypto-Jews in Colonial Buenos Aires who were protected by Franciscan friars, we will then trace the immigration and origins of the current Jewish community of Argentina—the sixth largest in the world. We will explore the fascinating story of the Jewish Gauchos in the Pampas of Argentina, and how the community was formed with its beautiful Sephardic and Ashkenazic synagogues, Kosher restaurants, day schools and Jewish community centers. We will take a close look at the two terrorist attacks against the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires in 1992 and the Jewish Federation of Buenos Aires (AMIA) in 1994. We will conclude with a visit to a moving Memorial in honor of the victims of the Shoah and of the two terrorist attacks inside the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires and talk about the relationship of the late Pope Francis with the Jewish people.
View DetailsHalf-Day Shared Tour of Jewish Buenos Aires (9 AM - 1 PM)
After pick-up from your place/hotel (some time between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM), we head to Plaza de Mayo, the cradle of Buenos Aires, where we begin the tour, creating the framework for a deep geographical and historical understanding of Argentina that will allow us to explore Jewish BA in a most meaningful way. We learn about the history of crypto-Jews in Buenos Aires during the Colonial times, who were protected by a Catholic order from the persecution of the Inquisition. We will see the first Memorial to the victims of the Holocaust inside of a cathedral in the world –in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires, the Church of late Pope Francis, the Argentine Pope! In front of the famous Balcony of Evita in the Casa Rosada (the Pink House), we learn from a Jewish perspective about the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo and the disappeared during the last military regime of 1976-1983. From Plaza de Mayo, we then go to visit the Libertad Street Synagogue, which is the oldest Congregation in Buenos Aires, founded in 1862 by German Jews, and the Jewish Museum of Buenos Aires, where we learn there about Eastern European Jewish immigration to Argentina in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, about the Jewish Gauchos, and about both the Sephardic and the Ashkenazic communities, so that we can gain a good grasp of the richness and diversity of the Argentine Jewish community. We then visit the Jewish neighborhood of Once –the Buenos Aires version of the Lower East Side in New York-- where we walk its streets with Jewish stores, Kosher butchers, restaurants, bakeries and supermarkets, and see the site of the AMIA (from the outside), where we learn about the terrorist attack which took the lives of 85 people in 1994. This Half-Day Tour ends in Once. (Please note that it does not bring you back to your place/hotel, because at this point we continue with the extended, Full-Day Tour.)
View DetailsFull-Day Shared Tour of Jewish Buenos Aires (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)*
After pick-up from your place/hotel (sometime between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM), we head to Plaza de Mayo, the cradle of Buenos Aires, where we begin the tour, creating the framework for a deep geographical and historical understanding of Argentina that will allow us to explore Jewish BA in a most meaningful way. We learn about the history of crypto-Jews in Buenos Aires during the Colonial times, who were protected by a Catholic order from the persecution of the Inquisition. We will see the first Memorial to the victims of the Holocaust inside of a cathedral in the world –in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires, the Church of late Pope Francis, the Argentine Pope! In front of the famous Balcony of Evita in the Casa Rosada (the Pink House), we learn from a Jewish perspective about the mothers of Plaza de Mayo and the disappeared during the last military regime of 1976-1983. From Plaza de Mayo, we then go to visit the Libertad Street Synagogue,** which is the oldest Congregation in Buenos Aires, founded in 1862 by German Jews, and the Jewish Museum of Buenos Aires, where we learn there about Eastern European Jewish immigration to Argentina in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, about the Jewish Gauchos, and about both the Sephardic and the Ashkenazic communities, so that we can gain a good grasp of the richness and diversity of the Argentine Jewish community. We then visit the Jewish neighborhood of Once –the Buenos Aires version of the Lower East Side in New York-- where we walk its streets with Jewish stores, Kosher butchers, restaurants, bakeries and supermarkets, and see the site of the AMIA (from the outside), where we learn about the terrorist attack which took the lives of 85 people in 1994. The Full-Day Ttour continues with lunch at a Kosher restaurant, where we will have the opportunity to share traveling tips with fellow passengers and address questions about Argentina´s political and economic life. After lunch we visit the Holocaust Museum of Buenos Aires,** where we cover in depth the neutrality of Argentina during World War II, the coming of the Nazis to Argentina after the war, during the government of Perón, and the capture of Adolph Eichmann by the Mossad in Buenos Aires in 1960. The Full-Day Tour brings you back to your place/hotel. * The itinerary may change depending on the conditions of the weather, traffic considerations and the particular needs and interests of the group. The flow of the tours is naturally unique to each group. **Please note the following: On Sundays and Holidays, the Libertad Street synagogue and the Jewish Museum are closed. On these days we still visit the site and see the synagogue from the outside and learn there about Jewish immigration to Argentina in the 19th and early 20th centuries and story of the Jewish Gauchos. On Fridays and Holidays, the Holocaust Museum is closed. These days we cover the topics surrounding the Second World War and the Nazis coming to Argentina at the site where Perón and Evita lived.
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About JBA Tours
JBA Tours was born from a passion for sharing the rich history of the Jewish community in Argentina. Our goal is to offer educational and cultural experiences that connect visitors with Jewish heritage in Buenos Aires.
With expert guides and carefully designed tours, we take you through historic synagogues, emblematic neighborhoods, and significant places that tell the story of Jewish immigration and development in the country.
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Other Services
Beyond our specialized Jewish heritage tours, we offer a range of additional services to make your stay in Buenos Aires comfortable and memorable
Airport Transfers
Enjoy hassle-free transportation from Ezeiza International Airport or Jorge Newbery Domestic Airport to your hotel with our reliable transfer service. Our drivers are punctual, professional, and familiar with the city.
Hotel Bookings
We partner with a variety of hotels in Buenos Aires, from boutique accommodations to luxury properties. Let us help you find the perfect place to stay, with special attention to kosher-friendly options and locations convenient for Jewish travelers.
Translation Services
Our professional translators can assist with Spanish, English, Hebrew, and Yiddish translations. Whether you need help during business meetings, document translation, or simply navigating daily interactions, our team is here to help.
Resources & Further Reading
Explore books, articles, documentaries, and films about Jewish history in Argentina
Books & Articles
Discover a curated selection of books and academic articles about Jewish immigration, community development, and cultural contributions in Argentina. From classic works like ”The Jewish Gauchos of the Pampas” to contemporary research on Jewish identity in Buenos Aires.
Documentaries & Films
Watch documentaries and films that bring to life the Jewish experience in Argentina. From historical documentaries about immigration and community formation to award-winning films set in Jewish neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, these visual resources offer unique insights into Argentine Jewish culture.
Experience the Passion of Tango
Complete your Buenos Aires experience with a spectacular tango show
The Cultural Heart of Argentina
Tango is more than just a dance—it”s the passionate expression of Argentine culture and history. Born in the immigrant neighborhoods of Buenos Aires in the late 19th century, tango embodies the soul of the city.
We can arrange tickets to the best tango shows in Buenos Aires, from intimate venues in historic San Telmo to grand theatrical productions in elegant theaters. Many shows include dinner options featuring traditional Argentine cuisine and fine wines.
What Our Clients Say
Discover the experiences of those who have enjoyed our tours
Highlight of our trip to Buenos Aires
”Ernesto Yattah is a BA Gem. He and his family are from BA, but he attended college and graduate school in the US. He is extraordinarily bright, engaging and passionate. My wife and two boys (age 15 and 21) enjoyed a four hour tour with him. His tour provided a wonderful history of the country that integrated Jewish History with that of Argentine History. He was also able to gain entry into some of the most beautiful and historic synagogues in the city that are not easy to see without someone like Ernesto. We did a walking tour with him and used the subway, which worked out fine, but you can definitely cover more ground by hiring a driving service. I know that he is recommended by many hotels in BA for Jewish Tours or more secular tours. The contact information I have is: Jewish BA Tours Cel: ++54 (9-11) 5836-7095”
Marknbellair
Houston, TX, USA
Fantastic Guided Tour of Buenos Aires
”We VERY much enjoyed our day tour of Buenos Aires with Ernesto Yattah! This is a Jewish history-themed tour, but we additionally learned much general history about Argentina and South America. Ernesto is engaging, entertaining, impressively learned, and a gifted teacher. His own experiences and family history add a unique personal dimension to the tour. Highly recommended!”
RITravelers2017
Providence, RI, USA
Tour with Ernesto Yattah--well worth it
”We took at 5 hour Tour of Jewish Buenos Aires with Ernesto Yattah in November 2013. It was well worth it. He is Ivy League educated, a Rabbi; a native of Buenos Aires so academically and based upon his own first hand knowledge of the city he is uniquely qualified to give a tour of the city from a Jewish perspective. He gave an excellent academic overview, then took us to places we would never have thought of. Some as simple as a holocaust memorial in the cathedral near the presidential palace, and at one point found a high vantage point in a hotel to give us an overview of city development. We then toured a Jewish portion of the city, and two synagogues. Finally, he found a place for lunch run by Syrian Jews we would never have found in any guidebook. If you have a real academic interest in how things became as they are in Argentina, this is a unique tour and highly recommended.”
MGT17403
York, PA, USA
Great Tour
”Our guide provided in-depth information on the history of Jews in Argentina on this 4 hour tour. He was very knowledgeable and articulate and enhanced the experience. We walked extensively in the Jewish are, Once, visiting the old Yiddish theater and the Sephardic synagogue. We then went to the Ashkenazi synagogue and associated museum which provided more information on the Jews in Argentina. Given my wife was in a wheelchair everyone went out of their way to allow her to see everything. If you want to learn, and feel, the Jewish experience in BA, I highly recommend this tour.”
Joel B
Las Vegas, NV, USA
Jewish tour Buenos Aires - Ernesto Yattah
”Just back from trip to south America. We did a four hour Jewish tour with Ernesto yattah and it was a privilege to have been with him. It was the highspot of our time in Buenos aires. His knowledge and capacity to impart it is second to none, and for four hours we hung onto his every word. His enthusiasm for his subject, combined with his eloquence and enthusiasm, brought everything to life. being with Ernesto was a revelation. cannot recommend him highly enough. Wonderful, inspiring, informative. fabulous! If you are lucky enough to book him, you are guaranteed a fascinating journey.”
Helen S
London, UK
Excellent Jewish Buenos Aires Tourguide
”We had seen much of BA on previous visits. This time we contacted Ernesto Yattah, who conducts BA City & Jewish BA Private Tours. He gives a very interesting history of Argentina and Buenos Aires, both generally and from a Jewish perspective, including personal family incidents. Having been a rabbi in the US for years, his English is as excellent as his knowledge. A little pricey, but worth it.”
Richard J
Omaha, NE, USA
The most amazing tour and tour guide! Don't miss this
”We had a half day tour of Jewish Buenos Aires with Ernesto and it was fantastic. He is so knowledgeable and informative and a great presenter and story teller. We took his tour on the last day and wish we had hired him for more. He really helped us understand the history of Argentina and its Jewish community. Very highly recommended. We always take "Jewish tours" wherever we go, and this one was the best by far. Ernesto is awesome and my teenage children really enjoyed him as well.”
JBS-and-family
Palo Alto, CA, USA
Fascinating history tour of Buenos Aires and Argentina!!!
”After arriving late the evening previous, my wife and I began our Buenos Aires visit with a private tour given by Ernesto Yattah. What a wonderful way to start our trip to Argentina! !!! Of course, a prime aspect of this tour was our interest in the Jewish Community --it's history and current status--but to truly understand the Jewish history, one needs to have a good knowledge of Argentinian history. We got this and more. Our tour lasted 5-6 hours---and we travelled through the city by foot, by taxi and by subway--visiting the key sites. All the while, we received an knowledgeable patter about BA , Argentina and its historical personalities in an engaging, interactive & lively manner. Much of the commentary in the early part of the tour focused solely on the history of BA and Argentina---and only after Ernesto had given us a solid basis of this history, did we move on to the Jewish part of the tour. We have travelled to many places in the world and taken numerous tours. We share the comments of other travellers and their positive comments about Ernesto and his tour---I would suggest his tour ranks among the best tours we have ever taken. While clearly Ernesto has a deep knowledge of the Jewish community--and is probably a key reason why many visitors choose him for a BA tour, I would suggest that anyone interested in a wonderful, interesting history tour of BA and Argentina could choose Ernesto, regardless of ethnic background or ethnic interest.”
harts
Toronto, Canada
Ernesto Yattah is the most brilliant wonderful man
”If you are looking for a Jewish tour in Buenos Aires, Ernesto Yattah is a combination of historian, Rabbinic scholar, simply entertaining and brilliant with his overall view and understanding of the world around him. He is a must especially for adults who truly want to learn.”
Mark diamond
Toronto, Canada
Fascinating, educational and diverse
”A truly fascinating insight into Jewish life and Jewish history in Argentina. We learned an immense amount in four hours and came away with the understanding that the history of the birth of Buenos Aires and the history of the early Jews in the city are very much intertwined. Ernesto is thorough, engaging, balanced and articulate. Would highly recommend.”
AlanAlan2014
London, UK
Fascinating Tour
”The tour with Ernesto Yattah excellent. Over four hours he covered the founding of Buenos Aires, the general history of Argentina to provide context to his discussion of the role of the Franciscan monks in shielding the crypto Jews from the Inquisition, the role of the Jews in the silver trade in the 17th century, Jewish immigration in the 19th century, Jewish-Gaucho relations, Juan Peron's relationship with the Jews, ( even as Peron facilitated the entry of Nazi war criminals into Argentina), Pope Francis, the significance of his papacy and his relationship with the Jewish people, theories about the 1994 bombing of the AMIA and how a blind man found Eichmann. It was a fascinating history lecture. We saw the Holocaust memorial in a cathedral, Plaza de Mayo and the Jewish district and synagogues. In a way, these locations were mere backdrops for the stories and fascinating historical details Ernesto was imparting. He was one of the best storytellers I have ever met.”
ShB2014
Ottawa, Canada
I wish all history lessons could be this good
”We spent most of a day with Rabbi Ernesto Yattah - touring Buenos Aires, learning stories and history about Buenos Aires, and Jewish life in the country, asking questions, eating, talking, and learning. It was one of the highlights of our trip to BA. Ernesto is incredibly knowledgeable, he's engaging, personable, willing to answer any question, and a sophisticated entree to the political, social, and emotional world of Jewish Buenos Aires. A day with Ernesto is well worth an investment of time, money, and interest.”
Laura D
New York City, NY, USA
Exceptional tour with interesting historical insights
”It is difficult to add to the list of exceptional reviews and positive comments about Rabbi Ernesto. His insights into Argentine history, the current climate and the role of the Jews is fascinating. For those who enjoy learning, it is terrific to have a personal professor for 5 hours.”
Sam
Miami, FL, USA
Better than the rest
”My husband and I did a great deal of research to try to find a reasonably priced tour dealing with the Jews of Argentina. In the end, I used Trip Advisor as a consultant and decided that you probably get what you pay for. We decided to use Ernesto even though his price was slightly higher than many other options. We wanted to learn and come away with a deeper understanding of this country and the Jews who reside here. We really did not need to be taken to a Kosher McDonalds since that has never been a restaurant that we frequented. Well, we were enchanted with this man, Ernesto, who was able to speak at length on any topic that we raised and who was able to offer a variety of views and personal opinions on several controversial topics. We have been traveling in Brazil and Argentina for four months. Certainly, this tour will be one of the highlights that we will be thinking and talking about for years to come.”
Lois H
Boston, MA, USA
Jewish Buenos Tour with Ernesto Yattah
”My husband and I booked a private tour with Ernesto to get a Jewish perspective of Buenos Aires and Argentina. Ernesto laid a foundation of Argentinian history, world history, and Jewish history. He then wove and meshed it all together into a beautiful tapestry of information. Any question we had (and we were inquisitive), he was able to address. He knew his material and how to teach it and how to engage us and keep us wanting more. The time flew by as we visited historic sites of Buenos Aires and the Once neighborhood. We went to see the site of the Jewish Community Center bombing of 1994 and visited about four Synagogues. We chose to end our trip at the Teatro Colon and Ernesto helped us get our tickets for the English speaking tour. I cannot recommend this tour enough. I am a travel agent just learning the South American market and I will be letting my customers know this is a must do experience. Thank you Ernesto. If you read this, TAKE THE TOUR.”
Ilene S
Hollywood, FL, USA
Tour with Ernesto Yattah
”We loved the three hours we spent with Ernesto! We learned alot--not only about Jewish life in Bs As, but also the history and politics of this fascinating city. While I often shy away from tours, I am so glad we came across Ernesto. He provided our trip with perspective and depth--we came away understanding not only Jewish life, but also the city and country so much better. Worried that our young teens would not enjoy a long tour, we worked with Ernesto to shorten the tour to three hours. He kept us engaged the whole time with his seemingly unending knowledge. He kept the kids engaged by asking them questions and joking with them--and he made great use of You Tube (we watched Peron's speech at the Casa Rosada from the Plaza de Mayo--as if we were in the crowds watching him. I can't recommend Ernesto highly enough--it will be the highlight of your visit!”
Margot K
Berkeley, CA, USA
MARVELOUS JEWISH TOUR
”We spent 4 wonderful hours with Rabbi Ernesto Yattah. There is not much more I can add to the many wonderful reviews in Trip Advisor. We didn't realize how much history their is about the Jews and our place in Argentine history. Ernesto fully involves you into that history not just by talking but by asking many questions that lead to fascinating discussions. When the tour was over, my wife and I and the two wonderful friends we made on our trip did not want to say goodbye to Ernesto. It was the highlight of our 5 days in Buenos Aires. Do yourself a huge favor and book this tour, you will never forget it. THANK YOU ERNESTO AND MAY WE MEET AGAIN.”
JORDSYDMIA
Woodmere, NY, USA
Wonderful learning experience
”We had a wonderful time learning about the history of the Jewish immigrants to Argentina from Rabbi Ernesto Yattah. He was able to connect the architecture of the city with the political eras of the countries and how it all related to the Argentine Jewish community for the past 150 years. Highly recommended”
vladlr
New York City, NY, USA
Great Tour Guide
”Buenos Aires has the largest Jewish population in South America and an amazing Jewish history. We therefore wanted to book our BA Jewish tour with the best. We did our research and concluded that Ernesto, the scholar, historian, teacher and rabbi is the best. Even with our high expectations, the tour was better than anticipated. All the wonderful things written about Ernesto are true. A MUST.”
RScharfer9
Delmar, NY, USA
AMAZING EXPERIENCE WITH ERNESTO
”After reading the reviews we were looking forward to our Jewish tour in Buenos Aires. We spent 6 hours with Ernesto Yattah which we will never forget. His historical Jewish depth of knowledge of Buenos Aires and South America was unbelievable. He gave us a lifetime of history about the area in only a few hours . His personal association, insight and experiences enhanced our tour even more. Everything has been said, and if you go to Buenos Aires don't miss a tour with him. AMAZING!”
Alison999r
London, UK
Our best day in Buenos Aires
”Our tour of Jewish Buenos Aires with Ernesto was a highlight of our trip to this amazing city. His wealth of knowledge and his passion for his subject made our five hours with him fly by. This may be an expensive tour, but if you value spending time with a master in his field, it's well worth the price. We couldn't recommend him more highly.”
wschneider688
Dundas, Ontario, Canada
Simply Spectacular
”Probably the finest guided tour we have ever taken. Not only was Ernesto informative, but he brought amazing passion and clarity to BA history. His wealth of knowledge is beyond extensive. The way he constructs the history of BA from its from its founding to today is exciting.”
adrilandes
Santa Fe, NM, USA
Ernesto Yattah provides a brilliant tour
”Ernesto is extraordinarily well-versed not only on the Jewish experience in Argentina, but on the past and recent history of the country as a whole. We had the feeling that we were treated to a superb discourse by a master of his subject. Beyond his providing of an especial tour de force, Ernesto has a very warm, engaging personality. We wound up thinking we had known him for years. We would heartily recommend the tour with Ernesto. We would also highly recommend for other tours and services the engagement of an associate of Ernesto's - Nestor de Figueroa of Colores de Argentina. Nestor is a charming, engaging individual who arranged a number of trips for us, including a visit to an estancia, a polo match, and others. He, too, offers a broad knowledge of the country, and the city of Buenos Aires. Perhaps most importantly, we knew that Nestor always had our best interests in mind.”
oakgrove
Radnor, PA, USA
Great tour with great guide
”We can highly recommend Ernesto as an introduction not only to the Jewish history of Buenos Aires but also to the city and country in general. He puts everything in a perspective that makes everything else you experience in the country more understandable and and interesting. We spent five hours with him in a group of four and time went really fast. He stories and anecdotes will stay with us for a very long time. Thank you Ernesto and Shalom! Harry, Marina, Jacob and Ann from Sweden”
Harry K
Stockholm, Sweden
Amazing tour
”Ernesto was a fabulous tour guide. So very knowledgeable, understandable, and enchanting. If you have a day ether prior to a cruise, or while docked in Buenos Aires, or just visiting for a while --- Ernesto is a must. He books up very quickly. So be sure o secure his services as far in advance as possible. We were 6 individuals.”
algedneil
Kansas City, MO, USA
Jewish Tour of Buenos Aires
”We had gone on a Jewish Tour several years ago, but this time Rabbi Ernesto Yattah really made the history of Jewish Buenos Aires come alive. He was very informative, lively and had perfect English. We would suggest going during the week if at all possible so that Once can really be appreciated. As it was, we were only there on Sunday, and it was still wonderful.”
Joanne C
Potomac, MD, USA
Tour of Jewish Argentina
”This as an outstanding tour of more than five hours. We learned about Argentina's , culture, history, and economics along with the experience of the Jews in Argentina. Ernesto is a wonderful guide and teacher and our time with him was a highlight of our visit.”
Diane B
New York City, NY, USA
An outstanding tour guide
”We booked Ernesto Yattah as our guide for Jewish BA because we had read nothing but raves about him. Having had the benefit of a few hours in his company, we can only add to the accolades. He was engaging, entertaining and exceptionally knowledgeable. We all learned a great deal from his stimulating and wide grasp of his subject and had a great afternoon.”
Galtier23
London UK
Amazing tour and guide
”We just finished our tour with Ernesto and we can honestly say he was absolutely fantastic. This man is such a wealth of knowledge and he is able to deliver it in a very interesting manner. We learnt a great deal about the history of Buenos Aires and an through explanation of Jewish life and culture . We were taken throughout Buenos Aires and were shown most of the significant details of Jewish life there. We highly recommend using Ernesto if you visit Buenos Aires in the near future”
Pam H
Ontario, Canada
Ernesto's tour was the best walking tour of BA!
”Ernesto is a charming and extremely well-informed Buenos Aires native. He went to college and did post-graduate work in NYC and then lived in Houston for many years, so is English is perfect. We went on two other excellent BA walking tours of different sections of the city, and Ernesto's was the most comprehensive and informative. He picked us up by taxi at our hotel and we headed to the Plaza de Mayo, where he explained a lot of the history from the colonial era through the Mothers March for the Disappeared (Los Desaparecidos). Las Madres still march every Thursday around 3:30, so we saw that and it was a very moving experience to see women in their 70's and 80's with much younger relatives or fellow citizens still trying to get more information about the 30,000 family members who were kidnapped in the Dirty War of the 1970's-1980's. Before and inside the Cathedral, Ernesto explained the building iconography and talked about the current Pope Francis' role when he was Cardinal of Buenos Aires, his predecessor's role, and the Cathedral plaque to remember both victims of the Holocaust and the 2 deadly attacks in 1992 and 1994 in Buenos Aires. he then took us by cab to Once, once the heart of Jewish Buenos Aires (think Lower East Side of NYC) and we visited an Orthodox synagogue, a Kosher restaurant for a late afternoon snack, and walked through the neighborhood to the Jewish Community Center. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you take this tour because Ernesto knows his history and is so open to questions and discussion. It was a five hour tour, with the taxis, snack, and Tzedakah (charity-giving) included in his fee. It was worth every penny in understanding more about the city and the Argentinian people.”
J H
Washington DC, USA
Jewish tour
”Ernesto brings a unique and deep understanding of Jewish history in Buenos Aires. His involvement in the Jewish community and his credentials as a rabbi give him special insight and analytical skills in explaining the history. He is scholarly, thorough and knows the history. The tour was well organized and I felt like I was getting the history from a friendly college professor. Ernesto made the time pass quickly and I came away wanting another day of in depth history.”
TrekkerPhotog
Sammamish, WA, USA
Walking Tour of Jewis Heritage in BsAs
”Rabbi Yattah is simply wonderful. A very calming presence with a bounce in his step. He clearly enjoys sharing his time and boundless knowledge with us (his guests). The tour went beyond the deep syllabus he sent to us in ways we could not have expected. Wow”
TrevorJorge
Absolutely Fantastic!!!! Best Tour of Buenos Aires
”We met Rabbi Ernesto for the Jewish Tour on our last day in Buenos Aires after almost 2 weeks in the city. We were a bit worried because we had already done quite a few tours and thought maybe it would be repetitive ... it was not. Touring the city with Rabbi Ernesto is like having a private college professor with you for the day. Ernesto captivated both my husband and myself with his ability to describe what was going on in Argentina with what was happening with the rest of Europe and the world, and then relating it all to the Jewish people. After his tour I feel more connected to Argentina and I better understand history and its implications. Ernesto makes leaning history fun and memorable. Hands down it was our favorite tour in 2 weeks and we are still talking about it with our friends and family. My only suggestion for changes to the tour would be to include a stop at a coffee shop in between the Plaza de Mayo and the Temple. Five hours is a long time to concentrate and for our tour the weather was cold. Thanks you Rabbi Ernesto”
BZ_NZ
Scottsdale, AZ
Excellent tailor made tour of Jewish Buenos Aires
”I came across Rabbi Ernesto on TripAdvisor. Usually Ernesto's tours are five hours. I mentioned to him that I only had maximum 3 hours available and that I wanted a walking tour in the old Jewish neighborhood, Once. Rabbi Ernesto shared with me his vast knowledge of "Jewish" Argentina. He is a true expert on the subject matter and was able to provide me with exactly what I was looking for. I highly recommend him for anyone interested in anything that has to do with the development of Jewish life in Argentina.”
591fernando
West Orange, NJ, USA
Jewish Buenos Aires
”If it were possible to give Ernesto a rating of 10 stars, I would gladly do so. The tour that I had with Ernesto today was the high point of my trip to Buenos Aires. Although the tour was booked as Jewish Buenos Aires, in addition to his rabbinic insights, Ernesto also shared his vast knowledge of the general history of Buenos Aires and Argentina, Latin America, world philosophies and religions. Ernesto's warmth and engaging personality encouraged dialogue and questions. I was sorry when our time together ended. If you have the opportunity to meet and spend time with this lovely, brilliant scholar and teacher, do!!!”
63traveltime63
Minneapolis, MN
AMAZING tour - best day in Buenos Aires!
”This tour was honestly one of the best experiences during my 11 days in Argentina. Rabbi Ernesto is extremely knowledgeable, warm and friendly. While this is advertised as Jewish Buenos Aires - it's so much more. Ernesto tells you about the long history of Buenos Aires and Argentina in a way that's compelling and engaging and makes you want to pick up a history book, and then he overlays the Jewish history so you understand the full picture not just of the Jewish community, but of all of Buenos Aires. It was truly a wonderful day, and I HIGHLY recommend this tour to anyway looking to really get an understanding of what Buenos Aires is all about.”
Iya B
New York City, NY, USA
A tapestry of Jewish stories woven by a master
”I'd highly recommend Ernesto to every Jewish visitor to Buenos Aires. Sensational story teller. 10/10”
wayne f
Melbourne, Australia
Amazing tour
”We had high expectations based on the Trip Advisor reviews and he did not disappoint! He had all of our attention for the entire tour. The stories he told of the history of Argentina and then weaving in the history of the Jews in Argentina really gave our trip to Argentina a completely different perspective. Highly recommended!!”
jguttenberg
Scarsdale, NY, USA
Amazing Jewish Tour of Buenos Aires with Rabbi Ernesto Yattah
”The outstanding Jewish tour of Buenos Aires given by Rabbi Ernesto Yattah was both meaningful and memorable. It gave me and my husband a real feeling of connection with the Jews in Latin America. Rabbi Yattah speaks such fluent English that it was easy to understand him. He is warm and friendly and immediately made us feel comfortable. As we drove around the city in a comfortable air-conditioned van, stopping often to explore important places, Ernesto included many captivating stories about the importance of the Jews in the early history of Argentina, and about the life of Jews in Argentina up through the present day. He wove that in with the history of the city of Buenos Aires. He even recommended a tango show for us to attend one evening that we really enjoyed. In addition we asked him where we could attend Friday night Shabbat Services. That turned out to be a very special experience as we joined the local congregants in singing familiar Hebrew prayers. After leaving Buenos Aires we took a cruise of South America where we met several other couples who had also taken tours with Rabbi Ernesto Yattah in Buenos Aires, and they all raved about him.”
Harriet4444
Dallas, TX, USA
Tour of Jewish Buenos Aires
”This is absolutely a "must" tour for learning the history of Buenos Aires and particularly the Jewish history of Buenos Aires. We have traveled extensively and this tour stands out as one of the best we have ever been on. Rabbi Ernesto makes history come alive. He also arranged the evening Tango and wine tasting for us. We were picked up promptly at our hotel. The wine tasting was superb and the steak dinner and show were well worth the price. Our time with Rabbi Ernesto and the evening Tango show stand out as a highlight of our trip!!”
Bonnie S
Newtown, PA, USA
A brilliant historian and storyteller
”After reading so many glowing reviews of Rabbi Ernesto Yattah, I figured if he only lived up to half of what was written about him it would be a wonderful Jewish tour of Buenos Aires. Well, he lived up to everything said, and more! He is a scholar, an historian, a raconteur. He weaves the the history of Jews of Buenos Aires and Argentina, into the history of the city and the country as a whole. He is a great storyteller and a great teacher. It was a privilege to spend the day with him. By far the highlight of my travels in South America. Thank you, Ernesto!”
roamerNewYorkCity
New York City, NY, USA
Fabulous, stimulating tour with inspiring guide!
”My friend and I just finished the Jewish Buenos Aires tour with Rabbi Ernesto Yattah - it was FAB-U-LOUS!!!! The Rabbi was extremely friendly and welcoming, putting us both at ease immediately. He is also very intelligent, educated and passionate which translated into a truly stimulating and fascinating tour. We were given a lively and engaging verbal tour through the history of Buenos Aires, and the Rabbi's obvious passion for this beautiful city is infectious! It was by far and away one of the best experiences of our holiday and I would recommend it as a MUST for anyone visiting Buenos Aires, regardless of their religious background! Do yourself a favor and book this tour when in BA!”
Peter C
Carnegie, Australia
Tour Review
”Fascinating Buenos Aires history tour with Ernesto. Highly recommended for both Argentinian History and South American Jewish History. ”
zlessner
Washington DC, USA
Fascinating Tour on All Things Argentina
”We highly recommend Ernesto's tour for all ages and all backgrounds. While the tour is styled as a Jewish Buenos Aires Tour, Ernesto provides historical background on Argentina from all perspectives. His breadth of knowledge and personal anecdotes bring to life Argentinian history. Our teenage daughters remained engaged and were able to participate in a meaningful way as well. Ernesto's tour was the highlight of our visit to BA!”
familytraveler526
Boston, MA, USA
Top Historical Tour
”If you are looking for an informative historical tour by a knowledgeable rabbi then this tour is for you. The tour can be streamlined to your needs but we allowed our guide/owner who to choose the itinerary and we were not disappointed. We were a group of two adult couples along with the guide and his excellent private driver. The tour was comprehensive and we had good discussions. I would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone visiting the area.”
orchidnb
Chicago, IL, USA
Master class in Jewish and Argentinian history from a knowledgeable guide / rabbi
”Our family tour with Rabbi Ernesto Yattah (Dean of the Abrahama Joshua Heschel rabbinical school in Buenos Aires) was a master class in Jewish and Argentinian history. He expertly weaved together hundreds of years of social, political and religious history into a compelling narrative. Starting in Plaza de Mayo (May Plaza) and ending at the site of the 1990s bombing of AMIA (Association Mutual Israeli Argentina), our time flew by. We would recommend this tour to any family or adult group without reservation.”
Jeffrey B
Newton, MA
The Tour Simply Delivers
”I found Ernesto the same way you just did, through this TripAdvisor website. He's not featured many places, so you stumbled across this page by searching "jewish tour buenos aires." You start reading this page and you're fairly surprised to see that he has 50 ratings and all of them are five-star. You think either A) This is a scam or B) This is exactly what I'm looking for. Which one is it? After spending a day on Ernesto's tour, it's my pleasure to tell you that it's B. The tour simply delivers. Really the tour is a history of Argentina and Buenos Aires with the Jewish influence weaved in here and there. But man alive did my family and I have a ball. Couldn't recommend it enough.”
Eli R
Brilliant Historical Tour of Buenos Aires
”My husband and I absolutely loved Ernesto's tour of Buenos Aires. Ernesto is truly a scholar. He is extremely engaging and passionate about the history of Buenos Aires and it's Jewish influence, and we were glued to his every word. He takes you on a walking tour of several important sites in the city's historical center, as well as the Jewish part of town. He painted such a vivid picture of the city and its foundation, that we felt like we were a part of the story. We highly recommend taking this tour at the start of your trip in Buenos Aires, so you can truly appreciate the city as you explore it! Thank you Ernesto for enriching us with so much history and culture!”
IlanaPatino
Houston, TX, USA
Understanding Argentina
”This is a one man operation that delivers a deeply satisfying experience. Ernesto Yattah provides a comprehensive socio-historical lecture-tour on the Jewish experience in Argentina. To provide perspective he situates it in a wider South American and world narrative. This isn’t just a dry facts and figures story but a surprising (sometimes astonishing) review of a history that isn’t well understood by those of us who live in anglo speaking countries. It is hard not to come away with a feeling of really having learned something new.”
agilestorm1000
An engaging and comprehensive day learning about Jews in Argentina
”Wow.....my daughter and I had a fabulous day with Rabbi Yattah! We did his tour on our last day and it brought so much of our experience together. He is a true scholar, and made the material personal and accessible at the same time. We are thrilled with what he learned, and you should not hesitate to book this tour. We really learned about the experience and role of Jews throughout the country through the ages.”
Margaret K
Sacramento, CA, USA
A wonderful tour
”This was a great experience. Ernesto wove the history of the Jews in Argentina with current issues. It was absolutely worth our time. Don't miss this if you are interested in Jewish history”
HappyRetired92662
Newport Beach, CA, USA
Ultimately the BEST tour we've ever been on as it relate to the History of the Jew
”I should first thank my wife for finding Rabbi Yattah, as if it not for her persistence< I would not be writing this review, On a scale of 1 to 100, I would rate our time with Ernest as a 150. This gentleman explained everything from A to Z about the history of Jews in Argentina. He fielded every question we had for him and when we finished the tour my wife and I agreed that every minute we spent with him was a very rewarding learning experience. If you are reading this and are keen to learn about the Jewish people and how everything evolved from way back when to present times, this tour is a MUST. You will come away so enriched with knowledge from Ernesto. By the way, his English is excellent as he had lived in the USA.”
Martin O
Montreal, Canada
Simply an excellent tour in all respects!
”During December 2017, my wife and I joined 8 other travelers for Ernesto’s 5-hour tour of Jewish Buenos Aires. We have been on walking tours all over world, some general history tours and some with a specific focus like Slovenia under communism or literary Dublin. But this was the most informative tour we have taken anywhere, on any subject, bar none. While the focus was on the history of Jewish life in BA, we also learned more about BA general history than we did in a half-day BA city we took the day before. Ernesto has over the years crafted and refined his tour to the point that it is simply packed with information that he delivers with an enthusiasm that draws you in and keeps you engaged. And Ernesto is an absolute pleasure to be with. He even has an indirect connection to Evita Peron. I’ll let him explain it to you. You cannot go wrong taking this tour. It’s a 5 out of 5”
William W
Bethesda, MD, USA
An amazing person with vast knowledge and unending patience to tell the story of the Jews in Argentina
”We had the honor to spend time with Rabbi Yattah and listen to his extremely educated and unbiased commentary on both old and contemporary history and politics of the Jews in Argentina and Buenos Aires. His knowledge and patience are amazing and we left wishing we had more time with this amazing person. Do not miss the opportunity!!”
70ava
Beijing, China
Unforgettable, Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience!
”What can we say about Rabbi Ernesto Yattah. He is extraordinarily educated, and so knowledgeable about the history of Argentina both generally and as related to the Jewish role. We were fortunate enough on this off-season Sunday to have Rabbi Yattah just for the 2 of us. He met us promptly at the appointed time at our hotel and we began an incredible journey that lasted 6 hours! Rabbi Yattah's enthusiasm and true love for what he does comes through every minute. He commands your attention with his knowledge and manner that time flies by. The tour also includes lunch in the Jewish neighborhood of Once. Let me conclude by saying that I am not generally a history buff and wondered how interesting this tour would be. However, fear not -- everyone, regardless of your interest in history, should experience this tour with Rabbi Yattah. The locations he takes you to are very interesting, but just being with someone who is so passionate about what he does is in itself an incredible experience. And, I truly did learn quite a few things I never knew before. Don't miss this once in a lifetime tour.”
Yenrotta99
New York City, NY, USA
Fabulous tour of Buenos Aires with Rabbi Ernesto Yattah
”Like many other reviewers, I came across Ernesto by chance when trying to find a Jewish tour of Buenos Aires. All the glowing reviews from TripAdvisor guided me to choose this tour and they were spot on. The day spent with Ernesto was one of the highlights of our recent trip to South America. Ernesto responded promptly to my queries and arrived promptly on the appointed day, with his lovely driver and a very comfortable van. We visited the major sights of BA and shared a tasty lunch in a kosher deli. However, it was Ernesto's extensive historical knowledge, not just of Jewish BA and Argentina but the general history of BA, Argentina and indeed world history which was extraordinary. His passion and knowledge educated us and kept us spell bound for the entire tour. He was very generous of his time (going well over-time with the tour), sharing his own story and was very considerate of his participants. Ernesto sent a follow-up email the next day, outlining what we had seen and provided links for further information and references. We highly recommend Ernesto for anyone visiting Buenos Aires and wanting a top quality, special touring experience.”
Nat882
Sydney, Australia
Do Not Miss This Tour!
”I would repeat everything that all reviewers before me wrote and then emphasize that this is a tour that absolutely cannot be missed when you visit Buenos Aires. We were so fortunate to find Rabbi Ernesto Yattah (eyattah at hotmail) as his tour became the highlight of our visit to South America and to Buenos Aires specifically. For approximately 7 hours, Rabbi Yattah (or Ernesto as he asks to be called) had us mesmerized by his historical accounts and stories of the Jewish people in Argentina. His knowledge and his ability to impart that knowledge in such an educational and spellbinding way is remarkable and we were captivated for the entire tour. Of course, there was so much information it was hard to remember everything but then the next day we received an email from Rabbi Ernesto with a complete outline with cited sources. Even if you take another city tour of Buenos Aires, this tour is so special and unique there will be very little overlap in historical accounts and will be from a totally different yet impartial perspective. We will forever have fond and wonderful memories of Rabbi Yattah and his tour and we cannot thank him enough for this amazing experience.”
ebalaz
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Compelling, engaging, incredibly memorable
”Every positive review here is 100% true. Ernesto is a true teacher and storyteller and historian. The time flew by as he gave us the gift of his history and the history of Argentina and the Argentine Jewish community. You may think this is a long tour but the time literally flew by. A treasure! It is well worth the price.”
esiegel2018
New York City, NY, USA
Best day in Buenos Aires!
”We took a full day private family tour with Rabbi Ernesto Yattah and it was beyond fantastic! He is brilliant, warm, and wonderful. We all learned so much about the history of Buenos Aires as a City and how the uniquely Jewish story was woven into that timeline and history. Rabbi Ernesto is a fantastic and engaging storyteller and was able to capture the interest of our three older children (15, 20 and 23.) We all felt that this was one our full Argentina trip highlights. He personalized the tour with a visit to the Rhodes Community synagogue which was incredible for our family as well. He is a true gem and and we felt so fortunate to have had this experience. Professionally Rabbi Ernesto also helped us in setting up ground transportation and a fantastic tango dinner show as well. We trusted his opinion in all things and he was spot on! We are so grateful to have met him and had this experience!!”
HartFam5
New Jersey, NJ, USA
Great knowledge and insights
”Ernesto provided great knowledge and insights to the history of Argentina and the jewish people who came there as well as the several terrorist attacks. Not cheap but good tour.”
Sydneypeople
Sydney Austraia
I'm now smarter than the locals!
”Rabbi Ernesto is great company and extremely knowledgeable. He's also very passionate and enthusiastic about his heritage. He definitely made the case that one can't learn Jewish Buenos Aires history without learning the general history of the region from the beginning. Interesting twists and turns, intrigue and personal history add to the on the move storytelling. I did many fun things in BA but this was the most intellectually stimulating. The deli stop was great, too - lachmajin and kibbeh, empanada/borekas - nice!”
Challahdaze
Seattle, WA, USA
If we could rate a 10 we would.
”Absolutely outstanding overview and detail of South American ,Argentinian , Buenos Aires and Jewish history all covered in a 6 hour window. Ernesto is eloquent and knowledgeable and we particularly enjoyed his humour and enthusiasm. The tour itself started with Ernesto meeting us at our hotel, and during the drive downtown establishing our backgrounds and telling us of his as well. The tour covers landmarks, historical areas and who would ever have found a Holocaust memorial in a cathedral. Thoroughly worth the fee. Thank you Ernesto.”
fussyaussie
Sydney, Australia
Outstanding experience!
”We met Ernesto near our hotel. monument to Carlos Pelligrini, we walked in a beautiful beaux arts neighborhood, crossed 9 de julio visited the shrine to the Israeli embassy, and took a taxi to the Orthodox neighborhood, had a great kosher lunch and a full day with a cosmopolitan, cultured, multilingual rabbi. I thorough delight and great value.”
tomjch
New York City, NY, USA
Educational
”We were two couples spending the day with a guide to see the highlights of the Jewish community in Buenos Aires. We were able to learn of the Jewish history from early times to the present. Our guide was able to give us history about Eichmann and the other post-war Germans living in Argentina. One highlight was visiting a church in the city with a Memorial to the Holocaust inside one of the naves of the church. A most unusual spot built with the sanction of the Pope. We were also lucky enough to be able to enter a synagogue. Most were visible only from the outside. We toured neighborhoods where the original peddlers lived and built their stores and factories. Definitely worth the time to learn of the history.”
Bag-of-bones
Sunny Isles Beach, FL, USA
Everything you wanted to know....and certainly could ask!
”After a day with Rabbi Ernesto, we felt we should have earned a college credit! The history and culture of Jewish Argentina wrapped up with humor, fascinating stories, and a good meal made for a wonderful day in a most beautiful city. We loved it!”
margeryv3996
New Haven, CT
Buenos Aries
”Our guide, Ernesto, was on time meeting us at the ship terminal. He was gracious and very knowledgeable Easy to accept questions and his English was impeccable .he took us everywhere in Buenos Aries and he was a world of the best information I would do this tour again and I very highly recommend it”
Gladys Goodis
Catholics and Jews will love this tour!
”We are delighted with our Jewish tour of BA! Ernesto was superb—we booked this because we are traveling with our dear Jewish friends. We expected to learn a great deal about the Jewish history of Argentina but Ernesto’s knowledge of Argentina, world history, literature, Latin, the Catholic Church intersections with Judaism and on and on was SUPERB!! He is a wonderful story teller—we were all mesmerized-and he has a lovely sense of humor. He is highly educated, well read, a man of the world and an activist of great intention. He recommended books and films on many topics that were explored and was able to answer any question we posed with great depth, context and intellect. We cannot recommend him highly enough. We did not want our day to end.”
OnIt4
Amazing day learning about BA
”It is hard to describe just how wonderful, thorough, educational and fun this tour was. We read the great reviews before booking it, but were still so taken back and impressed. Ernesto is truly knowledgeable and brings great perspective. While the tour was focused on the Jewish history of Buenos Aires, Ernesto taught us all about Argentina and the greater history of South America in order for us to truly understand the context in which the Jews fit in. He took us from the beginning of the nation through present day and taught us in a way that was fun and easy to understand. He even recommended books and films to further enhance our learning. I highly recommend this tour to all!”
Ilana
Amazing Tour
”Ernesto Yattah gives an amazing tour. Rabbi Yattah is erudite, charming and holds his audience captive (in a good way). I would highly recommend this tour whether one is Jewish or not. There is so much history to learn.”
Yummy18
Toronto, Canada
Thorough, philosophical, historical and religious
”Excellent review of the history of Buenos Aires and its Jewish inhabitants over many centuries. Well paced and very informative.”
cfried
Highlight of our trip to Argentina. Not to be missed
”My daughter is studying abroad in Argentina and has participated in some tours of the city as part of her program so initially there was some skepticism that this would be an interesting day for our family of five (kids 20, 18, 15). There was little skepticism left after the first 20 minutes. This is a highly researched, incredibly interesting and fun day learning about BA, Argentina and the past and present Jewish community. Ernesto is a great story teller. He's articulate, well read, informed and passionate. He's also fun to be around and clearly loves his chosen city. He related well to the old and the young and is a mensch to boot. I am very glad we spent a day with him and would highly recommend his tour.”
Filofa
Seattle, WA, USA
A wonderful and educational day with Ernesto
”My husband and I wanted to do a Jewish focused tour of Buenos Aires and we found all these wonderful reviews of Ernesto's tour. They are all well deserved. We joined another couple from Oregon and spent the day with Ernesto. He has a marvelous ability to make history come to life. He also discussed his background and growing up in Buenos Aires and talked about Jewish life in the city today. Through Ernesto we also booked our transportation from the airport to our hotel and a really enjoyable evening at Gala Tango which included transportation to and from our hotel. We were very happy with those arrangements also. Touring with Ernesto was an excellent decision on our part.”
sethsean
New York City, NY, USA
Highlight of our trip for both Jewish and non Jewish participants
”Rabbi Ernesto's knowledge is thorough and complete. He is thoughtful and thought provoking. His understanding of the Argentinian Jewish Experience and its relationship to the Argentinian people makes for a complete history for both Jews and Non Jews. His family relationships with Evita and her boyfriend enhances the experience. Do not miss this tour. He has inside information and that cannot be found in the books.”
flowercountry2
Rabbi Yattah and Buenos Aires Jewish tour
”So glad we found Rabbi Ernesto Yattah. His six hour program was filled with rich historical perspective. He is a delight to spend time with and you will never forget him or what you’ve learned. He’s funny, too.”
Debbie C
North Palm Beach, FL, USA
Excellent historical tour. Exceeded expectations
”My wife and I took this tour today. There was one other couple with us, plus our guide,Ernesto,and a driver. From minute one Ernesto is imparting his vast knowledge of Argentine history and specifically Argentine Jewish history. Ernesto is very engaging and can certainly tell a great story. We learned about early “pre-history” of the first Jewish arrivals in BA—-escaping the Spanish and Portuguese inquisitions, about the great immigration waves of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, saw a moving Holocaust memorial erected in a Cathedral by an Arch Bishop, discussed anti-semitism, the pros and cons of the Perons, learned about the Eichmann capture, saw the site of terrorist bombing in the 90’s, and all in a conversational and interesting way. There was also a stop at a kosher deli for excellent food where the conversation and learning continued.”
RWex
New York City, NY, USA
Great tour with Ernesto
”My daughter and I really enjoyed our tour with Ernesto. It was a bit of a splurge but was a highlight of our trip. Very engaging and a lot of interesting historical information. Highly recommend if you have any interest in the Jewish history of Argentina.”
Sd Of Dc
Washington, DC, USA
Fantastic well-researched and engaging tour with tasty lunch; even my teens highly recommend it!
”Our family of five was on this tour in January with six other people plus our guide (Rabbi Ernesto Yattah) and a driver. We were picked up at our hotel in a very comfortable van. The tour is very interesting and well researched. Just like another reviewer, I wasn't sure going into it if my teens would like it, but they all thought it was excellent. Pleasing teens on a six hour tour is a major accomplishment! Rabbi Yattah is very pleasant and he has clearly spent a great deal of time creating, researching, and honing this tour. This is one of the best tours I have been on, anywhere. Rabbi Yattah spoke about the history of Argentina as well as Jewish history, so this is a good tour to take at the beginning of your trip as an introduction to Buenos Aires and Argentina. You will spend some time in the Plaza de Mayo, which is where the Perons spoke to the people from the balcony of the presidential mansion. We took the tour on the last day of our trip since we didn't visit Buenos Aires until the end -- just fit it in whenever you can, it's worth it!”
nyc3kids123
New York City, NY, USA
SMALL GROUP TOUR OF BUENOS AIRES WITH RABBI ERNESTO YATTAH
”Booked this pre-cruise tour of Buenos Aires for my wife and I. Although the tour had a specific start point, as we were staying at a hotel in Palermo Hollywood, Rabbi Yattah picked us up and returned us to the hotel at the end of the tour, which was a big plus in my view. The tour was a full day tour, with detailed information imparted about the migration of Jews from Europe to avoid the consequences of the Spanish Inquisition and their dispersal throughout the Western Hemisphere. Rabbi Ernesto was engaging and had a deep and extensive knowledge of societal developments in Argentina to the present. We loved this tour. We stopped for a kosher lunch and at the end of the tour we stopped at a hotel for a chat with other tour participants. Rabbi Yattah took all of our questions and answered them fully. I highly recommend this tour if you are interested in Jewish Buenos Aires. While it may appear to be expensive, given the small size of the group, a van, driver and guide, it is good value for what is offered.”
Nomad318325
Enjoyable day with Ernesto
”We took this tour prior to boarding our cruise ship in February. Ernesto gave us such a detailed explanation of the history of Jews in Argentina. It was very interesting, although a lot of information to process. We visited several locations in the city and he skillfully wove the general and Jewish history together. Highly recommend this tour.”
susieb
Edmonton, Canada
The Best in Buenos Aires
”The best tour guide I have ever encountered. Ernesto brings history to life with his passion, knowledge and story telling. You will learn about the history of the country, the culture, the people…from the very beginning to present day Jewish community. Where do the Jews fit into the history and growth of the country and what is the community today? Anything you ever wanted to know about Argentina and then so much more – this is the only tour you need consider!”
Naomi and Shmuel
Vancouver, Canada
Fascinating tour of Jewish Buenos Aires with an extraordinary guide
”I don't usually write many reviews, but in this case I could not help but share. Ernesto gave us one of the best tours I've ever been to. His ability to intertwine the general history of Buenos Aires with the particular experience of the local Jewish community is incomparable. Our group was comprised of Jewish and non-Jewish participants, and we we all equally engaged at all times. His knowledge comes both from serious research and personal experience, which makes his descriptions all the more compelling. Ernesto is also a great story teller, and kept us constantly interested in the development of each part of the Argentinean Jewish history. He was very responsive, professional and accessible at all times. One of the most recommended tours to do while in Buenos Aires.”
Martin Y
New York City, NY, USA
Best tour
”Ernesto was so knowledgeable and he spoke in a way that made everyone involved and interested. We had people of different religions and levels of knowledge in our group and everyone loved the tour. I 100% would do this tour again. I highly recommend Ernesto as a guide.”
Dahlia B
Bellmore, NY, USA
Absolutely Perfect
”Ernesto is extraordinarily knowledgeable and interesting. He is deeply immersed in the relevant history and can speak about topics from multiple perspectives. He is also very engaging. The best way to describe his tour is "perfect."”
Leslie L
Argentina / BA Tour - through the eyes of Jewish people from 1600s to present
”This tour was truly worth every penny. From the content and knowledge of Ernesto to the positive energy and overall sentiment of the tour we enjoyed every minute. We were on our honeymoon, ran into a family in Mendoza who recommended Ernesto and did not know what to expect but we had such an incredible time and it was a very different way to see the city. We did a city tour via bike and saw the city through another guide as we went to the suburbs for a gaucho day and this lent itself to another unique and deep tour of the city (which also touched as a Jewish couple). We had known a lot about Adolph Eichmann and post-WWII Argentina but even the details around the Inquisition and other moments around Jews in Argentina was enlightening. We really enjoyed seeing the Jewish quarters, a local synagogue, and some of the more general BA landmarks through the eyes of Jews over the years. It was a memorable tour that we could not recommend more to those Jewish, religious (others), and non-demonentation. Ernesto is a knowledgeable, qualified pro that brought all members of the tour together, was a studied student, and experience guide. You MUST go!”
Julia D
Ernesto’s tour is not to be missed!
”Ernesto was so engaging throughout our 6 hour tour. His discussions were filled with information, history and interesting side notes. We were so impressed with the breadth of his knowledge of the Jewish experience in Argentina as well as how he conveyed all of this in an interesting manner. Our group of 4 family members were blown away at how impressive Ernesto was. Clearly, we all agreed this tour was one of our top highlights in our trip to Argentina.”
UWS110
New York City, NY, USA
A wonderful immersion into the Jewish history of BA and it's relevance to BA history
”Our family was so impressed with the broad, in-depth knowledge Ernesto shared on the tour. He blends BA history with Jewish history, all with amazing energy and love for his culture. So interesting and engaging. Super!”
Lynn B
Ernesto leads a profoundly insightful tour of Jewish Argentinian life
”I have been on many Jewish tours in my career as a rabbi and I can honestly say that Ernesto was perhaps the most articulate, interesting, compassionate and insightful guides that I have ever had the honor of learning from. His ability to combine his knowledge of history, his experience as a Jewish Argentinian, his rabbinic scholarship and most of all his enthusiasm and spiritual and cultural insights was remarkable. As others have written in their reviews, Ernesto brings a passion to his work as a guide. To be able to begin the day with the history of Crypto-Jews and then carry a group of people through almost 6 centuries of history, weaving the Jewish experience into the larger dimensions of Argentinian and Latin-American history requires a guide with a true depth of knowledge, as well as an understanding of how history, culture, religion, politics and more are forces that all influence each other. I would love to bring members of my synagogue for a tour with Ernesto.”
Shoshana P
Best Jewish tour we’ve taken!
”Rabbi Ernesto provided a full day of fascinating history, insights and humour during our tour. We all learned so much about Argentinian history and culture, Jewish history and culture and tons of other information in a short time. His level of commitment to making sure he’s thought of every aspect of the tour is second to none - from your comfort, to your learning to answering every question. We have done many Jewish and other city tours in many different places and while they were all good to excellent, Ernesto’s was by far the most thorough and engaging! Thank you for a fantastic day.”
Rita in London
London, England
The Ideal Tour Guide
”I recently had the good fortune to take a very intimate tour of Jewish Buenos Aires, with a very distinguished, articulate, and highly knowledgeable Argentinian Rabbi. Ernesto picked us up at our hotel and took us to Plaza de Mayo, the location of the Pink House (our White House), and the balcony location for Evita's speeches in the '40's and 50's. We then walked to the Metropolitan Cathedral- Pope Francis' prior assignment before becoming Pope. Thanks to Ernesto, we arrived in time to see the Changing of the Guard. I was touched to see that the Pope's predecessor had established a Memorial to Our Jewish Brothers- within the Cathedral! We saw several other sites in this area before going to the Jewish sector (similar to NYC's lower east side). In addition to great conversation, we enjoyed a kosher steak lunch and all the trimmings. We continued to the Holocaust Museum and the Jewish Museum. Finally, Ernesto dropped us off at our hotel. If you're a history buff and want to pick the mind of an Argentine expert, Ernesto's a perfect fit...”
john k
In depth, unique, educational, personal tour of Jewish Buenos Aires including the history of Argentina and the city
”I can’t state it better than the prior reviewers have already done so eloquently: what a unique and personal 6 hour tour of Jewish Buenos Aires my husband and I spent with the interesting, brilliant and warm Rabbi Ernesto Yattah. Ernesto is an engaging teacher (the literal definition of “rabbi”) and the sheer volume of history he presented took us a couple of days to process. He provides a deep dive into the history of Argentina and Buenos Aires, how the early Jewish immigrants wove into that history, and the experiences of generations of his family in Buenos Aires. We were lucky that it was just the two of us with Ernesto and his driver Hector on a recent Friday. Alas, some of the sights are closed in Friday but it did not diminish the quality of the experience. If you’re not a meat eater, you may want to let Ernesto know in advance, as we were taken to lunch at the well known kosher steakhouse ‘Al Galope’ in the Once neighborhood. Well worth the time and cost for such a high quality, memorable and unique the experience!”
DosDudesMomLA
Los Angeles, CA, USA
My Favourite Tour to Date
”We found Ërnesto searching google. This ended up being the best tour we ever took. To this day I’m still thinking about this excursion. He was knowledgeable and made the excursion very enjoyable. He is the guy you want. Anyone that I hear of travelling to Buenos Aires will be given his contact from me. He set up a Tango shown and made some other recommendations after the tour ended. It turned out to be a 10 out of 10. Take all his recommendations. He had a driver take us around in a van. It was seamless. This guy is the best hands down. So happy I stumbled upon him while searching online.”
Adam and Lana
Unforgettable ltour and learning experience with Ernest as my guide
”Discovering the treasures, historical gems and secrets of Buenos Aires with Ernesto was a rare experience. Ernesto is super knowledgeable about so many subjects, and he easily weaves history, literature, religion, architecture and personal accounts during his tour. The life of Jewish people in Argentina and, specifically, in Buenos Aires came alive. It was a privilege to learn so much in a relaxed and joyful way. Ernesto speaks several languages fluently, and his English is rich and eloquent. One can tell how passionate he is about the Jewish sites; history of Buenos Aires and he makes sure that everyone has a great time. Do not leave Buenos Aires without exploring it with Ernesto!”
derecheretz
Houston, TX, USA
Fascinating and Fun tour of Jewish Buenos Aires
”This was an incredible tour. I learned so much about Buenos Aires/Argentina in general as well as the history of the Jewish people in Argentina. Ernesto was so knowledgeable and funny and warm. I strongly recommend this tour!”
Susanxm
A highly recommended Jewish tour of Buenos Aires with Ernesto Yattah
”We did a family tour of Jewish Buenos Aires with Ernesto Yattah on December 26 2023.The tour was fascinating, informative and most enjoyable. Ernesto was the consummate tour guide bringing his in- depth knowledge of BA and its history and weaving the Jewish history into that of Argentina and of BA itself. He was patient, answered our questions and we spent a most enjoyable 6 hours with him.”
David
Buenos Aires Jewish Tour
”Our first day out in Buenos Aires and we started with Ernesto's tour. It was a great decision. Ernesto is fantastic! He is well educated not only in Jewish history in Argentina but Argentinian history as well. We visited all of the important sites and learned a lot that served us well for the rest of our time in Buenos Aires. Thank you very much Ernesto!”
Leonard R
Miami, FL, USA
Best City Tour Ever!
”This was an amazing tour. Rabbi Ernesto Yattah is warm and personable, makes you feel like you are part of his "family," but also a student. His knowledge of the history of Argentina and the role that Jewish people have played in that history is remarkable. Ernesto had lived in the US, but decided to return to his beloved home country. The tour covered so much! We visited Plaza de Mayo (with many sites including the Pink Palace of Evita fame and the Metropolitan Cathedral), The Synagogue of Paso Street and the Jewish Museum, and the site of the terrorist attack of July 18, 1994 . We had lunch at a delightful Kosher restaurant in a neighborhood reminiscent of the Lower East Side. During the tour, we were always comfortable. Rabbi Yattah had his taxi driver available when we needed to be driven and gave us frequent opportunities to sit and rest. If you are going to Buenos Aires (a lovely city), and are interested in Jewish history as well as Argentinian history, you must take this tour if it is available!”
Karenru316
Baltimore, MD
Jewish Tour of Buenos Aires
”Rabbi Ernesto Yattah took us on a wonderful tour of Jewish Buenos Aires that included a history lesson of how Buenos Aires came to be and how the Jews immigrated here and became a part of the development of this beautiful city. His breath of knowledge was most impressive. He speaks excellent English and organizes the tour in chronological order of the development of the city. We saw all the many important sites beginning with the founding square, the government buildings and then the Synagogue and Holocaust Museum. The six hour tour which is the one we took included a steak lunch at the Kosher restaurant in the Jewish part of the city. I recommend Ernesto and his tour for everyone visiting Buenos Aires!”
Margo F
Prague, Czech Republic
Fantastic Tour with Rabbi Ernesto Yattah
” Fantastic Tour with Rabbi Ernesto Yattah Review of Jewish Buenos Aires Tour Reviewed February 24, 2024 Rabbi Ernesto Yattah and his driver Luis picked my friend up and myself right on time at our hotel in Buenos Aires. In the car he asked us to introduce ourselves and give him our background. Ernesto then went into his history, which in of itself, is an amazing story. We arrived at the main plaza, which we had seen with a bike tour and a different city tour but this time we received the Jewish perspective. We then walked into the Church were the current Pope was the Archbishop. I had seen an area with Jewish pages in a display but other guides didn't address it. Ernesto gave us the entire fascinating history. Ernesto has a wonderful disposition and a great personality. He does tend to walk on the fast side, which was not an issue for me. For lunch, which is not included in the price, he offered us a choice of 2 restaurants. One was a heavier meat lunch, the other was a Kosher Sushi named Ioki and we ordered grilled salmon and a wonderful salad with avacado, mango and other goodies. After lunch we went to the Holocaust Museum and the Libertad Synagogue, which is beautiful. I had an excellent time and would do this tour again, just to see the Synagogue and the Holocaust Museum. Bring your passport since it is required to enter both places.”
BrettR
There’s nobody better around than Ernesto!
”I did Ernesto’s tour on Jewish Buenos Aires on my first day in the city, and I could have not asked for a better start to my journey than this. Ernesto did an incredible job in introducing us to the history of Argentina and Buenos Aires as a whole, and where and how Jewish people were involved in it. Not only is Ernesto a very warm, funny and professional guide, his knowledge goes way beyond the regular. He also tells captivating stories about his own family’s involvement in the history of this country. I learned so much on this tour, and genuinely don’t think that you can get anyone better than Ernesto for a tour like this. Highly recommend him!”
Patrizia B
An amazing tour of Jewish Argentina
”Rabbi Ernesto Yattah provided such a marvelous tour of the Argentinian Jewish experience. We learned so much about the Jewish history, from the Crypto-Jews of the 1600s in Brazil and Buenos Aires, to the Jewish immigration in the 19th and 20th centuries. He shared stories by interweaving them in the context of the greater Argentinian record, and added a personal touch, because his family was part of this history. The sites added so much flavor and context. All of our senses were engaged, including the taste and smells at the Sephardic Jewish restaurant where we had lunch. If you are Jewish looking to connect with your history, or not Jewish looking to learn about an amazingly diverse and resilient community, you absolutely must contact Rabbi Ernesto to share his stories. And he does it in such a professional and tasteful way. I can't imagine there is anybody in the world who can deliver this experience with more knowledge and more emotion. It was the highlight of our extraordinary trip to Argentina!”
Ingrid H
Philadelphia, PA, USA
6 hours with Ernesto were informative, captivating and quick
”Six hours with Ernesto were informative, captivating, and quick. Ernesto had a very well-planned tour. It was in 4 different parts. We touch on the history of Jews in South America from 16 centuries to the present day. Despite being interested in the subject for many years, Ernesto presented new information. He provided a bibliography list and a summary of our time together, which is very helpful in retaining the information. He gave us a lot of information. I only regret that we booked Ernesto for the last day in Buenos Aires. Had I encountered Ernesto on the first day, I would try to book him for every day. His tour was so fascinating that we booked two private Jewish tours of our next stop, Rio. Although his tour was not cheap, even by New York standards, we felt we got as much info as during a three-credit college cours”
Dmitriy G
Ernesto Perfecto!
”Ernesto was an excellent guide! We had perfect communication prior to the tour. He picked us up promptly from our hotel and the day was perfect. Ernesto was warm and funny and so knowledgeable about the history of the city also. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the city and wanting to delve deeper in the Jewish history.”
docbig
Jewish tour of Buenos Aires not to be missed
”This was one of the best guided tours we have had-hands down. Ernesto demonstrated deep knowledge of the Jewish community and of Argentina history. He shares information though story telling and was engaging the whole time. The story was factual, fascinating and personal. Cannot get a better combination. Highly recommend Ernesto as your tour guide. You will get far more than expected.”
Susan S
Minneapolis, MN, USA
Ernesto is a treasure as is this tour
”This is a terrific tour. Ernesto is extremely knowledgeable in both Argentina history and is able to seamlessly put in context the Jewish experience, both past and present. His and his family’s experience adds much depth to the tour. I strongly recommend this tour for anyone interested the Jewish history as well as Argentina history.”
Trip830824
Great experience!
”This was a very enriching experience for my wife and me. Ernesto Yattah is very personable and engaging. His personal and family history added depth and context to the tour. Ernesto was extremely knowledgeable about the history of Argentina and Jews in Argentina. He was able to weave them together in a clear, engaging and interactive discussion. We highly recommend this tour.”
Mark C
Amazing, highly recommend
”This tour was fantastic, Ernesto has an incredible depth of knowledge and is a gifted communicator. The tour is suitable for both Jewish and non Jewish people, you will find the contents fascinating and plenty of opportunities to ask follow up questions and hear personal stories from Ernesto. The logistics were smooth and everything operated seamlessly. I would highly recommend this tour.”
Panda on the move
Hong Kong, China
Brilliant Tour - Can We Give It 6 Stars?
”Exceptional! Undoubtedly the most informative and enjoyable tour we have experienced. Ernesto is incredibly enthusiastic and knowledgeable, a magnificent and engaging story teller, generous with his time in listening to our group of 6's comments and queries, and in imparting his pride of the history and enormous contribution the Jews made to the founding of and through the golden era of Buenos Aires, he left us feeling that our experience would be one of the highlights of our some 45 years of extensive travel.”
Rozana N
Greater Johannesburg, South Africa
Great Jewish Tour of BA
”Ernesto did great job in showing us Jewish Buenos Aires. I highly recommend this tour and am referring any friends that plan to travel to BA. The tour length was perfect.”
Janice S
Truly incredible
”Ernesto is so knowledgeable and warm. Any questions we had were answered with so much historical background, culture and information. Truly an incredible experience and Ernesto is so engaging - he’s such an incredible storyteller. Highly recommend this tour!”
Nicole
An excellent tour of Jewish Buenos Aires
”A truly amazing tour. Ernesto is a wonderful guide. He not only is very knowledgeable making the history o Buenos Aires so interesting but he is also so warm and passionate and a pleasure to spend time with. His stories kept us mesmerized and the summary he sent at the end will become an important keepsake. I highly recommend the Jewish tour of Buenos Aires with Ernesto”
LerL
Wonderful tour of Buenos Aires with emphasis on Jewish experience
”Ernesto Yattah is an amazing guide- extremely informative, very engaging and very thorough in his presentation of the history of Argentina and in that context, the history of the Jewish people. Recommend him very highly”
jaymarhl
Philadelphia, PA, USA
Fun and educational!
”What a fabulous tour!!! We learned so much about Buenos Aires, Jewish history in Buenos Aires and a view to contemporary Jewish life. Ernesto is engaging, inclusive and extremely well versed in his city. I also appreciated the efforts he made to create connections between strangers on our tour. I highly recommend this tour.”
Susie R
Wonderful Jewish History in Argentina
”Rabbi Ernesto Yattah provided an amazing tour including the Jewish history in Argentina, Jewish synagogues, lunch at a Kosher restaurant and the holocaust museum. His in depth history lesson was among the best we have experienced after many Jewish tours around the world.”
Eric P
The Best Jewish BA Tour, Accept No Substitutes
”This is the only tour you need to consider, accept no substitutes. This isn't just the best Jewish tour of BA, but it's one of the top rated tours in all of BA. Your guide, Ernesto, has deep scholarly knowledge on the fascinating Jewish history of BA. Combine this with his own family's history in the city and there's simply no better tour of this type. Ernesto is pleasant and focused, his tour was the best city tour we enjoyed in the month we were in S. America.”
Bubba J
Amazing experience
”Absolutely fantastic tour packed with fascinating information. Ernesto is very knowledgeable and is an amazing storyteller. This is a must-see while in Buenos Aires.”
MemphisDoc
Memphis, TN, USA
A five star experience in every way.
”Rabbi Ernesto was a wonderful tour guide in every way. He was considerate of our groups needs, informed and entertaining. A five star experience in every way.”
Alan M
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