Located in the heart of the city, just a stone’s throw from the Delta Station of the Costa Train, Puerto de Frutos stands as one of Tigre’s premier tourist attractions. This vast open-air commercial promenade welcomes thousands of visitors each year, establishing itself as a key point of interest in the city. While Tigre may be a bit removed from the bustling centre of Buenos Aires, we promise that this stroll will captivate you with its diverse offerings and picturesque scenery.

As you wander through, you’ll encounter an endless array of products, from exquisite crafts and decorative items to electronics. Puerto de Frutos boasts a remarkable gastronomic scene, making this excursion not just a shopping spree but a delightful experience filled with the flavours and traditions of the Delta, complemented by its iconic boat rides along the river.

The Story

The name “Puerto de Frutos” translates to “Fruit Port,” a nod to its historical significance as a hub for the Paraná Delta’s fruit production until the mid-20th century. Here, goods would arrive to be sold in Buenos Aires via the now-famous Tren de la Costa. With three docks along the Luján River, the port was essential for receiving various island products, including wood, sand, fruits, and vegetables. This area also saw the rise of wicker artisans, who crafted baskets for transporting the Delta’s bounty.

In 1938, the Tigre market relocated to its present site, and in 1983, the municipality inaugurated the Puerto de Frutos craft fair, which has since become a beloved attraction.

What Will I Find There?

At Puerto de Frutos, you’ll discover a vast selection of stores, as it proudly holds the title of Argentina’s largest open-air shopping centre, drawing tourists from Buenos Aires and beyond. Commonly referred to as Mercado de Tigre, it offers a rich variety of artisan products, with a strong emphasis on decorative items and furniture. Many visitors come to Tigre specifically to refresh their home or business decor, thanks to the extensive range of quality products available.

Continuing the historic tradition of fruit transport, you’ll find numerous craft shops selling wicker creations, ranging from armchairs to trays and baskets of all sizes. Additionally, rattan furniture and various wooden items are plentiful.

This shopping tour in Tigre is designed to be a family-friendly experience. While adults can relax and recharge, children will have a blast enjoying the various games, including a carousel and inflatable play areas.

Among the outdoor market stalls, you can also purchase delicious regional products such as preserves, artisan sweets, homemade chutneys, cold cuts, cheeses, sausages, wines, and spirits.

Gastronomy

After a day packed with shopping, you’ll surely want to find a charming spot to unwind and enjoy a delicious meal. Alternatively, if you’re planning to savour the river views, Puerto de Frutos has a lot of gastronomic options, including restaurants, fast food outlets, ice cream parlours, cafes, and bars with outdoor seating.

Here, you can choose from several delightful riverside restaurants with tables overlooking the colourful boats. 

A highlight of Tigre is the exceptional quality of service and the diverse culinary offerings available. You can indulge in snacks, Mexican cuisine, gourmet dishes, pasta, wood-fired pizzas, pastries, signature dishes, and traditional barbecues.

Connect with Nature

Shopping isn’t the only attraction at Puerto de Frutos; you can also explore the Delta and enjoy the river. Departing from Puerto de Frutos, you can embark on picturesque boat or catamaran trips, with excursions lasting from 1 to 2 hours.

Nearby, you’ll find various options for getting even closer to the water. These scenic tours navigate the main rivers of the island chain, allowing you to immerse yourself in the unique natural beauty of the Delta. Fishing enthusiasts can also purchase bait directly at the port.

Location and Hours

Puerto de Frutos is conveniently located on the Luján River, just 150 metres from the mouth of the Sarmiento River and 8.2 km from the Río de la Plata. Here, you can observe the warehouse boats supplying food and goods to the island’s residents.

The distance from Puerto de Frutos to Central Buenos Aires is only a 30-minute drive, or a 10-minute walk from the train station. The market is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Entry is free, making it an accessible destination for a day filled with shopping and adventure, all while being close to other attractions that Tigre has to offer.

While Puerto de Frutos is well-known among tourists in Buenos Aires, the construction of the Coast Train, the Coast Park, and the Tigre Casino has transformed this area into a vibrant space brimming with attractions for all ages and interests.