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Estatua de Mafalda: A Beloved Cartoon Icon

Visit Mafalda, the iconic Argentinian cartoon character, in statue form in Buenos Aires' historic San Telmo neighborhood.

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The Estatua de Mafalda, located in the San Telmo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, is a charming statue of the beloved Argentinian cartoon character Mafalda. Created by Quino, Mafalda embodies the spirit of the 1960s and 70s with her witty observations on society and politics. This statue has become a cultural icon and a must-see for tourists.

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A brief summary to Estatua de Mafalda

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

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9JMH+J8W, Defensa 700, Buenos Aires, Monserrat, Comuna 1, Buenos Aires, AR
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Estatua de Mafalda.

Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and get the best photo opportunities.
Explore the surrounding San Telmo neighborhood, known for its antique markets, cobblestone streets, and historic buildings.
Take a guided walking tour of San Telmo to learn more about the area's history and culture.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the cobblestone streets of San Telmo.

Discover more about Estatua de Mafalda

The Estatua de Mafalda is more than just a statue; it's a symbol of cultural pride and nostalgia for many Argentines. Mafalda, created by cartoonist Quino, first appeared in 1964 and quickly became an icon with her insightful and humorous commentary on society. The comic strip ran until 1973, and Mafalda remains a timeless figure in the world of comics. The statue, sculpted by Pablo Irrgang, depicts Mafalda seated on a bench at the corner of Chile and Defensa streets. This location is significant as it is near where Quino lived and drew inspiration for the comic strip. Visitors are encouraged to sit next to Mafalda and reflect on her enduring messages. The statue is a popular spot for photographs and a starting point for the "Paseo de la Historieta," a walking tour featuring other famous Argentinian comic characters. The surrounding San Telmo neighborhood is one of the oldest in Buenos Aires, known for its colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and antique markets.

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    Getting There

    Walking

    If you are already in the San Telmo area, simply walk towards Defensa street. The Estatua de Mafalda is located at Defensa 700, near the corner of Chile street. You can ask locals for directions, as it's a well-known spot.

    Public Transport

    To reach the Estatua de Mafalda via public transport, take the Buenos Aires Metro to the 'Lima' station on Line A. From there, walk south on Defensa street for about 10 minutes until you reach Defensa 700, where the statue is located. Alternatively, several bus lines pass through the neighborhood, including lines 29, 39, and 64. Get off at the stop near Defensa street and walk south. A SUBE card is required to use public transport in Buenos Aires. The card costs around AR$880. A single bus or train fare costs approximately AR$270-370.

    Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Buenos Aires. A short taxi ride within the city center will likely cost between ARS 5,500 and ARS 11,000. Be sure the driver turns on the meter. The base fare is ARS 1,920, with an additional charge of ARS 960 per kilometer. A 20% surcharge applies at night (10 PM to 6 AM).

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