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Borges Labyrinth: A Literary Maze in San Rafael

Explore a literary maze in San Rafael, Mendoza, honoring Jorge Luis Borges. A unique and reflective experience awaits in this intricate labyrinth.

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The Borges Labyrinth in San Rafael, Mendoza, is a unique tribute to the renowned Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges. Designed by Randoll Coate, the living maze embodies Borges's literary themes and friendship with Susana Bombal, offering visitors a challenging and reflective experience.

A brief summary to Borges Labyrinth

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the labyrinth's uneven paths.
  • Visit during the cooler months (March-May or September-November) for a more pleasant experience.
  • Allow at least 1.5-2 hours to fully explore the labyrinth and surrounding grounds.
  • Check for special events or guided tours that may offer additional insights into the labyrinth's design and symbolism.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From the center of San Rafael, take Avenida Hipólito Yrigoyen/RN143 heading south. Continue for approximately 10 km. Turn left onto Calle Bombal. The Borges Labyrinth will be on your right. Parking is available on-site, but it may be limited during peak season.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in San Rafael. A taxi from the city center to the Borges Labyrinth will take approximately 20-30 minutes. Expect to pay around ARS 2,000-3,000 for a one-way trip. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Uber is also available in San Rafael, with local taxi drivers potentially fulfilling UberX requests.

Unlock the Best of Borges Labyrinth

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Discover more about Borges Labyrinth

Nestled in the Cuadro Bombal district of San Rafael, Mendoza, the Borges Labyrinth stands as a remarkable homage to the celebrated Argentine author Jorge Luis Borges. This intricate hedge maze, located on the Bombal family's estate, Finca Los Alamos, was conceived by English diplomat and maze designer Randoll Coate as a tribute to Borges's work and his friendship with Susana Bombal. The labyrinth itself is a sprawling 8,700 square meters (approximately 66,000 square feet), featuring over 12,000 box hedges. When viewed from above, the maze is ingeniously designed in the shape of an open book, with the hedges spelling out "Borges" both forwards and in a mirror image. This design encapsulates Borges's fascination with labyrinths, mirrors, and the concept of infinity, reflecting the complex themes prevalent in his literary works. Borges's connection to the Finca Los Alamos dates back to the 1930s when Susana Bombal, a writer and friend of Borges, inherited the estate. The estate became a gathering place for intellectuals, fostering a close bond between Borges and Bombal. After Bombal's death, her nephew, Camilo Aldao, discovered letters detailing Coate's vision for a labyrinth as a monument to Borges. Aldao then commissioned Coate to bring the design to life, and the Borges Labyrinth was inaugurated in 2003. Visitors to the Borges Labyrinth can immerse themselves in a challenging and symbolic journey. The winding paths and dead ends mirror the complexities of life and the philosophical themes explored in Borges's stories. An observation tower provides a vantage point to appreciate the full scope of the maze's design. The site also includes a pulpería and bistro serving traditional Argentine cuisine, a play area, and a museum with audio guides to enhance the visitor experience.

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