Arroyo Medrano

Slipping beneath the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, the Arroyo Medrano whispers secrets of a forgotten past. The Arroyo Medrano, once a vital waterway, now flows unseen, buried beneath the bustling avenues and parks. Imagine strolling through Parque Saavedra, unaware that beneath your feet lies the ghost of this river. Once, this park was known as “Paseo del Lago,” centered around a lake fed by the Arroyo Medrano. Pictures exist showing gondolas gliding across its surface, children splashing in its waters. This was before the 1940s, before the “progress” of the city demanded the river be hidden, encased in concrete. The Arroyo Medrano, however, refuses to be completely forgotten. Its journey begins far to the northwest, in the province of Buenos Aires. It flows from General San Martín, crosses under Avenida General Paz, and enters the city. It winds its way under Parque Sarmiento, Avenida Ruiz Huidobro, and the very streets we walk today. The Arroyo Medrano even had its moment of fame, or rather infamy, in the devastating floods of 1980 and 1985. Sudestadas, strong southeastern winds, caused the river to surge, rising up to two meters in some areas. The waters overwhelmed the city, reminding everyone of the powerful force hidden beneath their feet. A German company updated the encasement of the Arroyo Medrano in 2005, aiming to prevent such catastrophes. This helped, but the Arroyo Medrano still makes itself known, particularly in Saavedra and Núñez. It flows under Avenida García del Río and Avenida Comodoro Martín Rivadavia, a constant reminder of the city’s watery underbelly. Although mostly concealed, a small section of the Arroyo Medrano sees daylight near its mouth at the Río de la Plata. This open section, a stark contrast to its subterranean journey, stretches for about 300 meters before finally meeting the river. So, as you walk the streets of Buenos Aires, remember the Arroyo Medrano. This hidden river, a vital part of the city’s past, continues to shape its present, reminding us that even beneath layers of concrete, nature persists.