“El Peligro” translates to “The Danger.” Imagine carretas struggling along muddy paths. El Peligro’s story begins in 1874. This was eight years before La Plata was even founded.
Bandits plagued the route to Buenos Aires. These bandits targeted carts heading from the port. The name El Peligro arose from this danger.
El Peligro sits 22 km west of La Plata. It lies about 45 km southeast of Buenos Aires. The town borders Buchanan, Abasto, Arturo Segui and Melchor Romero. It even touches Berazategui Partido.
The area has changed since its dangerous beginnings. El Peligro has grown significantly. It went from 2000 residents to 8000 in recent years. This growth transformed the area into a productive zone.
El Peligro is now known for agriculture. It hosts producers of poultry, fruits, vegetables and flowers. The Japanese community in Colonia Urquiza also contributes to this production.
The town has two primary schools. School N°123 “Estados Unidos de Brasil” sits at km 44.5 of Autovía 2. School N°49 “José Hernández” is at km 44 of Provincial Route 36.
Getting here from Buenos Aires involves Autovía 2 and Provincial Route 36. Both routes merge near National Route A004. From La Plata, take Autovía 2 or Provincial Route 36. Ricardo Balbin Highway also provides access.
A secondary route is the former Provincial Route 19. This is commonly known as Arana Avenue. It connects El Peligro to Villa Elisa.
A local cooperative provides telephone and gas services. EDELAP handles electricity. Running water is not available here. Mobile phone services are available through Movistar, Claro and Personal.
A project once proposed renaming El Peligro. The new name would have been Brigadier General Juan Manuel de Rosas. This caused controversy among residents. Some felt the name reflected insecurity of the past. Others saw Rosas as a divisive historical figure.
Despite its growth, El Peligro faces challenges. Residents feel forgotten with regard to insecurity. Infrastructure and public services are lacking.
The fire department was created in 2015. It assists around 10000 residents. Volunteers address fires, accidents and other emergencies.
El Peligro continues to evolve. Its residents strive to improve their community. Their efforts ensured that 30 blocks were paved. They also helped open a new secondary school.