Getaway: the incredible grocery store in a town in Buenos Aires where only one person lives

In nineteen ninety five the train stopped passing the town of Quiñihual and its entire population was left adrift, except for those residents who had their own mobility. Like a large part of the nearby towns, Quiñihual became depopulated over the years until it was practically deserted.

This town remains southwest of the province of Buenos Airesin the Coronel Suárez District, 161 kilometers from Bahía Blanca and 510 from the Federal Capital. Today it is known for its abandoned train station and its grocer’s shop cared for by its owner, the only inhabitant of Quiñihual.

Why does only one person live in Quiñihual and who is he?

The suspension of the railway section that passed through Quiñihual devastated the population of this town, except for one person. Is called Pedro Meier and he is 63 years old.

The man is owner of the only grocery store that remains alive in the area. Open your doors every afternoonbetween 6 and 7, with the aim of receiving some rural residents and tourists, either to buy an item from the local or simply to chat, in the middle of the lonely landscape of this place.

In dialogue with InfoSkyMeier acknowledges that “the people who come ask me not to close, to keep it open so they can come and chat for a while because it is the only place they have to go” and says that “those who come are people who work in the field and stalls”.

The Quiñihual grocery store, a must-see

For those who pass near Quiñihual or plan a visit to this picturesque town left in time, they have an obligatory stop due to the Don Meier’s grocery storenot only to greet the only resident but also to observe the incredible construction of his premises.

The building of the Quiñihual grocery store It was built towards the end of the nineteenth century. It operated from day one as a general store, being the meeting place for travelers and residents of rural towns.

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Some of the products sold at the Don Meier grocery store.

Its owner assures that everything inside the building remains as it was when it was founded. There are large shelves that extend almost to the ceiling displaying bottles of wine, whiskey and vermouth. Don Meier also sells cookies, snacks, cleaning products and some fruits and vegetables.

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The grocery store that remains alive in Quiñihual.

How to get to Quiñihual from Buenos Aires

To get to Quiñihual from Buenos Aires you have to travel 510 kilometers in total. You have to take Route 3 to Azul and then continue along Route 51 to Quiñihual. It takes approximately 7 hours, depending on traffic and departure time.