The Man Who Walked Argentina with a Wheelbarrow

The story of Guillermo Larregui, a Spanish emigrant known as 'El Vasco de la Carretilla,' is a remarkable tale of resilience from 1930s Argentina. After losing his job in the south of the country at the age of 50, Larregui made a bet with his coworkers that would change his life. He decided to walk to Buenos Aires, the capital, a distance of approximately 3,500 kilometers.

Setting out in 1935, Larregui undertook this massive journey with little more than a carretilla (wheelbarrow) to carry his belongings. This initial trip was merely the beginning of an incredible odyssey. Over the course of 14 years, he completed four separate journeys of this magnitude. His perseverance became so legendary that it inspired a popular expression in Argentina, referenced by journalist Bruno Galindo, which translates to 'He walked more than the Basque with the wheelbarrow.' Larregui's travels serve as a poignant narrative of migration and determination.

The journey of Guillermo Larregui began in the rugged south of Argentina. A native of Navarre, Spain, Larregui was working in the region when he found himself unemployed at the age of 50. The catalyst for his historic walk was a simple but bold apuesta (bet) made with his fellow workers. He wagered that he could make his way to the nation's capital, Buenos Aires, on foot.

In 1935, Larregui accepted the challenge. He packed his essentials onto a carretilla and began the long trek north. The distance he set out to cover was approximately 3,500 kilometers. This was not a journey taken with modern conveniences, but one of pure endurance and willpower, marking the start of a legacy that would be remembered for decades.

While the initial walk from the south to Buenos Aires was a monumental achievement in itself, it was only the first chapter of Larregui's travels. Historical accounts indicate that he repeated this feat multiple times. Over a period of 14 years, Larregui completed four separate journeys of similar length and difficulty.

These repeated treks across the vast Argentine landscape highlight an extraordinary level of physical and mental fortitude. Each trip reinforced the image of the solitary traveler pushing his wheelbarrow across the pampas, turning him into a wandering figure of determination. His story is a testament to the spirit of the emigrant who, despite losing his job, refused to be defeated by circumstance.

The legacy of Guillermo Larregui extended far beyond his physical travels. His story became deeply embedded in the cultural memory of Argentina. It gave rise to the popular expression, “Ese caminó más que El Vasco de la Carretilla” (He walked more than the Basque with the wheelbarrow), a phrase used to describe someone who has traveled extensively or worked very hard.

Journalist Bruno Galindo recently revisited this story, recalling the phrase used by his grandmother. Galindo's reflection brings to light the connection between personal family histories and broader societal themes of migration. Larregui's journey is not just a story of a long walk; it is a narrative about the secrets and stories that families carry through generations.