In a remote valley in northern Argentina, the local herb of love, Muña Muña, is in bloom. Olga, a 60-year-old nurse, is preparing to say goodbye to her only son, who is about to leave the country, when she meets Stefano, a young French tourist. Their unexpected connection stirs a desire she thought was long lost.

Perhaps what has already been lived is more important than what’s yet to be lived, Antonio thinks as he burns his father's belongings. Ships and Cathedrals tells of his encounter with Emilia and how he manages to break out of the inertia of his life.