| Author | Message | ||
     Rima Patel New member Username: Rimapatel Post Number: 1 Registered: 5-2007 |
Hi, I will be travelling with my husband to Argentina in december this year for 3.5 weeks. I have been planning this trip and so far have the following: UK -> Buenoes Aires (fly directly to El Calfate for 2 nights) -> El Chalten (2 nights) -> El Calafate -> Fly to Trelew (Transfer to Puerto Madryn/Punta Tombo(2) -> Bus to Bariloche(2 nights) -> Over night bus to Puerto Montt/Pucon (2 nights in Pucon) -> Santiago (2 nights)-> Bus to Mendoza (2 nights) -> Flight to Iguazu (via BA) 2 nights -> BA -> UK Please let me know if you have any recommendation on the following: 1. Directions for example do you think it is better to go to Puerto Madryn before El Calfate? 2. Is there a bus from El Chalten to Punta Tombo/Puerto Madryn without having to go back to El Calfate? 3. Is it easy enough to book a 2/3 night trip to iguazu from mendoza (via BA) with flights between the 22nd and 24th of Decemeber? and how much would this cost? Would it be easier to book flights in advance? 4. Can I get from Bariloche to Pucon in Chile without having to go via Puerto Montt? And is there a regular bus between Pucon and Santiago? 5. What areas do you recommend going to in Bariloche that are not very touristy? 6. Can we book any of the bus trips in advance or even the day trips e.g in Puerto Madryn? Any help will be much appreciated. | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1104 Registered: 12-2004 |
Hi Rima and welcome. No, I think flying straight to Calafate is a good idea. In fact, you won't need to fly from the domestic airport as aerolineas flies to Calafate also from Ezeiza (special flight that connects to the international arrivals). The only consideration would be a *very long* day on a plane. #2. I really don't know but my suspicion is that El Chalten is so small that nothing really happens there. That is why you always go back to Calafate. El Chalten is more like a satellite to Calafate that adds all the trekking and hiking experience. #3. That time of the year is tricky. I would have the entire package booked by a travel agent, including flights (Mendoza > BA > Iguazu > BA). #4. Need to research. #5. I heard several visitors saying all of Bariloche has become a little too turisty. The whole area is a magnet for both locals and foreigners. You may want to look into places like Junin de los Andes (200 kms), San Martin de los Andes (150 kms), El Bolson (130 kms)... #6. Book in advance the Iguazu tour. The buses to Bariloche from Trelew and to Mendoza from Santiago should be fine. There are probably more than a couple of companies that offer these routes with several schedules, specially Santiago-Mendoza. About the only change I would make is a complete visit to the Peninsula Valdes that includes Trelew, Puerto Madryn and Punta Tombo. This mean, another package. Since December will already show a good level of activity I would have a travel agent book the Iguazu part and Peninsula Valdes part for you, with firm accomodations, tours and transfers. | ||
| Rima Patel New member Username: Rimapatel Post Number: 2 Registered: 5-2007 |
Roberto, Thank you so much for your help, really appreciate it. Regarding your advice for Puerto Madryn & Punta Tombo, do you know any tour companies that I can book those tours with in advance? The same goes with Iguazu. (I can book my flights but just need the tours with or without accomodation) How many night would you recommend in Bariloche? I was thinking of getting a bus directly from Puerto Madryn to San Martin de los Andes, is this a possible route? Thanks again, looking forward to your response. | ||
| Rima Patel New member Username: Rimapatel Post Number: 3 Registered: 5-2007 |
Roberto I found that there are buses going from San Martin de Los Andes to Pucon in Chile, i beleive the company's are Centanario or TAC. I cannot find a website, do you know of one? I wanted to check the bus times. | ||
| larry Rogers Junior Member Username: Larryr30 Post Number: 41 Registered: 6-2006 |
Rima, Welcome and maybe my experience living in Bariloche for almost 4 months might shed some light on your situation! First, staying in Bariloche for only 2 days is alittle short, though cold you should be able to see a small bit of what it has to offer, but if 2 days is all you have, thats all you have. I would recommend seeing El Tronador...the route will take you aruond the Nahual Haupi (the national park, which Bariloche sets beside on the Lake) and is a spectacular trip just in itself. If your going to do San Martin, I would book a car when you show up in Bariloche and do the 7 lakes tour, it will take all day and the car rental can help you with what ever directions you need. Now, from Bariloche to Pucon, one stop will need to be made in Osorno, the city right over the Andean border into Chile, after Osorno you can go straight to Pucon...atleast that is what I did. Traveled up the entire coast line. Buses are not a problem and you don't need a website, matter afact, this time of year you should just walk in and buy a ticket to where you are going next. Also, there is a direct Bus from Pucon to Santiago...its over night (make sure that you take the JAC Executive Suite Bus), its cheap and BAD-A...! In a moment when I awake with a fresh mind, I will send you links for B&B's that I stayed out and the websites for some bus companies. In conclusion, if you are going to go to Santiago, Val Paraiso (?) and Renaca are only about an 2hr trip away and are some (in my opinion) the most beautiful parts of Chile. O' there will be a bus, over night, directly to Mendoza from Santiago...Your options on buses, not kinding, are endless.! I will get back with you in alittle while to give you names and links to places o,k. | ||
| larry Rogers Junior Member Username: Larryr30 Post Number: 42 Registered: 6-2006 |
Rima, This is another, hopefully not mixed email of thoughts and thoughts, but here we go. O.k., Tur-Bus is a Service in Chile www.turbus.com, they can be used just about anyway in Chile. This is the service that I used going to and from Val Paraiso and Renaca...again, its beautiful and the cost of ticket is around $6.00US. As I didn't comment on El Bolson, which I have been to countless times...I will just say that it is more touristy than Bariloche, but does offer more rustic accomadations etc.. The Bus service from Bariloch to El Bolson is called Via Bariloche www.ViaBariloche.com.ar, they are a reliable service an almost never breakdown...! The ticket to El bolson or San Martin, from Bariloche should not cost more than 17pesos, which is around $5.50US. If going to Pucon, which I highly recommend, I would stay at CASA MAYRAS, its right next to the bus station...one block up (like you walking to the Volcano) and on your right. IF you get a place there, when you purchase your ticket from Pucon to Santiago...get the owner to do it. He gets a discount on that JAC Executive Service I was talking about earlier. SHould cost around $20.00US....,I would not stay more than 2days in Pucon (its extremely touristy). If you need to stay in Chile, Santiago one night due to the bus scheduling situation from Pucon to Santiago moving towards Mendoza here is a name of a place that is nice and quit, even though it is a Youth Hostel...CHE LAGARTO, www.chelagarto.com, they have enough room to move and do have double beds upstairs, place is friendly and for the most part really quit. Hope this helps | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1106 Registered: 12-2004 |
Rima, Larry posted some comprehensive information. We also act as a travel agent so feel free to contact Erna -who owns this site- with your inquiries for Iguazu/Valdes with dates and such... and always shop around trying to get the best deal. There are numerous places you can buy these packages from. | ||
| larry Rogers Junior Member Username: Larryr30 Post Number: 43 Registered: 6-2006 |
O.k., Roberto thanks for the compliment on the comprehensive information...  So, anyway what was your view on the whole South American vs. American comment that I made, do you find/ have you found a situation as far as your concerned actually being from Argentina! | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1107 Registered: 12-2004 |
Larry, I don't have much to say except that I remember from my days in Argentina that some people didn't like it much when americans would refer to themselves as "americans" in that southamericans felt they were being cast out. In their view (mine too), we are all americans just because we all live in the same continent: AMERICA. And then, there are north americans, central americans and south americans. It really doesn't change anything, anyway. | ||
| larry Rogers Junior Member Username: Larryr30 Post Number: 44 Registered: 6-2006 |
Funny, I feel the same, just wanted to hear it from an Argentine...living in the States! see you tomorrow | ||
| Rima Patel New member Username: Rimapatel Post Number: 4 Registered: 5-2007 |
Hi Guys, Thanks so much for the advice, this site is brilliant! :-) Ok so I have some more questions based on your comments... 1. I arrive in Trelew at about 9pm on Dec 10th and since time is short I ws wondering if I could pre-organise a trip the next day to Punta Tombo (11th Dec) and get transfered to Puerto Madryn (11 night) and then on the 12th I want a day trip around Puerto Madryn, how long are the day tours? and will it be possible for me to jump on the night bus to Bariloche/San Martin Los Andes? 2. Does the Andesmar go from Puerto Madryn to SM Los Andes in the first place? or do you think it is worth going to Bariloche? 3. As you say my time is limited, but in your opinion what do you think I should do around bariloche? I like the idea of the 7 Lakes, how long will this take? and can I do it from SM Los Andes? 4. I found a nice lodge in Villarica, but I have heard that there is not much going on there, would you recommend staying in Pucon instead? 5. Regarding the bus from Bariloche - Osorno - Pucon - how long does it take? I also found that I can get a bus directly from SM Los Andes to Pucon is this the same bus route? 6. Going to spend a few days in Mendoza, is it easy enought to go to the wineries on a bike? Would like to go to Puente Del Inca, is this far? 7. Finally, I am going to pre-book all my internal flights very soon, I have been calling aerolinas directly, is the air fare between El Calafate and Trelew about £120? (seems quite steep) Roberto, I will contact Erna, thanks for that idea :-) Larry thanks for the accomodation info will check them all out! I have to say again, thanks so much you are making the planning of this trip very easy for me! Speak very soon and thanks for answering all my questions (more to come!!) Rima | ||
| larry Rogers Junior Member Username: Larryr30 Post Number: 45 Registered: 6-2006 |
O.k, I will answer the #3, 5, 6 questions that you have posted! #3...If you stay in SM los Andes, it's down the street from Bariloche, literally 1:30hrs or so. So, you can do the 7 lakes tour one day and El Tronador the next if you wish. The lakes tour will take you all day, but that is propably one of the biggest thing to do around that area unless you are a climber! #5...The bus route is the same either from Bariloche or SM Los Andes, so that doesn't matter. Andesmar can pretty much get you anywhere your going! #6...Mendoza is unbelievable just by itself without winneries...but since that is the major thing here is a bit for you. Mike @ hostel Lao...he can be found on hostel world can set you up to do a fabulous Wine Tour...without bikes but the Menu and dinner at the end is unforgettable and Im not playing. His address is 771 Rioja, I believe! If you do any wine tour, please go through him its wortht he 85pesos and as I said before the dinner is unforgettable...Image after tasting wines for about 3hours you set down to a table filled with cheeses, hams, olives...all from local area, and eat and drink for 3 hours (its great). Anyway, even if you don't stay there, he will book it for you regardless. Tell him that you found the information through a TEXAN named Larry Rogers, he will know exactly who that is As far as seeing Puente de Inca, that is a must do and since the largest Mountain in the Americas is about 500meters away you should do that to. Its right down the road. All can be done in a day...tip, don't to the tours, they are a waste of money. Again, rent a car and drive yourself....its an incrediable drive. Hope this helps | ||
| Rima Patel New member Username: Rimapatel Post Number: 5 Registered: 5-2007 |
Thanks Larry, how long did you spend travelling, seems like you must have lots of good stories :-) I decided again San Martin Los Andes and decided to go to Villa L'Angostura and get a nice chalet. So perhaps i can easily do the 7 lakes drive, I have heard that the roads are not the greatest though? Is it easy enough to drive from Bariloche to Villa L'Angostura? (btw is it left or right hand drive?) Will defnitely follow you advice about Mendoza...sounds great. | ||
| larry Rogers Junior Member Username: Larryr30 Post Number: 46 Registered: 6-2006 |
Sorry Rima, I think that I left out two parts... Osorno to Pucon is around 4hours...I believe, its nothing in the great distances that your getting ready to cover. Puente de Inca is only 1hr by car...which, again is the best way to take that roadtrip. Also, the name of the mountain peak is Aconcahua (21,000 approx.) its pretty much breath taking. | ||
| larry Rogers Junior Member Username: Larryr30 Post Number: 47 Registered: 6-2006 |
Well, Im actually still here and live in Buenos Aires in a 6bed room home that took me forever to find...other story for another day. I lived in Bariloche and the surronding areas for a while so that is where I get the common knowledge stuff. Your choice of Villa L'Angostura is a good one, you will like it and surronding area is unbelievable...if you email personally I will send you a link to my pictures that I have taken off the past 8months and you can see actually what San Martin, Bariloche, Tronador and Villa look like first hand. They drive on the Right like in North America and the roads, believe it or not, are just fine. The state of Argentina is really making an effort in the south to get roads suited for heavy commerical traffic and tourism...so not really a problem unless your going from Bariloche to El Calafate or something like that! Hope that helps has well | ||
| Rima Patel New member Username: Rimapatel Post Number: 6 Registered: 5-2007 |
Ah great! I am just looking at places to stay in Villa La Angostura, any recommendations? we thought we would find a nice place as we are staying in hostels in most other places. I am going to take a night bus from Puerto Madryn to Bariloche/Villa La Angostura, where can we rent a car from? and how much are the daily rates roughly? | ||
| larry Rogers Junior Member Username: Larryr30 Post Number: 48 Registered: 6-2006 |
Daily rates of a place that I know (but will have to send you the information tomorrow)....he is a friend of a friend and charged us like 80.00 or 100.00 pesos for 24 hours...that is some where around $30.00US. In Villa La Angostura, tomorrow the same thing...will send some connectins after I talk to some individuals in the area....o.k, | ||
| Rima Patel New member Username: Rimapatel Post Number: 7 Registered: 5-2007 |
Hey Guys, Have you come across Hotel Ayelen in SM Los Andes? Do you recommend it? And what about Hosteria La Posada in Villa La Angostura. | ||
| Tom Advanced Member Username: Diverdown48 Post Number: 398 Registered: 6-2006  |
what about Bs. As. in October? Gathering being planned by Roberto. all are welcome | ||
| Chad Ernst New member Username: Riskybusiness Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2007 |
Hola! I'm planning to go to Argentina for 3 months starting in January. I desire to learn Tango (and Salsa), maybe gain some coordination I've read it's oppressively hot in BA during January and February (and the locals are mostly out of town on holiday). Is it that bad really? Would you go elsewhere? Are there some other great places in the country to visit during Jan/Feb that have better weather and still have plenty of dance lessons? How about Cordoba? Better? Thank you! Chad | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1382 Registered: 12-2004 |
Welcome Chad! Oppressively hot is mostly a subjective feeling, I'd say... After living in south florida for many years summers in BA feel very different now and not very hot at all. In my view, is not even as bad, hot and humid as it is in NY. But if you are sensitive to heat you can explore some of the beaches, like Mar del Plata, where you may also find tango lessons. Cordoba is always an option and because it's dryer than BA might also feel less oppressive. The nice thing about BA during Jan and Feb is that you will have it just for yourself... well, almost. | ||
| Chad Ernst New member Username: Riskybusiness Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2007 |
Thanks Roberto! That's just what I wanted to know. It sounds like it will be quite nice to me. I'll just head to BA and I can always change local if necessary. Having BA almost to myself will be okay, as long as there are still pretty girls around Chad | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1391 Registered: 12-2004 |
> as long as there are still pretty girls around. in abundance, my friend. | ||
| Laydin Chavez New member Username: Laycha Post Number: 1 Registered: 12-2007 |
Hi Roberto, do you speak spanish? | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1406 Registered: 12-2004 |
Laydin welcome! Yes, native speaker. | ||
| Laydin Chavez New member Username: Laycha Post Number: 2 Registered: 12-2007 |
Perfecto! Estoy planificando visitar Argentina para mis vacaciones en Dic 2008, por unas 2 semanas, tengo 34 anos quiero conocer al menos tres ciudades, me interesa una estadia donde me integre con la ciudad, me gusta el buen vino, la buena comida, el arte, el tango, actividades de montana como hiking... He considerado visitar BA, Bariloche y Mendoza. Que me recomienda? | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1407 Registered: 12-2004 |
Laydin, los destinos seleccionados son ideales para las actividades que buscas. En Buenos Aires vas a disfrutar mas el lado cultural de tu viaje en tanto que en Mendoza y Bariloche vas a pasar mas tiempo en actividades fisicas. | ||
| Chad Ernst New member Username: Riskybusiness Post Number: 3 Registered: 11-2007 |
Does anyone know of a good online resource, in English, with information about Rosario? Thanks! | ||
| Stevie-g New member Username: Stevieg Post Number: 8 Registered: 11-2006 |
I am living in Rosario...I am not sure what information you are looking for.. lacapital.com.ar is a good source of information, but it is in Spanish. Steve | ||
| Ricardo New member Username: Gromit Post Number: 2 Registered: 12-2007 |
Hello, Does anyone know if in B.A. there is an organic food market and somewhere to buy Dr. Bronners peppermint soap? Also looking for a Montessori pre-school. Thanks! | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1430 Registered: 12-2004 |
Ricardo, for Montessori schools in Argentina you could probably check their association website. I can't say much about comida organica and how widespread it is in BA. You will probably find more in the range of 'macrobiotica' and 'integral' and 'naturista', which may not necessarily be organic food. | ||
| movingtoargentina.typepad.com Intermediate Member Username: Sapphos Post Number: 115 Registered: 2-2006 |
There is the organic farm talloverde.com ; for other organic products one of your best bets is the chinese grocery in Belgrano's Chinatown where you can find organic beans, rice and some other products. I don't believe you will find Dr. Bronners anywhere unfortunately but if you do I want to know! Laura Ebook Moving to and Living in Buenos Aires, Argentina http://movingtoargentina.typepad.com | ||
| Ricardo New member Username: Gromit Post Number: 3 Registered: 12-2007 |
Thanks to you all for all your helpful information about Montessori schools & organic foor sources! | ||
| Ricardo New member Username: Gromit Post Number: 4 Registered: 12-2007 |
Thanks to you all for all your helpful information about Montessori schools & organic foor sources! | ||
| Chad Ernst New member Username: Riskybusiness Post Number: 4 Registered: 11-2007 |
Stevie-g, Thanks for replying. Sorry, I've been distracted by coming here to argentina and the disasters that entailed... anyway. I'm in BA now, and it's a lot like I imagined... a BIG, crazy city. Coming from towns of 7,000 people, it's a bit much for me. It has some things I like, but the noise, the car fumes, the danger crossing the street, yeck. And there really isn't much nature here, in the parks in palermo you still here lots of traffic. The city is just too big for me. I was hoping to get a feel for Rosario. I thought it might feel a bit more homey and friendly, slower and quieter, with easy access to attractive nature and hiking outdoors, while still having the advantages that a big city has, like conveniences, lots of tango lessons and milongas, good food, and people (hopefully friendly). I'd appreciate any suggestions you can give me. Chad | ||
| Dolores New member Username: Dolores Post Number: 5 Registered: 5-2007 |
Hi Chad, I as well want to explore more of the nature part of BA.. I love the Botanical gardens (have to be carefull about pick-pockets - so the guard told me the last time I visited, but did not see any indication). Anyhow, I would recommend a great Estancia that I discovered on my last trip where you can visit and explore the beautiful countryside of Argentina, yet within reach of BA. Their web site is http://www.estancialamargarita.com/. Take a look at it.. it may be what you are looking for. Cheers and enjoy BA -- I love the city and the contrast of different neighborhoods. Dolores | ||
| Ricardo New member Username: Gromit Post Number: 5 Registered: 12-2007 |
We would appreciate guidance on what the norm is regarding payment for babysitters for the occasional evening out. We are also exploring the possibility of hiring a nanny and need clarification on what duties to expect from them and again, what the norm is regarding salary. Any referrals would be greatly appreciated. We have a three year old and are also seeking gymnastic, ballet, play groups or a summer program so she can socialize. We live in the Palermo area. Thanks! | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1471 Registered: 12-2004 |
Ricardo, I have opened a babysitters in Buenos Aires thread to discuss this. Let's see... | ||
| Ricardo New member Username: Gromit Post Number: 6 Registered: 12-2007 |
Roberto, Thanks. I will look forward to any discussion related to babbysitters/nannys/live in maids. Additionally any topics related to pre-schools, play groups, dance classes, etc. for children. | ||
| linda beckerman New member Username: Neil Post Number: 1 Registered: 1-2008 |
planning to go to argentina at the beginning of december for about 2 wks. want to stay in buenos aires for a few nights, go to el calafate/el chalten, fly to trelow and go to puerto madryn and peninsula valdes, fly to iguazu falls. we want non stop direct flights within argentina. is that possible and what route should we use. is there a direct non stop flight to iguazu falls from patagonia? how many days in each area are needed? what about nice bed and breakfasts in each area? where should we stay in buenas aires? have been reading your postings and they are amazing. so informative. hope you can help us. linda and neil | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1475 Registered: 12-2004 |
Hello Linda and welcome! Please take a look at the chart for domestic flights in Argentina. You can see which destinations get the non-stop routes. You can fly non-stop Bue-Calafate, Calafate-Trelew. But for Iguazu, you must connect through Buenos Aires. As for days, the standard is 3 nights in Calafate, 2 to 3 nights in Puerto Madryn and 2 to 3 nights in Iguazu. Buenos Aires has a very diverse range of accomodations from cheaper 3 star hotels to boutiques with only a handful of rooms so it is really difficult to recommend as this may fall into a very subjective area. | ||
| Ricardo New member Username: Gromit Post Number: 13 Registered: 12-2007 |
Hello, How does one go about finding an agent for buying medical/health insurance. What is necessary to buy...we are intending to stay here long term. We have a CDI but nothing else at this time. | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1548 Registered: 12-2004 |
Ricardo, do you have a health insurance provider in mind? If so, it may be as simple as contacting them and asking for a sales rep. which will interview you. Check OSDE, they have a form in english as well. Or Docthos. I used to have this one while living here. |
