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John
Unregistered guest
Posted on Saturday, January 08, 2005 - 9:19 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Dear Travelsur,

I came across your web page while researching Argentine polo. I think I would like to visit la Argentina for several weeks over the upcoming holidays, or more likely, during the Easter holiday. Can you assist me in planning a trip?

I was very taken by the description of El Rincon. Are there similar rancherias near Buenos Aires? Or any other place that is quiet. I would even be open to a remote, scenic location. I speak Spanish, am a bit rusty, and would prefer to be not to be around too many English-speaking tourists.

If I’m asking too much or if my inquiry is misdirected, please tell me I’ve lost my mind. Truth is I’ve wanted to visit Argentina for as long as I can recall. Perhaps my window of opportunity is open!

John from San Francisco
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roberto
Unregistered guest
Posted on Saturday, January 08, 2005 - 9:22 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Dear John, you will be out of your mind if you DO NOT visit Argentina. Yes, this is a great time to visit considering the very favorable rate of exchange. I'd say, the best opportunity ever for a foreigner. You can ask all the questions you want.

There are a few other choices regarding 'polo' and ranches, but El Rincon is possibly the best. If you are just interested in ranches in general, then, your choices widen considerably and many of these choices will provide you with a 'quiet' stay in somewhat remote, non-traditional locations, a couple of hundreds miles away from Buenos Aires, like 'Sierra de la Ventana' or even in San Antonio de Areco, much closer.

My best advice is that you contact us again begining 2005 and we will be able to take care of all your travel needs in Argentina. We can definitely help you arrange a 'polo' or a 'ranch' trip anywhere in our Country. Hope to hear from you!
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ryan rooney
New member
Username: Ryan60614

Post Number: 1
Registered: 5-2005
Posted on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 1:37 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

I am planning a trip from the US to Argentina in November. I am going with my girlfriend and all we have planned right now is arriving in Buenos Aires Nov 17th and leaving the 28th. We don't want to spend a lot of money flying to other places, but we do want to get out of B.A. and see some other things. Is Iguazu possible? How expensive to get there? We thought about a trip to Montevideo? Worthwhile?
Any suggestions you could give would be great.We also have the following choices of hotels for our stay in B.A.. Which would you recommend. We are 27 and 31 and like to go out a lot.
Golden Tulip Savoy
Aspen Suites
Plaza San Martin Suites
Melia Buenos Aries Boutique
Abasto Plaza
Aspen Towers Hotel

Any you would stay away from? It is an already paid for package on United. I'd also be interested in going to a football match while there if there is a big one.
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Roberto
Board Administrator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 28
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 4:24 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hello Ryan and welcome.

That time of the year is usually great! It is still not too hot and humidity is nowhere around so it is very pleasant. The trip to Iguazu is one of the most economical ones and also it is at the top when considering the most bang for your bucks. At present, we are offering a 3 nights package at a 5 star hotel for about $450/480 per person, all included (roundtrip, accomodations, excursions, breakfast plus one other meal {either supper or lunch}, all transfers in Iguazu {not in Buenos Aires} and taxes. The prices in November will most likely be different but this can give you an idea. The trip is phenomenal in that it includes a ride on a rubber boat under the falls plus 2 or 3 other excursions.

As for you choices of hotels I'd say you may not be as happy in the Savoy as you might be in the Aspen Towers or the Plaza San Martin (I know the area because I lived there). The savoy is close to the Congress and this increases the risks of 'strike marchs' and stuff. The Abasto choice is unusual and a bit different but I am not entirely comfortable with that neighborhood. It gets a little funny at night. The Melia is fairly good and throughout the day it can be fine but during weekends may be a poor choice since it is in the middle of the financial district.

The Melia, Aspen suites, Aspen Towers and the Plaza San Martin are all close to each other. The Melia is the closest to Puerto Madero and this is its main advantage but the other 3 are located in nicer. more residential areas and since they are only 10 minutes away from Puerto Madero there is little difference. My personal choices are Aspen Towers, then Plaza San Martin and then Aspen suites. For pictures of Buenos Aires you can visit Buenos Aires pictures.

(Message edited by admin on March 30, 2006)
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Amos
Unregistered guest
Posted on Sunday, May 22, 2005 - 7:55 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Greetings. I have about 10 days to travel in Argentina in July before spending 3 weeks in Cordoba. I speak Spanish and would like to see some of the country (especially rural areas) without spending too much time on the road. I'll be arriving in Buenos Aires. Also, I will be visiting Iguazu Falls and Mendoza later. Do you have any suggested itinerary? Also, can I travel to Patagonia in July or is it too cold?
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Roberto
Unregistered guest
Posted on Monday, May 23, 2005 - 11:09 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hello Amos and welcome. Yes, Patagonia is going to be cold in July but it is such a vast region that it will be necessary to determine which places in Patagonia you may want to visit. Some areas have a lot more harsh weather than others.

In all cases, you should be comfortable with snow and cold days. As for an itinerary we would need to know exactly your scheduled activities. If you arrive in Buenos Aires and have 10 days to spare before engaging in your trip to Cordoba, then, I would recommend staying around the area of La Pampa and Entre Rios. In both states, including Buenos Aires, you will have ample opportunity to become acquainted with the flatlands (pampas) and the countryside. For specific itineraries I advice you to contact Erna in our Buenos Aires office at erna@travelsur.net.
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Shirley
Unregistered guest
Posted on Tuesday, August 09, 2005 - 7:22 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi, I am currently looking for accomodation for a group of 4 persons in Nov 2005 for around 4-5 nights in BA. We are on budget and are looking for accom no more than 15 USD per person per night. Are open to staying at B&B, homestays, hostels or rented short term apartments.
Can you suggest some properties that we can look into? Also, which area in BA would you recommend? (Safety is our greatest concern followed by being close to transport and shops). I have been looking for places around either San Martin Plaza or San Telmo.
Also we would want to do some side trips from BA. One of them to Iguazu, would 3 days 2 nights be sufficient? Is it easy to organise for side trips once we are in BA? Where is the best place to go to in BA?

Thanks for your help.
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Roberto
Board Administrator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 72
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Tuesday, August 09, 2005 - 12:30 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Dear Shirley, we have had bad experiences with low budget hotels in Buenos Aires. Every time we recommended or booked rooms for, say students in a budget, in 3 stars hotels at about USD $25 per person we found out that passengers were not happy and then wanted either a refund or move to another location. It is my experience that it may be difficult -at least for us- to find a location that is safe enough, lively enough and cheap enough. Most likely, if it is safe, surrounded by shops, restaurants and malls, it won't be dirt cheap.

So briefly, we are not presently recommending such low range price accomodations anymore. There might be some *interesting* BBs in the San Telmo area for that price but then, the neighborhood may score poorly when it comes to safety. You may want to email this person mike@apartmentsba.com and try to find out if there are any apartments that may be more competitive in price. His name is Michael Koh.

Very safe areas won't be cheap, as La Recoleta, Barrio Norte or Retiro (Plaza San Martin). You should try to find an apartment in Palermo neighborhood. It will be safe and relatively inexpensive as well as close to everything.

Yes, you can organize a short trip to Iguazu while you are here and yes, 2 nights will suffice. There are many travel agents that can do this for you including us. I am not sure what you mean exactly by 'the best place to go in Buenos Aires'... Is this for dinning? for walks? for shopping?
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Viviane
Unregistered guest
Posted on Thursday, August 18, 2005 - 2:29 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Looking at your letters Buenos Aires does not appear to be very safe, we will be travelling with a choir of 40 people and singing in different parts of the country. Sould I be concerned about the safety of my group, they are all in their 60. we are also going to La Plata, can you give us some tips?
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Roberto
Board Administrator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 87
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Friday, August 19, 2005 - 10:49 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Viviane, 'crime' conditions have improved markedly in the recent past. Since Argentina's debacle 4 years ago when crime was rampant, the country has been under steady progress. Better labor markets and improved personal income has helped in lowering crime rates. This is not to say that Buenos Aires has become a really safe place. There are still many pockets of poverty -some very large- and personal income is still a far cry from what it used to be 5 to 10 years ago. But I would say that if you take normal precautions and remain alert, there should be no problems. A group of 40 whose age is above 60 should always remain together and should always be on the alert since it might be an easier prey anywhere they travel. Also, tourism has been on the rise in the last 3 years. The expanded contact and experience handling foreigners (by locals) should make your trip safe enough. As for La Plata, the same recommendations apply.

(Message edited by admin on December 31, 2005)
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Viviane
Unregistered guest
Posted on Wednesday, September 07, 2005 - 2:58 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Dear Roberto
many thanks for your reply, I found this site most useful and very interesting, very often some of the questions by others have given me an answer, without having to ask.
We now have decided to saty in a Safe area of BA, and when the group tour is finished plan to go to Salta and Jujuy for a week,thanks to your website. We have taken note of your advise and we are sure that we will enjoy your country.
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Cathy MacKinnon
Unregistered guest
Posted on Saturday, September 10, 2005 - 2:28 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

I am considering a trip to Argentina with my husband and 6 year old daughter in late February, 2006. We would have about 10 days. I don't know where to start. Any ideas for an itinerary? Thanks a lot.
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Roberto
Board Administrator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 119
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Sunday, September 11, 2005 - 12:24 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Cathy and welcome.
Feb. will be a good time to visit the beaches. I recommend that any itinerary you work on includes at least one of the beaches. Considering your child's age I would also recommend a smaller, family-oriented one such as Carilo, perhaps Pinamar if Carilo ends up being too small.

In a 10 days trip that includes Buenos Aires and a beach you may still have time for one more destination. This other destination will largely depend on the kind of experiences you are looking to have. Will your family enjoy more seeing wild animals in their habitats? Would the country and wine tours be more appealing? How about beautiful landscapes and lakes in southern Argentina (Bariloche)? You can explore these destinations in our website or other sites online. Look for Bariloche (south of Argentina), Puerto Madryn (in Chubut) or Mendoza (to the west) for that 3rd destination. Your trip may look like this:

3 nights Buenos Aires.
3 nights Bariloche or Puerto Madryn or Mendoza.
3 nights Carilo or Pinamar.
1 night Buenos Aires.
---
10 nights
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NA
Unregistered guest
Posted on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 - 2:07 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi, my husband and I, along with one other couple, are visiting Buenos Aires for a week during end of November 2005. We are starting to educate ourselves about the city and the country and know nothing (except the great exchange rate and welcoming locals)but have been recommended by many to visit.

We are looking for a luxury vacation - what 5-stars do you recommend. I was considering Park Towers, Marriott Plaza - any others that are recommended?

We like food and wine, some touristy stuff - any other cities recommended or is BA enough to keep us busy for a week? Any wine tours or wine regions available?

Any tips would be appreciated.

Many thanks in advance,
NA
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Roberto
Board Administrator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 125
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 - 10:20 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

NA, I think November is a great time to visit Mendoza. Perhaps you can spend 3 nights there and do some wine tours and enjoy great nature. This would be ideal.

5 stars Hotels in Buenos Aires

Sheraton Libertador (Cordoba 690)
Sheraton Buenos Aires (San Martin 1225)
Hotel Madero by Sofitel (Rosario Vera Peñaloza 360)
Hilton (Macacha Gomez 351)
NH City (Bolivar 160)
Caesar Park (Posadas 1232)
Sofitel (Arroyo 841)
Alvear Palace (Av. Alvear 1891)
Four Seasons (Posadas 1086)
Intercontinental (Moreno 809)
Mansion Dandi Royal (Piedras 922)
Feir's Park (Esmeralda 1366)

From all of the above, Four Seasons and Alvear Palace are the most classic. The last 2 are off the beaten path. I kind of like Caesar Park though.

(Message edited by admin on September 14, 2005)
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Tanya
Unregistered guest
Posted on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 - 6:49 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Myself and 3 other girls are travelling Argentina next week. We are planning on spending the first week travelling by bus around the country returning to Buenos Aires in the second week. We are thinking of going by bus from Buenos Aires to Rosario, then Cordoba, then San Luis and finally Mendosa, returning to BA by plane. Is this too much in 1 week? Were should we leave in/take out? Any tips would be appreciated.

Many thanks in advance,
Tanya
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Jason Phillips
New member
Username: Jep677

Post Number: 1
Registered: 9-2005
Posted on Thursday, September 22, 2005 - 12:50 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

We are coming to Argentina in Dec/Jan (12/17-1/7) for three weeks, planning on spending one week in BA and surounding area for day trips, and considering going to Mendoza, Bariloche, Peninsula Valdez, and Puerto Madryn. Is this too much for a three week period?

I'm confused about the best way to get to place to place, and in what order - any advice?

Also confused about the Argentina Air Pass - we are flying via American Airlines into Argentina; can we purchase an air pass separately? If not, what flights should we buy, or what is a better option to do via bus? Can we purchase the South American Pass (perhaps flying to Uruguay or Chile to meet the two country requirement?).

Thanks,

Jason
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Roberto
Board Administrator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 134
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Thursday, September 22, 2005 - 3:29 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Tanya, Rosario/Cordoba are fairly short trips and are on the same route. I would leave San Luis out and go straight to Mendoza. Still, this may be too much bus traveling for one week. Just getting to Mendoza from Buenos Aires will take anywhere from 12 to 15 hours depending on the bus company. For a relaxed trip I would only visit Rosario and Mendoza.
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Roberto
Board Administrator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 135
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Thursday, September 22, 2005 - 3:47 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Jason, yes, you might be able to hit all those destinations with carefull planning. I am not an expert on air passes but my limited knowledge tells me you can only buy this from abroad and if your incoming airliner is Argentine Airlines. But don't take my word. Things keep changing. Try to find the nearest argentine airlines office in your area and ask them. Generally speaking, air passes have limitations in that all airports will count as one destination. This is a disadvantage inside Argentine for most destinations, if not all, require a Buenos Aires connection. An air pass may end up costing you more if you have delays in airports or get an odd number of them because of the BA flights (Bue - Men - Bue - Bariloche - Bue) is an example of 5 destinations.

I would get the Mendoza part of your trip out of the way by bus, on an executive coach with 180 degree beds and dinner/breakfast service. Then, once back in Buenos Aires I would fly Bue-Bariloche-trelew-Bue, to visit Bariloche and Puerto Madryn (Peninsula Valdes is part of the P.Madryn visit and also bear in mind there will be a BA connection in the middle). As for days, we usually recommend a minimum of:

Mendoza 3 nights
Bariloche 4 nights
Puerto Madryn 3 nights

So you have plenty of time to add days to each destination.
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Susan Brady
Unregistered guest
Posted on Tuesday, October 11, 2005 - 9:03 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Dear Travelsur, I am travelling to Argentina, arriving on December 3rd 2005 into Buenos Aires. I would like to spend 4 days in Buenos Aires initially and then fly to Patagonia, I would like to spend 5 days there, very keen to see the glaciers. What do you recommend for an itinerary there? There are 2 of us travelling, on a budget/ mid price range. We would like some sunshine before a return to BA, is it possible to combine the wine and sun regions over 6 days? We would like to do a trip to Iguazu at the end. Can you advise on any good hostels in Buenos Aires also or mid range hotels?
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Roberto
Board Administrator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 169
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Tuesday, October 11, 2005 - 9:48 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Susan, most visitors go to El Calafate in Santa Cruz province where they have a chance to experience a couple of glaciers, namely, Perito Moreno and Upsala. The glaciers can be covered in 3 days. You can fly straight to EL Calafate from Buenos Aires. If you want to explore deep patagonia then you can also combine this trip with Ushuaia, in Tierra del Fuego. There, you can visit the national park. This may take another 2 days. I am afraid that even if you add one day to make it a total of 6 you may be short of time for another destination, such as Mendoza, the west andean region of Argentina where you will be able to visit wineries and enjoy sunny days. And there won't be time for Iguazu either. These are the standard times recommended for visiting each location:

Iguazu: 2 nights minimum
Mendoza: 3 nights minimum
Calafate: 3 nights
Ushuaia: 2 nights

You can cut time on each but your trip will become stressful. Flying to each location might involve connecting through Buenos Aires, therefore a great deal of time spent on an airplane.

We are not very familiar with hostels, however, you can still get good rates, clean rooms and decent customer service in the average 4 star hotels. Prices may range from USD $60/85 a night. Hotel Wilton in Santa Fe Ave. is one example but there are many. If you walk through 'retiro' neighborhood, Suipacha street or Marcelo T. de Alvear street you can find several hotels in this range (Conquistador). Typically, hotels rooms in 4 star hotels are smaller than what americans are used to. We have had a few customers staying at 3 star hotels ending up disppointed even though we adviced against. Motel 8 type of lodge that have comfortable, spatious rooms at very convenient rates is something that does not exist here.
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Susan Brady
Unregistered guest
Posted on Tuesday, October 11, 2005 - 12:23 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi there, thanks for your last mail, that was very helpful. We actually have 3 weeks to spend in Argentina, in terms of planning a trip, 4 days in Buenos Aires, would you go to Mendoza or Patagonia next? In which order would be better. I deally we would like to visit somewhere on the east coast on the way back to BA and then Iguazu as last port of call before heading to Rio. Realistically we have 15 days to do BA, Mendoza, Patagonia and a beach resort before heading to BA to go to Iguazu and Rio. Would that be enough time to do the 4 destinations? What would be the best order to do that in? Susan
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Roberto
Board Administrator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 170
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Tuesday, October 11, 2005 - 1:50 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

I would do this:

Buenos Aires
Mendoza
Ushuaia
Calafate
Beach
Iguazu

This is what makes most sense since you will be going from hot weather to cold and back to hot. In order for the transition to be mild, Mendoza should be your second stop. Then head to southern patagonia. On your way back you can *climatize* again by stopping at one of the beaches before heading back to Buenos Aires to prepare for your departure to Iguazu.

(Message edited by admin on October 11, 2005)
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justin model
Unregistered guest
Posted on Sunday, October 16, 2005 - 6:22 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

I am traveling to Argentina in November and have a few extra days in Buenos Aires. Are there any day (or overnight) trips you recommend? How easy is it to get to Uruguay? What about a Polo match/ranch visit?
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Roberto
Board Administrator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 180
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Sunday, October 16, 2005 - 6:36 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Justin, all those short trips/visits will be worth your time. The different dates for Polo open tournaments are as follows:

Tortugas 27 Sept to 15 Oct
Hurlingham 18 Oct to 5 Nov
Argentine Open 19 Nov to 10 Dec

It looks like you might be able to make it to the Argentine Open. Traveling to Uruguay for the day or an overnight stay is *highly* recommended. It is also very easy. All you need to do is go to the port terminal where BUQUEBUS departs and purchase a ferry ticket to your preferred destination. I would go for 'Colonia del Sacramento' and perhaps consider a one night stay. Don't forget you can also spend a day/or night in a very nice Estancia in the outskirts of Buenos Aires. In addition, there are a few new services that you may want to try like an all-day trip/visit through the islands of El Tigre. Santiago Bengolea who sometimes participates here offers this service. You can search for BarbaCharters on the internet or read this thread to learn more. I will think of a few more *alternative* options later tonight.
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Danie van Vuuren
Unregistered guest
Posted on Monday, October 17, 2005 - 10:39 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi, I'm touring B.A. with the Springboks (rugby) from South Africa from 2-10 November 2005. I'll have about 3 days free after the match on Saturday and want to see some other parts of Argentina. I love nature, what would you suggest in such a short time? Thanks!
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Roberto
Board Administrator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 182
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Monday, October 17, 2005 - 10:50 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Danie, if you love nature and are also fond of animal life I'd suggest a 3 nights visit to Puerto Madryn in Chubut. There, you can visit Peninsula Valdes and Punta Tombo and be in close proximity to sea lions, sea wolves, penguins, hundreds of bird species and perhaps have the chance to spot some orcas too. It is also possible to take a whale watching trip at this time of the year before the whales go back into deep ocean. This is an easy trip flying from BA to Trelew.
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justin model
Unregistered guest
Posted on Monday, October 17, 2005 - 4:27 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks a lot. this is really helpful
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Paul
Unregistered guest
Posted on Tuesday, October 25, 2005 - 5:20 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Roberto,
I'm travelling to Argentina in January, arriving the 3rd and flying back the 30th. I might visit surrounding countries as well. Would love to spend some substantial time in BA and visit some hot spots in the rest of the country. Animal life, wine region and some nice beaches (Some friends recommended Uruguay - Punta Este ?) . Could you advise me ? Would also be interested to get some advice on nice hotels in BA (I love charming or design hotels, with good price/quality ratio). Thansk so much for your help.

Paul
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Roberto
Board Administrator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 186
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2005 - 7:06 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hello Paul, we could only log back to the forum today because of hurricane Wilma, hence, the delay.

Briefly, our recommendations for those hot spots are as follows:

1) Animal life > Peninsula Valdes and Punta Tombo in Chubut. You must travel to Puerto Madryn and take the excursions to these sites.
2) Wine tours > Mendoza. Although there are other wine growing regions in Argentina, such as San Juan or Cafayate (even La Rioja) we believe that Mendoza offers the most bang for your buck. There are not only a good variety of wineries you can visit -large ones for popular consumption or the small ones that produce some of our greatest fine bottled wines- but also outdoor activities that you can pursue like mountaneering, hiking, riding horses, rafting or just visiting museums. For details on Mendoza you can check the museums in Mendoza thread.
3) Beaches > yes, Punta del este is a very good choice. If you are looking for a similar beach in Buenos Aires you can research Pinamar. For a more family-oriented setting look into Carilo.

We know just but a few designer hotels in BA that some of our passengers have praised: Art Hotel and Bobo hotel. There may be a few more but these two have had good reviews from our clients. As any designer hotel, they are a departure from traditional accomodations but we feel comfortable recommending them.
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Susan Brady
Unregistered guest
Posted on Monday, November 07, 2005 - 1:01 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi, I would like to go to a football match while I in Buenos Aires. I think that there is a match on Dec 4th. How/where do I organise tickets?

Also, do you know how would I get information on a 1 night overnight in an estancia near to Buenos Aires? Is there an inclusive trip that you can do?
If so where can I get information?
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Roberto
Board Administrator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 196
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Wednesday, November 09, 2005 - 2:08 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Susan, there is an office that specializes in *soccer tourism* here. They can be reached at agencias@tangol.com or by phone at 4312-7276. They offer a complete package picking up passengers 2 hours prior to a game and they would only purchase the medium price tickets securing safe places in the stadium.

As for an overnight stay in a ranch, you can try Erna Rosenfeld at erna@speedy.com.ar. She works with several estancias about 60 to 80 miles away from Buenos Aires. She can arrange a complete package as well, including transfer back and to the estancia.

(Message edited by admin on December 31, 2005)
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Lisa
Unregistered guest
Posted on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 7:38 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Roberto!

We are two girls from Moscow, Russia travelling to Argentina in February 2006. We arrive to Buenos Aires on Feb 6 and go back on Feb 19. Our original plan is: 2 nights in Iguazu, 3 nights in lake district (Bariloche), 2 nights in Villa Gessel (as both the ocean and the sun are only a dream in Russia) and of course Buenos Aires! Could you please advice whether this is a realistic plan for a 13-day trip? Is there any direct flight from Iguazu to Bariloche and what are the approximate air fares for the selected destinations? How one can move around in the lake district? Is is cheaper to book the trips beforehand or better fares may be offerred when we arrive in Argentina? Sorry for asking so many questions all at once and thanks a lot in advance!
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Roberto
Board Administrator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 212
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 - 1:43 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Lisa, yes, your plan is very realistic. At this time a ticket Bue-Igua-Bue is about usd $240 per person and the Bue-Baril-Bue is approx usd $330. However, if you combine all legs in one trip such as Bue-Igu-Bue-Baril-Bue this may be cheaper. There are no direct flights from Igu to Baril that I know of. Flights connect in Buenos Aires.

In Bariloche, you can always rent a car. There is a lot to see and you should get a map before hand, however, most visitors just go for the excursions which are pretty neat.

I advice to book flights in advance. Although some destinations have many daily flights like Iguazu, they have become very popular as of late and you don't want to face delays. Most travel agents should be able to book tickets for you at no charge so there are no advantages in waiting till you get to Buenos Aires, unless you are not sure when you want to visit those destinations.
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HeatherLandi
Unregistered guest
Posted on Friday, December 09, 2005 - 12:47 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi. My husband and I are thinking about taking a trip to Buenos Aires in January or February for a week. We'd like to take a side trip to a beach area, but we don't want to spend 5 hours on a bus or train. I've read about Pinamar. How far is it to Pinamar and how long does a bus or train take to get there? What are the closest beach areas to Buenos Aires?

Thanks!
Heather
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Roberto
Board Administrator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 240
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Friday, December 09, 2005 - 2:45 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Heather, the closest beaches you can find south of Buenos Aires city are all located in an area called "Partido de la costa" which extends for approximately 60 miles and is 200 miles away from BA. Starts at "Bahia de Samborombón" and ends on the northern part of Pinamar, which is located south of this region.

El Partido de la Costa is comprise of 12/15 smaller beach counties: (the more active ones) San Clemente del Tuyú, Santa Teresita, Mar de Ajó, San Bernardo, (the quieter ones) Las Toninas, Costa Chica, Mar del Tuyú, Costa del este, Aguas Verdes, La Lucila del Mar, Costa Azul, Nueva Atlantís, Pinar del Sol, Costa Esmeralda.

Accesing these beaches is pretty easy through county roads 12, 63, 36 and 11 and via the "interbalnearias" roads. There are numerours buses doing this route and you can expect at least a 3 hours drive. I am afraid you have no options regarding the time you must travel to get to the beaches. Bear in mind that Pinamar is still further south.

(Message edited by admin on December 09, 2005)

(Message edited by admin on December 09, 2005)
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Ignacio
Unregistered guest
Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 6:41 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Roberto, I am planning a 10 day trip to Argentina in late March. I've been looking for travel arragements for a three leg itinerary and found very expensive prices. I'd like to do a BA- Calafate-Ushuaia-BA trip (not necesarily in that order) and I don't know how much is a reasonable price to pay. My other option is to forget about Patagonia and Tierra de Fuego and head up to the northwest. I know 10 days is not much and I don't want to try to cover too many areas. I've also been told not to spend too many days in BA. What do you think?
Thanks in advance, you have a very helpful board.
Ignacio
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Roberto
Board Administrator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 251
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 1:19 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hello Ignacio, Buenos Aires has a lot to offer. But the same goes for Patagonia and the northwest. The only way to determine which destinations are right for you is to first establish what kind of trip you have in mind. This only you know. You must define what experiences you want out of your trip. Since the chosen destinations are highly different this should not be difficult.

In Patagonia, you will see jaw-dropping landscapes, specially the glaciers in Calafate. Northwest provinces are radically different and their landscapes are all about ravines and desert land. Northwest provinces, specially Jujuy, have another distinction. They belonged (in part) to the Incaic empire so there is a bit of history to them which makes them really interesting. Buenos Aires is a world on its own and to fully explore it may even take longer than the time you are alloting for this trip. BA is a very cosmopolitan place where you can get lost just by trying all the different great restaurants... So perhaps some homework is in order before you can decide how to distribute your travel dates.

As a guidance, a flight BA-Calafate-Ushuaia-BA should be less than usd $400 per person, taxes included.
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claudia garcia
Unregistered guest
Posted on Thursday, December 22, 2005 - 12:49 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi, I am arriving in B. A. on December 25th and dearting on Jan 4th, 2006. I have reserved the MArriott Plaza for 12/25-12/27 and boquitas pintadas Jan 2-4th.

I would love to explore the Patagonia (wildlife and glaciers) but also feel tempted by Punta del este. Everything seems to be booked. What do you recommended? I am traveling by myself...

Thanks,
Claudia
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Roberto
Board Administrator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 256
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Thursday, December 22, 2005 - 11:45 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Claudia, not sure what to tell you. It's a bit late to the game. My advise of last resort would be to contact Erna at erna@speedy.comn.ar and see if she has anything available for a short trip to Ushuaia / Calafate / Peninsula Valdes or the beaches.

(Message edited by admin on December 22, 2005)
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BIBOLLINI
Unregistered guest
Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 8:27 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi, I am going to Argentina, Buenos Aires tomorrow for 2 weeks! I need someone who is there to travel with me! I would not like to be alone, so pllleeeaassee call!! BIBA from Croatia!
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