| Author | Message | ||
     timur s New member Username: Timur007 Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2006 |
Hello, I'm planning a trip to Argentina for 11-12 days and my hope is to visit BA, the falls, and Bariloche. The problem is the cost to travel in country is a bit over my budget. Is there an overnight bus between these locations that might save me on airfare and hotel stay? Also I have heard of an in country air pass, but it's been very difficult to find any real information about it, is this a possibility for the destinations I have listed? Thanks so much for your help | ||
| Michelle Alison Junior Member Username: Michellealison Post Number: 42 Registered: 7-2008 |
There is a wonderful long distance bus service with overnight buses with seats that turn into beds. The only problem is, you would be spending approx. 4 days on buses. Considering you will only be here for a short time, it is a lot of days. Michelle | ||
| timur s New member Username: Timur007 Post Number: 3 Registered: 11-2006 |
Any ideas what would be the best way for me to get between these locations? Is there an air pass? | ||
| Living in Patagonia Intermediate Member Username: Soulskier Post Number: 152 Registered: 9-2008 |
From BA to Bariloche is about 20 hours on a bus, I suggest the Cama for maximum comfort. Feel free to contact me directly for Bariloche questions, I live here full time. Suerte! | ||
| Francis G Mandarano New member Username: Fgm009 Post Number: 1 Registered: 6-2009 |
How long is the flight from BA to Bariloche? and the cost? FGM | ||
| Living in Patagonia Intermediate Member Username: Soulskier Post Number: 153 Registered: 9-2008 |
2 hours and about US$378 roundtrip, unless you are an Argentine resident. | ||
| elina overstadt Junior Member Username: Agustina Post Number: 28 Registered: 3-2007 |
Flight is 2 hours and as a non resident will cost you about $300-400USD roundtrip. Lan and Aerolineas Argentina both fly there. The bus is a good way to go too..even though it takes 20 hours it does most of the trip at night so you leave in the afternoon and arrive in morning/midday. Just make sure you go cama ejecutivo or tutto leto for the complete bed..cama doesnt go 180 degrees. (the cost is about $65 each way for 1st class). And pack a picnic, the food is FOUL. You might go one way on the plane and one way on the bus. | ||
| Victor W. Member Username: Wvictor Post Number: 65 Registered: 9-2008 |
It is ridiculous that people have to pay extra for not being Argentineans, I wonder what will Argentineans will say if they had to pay more expensive tickets in the rest of the world for not being form that country... | ||
| RentingBA New member Username: Rentingba Post Number: 12 Registered: 1-2008 |
You are right Victor, It's not fair. But remember, those Argentinians pay fees for USA visas. We don't as of yet. That isn't exactly fair either. | ||
| Victor W. Member Username: Wvictor Post Number: 66 Registered: 9-2008 |
That "tax" is not only for Americans, us for everyone that goes to our country, I have travelled a lot and don't remember such thing anywhere, and American pay for a visa to get into Argentina that I know for a few months now, or is not yet happening? | ||
| timur s New member Username: Timur007 Post Number: 4 Registered: 11-2006 |
Wow, it's so much money. Is Bariloche worth the trip? What can you do there? I heard from many people that it's a must see, but is it more memorable than farther south in Patagonia? | ||
| elina overstadt Junior Member Username: Agustina Post Number: 29 Registered: 3-2007 |
It is pretty spectacular and unlike in the far south, there are days of day trips and excursions in the immediate area. You are not going to see the town, you are going to see beautiful mountain lakes and great hiking. What time of year are you going to be there? I would look into to package deals through the airlines. Iguazu is not cheap either....and you really need to fly there. | ||
| RentingBA New member Username: Rentingba Post Number: 13 Registered: 1-2008 |
No Victor, We aren't paying Visa fees. But Argentinians are paying Visa fees. Which is not fair. It is an international gripe with the US. I brought it up in this thread because I thought it was appropriate just to ad some perspective. Argentina did pass the law this year. But they haven't started implementing it. So far Brazil and Paraguay are the only countries charging " reciprocal " visa fees. | ||
| MIchael Calero Intermediate Member Username: Michael795 Post Number: 109 Registered: 4-2007 |
Can someone tell me if the Argentina government are presently charging Americans the visa fee, I believe it was like $137 usd but they extended the first effective date. I would like to know, Since I am traveling to B'A's in August. | ||
| Gayle Member Username: Flaka Post Number: 67 Registered: 7-2007 |
When my husband I were returning to the U.S from Argentina we were both charged a fee to leave that we never had to pay in the past. I should think this might discourage others to travel there. With tourism down I do not know why they would put this into practice now. | ||
| elina overstadt Junior Member Username: Agustina Post Number: 30 Registered: 3-2007 |
the $131 was an entry fee payable to immigration. It was slated for march 2009 and has been postponed indefinitely. Here is the scoop: http://www.discoverbuenosaires.com/argentinas-proposed-tourist-entry-fee-postponed-indefinitely The fee you may have paid was an airport tax fee payable when you depart, its been around forever and cost about $20usd . (Message edited by admin on June 16, 2009) | ||
| elina overstadt Junior Member Username: Agustina Post Number: 31 Registered: 3-2007 |
There is a distinction between what Argentina was proposing (and what Chile does when entering by plane) and the Visas required by Brazil or Paraguay. The tourist fee is just that, a fee. A visa requires not only money, but time/photos/sometimes fingerprints. Its a time consuming process that doesn't even come close to what someone from South America has to do to get a Visa to travel to the US. | ||
| MIchael Calero Intermediate Member Username: Michael795 Post Number: 110 Registered: 4-2007 |
Thank you for the up to date information about the entry fee still being postponed. I am aware with the departing fee which I have paid in the past. Also, I agree with not being fair even though I would have to pay. It should be all the same if the USA charges then Argentina should do the same. Fair is Fair.... When the USA rised the fee for visa's for Brazilians , then Brazil did the same to USA citizens which I had to pay for a five year visa , it wasn't bad just $110 usd. If one is retired from a government job with a pension one can get a Brazilian retirement resident for $300 lifetime. I should of done that .. LOL | ||
| Victor W. Member Username: Wvictor Post Number: 67 Registered: 9-2008 |
The point is, are Americans the only people that visit Argentina? This is charged to everyone that is not Argentinean, it is a bad sign to attract tourism and almost a "don't come here" statement. I'm ashamed of my country doing that. Sorry to drive away of the original subject, but really make me feel bad that my country does this kind of things. | ||
| Living in Patagonia Intermediate Member Username: Soulskier Post Number: 154 Registered: 9-2008 |
I look at it as Argentine residents get a discount, not foreigners paying more. Timur, I live in Bariloche year round, feel free to contact me directly if you have questions on the area, I am happy to help. | ||
| Mark Intermediate Member Username: Lostintheandes Post Number: 129 Registered: 10-2008 |
Careful you don't try to do to much and spend all your time on a bus or in a airport. Your statement is like saying. I am coming to the US and will visit New York City, Florida, and California....oh and in only 11 days. bus trips are long and take a half day to recover from. Plane trips entail long days spent in Airports or between airports in cabs. | ||
| richard cooperman New member Username: Eroica38 Post Number: 21 Registered: 6-2007 |
I agree. Be careful packing too much in. The main domestic airline, Aerolineas Argentinas is chronically late. On my last trip we did Iguazu and Mendoza by air from BA. It worked well except for the 3-4 hr delays we had on ALL Aerolineas flights. | ||
| elina overstadt Junior Member Username: Agustina Post Number: 32 Registered: 3-2007 |
historically Lan has been more reliable, but in the last few months since nationalization..Aerolineas its been 100% better, no more labor strikes/long lunches/mental health days. The domestic airport is modern and in a convenient location, so if the flights are flying it works pretty well... | ||
| timur s New member Username: Timur007 Post Number: 5 Registered: 11-2006 |
What would you recommend for an 11 day trip? | ||
| Living in Patagonia Intermediate Member Username: Soulskier Post Number: 155 Registered: 9-2008 |
Buenos Aires and 1 or 2 other locations would be good. | ||
| timur s New member Username: Timur007 Post Number: 6 Registered: 11-2006 |
Soulskier, I tried to contact you directly, but havent heard back. I'm not sure how this site works, so wanted to reahc out via this discussion in case my email was lost. Thanks | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1872 Registered: 12-2004 |
Timur, let me check. I receive a copy of pms as the admin. I will resend it to him. This system is a little cumbersome. | ||
| K. J. Molina New member Username: Kara Post Number: 2 Registered: 3-2007 |
I am trying to plan a trip around Argentina and wonder if its possible to book internal flights from abroad? (Also, does anyone have recommendations about what parts of the country are best to visit in August. We were thinking about hiking and horse-riding ... suggestions would be more than welcome!) | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1890 Registered: 12-2004 |
Kara, welcome! I got your email about your password and will reply privately. Most hiking areas would be close to the Andes and it can still get very cold in August, specially considering altitude. If you are into hiking you must explore Mendoza although many parts of Argentina are suitable for this. I am not sure I understand you inquiry about internal flights... Isn't it possible to do this through a local agent? My mother books and makes reservations for her foreign clients for domestic flights all the time! Some information is needed though (passport numbers, etc). August is weather changing time as September approaches and Spring is near. So you will first have to decide what your likes are in terms of a trip and then make sure the weather is appropriate. As I said, Mendoza and some other areas of Patagonia as well as northern states are all good for hiking, with the caveat of cold weather in August. (Message edited by admin on July 29, 2009) |
