This September, I'll be travelling to Buenos Aires (3 days--vacation) and Montevideo (5 days--mostly business). I've also got two days unaccounted for, and I'm thinking of making a short trip to another destination--I've been thinking about Santiago de Chile, Sao Paolo and Iguazu Falls. Can anyone provide me with advice that will help me make up my mind between these destinations?

Also, does anyone have suggestions for a hotel in Buenos Aires? I've been looking at the Park Tower, Marriott, Hilton and Alvear, but can't really find anything that distinguishes one from the others.

I've stayed at the Park Tower and the Marriott in Buenos Aires. Both are very nice hotels and close to everything, including the subway. The Hilton is a little farther away if I remember correctly. As I'm a Starwood junkie I would probably tell you to stay at the Park Tower or even the Libertador. You can find some additional info on the Sheraton board on those.

I would agree with the above poster that for those few days try Punte del Este if you like the beach, or go to Iguassu. Going to Santa Catarina is beautiful, but you will then need to deal with the Brazil visa issues and that may not be worth it for such a short visit.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by SNA1K:

I would agree with the above poster that for those few days try Punte del Este if you like the beach, or go to Iguassu. Going to Santa Catarina is beautiful, but you will then need to deal with the Brazil visa issues and that may not be worth it for such a short visit.[/B]</font>

I plan on making it back to Brazil at some point soon (which was the reason I was thinking of heading to Sao Paolo on this trip--so I could see the pretty parts on the next one), so it's probably not worth dealing with the visa issues for two days.

Will it be warm enough to enjoy the beach in early September?

I'd avoid any longer travel plans for just two days on what is already a long trip. So either take the ferry to Colonia in Uruguay (1.5 hrs from BA) and relax and soak up the historical atmosphere - or head to Punta del Este for some glamour and nightlife.

Other options within Argentina could include Mar del Plata (a beach resort) or Mendoza (for vineyards and mountain activities). I am not sure how reliable Areolineas or Austral timetable is now though.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by jordyn:
I plan on making it back to Brazil at some point soon (which was the reason I was thinking of heading to Sao Paolo on this trip--so I could see the pretty parts on the next one), so it's probably not worth dealing with the visa issues for two days.

Will it be warm enough to enjoy the beach in early September?</font>

If you are in NYC, getting the Visa is a same day issue. We got there early (approx 8 AM) and got a 5 year visa. I think Igguassu is
worth a visit. It is truely breath-taking -
Both the Brazilian and Argentinian side.

First of all, the Park Hyatt in BA blows away any other hotel in town. It's one of the best PH's in the world. The price should be OK in September. As for PDP, it is probably empty in September as it's prime is in January.

You could always put on a parka and head down to Tierra Del Fuego. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

Or have you thought of Peru?

akhullar: pardon my ignorance.. is the falls in both argentina and brazil?? what side is better? if brazil is, then is it worth the hassle of a visa to go on that side just to see the falls?
thanks

Sao Paulo is definitely a Business destination.

Do consider Iguassu Falls, but then you have to see them from the Argentine and Brazilian side. If you want to skip one just see them from the Brazilian side which is much better.

Rio is a perfect spot to go at anytime. Consider staying at an Ipanema area Hotel.

Summer or Winter Brazil is Hot or warm. Hardly you'll find it cold. And, then cold in most of Brazil means 16 degrees C.

Have fun

My favorite hotel in BA is the Etoile in Recoleta. In fact, I was just there last weekend. The location is great overlooking the park.

The Hyatt is a really nice hotel, but the location is kind of boring honestly.

The Hilton is near the Puerto Madero restaurant complex, so the location is not bad.

The Hyatt is easy walking distance to the Recoleta. There is nearby shopping inbetween the two.

Of the three options you offered, the obvious choice, to me at least, would be to see the Falls. It's convenient, cost efficient, and more interesting than either SP or Santiago by a w i d e margin. Now, if money were no object, then I would head to Rio de Janeiro (though direct flights are not that plentiful), the most beautiful city in South America. Punta del Este could be interesting if you are in to crowded beaches and beautiful people. As I like neither, I tend to avoid such places.

Another option would be to take a trip to the interior of Argentina to Cordoba or Jujuy, or just spend more time in Bs. As.

I have been to Iguazu and Santiago. I will be in Sao Paulo in about a month.

My opinion is that you should go to Iguazu.

You should go see boths sides on the falls. I also suggest a helicopter ride on the Brazil side. I also suggest a canoe trip on the upper side of the falls [!!!!] on the Argentina side. I also suggest a Samba show on the Brazil side.

We did not have a Brazil visa. They never requested passports moving back by taxi from either side and we never had any problems.

I think both borders have been instructed to look the other way...tourist money is good.

We visited these areas about six years ago. We have friends in Sao Paulo, so they were able to show us the highlights. I think it would be much more difficult without some personal hosts.

Iguazu is amazing! Niagara will never be the same for you. Rent the movie "The Mission" with Rober deNiro for a preview. Definitely try to see it from both sides. We did a combination "jungle tour" and raft trip to the base of the falls. Well worth the money, but plan to get wet on that trip and at many of the falls views. Take plenty of film--the film I bought on the Argentine side was expensive, suspect and had some color variation.

The falls are at the confluence of two rivers, and actually three countries meet at or near the falls: Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. The local town is Foz de Iguazu, which literally means "where the Iguazu (River) ends".

We were able to book trips to Iguazu and Rio through a travel agent in Sao Paulo, but again had the assistance of locals for interpretation. We did save a pile of money by doing this as opposed to booking from the U.S.

The other delightful thing we did was visit a small resort on Brazil's coast for several nights. I think there are many of these located in small towns up and down the coast. This could be a nice relaxing alternative to tackling a major city.

Two days would be a good length of time for Iguazu. It could also give you a nice taste of Rio, but I would want to be there a bit longer.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by jordyn:
[B]....and I'm thinking of making a short trip to another destination--I've been thinking about Santiago de Chile, Sao Paolo and Iguazu Falls....B]</font>

What did you decide?

As much as I really like Santiago, I'd have to agree with the others here. Besides if one of your "free days" is a Sunday, Santiago is fairly-well closed, with almost no nightlife. I have also heard (from someone who grew up there) that Punta is pretty dead unless its season. Then, the "beautiful" people are all out. I'd pass on Mar del Plata (having been there).