Hello,

I will be arriving in Buenos Aires (on Swiss) on the 26th of March and leaving on the 9th of April. I guess a few days are needed to visit Buenos Aires itself. What else could we do in that time?

Any suggestions for the city itself or other places would be much appreciated since at this time, I really have no plans.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

That's a long time to be there - you may want to hop around, keeping in mind a few things - to the far south the weather is getting very crappy, and you may find better air deals either on the local airlines' own webpages or after you get down there. If you are thinking "beach", then Punta del Este (Uruguay) would be the top choice. Iguacu will be a popular suggestion, too. If you want cheap and relatively safe fun, you can do the "wine" thing and go to those regions - even the Chilenos are now able to afford Argentina and coming en masse because for the first time, its cheaper than vacationing at home.

Of course, I'd recommend that you head over to Chile - you can fly RT on LanChile (the best airline in South America) on a discounted fare on their webpage for under US$200 RT to Santiago - I think its just over 1000km.

Disfrutelo!

I would see: Buenos Aires, Iguazu and the Wine Country
In Buenos Aires go to OPERA COLON.

http://www.buenosaires.gov.ar/areas/turismo/index.asp
http://www.turismo.gov.ar/eng/menu.htm

Thank you both for your replies! Much appreciated.

Any particular hotels recommendations for Buenos Aires? I see lots of 4* or even 5* ones for US$70-120, so many that I don't even know where to start.

How long should one count for Iguacu? Anything else to do there other than the falls?

Thanks again.

Jeremiah

[This message has been edited by teahan (edited 03-22-2003).]

Hola..
You are probably arriving at a good time to find some great deals on hotels. I just returned from working there 13 months and I would say there is lots to see and do.
In terms of hotels, the best hotel is the Alvear Palace, situated within a block of the 'Recoleta' cafes, restaurants and stores. There are many other local and
American hotels, (i.e. Hyatt, Cesar Palace) that could have very good deals in terms of pricing. It would be a matter of calling up, or negotiating.

In terms of what to see and do in BA, there is definetly lots. And the inner parts of the country, if you enjoy natural coloured mountains I would pay a visit to Salta and take the MOVITRACK tour (around US$70/ day/person) which is much better and more enjoyable than the 'train to the clouds'. In Iguazu, the most gorgeous waterfalls you'll see (located inside the jungle areas) is spectacular!! If you have a chance visit both sides (Brazil and Argentine sides) as the views are outstanding in each. There are some good deals at the Sheraton Iguazu located inside the national park, though a taxi ride to anything else.

Mendoza and the wine region is always fun, and you can always take a scenic tour through the mountains by horseback or be even more adventurous by going rafting. From here you can take a flight into Santiago, Chile with Lanchile or Southern Winds (two most reccomend airlines).

The glacier "Perito Moreno" is definetly a worthwhile attraction as your day tour (about US$35/ person) will include hotel pick-up/dropp off, a boat ride accross a frontal part of the glacier, a small easy hike on the Glacier and a visit to the viewing balconies where you'll definetly witness some parts of the glacier crashing into the water. Again, there is a great hotle inside the national park, though a cab ride away into the tiny town of Calafte (where you have to fly into).

Definetly look into specials through some agencies when you are down there, or before as there are usually good last-minute prices on packages. Be cautious of them trying to charge you everything in US$.

If you are looking for beaches, then probably stay at the Conrad in Punta del Este, Uruguay.

Not all airlines in Argentina operate flights to all destinations and be aware their flights to certain destinations may only be a number of days a week. As well, the service among each one varies widely. Southern Winds for flights within the country is great, others are fair, though all are safe.

let me know if you want more specific info.

regards

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by teahan:
Any particular hotels recommendations for Buenos Aires? I see lots of 4* or even 5* ones for US$70-120, so many that I don't even know where to start.

How long should one count for Iguacu? </font>
I would highly recommend a hotel in RECOLETA!
I stayed at Hotel Etoile, had a suite for 270 pesos/night. It was classified 5*, now they call it boutique hotel. It's very nice. Internet is free but slow.
http://www.etoile.com.ar/
Nearby is Alvear Palace Hotel. It's a true 5* hotel, like the Ritz in Paris. The reception quoted me 270 pesos/night for a room. You should eat at their restaurant .. world-class!
We purchased some leather things, filled out a TAX-FREE form and got the tax back.
All quoted prices are without tax.
There was a long, perfect threat on Iguacu in the last couple of month. Search under SOUTH AMERICA and STARWOOD.
I liked Buenos Aires a lot. Very nice town, very friendly people!

Just to second the previous comment. The Etoile hotel is definetly a good value and a true boutique hotel. Definetly try and eat in there.

If you want Leather goods, don't by them in the "Florida" street area as they are just the retail stores of the factory stores located on the one-block street called "Olleros" (600 street number range) in Villa Gesel Area. Accessible by the Subway (Subte).

Definetly organize your time as there is tons to see and do..

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by sargento:
Just to second the previous comment. The Etoile hotel is definetly a good value and a true boutique hotel. Definetly try and eat in there.
</font>
When I was there, the restaurant was mostly empty.
However, near/next to the hotel you find 20+ restaurants. One of them ist LOLA, which is very good.

You can buy a very good city guide here
http://www.buenosairesherald.com/