I have a friend who is going to Buenos Aires and Rio and IGU. She has airfare to EZE and out of GIG. Now she is about to purchase this package for $1400 USD which gives her hotels in EZE, IGU, and GIG. And air transport between the three cities. Can anyone recomend a better deal? I was thinking of setting her up with hotels etc, but the airfare was up there. I would like to save her a little money.

Thanks

You may want to check out some of the airlines own web pages on the local (native country) page. Of course, you may need someone who speaks español or portugese to assist.

For example, Lan Chile only offers full Y fares to US travel agencies for sale on domestic flights. However, their own webpage gives you the whole range of discount fares, and if you buy it entering on the .cl site, you get an additional 3%.

However, when I inquired about J/D fares, their own webpage wouldn't offer the D fare, only the J, and a US travel agency could offer the D fare at a substantial discount over the J.

I will have to agree that you have to look into the local pages of the airlines and hotels. for example in EZE there are tons of hotels that can be booked at a much lower cost and very comfortable.

in terms of airlines.. try www.southernwinds.com.ar (http://www.southernwinds.com.ar) (excellent service)

www.aerolineasargentinas.com.ar (http://www.aerolineasargentinas.com.ar) (this last one may only allow you to book full Y fare with a foreign credit card)

Brazilian airlines
www.varig.com.br (http://www.varig.com.br)
www.tam.com.br (http://www.tam.com.br)

hotels in IGU
Sheraton in the actual national IGU park
or stay in the Brazilian side.. (short commute over the border)

and try looking into a local Argentine travel agency to help you out.. I can recommend one if you would like.

have a great trip and be sure to take boat trip up to the falls.. definetly worthwhile!!
b

One thing that could be of interest for your friend is the Mercosur Airpass. It can be bought if you hold an international ticket and it seems really good to fly back and forth within South America. I think for the routing you mentioned, it would just cost $ 225.

"One thing that could be of interest for your friend is the Mercosur Airpass"


I had forgotten about that.. I used back in 2001 and it was well worht it.. they charge aprox US$75 a leg plus taxes and it has to encompass at least two countries. It was money well spent and I think you are allowed one Free change in itinerary.

look into it.. as it's a good deal..

Thanks for replying to my posting.

What did you pay at the L'auberg? How much was the car including insurance? with who? and any good restaurants to recommend?

Thanks again.
Leslie

Oops I posted to the wrong thread. Where can I buy the pass you are writing about?

Thanks
Leslie

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by lamandel:
Oops I posted to the wrong thread. Where can I buy the pass you are writing about?

Thanks
Leslie</font>
http://www.globotur.com/mercosur.htm