My wife and I plan on taking a vacation in Argentina for a couple of weeks sometime during the period of Nov. 2005-March. 2006. (The timing is dictated by wanting to get away during the US winter months.) The three places we plan on visiting are Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and the wine country of Mendoza. We'd appreciate any advice on any of the following:

1. I realize that we are talking about three different climates, but during this time period are there better and worse times to visit these places? How bad is the rainy season during this period?
2. We'd welcome any recommendations on places to stay in Mendoza and near Iguazu Falls, along with a sense of their price.
3. Do we need to fly through Buenos Aires to get from Iguazu to Mendoza, or are there direct connections?
4. If anyone cares to suggest places to go in Argentina in addition or instead of the above, feel free.
5. Any other advice is welcome.

Thanks!

I'd move this question to the South America forum though it's technically Latin America.

If you want to be near the falls, I highly suggest the Sheraton on the Iguazu side. You can go upnear the falls w/o commuting in daily. It's worth it. Brazilean side has a falls hotel too but you can see everything of interest there in 1/2 day. 1-2 full days can be easily spent on the Argentinean side. All the other hotels are quite a ways away.

If you like animals, I'd also recommend going to Peninsula Valdes and Punta Tomba (in the Trelew/Puerto Madyrn area). The latter for the penguin rookery. This might require tours, or extended self-drive over gravel roads.

For rugged desolate beauty, head to El Calafate (Perito Moreno glacier) and even El Chalten. maybe even to the deep south (Ushiaia).

I hear Salta and Jujuy are nice.

Almost all domestic air travel is hubbed through AEP though you might want to check for developments.

I'd move this question to the South America forum though it's technically Latin America.

If you want to be near the falls, I highly suggest the Sheraton on the Iguazu side. You can go upnear the falls w/o commuting in daily. It's worth it. Brazilean side has a falls hotel too but you can see everything of interest there in 1/2 day. 1-2 full days can be easily spent on the Argentinean side. All the other hotels are quite a ways away.

If you like animals, I'd also recommend going to Peninsula Valdes and Punta Tomba (in the Trelew/Puerto Madyrn area). The latter for the penguin rookery. This might require tours, or extended self-drive over gravel roads.

For rugged desolate beauty, head to El Calafate (Perito Moreno glacier) and even El Chalten. maybe even to the deep south (Ushiaia).

I hear Salta and Jujuy are nice.

Almost all domestic air travel is hubbed through AEP though you might want to check for developments.

Thanks!