Argentina - First trip to Argentina

Hi all,
I'm sure these threads pop up from time to time but a search didn't give me any useful results. So here I am...

I've booked a trip to Argentina for March 2011. I'll be traveling solo at this point. I have 7 nights in Argentina.

What do I do? :) Where do I go?

Right now I'm planning on the first five nights in B.A. with a day trip to Uruguay. Then I'm thinking of taking a flight down to USH for 2 days to visit the southern part of the continent/country as well as do some hiking in the National Park. I can't find airfare less than US$540 right now. Is that normal?

Sure, I can read a tourist book but I have found people on FT have a ton of knowledge and are usually willing to share it so I'm open to any and all suggestions. BTW, I'm more of a culture, history and scenery type of tourist than I am into bars & clubs.

A few questions:
1. Are there any places to go hiking near B.A.? Or can I take a day trip from B.A. to somewhere for hiking?
2. What do you recommend I do in B.A. for five days? (I'll be reading through the BA Q&A thread as well).
3. Is USH the place to spend two days or should I consider elsewhere? I looked into Iguazu but my gut says to go south right now.

If it matters: I travel on a US passport and I enjoy photography.

Thanks in advance for your help.

-RM

I'm interested in the response you get, sounds about like my plans (arrive March 30) but I'm opting to head north instead of south!

Good travels!

Personally, I would definitly include at least one night in Iguazu falls ... it really is very, very pretty. It is not the most strenuous of hikes (ok, it is pretty easy) but the views are just amazing and my wife (who also loves photography) had a blast takin' a bunch of pictures.

We never made it to USH, but we did make it to El Calafate and hiking on the glaciers as well as going on a 4x4 trip up in the mountains above the city. I have to say it was also very, very pretty. I would highly recommend it if you like hiking and taking pictures as there are tons of opportunities there to do so.

Drek

Proper Hiking close to Buenos Aires is going to be very tough.... the best place for good hiking is Tandil, and thats a 4.5 to 5 hour drive away.

If you are a serious hiker, then you need to consider going to Bariloche, San Martin de los Andes, or Mendoza. Some areas of Cordoba may also be of interest. El Calafate is also a good option for ice trecks.... this may also be doable at the Ski areas depending on when you go.

Bumping because I would love some more responses. I'm also traveling to BA and USH this month.

100% hit up Igauzu falls for 1-2 nights, and definitely El Calafate and the glacier trek. I guarantee the glacier experience is something you won't ever forget.

My Trip report:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/argentina/1124639-very-late-trip-report.html

Does anyone have recommendations on how to book the BA-USH part of my trip? Should I just use Travelocity or maybe someone has a TA I should use, etc.?

Another question...what's the easiest way to get from EZE to AEP? Taxi? Bus? Shuttle?

Thanks in advance.

-RM

Does anyone have recommendations on how to book the BA-USH part of my trip? Should I just use Travelocity or maybe someone has a TA I should use, etc.?

Another question...what's the easiest way to get from EZE to AEP? Taxi? Bus? Shuttle?

Thanks in advance.

-RM

You could contact Argentina Escapes to see what sort of prices they can offer you (website here (http://www.argentinaescapes.com/) ). I've had dealings with them in the past and they were always very reliable. Ask for Pilar - she's great although not sure if she's still working there now.

The easiest way from EZE to AEP is by taxi. Depending on the time of day allow 1-1.5 hours for the transfer. Not sure what the going rate is as prices seem to go up weekly - maybe someone else can assist with this. Manuel Tienda Leon (website here (http://www.tiendaleon.com.ar)) run a shuttle service between the airports which is currently priced at $55 (pesos) per person one way.

I booked with Expedia. For multiple cities starting and ending in brazil our total came to $650 per ticket. But we notice HUGE jumps in prices depending on the day. Try USH on a thur that seemed to be the cheapest.

Thanks for your responses so far.

I am currently scheduled to arrive at 650am on a Sunday morning into EZE. I'll have to clear immigration and customs at that point. Will I have enough time to make a EZE-USH flight at 900am on Sunday morning or should I book the 220pm AEP-USH flight?

Thanks,
RM

Thanks for your responses so far.

I am currently scheduled to arrive at 650am on a Sunday morning into EZE. I'll have to clear immigration and customs at that point. Will I have enough time to make a EZE-USH flight at 900am on Sunday morning or should I book the 220pm AEP-USH flight?

Thanks,
RM

Well, 2 hours should be kinda tight. But bare in mind, if your flight should be delayed for even 30 minutes, your going to regret not booking on the later flight. I would go for the evening flight. That should give you some time to rest and check out the city for a few hours. Aeroparque is quite close to the city core and you should have no problem reaching the airport in time.