Argentina - The Ash

I must be paying too much attention to messes elsewhere in the world - because I missed the story about the volcano in Chile until I started to read the threads in this forum. I am starting to sketch out a possible trip to Argentina and Chile. Which would involve stays in Buenos Aires and Santiago - and perhaps some day trips out of those cities. Are both of these cities reasonably ok now? And is it fairly easy to get from one to the other? I realize no one can give me any guarantee that this volcano won't erupt again in the next year - but I don't want to plan a trip to a place that isn't ok now.

BTW - neither my husband nor I has any respiratory problems.

FWIW - now I understand why I have been seeing some really excellent deals on cruises between Buenos Aires and Santiago over the next 2-3 months (some of the areas where the cruises go don't look in great shape). Even on the luxury lines. We've never been on a cruise - and decided that they were weren't our cup of tea. But they might be worth exploring for people interested in a cruise - and willing to risk some inconvenience (depending on the cruise itinerary). Robyn

Unfortunately delays and cancellations due to the ash have been going on for about 6 months now. It all depends on which way the wind blows. If anyone can predict the volcanic activity and location of the ash cloud for your trip they should be doing the lottery this weekend too ;)

The latest disruption can be found in the main thread discussing this on the first page of the Argentina forum. It also has a handy link to a map showing the current location of the ash cloud and an 18-hour forecast. Beyond that time period it's anyone's guess I'm afraid

Both Buenos Aires and Santiago are fine and there are lots of flights between the two. The worst affected areas are in the south and I wouldn't recommend planning anything down there this summer. There are plenty of great places in Argentina you can visit instead - Mendoza, Salta, Iguazu to name a few

BUE has had an occasional bad day up to a few days, but they are rare, and only one or two in the past couple of months. The flight path between SCL and EZE/AEP has been affected, but not too frequently. SCL does not suffer any affect of this volcano, as the wise Chilenos know how to keep ash out of their capital, and send it elsewhere :D

I wouldn't hesitate to plan a trip to those two cities with day trips from either - in fact, I'll be doing the same in just over a month. Based upon recent history, the worst that is likely to happen is that you will have a day or two delay getting between the two cities, and possibly a day or two delay if your last stop is EZE. Sometimes the airports are only closed for hours, not even a day.

BUE has had an occasional bad day up to a few days, but they are rare, and only one or two in the past couple of months. The flight path between SCL and EZE/AEP has been affected, but not too frequently. SCL does not suffer any affect of this volcano, as the wise Chilenos know how to keep ash out of their capital, and send it elsewhere :D

I wouldn't hesitate to plan a trip to those two cities with day trips from either - in fact, I'll be doing the same in just over a month. Based upon recent history, the worst that is likely to happen is that you will have a day or two delay getting between the two cities, and possibly a day or two delay if your last stop is EZE. Sometimes the airports are only closed for hours, not even a day.

I fully agree. Just make sure you don´t book anything with Aerolineas Argentinas as their flights are harder to predict than the ashes path. :rolleyes:

BUE has had an occasional bad day up to a few days, but they are rare, and only one or two in the past couple of months.

And apparently the situation can change rather quickly. I was sitting in the lounge in FRA a few months back when it was announced that my flight would probably be cancelled. Damn. An hour later we boarded and almost made up for the delay. No problems on the flight back. Some friends were continuing on to SCL and they didn't have any problems either.

I wouldn't change your plans.....as has been said the odds are well in your favour.