Budget Travel - Argentina Suggestions for summer travel

Has anyone been to Buenos Aires lately? if so, what which way did you get there and where did you stay? Any suggestions on the best part of the city to stay in?

I went Summer of 2005 and had a great trip. I flew on a cheap flight I found through an online travel agent (one of those services where you submit your trip and people bid in response -- though be careful... she booked me on an overnight layover in Sao Paolo on the way back and did not tell me about it...I didn't complain because it was my fault for not checking the ticket more carefully before she confirmed it) and stayed in an apartment a friend arranged through an apartment broker. It was in a residential area of town, but very very cheap and I would recommend it. It probably isn't worth it for a short stay for only 1 person, but we had 3 people for 4 days, and it was a steal. I don't know if her friend is still in the business, so I would recommend checking VRBO, etc.

I spent 6 weeks in Buenos Aires traveling solo in Jan-Mar. I rented an apt. from a guy on Craigslist in the San Telmo district (home of the Tango!) for $75.00/week. The seasons are reversed, so it was the middle of summer there and many Argentines go to Brazil during summer vacation and rent out there apts. The guy whose apt I had was an accountant, and it was a really nice one bedroom, with a private patio, kitchen with all appliances (plus dishes and stuff because it was his place), TV, stereo, etc. I used his desktop computer and internet connection, telephone, plus washing machine! I was two blocks from the main square, plus could easily walk downtown or catch any number of buses which run constantly 24 hrs a day. I would stay in San Telmo or Recoleta as first choice for culture within walking distance and a good mid-area to reach all other parts of the city.

I also made contact with a woman in the activities section on Craigslist who picked me up at the airport. She was actually advertising in the Activities section for someone interested in traveling to China with her and mentioned that she was from Buenos Aires, so I just wrote and said I was coming, and she ended up picking me up from the airport, helped me exchange money, took me to the grocery store for supplies, and drove me all the way to my apt!

I flew UA to and from the states, and LAN within the country. It's also cheaper to buy tickets through the website. The rates are better than any of the local travel agents can get you.

Has anyone been to Buenos Aires lately? if so, what which way did you get there and where did you stay? Any suggestions on the best part of the city to stay in?

Just happened to see your post, you might have better response asking this in the Argentina forum. Maybe the mod will move it for you. Since your profile does not indicate where you are from it is a bit difficult to advise on how best to get to Buenos Aires. I will assume you are in the USA, and you have several choices for flying to BA. Non stops currently offered on AA from JFK, ORD, MIA and DFW. DL has a non stop from ATL, CO a one stop from EWR and non stop from IAH. LAN offers non stops from MIA & JFK and connecting flights from MIA, JFK & LAX. TAM offers connecting flights from MIA and JFK. UL offfers non stops from IAD. COPA has connecting flights via Panama City from MIA. Not sure how many options you would like but airfares to EZE are normally not so cheap.

As for the best part of the city, the Recoleta is generally considered the nicest and most upscale barrio, Palermo Chico is also very nice, most of the embassies are in this area. Palermo SoHo is a bit more bohemian and parts are extremely nice. Apartment rentals are not as cheap as they once were but still a good deal. Just be careful not all the rental agents are good to deal with.

Hope this gets you started and if you have more questions feel free to get in touch. Just noticed your title, which summer travel are you referring to? The northern or southern hemisphere's summer? The seasons are reversed. So the US summer is winter in Argentina.

Sam