Originally Posted by iahphx
I said it, and I think it's true. I just wouldn't send a "backpacking" college kid to BA for his first int'l trip. Nor would a send any other travel novice -- at least without a structured tour to get their feet wet. You will see examples of extreme poverty -- contrasted by a European-like cafe society among the better off. It is quite a contrast these days.
FWIW, I didn't see anything that actually looked "violent." I think the major risk for tourists is having a bag or wallet stolen, and I think that's unlikely to happen if you exercise reasonable precautions.
I dont agree with this. As a matter of fact, Buenos Aires in particular and Argentina in general is happy to receive many backpackers from not only North America, Europe and Scandinavia all year round. I can think of dozens of destinations that I would feel are more hazardous for a first time traveller... but then again, Im speaking of my home town here so I guess its hard for me to be objective.