Originally Posted by
iahphx
With any luck, I am supposed to be able to include a free onward destination from EZE on LAN for a ff award trip late this year. So we're trying to decide where to go. We'd have about 5 days (we'll then spend some time in BA).
We've been to Patagonia a couple of times and have very much enjoyed it. And we've never been to El Chalten or across the border to Torres de Paine so we're considering making a return visit to that area.
But we're also wondering whether we should try something new. We've been to Iguazu a long time ago and liked that, too. But I recall that the Sheraton was the only place "in the park" to stay, and it seems rather expensive these days.
Folks have recommended Salta to us, and we've never been there. As far as scenic beauty and indigineous culture go, is that area worth the trip? I'm sure we'd want to get out of town and see some of the nearby countryside, which I understand is quite interesting.
So what do our seasoned Argentina travellers say? Should I try Salta for a change? And is there any other place in Argentina we should consider (particularly a place LAN flies to)?
Thanks!!
Your two choices could not be more different. Whereas El Chalten features lush forests and alpine lakes and Salta a spectacular high desert environment. Both are truly amazing and I would find it difficult to pick one over the other. Whichever one you do not choose try to include it in another visit. I have had some wonderful visits to Salta and the surrounding areas. One fun thing is taking the "El Tren a las Nubes" (The Train in the Clouds) it carries you up to just over 4200 meters high for some fantastic views. The city itself has some of the best Spanish colonial architecture you will find in Argentina. Depending on how adventurous you get in the area there are some great circuits you can travel via 4x4.
As for other places where LAN flies, you did not mention Mendoza which if you like good wine and fantastic scenery then that might be an option. LAN lists Puerto Madryn as a destination but doesn't list any flights on their web site so I am not certain they offer year round service or not. But this would be another are worth exploring to visit Península Valdés, Puerto Pirámides, and Punta Tombo.
Have a great return visit
Sam