I'm visiting Buenos Aires soon (arriving morning of March 12) for a long weekend (leaving on the 15th). Visiting with my girlfriend. We may be interested in hiring a private guide.

There was one mentioned near the tail of the BA Q&A thread, but I'm wondering if anybody else in the forum has any current recommendations?

Also, what can I expect to pay to hire a private guide for a full day?

Thanks!

I've used a private guide in the past, but wasn't really happy. As with all guides you hire, make sure that they're not getting kickbacks for taking you to certain leather shops and such.

I recommend you contact Gaston Cernadas via his website http://www.bafreetour.com/en/index.html

He and his sister do two different great free walking tours of the historical sites and architectural sites in BsAs, which are a lot of fun. They are also available to schedule private tours. Really nice young people who speak great English, with a good sense of what visitors like to see. I'm not sure what they would charge for a private tour, but I imagine it would be affordable.

If you hook up with them, tell Gaston and Sol "hello".

I highly recommend going to the San Telmo artisans market on Sunday afternoon. You can get there from Plaza de Mayo (near Casa Rosada palace) by walking down Calle Defensa. Walk on down to Plaza Dorrego, stopping for food, drinks, and ice cream along the way, as well as all the wonderful street performers and tango orchestras. A great way to spend an afternoon.

It's "free" but how much is fair for a "tip"? I think I'll use them for a tour when I'm there in April.

I tipped them about $10 per trip - it was well worth it to me. They were definitely very mellow about it - I only had 100 peso notes, and told them I had to run across the street to get change, and they said "don't worry about it...!" Nice young people delivering a great service. I guarantee you'll have fun.

I recommend both the morning and evening tours. Maybe on separate days if you have time, as it is quite a bit of walking.

Here's a picture of my group - Gaston is the guy in the green shirt.
http://www.bafreetour.com/images/pics/feb_mar_09/27.jpg

Good to know. Thanks! I'll be sure to have 30-40 pesos on hand which I believe would be the correct Canadian Exchange.