Itinerary help
 

Hi!

I need some advice on how to modify my trip.

originally a week in BA, 3 days Iguazu, 3 days El Califate, 3 days Bariloche, 2 days Mendoza, fly home.

i am leaning against iguazu because of dengue. I’ve been there, would love to back, but have gotten sick a few times in the last few years while travelling (and I’m not young).

Without cutting BA short, I’m looking for a substitute destination for Iguazu. It will be in early January, so was concerned about the heat in Salta. I’ve been to Cordova (liked it, but not keen on returning). Ditto Montevideo.

Suggestions for a place that is easy to get to from BA, and reasonable to go on to El Califate?

alternativelt, can do 5 days /4 days in El Califate/Baroloche.

we are walkers but not hikers (ie max out around 4 miles)

thanks in advance.

If you are skittish about Dengue, I suggest that you read up on the current state of affairs in Buenos Aires. I suggest that you bathe yourself in OFF during your stay. Last January had clouds of mosquitoes the likes of which I've never previously seen there and March wasn't a lot better. I'm not trying to dissuade, just to inform.

Risks of Dengue are not restircted to Iguazu.

Buenso Aires had a lot of cases last year and this year is likley to be the same.

We will be in BA midOctober. Is this an issue then?

Yes, I’m aware of the BA issues.

I did think March was better based on a buddy’s report, but if this January is like last, then will re consider. And will be using Deet and treating my clothes as well.

Salta is a good option - the city is at 1200 meters above sea level, so weather will be hot but reasonable (think 27/29C) with cool nights. The same about Jujuy/Quebrada de Humahuaca. Both places are also quite dry so no risk of mosquitoes.

There's a new vaccine against dengue which you might wish to consider if worried about catching it.

It's a bus ride from Calafate to El Chalten, but some El Chalten is one of our favorite places on earth. We are 61 + 62, and hike there. It's got the best vibe! And at the base of Fitz Roy!!!

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...93a50699d.jpeg
My untouched photo from February this year!

March this year was as bad as January in mosquito terms....

Visually, not quite as bad (although I had to keep my windows shut), but a friend did catch dengue shortly after my March visit.

Mid-October would normally be OK .

So far, we are seeing nice weather in September with little precipitation. We are in the country 60 km north of the capital. There has been no huge increase in the mosquito population yet.

It depends on several factors / this spring is supposedly meant to be drier than normal and a little hotter.

The government is already issuing warnings to prepare people for the mosquito invasion in the summer.

But so far , everything is fine

I though Salta was hotter, thanks!

the vaccine isn’t cleared by the FDA yet.

I am also heading to Argentina this holiday season. I hope FDA clears the dengue fever vaccine by then.

I inquired with both my PCP and the Travel Clinic, and the current vaccine (probably not what you're referring to) is only available with evidence of prior infection (which is frequently minor) and she said that the test to confirm prior exposure isn't particularly accurate.

I'd be interested in the new vaccine (probably what you're referring to) after it becomes available, when there's some real world reporting on side effects.

the manufacturer withdrew the application.

amazing photo!

I’m not sure I can handle the hiking there in the mountains, I’m 3 - 4 miles max, less if it’s steep.