Lujan is a nice town about 40 miles from downtown BA. We especially enjoyed Zoo Lujan just outside of town where you can get inside the cages with the Lions and Tigers. They let you pet them or you can squezze milk on your hand and they will come up and lick it up. If you go to youtube and type in zoo lujan, there are several videos.

Honeymoon
 

I'm planning a last minute honeymoon for next week. Leaving SFO-GIG, arriving 12/19 and departing 12/29/08.

I'd love to visit BA and maybe IGU. Any recommendations on what timeline I should make? Haven't booked any travel between GIG, EZE, or IGU. Would 3 days in BA give us a time to explore some of the touristy things?

So you have 10 days to visit all three places? :(

IGU could be done in a day or two if you wanted to push it...one full day exploring the Argentine side of the falls and half a day on the Brasilian side. IMHO, the Brasilian side has the better views, but the Argentine side is more fun! Perhaps you could fly from GIG to IGU, see the Brasilian side, spend the night on the Argentine side, and the next afternoon fly on to AEP from IGR. That would leave 4 days in BsAs and Rio each.

For Rio, my visit was four days. Stayed in Ipanema...first day hung out there and walked around the neighborhood (then went to Lapa for the evening). Second day did an all day bus tour (night out in Leblon). Third day more relaxing by the praia (night in Copa), then last day walked around Urca and other areas (although I was hoping to tour Isla Grande). I'll let the locals discuss Buenos Aires.

IMHO, and especially since you are on your honeymoon, I would suggest you get a TA to arrange the rest of your trip.

I'm transiting EZE tomorrow enroute to GRU from SYD (J on QF and BA) with two carry ons -- both are in excess of 5kg. (15 and 17 repsectively). Since I'm staying airside for my connection, do I need to be concerned about getting gate checked?

Cheers,

-Andrew

I would not be too worried.... if someone tries to throw the book at you, politely explain your long journey and you should be OK.

Thanks for the prompt response Gaucho100k.

Cheers,

-Andrew

Your welcome!

I'm planning to spend a long weekend in BA (next weekend) and would like to take one of those days to see Iguazu Falls. Is it doable? Should I use a tour company? Recommendations appreciated. Any not to be missed recommendations for BA also appreciated (first time visitor).

I guess it would be doable, but I certainly wouldn't do it! Enjoy BA for a few days!

Iguazu Falls in a day? Has your transporter already been invented?

Some advice begging...

I have 13 hours in EZE this Thursday. (BA 247, connecting to AA 996) I had originally planned to grab a taxi to a destination unknown (I haven't planned anything yet). Given the strikes and general labor issues in BA the past few weeks... is this still a good idea? What's a good backup to the airport if the taxis shut down on me?

Secondly... given 13 hours total (probably closer to 9, given getting to and from the airport) -- what is the must see, and more importantly, what's the must eat lunch and dinner? Budget isn't unlimited, but $100/$125 for dinner (wine included) isn't a bad thing.

Lastly, is there still a bag drop service at EZE? I have two carry ons and I'd prefer to not lug them around all day...

EDIT: A better thing to ask... is there a good wine bar/shop/establishment where I can do organized, or at least self-directed, tastings? An afternoon of sightseeing isn't my thing, but an afternoon of palette taste-seeing is right up my alley, and given the sheer number of duty free wine "shops" at EZE, there's got to be a few places...

Cheers,

-Andrew

Hi Andrew, our very own Gaucho100K owns a wine shop in Buenos Aires. I plan to visit his shop when I'm in BsAs over the Christmas holiday.

Here's a review of his wine shop that was previously posted by phedre.

As for alternate forms of transport, you could hire a remis to meet you at EZE and keep it for the day. Your bags stay with you in the trunk and you have a car and driver to get you around town to Alex's shop, (link for his store http://www.terroir.com.ar/e_home_.htm) as well as for lunch and dinner and return to the airport. Here is a link to a remis service that has been recommend in this forum before http://www.inter-car.com.ar/

As for dining recommendations, there have been hundreds of postings here on dining so you might want to review some of the more current ones in Buenos Aires F&B.

As for the duty free wine shops at EZE I have never been overly impressed with their selections. I think you will be much happier purchasing from a reputable merchant aka Alex/Gaucho100K and have him pack your purchases for checking as baggage.

suerte
SAM

I would recommend one decent late lunch (and an arrival snack, etc.) You need to leave too early for a decent dinner, even if you start your dinner at the "point and stare at tourists" hour (8 to 9 PM). Besides, a hunk of dead cow, sides, and wine will keep you going for the better part of your day, and then just get a nice little pizza shortly before you go to EZE to tide you over before your flight.

I like the "hire a driver for the day" idea. I bet it doesn't cost tremendously more than a RT from/to EZE. (One other addition - I don't know if things have thinned out substantially by the time 996 departs, but a bit earlier, the airport is a zoo.)